Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of different courses of caffeine citrate injection in the treatment of very low birth weight infants.Methods Very low birth weight infants were divided into long course group and routine course according to cohort method.2 groups of children were given intravenous infusion of caffeine citrate injection loading dose(20 mg·kg-1)within 3 days after birth,and the dose was maintained at 5 mg·kg-1 after 24 hours(qd).In the long course group,caffeine citrate injection was used to correct gestational age＞34 weeks,and in the routine course,caffeine citrate injection was used to correct gestational age 33-34 weeks.The use of caffeine citrate injection,clinical efficacy,neonatal behavioral neurological scale(NBNA)score and the occurrence of adverse drug reactions were compared between the two groups.Results 116 cases were included in this study,64 cases in the long course group and 52 cases in the routine course.After treatment,the total clinical effective rate of the long course group and the routine course was 92.19％and 94.23％,respectively,with no statistical significance(P＞0.05).The total duration of caffeine citrate injection were(60.53±8.92)and(48.17±5.24)days,respectively;the corrected gestational age at withdrawal were(36.02±1.56)and(33.18±1.27)weeks,respectively.The corrected gestational age were(34.31±0.48)and(32.06±0.51)weeks;the milk volume were(32.69±2.14)and(23.85±1.69)mL,respectively,with statistical significance(all P＜0.05).The starting age of caffeine citrate injection were(59.65±3.42)and(58.35±3.11)h in the long course group and the routine course,respectively,with no statistical significance(P＞0.05).Before treatment,the NBNA score of the long course and routine courses were 36.49±6.78 and 35.58±4.22,respectively;the NBNA score of long course and conventional course after treatment were 43.25±6.88 and 44.12±7.42,respectively.Compared with before treatment,NBNA score in both groups were higher after treatment,with statistical significance(all P＜0.05).There was no significant difference in NBNA score between the long course group and the routine course(P＞0.05).The incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia(84.38％vs 51.92％)and decreased hemoglobin concentration(17.75％vs 5.77％)in the long course group were significantly higher than those in the routine course(all P＜0.05).Conclusion Long-term use of caffeine citrate injection to correct gestational age＞34 weeks has no significant effect on clinical treatment,neurological function and intellectual development of very low birth weight infants.

Objective: This cross-sectional investigation aimed to determine the incidence, clinical characteristics, prognosis, and related risk factors of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain in mainland China. Methods: Data of patients with SARS-CoV-2 from December 28, 2022, to February 21, 2023, were collected through online and offline questionnaires from 45 tertiary hospitals and one center for disease control and prevention in mainland China. The questionnaire included demographic information, previous health history, smoking and alcohol drinking, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, olfactory and gustatory function before and after infection, other symptoms after infection, as well as the duration and improvement of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction. The self-reported olfactory and gustatory functions of patients were evaluated using the Olfactory VAS scale and Gustatory VAS scale. Results: A total of 35 566 valid questionnaires were obtained, revealing a high incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain (67.75%). Females(χ2=367.013, P<0.001) and young people(χ2=120.210, P<0.001) were more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Gender(OR=1.564, 95%CI: 1.487-1.645), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), oral health status (OR=0.881, 95%CI: 0.839-0.926), smoking history (OR=1.152, 95%CI=1.080-1.229), and drinking history (OR=0.854, 95%CI: 0.785-0.928) were correlated with the occurrence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2(above P<0.001). 44.62% (4 391/9 840) of the patients who had not recovered their sense of smell and taste also suffered from nasal congestion, runny nose, and 32.62% (3 210/9 840) suffered from dry mouth and sore throat. The improvement of olfactory and taste functions was correlated with the persistence of accompanying symptoms(χ2=10.873, P=0.001). The average score of olfactory and taste VAS scale was 8.41 and 8.51 respectively before SARS-CoV-2 infection, but decreased to3.69 and 4.29 respectively after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and recovered to 5.83and 6.55 respectively at the time of the survey. The median duration of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions was 15 days and 12 days, respectively, with 0.5% (121/24 096) of patients experiencing these dysfunctions for more than 28 days. The overall self-reported improvement rate of smell and taste dysfunctions was 59.16% (14 256/24 096). Gender(OR=0.893, 95%CI: 0.839-0.951), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), history of head and facial trauma(OR=1.180, 95%CI: 1.036-1.344, P=0.013), nose (OR=1.104, 95%CI: 1.042-1.171, P=0.001) and oral (OR=1.162, 95%CI: 1.096-1.233) health status, smoking history(OR=0.765, 95%CI: 0.709-0.825), and the persistence of accompanying symptoms (OR=0.359, 95%CI: 0.332-0.388) were correlated with the recovery of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2 (above P<0.001 except for the indicated values). Conclusion: The incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain is high in mainland China, with females and young people more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Active and effective intervention measures may be required for cases that persist for a long time. The recovery of olfactory and taste functions is influenced by several factors, including gender, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status, history of head and facial trauma, nasal and oral health status, smoking history, and persistence of accompanying symptoms.
Female ; Humans ; Adolescent ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Smell ; COVID-19/complications* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; Incidence ; Olfaction Disorders/etiology* ; Taste Disorders/etiology* ; Prognosis

