Objectives:To investigate association of the non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHHR) with the stroke severity and short-term outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), and to evaluate the predictive value of NHHR for outcome.Methods:Patients with the first-ever AIS admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from June 2018 to June 2024 whose etiological types were large artery atherosclerosis (LAA), small vessel occlusion (SVO) and cardiac embolism (CE) were included retrospectively. According to the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at admission, the patients were divided into mild stroke group (≤8) and moderate to severe stroke group (>8). According to the modified Rankin Scale score at discharge, they were divided into good outcome group (≤2) and poor outcome group (>2). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was use to determine the independent correlation between NHHR and stroke severity and short-term outcome in patients with AIS. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of NHHR for short-term poor outcome in overall patients with AIS and different etiological subtypes. Results:A total of 2 865 patients with AIS were enrolled, including 1 925 males (67.2%), aged (61.00 ± 10.17) years. 2 483 patients (86.67%) had mild stroke and 382 (13.33%) had moderate to severe stroke; 2 161 (75.43%) had good short-term outcome, while 704 (24.57%) had poor short-term outcome. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that NHHR was significantly and independently associated with moderate to severe stroke (odds ratio [ OR] 2.251, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 1.895-2.675; P<0.001) and poor short-term outcome ( OR 3.454, 95% CI 2.936-4.063; P<0.001). ROC curve analysis showed that NHHR had a high predictive value for short-term poor outcome in patients with AIS (the area under the curve [AUC] 0.764, 95% CI 0.745-0.784), and it also demonstrated high predictive value in patients with various etiological types such as LAA (AUC=0.755, 95% CI 0.730-0.781), SVO (AUC=0.801, 95% CI 0.777-0.824) and CE (AUC=0.797, 95% CI 0.774-0.820). Conclusion:NHHR is significantly correlated with the severity of stroke and poor short-term outcome in patients with AIS, and has a high predictive value for poor short-term outcome.

Objective:To assess the efficacy and safety profile of antaitasvir phosphate combined with yiqibuvir in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) of various genotypes, without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis.Methods:394 cases with CHC from 22 centers were collected from October 2021 to April 2023. They were randomly assigned to receive either the experimental drugs (antaitasvir phosphate 100 mg+yiqibuvir 600 mg) or placebo treatment in a 3∶1 ratio. The patients were administered drugs once a day for 12 consecutive weeks, and then followed up for 24 weeks after treatment cessation. All subjects were unblinded at the four-week follow-up following drug discontinuation, with the experimental drug group continuing to complete subsequent post-discontinuation follow-up. The placebo group was switched to receive the experimental drugs for a repeated 12-week treatment period and followed up for another 24 weeks after discontinuation of the drug (placebo delayed treatment phase).The sustained virologic response rate (SVR12) was observed for subjects in the double-blind phase and the placebo delayed-treatment phase at 12 weeks after treatment cessation.Virological resistance analysis was performed on subjects who failed treatment. The primary efficacy endpoint was SVR12. The number and percentage of subjects who achieved "HCV RNA

