Objective:To analyze the methylation characteristics of the lymphocyte-specific protein-tyrosine kinase (LCK) promoter region in the peripheral blood circulation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and its correlation with clinical indicators.Methods:Targeted methylation sequencing was used to compare the methylation levels of 7 CpG sites in the LCK promoter region in the peripheral blood of RA patients with healthy controls (HC) and osteoarthritis (OA) patients. Correlation analysis and ROC curve construction were performed with clinical information.Results:Non-parametric tests revealed that compared with HC [0.53(0.50, 0.57)] and OA patients [0.59(0.54, 0.62), H=47.17, P<0.001], RA patients [0.63(0.59, 0.68)] exhibited an overall increase in methylation levels. Simultaneously, when compared with the HC group [0.38(0.35, 0.41), 0.59(0.55, 0.63), 0.60(0.55, 0.64), 0.59(0.55, 0.63), 0.58(0.53, 0.62), 0.45(0.43, 0.49), 0.57(0.54, 0.61)], the RA group [0.46(0.42, 0.49), 0.70(0.65, 0.75), 0.70(0.66, 0.76), 0.70(0.65, 0.75), 0.69(0.64, 0.74), 0.55(0.51, 0.59), 0.68(0.63, 0.73)] showed a significant elevation in methylation levels at CpG sites cg05350315_60, cg05350315_80, cg05350315_95, cg05350315_101, cg05350315_104, cg05350315_128, and cg05350315_142, with statistically significant differences ( Z=-5.63, -5.89, -5.91, -5.89, -5.98, -5.95, -5.95, all P<0.001). Compared with the OA group [0.65(0.59, 0.69), 0.65(0.60, 0.69), 0.64(0.58, 0.68), 0.50(0.45, 0.54), 0.63(0.58, 0.67)], the RA group [0.70(0.66, 0.76), 0.70(0.65, 0.75), 0.69(0.64, 0.74), 0.55(0.51, 0.59), 0.68(0.63, 0.73)] exhibited a significant increase in methylation levels at CpG sites cg05350315_95, cg05350315_101, cg05350315_104, cg05350315_128, and cg05350315_142, with statistically significant differences ( Z=-3.56, -3.52, -3.60, -3.67, -3.62; P=0.036, 0.042, 0.031, 0.030, 0.030). Furthermore, Pearson correlation coefficient analysis revealed a positive correlation between the overall methylation level in this region and C-reactive protein (CRP) ( r=0.19, P=0.004) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( r=0.14, P=0.035). The overall methylation level of the LCK promoter region in the CRP (low) group [0.63 (0.58, 0.68)] was higher than that in the CRP (high) group [0.65(0.61, 0.70)], with statistically significant differences ( Z=2.60, P=0.009). Finally, by constru-cting a ROC curve, the discriminatory efficacy of peripheral blood LCK promoter region methylation levels for identifying RA patients, especially seronegative RA patients, from HC and OA groups was validated, with an AUC value of 0.78 (95% CI: 0.63, 0.93). Conclusion:This study provides insights into the methylation status and methylation haplotype patterns of the LCK promoter region in the peripheral blood of RA patients. The overall methylation level in this region is positively correlated with the level of inflammation and can be used to differentiate seronegative RA patients from the HC and OA patients.

Objective To investigate the relationship between systemic immune-inflammation index (SII)and lower extremity vascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 390 T2DM patients admitted in our department from January 2013 to January 2024.According to the diagnostic criteria for lower extremity vascular disease in T2DM patients,they were divided into a lower extremity vascular disease group (n=158)and a control group (n=232).General data and results of laboratory tests were compared between the 2 groups.Spearman correlation analysis was used to identify the related factors for lower extremity vascular diseases in T2DM patients.The correlation between SII and lower extremity vascular diseases in T2DM patients was analyzed using the Row Mean Scores and Cochran-Armitage Trend analysis.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to identify the risk factors for lower limb vascular lesions in T2DM patients.Receiver operating characteristic (ROC)curve was plotted to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of SII for lower extremity vascular disease in the patients.Results Compared with T2DMpatients without lower extremity vascular disease,those with lower extremity vascular disease were older,had higher levels of total cholesterol (TC),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C),SII,larger proportion of carotid vascular lesions,and increased proportion of no-taking statins.The lower extremity vascular disease in T2DM patients was positively correlated with SII/100 (r=0.429,P<0.001),age (r=0.517,P<0.001),TC (r=0.161,P=0.001),LDL-C (r=0.117,P=0.021),carotid artery lesions (r=0.101,P=0.047),no-taking statins (r=0.266,P<0.001).Logistic regression analysis showed that SII,age,LDL-C,and no-taking statins were the risk factors for lower extremity vascular lesions in T2DM patients (P<0.01).The area under the curve (AUC)value of SII combined with age,LDL-C,and no-taking statins in predicting lower extremity vascular disease in T2DM patients was 0.896.Conclusion SII is not only a risk factor,but also a simple marker for lower extremity vascular disease in T2DM patients,suggesting that inflammatory response plays an important role in the occurrence and development of lower extremity vascular disease in T2DM.

