AIM To explore the clinical effects of Qushi Zhitong Pills on patients with rheumatoid arthritis.METHODS Eighty-six patients were randomly assigned into control group(43 cases)for 3-month intervention of conventional treatment,and observation group(43 cases)for 3-month intervention of both Qushi Zhitong Pills and conventional treatment.The changes in clinical efficacy,DAS28 score,laboratory-related indices(ESR,RF,CRP),peripheral blood Th17,Treg,Th17/Treg,bone destruction-related indices(OPG,BGP,PⅠNP,RANKL)and safety indices were detected.RESULTS The observation group demonstrated higher total effective rate than the control group(P<0.05).After the treatment,the two groups displayed decreased DAS28 score,laboratory-related indices,Th17,Th17/Treg,PⅠNP,RANKL(P<0.05),and increased Treg,OPG,BGP(P<0.05),especially for the observation group(P<0.05).No obvious adverse reactions were observable in the two groups.CONCLUSION For the patients with rheumatoid arthritis,Qushi Zhitong Pills can regulate Th17/Treg balance,improve bone destruction,and increase bone mineral density.

Objective:To investigate the clinical value of dynamic detection of lymphocyte subsets and blood cell counts in management of patients with lupus nephritis (LN).Methods:The clinical data of 65 patients with primary LN admitted in Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from January 2015 to April 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the stage of disease progression and medications used,LN patients were classified into primary active phase,post-induction therapy phase,and maintenance therapy phase. The changes in lymphocyte subsets were monitored,and the relationship of lymphocyte subsets and blood cell count ratios with lupus activity and infection events was evaluated.Results:The decrease of CD4 +T lymphocyte and NK cell counts were negatively correlated with the activity of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)( r=-0.67,-0.33, P<0.01),while CD8 +T lymphocyte,B cell counts,neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR),platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR),and monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR) were positively correlated with the SLE activity( r=0.38,0.26,0.34,0.26,0.29, P<0.05). The area under ROC curve (AUC) of CD4 +T lymphocyte count in predicting the occurrence of infection in LN patients was the highest (0.89); taking 247.50 cell/μl as cutoff value,the sensitivity and specificity were 81.25% and 87.50%,respectively. The combination of CD4 +T lymphocyte with CRP increased the predicting value for the occurrence of infection. Conclusion:Dynamic detection of blood lymphocyte subsets and blood cell counts can reflect SLE activity and the occurrence of infection in LN patients. Among these indicators the CD4 +T lymphocyte has the highest predictive value for the occurrence of infection,and the combination of the CD4 +T lymphocyte count with CRP level can further improve the predicting value.

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed at investigating the carrier rate of, and molecular variation in, α- and β-globin gene mutations in Hunan Province. METHODS: We recruited 25,946 individuals attending premarital screening from 42 districts and counties in all 14 cities of Hunan Province. Hematological screening was performed, and molecular parameters were assessed. RESULTS: The overall carrier rate of thalassemia was 7.1%, including 4.83% for α-thalassemia, 2.15% for β-thalassemia, and 0.12% for both α- and β-thalassemia. The highest carrier rate of thalassemia was in Yongzhou (14.57%). The most abundant genotype of α-thalassemia and β-thalassemia was -α ^3.7/αα (50.23%) and β ^IVS-II-654/β ^N (28.23%), respectively. Four α-globin mutations [CD108 (ACC>AAC), CAP +29 (G>C), Hb Agrinio and Hb Cervantes] and six β-globin mutations [CAP +8 (C>T), IVS-II-848 (C>T), -56 (G>C), beta nt-77 (G>C), codon 20/21 (-TGGA) and Hb Knossos] had not previously been identified in China. Furthermore, this study provides the first report of the carrier rates of abnormal hemoglobin variants and α-globin triplication in Hunan Province, which were 0.49% and 1.99%, respectively. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates the high complexity and diversity of thalassemia gene mutations in the Hunan population. The results should facilitate genetic counselling and the prevention of severe thalassemia in this region.
Humans ; beta-Thalassemia/genetics* ; alpha-Thalassemia/genetics* ; Hemoglobinopathies/genetics* ; China/epidemiology* ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing

To investigate the clinical and immunological features of dermatomyositis (DM) complicated with macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). The demographic and clinical characteristics of five patients diagnosed with DM complicated with MAS hospitalized in the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People ' s Hospital from 2011 to 2021 were collected. The results of clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, immunological features, treatments and prognosis were analyzed and summarized. In this study, five female patients in Peking University People's Hospital with an average age of 63.8 (44.0-83.0) years and an average disease duration of 16.1 (1.5-48.0) months. All the patients had typical DM rash (such as heliotrope sign, V/shawl sign or Gottron's sign/papules). They all had muscle involvement (including myalgia or muscle weakness). Two patients had positive myositis-specific antibodies (MSAs), in which case 1 had anti-TIF1-γ antibody and case 5 had anti-NXP-2 antibody. Four patients had interstitial lung disease except case 3. All of the cases developed MAS in the active stage of DM. Common manifestations of MAS in these five patients included high-grade fever, cytopenia, decreased fibrinogen, elevated ferritin and increased soluble CD25. Case 1 presented with neutropenia (0.6×10⁹ /L), thrombocytopenia (26.0×10⁹ /L), hypofibrinogenemia (0.9 g/L), markedly elevated ferritin (26 331.0 μg/L), decreased NK cell activity. Case 2 had anaemia (hemoglobin 81.0 g/L), thrombocytopenia (55.0×10⁹ /L), hypertriglyceridemia (4.7 mmol/L), hypofibrinogenemia (1.2 g/L), elevated ferritin (>100 000.0 μg/L), hemophagocytosis in bone marrow. Case 3 had anaemia (hemoglobin 88 g/L), decreased fibrinogen (1.9 g/L), increased ferritin (>27 759.0 μg/L), splenomegaly, hemophagocytosis in bone marrow. Case 4 suffered from neutropenia(0.3×10⁹ /L), anaemia(hemoglobin 78 g/L), hypertriglyceridemia (4.2 mmol/L), hypofibrinogenemia (0.9 g/L), increased ferritin (>100 000.0 μg/L), and decreased NK cell activity. Case 5 presented anaemia (hemoglobin 60.0 g/L), thrombocytopenia (67.0×10⁹ /L), hypertriglyceridemia (12.7 mmol/L), decreased fibrinogen (1.1 g/L), and elevated ferritin (>923.0 μg/L). All the patients were treated with methylprednisone pulse therapy (200-500 mg) combined with cyclosporine while case 5 received rituximab after methylprednisone pulses. In addition, case 3 also received the combination of mycophenolate mofetil. Case 1 was given etoposide while case 4 was treated with cyclophosphamide and repeated plasmapheresis at the same time. Moreover, intravenous immunoglobulin was added meantime apart from case 3. The condition of four patients improved significantly, nevertheless case 4 experienced recurred pulmonary symptoms and died of respiratory failure. As for complications about infection, case 2 had bacterial infection with high level procalcitonin (PCT) before MAS treatment and condition was improved after empiric antibacterial therapy. Case 3 had cytomegalovirus DNAemia before diagnosis of MAS and viral titer turned negative after ganciclovir therapy. After treatment of MAS, four patients developed cytomegalovirus DNAemia except case 3, in which case 5 was co-infected with bacteria. To sum, DM complicated with MAS is relatively rare, and its patients are of ten in life-threatening condition. Early detection, treatment and prevention of infection during treatment are critical to improve the prognosis.
Humans ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Dermatomyositis/complications* ; Macrophage Activation Syndrome/complications* ; Afibrinogenemia/complications* ; Autoantibodies ; Neutropenia ; Thrombocytopenia/complications* ; Ferritins/therapeutic use* ; Hypertriglyceridemia/complications* ; Fibrinogen/therapeutic use*

BACKGROUND: Delivery room resuscitation assists preterm infants, especially extremely preterm infants (EPI) and extremely low birth weight infants (ELBWI), in breathing support, while it potentially exerts a negative impact on the lungs and outcomes of preterm infants. This study aimed to assess delivery room resuscitation and discharge outcomes of EPI and ELBWI in China. METHODS: The clinical data of EPI (gestational age [GA] <28 weeks) and ELBWI (birth weight [BW] <1000 g), admitted within 72 h of birth in 33 neonatal intensive care units from five provinces and cities in North China between 2017 and 2018, were analyzed. The primary outcomes were delivery room resuscitation and risk factors for delivery room intubation (DRI). The secondary outcomes were survival rates, incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and risk factors for BPD. RESULTS: A cohort of 952 preterm infants were enrolled. The incidence of DRI, chest compressions, and administration of epinephrine was 55.9% (532/952), 12.5% (119/952), and 7.0% (67/952), respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that the risk factors for DRI were GA <28 weeks (odds ratio [OR], 3.147; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.082-4.755), BW <1000 g (OR, 2.240; 95% CI, 1.606-3.125), and antepartum infection (OR, 1.429; 95% CI, 1.044-1.956). The survival rate was 65.9% (627/952) and was dependent on GA. The rate of BPD was 29.3% (181/627). Multivariate analysis showed that the risk factors for BPD were male (OR, 1.603; 95% CI, 1.061-2.424), DRI (OR, 2.094; 95% CI, 1.328-3.303), respiratory distress syndrome exposed to ≥2 doses of pulmonary surfactants (PS; OR, 2.700; 95% CI, 1.679-4.343), and mechanical ventilation ≥7 days (OR, 4.358; 95% CI, 2.777-6.837). However, a larger BW (OR, 0.998; 95% CI, 0.996-0.999), antenatal steroid (OR, 0.577; 95% CI, 0.379-0.880), and PS use in the delivery room (OR, 0.273; 95% CI, 0.160-0.467) were preventive factors for BPD (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Improving delivery room resuscitation and management of respiratory complications are imperative during early management of the health of EPI and ELBWI.
Birth Weight ; Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia ; China/epidemiology* ; Delivery Rooms ; Female ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Extremely Low Birth Weight ; Infant, Extremely Premature ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Pregnancy

