Jiuwei Xifeng Granules have become a Chinese patent medicine in the market. Because the formula contains Os Draconis, a top-level protected fossil of ancient organisms, the formula was to be improved by replacing Os Draconis with Ostreae Concha. To evaluate whether the improved formula has the same effectiveness and safety as the original formula, a randomized, double-blind, parallel-controlled, equivalence clinical trial was conducted. This study enrolled 288 tic disorder(TD) of children and assigned them into two groups in 1∶1. The treatment group and control group took the modified formula and original formula, respectively. The treatment lasted for 6 weeks, and follow-up visits were conducted at weeks 2, 4, and 6. The primary efficacy endpoint was the difference in Yale global tic severity scale(YGTSS)-total tic severity(TTS) score from baseline after 6 weeks of treatment. The results showed that after 6 weeks of treatment, the declines in YGTSS-TSS score showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. The difference in YGTSS-TSS score(treatment group-control group) and the 95%CI of the full analysis set(FAS) were-0.17[-1.42, 1.08] and those of per-protocol set(PPS) were 0.29[-0.97, 1.56], which were within the equivalence boundary [-3, 3]. The equivalence test was therefore concluded. The two groups showed no significant differences in the secondary efficacy endpoints of effective rate for TD, total score and factor scores of YGTSS, clinical global impressions-severity(CGI-S) score, traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) response rate, or symptom disappearance rate, and thus a complete evidence chain with the primary outcome was formed. A total of 6 adverse reactions were reported, including 4(2.82%) cases in the treatment group and 2(1.41%) cases in the control group, which showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. No serious suspected unexpected adverse reactions were reported, and no laboratory test results indicated serious clinically significant abnormalities. The results support the replacement of Os Draconis by Ostreae Concha in the original formula, and the efficacy and safety of the modified formula are consistent with those of the original formula.
Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Double-Blind Method ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Tic Disorders/drug therapy* ; Treatment Outcome

The antidepressant activity and molecular mechanisms of Yueju Wan volatile oil were investigated. The Yueju Wan volatile oil was extracted by using supercritical CO_2. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS) combined with network pharmacology identified 28 chemical constituents in Yueju Wan volatile oil, primarily terpenes and lactones. A total of 123 overlapping targets were associated with depression, including core targets of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), and caspase-3(CASP3). These targets were mainly involved in the prolactin, advanced glycation end products/receptor(AGE/RAGE), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt) signaling pathways. A reserpine-induced depression mouse model was established to evaluate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Yueju Wan volatile oil. The effects of Yueju Wan volatile oil on depression-like behavior in mice were evaluated by analyzing body mass, body temperature index, tail suspension immobility time, forced swimming immobility time, and sucrose preference. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining revealed neuronal protection of Yueju Wan volatile oil in the brain of mice. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) and Western blot were employed to detect the protein expression of AGEs, IL-1β, phosphorylated PI3K(p-PI3K), Akt, phosphorylated Akt(p-Akt), nuclear factor κB(NF-κB), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF). Behavioral evaluation showed that Yueju Wan volatile oil could effectively control the decline of body mass and body temperature of depressed mice, reduce tail suspension and swimming immobility time, and enhance their preference for sucrose. Histopathological examination showed that Yueju Wan volatile oil could alleviate the neuronal damage in CA1 and dentate gyrus(DG) of the hippocampus of mice. ELISA and Western blot results showed that Yueju Wan volatile oil could significantly increase the protein expression levels of PI3K, Akt, and BDNF and significantly decrease the protein expression levels of AGEs, IL-1β, p-PI3K, p-Akt, and NF-κB in the hippocampus of mice. Furthermore, the p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt ratios were significantly decreased at medium and high doses. These findings suggest that the aromatherapy of Yueju Wan volatile oil can significantly improve reserpine-induced depression-like behavior in mice, which may be related to reducing the expression of neuronal membrane protein AGEs, reducing the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and Akt, inhibiting NF-κB entry into the nucleus, and alleviating the release of pro-inflammatory factors and nerve injury.
Animals ; Antidepressive Agents/chemistry* ; Mice ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/immunology* ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/immunology* ; Oils, Volatile/chemistry* ; Male ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Depression/metabolism* ; Glycation End Products, Advanced/immunology* ; Humans

