The accumulation of uremic toxins such as urea nitrogen, blood creatinine, and uric acid of patients with renal failure in vivo would lead to aggravated kidney damage. In this study, coated aldehyde oxy-starch (CAO) was used as an adsorbent to investigate its in vitro adsorption performance on renal failure indexes for urea, indoxyl sulfate (INS), monomethylamine (MMA), dimethylamine (DMA), uric acid (UA), and creatinine (Cr). The effects of variables such as pH, temperature, concentration, dosage, and time on the adsorption capacity of CAO were systematically investigated, employing analytical techniques of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC). The results revealed that CAO exhibited a strong adsorption capacity for urea, INS, and MMA, alongside a moderate adsorption capacity for DMA, UA, and Cr. The adsorption kinetics and thermodynamic studies indicated that the adsorption of urea and UA by CAO were fitted in pseudo-first-order kinetics, and the adsorption isotherm aligned with the Freundlich adsorption model. The enthalpy change ΔH of urea in adsorption was in the range of 40 to 60 kJ·mol^-1, which demonstrated the presence of strong adsorption force due to the interactions of coordinating groups. The ΔH of UA was greater than 80 kJ·mol^-1, indicating the generation of chemical bonds during the adsorption. Both of them, Gibbs free energy ΔG was less than 0, within the range of -20 to 0 kJ·mol^-1, suggested that the adsorption of urea and UA by CAO occurred spontaneously as physical adsorption process. The adsorption entropy ΔS of urea and UA was > 0, which indicated an increase in entropy throughout the adsorption. The infrared spectroscopygram showed the formation of a chemical bond, specifically the imine bond, following the adsorption of urea by CAO, thereby indicating a chemical reaction during the adsorption. This study elucidates the adsorption mechanism of CAO on various indexes of renal failure, providing a scientific basis for its clinical usage.

Objective: To investigate the impact of RHAG 808A variant, commonly identified in the Chinese population, on RhAG protein, RhD and RhCE antigens expression through in vivo and in vitro expression analysis. Methods: A missense mutation of RHAG gene (c. 808G>A, p. Val270Ile) with high frequency was found in KMxD database. Bioinformatics analysis was performed using Polyphen-2 and Provean software. High resolution melting (HRM) method was utilized to screen for the variant carriers in the blood donors. The expression of RhAG protein, RhD and RhCE antigens on the surface of red cells of variant carriers were detected via flow cytometry. Wild-type and mutant vectors of RHAG were constructed and transfected into HEK 293T cells for in vitro expression analysis. Then, the expression of RhAG protein, RhD and RhCE antigens were analyzed by flow cytometry. Results: Polyphen-2 and Provean software suggested that the amino acid change (p. Val270Ile) of RhAG protein may be harmful or neutral respectively. Among the 999 blood donors from Guangzhou Blood Center, 4 homozygous carriers and 99 heterozygous carriers of RHAG 808A mutant allele were identified. The frequency of this allele was 5.4% (107/1 998). No significant differences in RhAG protein, RhD and RhCE antigens expression level was identified between the homozygous carriers, heterozygous carriers of RHAG 808A variant allele and the wild-type individuals. In vitro analysis for antigen expression study obtained the similar results. Conclusion: The RHAG 808A variant allele commonly identified in the Chinese population has no effect on the expression of RhAG protein, RhD and RhCE antigens, so the variant should be a population polymorphism site.

Objective: To investigate the distribution of GP (B-A-B) hybrid glycophorins in several Chinese minority populations from southern regions of China (Guangdong & Guizhou). Methods: Whole blood samples were collected from 536 blood donors representing 15 different Chinese ethnic minority groups, including She, Bouyei, Yi and Miao, as well as Chuanqing populations. Genomic DNA was extracted and GYP (B-A-B) genotyping was conducted by high resolution melting (HRM) minority method using the GYPB pseudoexon 3-specific primers. Direct sequencing of GYPB pseudoexon 3 was performed in the samples with variant curves. Results: Only one genotype of GP (B-A-B) hybrid glycophorins (GYP Mur/GYPB) was identified among these 536 samples. In total, 15 She (15/162, 9.26%), 18 Bouyei (18/113, 15.93%), 3 Yi (3/79, 3.80%), 3 Chuanqing (3/45, 6.67%), 2 Bai (2/42, 4.76%), 3 Miao (3/40, 7.50%), 1 Shui (1/12, 8.33%), 2 Gelao (2/12, 16.67%), 1 Tujia (1/8, 12.50%) and 1 Dong (1/6, 16.67%) blood donors with heterozygous GYP Mur allele were identified. Among 8 Hui, 5 Manchu, 2 Mongolian, 1 Yao and 1 Li donors, no GYP (B-A-B) hybrid gene carrier was found. In addition, four nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in 6 samples with a variant melting curve detected by HRM. Conclusion: GP. Mur is the most common type of GP (B-A-B) hybrid glycophorins among Chinese minority populations, with frequency varying across different populations. It is recommended to involve GP. Mur reagent cells in the antibody screening cells for populations with a high frequency of GYP Mur allele.

