ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of Huayu Tongluo Formula （化瘀通络方， HTF） in patients with mid-stage diabetic kidney disease of blood stasis syndrome and explore its potential mechanisms. MethodsA multi-center， randomized， double-blind， placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted. Ninety patients of mid-stage diabetic kidney disease of blood stasis syndrome were divided into a control group of 46 cases and a treatment group of 44 cases. Both groups received conventional western medicine treatment， the treatment group additionally taking HTF， while the control group taking a placebo of the formula. The treatment was administered once daily for 24 weeks. The primary outcomes included 24-hour urine total protein （24 h-UTP）， serum albumin （Alb）， glycated hemoglobin （HbA1c）， and serum creatinine （Scr）.The secondary outcomes included changes in levels of endothelin-1 （ET-1）， nitric oxide （NO）， vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）， and traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome scores before and after treatment. Clinical efficacy was evaluated based on TCM syndrome scores and overall disease outcomes. Adverse reactions and endpoint events were recorded. ResultsIn the treatment group after treatment， 24 h-UTP， ET-1， and VEGF levels significantly decreased （P＜0.05）， Alb and NO levels significantly increased （P＜0.05）； while the TCM syndrome scores for edema， lumbar pain， numbness of limbs， dark purple lips， dark purple tongue or purpura， and thin， rough pulse all significantly decreased （P＜0.05）. In the control group， no significant changes were observed in any of the indicators after treatment （P＞0.05）.Compared with the control group， the treatment group showed significant reductions in 24 h-UTP， ET-1， and VEGF levels， and increases in Alb and NO levels （P＜0.05）. The TCM syndrome scores for edema， lumbar pain， dark purple tongue or purpura， and thin， rough pulse were all lower in the treatment group than in the control group （P＜0.05）. The total effective rate of TCM syndrome in the treatment group was 59.09% （26/44）， and the overall clinical effective rate was 45.45% （20/44）. In the control group， these rates were 15.22% （7/46） and 8.7% （4/46）， respectively， with the treatment group showing significantly better outcomes （P＜0.05）. A total of 7 adverse events occurred across both groups， with no significant difference （P＞0.05）. No endpoint events occurred during the study. ConclusionOn the basis of conventional treatment of Western medicine， HTF can further reduce urinary protein levels and improve clinical symptoms in patients with mid-stage diabetic kidney disease of blood stasis syndrome. The mechanism may be related to its effects on endothelial function.

BACKGROUND:Adipose-derived stem cells have anti-aging effects,but whether adipose-derived stem cells from donors of different ages are different needs further study. OBJECTIVE:To compare the biological properties of adipose-derived stem cells in old and young mice. METHODS:Adipose-derived stem cells were extracted from adipose tissue of C57BL mice aged 8 and 14 weeks,respectively.The differences of cell cycle,apoptosis,and proliferation of adipose-derived stem cells in old and young mice were compared.The expression levels of aging-related P21 and P27 genes and proteins of adipose-derived stem cells in old and young mice were detected by quantitative PCR and western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with old mouse adipose-derived stem cells,young mouse adipose-derived stem cells were more active,more regular in morphology,less apoptosis,faster proliferation,and lower in expression of age-related P21 and P27 genes and proteins.It has been proven that adipose-derived stem cells from young mice have better anti-aging effects.

