ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Guben Quyu Jiedu prescription in treating nocturnal hypoxemia of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD） combined with Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome （ OSAHS ） （deficiency of lung， spleen and kidney with blood stasis and toxicity）. MethodsThe paper used a forward-looking， random double-blind， placebo-controlled design method to select 96 patients with COPD combined with OSAHS， and their traditional Chinese medicines （TCM） syndrome differentiation was deficiency of lung， spleen and kidney with blood stasis and toxicity. These patients were randomly divided into the observation group and the control group， with 48 cases in each group. Based on conventional Western medicine treatment， the observation group was treated with Guben Quyu Jiedu prescription and the control group was treated with traditional Chinese medicine placebo. Both courses of treatment were 90 days. Then the paper compared the changes in minimum pulse oxygen saturation （SpO₂） during the night， apnea index （AHI）， OSAHS efficacy evaluation， TCM syndrome efficacy evaluation， and TCM symptom score before and after treatment between the two groups. ResultsThere were 5 withdrawals in the observation group and 8 withdrawals in the control group， so 43 cases in the observation group and 40 cases in the control group completed the trial. Compared with the condition before treatment， the minimum SpO₂ during the night and AHI in the observation group were significantly improved at night （P<0.01） and were better than those in the control group （P<0.01）. OSAHS efficacy in the observation group was better than in the control group （χ²=7.085， P<0.05）. In terms of TCM syndrome efficacy， the total effective rate was 81.40% （35/43） in the observation group， significantly higher than that in the control group， which was 15.00% （6/40） （χ²=36.78， P<0.01）. The TCM symptom scores of the two groups were improved compared with the condition before treatment， and the effect of the two groups was similar in the four main symptoms of snoring， choking， lethargy， and cough. However， the observation group was better than the control group in 10 details such as dizziness， headache， chest tightness， chest pain， wheezing， dry mouth， and thirst （P<0.05）. ConclusionUsing Guben Quyu Jiedu prescription combined with conventional Western medicine can treat COPD combined with OSAHS hypoxemia at night （deficiency of lung， spleen and kidney with blood stasis and toxicity）. In this way， the minimum pulse oxygen saturation （SpO₂） of patients， the level of disease control， and the quality of life of patients can be improved， and the clinical symptoms can be relieved.

ObjectiveA multiplex amplification system was constructed based on the capillary electrophoresis platform for simultaneous detection of saliva, semen, and vaginal secretions using tissue-specific RNA markers. The aim of this study is to identify the tissue origin of suspicious body fluid stains found at crime scenes and determine whether the body fluid stains at the crime scene are one or several types among saliva, semen, and vaginal secretions. MethodsThirty saliva samples, forty semen samples, and forty vaginal secretion samples (half from 2015 and half from 2024) were collected from healthy adult volunteers. Through primer designing, system formulation, and PCR condition optimization, a multiplex fluorescent amplification system was constructed. The specificity, sensitivity, and detection ability for mixed samples of this system were investigated, and it was tested using real crime scene materials. In the primer design stage, to reduce the requirements for RNA template quality, the amplification products were set within 80-300 bp. In the system formulation stage, dominant and subordinate primers were mainly considered. By reducing the concentration of dominant primers and increasing that of subordinate primers, a capillary electrophoresis spectrum with an appropriate peak height ratio was finally obtained. Additionally, gradient experiments were designed to adjust the concentrations of PCR reagents and PCR amplification conditions, and multiple versions of DNA amplification enzymes were optimized to achieve the best experimental results. ResultsThrough statistical analysis, there was no significant difference in the capillary electrophoresis of the 3 types of body fluid samples from the two years (2015 and 2024), demonstrating that the sample preservation method in this study can preserve samples for a relatively long time. The composite amplification system constructed in this study exhibited high specificity for all 3 types of body fluid, with no cross-reactions between the markers of each type of body fluid. The minimum detection thresholds for the 3 types of body fluid reached 0.002 9, 0.001 5, and 0.42 mg/L, respectively. This system also had a high degree of discrimination for mixed samples, especially for semen-saliva mixtures, where each body fluid marker could still be successfully detected when the concentration ratio of semen to saliva was 100:1. Meanwhile, in the two actual cases presented in this article, the application of this composite amplification system performed outstandingly. ConclusionThe composite amplification detection system constructed in this study can achieve the correct screening of saliva, semen, and vaginal secretions, overcoming the problems such as low specificity and sensitivity of marker tests and unbalanced RFU values of each marker in previous studies. The specificity and sensitivity meet the practical work requirements, and the operation is simple. It provides an analytical and identification method for body fluid stains in actual case and is applicable to the identification of the tissue origin of biological evidence at crime scenes involving sexual assault, indecent assault, and other criminal acts. In the future, more types of body fluid markers will be screened to expand the types of body fluids detected by the system, and body fluid-specific cSNP and cInDel genetic markers will be introduced to infer the sources (individuals and types) of mixed and complex stains more accurately.