Objective: To investigate the changing trends for associations of anxiety and depressive symptoms with smartphone addiction among middle school students, so as to provide a scientific basis for preventing smartphone addiction in middle school students. Methods: From 2022 to 2023, a method of combining convenient sampling with cluster sampling was used to select 8 923 middle school students from 27 junior high schools and 3 senior high schools in a district of Shenzhen City between September 2022 (baseline, T1) and September 2023 (follow up, T2). The Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV), Patients Health Questionnaire-9 Item (PHQ-9), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item Scale (GAD-7) were administered to assess smartphone addiction, anxiety and depressive symptoms. Mixed effects models were used to analyze the association of anxiety and depressive symptoms with smartphone addiction among middle school students. Results: From September 2022 to September 2023, the reported prevalence of smartphone addiction increased from 24.22% to 25.25% ( χ 2=45.71); and smartphone addiction scores [ 24.00 (16.00, 32.00),25.00(16.00, 33.00)], anxiety symptom scores [2.00(0.00, 7.00),3.00(0.00, 7.00)] and depressive symptom scores[3.00(0.00, 8.00),5.00(0.00, 9.00)] all significantly increased ( Z =-17.43, -42.38, -41.57) (all P <0.05). There were statistically significant difference in the distribution of anxiety and depression symptom levels among middle school students in 2022 and 2023 ( χ 2=85.15, 106.85, both P <0.05). After adjusting for covariates such as age, gender and family background, mixed effects models revealed dose response associations of anxiety and depressive symptoms with smartphone addiction among middle school students:mild anxiety symptom( OR =3.22), moderate to severe anxiety symptom ( OR =5.36), mild depressive symptom ( OR =3.32) and moderate to severe depressive symptom ( OR =6.13) were significantly associated with higher risks of smartphone addiction (all P <0.05). Interaction effect analysis found that co existing anxiety and depressive symptoms synergistically increased addiction risk by 5.60 times ( OR =5.60) compared to the asymptomatic group, with 32% of the combined risk attributable to their interaction ( S=1.64, AP =0.32)(both P < 0.05 ). Conclusions Anxiety and depressive symptoms are significantly associated with smartphone addiction, exhibiting a synergistic effect. Attention should be paid to emotional issues and smartphone addiction among middle school students.

Based on the interaction between supramolecule of traditional Chinese medicine and enterobacteria, the material basis of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and Coptidis Rhizoma was explored. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were used to characterize the morphological differences of Rhubarb single decoction, Coptis single decoction and Rhubarb and Coptis co-decoction. An in vitro antibacterial model (E. coli, E. faecium and B. subtilis) was established to evaluate the damage effect of the combination of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and Coptidis Rhizoma on enterobacteria. Ultra high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was used to analyze the changes of chemical components of single decoctions and co-decoctions. The co-decoction of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and Coptidis Rhizoma was turbid after decocting. The spherical particles of 300-400 nm were observed under SEM, and the co-decoction was more uniform and stable than that of single decoction. The interaction between supramolecules formed after the combination of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and Coptidis Rhizoma and enterobacteria was significantly different from that of single decoction. In the process of interaction between supramolecules and enterobacteria, the spherical state was maintained, and the medicinal ingredients in Coptidis Rhizoma or Rhei Radix et Rhizoma were blocked, which could effectively alleviate the damage to enterobacteria. This study provided a reference for subsequent studies on the regulation of intestinal flora homeostasis by the combination of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and Coptidis Rhizoma.

Based on the literature study,the thoughts and possible therapeutic mechanism in treating male infertility from the perspective of spleen and kidney by regulating intestinal flora were explored.Disturbance of intestinal flora is one of the important factors leading to the development of male infertility,and the spleen and kidney have certain similarities to intestinal flora in the physiological function and pathological changes.Moreover,tonifying the kidney and strengthening the spleen can regulate the intestinal flora by fostering the growth of beneficial bacteria,inhibiting the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria,and protecting the barrier of the intestinal mucosa.Therefore,the possible therapeutic mechanisms in treating male infertility with the prescriptions for tonifying the kidney and strengthening the spleen to regulate intestinal flora are as follows:inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors to reduce the inflammatory reaction of testicular tissues;improving the antioxidant capacity to alleviate the damage of spermatozoa caused by oxidative stress,and improving the bad mood to alleviate the impact of psychological stress on the reproductive system.The exploration of the thoughts for treating male infertility from the perspective of spleen and kidney by regulating intestinal flora may provide a new entry point for modern Chinese medicine clinical treatment of male infertility.