BACKGROUND: Skin cancer is a common skin disease whose incidence and mortality rates have been showing yearly increases. In this report, we update the most recent data on skin cancer as obtained from GLOBOCAN 2022. METHODS: The incidence and mortality rates of skin cancer (melanoma of skin and non-melanoma skin cancer) in GLOBOCAN 2022 were reviewed. These data were analyzed and the characteristics of incidence and mortality across five continents and top five countries and regions in each continent are presented. In addition, correlations between Human Development Index (HDI) and age-standardized incidence and mortality rates of these two skin cancers are described. RESULTS: The GLOBOCAN 2022 data indicated that melanoma was the 17th most common cancer. An estimated 331,722 people were diagnosed with melanoma globally and approximately 58,667 died from this disease. For non-melanoma skin cancer, it ranks as the 5th most common cancer, and an estimated 1,234,533 people were diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer globally and approximately 69,416 died from this disease. The incidence of skin cancer varies across geographic regions and countries, with a predominance observed in Oceania, North America, and Europe. Australia was ranked first in terms of incidence, while incidence rates in Africa and Asia were very low. Despite these regional differences in incidence, there was little geographic variation in mortality rates. Currently, the number of deaths from non-melanoma skin cancer exceeds that of melanoma of skin. HDI was positively associated with the incidence of both types of skin cancers, with a positive correlation obtained between HDI and mortality from melanoma of skin and a negative correlation between HDI and mortality from non-melanoma skin cancer. CONCLUSIONS Skin cancer remains a major disease burden worldwide. Substantial variations are observed across countries and regions. Further research on skin cancer will be required to provide a rationale for more effective preventions and treatments of this condition.
Humans ; Skin Neoplasms/mortality* ; Incidence ; Melanoma/mortality* ; Prevalence ; Global Health ; Male ; Female

Objective : To investigate the effects of branched-chain amino acid(BCAA) on the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and its potential mechanism. Methods : 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were divided into the Control, differentiation medium(DM), low-concentration BCAA, and high-concentration BCAA groups. A CCK-8 assay was utilized to evaluate pre-adipocyte survival under various BCAA concentrations. Oil-red O staining was used to observe the formation of lipid droplets in adipocytes. Intracellular triglyceride(TG) and total cholesterol(TC) were detected by enzymatic method. RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of Stat3 and adipocyte differentiation-related genes. Results : CCK-8 results showed that the viability of 3T3-L1 cells was not affected when the BCAA concentration was ≤ 10 mmol/L. Compared with the DM group, the low-concentration BCAA groups(0.5 and 1.0 mmol/L) had significantly larger intracellular lipid droplets, increased number of lipid droplets, and elevated levels of the intracellular TC(0.88vs0.68 mmol/g; 0.83vs0.68 mmol/g,P<0.01) and TG(0.77vs0.40 mmol/g; 0.62vs0.40 mmol/g,P<0.01). Nevertheless, the cell differentiation in the high-concentration group(5.0 and 10.0 mmol/L) significantly decreased compared with that in the DM group. Further, levels of PPARγ, C/EBPα, Adiponectin, and FABP4 mRNA and protein expression significantly increased in the low-concentration group, but significantly decreased in the high-concentration group than that in the DM group(P<0.01). In addition, low concentrations of BCAA promoted stat3 phosphorylation, while high concentrations inhibited its phosphorylation(P<0.01). Conclusion BCAA have a dual role in regulating the differentiation of preadipocytes through Stat3, i.e. low concentrations of BCAA induce cell differentiation by promoting Stat3 phosphorylation; whereas high concentrations of BCAA inhibit Stat3 phosphorylation and cell differentiation.

