Andrographolide sulfonate (AS) is a sulfonated derivative of andrographolide extracted from Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees, and has been approved for several decades in China. The present study aimed to investigate the novel therapeutic application and possible mechanisms of AS in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Results indicated that administration of AS by injection or gavage significantly reduced the paw swelling, improved body weights, and attenuated pathological changes in joints of rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis. Additionally, the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1β in the serum and ankle joints were reduced. Bioinformatics analysis, along with the spleen index and measurements of IL-17 and IL-10 levels, suggested a potential relationship between AS and Th17 cells under arthritic conditions. In vitro, AS was shown to block Th17 cell differentiation, as evidenced by the reduced percentages of CD4⁺ IL-17A⁺ T cells and decreased expression levels of RORγt, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, and IL-22, without affecting the cell viability and apoptosis. This effect was attributed to the limited glycolysis, as indicated by metabolomics analysis, reduced glucose uptake, and pH measurements. Further investigation revealed that AS might bind to hexokinase2 (HK2) to down-regulate the protein levels of HK2 but not glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) or pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), and overexpression of HK2 reversed the inhibition of AS on Th17 cell differentiation. Furthermore, AS impaired the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signals in vivo and in vitro, which was abolished by the addition of lactate. In conclusion, AS significantly improved adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) in rats by inhibiting glycolysis-mediated activation of PI3K/AKT to restrain Th17 cell differentiation.
Animals ; Th17 Cells/immunology* ; Diterpenes/pharmacology* ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/metabolism* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/immunology* ; Glycolysis/drug effects* ; Cell Differentiation/drug effects* ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics* ; Rats ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Humans ; Andrographis paniculata/chemistry* ; Arthritis, Experimental/drug therapy* ; Interleukin-17/immunology* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects*

OBJECTIVE To study the improvement effects of poria acid on insulin resistance in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome （PCOS） and its mechanism. METHODS One hundred and twenty-six female rats were randomly separated into blank group， PCOS group， poria acid low-dose group （8.33 mg/kg）， pachymic acid high-dose group （33.32 mg/kg）， ethinylestradiol cyproterone group （positive control group， 0.34 mg/kg）， recombinant rat high mobility group protein B1 protein （rHMGB1） group （8 μg/kg）， and poria acid high dose+rHMGB1 group （33.32 mg/kg poria acid+8 μg/kg rHMGB1）， with 18 rats in each group. Except for the blank group， the rats in all other groups were given Letrozole suspension intragastrically to construct the PCOS model. After successful modeling， administration was performed once a day for 4 weeks. After medication， the fasting blood glucose and fasting insulin levels， and insulin resistance index （HOMA-IR） were measured in rats； the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）， luteinizing hormone （LH） and testosterone （T） in rat serum， and the levels of interleukin-1β （IL-1β） and tumor necrosis factor- α （TNF- α） in ovarian tissue were detected； ovarian coefficients of rats were calculated； the pathological changes of ovarian tissue were observed； the expressions of HMGB1， receptor for advanced glycosylation elaine_ tanghong@sina.com end product （RAGE） and phosphorylated nuclear factor κB p65 （p-NF-κB p65） proteins were determined in ovarian tissue of rats. RESULTS Compared with the blank group， the pathological injury of ovarian tissue of rats in the PCOS group was serious， the levels of fasting blood glucose and fasting insulin， HOMA-IR and ovarian coefficient were increased， the levels of serum LH and T were increased， while the levels of FSH were decreased； the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α， the expressions of HMGB1， RAGE and p-NF-κB p65 protein in ovarian tissue were increased， with statistical significance （P＜0.05）. Compared with the PCOS group， pathological damage of ovarian tissue was reduced in poria acid low-dose and high-dose groups and ethinylestradiol cyproterone group， and fasting blood glucose， fasting insulin levels， HOMA-IR and ovarian coefficient were decreased； serum LH and T levels were decreased， while FSH levels were increased； the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α and the expressions of HMGB1， RAGE and p-NF-κB p65 protein in ovarian tissue were decreased， with statistical significance （P＜0.05）. The trend of corresponding indexes in rHMGB1 group was opposite to the above （P＜0.05）. Compared with poria acid high-dose group， the changes of the above indexes were reversed significantly in poria acid high-dose+rHMGB1 group （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Poria acid may improve insulin resistance and inhibit inflammatory reaction in PCOS rats by inhibiting HMGB1/ RAGE pathway.