ObjectiveRapid and accurate identification of body fluid traces at crime scenes is crucial for case investigation. Leveraging the speed and sensitivity of nucleic acid detection technology based on SHERLOCK, our research focuses on developing a peripheral blood SHERLOCK-HBA detection system to detect mRNA in forensic practice. MethodsShort crRNA fragments targeting the blood-specific mRNA gene HBA were designed and screened, alongside RPA primers. Optimal RPA primers were selected based on specificity and amplification efficiency, leading to the establishment of the RPA system. The most efficient crRNA was chosen based on relative fluorescence units (RFU) generated by the Cas protein reaction, and the Cas protein reaction system was constructed to establish the SHERLOCK-HBA detection method. The RPA and Cas protein reaction systems in the SHERLOCK detection system were then individually optimized. A total of 79 samples of five body fluids were tested to evaluate the method’s ability to identify blood, with further verification through species-specific tests, sensitivity tests, mixed spots detection, aged samples, UV-irradiated samples, and actual casework samples. ResultsThe SHERLOCK reaction system for the peripheral blood-specific marker HBA was successfully established and optimized, enabling detection within 30 min. The method demonstrated a detection limit of 0.001 ng total RNA, better than FOB strip method and comparable to RT-PCR capillary electrophoresis. The system could detect target body fluids in mixed samples and identify blood in samples stored at room temperature for three years and exposed to UV radiation for 32 h. Detection of 11 casework samples showed performance comparable to RT-PCR capillary electrophoresis. ConclusionThis study presents a CRISPR/Cas-based SHERLOCK-HBA detection system capable of accurately, sensitively, and rapidly identifying blood samples. Introducing CRISPR/Cas technology to forensic body fluid identification represents a significant advancement in applying cutting-edge molecular biology techniques to forensic science.The method’s simplicity, shorter detection time, and independence from specialized equipment make it promising for rapid blood sample identification in forensic cases.

The 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones were separated from agarwood of Aquilaria agallocha Roxb. and their anti-KRAS mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) activities were evaluated. 2-(2-Phenyethyl)chromones in agarwood were separated and purified by silica gel, RP-18 reverse phase silica gel, MCI gel CH20P, Diol, and semi preparative HPLC chromatography techniques, while the structures of the compounds were identified by extensive spectroscopic analysis, such as 1D and 2D NMR and ESI-MS. The cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) assay was used to screen the anti-tumor activity of the isolated monomeric compounds on three KRAS-mutant NSCLC cells. The cell proliferation, cloning formation, adhesion ability, and cell cycle arrest activity of compound 8 were analyzed. Molecular docking and Western blot experiments were used to study the mechanism of compound 8. The in vivo anti-tumor activity of the compound 8 was evaluated by zebrafish cell derived xenograft (CDX) model. Nineteen known 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of agarwood. On A549 (KRAS G12S) cells, compounds 8, 10, and 19 showed good inhibitory activity, on H23 (KRAS G12C) cells, compounds 7, 8, and 19 showed good inhibitory activity, and on H358 (KRAS G12C) cells, compounds 8, 10, and 16 showed good inhibitory activity. Compound 8 had the best inhibitory activity in all three cell lines. It effectively inhibited cell proliferation, clone formation, adhesion ability, and arrested the H23 cell cycle at G2/M phase. Compound 8 could also inhibit the expression of c-Met and its downstream signaling pathways, effectively inhibiting tumor growth in zebrafish CDX model. In conclusion, among the nineteen known 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromones, compound 8 had the best activity and significantly inhibited the proliferation of KRAS-mutant NSCLC cells by arresting the cells in the G2/M phase.

