Objective: To isolate guaiane-type sesquiterpenes from leaves of Artemisia argyi H. Lév. & Vaniot, providing scientific evidence for the development and utilization of sesquiterpene compounds found in Artemisia argyi leaves. Methods: Compounds were isolated using conventional open-column chromatography and semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. The structures of the compounds were elucidated by modern spectroscopic techniques. The cytotoxicity of the compounds was assessed by CCK-8 assay, and their inhibitory activity against nitric oxide (NO) production was evaluated by Griess reagent. Results: Ten guaiane-type sesquiterpenes were isolated and identified, comprising 2 unknown compounds (1-2) and eight known compounds (3-10). Compound 4 significantly inhibited NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of (1.5±0.1) μmol/L. Conclusion: Notable anti-inflammatory activity has been identified in sesquiterpene compounds present in Artemisia argyi leaves. The identification of these novel sesquiterpenes enhances the chemical profile of Artemisia argyi leaves and offers strong scientific support for their potential applications in the pharmaceutical industry.
Objective: To screen the compounds with high inhibitory potency on influenza virus from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) extracts. Methods: Neuraminidase (NA) inhibitory activity assay was used to screen 148 TCM extracts, among which Curcuma longa L. extract displayed the best NA inhibitory activity. The bioactive compounds were isolated from the extract of Curcuma longa L. using at-line nanofractionation(ANF). The structures of these compounds were analyzed using mass spectrometry and their interactions toward NA were examined through molecular docking. Results: NA inhibitory rate of the extract from Curcuma longa L. was found to be 92%. A total of eight bioactive compounds, mainly curcumin analogues, were identified from Curcuma longa L. extract, indicating curcuminoids play a significant role for NA inhibition. Curcuminoids have a different mechanism of action compared to oseltamivir. Conclusion: ANF technology can play an important role in the screening of neuraminidase inhibitors. This finding not only provides a scientific basis for the potential clinical use of Curcuma longa L. against the influenza virus but also establishes a foundation for the development of novel influenza antivirus drugs.
Objective: To construct a strong inducible expression system based on T7-like RNA polymerase MmP1 in Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) to achieve efficient expression of the target protein. Methods: Constructing different inducible expression systems in EcN for “dose-response” characterization to screen out the best-performing induced system with low leakage and high induction expression level. Optimizing the expression output and dynamic range of the T7-like system by integrating the T7-like RNA polymerase (MmP1) expression on the chromosome of EcN, namely strain LM01, thereby constructing promoter mutation library of PMmP1 for tunable induced expression output. T7-like induced system based on MmP1 was used to control the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) of high yield, giving strong evidence for protein expression of T7-like system in EcN. Results: Several inducible systems were successfully constructed and characterized in EcN. Of which, the T7-like induction system based on MmP1 RNA polymerase displayed the best-performing saturated induction output with maximum dynamic range reaching up to 909-fold. After the MmP1 polymerase expression module was integrated into the genome of EcN, the saturated induction level was increased by 66.8%. The construction of PMmP1 promoter library provides a wide range of inducible expression output (dynamic range), spanning 65 to 1 097 fold. The T7-like (MmP1) system demonstrated the highest soluble SOD protein production yield of 435.7 mg/L, which was 4.02-fold higher than vanillic acid induction system. In addition, the maximum enzymatic activity of SOD achieves 391.3 U/mL. Conclusion: T7-like (MmP1) induction system can be successfully constructed in EcN with high saturated expression level, low basal leakiness, as well as controllable dynamic range of tunable gene expression control for efficient protein synthesis in the coming future.
Objective: This study aims to investigate the correlation between the platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and the occurrence of vascular events in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). Methods: We collected clinical data from 189 end-stage renal disease patients receiving first and maintenance hemodialysis at the Blood Purification Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University between January 1, 2016 and October 31, 2021. Patients were followed up until October 31, 2022, with the occurrence of new cardiovascular events as the study endpoint. Based on the optimal PLR cutoff value of 133.0 determined by X-tile software, patients were categorized into low PLR (<133.0) and high PLR (≥133.0) groups. Baseline characteristics and clinical data correlations were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests evaluated the probability of cardiovascular events between groups. Cox proportional hazards regression models, including inverse probability weighting, identified risk factors for cardiovascular events. Results: Compared to the low PLR group, patients in the high PLR group had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), elevated blood glucose, C-reactive protein (CRP), and platelet count (P<0.05). PLR was positively correlated with CVD, CRP, and neutrophils (P<0.05). The log-rank test indicated a significant difference in cardiovascular event probability between the high and low PLR groups (log-rank=7.396, P=0.007). Multivariate Cox regression analysis, adjusted for age, history of CVD, diastolic blood pressure, glucose, ALB, and CRP, showed that high PLR is an independent risk factor for CVD incident in MHD patients [HR (95%CI)=1.867 (1.023~3.410), P=0.042]. Univariate Cox regression analysis of the inverse probability-weighted population confirmed that patients in the high PLR group had a 1.9-fold higher risk of cardiovascular events compared to the low PLR group [HR (95%CI)=1.931 (1.033~3.606), P=0.039]. Conclusion: PLR is indicative of inflammatory status and serves as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events in MHD patients. There may be a causal relationship between elevated PLR and the increased risk of cardiovascular events in MHD patients.
