OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of rituximab （RTX） in the treatment of primary Sjögren syndrome （pSS）. METHODS Randomized controlled trials （RCTs） on the effects of RTX （trial group） versus placebo （control group） in the treatment of pSS were searched from the Cochran Library， PubMed， Embase， Medline， Web of Science， VIP， CNKI， Wanfang， and other databases during the inception to February 2024. After literature screening and quality evaluation， meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS Seven RCTs were finally included， involving a total of 518 patients. Results of meta-analysis showed that European League Against Rheumatism Sjögren syndrome disease activity index （ESSDAI） score [MD＝－1.17， 95%CI（－1.52， －0.82）， P＜0.000 01] and oral dryness visual analogue scale （VAS） score [MD＝－3.97， 95%CI （－5.08， －2.86）， P＜0.000 01] in the trial group were significantly lower than the control group； unstimulated salivary flow rate [SMD＝0.64， 95%CI（0.41， 0.87）， P＜0.000 01] and Schirmer score [MD＝0.19， 95%CI（0.18， 0.20）， P＜0.000 01] were significantly higher than the control group. There was no statistical significance in response rate [RD＝0.10， 95%CI（－0.04， 0.23）， P＝0.16]， fatigue VAS score [MD＝－12.50， 95%CI（－35.14， 10.15）， P＝0.28]， European League Against Rheumatism Sjögren syndrome patient reported index （ESSPRI） score [MD＝0.33， 95%CI（－0.53， 1.18）， P＝0.46]， Short-form 36 health survey physical component summary （SF36-PCS） score [MD＝0.90， 95%CI（－2.97， 4.78）， P＝0.65]， SF-36 mental component summary （SF36-MCS） score [MD＝0.11， 95%CI（－0.41， 0.63）， P＝0.68]， total salivary gland ultrasound score [SMD＝－1.91， 95%CI（－4.01， 0.19）， P＝0.07] or the incidence of adverse drug reactions [OR＝1.15，95%CI（0.62，2.13），P＝0.66] between 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS RTX has advantages in the improvement of ESSDAI score， unstimulated salivary flow rate， Schirmer score and oral dryness VAS score in pSS patients， and has a good safety profile. However， it did not exhibit significant improvement in fatigue VAS score， ESSPRI score， SF36-PCS score， SF36-MCS score or response rates.

Objective To predict the potential suitability distribution of Vitex negundo in China;To analyze the key environmental factors influencing its suitability distribution.Methods Based on the geographic distribution data of Vitex negundo from 196 sites across China and 55 environmental variables,the Maximum Entropy(MaxEnt)model and ArcGIS 10.2 were employed to predict the potential distribution of suitable habitats for Vitex negundo in China.Results The constructed MaxEnt prediction model demonstrated high reliability.The primary environmental factors influencing the suitable distribution of Vitex negundo included the average temperature from June to October,precipitation in April and November,the mean temperature of the warmest season,soil type,and vegetation type.The predicted suitable habitats for Vitex negundo would be widely distributed,primarily concentrated in Jiangxi,central and southern Anhui,northwestern Zhejiang,eastern and northeastern Hunan,as well as eastern and southeastern Hubei.Conclusion The predicted potential distribution of Vitex negundo in China can provide a valuable reference for the conservation and sustainable utilization of this medicinal resource.

Fused teeth are usually formed by the partial or complete fusion of two normal tooth germs during the development process and belong to dental developmental abnormalities. Fused teeth are relatively rare clinically, and those occurring in the posterior tooth area are even rarer. This article reports a case of fused teeth between the first permanent molar and the second permanent molar in the right mandible. This fused tooth had a complex root canal anatomical structure (seven root canals). The number and location of the root canals were analyzed by cone beam computed tomography, and root canal treatment was successfully completed with the assistance of microscope.
Humans ; Molar/diagnostic imaging* ; Mandible ; Dental Pulp Cavity/abnormalities* ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Root Canal Therapy/methods* ; Fused Teeth/surgery*

Sensors have been widely recognized in matrix metalloproteinases(MMP)detection for their high sensitivity,simplicity,speed and easy in vivo and vitro detection.The design thought of existing sensors is based on the structure of MMP-9 molecule or the enzyme activity to output different signals in response to sensing.In this paper,we summarize the current research status and difficulties of MMP-9 sensing detection technology,and further discuss the development prospects of MMP sensor,which will provide a reference for the detection of MMP-9 and other good biological target molecules.

