Emodin is a hydroxyanthraquinone compound that is widely distributed and has multiple pharmacological activities, including anti-diarrheal, anti-inflammatory, and liver-protective effects. Research indicates that emodin may be one of the main components responsible for inducing hepatotoxicity. However, studies on the mechanisms of liver injury are relatively limited, particularly those related to bile acids(BAs) metabolism. This study aims to systematically investigate the effects of different dosages of emodin on BAs metabolism, providing a basis for the safe clinical use of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)containing emodin. First, this study evaluated the safety of repeated administration of different dosages of emodin over a 5-week period, with a particular focus on its impact on the liver. Next, the composition and content of BAs in serum and liver were analyzed. Subsequently, qRT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of nuclear receptors and transporters related to BAs metabolism. The results showed that 1 g·kg~(-1) emodin induced hepatic damage, with bile duct hyperplasia as the primary pathological manifestation. It significantly increased the levels of various BAs in the serum and primary BAs(including taurine-conjugated and free BAs) in the liver. Additionally, it downregulated the mRNA expression of farnesoid X receptor(FXR), retinoid X receptor(RXR), and sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide(NTCP), and upregulated the mRNA expression of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase(CYP7A1) in the liver. Although 0.01 g·kg~(-1) and 0.03 g·kg~(-1) emodin did not induce obvious liver injury, they significantly increased the level of taurine-conjugated BAs in the liver, suggesting a potential interference with BAs homeostasis. In conclusion, 1 g·kg~(-1) emodin may promote the production of primary BAs in the liver by affecting the FXR-RXR-CYP7A1 pathway, inhibit NTCP expression, and reduce BA reabsorption in the liver, resulting in BA accumulation in the peripheral blood. This disruption of BA homeostasis leads to liver injury. Even doses of emodin close to the clinical dose can also have a certain effect on the homeostasis of BAs. Therefore, when using traditional Chinese medicine or formulas containing emodin in clinical practice, it is necessary to regularly monitor liver function indicators and closely monitor the risk of drug-induced liver injury.
Emodin/administration & dosage* ; Bile Acids and Salts/metabolism* ; Animals ; Male ; Liver/injuries* ; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects* ; Humans ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Mice ; Rats

OBJECTIVE: This study reports the first imported case of Lassa fever (LF) in China. Laboratory detection and molecular epidemiological analysis of the Lassa virus (LASV) from this case offer valuable insights for the prevention and control of LF. METHODS: Samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood, urine, saliva, and environmental materials were collected from the patient and their close contacts for LASV nucleotide detection. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on positive samples to analyze the genetic characteristics of the virus. RESULTS: LASV was detected in the patient's CSF, blood, and urine, while all samples from close contacts and the environment tested negative. The virus belongs to the lineage IV strain and shares the highest homology with strains from Sierra Leone. The variability in the glycoprotein complex (GPC) among different strains ranged from 3.9% to 15.1%, higher than previously reported for the seven known lineages. Amino acid mutation analysis revealed multiple mutations within the GPC immunogenic epitopes, increasing strain diversity and potentially impacting immune response. CONCLUSION The case was confirmed through nucleotide detection, with no evidence of secondary transmission or viral spread. The LASV strain identified belongs to lineage IV, with broader GPC variability than previously reported. Mutations in the immune-related sites of GPC may affect immune responses, necessitating heightened vigilance regarding the virus.
Humans ; China/epidemiology* ; Genome, Viral ; Lassa Fever/virology* ; Lassa virus/classification* ; Molecular Epidemiology ; Phylogeny