Objective: To investigate the changes of oral microbiota composition in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients based on 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. Methods: A total of 25 MHD patients (MHD group) and 16 healthy controls (HC group) were included in this study. The dorsal tongue flora were collected and sequenced respectively, and the diversity and species difference of oral microbiota in the two groups were compared. Results: Patients in the MHD group exhibited significantly poorer periodontal health status and markedly lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) compared to the HC group (P<0.001). There is no significant difference in oral microbiota diversity between the two groups, while there is a notable difference in the composition of the oral microbiota. Notably, Aggregatibacter and Streptococcus were significantly enriched in the MHD group and demonstrated positive correlations with renal function indicators such as eGFR and serum creatinine (Scr), while seven genera including Prevotella and Parvimonas were substantially reduced (P<0.05). Furthermore, functional gene prediction revealed significant alterations in 16 signaling pathways in MHD patients, with lipid metabolism being particularly prominent among these dysregulated pathways. Conclusion: There were significant difference in the composition of oral microbiota between the two groups, and dysbiosis of the oral microbiota may be closely associated with the development of chronic kidney disease.
Objective: To explore the relationship between triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) and all-cause mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods: The data for this study came from the ICU Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC) database. The clinical outcome is hospitalized mortality. The relationship between TyG index and hospitalized mortality was analyzed using restricted cubic spline (RCS) model, and the Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the association between different TyG groups and in-hospital all-cause mortality. Results: A total of 501 patients were included in the study, including 170 in the low TyG group (TyG<8.80), 167 in the medium TyG group (8.80≤TyG<9.35), and 164 in the high TyG group (TyG≥9.35). With the middle TyG group as the reference group, in univariate analysis, the hazard ratio (HR) of the low TyG group was 1.84(95%CI: 0.68~4.98, P=0.229), the HR of the high TyG group was 3.02(95%CI: 1.19~7.65, P=0.02); in Model Ⅰ with adjusted variables, the HR of the low TyG group was 1.91(95%CI: 0.70~5.23, P=0.209), the HR of the high TyG group was 3.68 (95%CI: 1.44~9.42, P=0.007); in further adjusted Model Ⅱ, the HR of the low TyG group was 4.47(95%CI: 2.17~9.21, P<0.001), the HR of the high TyG group was 2.00(95%CI: 1.01~3.94, P=0.045). Conclusion: The research results indicate that TyG index, as a simple and easily accessible laboratory parameter, has important value in evaluating the prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction. A higher TyG index is significantly correlated with an increase in in-hospital mortality.
Objective: To develop a learning disabilities rating scale (LDRS) for school-aged children in China and test its reliability and validity. Methods: A primary school in Heyuan, Guangdong Province was randomly selected for Pretest and Formal Test, with sample sizes of 114 and 433, respectively. Pretest data were analyzed using reliability analysis, item analysis, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The formal test phase employed reliability analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and criterion validity testing. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was utilized to evaluate the screening capacity of LDRS. Results: The finalized LDRS comprises 5 dimensions with 29 items, categorized as reading comprehension, mathematics, written expression, attention, and emotional behavior. LDRS has been confirmed to possess excellent reliability, construct validity, and criterion validity. Using clinical diagnosis as the gold standard, ROC analysis determined an optimal cutoff score of 71.5 for LDRS, yielding a sensitivity of 0.906, specificity of 0.756, and a Youden index of 0.662. Conclusion: The LDRS is a dependable and effective instrument for screening individuals with learning disabilities, helping to assess learning disabilities among school-aged children in China.