Objective To predict the potential suitability distribution of Vitex negundo in China;To analyze the key environmental factors influencing its suitability distribution.Methods Based on the geographic distribution data of Vitex negundo from 196 sites across China and 55 environmental variables,the Maximum Entropy(MaxEnt)model and ArcGIS 10.2 were employed to predict the potential distribution of suitable habitats for Vitex negundo in China.Results The constructed MaxEnt prediction model demonstrated high reliability.The primary environmental factors influencing the suitable distribution of Vitex negundo included the average temperature from June to October,precipitation in April and November,the mean temperature of the warmest season,soil type,and vegetation type.The predicted suitable habitats for Vitex negundo would be widely distributed,primarily concentrated in Jiangxi,central and southern Anhui,northwestern Zhejiang,eastern and northeastern Hunan,as well as eastern and southeastern Hubei.Conclusion The predicted potential distribution of Vitex negundo in China can provide a valuable reference for the conservation and sustainable utilization of this medicinal resource.

Chronic pain refers to pain that persists or recurs for more than 3 months and has a high comorbidity rate with emotions such as depression and anxiety. The complex pathogenesis of comorbid depressive symptoms in chronic pain poses great challenges to clinical diagnosis and treatment. This article reviews the research progress on the effect mechanism on the comorbid depressive symptoms in chronic pain by traditional Chinese medicine monomers， compound formulas， and acupuncture therapy in recent years. It is found that traditional Chinese medicine monomers （flavonoids， phenols， terpenes， coumarins， alkaloids）， traditional Chinese medicine formulas （Aconitum carmichaeli decoction， Chaihu guizhi decoction， etc.）， and acupuncture therapy （acupuncture at acupoints such as Baihui， Yintang， Hegu， and Taichong） can effectively improve comorbid depressive symptoms in chronic pain by regulating the levels of neurotransmitters， brain-derived neurotrophic factors and inflammatory factors， and the activity of glial cells in the central nervous system.

ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanism of Bimin Formula （鼻敏方） in treating lung-spleen qi deficiency syndrome of allergic rhinitis （AR） with high mucin secretion. MethodsThirty-four SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group （8 rats）， a model group （8 rats）， a low-dose Bimin Formula group （8 rats）， and a high-dose Bimin Formula group （10 rats）. Except for the blank group， the other groups were subjected to AR lung-spleen qi deficiency rat models induced by smoking， gavage of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract， and ovalbumin. After modeling， rats in the low- and high-dose Bimin Formula groups were given Bimin Formula concentrate （concentration of 2.16 g/ml） by gavage at doses of 1.08 g/100 g and 2.16 g/100 g， respectively， while rats in the model group were given 0.5 ml/100 g of normal saline by gavage， once daily for 28 days； the blank group was not intervened. Behavioral assessments were performed after intervention. ELISA was used to detect the levels of peripheral blood total immunoglobulin E （IgE）. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of nasal mucosa epithelium in rats， while immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of transmembrane protein 16A （TMEM16A） and mucin 5AC （MUC5AC） protein in nasal mucosa. Western Blot was used to detect the expression of nuclear factor kappa B （NF-κB） protein， and RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of TMEM16A， MUC5AC， and NF-κB mRNA in nasal mucosa. ResultsHE staining showed that the nasal mucosa epithelial cell structure in the blank group was intact without shedding， swelling， or necrosis； the nasal mucosa epithelial tissue of rats in the model group was thickened and partially shed， with infiltration of eosinophils and lymphocytes visible； the pathological changes in nasal mucosa tissue of rats in the high- and low-dose Bimin Formulagroups were improved， and more improvement was showen in the high-dose group. Compared with those in the blank group， the behavioral scores and peripheral blood total IgE levels of rats in the model group significantly increased， as well as the expression of TMEM16A， MUC5AC， and NF-κB proteins and mRNA in nasal mucosa （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with those in the model group， the behavioral scores and peripheral blood total IgE levels of rats in the high-dose Bimin Formula group decreased， and the expression of TMEM16A， MUC5AC， and NF-κB proteins and mRNA in nasal mucosaalso decreased （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）； the behavioral scores and peripheral blood total IgE levels of rats in the low-dose Bimin Formula group were reduced， and the expression of TMEM16A and MUC5AC proteins and mRNA in nasal mucosa， as well as the expression of NF-κB protein decreased （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）， but the difference in NF-κB mRNA expression was not statistically significant （P＞0.05）. Compared with the low-dose Bimin Formula group， the expression of NF-κB protein in the high-dose group decreased （P＜0.01）. ConclusionBimin Formula may improve the symptoms and high mucus secretion of AR lung-spleen qi deficiency by regulating the TMEM16A/NF-κB/MUC5AC signaling pathway in nasalmucosa.