BACKGROUND: Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) have emerged as promising therapy for immune and inflammatory diseases. However, how to maintain the activity and unique properties during cold storage and transportation is one of the key factors affecting the therapeutic efficiency of hUCMSCs. Schisandrin B (SchB) has many functions in cell protection as a natural medicine. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of SchB on the hypothermic preservation of hUCMSCs. METHODS: hUCMSCs were isolated from Wharton’s jelly. Subsequently, hUCMSCs were exposed to cold storage (4 °C) and 24-h re-warming. After that, cells viability, surface markers, immunomodulatory effects, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial integrity, apoptosis-related and antioxidant proteins expression level were evaluated. RESULTS: SchB significantly alleviated the cells injury and maintained unique properties such as differentiation potential, level of surface markers and immunomodulatory effects of hUCMSCs. The protective effects of SchB on hUCMSCs after hypothermic storage seemed associated with its inhibition of apoptosis and the anti-oxidative stress effect mediated by nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 signaling. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate SchB could be used as an agent for hypothermic preservation of hUCMSCs.

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of island posterior femoral composite tissue flaps in the repair of sinus cavity pressure ulcers in the areas of ischial tuberosity and greater trochanter. Methods: The retrospective observational study was conducted. From December 2018 to December 2021, 23 patients with sinus cavity pressure ulcers in the areas of ischial tuberosity and greater trochanter who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Ganzhou People's Hospital, including 16 males and 7 females, aged 45 to 86 years. The size of pressure ulcers in ischial tuberosity ranged from 1.5 cm×1.0 cm to 8.0 cm×5.0 cm, and the size of pressure ulcers in greater trochanter ranged from 4.0 cm×3.0 cm to 20.0 cm×10.0 cm before debridement. After treatment of underlying diseases, debridement and vacuum sealing drainage for 5 to 14 days were performed. All the wounds were repaired by island posterior femoral composite tissue flaps, with area of 4.5 cm×3.0 cm-24.0 cm×12.0 cm, pedicle width of 3-5 cm, pedicle length of 5-8 cm, and rotation radius of 30-40 cm. Most of the donor site wounds were sutured directly, and only 4 donor site wounds were repaired by intermediate thickness skin graft from the contralateral thigh. The survival of composite tissue flaps, wound healing of the donor and recipient sites and the complications were observed. The recurrence of pressure ulcers, and the appearance and texture of flaps were observed during follow-up. Results: A total of 32 wounds in 23 patients were repaired by island posterior femoral composite tissue flaps (including 3 fascio subcutaneous flaps, 24 fascial flaps+fascio subcutaneous flaps, 2 fascial flaps+fascial dermal flaps, 2 fascial flaps+fascio subcutaneous flaps+femoral biceps flaps, and one fascial flap+fascio subcutaneous flap+gracilis muscle flap). Among them, 31 composite tissue flaps survived well, and a small portion of necrosis occurred in one fascial flap+fascio subcutaneous flap post surgery. The survival rate of composite tissue flap post surgery was 96.9% (31/32). Twenty-nine wounds in the recipient sites were healed, and 2 wounds were torn at the flap pedicle due to improper postural changes, and healed one week after bedside debridement. One wound was partially necrotic due to the flap bruising, and healed 10 days after re-debridement. Thirty-one wounds in the donor sites (including 4 skin graft areas) were healed, and one wound in the donor site was torn due to improper handling at discharge, and healed 15 days after re-debridement and suture. The complication rate was 12.5% (4/32), mainly the incision dehiscence of the flap pedicle and the donor sites (3 wounds), followed by venous congestion at the distal end of flap (one wound). During the follow-up of 3 to 24 months, the pressure ulcers did not recur and the flaps had good appearance and soft texture. Conclusions: The island posterior femoral composite tissue flaps has good blood circulation, large rotation radius, and sufficient tissue volume. It has a high survival rate, good wound healing, low skin grafting rate in the donor site, few postoperative complications, and good long-term effect in the repair of sinus cavity pressure ulcers in the areas of ischial tuberosity and greater trochanter.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Plastic Surgery Procedures ; Pressure Ulcer/etiology* ; Soft Tissue Injuries/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome ; Skin Transplantation ; Femur/surgery* ; Necrosis/surgery* ; Perforator Flap