Objective To investigate the prevalence and molecular characteristics of Anaplasma infections in sheep and goats in Anhui Province in 2020, so as to provide insights into ovine anaplasmosis prevention and control. Methods A total of 355 fresh blood samples were collected from 7 sheep and goat farms in Linquan County of Fuyang City, Lixin County of Bozhou City, Yu'an District of Lu'an City, Wangjiang County of Anqing City, Nanling County of Wuhu City, and Tianchang City and Fengyang County of Chuzhou City in Anhui Province from June to December 2020. A. bovis and A. phagocytophilum 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene, A. ovis major surface protein 4 (MSP4) gene and A. capra citric acid synthase (gltA) gene were amplified using PCR assay in all blood samples, and the prevalence of A. bovis, A. phagocytophilum, A. ovis and A. capra infections was calculated in sheep and goats. In addition, the positive amplification products were sequenced and subjected to genetic evolutionary analysis. Results The overall prevalence of Anaplasma infections was 17.5% (62/355) in sheep and goats in Anhui Province, and the prevalence of A. bovis, A. phagocytophilum, A. ovis and A. capra infections was 2.8% (10/355), 2.5% (9/355), 2.5% (9/355), and 7.0% (25/355), while the prevalence of A. bovis and A. phagocytophilum, A. phagocytophilum and A. ovis, A. phagocytophilum and A. capra and A. bovis, A. phagocytophilum and A. ovis co-infections was 0.8% (3/355), 1.1% (4/355), 0.3% (1/355) and 0.3% (1/355), respectively. No Anaplasma was detected in the sheep and goat farms in Fengyang County, while at least three Anaplasma species were detected in other sheep and goat farms, with co-infections of multiple Anaplasma species identified. The prevalence of Anaplasma infections was 14.7% (24/163) in goats and 19.8% (38/192) in sheep, and the prevalence of Anaplasma infections was 31.0% (31/100) in goats and sheep under 6 months of age, and 12.2% (31/255) in goats and sheep at ages of 6 months and older, respectively. A. bovis, A. phagocytophilum, A. ovis and A. capra were identified in sheep and goats of different breeds and ages. Conclusions Multiple Anaplasma species infections were commonly prevalent in goats and sheep in Anhui Province in 2020, notably A. phagocytophilum, A. ovis and A. capra, which have zoonotic risks. Improved surveillance and prevention and control of Anaplasma infections are required in sheep and goats in Anhui Province.

Objective:To investigate the clinical features of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) patients with angioedema (AE) .Methods:Clinical data were collected from adult outpatients with active CSU diagnosed and treated at the First Hospital of China Medical University from January 2019 to December 2021, and analyzed retrospectively. The data included gender, age, disease duration, the presence or absence of angioedema, urticaria activity score for one day, prior treatments, previous history, family history, laboratory test results, therapeutic effect, and adverse reactions. Their treatment regimens were based on the Chinese guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of urticaria (2018) and the American guidelines for the diagnosis and management of urticaria (2014). Statistical analysis was carried out by using Mann-Whitney U test, two-independent-sample t test, Chi-square test, corrected Chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test. Results:A total of 131 CSU patients were collected, including 78 females and 53 males. Their age at the first visit was 44.6 ± 13.3 years, and the disease duration ( M[ Q1, Q3]) was 4.0 (2.0, 10.0) months. Among these CSU patients, there were 58 with AE and 73 without AE. The disease duration was significantly longer in the CSU patients with AE (6.0 [3.0, 24.0] months) than in those without AE (3.5 [2.0, 6.0] months; Z = -2.78, P = 0.005). The urticaria activity score for one day was also significantly higher in the CSU patients with AE (5.0 [3.0, 5.3] points) than in those without AE (4.0 [3.0, 5.0] points; Z = -2.63, P = 0.008). The CSU patients with AE showed a decreased proportion of patients completely controlled by licensed-dose second-generation H1-antihistamines (sgAHs) (8.6%, 5/58) compared with those without AE (24.7%, 18/73), but an increased proportion of patients uncontrolled by licensed-dose sgAHs (91.4%, 53/58) compared with those without AE (74.0%, 54/73; Z = -2.53, P = 0.011) ; there were no significant differences in the proportions of patients completely controlled or uncontrolled by updosed sgAHs alone or combinations of 2- to 4-fold equivalent-dose sgAHs, or in the proportions of patients completely controlled or uncontrolled by combination therapy with 4-fold equivalent-dose sgAHs and non-H1-antihistamines between the CSU patients with AE and those without AE ( P > 0.05) . Conclusion:Compared with the CSU patients without AE, the CSU patients with AE had a longer disease duration, higher disease activity, a lower proportion of patients completely controlled by licensed-dose sgAHs, and a higher proportion of patients uncontrolled by licensed-dose sgAHs.

