Preparation, Characterization, and Bioactivities of Polysaccharide-Nano-Selenium and Selenized Polysaccharides from Acanthopanax senticosus.

Acanthopanax senticosus polysaccharide-nano-selenium (ASPS-SENPS) and A. selenopanax selenized polysaccharides (Se-ASPS) were synthesized, and their characterization and biological properties were compared. The acid extraction method was used to extract the polysaccharides of A. selenopanax, followed by decolorization using the hydrogen peroxide method and deproteinization based on the Sevage method, and the purification of A. senticosus polysaccharides (ASPS) was carried out using the cellulose DEAE-52 ion column layer analysis method. An A. senticosus polysaccharide-nano-selenium complex was synthesized by a chemical reduction method using ASPS as dispersants. The selenization of polysaccharides from A. selenopanax was carried out using the HNO3-Na2SeO3 method. The chemical compositions, scanning electron microscopy images, infrared spectra, and antioxidant properties of ASPS-SENPS and Se-ASPS were studied, and they were also subjected to thermogravimetric analysis. The results indicated that the optimal conditions for the synthesis of ASPS-SENPS include the following: when ASPS accounts for 10%, the ratio of ascorbic acid and sodium selenium should be 4:1, the response time should be 4 h, and the reaction temperature should be 50 °C. The most favorable conditions for the synthesis of Se-ASPS were as follows: m (Na2SeO3):m (ASPS) = 4:5, response temperature = 50 °C, and response time = 11.0 h. In the in vitro antioxidant assay, when the mass concentration of Se-ASPS and ASPS-SENPS was 5 mg/mL, the removal rates for DPPH free radicals were 88.44 ± 2.83% and 98.89 ± 3.57%, respectively, and the removal rates for ABTS free radicals were 90.11 ± 3.43% and 98.99 ± 1.73%, respectively, stronger than those for ASPS. The current study compares the physiological and bioactivity effects of ASPS-SENPS and Se-ASPS, providing a basis for future studies on polysaccharides.

TCMSSD: A comprehensive database focused on syndrome standardization.

BACKGROUD: Quantitative and standardized research on syndrome differentiation has always been at the forefront of modernizing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory. However, the majority of existing databases primarily concentrate on the network pharmacology of herbal prescriptions, and there are limited databases specifically dedicated to TCM syndrome differentiation. PURPOSE: In response to this gap, we have developed the Traditional Chinese Medical Syndrome Standardization Database (TCMSSD, http://tcmssd.ratcm.cn). METHODS: TCMSSD is a comprehensive database that gathers data from various sources, including TCM literature such as TCM Syndrome Studies (Zhong Yi Zheng Hou Xue) and TCM Internal Medicine (Zhong Yi Nei Ke Xue) and various public databases such as TCMID and ETCM. In our study, we employ a deep learning approach to construct the knowledge graph and utilize the BM25 algorithm for syndrome prediction. RESULTS: The TCMSSD integrates the essence of TCM with the modern medical system, providing a comprehensive collection of information related to TCM. It includes 624 syndromes, 133,518 prescriptions, 8,073 diseases (including 1,843 TCM-specific diseases), 8,259 Chinese herbal medicines, 43,413 ingredients, 17,602 targets, and 8,182 drugs. By analyzing input data and comparing it with the patterns and characteristics recorded in the database, the syndrome prediction tool generates predictions based on established correlations and patterns. CONCLUSION: The TCMSSD fills the gap in existing databases by providing a comprehensive resource for quantitative and standardized research on TCM syndrome differentiation and laid the foundation for research on the biological basis of syndromes.

[Study on allergen components of birch pollen in Beijing area].

Objective:To explore the allergen components of birch pollen in the Beijing area and interpret its clinical significance. Methods:A total of 58 patients with birch pollen allergy were included in the cross-sectional study and divided into allergic rhinitis（AR） and allergic asthma（AA） groups according to clinical manifestations. Concentration of birch pollen allergen sIgE, as well as Bet v 1, Bet v 2, Bet v 4 and Bet v 6 sIgE were detected by ImmunoCAP immunolinked immunoassay. Differences of sIgE concentration of birch pollen allergen component in AR and AA were analyzed. Results:There were 44（75.9%） cases of AR and 14（24.1%） cases of AA were enrolled. All the 18 patients with spring pollen allergy were AR patients without AA. There were 40 cases with both spring and autumn pollen allergy, of which 26 cases（65%） were AR and 14 cases（35%） were AA. The sIgE of birch pollen allergen was level 2 or above in all subjects. 94.8% were positive for any four allergen components. 77.6% were mono-sensitized to any allergen component while 17.2% were dual-sensitized. The positive rate of Bet v 1 and/or Bet v 2 was 93.1%. The positive rates of four protein components were: Bet v 1（82.8%）, Bet v 2（29.3%）, Bet v 6（1.7%）, Bet v 4（0%）. sIgE of birch pollen was positively correlated with sIgE level of Betv 1（r=0.898, P<0.001）. The sIgE concentration of Bet v2 in AA group was significantly higher than that in AR group（[4.34±14.35] kUA/L vs [1.56±3.26] kUA/L, P<0.05）. There was no significant difference in other components. Conclusion:Bet v 1 is the main allergen component of birch pollen in the Beijing area, and Bet v 1 plus Bet v 2 can diagnose more than 90% of birch pollen allergy.

