Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment strategies, and prognosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) complicating childhood rheumatic diseases.Methods:A retrospective case series study was performed on the demographic data, laboratory indicators, imaging features, treatment regimens, and follow-up data of 8 children with rheumatic diseases complicated by PE who were admitted to the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Capital Center for Children′s Health, Capital Medical University from January 2014 to October 2023.Results:Among the 8 children, there were 4 boys and 4 girls, with an age of 12.0 (7.5, 13.0) years. Among the primary diseases, there were 3 cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, 2 cases of Beh?et′s disease, 2 cases of Takayasu arteritis, and 1 case of antiphospholipid syndrome. All children developed PE during the active phase of the primary disease. PE was detected at the onset of the primary disease in 3 cases, and the median time from the diagnosis of the primary disease to the development of PE was 10.0 (6.0, 25.0) months in the remaining 5 cases. Fever was present in all 8 children, 4 cases were accompanied by chest tightness, dyspnea, etc., and 2 cases only presented with fever. Laboratory examinations revealed the following results: erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 42.0 (17.0, 78.0) mm/1 h, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein was 12.7 (2.6, 78.7) mg/L, white blood cell count was 9.6 (7.2, 18.7)×10 9/L; D-dimer was 2.3 (0.9, 6.2) mg/L; and hemoglobin was (109±16) g/L.Imaging examinations revealed that 5 cases had involvement of the bilateral lower pulmonary arteries, 5 cases had peripheral embolism, and 3 cases had central PE. Complications included 3 cases of deep vein thrombosis, 2 cases of intracranial venous sinus thrombosis, and 1 case of mild pulmonary hypertension.In terms of treatment, 7 cases received anticoagulation with heparin followed by warfarin. Immunomodulation was mainly based on glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressants, and 4 cases were combined with biological agents. The follow-up time of 4.17 (1.75, 7.17) years, the time for complete absorption of PE was 10.5 (6.0, 18.0) months; all 8 children had no target events, with no recurrence or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, and the pulmonary artery remodeling was good. Conclusions:PE complicating childhood rheumatic diseases is closely related to the activity of the primary disease. The clinical manifestations are insidious, with fever as the main symptom. Imaging examination is the key to diagnosis.Early adoption of heparin followed by warfarin anticoagulation and glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressants and (or) biological agents to control the primary disease can achieve a favorable prognosis.

BACKGROUND:During bone remodeling,bone formation and bone resorption are spatially and temporally coordinated,involving intricate interactions between osteoclasts and osteoblasts.Isoginkgetin,a flavonoid found in Ginkgo biloba,has a wide range of anticancer activity and anti-reactive oxygen species activity;however,the effect of isoginkgetin on osteoclast differentiation is unknown.OBJECTIVE:To study the effect and mechanism of action of isoginkgetin on osteoclastogenesis.METHODS:In vitro studies were performed on mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages,and cell counting kit-8 cytotoxicity assay was used to detect the effect of isoginkgetin on cell viability of bone marrow-derived macrophages.Macrophage colony-stimulating factor and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand were used to induce the differentiation of bone marrow-derived macrophages to osteoclasts.Network pharmacology and molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were used to predict the processes and targets of the effects of isoginkgetin on the differentiation of osteoclasts.Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining and F-actin staining were used to detect the effects of isoginkgetin on the differentiation and function of osteoclasts.Western blot and RT-PCR were used to detect the effects of isoginkgetin on the expression of genes and proteins related to osteoclast differentiation,reactive oxygen species,and PI3K/AKT pathways.Fluorescent probes were used to detect cellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species levels.Flow cytometry technology was used to detect reactive oxygen species levels in cells.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Network pharmacology results showed that isoginkgetin affected osteoporosis mainly through the PI3K-AKT pathway and cellular response to drugs and hypoxia,and GSK3β,ESR1,MCL1 and CCNA2 were the key targets.(2)Cell counting kit-8 and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining results showed that isoginkgetin at 8 μmol/L had the most significant inhibitory effect on osteoclastogenesis in vitro,and F-actin results showed that isoginkgetin inhibited osteoclast cytoskeletal actin ring formation in a concentration-dependent manner.(3)Molecular dynamics simulations showed that isoginkgetin bound well to osteoclastogenesis marker proteins(NFATc1,c-Fos,CTSK,and MMP9).Western blot and RT-PCR results indicated that isoginkgetin inhibited the expression of osteoclastogenesis marker proteins and genes(NFATc1,c-Fos,CTSK,and MMP9).(4)Western blot results showed that isoginkgetin inhibited the phosphorylation level of PI3K/AKT/GSK3β and suppressed osteoclastogenesis by activating the PI3K-AKT-GSK3β pathway.(5)The results of reactive oxygen species assay showed that isoginkgetin significantly reduced receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand-induced cellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production,and inhibited the differentiation of bone marrow-derived macrophages to osteoclasts.