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics of psoriasis and status quo of medical care for patients in county areas of China.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional investigation. Based on the “Qianxian Wuyin” Project (a national project for upgrating ability for psoriasis care at county level), an online questionnaire survey was conducted in the dermatology departments of 459 county hospitals in 404 pilot administrative counties across China from February to June 2023. The questionnaire included demographic information of patients (gender, ethnicity, age, place of residence, education, marital status), and clinical characteristics of psoriasis (disease course, type, comorbidities, body surface area (BSA) and previous treatment. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) were applied for assessing the quality of life and disease severity, and completed by patients or guardian and doctors, respectively.Results:A total of 16 935 patients completed the questionnaire. The age of patients was 1-102(44.17±11.58)years, and 71.0% (12 036/16 935) were 30-59 years old. The ratio of male to female was 2.21∶1; 24.3%(4 117/16 935) of patients had high school education; there were 9 940 patients(58.7%) with previous or current smoking and/or alcohol use; 42.8%(7 218/16 855) of patients had a disease course of 1-5 years. There were 15 630 patients(92.3%) with DLQI≥10, 8 346 patients(49.7%) with PASI≥10, 15 017 patients(89.2%) with BSA≥10%. The plaque type was the most common disease type ( n=14 965, 88.7%), and spotting type ranked the second ( n=1 141, 6.8%). The most common initial site was the trunk ( n=12 309, 72.9%). Among the comorbidities, hypertension was the most common one ( n=1 681, 10.0%). There were 7 650 reports of treatment response to conventional topical drug therapy and 3 112 reports of treatment response to systemic drug therapy, with 6 269 (81.9%) and 2 493 (80.1%) reporting poor or no response, respectively. Conclusions:The survey shows that in the county areas of China, the majority of psoriasis patients are severe patients with short course of disease, plaque type is the most common type, and hypertension is the most common comorbidity; and the conventional treatment is less effective for most patients.

Objective:To investigate the correlation between food-specific IgG (sIgG) antibodies and phenotypes of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) .Methods:Serum samples were collected from outpatients with active CSU, symptomatic dermographism (SD) , or acute urticaria (AU) , and healthy controls from 5 third-grade class-A hospitals such as the First Hospital of China Medical University between April 2014 and March 2015. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was conducted to detect serum levels of 90 food-sIgG antibodies and total IgE, Western blot analysis to detect levels of 20 allergen-specific IgE antibodies, and chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay to detect levels of anti-thyroid peroxidase IgG antibodies and anti-thyroglobulin IgG antibodies. Comparisons of normally distributed quantitative data between two groups and among several groups were performed by t test and one-way analysis of variance, respectively; comparisons of non-normally distributed quantitative data between two groups were performed by Mann-Whitney U test; for comparisons of proportions, chi-square test and Fisher′s exact test were used. Results:A total of 248 patients with CSU, 22 with SD, 15 with AU and 13 healthy controls were recruited. The cut-off level for sIgG positivity was 100 U/ml (at least 2+) , and the positive rate of food-sIgG antibodies was slightly higher in the patients with CSU (176/248, 70.97%) , SD (15/22, 68.18%) and AU (11/15) than in the healthy controls (7/13; χ2 = 1.80, P = 0.615) . Among the 248 CSU patients, the proportion of patients with family history of allergic diseases was significantly higher in the sIgG-positive group (71/176, 40.34%) than in the sIgG-negative group (19/72, 26.39%; χ2 = 4.30, P = 0.042) , while no significant difference was observed in the 1-day urticaria activity score (UASday) between the two groups ( Z = 0.18, P = 0.859) . Totally, 177 CSU patients completed 12- to 40-week treatment; their condition could be completely controlled by second-generation H1-antihistamines, and there was no significant difference in the required dosage of second-generation H1-antihistamines between the sIgG-positive group (128 cases) and sIgG-negative group (49 cases; Z = -1.06, P = 0.298) . Conclusions:The prevalence of family history of allergic diseases was relatively high in food-sIgG-positive patients with CSU. However, food-sIgG could not be used as an indicator to reflect the disease activity of CSU and treatment response.