Viral myocarditis(VMC)is the leading cause of dilated cardiomyopathy,which can lead to heart failure and sudden cardiac death.With the development of high-throughput sequencing technology,non-coding RNA(ncRNA)plays an important role in the occurrence and development of VMC.ncRNA promotes the occurrence and development of VMC by regulating viral replication,immune cell function,myocardial cell death,myocardial interstitial fibrosis,and other pathological processes.This article reviews the research progress of ncRNA in VMC and provides new ideas for the pathogenesis,diagnosis,and treatment of VMC.

Background::Liver cancer remains the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, causing a heavy burden globally. An updated assessment of the global epidemiology of the liver cancer burden that addresses geographical disparities is necessary to better understand and promote healthcare delivery.Methods::Data were extracted from the GLOBOCAN 2022 database, including the number, crude, and age-standardized rates of incidence and mortality at the global, country, continent, and human development index (HDI) regional levels. Age-standardized rates (incidence and mortality) per 100,000 person-years were adjusted based on the Segi-Doll World standard population. The mortality-to-incidence ratios (MIR) for each region and country were calculated. The HDI and gross national income (GNI) for 2022 were obtained, and a Pearson correlation analysis was conducted with the incidence, mortality, and MIR.Results::In 2022, approximately 866,136 new liver cancer cases and 758,725 related deaths were recorded worldwide, with a global MIR of 0.86. Males had a disproportionately higher burden than females across all levels, and the highest burden was observed in the elderly population. Geographically, the regions with the highest incidence rates included Micronesia, Eastern Asia, and Northern Africa, and the regions with the highest mortality rates included Northern Africa, Southeastern Asia, Eastern Asia, and Micronesia. Notably, Mongolia had a strikingly high burden compared to other countries. The highest MIR was observed in North America and the lowest in Africa. Negative associations of HDI and GNI with liver cancer mortality and MIR were identified, irrespective of sex.Conclusions::The current liver cancer burden underscores the presence of remarkable geographic heterogeneity, which is particularly evident across countries with varying HDI levels, highlighting the urgent need to prioritize health accessibility and availability to achieve health inequities.

Objective China is among the 30 countries with a high burden of tuberculosis(TB)worldwide,and TB remains a public health concern.Kashgar Prefecture in the southern Xinjiang Autonomous Region is considered as one of the highest TB burden regions in China.However,molecular epidemiological studies of Kashgar are lacking. Methods A population-based retrospective study was conducted using whole-genome sequencing(WGS)to determine the characteristics of drug resistance and the transmission patterns. Results A total of 1,668 isolates collected in 2020 were classified into lineages 2(46.0%),3(27.5%),and 4(26.5%).The drug resistance rates revealed by WGS showed that the top three drugs in terms of the resistance rate were isoniazid(7.4%,124/1,668),streptomycin(6.0%,100/1,668),and rifampicin(3.3%,55/1,668).The rate of rifampicin resistance was 1.8%(23/1,290)in the new cases and 9.4%(32/340)in the previously treated cases.Known resistance mutations were detected more frequently in lineage 2 strains than in lineage 3 or 4 strains,respectively:18.6%vs.8.7 or 9%,P<0.001.The estimated proportion of recent transmissions was 25.9%(432/1,668).Multivariate logistic analyses indicated that sex,age,occupation,lineage,and drug resistance were the risk factors for recent transmission.Despite the low rate of drug resistance,drug-resistant strains had a higher risk of recent transmission than the susceptible strains(adjusted odds ratio,1.414;95%CI,1.023-1.954;P = 0.036).Among all patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis(DR-TB),78.4%(171/218)were attributed to the transmission of DR-TB strains. Conclusion Our results suggest that drug-resistant strains are more transmissible than susceptible strains and that transmission is the major driving force of the current DR-TB epidemic in Kashgar.