This study explored the effect and mechanism of Maiwei Yangfei Decoction(MWYF) on pulmonary fibrosis(PF) mice. MWYF was prepared, and its main components were detected by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS/MS). Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, a pirfenidone(PFD) group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose MWYF groups, with 10 mice in each group. The PF model was induced in mice except for those in the control group by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin(BLM), and model mice were treated with saline or MWYF or PFD by gavage the next day. The water consumption, food intake, hair, and activity of mice were observed daily. The pathological changes in lung tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, Masson staining, and CT scanning. The level of hydroxyproline(HYP) in lung tissues was detected by alkaline hydrolysis. Immunohistochemistry was used to observe the expression of collagen type Ⅲ(COL3) and fibronectin. The mRNA expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA), type Ⅰ collagen α1(COL1α1), COL3, and vimentin were detected by reverse transcription real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR). Superoxide dismutase(SOD) and malondialdehyde(MDA) kits were used to detect oxidative stress indicators in lung tissues and serum. The nuclear translocation of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2) protein was detected by immunofluorescence. The protein and mRNA expression levels of Nrf2, catalase(CAT), and heme oxygenase 1(HO-1) in lung tissues were detected by Western blot and RT-qPCR. Twelve chemical components were detected by UPLC-MS/MS. Animal experiments showed that MWYF could improve alveolar inflammation, collagen deposition, and fibrosis in PF mice, increase body weight of mice, and down-regulate the expression of fibrosis indexes such as HYP, α-SMA, COL1α1, COL3, fibronectin, and vimentin in lung tissues. In addition, MWYF could potentiate the activity of SOD in lung tissues and serum of PF mice, up-regulate the expression level of Nrf2, and promote its transfer to the nucleus, up-regulate the levels of downstream antioxidant target genes CAT and HO-1, and then reduce the accumulation of lipid metabolite MDA. In summary, MWYF can significantly improve the pathological damage and fibrosis of lung tissues in PF mice, and its mechanism may be related to the activation of the Nrf2 pathway to regulate oxidative stress.
Mice ; Male ; Animals ; Pulmonary Fibrosis/chemically induced* ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism* ; Fibronectins/metabolism* ; Vimentin/metabolism* ; Chromatography, Liquid ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Oxidative Stress ; Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism* ; RNA, Messenger/metabolism*