OBJECTIVE: Evidence that long-term exposure to ambient air pollution increases mortality among older adults, particularly those residing in low-level air pollution locations, remains scarce. This study investigated the potential links between long-term low-level air pollution exposure and mortality among Chinese older adults. METHODS: A population-based study with 317,464 individuals aged ≥ 65 years was conducted in Shenzhen, China during 2018 and 2020. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the associations between long-term exposure to air pollution and all-cause mortality, as the primary outcome, as well as non-accidental, cancer and cardiovascular mortality. RESULTS: Significant associations of PM ₁, PM _2.5, PM ₁₀, SO ₂, CO, and O ₃ exposures with a higher risk of all-cause mortality were found. Adjusted odds ratio ( OR) for each 1 µg/m ³ increment was 1.49 [95% confidence interval ( CI): 1.46, 1.53] for PM ₁, 1.30 (1.27, 1.32) for PM _2.5, 1.05 (1.04, 1.06) for PM ₁₀, 5.84 (5.39, 6.32) for SO ₂, 1.04 (1.04, 1.05) for CO, and 1.02 (1.00, 1.03) for O ₃, respectively. Long-term PM ₁, PM _2.5, PM ₁₀, SO ₂, and CO exposures also elevated the risks of non-accidental, cancer and cardiovascular mortality. CONCLUSION Long-term low-level air pollution exposure was associated with an increased mortality risk among Chinese older adults.
Humans ; Aged ; China/epidemiology* ; Male ; Female ; Air Pollution/adverse effects* ; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects* ; Air Pollutants/analysis* ; Aged, 80 and over ; Particulate Matter/adverse effects* ; Cardiovascular Diseases/mortality* ; Mortality ; Neoplasms/mortality* ; East Asian People

BACKGROUND: The brain is a common metastatic site in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), resulting in a relatively poor prognosis. Systemic therapy with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is recommended as the first-line treatment for EGFR -mutated, advanced NSCLC patients. However, intracranial activity varies in different drugs. Thus, brain metastasis (BM) should be considered when choosing the treatment regimens. We conducted this network meta-analysis to explore the optimal first-line therapeutic schedule for advanced EGFR -mutated NSCLC patients with different BM statuses. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials focusing on EGFR-TKIs (alone or in combination) in advanced and EGFR -mutant NSCLC patients, who have not received systematic treatment, were systematically searched up to December 2021. We extracted and analyzed progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). A network meta-analysis was performed with the Bayesian statistical model to determine the survival outcomes of all included therapy regimens using the R software. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to compare intervention measures, and overall rankings of therapies were estimated under the Bayesian framework. RESULTS: This analysis included 17 RCTs with 5077 patients and 12 therapies, including osimertinib + bevacizumab, aumolertinib, osimertinib, afatinib, dacomitinib, standards of care (SoC, including gefitinib, erlotinib, or icotinib), SoC + apatinib, SoC + bevacizumab, SoC + ramucirumab, SoC + pemetrexed based chemotherapy (PbCT), PbCT, and pemetrexed free chemotherapy (PfCT). For patients with BM, SoC + PbCT improved PFS compared with SoC (HR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.17-0.95), and osimertinib + bevacizumab was most likely to rank first in PFS, with a cumulative probability of 34.5%, followed by aumolertinib, with a cumulative probability of 28.3%. For patients without BM, osimertinib + bevacizumab, osimertinib, aumolertinib, SoC + PbCT, dacomitinib, SoC + ramucirumab, SoC + bevacizumab, and afatinib showed superior efficacy compared with SoC (HR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.20-0.90; HR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.31-0.68; HR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.34-0.77; HR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.38-0.66; HR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.43-0.89; HR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.44-0.94; HR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.48-0.76; HR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.50-1.00), PbCT (HR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.11-0.74; HR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.15-0.62; HR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.17-0.69; HR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.18-0.64; HR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.21-0.82; HR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.22-0.87; HR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.22-0.74; HR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.31-0.75), and PfCT (HR = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.06-0.32; HR = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.09-0.26; HR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.09-0.29; HR = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.10-0.26; HR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.12-0.35; HR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.12-0.39; HR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.12-0.31; HR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.16-0.34) in terms of PFS. And, SoC + apatinib showed relatively superior PFS when compared with PbCT (HR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.22-0.92) and PfCT (HR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.12-0.39), but similar PFS to SoC (HR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.42-1.03). No statistical differences were observed for PFS in patients without BM between PbCT and SoC (HR = 1.49, 95% CI: 0.84-2.64), but both showed favorable PFS when compared with PfCT (PfCT vs. SoC, HR = 3.09, 95% CI: 2.06-4.55; PbCT vs. PfCT, HR = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.06-0.32). For patients without BM, osimertinib + bevacizumab was most likely to rank the first, with cumulative probabilities of 47.1%. For OS, SoC + PbCT was most likely to rank first in patients with and without BM, with cumulative probabilities of 46.8%, and 37.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION Osimertinib + bevacizumab is most likely to rank first in PFS in advanced EGFR -mutated NSCLC patients with or without BM, and SoC + PbCT is most likely to rank first in OS.
Humans ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/metabolism* ; Afatinib/therapeutic use* ; Lung Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Bevacizumab/therapeutic use* ; Bayes Theorem ; Network Meta-Analysis ; Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use* ; Pemetrexed/therapeutic use* ; ErbB Receptors/genetics* ; Brain Neoplasms/genetics* ; Mutation/genetics*

