Objective To investigate the prevalence of Echinococcus infections in small rodents around human residential areas in Yushu City, Qinghai Province in 2023, so as to provide insights into precision echinococcosis control. Methods One or two quadrats, each measuring 50 m × 50 m, were randomly assigned in Shanglaxiu Township and Longbao Township, Yushu City, Qinghai Province on June 2023, respectively, and 300 plate-type mouse traps, each measuring 12.0 cm × 6.5 cm, were assigned in each quadrat. Small rodents were captured during the period between 10 : 00 and 18 : 00 each day for 4 days. Then, all captured small rodents were identified and dissected, and liver specimens with suspected Echinococcus infections were subjected to pathological examinations. The Echinococcus cytochrome c oxidase 1 (cox1) gene was amplified using PCR assay, and the sequence of the amplified product was aligned to that was recorded in the GenBank to characterize the parasite species. In addition, a phylogenetic tree of Echinococcus was generated based on the cox1 gene sequence using the neighbor-joining method. Results A total of 236 small rodents were captured in Shanglaxiu and Longbao townships, Yushu City, including 65 Qinghai voles and 51 plateau pikas in Shanglaxiu Township, and 62 Qinghai voles and 58 plateau pikas in Longbao Township, and there was no significant difference in the constituent ratio of small rodents between the two townships (χ² = 0.294, P > 0.05). Seven plateau pikas and 12 Qinghai voles were suspected to be infected with Echinococcus by dissection, and pathological examinations showed unclear structure of hepatic lobules and disordered hepatocyte arrangement in livers of small rodents suspected of Echinococcus infections. PCR assay identified E. shiquicus DNA in 7 Qinghai voles, which were all captured from Shanglaxiu Township. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the cox1 gene sequence of Echinococcus in small rodents was highly homologous to the E. shiquicus cox1 gene sequence reported previously. Conclusion Plateau pika and Qinghai vole were predominant small rodents around human residential areas in Yushu City, Qinghai Province in 2023, and E. shiquicus infection was detected in Qinghai voles.

The discussion and research on the clinical dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） have attracted increasing attention. Through approaches including modern technology， evidence-based medical methods， and multi-disciplinary treatment， we should construct a sound TCM inheritance and innovation system， establish a collaborative innovation mechanism， and integrate major research projects， striving to make breakthroughs in TCM theory， methodology， standards， and regulation system， promoting the scientific and technological progress of TCM， and thereby improving its curative effect. The China Association of Chinese Medicine （CACM） carried out a series of youth salon seminars for clinical dominant diseases in TCM， discussing and sorting out the advantages of the dominant diseases in clinical diagnosis and treatment of TCM and integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine in specific diseases or fields. Authoritative experts in the industry were invited to give comment and guidance to form a report. Centering on clinical research of dominant diseases， thematic research was carried out in the aspects of practice， human experience-based evidence， and transformation path. Through the systematic study of the dominant diseases， the advantages of TCM in different stages of disease treatment were excavated to constantly improve the prevention and treatment ability of TCM and carry forward the advancement of TCM theory and practice. At the same time， the communication and understanding between traditional Chinese and western medicine were improved， laying the foundation for the further formation of industry guidelines or consensus and comprehensive promotion. These seminars are expected to provide references for the development of policy planning， clinical diagnosis and treatment， health economy， and social services in TCM and lay the foundation for the formation of a new modern diagnosis and treatment system with Chinese characteristics.

Objective: To investigate the psychological effect of physical function dependence on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients and their primary family caregivers. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional survey. The MHD patients in the hemodialysis centre, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University from March 2022 to June 2022 were enrolled. The patients' demographics and laboratory data were collected. Katz and Lawton-Brody questionnaires were used to assess patients' physical function, and Five Item Mental Health Inventory (MHI-5) was used to evaluate the psychological conditions of the patients and their primary family caregivers. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of MHI-5 scores of the patients and their primary family caregivers. Results: A total of 116 patients were included, with 61 males and 55 females. There were 47 patients (40.5%) with physical function dependence. In the physical function dependence group, serum albumin (t=-2.512, P=0.013), MHI-5 scores of patients and their primary family caregivers (t=-8.461, P < 0.001; t=-8.533, P < 0.001) and male ratio (χ²=8.467, P=0.002) were significantly lower, and the age (t=9.754, P < 0.001) and the proportions of hypertension (χ²=20.421, P < 0.001), diabetes (χ²=10.470, P=0.002), cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (χ²=9.898, P=0.003) were significantly higher than those in the normal physical function group. The incidence of mental disorders in MHD patients was 39.7%(46/116), and the incidence of mental disorders in the physical function dependence group was significantly higher than that in the normal physical function group [72.3%(34/47) vs. 17.4%(12/69), χ²=35.275, P < 0.001]. The incidence of mental disorders in the primary family caregivers was 32.8%(38/116), and the incidence of mental disorders in the primary family caregivers of physical function dependence group was significantly higher than that in the normal physical function group [66.0%(31/47) vs. 10.1%(7/69), χ²=39.536, P < 0.001]. The incidence of mental disorders in the primary family caregivers of MHD patients who were not spouses was significantly higher than that of spouses [46.0%(29/63) vs. 17.0%(9/53), χ²=11.028, P=0.001], and in physical function dependence group, the incidence of mental disorders in non-spouses was significantly higher than that in spouses [80.6%(25/31) vs. 37.5%(6/16), χ²=8.749, P=0.003]. Multiple linear analysis showed that bathing (β=-5.182, P=0.015), doing laundry (β=-7.053, P < 0.001), taking medication (β=-8.680, P=0.003), and female patients (β=-2.982, P=0.030) were the influencing factors of MHI-5 scores decline in MHD patients. Bathing (β=-4.404, P=0.032), preparing meals (β=-3.954, P=0.041), managing money (β=-5.067, P=0.021), and female patients (β=-2.466, P=0.042) were the influencing factors of MHI-5 scores decline in primary family caregivers. Conclusions: The incidence of physical function dependence in MHD patients is high, and its manifestations and influencing factors are diverse. The incidence of mental disorders in MHD patients and their primary family caregivers is also high, especially in patients with physical function dependence and non- spouse family caregivers. Clinicians should pay attention to and assess the physical function dependence of MHD patients as early as possible, and intervene in time. At the same time, they should also pay attention to the mental health of MHD patients and their primary family caregivers.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Caregivers ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Renal Dialysis/psychology* ; Hypertension ; Diabetes Mellitus

Objective:To investigate the causes of secondary glaucoma after vitrectomy for familial vitreous amyloidosis associated with transthyretin (TTR) gene Gly83Arg mutation.Methods:A retrospective case study. From January 2008 to January 2020, 13 cases (23 eyes) with hereditary vitreous amyloidosis and treated by vitrectomy in the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University were collected. Among them, there were 7 males with 12 eyes and 6 females with 11 eyes. The average age was 43.0±4.8 years. All the affected eyes underwent standard three-channel vitrectomy through the flat part of the ciliary body. According to whether complete vitreous detachment (PVD) was formed during the operation, it was divided into complete PVD group and incomplete PVD group; according to the occurrence time of secondary glaucoma and vitreous amyloidosis after surgery, it was divided into 1-12 months group and 13-36 months group, >37 months group. The average follow-up time after surgery was 36.7±6.0 months. The incidence of secondary glaucoma and the recurrence rate of vitreous amyloidosis between groups were compared by χ2 test; the correlation between recurrence of vitreous amyloidosis and secondary glaucoma after surgery was analyzed by Spearman rank correlation analysis. Results:Among the 23 eyes, there were 8 eyes in the complete PVD group and 15 eyes in the incomplete PVD group, respectively. Vitreous amyloidosis recurred in 15 eyes (65.22%, 15/23) after surgery. There were 14 (93.30%, 14/15) and 1 (6.70%, 1/15) eyes in the incomplete PVD group and the complete PVD group, respectively; the comparison of the recurrence rate of vitreous amyloidosis between the two groups was statistically significant ( χ2=11.676, P<0.01). 1-12 months group, 13-36 months group, >37 months group included 1 (4.35%, 1/23), 12 (52.17%, 12/23), 2 (8.70%, 2/23) Only eye. The recurrence rate in the 13-36 months group was significantly higher than that in the 1-12 months group and >37 month group. Secondary glaucoma occurred in 11 eyes (47.80%, 11/23) after surgery. 1-12 months group, 13-36 months group, above 37 months group were 1 (4.35%, 1/23), 8 (34.78%, 8/23), 2 (8.70%, 2/23) eyes. The incidence of secondary glaucoma in the 13-36 months group was higher than that in the 1-12 months group and >37 months group. Among 11 eyes with secondary glaucoma, 10 eyes had recurrence of vitreous amyloidosis after surgery, and 1 eye had no recurrence. The results of Spearman rank correlation analysis showed that there was a positive correlation between the recurrence of vitreous amyloidosis and the occurrence of secondary glaucoma ( rs=0.516, P=0.012). Conclusion:The incidence of secondary glaucoma after vitrectomy in a family with vitreous amyloidosis caused by the Gly83Arg mutation of TTR gene is higher, and its occurrence is significantly positively correlated with the recurrence of vitreous amyloidosis.

Objective:To investigate risk factors for vascular cognitive impairment(VCI)in elderly patients 12-18 months after the onset of acute partial anterior circulation infarction(PACI), and to establish a diagnostic and predictive model.Methods:This was a prospective study. Demographic characteristics, vascular risk factors and laboratory data of 148 patients with acute PACI were collected, and patients were followed up for 12-18 months.The Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale(MoCA)was used to evaluate patients' cognitive function.Logistic stepwise regression was used to screen risk factors for VCI.We established a diagnostic and predictive model.The area under the receiver operating(ROC)curve(AUC)was used to evaluate the efficiency of the model.Results:A total of 126 subjects completed the 12-18 month follow-up.Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that high homocysteine(Hcy)( OR=1.082, 95% CI: 1.002-1.167), high glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c)( OR=1.653, 95% CI: 1.052-2.598), high National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)score( OR=1.291, 95% CI: 1.098-1.518), high hypersensitive C-reactive protein(hs-CRP)( OR=1.026, 95% CI: 1.005-1.047)and low education level( OR=2.485, 95% CI: 1.231-5.018)were independent risk factors for VCI in patients 12-18 months after PACI( P<0.05). The AUC of the diagnostic and predictive model was 0.828(95% CI: 0.755-0.902). Conclusions:High Hcy, NIHSS score, hs-CRP and low education level are independent risk factors for VCI in patients 12-18 months after PACI.The diagnostic and predictive model can help to screen patients at high-risk for VCI, so that timely clinical recognition, diagnosis and treatment can be made after acute PACI.

OBJECTIVETo compare the effects of moxibustion combined with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and simple HAART for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients.

METHODSA total of 100 patients with HIV receiving HAART were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 50 cases in each one. In the observation group, moxibustion was used at Zusanli (ST 36), Guanyuan (CV 4) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6), etc. combined with HAART of zidovudine, lamivudine, nevirapine and efavirenzone, etc. Simple HAART was used in the control group. The patients were observed for 18 months. The indexes were CD, CD/CD, interleukin 2 (IL-2), interleukin 7 (IL-7), the incidence of side effects and the score of quality of life.

RESULTSAfter treatment, CD, CD/CD, serum IL-2 and the scores of quality of life (physiological, psychological, social relation fields and comprehensive score) increased and serum IL-7 decreased compared with those before treatment in the two groups (<0.01,<0.05), with better results except CDin the observation group (<0.01,<0.05). The incidences of gastrointestinal side effects and total side effects in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (14% (7/50) vs 32% (16/50), 58% (29/50) vs 80% (40/50), both<0.05).

CONCLUSIONMoxibustion combined with HAART for HIV infected patients could reduce the incidence of side effects, improve medication compliance, CD/CD, IL-2, IL-7 and the quality of life.

Objective To explore clinical and radiological outcomes of treating displaced fractures of proximal clavicle by open reduction and internal fixation with an inverted anatomic locking plate for distal clavicle.Methods From August 2013 to August 2015,12 patients with displaced fracture of proximal clavicle were treated in our hospital by open reduction and internal fixation with an inverted anatomic locking plate for distal clavicle.They were 11 men and one woman,with an average age of 43.5 years (range,25 to 62 years).There were 9 fresh and 2 old fractures.According to the Edinburgh classification,10 fractures were classified as type 1B1 and 2 as type 1B2.After fixation,the 180° inverted plate on the ipsilateral side was placed on the superior aspect of proximal clavicle.The medial fragment was fixed with 2 to 4 pieces of 2.7 mm multidirectional locking screw and the lateral fragment with 2 to 3 pieces of 3.5 mm locking screw.X-ray and CT were performed to assess union,delayed union,nonunion,and hardware failure.Functional outcomes were assessed by Constant-Murley scores and Disabilities of the Arm,Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores at final follow-ups.Results There were no significant neurovascular injuries intraoperatively.All patients were followed up for an average of 15.6 months (range,12 to 24 months).All fractures healed after an average of 14.3 weeks (range,8 to 24 weeks).At final follow-ups,the mean Constant-Murley score was 96.0 points (range,84 to 100 points) and the mean DASH score 1.9 points (range,0 to 14.8 points).There were no such significant complications as infection,reduction loss or implant failure.Conclusion Displaced fractures of proximal clavicle may be treated with an inverted anatomic locking plate for distal clavicle on the ipsilateral side because of rigid fixation,fine stability and good chance for early rehabilitation.

This study was aimed to assess the effect of Astragalus Polysaccharide (ASPS) on in-vitro hematopoiesis. CFU-GM assays were used to determine the effect of ASPS and thrombopoietin (TPO) on granulocytic-monocyte progenitor cells. The CFU assays were also used to investigate the effect of ASPS on the proliferation of HL-60 cells.HL-60 cells were cultured with serum-free RPMI 1640 medium and treated with or without of different concentrations of ASPS. After 72 h incubation, the number of cells were counted.In addition, the caspase-3 and JC-1 expression was determined by flow cytometry with Annexin V/PI double staining. The results showed that ASPS (100, 200 µg/ml) and TPO (100 ng/ml) significantly promoted CFU-GM formation in vitro. Various concentrations of ASPS and TPO also promoted the colony formation of HL-60 cells, the largest effect of ASPS was observed at a concentration of 100 µg/ml. There were no synergistic effects between TPO and ASPS on cellular proliferation. The results also showed that ASPS significantly protected HL-60 cells from apoptosis in condition of serum-free medium culture, suppressed caspase 3 activation, and reduced the cell apoptosis. It is concluded that ASPS can significantly promote the formation of bone marrow CFU-GM and the proliferation of HL-60 cells, the optimal concentration of ASPS is at 100 µg/ml. In the absence of serum inducing apoptosis, ASPS also significantly reduced the apoptosis of HL-60 cells via suppressing the activation of caspase-3.
Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Astragalus Plant ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; HL-60 Cells ; Hematopoiesis ; drug effects ; Humans ; Polysaccharides ; pharmacology ; Thrombopoietin ; pharmacology

Objective To assess the clinical effect and methods of posterior decompress and fixation for upper-middle thoracic fracture and dislocation. Methods Between September 2002 and September 2007,21 patients suffered from upper-middle thoracic fracture and dislocation were treated with posterior approach, which comprising 5 patients with compressed fracture,4 patients with burst fracture, 12 patients with fracture and dislocation. There were 12 cases companied by complete paraplegia, and 9 cases companied by incomplete paraplegia. All cases adapted to pedicle screw fixation system after decompression and reduction. Reduction or removal of fragments was done through posterior-lateral of the spinal canal for patients with fragments migrated into the spinal canal. The operation time,blood loss volume,preand postoperative transverse displacement degree and angle of the injured vertebra were recorded. The neurological function was assessed by Frankel criteria. Results The patients was followed up for (2.5 ± 0.5 ) years. The Frankel score increased from ( 1.0 ± 0.1 ) scores preoperatively to ( 1.3 ± 0.1 ) scores postoperatively. The incomplete paraplegia patients' score increased from (2.2 ± 0.2) scores preoperatively to (3.1± 0.2) scores postoperatively. The height of injured vertebral body, the interangle of vertebral body and spondylolistheses after operation increased comparing with those before operation(P ＜ 0.05 ). No implant loosening or breakage was found. Conclusions Severe spinal cord injury occurs in upper-middle thoracic fracture and dislocation.Unstable fracture should be treated with internal fixation and fusion in time. Decompression ought to be done in patients who suffering from incomplete paraplegia. Early operation takes advantages of immediate stability and a good improvement of the neurologic function.

OBJECTIVEVariations of the signal intensities in the magnetic resonance (MR) T(1)-weighted image (T(1)WI) of globus pallidus among manganese(Mn)-exposed workers were explored to provide a scientific basis for exposed biomarker of manganese-injured central nervous system (CNS).

METHODSThe brain MR T(1) and T(2) WI in eighteen male asymptomatic Mn-exposed, eight manganism and nine healthy control workers were examined routinely by adopting a 1.5 Tesla signal superconducting system. The SIGP and the signal intensity in frontal white matter (SIFWM) in the same side were determined, then pallidal index (PI) was calculated. Concentration of MnO(2) in workplaces and content of manganese in red blood cell (MnRBC) among workers were respectively determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrophotometry (ICP-AES). The follow-up investigation in the eight high Mn-exposed workers was made one year later.

RESULTSThe results showed that the median of air MnO(2) in smelting workplace was 0.64 mg/m(3)(0.07 - 5.40 mg/m(3)), which were respective 0.56 mg/m(3)(0.09 - 1.71 mg/m(3)) in power distribution room (low Mn-exposure) and 0.89 mg/m(3) (0.07 - 5.40 mg/m(3)) in furnace (high Mn-exposure). PI in the Mn-exposed and high Mn-exposed workers were both higher than those of the manganism and control workers(116.4 +/- 8.2, 119.0 +/- 7.9, 105.3 +/- 8.4 and 102.2 +/- 1.5, respectively. Mn vs control, t' = 7.146, P = 0.000; Mn vs manganism, t = 3.181, P = 0.004. High Mn-exposure vs control, t' = 7.446, P = 0.000; high Mn-exposure vs manganism, t = 3.763, P = 0.001). The increased signal in T(1)WI of globus pallidus was observed in Mn-exposed workers, especially in high Mn-exposed workers. The content of manganese in red blood cell of Mn-exposed and control workers was significantly higher than those of the manganism workers [(151.6 +/- 40.5) ng/ml, (149.2 +/- 21.3) ng/ml, (154.5 +/- 46.6) ng/ml, (144.4 +/- 14.2) ng/ml, (20.8 +/- 7.4) ng/ml respectively. The difference was significant in statistics. Manganism vs control, t = 20.206, P = 0.000; manganism vs Mn, t' = 13.144, P = 0.000; manganism vs low and high Mn, t' = 12.964, 9.957, respectively, P = 0.000]. Only a decreased median of air MnO(2) in furnace was found one year later (0.89, 0.31 mg/m(3), Z = -2.142, P = 0.032). The difference was significant in statistics.

CONCLUSIONOur data suggests that SIGP of MR T(1)WI among workers was obviously increased by manganese-exposure. PI may be taken as the signal of CNS injury which was induced by manganese-exposure.

Adult ; Air Pollutants, Occupational ; analysis ; Case-Control Studies ; Globus Pallidus ; pathology ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Manganese Poisoning ; pathology ; Middle Aged ; Occupational Exposure