BACKGROUND:Numerous scholars have previously researched certain greater tuberosity fractures and the procedures used to treat them.Few researchers,however,have studied the comminuted split fracture of the greater tuberosity of the humerus(Liu-Gang type IV)with rotator cuff tear in great detail. OBJECTIVE:To compare the clinical therapeutic effect of open repair position modified calcaneal plate combined with suture anchors and proximal humeral internal locking system(PHILOS)plate in the treatment of comminuted fracture of split-type greater tuberosity of humerus combined with rotator cuff tears(Liu-Gang type IV). METHODS:Case data of 30 patients with comminuted fracture of split-type greater tuberosity of humerus combined with rotator cuff tears(Liu-Gang type IV)from May 2012 to May 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.They were divided into the modified calcaneal plate combined with suture anchor group(group A)and the PHILOS with#2 Johnson group(group B),with 15 cases in each group.Intraoperative blood loss,surgical time,and incision length of all patients were recorded.Pain visual analog scale score,Constant-Murley score,as well as shoulder joint abduction,forward flexion,external rotation,and dorsal expansion activities during the last follow-up(>1 year)were evaluated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The surgical incision length and operation time were shorter,and blood loss was less in group A than those in group B(P<0.05).(2)No significant difference in visual analog scale score and Constant-Murley score was detected between the two groups(P>0.05).(3)During the last follow-up,forward flexion in group A was better than that in group B(P<0.05).No significant difference in abduction,external rotation,and dorsal expansion was determined between group A and group B(P>0.05).(4)In terms of complications,there was 1 case of shoulder joint pain and discomfort in group A(7%),2 cases of subacromial impingement syndrome,2 cases of upward movement of nodules,and 2 cases of shoulder joint pain(40%)in group B.There were significant differences in complication rates between the two groups(P=0.031).(5)In summary,the modified calcaneal plate combined with suture anchors in the treatment of comminuted fracture of split-type greater tuberosity of humerus combined with rotator cuff tears(Liu-Gang type IV)could better restore the forward flexion function of the shoulder joint and has a small incision,less blood loss,shorter operation time and fewer complications.

Objective:To investigate the current status and problems of the development of dental technology specialty in higher vocational colleges in China, and to provide a reference for the establishment of national standards for vocational education on dental technology and the development of high-quality higher vocational education.Methods:We selected 54 higher vocational colleges in eastern, central, and western China offering dental technology programs by stratified random sampling to survey the specialty development situation using a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the independent samples t test, one-way analysis of variance, or chi-square test with the use of SPSS 18.0. Results:Among the surveyed colleges, the average annual enrollment scale in recent three years was 6 415 students, with the largest enrollment in western regions, accounting for 47.39%. In terms of teaching faculty, there were differences in educational attainment, professional title structure, vocational qualification, and professional background between different regions ( P<0.05). Regarding training conditions, only 26.42% and 3.77% of colleges were equipped with virtual simulation training rooms and dental materials training rooms, respectively; and 18.52% and 22.22% of colleges were equipped with chairside repair systems and virtual simulation software, respectively. Conclusions:Regional imbalances exist in the development of dental technology specialty in higher vocational colleges in China. The overall level of teaching staff, practical training conditions, and curriculum construction need to be improved.

The traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） in pediatric care has a long history，proven efficacy，and distinctive characteristics.The China Association of Chinese Medicine has organized a series of youth salons to discuss the clinical advantages of treating diseases.Experts at this seminar proposed that the superior disease categories in pediatric TCM are significant for showcasing the unique strengths and advantages of TCM in the treatment of pediatric diseases，enhancing diagnostic and treatment levels，inheriting TCM knowledge，promoting the integration of TCM and Western medicine，and meeting patients' needs.The strengths of pediatric TCM are summed up as "having what others do not，excelling at what others have，being special in what others excel at，and ensuring safety in what others specialize in." The scope of superiority in pediatric TCM covers multiple systems，including respiratory，digestive，endocrine，psychological，and dermatological systems.This article summarized the advantages of TCM in treating 13 diseases discussed in the salon，such as upper respiratory tract infections，coughs，pneumonia，allergic rhinitis，bronchial asthma，atopic dermatitis，functional dyspepsia，functional constipation，enuresis，marginal short stature，simple obesity，attention deficit hyperactivity disorder，and tic disorders.The overall advantages were reflected in three aspects：First，the holistic concept and treatment based on syndrome differentiation in TCM highlight the advantage of treating the root causes of diseases，making the treatment methodical and precise.Second，most traditional Chinese herbs are natural and have strong safety profiles.Third，TCM treatment methods are abundant，especially the external treatment methods，which are widely used in pediatrics，highly accepted by parents，and have definite efficacy，as well as good safety and compliance.