OBJECTIVE: CRISPR-Cas protects bacteria from exogenous DNA invasion and is associated with bacterial biofilm formation and pathogenicity. METHODS: We analyzed the type I-F CRISPR-Cas system of Legionella pneumophila WX48, including Cas1, Cas2-Cas3, Csy1, Csy2, Csy3, and Cas6f, along with downstream CRISPR arrays. We explored the effects of the CRISPR-Cas system on the in vitro growth, biofilm-forming ability, and pathogenicity of L. pneumophila through constructing gene deletion mutants. RESULTS: The type I-F CRISPR-Cas system did not affect the in vitro growth of wild-type or mutant strains. The biofilm formation and intracellular proliferation of the mutant strains were weaker than those of the wild type owing to the regulation of type IV pili and Dot/Icm type IV secretion systems. In particular, Cas6f deletion strongly inhibited these processes. CONCLUSION The type I-F CRISPR-Cas system may reduce biofilm formation and intracellular proliferation in L. pneumophila.
Legionella pneumophila/pathogenicity* ; CRISPR-Cas Systems ; Biofilms/growth & development* ; Phenotype ; Bacterial Proteins/metabolism* ; Gene Deletion

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of transrectal contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for rectal cancer with intestinal stenosis caused by tumors. Methods Forty-nine patients with rectal cancer underwent transrectal CEUS and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before surgery.Intraoperative tumor localization and postoperative pathological results were taken as the gold standard for diagnosis.The differences in T stage,localization,and tumor length of rectal cancer were compared between the two methods. Results The total accuracy rates of transrectal CEUS and MRI in diagnosing T stage were 75.5% (36/49) and 67.3% (33/49),which had no significant difference (χ²=0.8,P=0.371).The total accuracy rates of transrectal CEUS and MRI in judging tumor localization were 79.5% (39/49) and 77.5% (38/49),which had no significant difference (χ²=0.061,P=0.806).The measurement results of tumor length in pathological examination had no significant difference from the transrectal CEUS results (t=1.42,P=0.162) but a significant difference from the MRI results (t=3.38,P=0.001).Furthermore,transrectal CEUS detected 8 (16.3%) cases of colonic polyps among the 49 patients,while MRI did not detect colon lesions. Conclusions Transrectal CEUS has good consistency with MRI in T staging and localization judgement of rectal cancer with intestinal stenosis,and this method can more accurately evaluate the tumor length and simultaneously evaluate whether there is a lesion in the entire colon at the proximal end of stenosis.It can be used as a supplementary examination before rectal cancer treatment in clinical practice.
Humans ; Rectal Neoplasms/complications* ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Female ; Aged ; Contrast Media ; Ultrasonography ; Adult ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Constriction, Pathologic/diagnostic imaging* ; Aged, 80 and over ; Intestinal Obstruction/etiology*

Diffuse pediatric-type high-grade glioma (pHGG), H3- and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-wild-type, is a World Health Organization (WHO) grade 4 diffuse glioma with malignant histological features, which typically affects in children and adolescents. This multidisciplinary treatment case involves a 24-year-old young female patient initially diagnosed via biopsy. After concurrent chemoradiotherapy reduced the tumor size, complete resection was achieved, followed by adjuvant therapy with temozolomide and regorafenib. After recurrence, the tumor was resected again, and a second course of radiotherapy was administered, but the disease ultimately progressed rapidly, with an overall survival exceeding 32 months. pHGGs are highly malignant, aggressive, and associated with poor prognosis. Accurate diagnosis and targeted intervention require close collaboration among a multidisciplinary team, which highlights the critical value of multidisciplinary manage-ment in clinical practice.

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor(rhGM-CSF)combined with bifidobacterium in the treatment of oral mucositis after chemotherapy.Methods A total of 60 post-chemotherapy patients with oral mucositis admitted to Ganzhou Cancer Hospital of Jiangxi Province from January 2023 to December 2024 were selected as subjects,the patients were divided into observation group(n=30)and control group(n=30)by using a randomized digital table method.The control group received rhGM-CSF mouthwash treatment,while the observation group was additionally administered bifidobacterium-lactobacillus triple live capsules orally.Clinical efficacy,symptom scores,inflammatory factor levels,oral microbiota indicators,and treatment safety were evaluated after 2 weeks of treatment.Results After treatment,the total effective rate in observation group was significantly higher than that in control group(P＜0.05).Post-treatment evaluations showed that patients in observation group exhibited lower scores for edema,congestion,and ulceration,along with reduced pain visual analog scores and decreased levels of inflammatory markers including Toll-like receptor 4,lectin-3,and interleukin-8,the difference were statistically significant(P＜0.05).After treatment,the oral microecological flora of patients in observation group,including lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacterium,were higher than that of control group,while porphyromonas gingivalis and fusetella were lower than that of control group,the difference were statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion The clinical effect of rhGM-CSF combined with bifidobacterium in the treatment of oral mucositis after chemotherapy was significant,which could reduce various symptoms of patients,inhibit inflammatory factors,improve oral microecology,and have good safety.