OBJECTIVE: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can result in fatigue and post-exertional malaise; however, whether severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection exacerbates lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is unclear. This study investigated the association between prenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection and postpartum LUTS. METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was conducted at two tertiary hospitals in China from November 1, 2022, to November 1, 2023. Participants were classified into infected and uninfected groups based on SARS-CoV-2 antigen results. LUTS prevalence and severity were assessed using self-reported symptoms and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-Short Form (IIQ-7). Pelvic floor muscle activity was measured using electromyography following the Glazer protocol. Group comparisons were performed to evaluate the association of SARS-CoV-2 infection with LUTS and electromyography parameters, with stratified analyses conducted using SPSS version 26.0. RESULTS: Among 3,652 participants (681 infected, 2,971 uninfected), no significant differences in LUTS prevalence or IIQ-7 scores were observed. However, SARS-CoV-2 infection was an independent factor influencing the electromyographic activity of the pelvic floor muscles (mean tonic contraction amplitudes), regardless of delivery mode ( P = 0.001). CONCLUSION Prenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection was not significantly associated with an increased risk of postpartum LUTS but independently altered pelvic floor muscle electromyographic activity, suggesting potential neuromuscular effects.
Humans ; Female ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Adult ; Pregnancy ; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms/virology* ; Postpartum Period ; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/virology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Electromyography ; SARS-CoV-2/physiology* ; Pelvic Floor/physiopathology* ; Prevalence

OBJECTIVE: The study aim was to investigate the effects of exposure to multiple environmental organic pollutants on cardiopulmonary health with a focus on the potential mediating role of oxidative stress. METHODS: A repeated-measures randomized crossover study involving healthy college students in Beijing was conducted. Biological samples, including morning urine and venous blood, were collected to measure concentrations of 29 typical organic pollutants, including hydroxy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OH-PAHs), bisphenol A and its substitutes, phthalates and their metabolites, parabens, and five biomarkers of oxidative stress. Health assessments included blood pressure measurements and lung function indicators. RESULTS: Urinary concentrations of 2-hydroxyphenanthrene (2-OH-PHE) ( β = 4.35% [95% confidence interval ( CI): 0.85%, 7.97%]), 3-hydroxyphenanthrene ( β = 3.44% [95% CI: 0.19%, 6.79%]), and 4-hydroxyphenanthrene (4-OH-PHE) ( β = 5.78% [95% CI: 1.27%, 10.5%]) were significantly and positively associated with systolic blood pressure. Exposures to 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OH-PYR) ( β = 3.05% [95% CI: -4.66%, -1.41%]), 2-OH-PHE ( β = 2.68% [95% CI: -4%, -1.34%]), and 4-OH-PHE ( β = 3% [95% CI: -4.68%, -1.29%]) were negatively associated with the ratio of forced expiratory volume in the first second to forced vital capacity. These findings highlight the adverse effects of exposure to multiple pollutants on cardiopulmonary health. Biomarkers of oxidative stress, including 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and extracellular superoxide dismutase, mediated the effects of multiple OH-PAHs on blood pressure and lung function. CONCLUSION Exposure to multiple organic pollutants can adversely affect cardiopulmonary health. Oxidative stress is a key mediator of the effects of OH-PAHs on blood pressure and lung function.
Humans ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects* ; Male ; Cross-Over Studies ; Female ; Young Adult ; Environmental Pollutants/toxicity* ; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects* ; Biomarkers/blood* ; Adult ; Blood Pressure/drug effects* ; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/urine* ; Beijing

Objective:To study the effects of TCM ointment rubbing technique on pain, swelling, and knee joint function in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).Methods:A randomized controlled trial was conducted. In this study, 80 patients with KOA who underwent TKA treatment in the Department of Sports Medicine I, Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine from October 2022 to March 2024 were taken as the study subjects. They were divided into two groups with random number table method, with 40 cases in each group. Both groups were treated with conventional Western medicine + rehabilitation training after surgery, and the observation group was combined with TCM paste mo technique on this basis. VAS score was used to assess the degree of pain at different time points, and skin fold was used to measure the circumference of the upper knee circumference and the circumference of the lower knee circumference, and knee Injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) was used to assess the degree of knee joint function recovery.Results:After treatment, the observation group after surgerythe at 7 d (2.57 ± 0.84 vs. 4.00 ± 0.85, t=7.54) and 14 d (0.80 ± 0.93 vs. 2.70 ± 1.04, t=8.56) VAS scores were lower than those in the control group ( P<0.001). After treatment, the observation group after surgerythe at 7 d the superior circumference [(48.32 ± 4.57) cm vs. (50.53 ± 3.97) cm, t=2.32], and inferior circumference [(36.71 ± 2.95) cm vs. (39.21 ± 6.86) cm, t=2.12], at 14 d the superior circumference [(45.68 ± 4.69) cm vs. (47.96 ± 3.89) cm, t=2.37], and inferior circumference [(34.96 ± 2.96) cm vs. (36.70 ± 4.35) cm, t=2.10] were lower than those in the control group ( P<0.05). The observation group after surgerythe at 14 d the the knee joint mobility [(115.32 ± 2.12) ° vs. (113.34 ± 2.16) °, t=4.14] and KOOS scores (85.52 ± 0.82 vs. 80.32 ± 1.13, t=23.56) were higher than those in the control group ( P<0.01). Conclusion:TCM ointment rubbing technique has significant advantages in improving pain, swelling and knee joint mobility after artificial knee arthroplasty, which can effectively restore knee joint function.