Objective To retrospectively analyze of factors influencing early preterm birth(EPB)and late preterm birth(LPB)in pregnancy women with placenta previa complicated by placenta accreta spectrum disorders(PAS),and assess maternal and infant outcomes.Methods We included 590 cases of pregnancy women with placenta previa complicated by PAS who underwent cesarean sections at five hospitals in Wuhan and Xianning cities between January 2018 and June 2021.These patients were divided into three groups based on delivery gesta-tional age:EPB,LPB,and term birth(TB).A multiple logistic regression model was employed to analyze the risk factors associated with EPB and LPB.Additionally,differences in early maternal and infant outcomes among these groups were examined.Results Among 590 pregnancy women with placenta previa complicated by PAS,the proportions of EPB and LPB were 9.7%and 54.4%.The use of uterine contraction inhibitors prior to cesarean section,vaginal bleeding,and previous cesarean sections history were identified as risk factors for both EPB and LPB.The proportion of severe postpartum hemorrhage was comparable between the EPB group and the LPB group;however,the incidence of neonatal asphyxia,low birth weight infants,and the rate of newborns transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit(NICU)within 24 hours after cesarean delivery were significantly higher in the EPB group compared to the LPB group.Conclusions Placenta previa complicated by PAS predominantly leads to LPB.The history of prior cesarean sections,uterine contractions,and vaginal bleeding prior to cesarean section,are sig-nificantly associated with both EPB and LPB.During the perinatal period,efforts should be made to extend gesta-tional weeks under close monitoring to minimize the incidence of premature births and thereby improve early mater-nal and infant outcomes.

Objective To investigate the risk factors for bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD)in twin preterm infants with a gestational age of<34 weeks,and to provide a basis for early identification of BPD in twin preterm infants in clinical practice.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for the twin preterm infants with a gestational age of<34 weeks who were admitted to 22 hospitals nationwide from January 2018 to December 2020.According to their conditions,they were divided into group A(both twins had BPD),group B(only one twin had BPD),and group C(neither twin had BPD).The risk factors for BPD in twin preterm infants were analyzed.Further analysis was conducted on group B to investigate the postnatal risk factors for BPD within twins.Results A total of 904 pairs of twins with a gestational age of<34 weeks were included in this study.The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that compared with group C,birth weight discordance of>25%between the twins was an independent risk factor for BPD in one of the twins(OR=3.370,95%CI:1.500-7.568,P<0.05),and high gestational age at birth was a protective factor against BPD(P<0.05).The conditional logistic regression analysis of group B showed that small-for-gestational-age(SGA)birth was an independent risk factor for BPD in individual twins(OR=5.017,95%CI:1.040-24.190,P<0.05).Conclusions The development of BPD in twin preterm infants is associated with gestational age,birth weight discordance between the twins,and SGA birth.

Sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins(Siglecs)are expressed on most white blood cells and play a key role in signal transduction of immune cells.Recent studies have shown that many bacterial pathogens regulate the host immune response through the interaction between sialic acid(Sia)and Siglecs,thereby influencing the occurrence and development of diseases.Understanding bacterial pathogenic mechanisms is essential to identify potential effective therapeutic targets and help manage bacterial infectious diseases.Herein,the structure,biological function,and research progress in Siglecs in bacterial in-fectious diseases are briefly reviewed.