As a potential vectored vaccine,Newcastle disease virus(NDV)has been subject to various studies for vaccine development,while relatively little research has outlined the immunomodulatory effect of the virus in antigen presentation.To elucidate the key inhibitory factor in regulating the interaction of infected dendritic cells(DCs)and T cells,DCs were pretreated with the NDV vaccine strain LaSota as an inhibitor and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide(LPS)for further detection by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),flow cytometry,immunoblotting,and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR).The results revealed that NDV infection resulted in the inhibition of interleukin(IL)-12p40 in DCs through a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)-dependent manner,thus inhibiting the synthesis of IL-12p70,leading to the reduction in T cell proliferation and the secretion of interferon-γ(IFN-γ),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and IL-6 induced by DCs.Consequently,downregulated cytokines accelerated the infection and viral transmission from DCs to T cells.Furthermore,several other strains of NDV also exhibited inhibitory activity.The current study reveals that NDV can modulate the intensity of the innate?adaptive immune cell crosstalk critically toward viral invasion improvement,highlighting a novel mechanism of virus-induced immunosuppression and providing new perspectives on the improvement of NDV-vectored vaccine.

Objective To investigate the incidence rate,clinical characteristics,and prognosis of neonatal stroke in Shenzhen,China.Methods Led by Shenzhen Children's Hospital,the Shenzhen Neonatal Data Collaboration Network organized 21 institutions to collect 36 cases of neonatal stroke from January 2020 to December 2022.The incidence,clinical characteristics,treatment,and prognosis of neonatal stroke in Shenzhen were analyzed.Results The incidence rate of neonatal stroke in 21 hospitals from 2020 to 2022 was 1/15 137,1/6 060,and 1/7 704,respectively.Ischemic stroke accounted for 75％(27/36);boys accounted for 64％(23/36).Among the 36 neonates,31(86％)had disease onset within 3 days after birth,and 19(53％)had convulsion as the initial presentation.Cerebral MRI showed that 22 neonates(61％)had left cerebral infarction and 13(36％)had basal ganglia infarction.Magnetic resonance angiography was performed for 12 neonates,among whom 9(75％)had involvement of the middle cerebral artery.Electroencephalography was performed for 29 neonates,with sharp waves in 21 neonates(72％)and seizures in 10 neonates(34％).Symptomatic/supportive treatment varied across different hospitals.Neonatal Behavioral Neurological Assessment was performed for 12 neonates(33％,12/36),with a mean score of(32±4)points.The prognosis of 27 neonates was followed up to around 12 months of age,with 44％(12/27)of the neonates having a good prognosis.Conclusions Ischemic stroke is the main type of neonatal stroke,often with convulsions as the initial presentation,involvement of the middle cerebral artery,sharp waves on electroencephalography,and a relatively low neurodevelopment score.Symptomatic/supportive treatment is the main treatment method,and some neonates tend to have a poor prognosis.