Objective To explore the five-circuit and six-qi features of birth time and onset time of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia(ALL).Methods A total of 877 cases of children with ALL from Children's Hospital of Soochow University from June 2021 to February 2023 were collected,and their five-circuit and six-qi features of birth time and onset time were analyzed.And then the correlation of five-circuit and six-qi features of birth time and onset time with ALL was explored preliminarily,and the pathogenic characteristics of congenital factors and acquired pathogenic factors were revealed.Results(1)The children who were born in the year with the heavenly stems being bing(the 3rd of the ten heavenly stems)and ding(the 4th of the ten heavenly stems)and with the earthly branches being shen(the 8th of the twelve earthly branches)and you(the 9th of the twelve earthly branches)are prone to suffer from ALL,and the birth year of children with ALL had the five-circuit and six-qi features of the joining of guest circuit with dominant circuit being rebellious.ALL is commonly seen in the year with the heavenly stems being geng(the 7th of the ten heavenly stems)and xin(the 8th of the ten heavenly stems)and with the earthly branches being zi(the 1st of the twelve earthly branches)and chou(the 2nd of the twelve earthly branches),and the onset year of ALL in children had the five-circuit and six-qi features of the yearly circuit being gold-circuit and water-circuit,sitian-zaiquan yearly circuit qi being shaoyin monarch-fire with yangming dryness-gold,taiyin damp-earth with taiyang cold-water,and the qi-circuit assimilation relationship being celestial correspondence,same celestial correspondence,celestial correspondence in convergent year,disharmony,mildly-rebellious,and celestial restriction.Conclusion Gold-dryness and water-cold are the congenital factors and acquired pathogenic factors of ALL.The onset of ALL in children is closely related to qi insufficiency and qi stagnation of wood and fire in five-circuit and six-qi theory.

To address communication interference in complex noise environments inside and outside helmets,this study aims to improve the acoustic communication quality of in-helmet systems.A four-element microphone array communication hardware system was designed and implemented for use within the confined space of a helmet.Based on simulations of the internal acoustic field,the system incorporates a set of signal processing techniques,including array beamforming,echo cancellation,stationary noise speech enhancement,non-stationary noise suppression,and automatic gain control,forming a complete voice signal processing framework.Experimental results show that the proposed in-helmet microphone array noise reduction system achieves favorable downlink voice clarity under a total noise level of 85 dB(A),preliminarily validating the effectiveness and applicability of the implemented algorithms.This research provides essential technical and theoretical support for the future design and development of open-form in-helmet communication systems.

Objective:To observe the influence of dabigatran etexilate combined with aspirin+clopidogrel on coagulation function and ankle-brachial index(ABI)in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation(NVAF).Methods:A total of 108 NVAF patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)in Huangshi Fourth Hospital Co.,Ltd be-tween January 2018 and October 2020 were selected,and divided into combined treatment group(n=54,dabigatran etexi-late+aspirin+clopidogrel)and control group(n=54,aspirin+clopidogrel)according to random number table meth-od.After 6-month treatment,coagulation function,toe-brachial index(TBI),ABI,thromboelastography,serum level of matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP-9),incidence of embolic events,bleeding events and adverse reactions were com-pared between two groups.Results:After treatment,compared with control group,patients in combined treatment group had significant higher activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT)[(45.46±4.27)s vs.(52.38±5.03)s],prothrom-bin time(PT)[(13.14±1.33)svs.(15.32±1.57)s],thrombin time(TT)[(22.67±2.21)s vs.(27.05±3.15)s],TBI[(0.78±0.13)vs.(0.84±0.15)],ABI[(1.11±0.14)vs.(1.18±0.13)],R value[(11.43±3.42)s vs.(14.48±4.51)s],K value[(8.54±2.18)s vs.(10.78±3.26)s]and MA value[(46.06±15.11)mm vs.(55.49±18.26)mm],and significant lower serum MMP-9 level[(182.47±18.84)μg/mlvs.(165.52±14.17)μg/ml](P＜0.05 or＜0.01).Total incidence rates of embolic events(5.56％)and bleeding events(1.85％)in combined treatment group were significantly lower than those of control group(18.52％,14.81％)(P＜0.05 both).There was no significant difference in incidence rate of adverse reactions between two groups(P=0.687).Conclusion:Dabigatran etexilate combined with aspi-rin+clopidogrel can significantly improve coagulation function,reduce embolic events and bleeding events,and reduce ser-um MMP-9 level in NVAF patients without increasing adverse reactions.