Herpes zoster (HZ) and its complications remain one of the major public health problems threatening human health. Four HZ vaccines are currently licensed for commercial use worldwide, while novel HZ vaccine candidates based on diverse technological platforms are in different stages of development. Enhancing public understanding of the effectiveness and safety of HZ vaccines is particularly crucial for increasing vaccine coverage and reducing vaccine hesitancy. This article introduces the overview of licensed HZ vaccines with a focus on elucidating the effectiveness and safety of HZ vaccines in immunocompetent and immunocompromised populations, in order to provide a scientific basis for the deployment of HZ vaccination.

Although myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-IgG is a biological marker for diagnosing MOG antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), the specificity of MOG-IgG in disease diagnosis remains controversial. In clinical practice, there is significant heterogeneity in MOGAD patients with low titer of MOG-IgG and low titer MOG-IgG can even be detected in asymptomatic populations. At the same time, MOG-IgG-positive individuals often combine with the positivity of other multiple autoimmune antibodies in the nervous system. Therefore, the relationship between MOG-IgG and MOGAD is complex, and the pathogenesis of MOGAD may involve immune factors other than MOG-IgG. This article reviews the research progress of MOGAD combined with other neuroimmune antibodies, assisting in the early identification and treatment of such diseases by clinical physicians in the future.

Objective:To explore the clinical symptoms, imaging characteristics, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) features, as well as the treatment and prognosis of autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) astrocytopathy.Methods:Sixty-one patients with anti-GFAP astrocyte antibody (GFAP-IgG) single-positive autoimmune encephalitis who were treated at the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University between January 2017 and September 2023 were retrospectively collected. The demographic characteristics (age at onset, sex), clinical symptoms (core symptoms, neurological deficits, psychiatric behavioral abnormalities, and autonomic dysfunction), imaging features [brain/spinal cord/optic nerve magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesion distribution and enhancement patterns], and CSF parameters were analyzed. Acute-phase treatments, including methylprednisolone pulse therapy, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), etc, along with the follow-up outcomes [modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score] were recorded.Results:The onset age was 40 (30, 55) years, and 68.9% (42/61) of the patients were male. The most common clinical manifestations were fever (65.6%, 40/61), headache (60.7%, 37/61), and urinary/defecatory abnormalities (45.9%, 28/61). Brain MRI revealed lesions predominantly in the cerebral cortex and subcortical white matter (57.4%, 35/61), periventricular white matter (50.8%, 31/61), and basal ganglia (36.1%, 22/61). Periventricular linear-radiating enhancement was the predominant MRI enhancement pattern (55.7%, 34/61). Spinal MRI showed lesions mainly in the cervical (42.6%, 26/61) and thoracic spinal cord (32.8%, 30/61), with leptomeningeal enhancement (31.1%, 19/61) and scattered punctate/patchy enhancements (21.3%, 13/61). Optic neuropathy was observed in 6 cases (9.8%). CSF analysis demonstrated a pressure of 180 (133, 240) mmH 2O (1 mmH 2O=0.009 8 kPa), white blood cell count of 29 (4, 156)×10?/L, and protein level of 0.72 (0.40, 1.44) g/L. Nineteen patients (31.1%) experienced rapid progression of meningoencephalitis or myelitis within 3 days of admission. All patients received methylprednisolone pulse therapy, with 47.5% (29/61) additionally treated with IVIG. At a follow-up of 12 (3, 28) months, 12 cases (19.7%) relapsed, and 75.4% (46/61) had favorable outcomes (mRS score 0-2). Poor prognosis (mRS score>2) was observed in 4 cases, including 3 with cervical spinal cord involvement and status epilepticus, 1 elderly patient with lung cancer. Conclusions:GFAP astrocytopathy predominantly affects young adults, with a male predominance. Spinal cord involvement is common, manifesting as myelitis and myelopathy. Rapid progression of meningoencephalitis or myelitis may occur early in the disease course. Periventricular linear-radiating enhancement on brain MRI is a key diagnostic clue. Leukocyte and protein levels in the cerebrospinal fluid are generally mildly to moderately elevated. Most patients respond well to corticosteroids and immunotherapy, with favorable outcomes. However, advanced age and cervical spinal cord involvement are associated with poor prognosis.