Objective:Novel research and development institutions are crucial strategic forces for technological innovation in the new era. This article analyzed the problems faced by novel research and development institutions in medicine field during their construction and operation, and proposed solutions and countermeasure suggestions, aiming to provide theoretical and practical guidance for their future development.Methods:The author summarized the construction experience of similar institutions domestic and international through literature research and multiple case studies, and explored and analyzed the operation and management mechanisms of novel research and development institutions based on the practice of Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory.Results:The construction of novel research and development institutions in medicine field faced various problems, such as the existence of blind spots in policy support, limited attractiveness to high-level talents, weak self-renewal capabilities, and inadequate incentive and evaluation systems. It was necessary to establish a management model and operation system that were different from those of traditional research and development institutions.Conclusions:Novel research and development institutions in the medical field should fully leverage their systemic advantages to establish efficient management and incentive systems, build a suitable talent pool, and strengthen the transformation of scientific and technological achievements. Government departments at all levels should provide a comprehensive package of policy support, offer stable financial investment during the initial construction phase, and design appropriate evaluation systems.

Objective: To investigate current use of oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy and influencing factors among coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) in China. Methods: Results of this study derived from "China Atrial Fibrillation Registry Study", the study prospectively enrolled atrial fibrillation (AF) patients from 31 hospitals, and patients with valvular AF or treated with catheter ablation were excluded. Baseline data such as age, sex and type of atrial fibrillation were collected, and drug history, history of concomitant diseases, laboratory results and echocardiography results were recorded. CHA₂DS₂-VASc score and HAS-BLED score were calculated. The patients were followed up at the 3rd and 6th months after enrollment and every 6 months thereafter. Patients were divided according to whether they had coronary artery disease and whether they took OAC. Results: 11 067 NVAF patients fulfilling guideline criteria for OAC treatment were included in this study, including 1 837 patients with CAD. 95.4% of NVAF patients with CAD had CHA₂DS₂-VASc score≥2, and 59.7% of patients had HAS-BLED≥3, which was significantly higher than NVAF patients without CAD (P<0.001). Only 34.6% of NVAF patients with CAD were treated with OAC at enrollment. The proportion of HAS-BLED≥3 in the OAC group was significantly lower than in the no-OAC group (36.7% vs. 71.8%, P<0.001). After adjustment with multivariable logistic regression analysis, thromboembolism(OR=2.48,95%CI 1.50-4.10,P<0.001), left atrial diameter≥40 mm(OR=1.89,95%CI 1.23-2.91,P=0.004), stain use (OR=1.83,95%CI 1.01-3.03, P=0.020) and β blocker use (OR=1.74,95%CI 1.13-2.68,P=0.012)were influence factors of OAC treatment. However, the influence factors of no-OAC use were female(OR=0.54,95%CI 0.34-0.86,P=0.001), HAS-BLED≥3 (OR=0.33,95%CI 0.19-0.57,P<0.001), and antiplatelet drug(OR=0.04,95%CI 0.03-0.07,P<0.001). Conclusion: The rate of OAC treatment in NVAF patients with CAD is still low and needs to be further improved. The training and assessment of medical personnel should be strengthened to improve the utilization rate of OAC in these patients.
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Atrial Fibrillation/drug therapy* ; Coronary Artery Disease/complications* ; Anticoagulants/therapeutic use* ; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors/therapeutic use* ; Risk Factors ; China ; Administration, Oral ; Stroke

It has attracted much attention worldwide that the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in primary screening and clinical diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases. In recent years, this technology has also been widely used in various grass-roots eye disease management, effectively improving the current situation of weak eye disease diagnosis ability and shortage of human resources in primary medical institutions. At present, there is no reference standard or guideline for the management mode, implementation content and management method of vision health management based on this technology, which are in urgent need of standardization. The article described the work mode exploration of AI-assisted grass-roots visual health management in Shanghai and shared practical experience. The aim is to provide reference for other provinces in China to carry out relevant work.
Humans ; Artificial Intelligence ; China ; Reference Standards ; Workforce