To investigate the effects of ORF9 gene of porcine circovirus type 2(PCV2)on PK-15,eu-karyotic expression plasmid was constructed and transfected into PK-15 cells,and the effects of overexpression of ORF9 on proliferation,apoptosis and immunization of PK-15 cells were exam-ined by flow cytometry and qRT-PCR.The results showed that ORF9 gene overexpression signifi-cantly up-regulated the expression levels of the ER stress marker gene GRP78,increased the num-ber of S phase cells,accelerated cell cycle progression,increased the apoptosis rate of PK-15 cells,up-regulated the expression levels of apoptosis-related genes caspase-3,caspase-8,caspase-9,p53 and Bax(P＜0.01),down-regulated the expression levels of apoptosis-related genes Bcl-2,up-reg-ulated the expression levels of immune-related genes 1L-8,IL-10,NF-κB and TNF-α(P＜0.01),and down-regulated the expression levels of immune-related genes IL-2,IFN-β and IL-12(P＜0.01).The above results indicate that ORF9 gene may promote the proliferation and apoptosis of PK-15 cells and play a role in the escape process of PK-15 cells.

In order to understand the genomic characteristics and genetic variation and strain type of infectious bursal disease virus(IBDV)isolate GZGY2022,which caused the death of chickens in Guizhou farm,primers were designed to amplify the whole genome of the isolate,and genetic evo-lution and strain type analysis were performed after cloning and sequencing.The results showed that the A and B segments of IBDV genome were 3 260,2 827 bp,respectively,encoding VP2-VP5 and VP1 genes.The nucleotide sequence homology between the A and B segments of this strain and the VvIBDV were 96.2％-98.7％and 87.7％-98.9％,respectively,which is the highest with NN1172 strain,83.1％-94.7％and 90.1％-91.0％with other strains.The results of genetic evolution and strain type study showed that IBDV strains can be divided into 6 branches according to antigen and virulence,and the A and B segments of the strain were clustered in the evolutionary branch of VvIBDV,and the strain was A3B3 genotype according to the new genotype classification method.The results of amino acid sequence analysis showed that there were 3 and 7 unique amino acid site variations in the A and B segments of the strain,respectively,and 13 unique characteristic amino acid sites in the coding region of the full-length genome were consistent with VvIBDV.The VP2 sequence of segment A has 19 characteristic amino acid identical with VvIBDV,among which hyper variable regions 222A,242I,253Q,256I,279D,284A,294I and 299S were characteristic ami-no acid sites of the VvIBDV,and the heptapeptide region sequence SWSASGS was consistent with the virulent strain.The VP1 sequence of segment B has 10 characteristic amino acid identical with VvIBDV,among which 61I,145T and 287A were the characteristic amino acid sites of the VvIB-DV.In addition,the nucleotide sequence GGTGCC of 777-782 did not form the restriction endo-nuclease site of Kpn Ⅰ,and combined with the triplet site 145/146/147(TEG),the segment B was consistent with the NN1172 strain,showed that its virulence was slightly weaker than that of the B2 strain of VvIBDV.The results of recombination analysis showed that there were no breaks and recombination sites in the sequence of the strain,and no recombination event occurred.In summa-ry,this study found that GZGY2022 strain belonged to the A3B3 genotype non-recombinant VvIB-DV strain,and its special amino acid sites were consistent with the molecular characteristics of VvIBDV.This study lays the foundation for further exploring the genomic characteristics and path-ogenicity of VvIBDV.