BACKGROUND:During bone remodeling,bone formation and bone resorption are spatially and temporally coordinated,involving intricate interactions between osteoclasts and osteoblasts.Isoginkgetin,a flavonoid found in Ginkgo biloba,has a wide range of anticancer activity and anti-reactive oxygen species activity;however,the effect of isoginkgetin on osteoclast differentiation is unknown.OBJECTIVE:To study the effect and mechanism of action of isoginkgetin on osteoclastogenesis.METHODS:In vitro studies were performed on mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages,and cell counting kit-8 cytotoxicity assay was used to detect the effect of isoginkgetin on cell viability of bone marrow-derived macrophages.Macrophage colony-stimulating factor and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand were used to induce the differentiation of bone marrow-derived macrophages to osteoclasts.Network pharmacology and molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were used to predict the processes and targets of the effects of isoginkgetin on the differentiation of osteoclasts.Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining and F-actin staining were used to detect the effects of isoginkgetin on the differentiation and function of osteoclasts.Western blot and RT-PCR were used to detect the effects of isoginkgetin on the expression of genes and proteins related to osteoclast differentiation,reactive oxygen species,and PI3K/AKT pathways.Fluorescent probes were used to detect cellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species levels.Flow cytometry technology was used to detect reactive oxygen species levels in cells.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Network pharmacology results showed that isoginkgetin affected osteoporosis mainly through the PI3K-AKT pathway and cellular response to drugs and hypoxia,and GSK3β,ESR1,MCL1 and CCNA2 were the key targets.(2)Cell counting kit-8 and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining results showed that isoginkgetin at 8 μmol/L had the most significant inhibitory effect on osteoclastogenesis in vitro,and F-actin results showed that isoginkgetin inhibited osteoclast cytoskeletal actin ring formation in a concentration-dependent manner.(3)Molecular dynamics simulations showed that isoginkgetin bound well to osteoclastogenesis marker proteins(NFATc1,c-Fos,CTSK,and MMP9).Western blot and RT-PCR results indicated that isoginkgetin inhibited the expression of osteoclastogenesis marker proteins and genes(NFATc1,c-Fos,CTSK,and MMP9).(4)Western blot results showed that isoginkgetin inhibited the phosphorylation level of PI3K/AKT/GSK3β and suppressed osteoclastogenesis by activating the PI3K-AKT-GSK3β pathway.(5)The results of reactive oxygen species assay showed that isoginkgetin significantly reduced receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand-induced cellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production,and inhibited the differentiation of bone marrow-derived macrophages to osteoclasts.

Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment strategies, and prognosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) complicating childhood rheumatic diseases.Methods:A retrospective case series study was performed on the demographic data, laboratory indicators, imaging features, treatment regimens, and follow-up data of 8 children with rheumatic diseases complicated by PE who were admitted to the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Capital Center for Children′s Health, Capital Medical University from January 2014 to October 2023.Results:Among the 8 children, there were 4 boys and 4 girls, with an age of 12.0 (7.5, 13.0) years. Among the primary diseases, there were 3 cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, 2 cases of Beh?et′s disease, 2 cases of Takayasu arteritis, and 1 case of antiphospholipid syndrome. All children developed PE during the active phase of the primary disease. PE was detected at the onset of the primary disease in 3 cases, and the median time from the diagnosis of the primary disease to the development of PE was 10.0 (6.0, 25.0) months in the remaining 5 cases. Fever was present in all 8 children, 4 cases were accompanied by chest tightness, dyspnea, etc., and 2 cases only presented with fever. Laboratory examinations revealed the following results: erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 42.0 (17.0, 78.0) mm/1 h, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein was 12.7 (2.6, 78.7) mg/L, white blood cell count was 9.6 (7.2, 18.7)×10 9/L; D-dimer was 2.3 (0.9, 6.2) mg/L; and hemoglobin was (109±16) g/L.Imaging examinations revealed that 5 cases had involvement of the bilateral lower pulmonary arteries, 5 cases had peripheral embolism, and 3 cases had central PE. Complications included 3 cases of deep vein thrombosis, 2 cases of intracranial venous sinus thrombosis, and 1 case of mild pulmonary hypertension.In terms of treatment, 7 cases received anticoagulation with heparin followed by warfarin. Immunomodulation was mainly based on glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressants, and 4 cases were combined with biological agents. The follow-up time of 4.17 (1.75, 7.17) years, the time for complete absorption of PE was 10.5 (6.0, 18.0) months; all 8 children had no target events, with no recurrence or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, and the pulmonary artery remodeling was good. Conclusions:PE complicating childhood rheumatic diseases is closely related to the activity of the primary disease. The clinical manifestations are insidious, with fever as the main symptom. Imaging examination is the key to diagnosis.Early adoption of heparin followed by warfarin anticoagulation and glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressants and (or) biological agents to control the primary disease can achieve a favorable prognosis.

Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) is a chalcone compound isolated from licorice, known for its anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, and antioxidant properties. Our previous study has demonstrated that ISL effectively lowers blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice and improves disturbances in glucolipid and energy metabolism induced by T2DM. This study aims to further investigate the effects of ISL on alleviating abnormal endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) caused by T2DM and to elucidate its molecular mechanisms. In vivo experiments were conducted using 8-week-old SPF male C57BL/6J mice. The T2DM animal model was established by high-fat and high-sugar diet combined with intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin (STZ), in compliance with the ethical guidelines set by the Animal Welfare Committee of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (approval number: BUCM-2022021503-1134). In vitro experiments employed human liver cancer HepG2 cells, which were induced with tunicamycin (TM) to establish the ERS cell model. Transcriptomic sequencing was used to analyze changes in gene expression in the liver samples of T2DM mice following ISL treatment. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was employed to assess the regulatory effects of ISL on key ERS genes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blot (WB), and immunofluorescence techniques were used to evaluate ISL's effects on ERS-related proteins. Results indicate that ISL significantly downregulates the expression of ERS-related genes, reduces the level of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), and inhibits the phosphorylation of protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), thereby alleviating abnormal ERS induced by T2DM. Additionally, ISL increases the protein levels of insulin receptor substrate (IRS) 1 and IRS2 and enhances the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt), thereby improving insulin sensitivity. In conclusion, ISL is able to alleviate T2DM associated symptoms by improving abnormal ERS and enhancing insulin sensitivity.

ObjectiveIn the realm of forensic science, dust is a valuable type of trace evidence with immense potential for intricate investigations. With the development of DNA sequencing technologies, there is a heightened interest among researchers in unraveling the complex tapestry of microbial communities found within dust samples. Furthermore, striking disparities in the microbial community composition have been noted among dust samples from diverse geographical regions, heralding new possibilities for geographical inference based on microbial DNA analysis. The pivotal role of microbial community data from dust in geographical inference is significant, underscoring its critical importance within the field of forensic science. This study aims to delve deeply into the nuances of fungal community composition across the urban landscapes of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming, and Urumqi in China. It evaluates the accuracy of biogeographic inference facilitated by the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) fungal sequencing while concurrently laying a robust foundation for the operational integration of environmental DNA into geographical inference mechanisms. MethodsITS2 region of the fungal genomes was amplified using universal primers known as 5.8S-Fun/ITS4-Fun, and the resulting DNA fragments were sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq FGx platform. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis (NMDS) was employed to visually represent the differences between samples, while analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) and permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) were utilized to statistically evaluate the dissimilarities in community composition across samples. Furthermore, using Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) analysis to identify and filter out species that exhibit significant differences between various cities. In addition, we leveraged SourceTracker to predict the geographic origins of the dust samples. ResultsAmong the four cities of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming and Urumqi, Beijing has the highest species richness. The results of species annotation showed that there were significant differences in the species composition and relative abundance of fungal communities in the four cities. NMDS analysis revealed distinct clustering patterns of samples based on their biogeographic origins in multidimensional space. Samples from the same city exhibited clear clustering, while samples from different cities showed separation along the first axis. The results from ANOSIM and PERMANOVA confirmed the significant differences in fungal community composition between the four cities, with the most pronounced distinctions observed between Fuzhou and Urumqi. Notably, the biogeographic origins of all known dust samples were successfully predicted. ConclusionSignificant differences are observed in the fungal species composition and relative abundance among the cities of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming, and Urumqi. Employing fungal ITS2 sequencing on dust samples from these urban areas enables accurate inference of biogeographical locations. The high feasibility of utilizing fungal community data in dust for biogeographical inferences holds particular promise in the field of forensic science.