Objective: To analyze the clinical and molecular diagnostic status of Fanconi anemia (FA) in China. Methods: The General situation, clinical manifestations and chromosome breakage test and genetic test results of 107 pediatric FA cases registered in the Chinese Blood and Marrow Transplantation Registry Group (CBMTRG) and the Chinese Children Blood and Marrow Transplantation Registry Group (CCBMTRG) from August 2009 to January 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. Children with FANCA gene variants were divided into mild and severe groups based on the type of variant, and Wilcoxon-test was used to compare the phenotypic differences between groups. Results: Of the 176 registered FA patients, 69 (39.2%) cases were excluded due to lack of definitive genetic diagnosis results, and the remaining 107 children from 15 hospitals were included in the study, including 70 males and 37 females. The age at transplantation treatment were 6 (4, 9) years. The enrolled children were involved in 10 pathogenic genes, including 89 cases of FANCA gene, 7 cases of FANCG gene, 3 cases of FANCB gene, 2 cases of FANCE gene and 1 case each of FANCC, FANCD1, FANCD2, FANCF, FANCJ, and FANCN gene. Compound heterozygous or homozygous of loss-of-function variants account for 69.2% (72/104). Loss-of-function variants account for 79.2% (141/178) in FANCA gene variants, and 20.8% (37/178) were large exon deletions. Fifty-five children (51.4%) had chromosome breakage test records, with a positive rate of 81.8% (45/55). There were 172 congenital malformations in 80 children.Café-au-Lait spots (16.3%, 28/172), thumb deformities (16.3%,28/172), polydactyly (13.9%, 24/172), and short stature (12.2%, 21/172) were the most common congenital malformations in Chinese children with FA. No significant difference was found in the number of congenital malformations between children with severe (50 cases) and mild FANCA variants (26 cases) (Z=-1.33, P=0.185). Conclusions: FANCA gene is the main pathogenic gene in children with FA, where the detection of its exon deletion should be strengthened clinically. There were no phenotypic differences among children with different types of FANCA variants. Chromosome break test is helpful to determine the pathogenicity of variants, but its accuracy needs to be improved.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Child ; Fanconi Anemia/genetics* ; Chromosome Breakage ; Retrospective Studies ; Exons ; China/epidemiology*

Aim To explore the potential mechanism of Dangshen Pingfei Huoxue decoction (DPHD) in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. Methods The common targets of DPHD and pulmonary fibrosis were obtained. Cytoscape software was used to construct " disease-drug-ingredients-targets " network diagram, and the common targets were imported into the STRING database for protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis to screen out the core targets. In order to screen out key signaling pathways, the core genes were inputted into the DAVID platform for gene ontology (GO) and kyoto encyclopedia of genes genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. Then the molecular docking technology was used to verify the molecular docking between the core components and the key proteins in the signaling pathway. Finally, the molecular docking technology was used to verify the results of network pharmacology. Results A total of 176 active ingredients were obtained, and the top 5 was quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, naringenin and p-sitosterol, respectively. A total of 116 common targets were obtained. A total of 21 core targets were finally obtained by PPI screening, and the top 5 was AKT1, CCND1, CASP3, MYC and IL1B, respectively. The results of GO enrichment analysis showed that DPHD was mainly involved biological processes of oxidative stress, proliferation and differentiation, transcriptional regulation, drug response and inflammatory response. The results of KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that the mainly signaling pathways included PI3K/Akt, MAPK, cellular senescence, AMPK, and TGF-beta. Molecular docking results showed that the binding energies of the top 5 active components of DPHD and the top 5 core targets were all less than-6.0 kcal • mo