Objective:To analyze measurement results of serum allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) in patients with eczema/dermatitis.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on serum allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in 3 051 patients with eczema/dermatitis, who visited the allergy clinic of Huashan Hospital from April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022. The serum allergen-specific IgE level was detected by using the Phadia allergen detection system, and positive rates of allergens were calculated to determine common inhaled allergens and food allergens in patients with eczema/dermatitis. Comparisons of enumeration data between groups were performed by chi-square test.Results:Among the 3 051 patients with eczema/dermatitis, there were 1 412 with atopic dermatitis and 1 639 were other eczema/dermatitis. Detection of serum allergen-specific IgE showed that 1 629 (53%) patients were positive for allergens, and the number of positive allergen-specific IgEs in each patient was 3.0 ± 1.6. The top 3 common inhaled allergens in patients with eczema/dermatitis were Dermatophagoides farinae (904/1 522, 59%) , Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (891/1 513, 59%) and Alternaria alternata (206/1 068, 19%) , and the top 3 common food allergens were shrimps (251/1 432, 18%) , egg white (165/992, 17%) and cow milk (149/994, 15%) . Among the 3 051 patients, 25 (1%) were aged < 2 years, 571 (19%) aged 2 - 12 years, 285 (9%) aged 12 - 18 years, and 2 170 (71%) were aged > 18 years. The most common food allergens were both egg white in the age groups of < 2 years and 2 -12 years (77%, 37%, respectively) , and were both shrimps in the age groups of 12 - 18 years and > 18 years (31%, 17%, respectively) . Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farina were the top 2 common inhaled allergens in all age groups, with the positive rate ranging from 36% to 84%; in addition, the positive rate of molds was relatively high in the age group of 2 - 12 years (mold mixture: 37%; Alternaria alternata: 27%) . From April 2021 to March 2022, the positive rate of outdoor allergens ranged from 10% to 15% among outpatients in every month; the positive rates of tree pollen and grass pollen increased from April 2021, and peaked in October 2021. The patients with atopic dermatitis showed a significantly increased positive rate of allergens (73%) compared with those with other eczema/dermatitis (37%, χ2 = 389.36, P<0.001) , and the rank of common allergens in the patients with atopic dermatitis was basically the same as that in those with eczema/dermatitis. Conclusions:The common allergens were Dermatophagoides farina, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Alternaria alternata in the patients with eczema/dermatitis. Food allergy was more common in infant patients, and inhalation allergy was more common in child, adolescent and adult patients. The positive rate of allergen-specific IgEs was markedly higher in the patients with atopic dermatitis than in those with other eczema/dermatitis.