Although symptomatic treatment is widely applied in clinical practice， it is often regarded as a relatively low-level therapeutic method. Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine （TCM） state theory， the macroscopic， mesoscopic， and microscopic characterization parameters of TCM symptomatology are horizontally integrated， the full life cycle of states （pre-disease， incipient disease， manifest disease， post-disease） is vertically covered， and the cognitive system of "symptoms" is reconstructed from multiple dimensions. Accordingly， the application approach of symptomatic treatment at different state stages is proposed： implementing preventive intervention in the pre-disease state， strengthening the interception of disease progression in the incipient disease state， regulating dynamic development and treatment in the manifest disease state， and formulating a staged diagnosis and treatment strategy which focuses on functional rehabilitation in the post-disease state.

Objective:To investigate the anatomical feasibility of the endoscopic transorbital approach (ETOA) to the orbital apex and lateral middle cranial fossa, to identify stable and recognizable surgical landmarks under endoscopic visualization, and to provide morphometric data for preoperative planning and intraoperative navigation.Methods:Stepwise anatomical dissection was performed on five formalin-fixed cadaveric heads and one fresh arterially injected cadaveric specimen to simulate the ETOA using a 0° endoscope. Key structures and their anatomical relationships were observed and recorded. Additionally, high-resolution CT scans of 50 adults were retrospectively analyzed. Three-dimensional reconstructions and measurements were performed using Mimics 17.0 software. Spatial validation was performed using 17 dry skulls to verify the consistency and reliability of osseous anatomical landmarks.Results:Cadaveric dissection identified the meningo-orbital band, superior orbital fissure, optic canal, foramen rotundum, and foramen ovale as reliable surgical landmarks for the ETOA. A topographic map of the surgical region was established based on the endoscopic view. CT measurements revealed the following distances (Mean±SD): the midpoint of the supraorbital rim to the foramen rotundum (57.31±3.59) mm and foramen ovale (71.46±3.42) mm; the lateral orbital rim to the lateral edge of the superior orbital fissure (37.38±2.52) mm; the distance from the superior orbital fissure to the optic canal (9.98±1.49) mm; and the distance from the anterior ethmoidal artery to the optic canal (19.98±2.05) mm. These measurements were consistent with dry skull data, indicating that these osseous landmarks had stable spatial relationships and were suitable for intraoperative localization.Conclusions:The ETOA provides favorable anatomical accessibility and clinical feasibility for lesions involving the orbital apex and lateral skull base. Key osseous structures demonstrate high identifiability and stable spatial relationships, serving as critical references for intraoperative navigation and preoperative pathway planning. The quantitative anatomical framework established in this study provides critical morphometric support for minimally invasive surgery targeting lesions in this region.

The International System for Human Cytogenomic Nomenclature (ISCN) is a standardized international nomenclature system established by the International Standing Committee on Human Cytogenomic Nomenclature (ISCN SC). It is designed for describing chromosomal or genomic abnormalities detected by commonly used genetic and genomic techniques including but not limited to karyotyping, fluorescence in situ hybridization, microarray, genome mapping, various region-specific assays, and high-throughput sequencing. With a history spanning over six decades, the ISCN was revised by the ISCN SC in 2024 and officially published in September 2024. This article provides a summary for the updates introduced in the 2024 edition of the International System for Human Cytogenomic Nomenclature.

Sophorae Flavescentis Radix is one of the commonly used traditional Chinese medicine in China, and a large amount of pharmaceutical residue generated during its processing and production is discarded as waste, which not only wastes resources but also pollutes the environment. Therefore, elucidating the chemical composition of the residue of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and the differences between the residue and Sophorae Flavescentis Radix itself is of great significance for the comprehensive utilization of the residue. This study, based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) technology combined with multivariate statistical methods, provides a thorough characterization, identification, and differential analysis of the overall components of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and its residue. Firstly, 61 compounds in Sophorae Flavescentis Radix were rapidly identified based on their precise molecular weight, fragment ions, and compound abundance, using a self-constructed compound database. Among them, 41 compounds were found in the residue, mainly alkaloids and flavonoids. Secondly, through principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA), 15 key compounds differentiating Sophorae Flavescentis Radix from its residue were identified. These included highly polar alkaloids, such as oxymatrine and oxysophocarpine, which showed significantly reduced content in the residue, and less polar flavonoids, such as kurarinone and kuraridin, which were more abundant in the residue. In summary, this paper clarifies the overall composition, structure, and content differences between Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and its residue, suggesting that the residue of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix can be used as a raw material for the extraction of its high-activity components, with promising potential for development and application in cosmetics and daily care. This research provides a scientific basis for the future comprehensive utilization of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and its residue.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods* ; Mass Spectrometry/methods* ; Sophora/chemistry* ; Flavonoids/chemistry* ; Alkaloids/chemistry*