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the chromatic properties and translucency of porcelain veneers made from different ceramic materials against the background of tetracycline-stained teeth. METHODS: Porcelain specimens (A1, A3, B2, B4) measuring 0.50 mm in thickness were prepared by heat-press casting and layering. The L*, a*, and b* values of the specimens against simulated tetracycline tooth and black-and-white backgrounds were measured by a spectrophotometer, and color differences ΔE RESULTS: The ΔE CONCLUSIONS When changing the color of tetracycline-stained teeth, 0.50 mm-thick IPS d.SIGN feldspathic veneers with an opaque layer provide better chromatic properties than IPS e.max Press LT glass ceramic veneers. However, the translucency of feldspathic veneers is generally poorer than that of glass ceramic veneers.
Ceramics ; Color ; Dental Porcelain ; Dental Veneers ; Materials Testing ; Tetracyclines

OBJECTIVE: To test the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of parenting sense of competence scale (PSOC) in Chinese mothers of preschool children, and to explore the perception of preschool children's mothers on their own parenting skills and their comfort of being a parent in Yanqing District of Beijing. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a convenience sample in 1 384 preschool children's mothers in Yanqing District of Beijing. SPSS 21.0 and Mplus 7.4 software were used for statistical analysis to test the structural validity, criterion related validity, internal consistency and split half reliability of the scale, and to analyze the score of the scale and its influencing factors. RESULTS: The PSOC had good reliability and validity. Exploratory factor analysis showed that each item of the PSOC had more than 0.4 factor loading in efficacy factor or satisfaction factor, and there was no double load phenomenon. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the factor loadings ranged from 0.212 to 0.843 in efficacy factor and satisfaction factor, respectively. The goodness of fit test showed that all the fitting indexes were within the acceptable range, and the correlation between the effectiveness subscale and the satisfaction subscale was high. The Cronbach's α coefficient of the whole scale, the efficacy subscale and the satisfaction subscale were 0.872, 0.802, and 0.874, respectively. The Spearman-Brown coefficient of PSOC was 0.851. The average score of the whole scale, the efficacy subscale, and the satisfaction subscale were 72.33±11.31, 35.54±5.91, and 36.79±7.11, respectively, and the score of parenting competence in Chinese mothers of preschool children was influenced by the mother's educational level and the annual income of her family. CONCLUSION The PSOC has satisfactory reliability and validity in Chinese mothers of preschool children. It can be used as an evaluation instrument for measuring the parenting competency, self perceived efficacy and satisfaction in the mainland Chinese mothers of preschool children. The competency of preschool children's mothers in Yanqing District of Beijing is very good, which may be related to the higher education level of the mothers and the higher annual income of their families in this study.
Beijing ; Child, Preschool ; China ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Mothers ; Parenting ; Psychometrics ; Reproducibility of Results ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Objective:To evaluate the effect of hierarchical diagnosis and treatment model of childhood bronchial asthma in Shanghai Pudong New Area.Methods:According to the principle of proximity, children aged 6 months-17 years who were diagnosed with bronchial asthma at Shanghai Children′s Medical Center from July 2016 to May 2017 were divided into two cohorts: the specialized hospital group and the community hospital group.Twelve months of treatment and follow-up were conducted.The asthma control level, Childhood Asthma Control Test (C-ACT) score, medication adherence and health economic indicators were collected.Results:A total of 524 children were included for data analysis and divided into the specialized hospital group (300 cases) and the community hospital group (224 cases). According to the Global Initiative for Asthma(GINA) criteria, there was no statistical difference in monthly asthma control level between the two groups (all P>0.05). In the 12 th month, the well-controlled rate of the specialized hospital group increased by 12.4% ( P<0.01), and that of the community hospital group increased by 22.9% ( P= 0.015). According to the C-ACT criteria, there was no statistical difference in the monthly well-controlled rate between the two groups (all P>0.05), and the rate maintained an upward trend.The rates of patients with good compliance in the specialized hospital group and the community hospital group at the 12 th month of hierarchical diagnosis and treatment were 78.3%(235/300 cases) and 75.0%(168/224 cases), respectively, and the difference was not statistically significant ( P=0.370). After 12 months of hierarchical diagnosis and treatment, the number of asthma attacks were 1.0 and 2.0 ( P=0.269), and the hospitalization rates for asthma were 3.0%(9/300 cases) and 4.9%(11/224 cases), respectively in the specialized hospital group and the community hospital group, and the diffe-rence was not statistically significant ( P=0.259); the number of respiratory infections in the specialized hospital group (2.0 times) was lower than that in the community hospital group (3.0 times), and the total cost of treatment in the community hospital group (2 471.5 Yuan) was lower than that in the specialized hospital group (3 445.5 Yuan), and the difference was statistically significant ( Z=-3.308, -3.336, all P<0.01). Twelve months after hierarchical diagnosis and treatment, the number of asthma attacks, the number of respiratory infections and the hospitalization rate for asthma in the two groups were all lower than those in the first 12 months of hierarchical diagnosis and treatment, and the difference was statistically significant (all P<0.01). Conclusions:Hierarchical diagnosis and treatment model of childhood asthma in Shanghai Pudong New Area can improve asthma control level, C-ACT score and asthma medication adherence, and enhance health economic benefits, thus it′s an effective way to manage childhood asthma.