Objective:To observe the role of Huaiqihuang Granules (HQ) in the long-term management of bronchial asthma in young children, and the effective effect on concomitant rhinitis.Methods:A prospective real-world multicenter study was conducted in children aged 2-5 years with asthma diagnosed in the outpatient department (from April 2016 to March 2019)who received either inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)/leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA)(control group); inhaled ICS/LTRA plus HQ(combination group), or HQ alone(HQ group). All patients were followed up at week 4, 8, 12 after treatment. The number of days with asthma symptoms, the frequency of severe asthma attacks, the level of asthma control, and the days with rhinitis symptoms in the last 4 weeks were recorded. Differences before and after treatment, and those among groups after treatment were compared using Kruskal- Wallis H test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Results:A total of 2 234 eligible patients were recruited, and 2 147 cases completed followed-up visits, including 477, 1 374 and 296 cases in the control group, combination group, and HQ group, respectively. After the treatment, all 3 groups showed significant declines in the days with asthma symptoms, frequency of severe asthma attack and the days with rhinitis symptoms (all P<0.01), and the rate of well-controlled asthma increased significantly ( P<0.01). It lasted until the end of follow-up. Among groups, patients in the combination group showed significantly less days of asthma symptoms than those of the other 2 group at week 8 and 12[0(0, 0.9) d vs.0(0, 0.3) d, P<0.05; 0(0, 0.1) d vs. 0(0, 1.0) d, P<0.01]. Patients in the combination group and HQ group showed a significantly lower rate of severe asthma attacks than that of the control group at week 12 [0(0, 1), 0(0, 1), 0(0, 2), all P<0.05]. The well-controlled rate of asthma in the combination group was significantly higher than that of the control group and HQ group at week 8 and 12 (89.6% vs. 85.9% vs.82.1%, H=15.28; 90.9% vs. 84.1% vs. 81.8%, χ2=29.32, all P<0.01). Conclusions:HQ can significantly alleviate symptoms of asthma and rhinitis, severe attack of asthma, and increase the control rate of asthma when used as an additional treatment or used alone.

Objective:To investigate the clinical features, treatment, and prognosis of transient hyperammonemia of the newborn (THAN).Methods:Data of two infants with severe THAN admitted to the Department of Neonatology of Shanghai Children's Hospital in September 2021 and August 2022 were retrospectively investigated. Clinical data of confirmed THAN cases (blood ammonia>400 μmol/L) were collected from relevant literature retrieved from the Wanfang Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Medical Journal Database, and PubMed up to July 2022. A descriptive method was used for statistical analysis.Results:A total of 24 cases were involved (two in the present study, and 22 in 12 retrieved articles), including 19 (79.2%) premature newborns and five term infants. The average birth weight was (2 237±608) g and the average onset time was 27 h (4-55 h) after birth. The early clinical symptoms included respiratory distress and hyporesponsiveness (drowsiness, lethargy, coma or hypotonia) in 18 cases (75.0%), metabolic acidosis in 11 cases (45.8%), hypocalcemia in seven cases (29.2%), pupil fixation/dilation in six cases (25.0%), convulsion in five cases (20.8%), apnea in three cases (12.5%) and sinus bradycardia in one case (4.2%). The serum ammonia levels were 1 422.8 μmol/L (547.2-4 494.1 μmol/L). Treatments included peritoneal dialysis plus exchange transfusion in eight cases (33.3%), exchange transfusion in seven cases (29.2%), continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in four cases (16.7%), arginine in two cases (8.3%), peritoneal dialysis in two cases (8.3%), and CRRT+peritoneal dialysis in one case (4.2%). During follow-ups of four months (one month to six years), 13 cases (54.2%) showed no abnormalities in development; two (8.3%) had a neurodevelopmental delay, and six (25.0%) died. The follow-up of the other three cases (12.5%) were not reported in the literature.Conclusions:The early clinical manifestation of severe THAN is atypical. A good prognosis can be expected through early exclusion of possible hyperammonemia-related genetic metabolic diseases and lowering the serum ammonia level. Long-term follow-up is needed for neurological evaluation.