Objective: To observe and evaluate the level and clinical significance of serum interleukin-38 (IL-38) in primary sjögren's syndrome (pSS). Methods: A total of 53 pSS patients were selected as case group, and 30 healthy persons were selected as control group. Collect their clinical data and measure the IL-38, Pyrin and caspase recruitment domain containing (PYCARD), and IL-6 level. The two-independent-samplest-test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test were used to compare the levels of IL-38 and others. The Pearson correlation coefficient was applied to evaluate the correlations of IL-38 and pSS, and Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the independent risk factors of pSS. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of IL-38. Results: ① The serum IL-38 level in pSS patients was significantly lower than healthy control (HC) group (P<0.000 1), and the level in the disease-active group was lower than disease-stable group and the HC group (P<0.000 1);PYCARD level in pSS patients was higher than HC group(P<0.000 1), and the PYCARD level in the disease-active group was higher than disease-stable group and the HC group. The IL-38 level in pSS with interstitial lung disease (ILD) was lower than that without ILD (P<0.05), while the PYCARD level was higher than without ILD group (P<0.001). The serum IL-38 concentrations in the anti-SSA antibody-positive group and anti-SSB antibody-positive group were both lower than those in the negative groups (P<0.05), while PYCARD was higher in the antibody-positive groups than in the antibody-negative groups (P<0.01). ② IL-38 was negatively correlated with C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), immunoglobulin G (IgG), rheumatoid factor (RF), European league against rheumatism sjögren's syndrome disease activity index (ESSDAI) score, and IL-6 (P<0.05). PYCARD was positively correlated with CRP, ESR, RF, ESSDAI score, and IL-6 (P<0.05). ③ There was a negative correlation between IL-38 and PYCARD (P=0.000 1). The results of univariate Logistic regression showed that serum IL-38 was a protective factor for the occurrence of pSS (P<0.001). The ROC showed that the sensitivity of serum IL-38 in predicting pSS was 86.70%, the specificity was 79.20%, and the AUC was 0.89. The sensitivity of the combination of IL-38 and PYCARD in diagnosing pSS was 81.10%, the specificity was 83.30%, and the AUC was 0.90. Conclusion: IL-38 is abnormal in pSS and is associated with clinical indicators and inflammatory factors such as IL- 6 and PYCARD, which has certain predictive value for pSS. Therefore, IL- 38 has potential clinical significance in pSS and is expected to become a new serological marker.
Objective: To analyze the relationship among the RNA expression levels of interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and T helper 17 (Th17) cells/regulatory T cells (Tregs) balance and disease severity in children with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis. Methods: A total of 108 children with RSV bronchiolitis were selected as the RSV infection group, and divided into the mild group (n=45), the moderate group (n=40) and the severe group (n=23) according to the severity. At the same time, 105 healthy children were selected as the normal control group. The mRNA expression levels of IFITM3 and TLR4 mRNA expression level, Th17 cell count, Tregs cell count and Th17/Tregs ratio in peripheral blood were compared between the RSV infection group and the normal control group. Pearson correlation was used to analyze the relationship between above-mentioned indicators and Th17/Tregs balance. Spearman correlation was used to analyze the relationship between above-mentioned indicators and disease severity. The value of above indicators in evaluating disease severity was analyzed. Results: The mRNA expression levels of IFITM3 and TLR4, Th17 cell count and Th17/Tregs ratio in peripheral blood of the RSV infection group were significantly higher, and the level of Tregs in the RSV infection group was lower compared to the normal control group (P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis revealed that the mRNA expression of IFITM3 and TLR4 was positively correlated with Th17/Tregs ratio (P<0.05). The mRNA expression levels of IFITM3 and TLR4 and Th17/Tregs ratio in peripheral blood increased in order from the mild group (P<0.001), the moderate group to the severe group (P<0.001). The mRNA expression levels of IFITM3 and TLR4 were positively correlated with disease severity (r=0.505, 0.517, P<0.05). Receptor operation characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the area under curve (AUC) and sensitivity of combined evaluation with the three were 0.927 and 91.3%, higher than those of single prediction (P<0.05). Conclusion: The mRNA expression levels of IFITM3 and TLR4 in peripheral blood of children with RSV infection induced bronchiolitis are significantly elevated, and there exists Th17/Tregs imbalance. The mRNA expression levels of IFITM3 and TLR4 in peripheral blood can reflect Th17/Tregs balance and the severity of the disease to some extent.