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of Lingnan Traditional Vesiculating Moxibustion No.4 Recipe(mainly composed of Brassicae Junceae Semen,Euodiae Fructus,and Curcumae Radix)in the treatment of mild depressive disorder(DD),and to provide a novel approach to the treatment of mild DD population.Methods Sixty-one patients with mild DD were randomly divided into 31 cases in the trial group and 30 cases in the control group.The trial group was given medicinal vesiculation treatment with Lingnan Traditional Vesiculating Moxibustion No.4 Recipe,and the control group was given medicinal vesiculation treatment with the placebo of Lingnan Traditional Vesiculating Moxibustion No.4 Recipe.The treatment was performed twice a week and with an interval of 3-4 days between the treatment,and the course of treatment covered 6 weeks.The changes of Hamilton Depression Scale-17(HAMD-17)scores and Patient Health Questionnaire-9(PHQ-9)scores in the two groups were observed before and after the treatment.After treatment,the clinical efficacy and safety of the patients in the two groups were evaluated.Results(1)After 6 weeks of treatment,the total efficacy rate of the trial group was 77.42%(24/31),and that of the control group was 26.67%(8/30).The intergroup comparison(tested by rank sum test)showed that the efficacy of the trial group was significantly superior to that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.01).(2)After treatment,the HAMD-17 scores and PHQ-9 scores of patients in the two groups were lower than those before treatment(P＜0.01),and the decrease of HAMD-17 and PHQ-9 scores in the trial group was significantly superior to that of the control group,the difference being statistically significant(P＜0.01).(3)During the trial,there were 5 cases of adverse events related to the vesiculating moxibustion treatment,and all 5 cases of adverse events occurred in the trial group,manifested as minor blisters at the acupoint application region.The 5 cases kept on participating in the trial after relevant treatment.Conclusion Lingnan Traditional Vesiculating Moxibustion No.4 Recipe can effectively relieve the clinical symptoms of patients with mild DD,and has high safety.

Objective By analyzing relevant literature of long COVID,we aimed to understand the current research status,hotspots and trends in this field.Methods Based on Web of Science core collection data,bibliometric analysis was used as the main research method.The results were visualized with VOSviewer.A comprehensive analysis was performed from various perspectives including trends in publication,journal distribution,highly cited papers,international research collaboration networks,and clusters of keywords,etc.Results The field of long COVID has garnered significant global academic attention.A total of 7 877 related articles were retrievable,with a total citation count of 103 389 and an average citation count of 13.13 per article.Among them,the United States published the most articles(1 780 articles,22.59%),while China ranked fifth in publication volume(686 articles,8.71%).The international scientific cooperation network reflected the close collaborative relationships between countries in long COVID research,predominantly involving the United States,the United Kingdom,Italy,India,and China.Keywords clustering indicated that the current main research focuses in the long COVID field include:clinical manifestations,epidemiological characteristics,risk factors,and mechanisms of occurrence,treatment and rehabilitation measures of long COVID,and its impact on public and social life.Conclusion This article reveals the current state,research hotspots and trends in the long COVID field,providing valuable references for related research institutions,scholars as well as health administrative office.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of midazolam combined with dexmedetomidine for sedation during magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)examination in children.Methods The medical records of children who underwent sedated MRI examinations at the Sedation Center of Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University from August 2021 to July 2022 were collected.The patients were divided into three groups based on age:Infant group(age≤1 year old,922 cases),toddler group(1 year old

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on cognitive function of vascular dementia (VD) rats and its mechanism. MethodsVD rat model was established by modified two-vessel occlusion (2-VO). After modeling, TEAS and electroacupuncture (EA) were used to stimulate Baihui and Zusanli points of rats respectively for 14 d. After treatment, novel object recognition test, Morris water maze test, and Y maze test were used to evaluate the spatial memory and learning ability of rats. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe the morphology of hippocampal neurons. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of hippocampal mitochondria. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to detected the levels of SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, MDA and ROS in serum of rats. Western blot was used to detect the expression of PGC-1α, TFAM, HO-1, NQO1 proteins in the hippocampus, Keap1 protein in the cytoplasm and Nrf2, NRF1 proteins in the nucleus. ResultsAfter treatment for 14 d, compared to the model group, the escape latency of VD rats decreased, while the discrimination index, the times of rats crossing the original platform area, the residence time in the original platform quadrant, and the percentage of alternation increased. TEAS can improve the structure of hippocampal neurons and mitochondria of VD rats, showing that neurons were arranged more regularly and distributed more evenly, nuclear membrane and nucleoli were clearer, and mitochondrial swelling were reduced, mitochondrial matrix density were increased, and mitochondrial cristae were more obvious. The levels of SOD, GSH-Px and CAT in serum increased significantly, while the concentration of MDA and ROS decreased. TEAS also up-regulated the expression levels of PGC-1α TFAM, NQO1 and HO-1 proteins in the hippocampus and Nrf2, NRF1 proteins in the nucleus, but down-regulated the Keap1 protein in the cytoplasm. ConclusionTEAS can improve cognition, hippocampal neurons and mitochondrial structure of VD rats, and the effect is better than EA. The mechanism may be the activation of PGC-1α mediated mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant stress, which also provides a potential therapeutic technology and experimental basis for the treatment of VD.