Objective:This study aimed to integrate RNA-seq data to identify key genes associated with macrophage-ferroptosis and develop a prognostic model for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods:We retrieved a dataset from the GEO database containing transcriptome data and clinical information for 163 samples.Macrophage-related genes were identified using WGCNA and immune infiltration analyses.Ferroptosis-related genes from the FerrDbV2 database were intersected with differentially expressed genes to obtain significant macrophage-ferroptosis-related genes.Hub genes were screened via protein interaction network construction,and key genes were identified using four machine learning algorithms.These genes exhibited significant expression differences between cancer and normal tissues and were closely linked to patient prognosis.ROC curve and KM survival analyses were performed,and expression levels were validated at the transcriptome and proteome levels.Results:Four key genes RRM2,KIF20A,PCK2,and PDK4 were identified and evaluated.RRM2 and KIF20A demonstrated high importance in classification prediction models and reliable performance in ROC and KM analyses(AUC＞0.9,P＜0.05).These genes regulate cancer cell proliferation/survival and macrophage polarization/function,influencing the tumor microenvironment and HCC progression.Conclusion:RRM2 and KIF20A regulate cancer cell proliferation and survival,modulate macrophage polarization and function,and influence the immune response in the tumor microenvironment.They can serve as prognostic biomarkers and potential immunotherapy targets for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Objective:This study aimed to integrate RNA-seq data to identify key genes associated with macrophage-ferroptosis and develop a prognostic model for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods:We retrieved a dataset from the GEO database containing transcriptome data and clinical information for 163 samples.Macrophage-related genes were identified using WGCNA and immune infiltration analyses.Ferroptosis-related genes from the FerrDbV2 database were intersected with differentially expressed genes to obtain significant macrophage-ferroptosis-related genes.Hub genes were screened via protein interaction network construction,and key genes were identified using four machine learning algorithms.These genes exhibited significant expression differences between cancer and normal tissues and were closely linked to patient prognosis.ROC curve and KM survival analyses were performed,and expression levels were validated at the transcriptome and proteome levels.Results:Four key genes RRM2,KIF20A,PCK2,and PDK4 were identified and evaluated.RRM2 and KIF20A demonstrated high importance in classification prediction models and reliable performance in ROC and KM analyses(AUC＞0.9,P＜0.05).These genes regulate cancer cell proliferation/survival and macrophage polarization/function,influencing the tumor microenvironment and HCC progression.Conclusion:RRM2 and KIF20A regulate cancer cell proliferation and survival,modulate macrophage polarization and function,and influence the immune response in the tumor microenvironment.They can serve as prognostic biomarkers and potential immunotherapy targets for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Objective:To assess the efficacy and safety profile of antaitasvir phosphate combined with yiqibuvir in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) of various genotypes, without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis.Methods:394 cases with CHC from 22 centers were collected from October 2021 to April 2023. They were randomly assigned to receive either the experimental drugs (antaitasvir phosphate 100 mg+yiqibuvir 600 mg) or placebo treatment in a 3∶1 ratio. The patients were administered drugs once a day for 12 consecutive weeks, and then followed up for 24 weeks after treatment cessation. All subjects were unblinded at the four-week follow-up following drug discontinuation, with the experimental drug group continuing to complete subsequent post-discontinuation follow-up. The placebo group was switched to receive the experimental drugs for a repeated 12-week treatment period and followed up for another 24 weeks after discontinuation of the drug (placebo delayed treatment phase).The sustained virologic response rate (SVR12) was observed for subjects in the double-blind phase and the placebo delayed-treatment phase at 12 weeks after treatment cessation.Virological resistance analysis was performed on subjects who failed treatment. The primary efficacy endpoint was SVR12. The number and percentage of subjects who achieved "HCV RNA

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of antaitasvir phosphate 100 mg or 200 mg combined with yiqibuvir for 12 weeks in patients with various genotypes of chronic hepatitis C, without cirrhosis or compensated stage cirrhosis.Methods:Patients with chronic hepatitis C (without cirrhosis or compensated stage cirrhosis) were randomly assigned to the antaitasvir phosphate 100 mg+yiqibuvir 600 mg group (100 mg group) or the antaitasvir phosphate 200 mg+yiqibuvir 600 mg group (200 mg group) in a 1∶1 ratio. The drugs were continuously administered once a day for 12 weeks and observed for 24 weeks after drug withdrawal. The drug safety profile was assessed concurrently with the observation of the sustained virological response (SVR12) in the two patient groups 12 weeks following the drug cessation. The intention-to-treat concept was used to define as closely as possible a full analysis set, including all randomized cases who received the experimental drug at least once. The safety set was collected from all subjects who received the experimental drug at least once (regardless of whether they participated in the randomization group) in this study. All efficacy endpoints and safety profile data were summarized using descriptive statistics. The primary efficacy endpoint was SVR12. The primary analysis was performed on a full analysis set. The frequency and proportion of cases were calculated in the experimental drug group (antaitasvir phosphate capsules combined with yiqibuvir tablets) that achieved "HCV RNA

ObjectiveDetection and quantification of RNA synthesis in cells is a widely used technique for monitoring cell viability, health, and metabolic rate.After exposure to environmental stimuli, both the internal reference gene and target gene would be degraded. As a result, it is imperative to consider the accurate capture of nascent RNA and the detection of transcriptional levels of RNA following environmental stimulation. This study aims to create a Click Chemistry method that utilizes its property to capture nascent RNA from total RNA that was stimulated by the environment. MethodsThe new RNA was labeled with 5-ethyluridine (5-EU) instead of uracil, and the azido-biotin medium ligand was connected to the magnetic sphere using a combination of “Click Chemistry” and magnetic bead screening. Then the new RNA was captured and the transcription rate of 16S rRNA was detected by fluorescence molecular beacon (M.B.) and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). ResultsThe bacterial nascent RNA captured by “Click Chemistry” screening can be used as a reverse transcription template to form cDNA. Combined with the fluorescent molecular beacon M.B.1, the synthesis rate of rRNA at 37℃ is 1.2 times higher than that at 15℃. The 16S rRNA gene and cspI gene can be detected by fluorescent quantitative PCR,it was found that the measured relative gene expression changes were significantly enhanced at 25℃ and 16℃ when analyzed with nascent RNA rather than total RNA, enabling accurate detection of RNA transcription rates. ConclusionCompared to other article reported experimental methods that utilize screening magnetic columns, the technical scheme employed in this study is more suitable for bacteria, and the operation steps are simple and easy to implement, making it an effective RNA capture method for researchers.