Jintiange capsule is principally composed of bionic tiger-bone powder. Significant therapeutic effects have been demonstrated in areas including the enhancement of osteogenic activity, increase in bone density, inhibition of bone resorption, and reduction of bone loss, with positive therapeutic impacts observed on various clinical manifestations caused by osteoporosis. When combined with other medications for primary or secondary osteoporosis treatment, enhanced therapeutic efficacy has been documented. Bone mineral density and osteocalcin levels have been effectively improved through this combination therapy. The bone metabolism process has been regulated, patient pain has been significantly alleviated, and favorable safety profiles have been maintained. To evaluate the clinical value of Jintiange capsule combination therapy in osteoporosis treatment, relevant application studies are systematically reviewed in this article.
Objective: To understand the research ability and training needs of clinical medical staff in a grade A tertiary maternal and child health institutions, and to improve the scientific research management process and the quality of scientific research services. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the scientific research ability and needs of clinical medical staffs in Qingdao Women and Children's Hospital of Qingdao University. The survey content included basic information, research status, self-examination of scientific research ability and research needs. Nonparametric test and ordered multiple Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the factors and demands affecting the scientific research ability of medical staff. Results: The median score of scientific research ability of 509 medical staff was 75.00 (54.50~90.00) points, 84.68% in the lower middle level. Time shortage and lack of methodological knowledge are the main obstacles to clinical research. The education level, the understanding of professional knowledge, the use of Literature databases, and the experience of publishing papers have significant effects on the self-evaluation of scientific research ability. Research topic selection training, research design training and data analysis training are the most urgent training needs for clinical medical staffs. Conclusion: The scientific research ability of medical staff is affected by many factors and needed to be improved. There is a strong demand for scientific research training. Managers should create a favorable research environment, reduce the burden of researchers, organize professional consulting teams, and carry out hierarchical training programs, to improve the overall scientific research literacy of medical staff and promote the high-quality development of hospitals.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to monitor and analyze the sleep rhythm characteristics and their consequential impacts on training performance, to provide scientific sleep guidance for athletes and improve training efficiency. Methods: Sleep and training data of 23 athletes from the Jiangsu Provincial Fencing Team from April to September 2023 were collected by HUAWEI band 6. We used night sleep duration, the adjusted mid-point of sleep on free days (MSFSc) and social jet lag (SJL) to assess the objective sleep characteristics of athletes. The classification of chronotypes was determined by the pivotal metric MSFSc, categorizing individuals into early type (<3:00 AM), intermediate type (3:00-5:00 AM), and late type (>5:00 AM). SJL is a measure of circadian rhythm disruption. We used the mean heart rate, maximum heart rate and training impulse (TRIMP) during training to evaluate the athlete's training. Results: 2 459 days of sleep data and 1 798 days of training data were collected. In 2 459 days of sleep monitoring, 57.2% of the days showed less than 8 hours of night sleep duration. The MSFSc of the athletes was (4:52±1:30), with approximately 60.87% categorized as intermediate types and 39.13% as late types; no early types were identified. SJL was (1.50±1.08) hours, with 65.22% of athletes experiencing more than 1 hour of SJL. SJL was strongly correlated with MSFSc(r=0.845,P<0.001). The mean heart rate, maximum heart rate and TRIMP of late types during training were lower than intermediate types; The mean heart rate and maximum heart rate of the athletes with higher SJL were also lower than those with lower SJL. Conclusion: Athletes generally experience sleep deprivation and circadian rhythm disorders, which are influenced by chronotype. Disrupted sleep rhythms can diminish athletes' capacity to endure exercise loads, highlighting the importance of optimizing sleep management strategies in athletic training programs.
Currently, there is limited systematic research on postoperative rehabilitation protocols for Maisonneuve fractures regarding functional recovery and long-term athletic performance maintenance in elite athletes. This article presented a case report on personalized and sport-specific rehabilitation protocol after Maisonneuve fracture surgery of professional basketball player, integrating progressive weight-bearing training, isokinetic strength enhancement, and neuromuscular control exercises. By 32 weeks postoperatively, the patient's ankle ROM and muscle strength had recovered to over 90% of the contralateral side, meanwhile the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score had decreased from 7 to 1. Through a 10-year follow-up, the athlete had maintained professional competitive performance, with the American orthopaedic foot & ankle society (AOFAS) score consistently at 100 points, while without any complications such as post-traumatic osteoarthritis observed. This case illustrated that a staged rehabilitation protocol based on sport biomechanical characteristics could effectively promote functional reconstruction in athletes. Furthermore, the long-term safety and athletic-performance outcomes observed in this protocol might provide valuable insights for similar clinical cases.
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