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at back-shu points of five zang on fatigue status, quality of life and motor cortical excitability in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), so as to explore the possible mechanism of EA for CFS. METHODS: A total of 72 patients with CFS were randomized into an EA group (36 cases, 4 cases dropped off) and a sham EA group (36 cases, 3 cases dropped off). In the EA group, EA at Ganshu (BL 18), Xinshu (BL 15), Pishu (BL 20), Feishu (BL 13) and Shenshu (BL 23) was adopted, with continuous wave, 2 Hz in frequency. In the sham EA group, sham EA at non-acupoints (1.5-2.0 cm lateral to back-shu points of five zang) was applied, with shallow needling, and no current was connected. The treatment in the both groups was 20 min each time, once every other day, 2 weeks as one course, 3 courses were required. Before and after treatment, the scores of fatigue scale-14 (FS-14) and the MOS 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) were observed, and cortical excitability (the resting motor threshold [RMT], amplitude of motor-evoked potential [MEP-A] and latency of motor-evoked potential [MEP-L]) was detected in the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, the physical fatigue score, mental fatigue score and total score of FS-14, as well as RMT of motor cortex in the EA group were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.01), the physical fatigue score and total score of FS-14 in the sham EA group were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05); each item score and total score of FS-14 and RMT of motor cortex in the EA group were lower than those in the sham EA group (P<0.01, P<0.05). After treatment, each item score and total score of SF-36 and MEP-A of motor cortex in the EA group were increased compared with those before treatment (P<0.01), which were higher than those in the sham EA group (P<0.01, P<0.05). CONCLUSION EA at back-shu points of five zang can effectively improve the fatigue status and quality of life in patients with CFS, its mechanism may be related to the up-regulating excitability of cerebral motor cortex.
Humans ; Electroacupuncture ; Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic/therapy* ; Acupuncture Points ; Quality of Life ; Cortical Excitability

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) preparations in medical institutions are an important source of research and development(R&D) of TCM new drug. With years of usage in therapy, these preparations' safety and effectiveness have generally been validated in clinic. However, there are still a few disadvantages in TCM new medicine development, such as similar prescriptions, excessive prescription ingredients, too broad clinical orientation, lack of solid clinical data, issue in pharmaceutical quality control, and intellectual property disputes. Nowadays, the Three-Combined Evaluation System has strengthened policy support for the new TCM R&D. In order to improve the success rate of TCM R&D, due to the difficulties within, this paper proposes the process of transforming TCM preparations in medical institutions into new TCM and advocates the evaluation for druggability based on Human Use Experience(HUE). The potencial preparations ought to follow traditional Chinese Medical theory, sufficient HUE data in indication, syndrome type of TCM, target population, usage, dosage, and course of treatment are required. Particular attention should be paid to the source, evolution, and improvement process of prescription, and evaluate the dosage, ingredients, and herb resources of prescription. To assess the feasibility of mass production, it is necessary to determine whether the pharmaceutical process is mostly consistent with the new drug and whether the dosage form is reasonable. By summarizing the clinical application of the preparations, the whole picture of its clinical application would be reveal as much as possible. It is beneficial to evaluate its clinical value and R&D prospect. In consideration of the lack of clinical safety data of preparations, safety profile needs to be collected according to the prescription. The quality of clinical data needs to be evaluated by focusing on the integrity and accuracy of data to reduce bias and confusion. Significant care should be paid to intellectual property protection to avoid legal disputes.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Prescriptions ; Quality Control ; Syndrome

Based on the thinking of integrative and holistic acupuncture and moxibustion, FU Wen -bin proposes to treat depression complicated with obsessive-compulsive disorder from perspective of heart and gallbladder. In clinical practice, the treatment pattern of "acupuncture at the top priority, followed by moxibustion, and consolidation at the end" is applied, acupuncture, refined moxibustion, intradermal needle and other therapies are comprehensively adopted, acupoints on the heart meridian, pericardium meridian and gallbladder meridian are selected or back-shu points and front-mu points of the heart, gallbladder and pericardium are matched, and the acupoints on the conception vessel and governor vessel and with the functions of tonifying kidney and regulating qi are added to calm the heart and tranquilize the mind, so as the symptoms of depression and obsessive-compulsive can be effectively relieved.
Depression/therapy* ; Gallbladder ; Humans ; Meridians ; Moxibustion ; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder