Aim To study the neuroprotective effects of Herba siegesbeckiae extract on cerebral ischemia/ reperfusion rats and its mechanism. Methods Sixty SD rats were randomly divided into model group, low, middle and high dose groups of Herba siegesbeckiae, and Sham operation group, and the drug was given continuously for seven days. The degree of neurologic impairment was evaluated by mNSS, and the infarct volume was measured by MRI. The number of Nissl-posi- tive cells was detected by Nissl staining, and the apop- tosis was accessed by Tunel staining. Furthermore, the expression of Bax, Bcl-2 and NeuN was observed by Western blot, and the expression of NeuN was detected by immunofluorescence staining. The expression of IL- 1β, TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA was performed by RT- qPCR. Results The mNSS score and the volume of ischemic cerebral infarction in the model group were significantly increased, and Herba siegesbeckiae extract treatment significantly decreased the mNSS score and infarct volume (P<0.05, P<0.01). Herba siegesbeckiae extract could increase the number of Nissl-pos- itive cells and the expression of NeuN (P<0.01), and reduce the number of Tunel-positive cells (P<0.01). Western blot showed that Herba siegesbeckiae extract inhibited the expression of Bax, increased Bcl-2 and NeuN in ischemic brain tissue (P<0.01). RT-qPCR showed that Herba siegesbeckiae extract inhibited the expression of IL-1 β, TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA in the is-chemic brain tissue (P<0.01). Conclusions Herba siegesbeckiae extract can reduce the cerebral infarction volume, improve the neurological function damage, inhibit the apoptosis of nerve cells and the expression of inflammatory factors and promote the expression of NeuN, there by exerting protective effects on MCAO rats.

This study investigated the effect of different carrier materials on the in vitro properties of progesterone solid dispersions. The solid dispersions of the insoluble drug progesterone were prepared by hot melt extrusion technique using rheological properties as the index of investigation, and the in vitro properties of the solid dispersions were characterized. Scanning electron microscope revealed solid dispersions with rough surfaces and agglomerated microstructures into irregular lumpy particles. Differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction showed the change of progesterone crystalline form in solid dispersions from crystalline to amorphous state. In vitro dissolution studies showed that solid dispersions prepared with different carrier materials can effectively improve the dissolution rate of drugs. The results of the study showed that the type of carrier material had a significant effect on the in vitro properties of solid dispersions, providing a reference for the study of solid dispersions in the controlled release of insoluble drugs.

Objective:To confirm the potential etiological factors of congenital aortic stenosis(AS)by genetic analysis on prenatal diagnostic results of the fetus with AS.Methods:Amniocentesis for chromosomal G-band karyotyping combinated with single nucleotide polymorphism array(SNP-array)analysis was conducted on the amniotic fluid collected from a 25-week pregnant woman diagnosed as"fetus AS";chromosome karyotyping was also performed on the peripheral blood of the fetal parents.Results:The fetal karyotype analysis showed a chimeric Y-chromosome isobaric double-adherent granules.The SNP-array analysis results revealed a 11.2 Mb duplication in the Yp11.31q11.21 region and a 14.8 Mb deletion in the Yq11.21q11.23 region.Both the parents presented a normal karyotype,suggesting it was a newfound mutation.After extensive genetic counseling,the pregnant woman and her family chose to terminate the pregnancy locally.Conclusion:The chromosomal karyotype of the chimeric Y-chromosome isobaric double-adherent granules may be a contributing factor to the AS phenotype in the male fetus.The combined use of chromosomal karyotyping and SNP-array analysis on the amniotic cells is instrumental in the early diagnosis of the disease.

The pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) is related to a variety of factors such as mechanical overload, metabolic dysfunction, aging, etc., and is a group of total joint diseases characterized by intra-articular chondrocyte apoptosis, cartilage fibrillations, synovial inflammation, and osteophyte formation. At present, the treatment methods for osteoarthritis include glucosamine, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, intra-articular injection of sodium hyaluronate, etc., which are difficult to take effect in a short period of time and require long-term treatment, so the patients struggle to adhere to doctor’s advice. Some methods can only provide temporary relief without chondrocyte protection, and some even increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and gastrointestinal disease. In the advanced stages of OA, patients often have to undergo joint replacement surgery due to pain and joint dysfunction. Mitochondrial dysfunction plays an important role in the development of OA. It is possible to improve mitochondrial biogenesis, quality control, autophagy balance, and oxidative stress levels, thereby exerting a protective effect on chondrocytes in OA. Therefore, compared to traditional treatments, improving mitochondrial function may be a potential treatment for OA. Here, we collected relevant literature on mitochondrial research in OA in recent years, summarized the potential pathogenic factors that affect the development of OA through mitochondrial pathways, and elaborated on relevant treatment methods, in order to provide new diagnostic and therapeutic ideas for the research field of osteoarthritis.

Objective:To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and pathogen spectrum of influenza outbreaks in Shaanxi Province from 2014 to 2023 and provide basis reference for strengthening regional influenza prevention and control.Methods:The data were collected from the Public Health Emergency Management Information System of the China Disease Prevention and Control Information System and the China Influenza Surveillance Information System. On-site epidemiological investigation information and etiological test results of influenza network laboratories reported in Shaanxi Province during 2014-2023 were collected, and descriptive analysis was conducted on the time, region, and location distribution of influenza outbreaks. SPSS 25.0 software was used for statistical analysis.Results:A total of 386 influenza outbreaks were reported in Shaanxi from 2014 to 2023, with a total attack rate of 1.81% (14 880/821 001). The epidemic peaks mainly occurred in winter and spring (November to March of the following year), and there was an alternating pattern of epidemic peaks in different years (the early peak was in December, and the late peak was in March of the following year). The epidemic areas were mainly concentrated in the Qinba Mountains of southern Shaanxi (209, 54.15%) and Guanzhong Plain (173, 44.82%). The epidemic places were mainly distributed in primary schools (239, 61.92%), and the differences of epidemic areas and places were statistically significant (all P<0.001). Influenza A(H3N2) viruses were the predominant pathogen in the outbreak (849, 57.76%), and influenza A(H3N2), B (Victoria) lineage and A(H1N1)pdm09 virus alternately dominated the epidemic peak in different years. Conclusions:The peak of influenza outbreaks in Shaanxi Province was winter and spring during 2014-2023. Primary schools in the Qinba Mountains of southern Shaanxi and Guanzhong Plain should be targeted for prevention and control. In the prevention and control programs, close attention should be paid to the changing trend of dominant strains. Effective intervention measures should be targeted to the high-incidence areas and seasons.

Objective:To compare the short-term outcomes of very low birth weight (VLBW) and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants supplementarily fed with fortified donor human milk (DHM) or preterm formula (PF) when the mother's own milk (MOM) is insufficient.Methods:This retrospective cohort study included 91 VLBW or ELBW preterm infants with birth weight<1 500 g who were hospitalized in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from October 1, 2017, to September 30, 2020. Based on the supplemental feeding method when MOM was insufficient, these infants were divided into the DHM group ( n=51) and PF group ( n=40). Mann-Whitney U, t-test, Chi-square test, or Fisher's exact test were used to compare the short-term clinical outcomes during hospitalization between the two groups. Results:(1) There were no statistically significant differences between the 91 preterm infants in the DHM group and PF group in their gestational age, birth weight, sex ratio, birth mode, mothers' age at delivery, or the proportion of infants of small gestational age (all P>0.05). (2) The feeding volume in the DHM group was significantly greater than that in the PF group on the 14th day after birth [(108.2±53.1) vs. (81.0±47.8) ml/(kg·d), t=0.78, P=0.020]. Moreover, the time to achieve the feeding amounts up to 120 ml/(kg·d) and 150 ml/(kg·d) for infants in the DHM group were significantly shorter than those in the PF group [(17.5±10.2) vs. (30.0±12.0) d, t=4.38; (22.1±13.3) vs. (32.3±11.9) d, t=0.02; both P<0.05]; (3) Lower proportion of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) [58.8% (30/51) vs. 100% (40/40), χ 2=21.88, P<0.001] and shorter PICC duration were observed in the DHM group [10.0 (0.0-19.0) vs. 29.0 (17.0-40.5) d, Z=5.56, P<0.001] compared to the PF group. The times of red blood cell transfusions and the incidence of late sepsis in the DHM group were less than those in the PF group [0.0 (0.0-2.0) vs. 2.0 (1.0-3.0) times, Z=4.44, P<0.001; 23.5% (12/51) vs. 50.0% (20/40), χ 2=6.39, P=0.011]. There were no statistically significant differences observed in the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, and the length of hospitalization (all P>0.05). Conclusion:When MOM is insufficient, supplementing VLBW and ELBW infants with fortified donor human milk can shorten the time to achieve enteral nutrition and reduce the use rate and time of PICC, the incidence of late-onset sepsis, and the times of red blood cell transfusion.

Objective To develop a multicolor photoelectroencephalography evoked flash to identify photosensitive epilepsy patients during the selection of naval aircraft pilots.Methods The multicolor photoelectroencephalography evoked flash was composed of a main body,a control box and a bracket.There were four rows of LED lights in the main body,which emitted four colors of light including red,yellow,green and orange,respectively;there were three sockets for signal,light and power and one color changeover switch on the body of the control box,and a control circuit board was fixed at the bottom inside the control box;the bracket had a double-jointed arm folding structure.The flash developed was compared with the coventional photoelectroencephalography evoked flash to verify its effect for inducing photosensitive epilepsy.Results There were no significant differences between the two flashes in the numbers of identified cases with photosensitive epilepsy when the subjects were under awake and closed-eye conditions(P＞0.05).Condusion The flash developed can make up for the deficiency of the coventional photoelectroencephalography evoked flash when selecting naval aircraft pilots.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(7):112-114]

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of pneumococcal meningitis(PM),and drug sensitivity of Streptococcus pneumoniae(SP)isolates in Chinese children.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical information,laboratory data,and microbiological data of 160 hospitalized children under 15 years old with PM from January 2019 to December 2020 in 33 tertiary hospitals across the country.Results Among the 160 children with PM,there were 103 males and 57 females.The age ranged from 15 days to 15 years,with 109 cases(68.1% )aged 3 months to under 3 years.SP strains were isolated from 95 cases(59.4% )in cerebrospinal fluid cultures and from 57 cases(35.6% )in blood cultures.The positive rates of SP detection by cerebrospinal fluid metagenomic next-generation sequencing and cerebrospinal fluid SP antigen testing were 40% (35/87)and 27% (21/78),respectively.Fifty-five cases(34.4% )had one or more risk factors for purulent meningitis,113 cases(70.6% )had one or more extra-cranial infectious foci,and 18 cases(11.3% )had underlying diseases.The most common clinical symptoms were fever(147 cases,91.9% ),followed by lethargy(98 cases,61.3% )and vomiting(61 cases,38.1% ).Sixty-nine cases(43.1% )experienced intracranial complications during hospitalization,with subdural effusion and/or empyema being the most common complication[43 cases(26.9% )],followed by hydrocephalus in 24 cases(15.0% ),brain abscess in 23 cases(14.4% ),and cerebral hemorrhage in 8 cases(5.0% ).Subdural effusion and/or empyema and hydrocephalus mainly occurred in children under 1 year old,with rates of 91% (39/43)and 83% (20/24),respectively.SP strains exhibited complete sensitivity to vancomycin(100% ,75/75),linezolid(100% ,56/56),and meropenem(100% ,6/6).High sensitivity rates were also observed for levofloxacin(81% ,22/27),moxifloxacin(82% ,14/17),rifampicin(96% ,25/26),and chloramphenicol(91% ,21/23).However,low sensitivity rates were found for penicillin(16% ,11/68)and clindamycin(6% ,1/17),and SP strains were completely resistant to erythromycin(100% ,31/31).The rates of discharge with cure and improvement were 22.5% (36/160)and 66.2% (106/160),respectively,while 18 cases(11.3% )had adverse outcomes.Conclusions Pediatric PM is more common in children aged 3 months to under 3 years.Intracranial complications are more frequently observed in children under 1 year old.Fever is the most common clinical manifestation of PM,and subdural effusion/emphysema and hydrocephalus are the most frequent complications.Non-culture detection methods for cerebrospinal fluid can improve pathogen detection rates.Adverse outcomes can be noted in more than 10% of PM cases.SP strains are high sensitivity to vancomycin,linezolid,meropenem,levofloxacin,moxifloxacin,rifampicin,and chloramphenicol.[Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics,2024,26(2):131-138]

This article reports on the clinical and genetic characteristics of monozygotic twins with Marshall-Smith syndrome(MRSHSS)due to a mutation in the NFIX gene,along with a review of related literature.Both patients presented with global developmental delays,a prominent forehead,shallow eye sockets,and pectus excavatum.Genetic testing revealed a heterozygous splicing site mutation c.697+1G>A in both children,with parents showing wild-type at this locus.According to the guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics,this mutation is considered likely pathogenic and has not been previously reported in the literature.A review of the literature identified 32 MRSHSS patients with splicing/frameshift mutations.Accelerated bone maturation and moderate to severe global developmental delay/intellectual disability are the primary clinical manifestations of patients with MRSHSS.Genetic testing results are crucial for the diagnosis of this condition.

Objective Mobile artificial lumbar complex(MALC)which suitable for reconstruction after subtotal lumbar resection in goats was developed,and to test stability of the complex and postoperative lumbar segmental motor function.Methods Eighteen male boer goats aged from 1 to 2 years old(weighted from 35 to 45 kg)were selected and divided into con-trol group,fusion group and non-fusion group,with 6 goats in each group.According to preoperative CT scans and MRI exami-nations of lumbar,the goat MALC was designed and performed by 3D printed for non-fusion group.Operation was performed on three groups respectively,and only vertebral body and disc were exposed in control group.In fusion group,L4 part of vertebral body and the upper and lower complete disc tissues were removed,and the lumbar spine bone plate fixation was performed with titanium mesh bone grafting.In non-fusion group,vertebral body and disc were removed in the same way,and MALC was im-planted.AP and lateral X-rays of lumbar vertebrae in goat were taken at 6 months after surgery,in order to understand whether the plant was dislocated,displaced and fractured.Biomechanical tests were performed on the specimens by mechanical instru-ment to measure range of motion(ROM)of L2,3,L,4,L4,5intervertebral space and the overall ROM of L2-5 lumbar vertebrae.Results MALC of lumbar vertebra was designed by 3D printing,and its component artificial vertebrae and upper and lower ar-tificial end plates were manufactured.The semi-spherical structure was fabricated by precision lathe using high-crosslinked polyethylene material,and the prosthesis was assembled.Postoperative AP and lateral X-rays of lumbar vertebra at 6 months showed the implant position of implant and MALC were good without displacement and dislocation.In vitro biomechanical test of lumbar vertebrae specimens:(1)There were no statistical significance in ROM of lumbar intervertebral space flexion and extension,lateral flexion and rotation on L.4 and L4,5,between non-fusion group and control group(P＞0.05),while ROM of fu-sion group was significantly reduced compared with the other two groups(P＜0.05).There were no significant difference in ROM of L2.3 intervertebral flexion and extension,lateral flexion and rotation between non-fusion group and control group(P＞0.05),while fusion group was significantly increased compared with the other two groups(P＜0.001).(2)There was no signifi-cant difference in overall lumbar ROM of L2-5(P＞0.05).Conclusion The individual MALC could restore intervertebral height of lumbar vertebra while maintaining the stability of lumbar vertebra and re-establishing motor function of lumbar space.