Abstract: Objective　To investigate the pollution of paralytic shellfish poisons (PSP) in shellfish sold in Hainan Province from 2018 to 2021. Methods　From 2018 to 2021, the content of 10 paralytic shellfish poisons including saxitoxin (STX), neosaxitoxin (neoSTX), gonyautoxins 1 (GTX1), gonyautoxins 2 (GTX2), gonyautoxins 3 (GTX3), gonyautoxins 4 (GTX4), gonyautoxins 5 (GTX5), decarbamoylsaxitoxin (dcSTX), decarbamoylgonyau toxins 2 (dcGTX2) and decarbamoylgonyau toxins 3 (dcGTX3) in 7 kinds of shellfish commonly sold in 13 cities and counties in Hainan province was analyzed. Results　The detection rate of PSP in 360 shellfish samples was 10.3%. Among them, the highest detection rate of STX was 5.83%, followed by GTX2 detection rate of 4.17%; the detection rate of neoSTX and GTX3 were both 1.67%; the detection rate of GTX1 was 1.39%. None of the five PSP, GTX4, GTX5, dcSTX, dcGTX2 and dcGTX3, were detected. Four types of PSP were detected in fanscallops, two were detected in oysters, mussels and Scapharca subcrenata, only one was detected in scallops, and no toxin contamination was detected in clams and razor clams. A single sample of fanscallops detected a maximum of 4 PSP, and a single sample of oysters, scallops, mussels and Scapharca subcrenata detected a maximum of 1 PSP. The equivalence of PSP in all samples was ND-155.6 μg/kg.The annual detection rate of PSP from high to low was: 20.0% in 2020, 15.6% in 2019, 5.3% in 2018, and 2.0% in 2021, and none of the samples tested exceeded the standard. Continuously detectable STX in 2018-2020, all PSP that could be detected in 2018 were STX. In 2019, in addition to STX detected in scallops and Scapharca subcrenata, neoSTX was also detected in oysters, mussels and Scapharca subcrenata. In 2020, PSP was only detected from scallops, and GTX2 could be detected in all positive specimens, while 5 STX, 5 GTX1 and 6 GTX3 were detected. Only GTX2 detected from scallops in 2021. STX was detected in shellfish sold in 12 cities and counties, GTX2 can be detected in 10 cities and counties, neoSTX can be detected in 5 cities and counties, GTX1 and GTX2 were detected in 4 cities and counties respectively. Shellfish sold in Wenchang and Lingshui markets can detect 5 types of PSP. Conclusion　Some types of shellfish on the market in Hainan are contaminated with some kind of PSP pollution risks, and it is necessary to strengthen the supervision of PSP in marketed shellfish.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of acupuncture combined with infantile tuina on intestinal flora and its efficacy in children with tic disorders (TD), and to explore its mechanism. METHODS: A total of 15 children with TD were recruited as an observation group and 10 healthy children as a healthy control group. Regulating spleen and stomach acupuncture combined with infantile tuina were received in the observation group. First, acupuncture was applied to Zhongwan (CV 12), Tianshu (ST 25), Guanyuan (CV 4), Hegu (LI 4), Zusanli (ST 36), etc., and then abdominal massage and other tuina techniques were applied, once a day, 6 times a week, 2 weeks as a course of treatment, a total of 2 courses of treatment were required. No intervention was given in the healthy control group. In the observation group, Yale global tic severity scale (YGTSS) score and TCM syndrome score were compared before treatment and after 1 and 2 courses of treatment. 16S rRNA sequencing technology was used to detect the intestinal flora in the healthy control group and before and after treatment in the observation group. RESULTS: After 1 and 2 courses of treatment, the scores of YGTSS and TCM syndrome in the observation group were lower than those before treatment (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the healthy control group, the number of operational taxonomic units (OTU) and indexes of Chao1, Sobs, Ace and Shannon were decreased in the observation group before treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with before treatment, the number of OTU and indexes of Chao1, Sobs, Ace and Shannon were increased in the observation group after treatment (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the healthy control group, the relative abundance of Firmicutes in the observation group before treatment was decreased (P<0.001), while the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, Bacteroides and Erysipelatoclostridium was increased (P<0.001, P<0.05). Compared with before treatment, the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes in the observation group was decreased (P<0.001) after treatment, while the relative abundance of Actinobacteria, Bifidobacterium and Atopobium was increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). CONCLUSION Acupuncture combined with infantile tuina based on the principle of regulating spleen and stomach could effectively improve TD symptoms in children, which may be related to regulating the diversity of intestinal flora, increasing beneficial bacteria, maintaining intestinal microecological balance, and playing a role in improving neurological disorders.
Child ; Humans ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Spleen ; Tic Disorders

Cobalt/toxicity* ; Computational Biology ; Kidney/drug effects* ; Kidney Diseases/genetics* ; Humans