A series of novel pyrano[2, 3-d]trizaole compounds were synthesized and their α-glucosidase inhibitory activities were evaluated by in vitro enzyme assay. The experimental data demonstrated that compound 10f showed up to 10-fold higher inhibition (IC74.0 ± 1.3 μmol·L) than acarbose. The molecular docking revealed that compound 10f could bind to α-glucosidase via the hydrophobic, π-π stacking, and hydrogen bonding interactions. The results may benefit further structural modifications to find new and potent α-glucosidase inhibitors.

Objective: To evaluate the changes of left ventricular function in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) before PCI and within 24 hours after PCI by layer-specific strain, and to explore the value of this new assessment method for quantitative monitoring on the myocardial function in STEMI patients. Methods: A total of 40 patients with acute anterior wall myocardial infarction, who underwent PCI in Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University during July 2017 to July 2018, were included in this prospective cohort study. According to the symptom to balloon time (STB), the patients were divided into STB ≤6 hours group (26 cases) and STB 6-12 hours group (14 cases). Echocardiography was performed before, immediately, 3 hours and 24 hours after PCI. Echocardiographic indexes including endocardial myocardial longitudinal strain (LS-endo), 18-segment full-thickness myocardial longitudinal strain (LS) of left ventricle and left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) were measured. The mean LS-endo and LS values of myocardial segments in infarcted area (IALS-endo, IALS) and the mean LS-endo and LS values of myocardial segments in non-infarcted area (NIALS-endo, NIALS) were calculated. Results: There were 34 males and 6 females in this cohort and age was (62±10) years. In STB≤6 hours group, the IALS-endo value ((13.7±4.9)% vs. (10.0±2.7)%, P<0.05) and NIALS-endo value ((17.0±2.9)% vs. (14.6±2.9)%, P<0.05) were significantly higher at 24 hours after PCI than those before PCI. In the group of STB 6-12 hours, IALS-endo decreased immediately after PCI ((6.7±3.3)% vs. (11.9±6.5)%, P<0.05), and there was a rising trend at 3 hours after PCI (P>0.05). At 24 hours after PCI, the index was higher than that immediately after PCI ((13.6±8.4)% vs. (6.7±3.3)%, P<0.05). The NIALS-endo value was significantly higher at 24 hours after PCI than that before PCI ((17.1±2.1)% vs. (14.5±3.2)%, P<0.05). In the STB 6-12 hours group, the decrease rate of IALS-endo immediately after PCI was higher than that in the STB ≤6 hours group (93% (13/14) vs. 35% (9/26), P<0.001). In STB ≤6 hours group, the NIALS value at 24 hours after PCI was higher than that before PCI (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in IALS, NIALS and GLS at other time points (P>0.05). Conclusions: Layered LS is superior to full-thickness LS and GLS in evaluating left ventricular function in STEMI patients. LS measured by echocardiography can continuously and quantitatively evaluate the changes of left ventricular myocardial function in STEMI patients before and after PCI.
Echocardiography ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ; Prospective Studies ; ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction/surgery* ; Ventricular Function, Left