Nine compounds were isolated from the 90% ethanol extract of Salacia polysperma by silica gel, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, together with preparative HPLC methods. Based on HR-ESI-MS, MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectral analyses, the structures of the nine compounds were identified as 28-hydroxy wilforlide B(1), wilforlide A(2), 1β,3β-dihydroxyurs-9(11),12-diene(3),(-)-epicatechin(4),(+)-catechin(5),(-)-4'-O-methyl-ent-galloepicatechin(6), 3-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-phenyl)propan-1-one(7),(-)-(7S,8R)-4-hydroxy-3,3',5'-trimethoxy-8',9'-dinor-8,4'-oxyneoligna-7,9-diol-7'-aldehyde(8), and vanillic acid(9). Compound 1 is a new oleanane-type triterpene lactone. Compounds 1, 3, 4, 7-9 were isolated from the Salacia genus for the first time. All compounds were assayed for their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. The results suggested that compound 8 exhibited moderate α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, with an IC_(50) value of 37.2 μmol·L~(-1), and the other compounds showed no α-glucosidase inhibitory activity.
Salacia/chemistry* ; alpha-Glucosidases ; Triterpenes/pharmacology* ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; Ethanol ; Molecular Structure

BACKGROUND: Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and prior stroke history have a high risk of cardiovascular events despite anticoagulation therapy. It is unclear whether catheter ablation (CA) has further benefits in these patients. METHODS: AF patients with a previous history of stroke or systemic embolism (SE) from the prospective Chinese Atrial Fibrillation Registry study between August 2011 and December 2020 were included in the analysis. Patients were matched in a 1:1 ratio to CA or medical treatment (MT) based on propensity score. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause death or ischemic stroke (IS)/SE. RESULTS: During a total of 4.1 ± 2.3 years of follow-up, the primary outcome occurred in 111 patients in the CA group (3.3 per 100 person-years) and in 229 patients in the MT group (5.7 per 100 person-years). The CA group had a lower risk of the primary outcome compared to the MT group [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.47-0.74, P < 0.001]. There was a significant decreasing risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.31-0.61, P < 0.001), IS/SE (HR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.54-0.97, P = 0.033), cardiovascular mortality (HR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.19-0.54, P < 0.001) and AF recurrence (HR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.30-0.37, P < 0.001) in the CA group compared to that in the MT group. Sensitivity analysis generated consistent results when adjusting for time-dependent usage of anticoagulants. CONCLUSIONS In AF patients with a prior stroke history, CA was associated with a lower combined risk of all-cause death or IS/SE. Further clinical trials are warranted to confirm the benefits of CA in these patients.

Objective:To observe any dependence of anticipatory postural adjustment (APA) on the difficulty of fine upper limb tasks and to document any effect of reticulospinal tract (RST) facilitation on APAs during such tasks.Methods:The study′s bivariate mixed design involved 4 different tasks and 3 different priming states. Thirteen healthy, male, right-handed subjects were recruited. They were asked to complete the 4 tasks of reaching, grasping a cup, pinching a card using the thumb or using the little finger, respectively for 10 times 1 in response to two different starting cues delivered through an earphone. Half of the trials with each task were initiated with 114dB white noise to startle and activate the reticulospinal tract (RST), while the others were activated with 80dB beeps as a control. Electromyographic signals were recorded from the bilateral sternocleidomastoid (SCM), lower trapezius (LT), latissimus dorsi (LD), lumbar erector spinae and right anterior deltoid muscles and also from the right flexor and extensor carpi radialis muscles (ECR/FCR). In the subsequent processing the electromyographic time domain and frequency domain indicators were converted into a pre-motor reaction time, a time to muscle peak contraction, an activation latency, and APA or compensatory postural adjustment (CPA) amplitude of the tested muscles. These were compared among the different tasks and stimuli. In addition, the 114dB test tasks were classified as two different priming status as SCM + and SCM - according to whether the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) was activated in advance. Results:After RST activation the pre-motor reaction time and the time to peak contraction of all of the muscles were significantly shortened in all of the tasks. The deltoid muscle reaction times in the SCM + , SCM - and control states were (106.89±43.78)ms, (136.78±48.74)ms and (168.60±73.17)ms, respectively, and those differences are significant. The APA amplitudes of the contralateral LT and ipsilateral LD were significantly greater than normal, but the timing of muscle activation onset and the APA/CPA amplitudes of the ECR/FCR were not affected. The latency in the anticipatory muscle activation of the ECR in the little finger grip task was significantly shorter than that in reaching. Conclusions:The extensor carpi radialis show task-specific early activation in fine tasks of the upper limbs with different difficulties. RST activation can lead to early starting of expected actions, accelerate muscle contraction and increase APA amplitude of some trunk muscles, but it has no significant effect on APA/CPA amplitudes in the forearm muscles.