Objective:To investigate and analyze the status quo of death cognition and hospice care attitude of clinical medical graduate students, to compare the differences between the two groups, and to explore the correlation between death cognition and hospice care attitude, so as to provide the reference for the reform and construction of death cognition and hospice care education in medical colleges and universities in China.Methods:A survey was carried out on 496 doctoral and postgraduate students majoring in clinical medicine by using the "Questionnaire of General Sociology Survey", the Chinese version of the "Death Attitude Profile Revised Scale", and the Chinese version of the "Frommelt Attitudes Toward Care of the Dying Scale Form B (FATCOD-B)" to investigate the death cognition and hospice care attitude of 496 doctoral and postgraduate students majoring in clinical medicine, and classified and compared the survey results of the two groups. The results of this study were statistically analyzed by t-test, Pearson correlation analysis and other statistical methods. Results:A total of 469 valid questionnaires were recovered after excluding 27 unqualified questionnaires. Statistical analysis showed that the scores of each dimension in the death attitude description scale of doctoral students were ranked as follows: approach acceptance (4.28±0.53), neutral acceptance (3.99±0.41), death avoidance (2.74±0.63), fear of death (2.65±0.57) and escape acceptance (2.47±0.69) the scores of postgraduates were ranked as neutral acceptance (3.96±0.52), approach acceptance (2.84±0.61), fear of death (2.78±0.65), death escape (2.62±0.73), escape acceptance (2.39±0.77). At the same time, the scores of hospice care attitude in the doctoral group were higher than those in the master group [(110.63±8.96) vs. (106.78±6.52)], and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.001). In addition, the scores of "fear of death" and the scores of hospice care attitudes were negatively correlated with the scores of doctoral and master students ( r=-0.25, r=-0.21), while the scores of hospice care attitudes were positively correlated with the scores of "neutral acceptance" in death cognition ( r=0.50, r=0.32). However, the hospice care attitude scores of doctoral students were negatively correlated with the "death avoidance" scores in death cognition ( r=-0.27). Conclusion:Doctoral and postgraduate students have a certain awareness of hospice care, while their death cognition and hospice care attitude still need to be improved and strengthened from sociology, psychology, ethics and other perspectives. The above will promote the harmony between doctors and patients while meeting the needs of an aging society in China.

Objective:To form the expert consensus on nursing care of adults with status epilepticus (SE), promote nurses to provide standardized and safe first aid, monitoring and support to SE patients, and effectively prevent and control complications, with a view to controlling seizures as soon as possible.Methods:The medical and nursing evidence on SE was retrieved, evaluated and summarized, and the retrieval time limit was from the establishment of the database to March 31, 2022. Recommendations and studies were extracted to form a first draft of consensus. A total of 31 experts were selected to conduct two rounds of Delphi expert consultation and expert demonstration meetings to analyze, revise and improve the experts' suggestions and form a consensus final draft.Results:The expert positive coefficient was 100.00% (31/31), the expert judgment coefficient was 0.93, the familiarity degree was 0.87, and the authority coefficient was 0.90. Kendall's harmony coefficient was 0.25 to 0.27 ( P<0.05). The final consensus included adult SE identification, first aid, monitoring and support, complication prevention and control, and effect evaluation of terminating SE. Conclusions:This consensus is practical and provides guidance for clinical nursing practice and quality control of SE patients.

Objective:To investigate the outcome of asthma in young children after 3 years and the factors associated with the outcome.Methods:A total of 494 children aged 2 to 5 years with asthma diagnosed in 5 hospitals in Beijing from 2016 to 2017 were followed up by telephone using questionnaire survey.Information on the asthma attack, the disease control level, and the comorbidities of allergic diseases in the past 3 years was collected and analyzed.Results:Questionnaires were conducted in 387 children, including 261 males(67.4%)and 126 females(32.6%). Two hundred and forty-six patients(63.6%)had no any asthma symptom(remission) within 3 years, while 141 patients(36.4%)were found with asthma symptom(without remission). The main symptoms were as follows: wheezing in 116 cases(82.3%), recurrent cough in 59 cases(41.8%), shortness of breath in 45 cases(31.9%), chest tightness or waking up at night due to wheezing in 22 cases(15.6%). The causes of asthma attack were respiratory tract infection in 80 cases(56.7%), allergen exposure in 46 cases(32.6%), climate change or cold air stimulation in 59 cases(41.8%), strenuous exercise in 36 cases(25.5%), and irritating odor in 3 cases(2.1%). One-way anova analysis showed that significant difference( P<0.05)was respectively observed in age at follow-up, postnatal tobacco smoke exposure history, repeated respiratory tract infection before asthma onset, personal allergy history, snoring, allergic rhinitis, allergic rhinitis within 1 year, allergic conjunctivitis within 1 year between the remission group and without remission group.Multivariate unconditional logistic regression analysis showed that tobacco exposure after birth, allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis within 1 year were independent risk factors for the continuation of asthma symptoms to school age( P<0.05). Conclusion:Till the school age, more than 1/3 children still had asthma symptom and the risk factors for the unalleviated symptom were postnatal tobacco exposure, allergic rhinitis within 1 year and allergic conjunctivitis within 1 year.