Cucurbitacin B modulates M2 macrophage differentiation and attenuates osteosarcoma progression via PI3K/AKT pathway.

Osteosarcoma is a common malignant bone tumour characterised by an aggressive metastatic potential. The tumour microenvironment, particularly the M2-polarised macrophages, is crucial for tumour progression. Cucurbitacin B (CuB), a triterpenoid derivative, is recognised for its anti-inflammatory and antitumour properties. This study investigates CuB and its effect on M2 macrophage differentiation and osteosarcoma progression, aiming to contribute to new treatment strategies. In vitro, THP-1 monocytes were stimulated with PMA, IL-13 and IL-4 to induce differentiation into M2 macrophages. Additionally, the influence of CuB on the proliferation, migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells in the context of M2 macrophages was scrutinised. Crucial signalling pathways, especially the PI3K/AKT pathway, affected by CuB were identified and validated. In vivo, the osteosarcoma model was employed to gauge the effects of CuB on tumour weight, lung metastasis, angiogenesis, cell proliferation and M2 macrophage markers. The results showed that CuB inhibited M2 macrophage differentiation, leading to reduced proliferation, migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells. CuB manifested an inhibitory effect on the PI3K/AKT pathway during the differentiation of M2 macrophages. In mouse models, CuB markedly reduced the tumour weight and the number of lung metastases. It also reduced the expression of angiogenesis and cell proliferation markers in tumour tissues, decreased the quantity of M2 macrophages and their associated markers and pathway proteins. In conclusion, CuB impedes osteosarcoma progression by inhibiting M2 macrophage differentiation via the PI3K/AKT pathway, presenting the potential for therapeutic advancements in osteosarcoma treatment.

FGF23 directly inhibits osteoprogenitor differentiation in Dmp1-knockout mice.

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a phosphate-regulating (Pi-regulating) hormone produced by bone. Hereditary hypophosphatemic disorders are associated with FGF23 excess, impaired skeletal growth, and osteomalacia. Blocking FGF23 became an effective therapeutic strategy in X-linked hypophosphatemia, but testing remains limited in autosomal recessive hypophosphatemic rickets (ARHR). This study investigates the effects of Pi repletion and bone-specific deletion of Fgf23 on bone and mineral metabolism in the dentin matrix protein 1-knockout (Dmp1KO) mouse model of ARHR. At 12 weeks, Dmp1KO mice showed increased serum FGF23 and parathyroid hormone levels, hypophosphatemia, impaired growth, rickets, and osteomalacia. Six weeks of dietary Pi supplementation exacerbated FGF23 production, hyperparathyroidism, renal Pi excretion, and osteomalacia. In contrast, osteocyte-specific deletion of Fgf23 resulted in a partial correction of FGF23 excess, which was sufficient to fully restore serum Pi levels but only partially corrected the bone phenotype. In vitro, we show that FGF23 directly impaired osteoprogenitors' differentiation and that DMP1 deficiency contributed to impaired mineralization independent of FGF23 or Pi levels. In conclusion, FGF23-induced hypophosphatemia is only partially responsible for the bone defects observed in Dmp1KO mice. Our data suggest that combined DMP1 repletion and FGF23 blockade could effectively correct ARHR-associated mineral and bone disorders.

A Compared Study of Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid in Improving Seizure-Induced Cognitive Deficiency in a Pentylenetetrazol-Kindling Young Mice Model.

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that is more prevalent in children, and recurrent unprovoked seizures can lead to cognitive impairment. Numerous studies have reported the benefits of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on neurodevelopment and cognitive ability, while comparatively less attention has been given to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Additionally, little is known about the effects and mechanisms of DHA and EPA in relation to seizure-induced cognitive impairment in the young rodent model. Current research indicates that ferroptosis is involved in epilepsy and cognitive deficiency in children. Further investigation is warranted to determine whether EPA or DHA can mitigate seizure-induced cognitive deficits by inhibiting ferroptosis. Therefore, this study was conducted to compare the effects of DHA and EPA on seizure-induced cognitive deficiency and reveal the underlying mechanisms focused on ferroptosis in a pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-kindling young mice model. Mice were fed a diet containing DHA-enriched ethyl esters or EPA-enriched ethyl esters for 21 days at the age of 3 weeks and treated with PTZ (35 mg/kg, i.p.) every other day 10 times. The findings indicated that both EPA and DHA exhibited ameliorative effects on seizure-induced cognitive impairment, with EPA demonstrating a superior efficacy. Further mechanism study revealed that supplementation of DHA and EPA significantly increased cerebral DHA and EPA levels, balanced neurotransmitters, and inhibited ferroptosis by modulating iron homeostasis and reducing lipid peroxide accumulation in the hippocampus through activating the Nrf2/Sirt3 signal pathway. Notably, EPA exhibited better an advantage in ameliorating iron dyshomeostasis compared to DHA, owing to its stronger upregulation of Sirt3. These results indicate that DHA and EPA can efficaciously alleviate seizure-induced cognitive deficiency by inhibiting ferroptosis in PTZ-kindled young mice.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of acupuncture in Parkinson's disease with dysphagia.

Objective: The systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively evaluate acupuncture's efficacy and safety in treating dysphagia in Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, China Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Science Journal Database (VIP), Wan-fang Database, and the China Biomedical Literature Service System (CBM) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy of acupuncture alone or in combination with control treatment in improving dysphagia by October 2022. The degree of dysphagia was the primary outcome indicator, with secondary outcomes including serum albumin (ALB) and hemoglobin (Hb) levels, the incidence of pneumonia, and adverse events. Two investigators independently extracted information according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data synthesis was calculated by RevMan (V.5.4.1) software. Results: This study included ten randomized controlled trials with 724 patients. Most RCTs have a high or uncertain risk of bias due to the lack of a blinded design. Meta-analysis showed that acupuncture combined with control treatment was superior to control treatment alone in improving Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study (VFSS) scores (MD: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.16, 1.81; P < 0.00001) and reducing Standardized Swallowing Assessment (SSA) scores (MD: -3.08; 95% CI: -4.01, -2.15; P < 0.00001). Acupuncture combined with control therapy has a more significant benefit in improving the clinical efficiency of dysphagia in PD (RR: 1.40; 95%CI: 1.25, 1.58; P < 0.00001). Compared to the control group without acupuncture, acupuncture improved the nutritional status of patients and increased their serum ALB (MD: 3.38, 95%CI: 1.83, 4.92, P < 0.00001) and Hb levels (MD: 7.66; 95%CI: 5.57, 9.75; P < 0.00001). Three RCTs reported that the rate of pulmonary infections in the acupuncture group was lower than without acupuncture intervention (RR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.14, 0.63; P = 0.001). Conclusion: Acupuncture could be recommended as an adjunctive treatment for dysphagia in PD. However, due to the high risk of bias in the included studies, more high-quality evidence is needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for dysphagia in PD. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022370221.

[Sensitization characteristics of ragweed pollen in Beijing area].

Objective:To investigate the sensitization characteristics of ragweed pollen in patients with allergic rhinitis（AR） and（or） allergic asthma in Beijing area, and to provide basis for the prevention and treatment of ragweed pollen sensitized population. Methods:Patients with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma from January 2017 to December 2019 in the outpatient department of Allergy Department of Beijing Shijitan Hospital were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Skin prick test（SPT） was performed with ragweed pollen allergen reagents to compare different ages, genders and respiratory diseases allergen distribution, and to observe the sensitization characteristics of its population. All of the analyses were performed using SAS software version 9.4. Results:A total of 9 727 patients were enrolled in the end. The total positive rate of ragweed pollen SPT was 45.50%（4 426/9 727）, the highest positive rate was 65.54% in 13-17 years old group; The positive rate of ragweed pollen SPT was 49.79% in allergic rhinitis combined with asthma patients, followed by 46.46% in allergic rhinitis patients, and the lowest rate was 19.42% in single allergic asthma patients. There were more females than males in both ragweed pollen sensitized and non-ragweed pollen sensitized groups（P<0.05）, and the proportion was higher in 30-39 years old than in other age groups（P<0.05）. Ragweed pollen sensitization was higher than non-ragweed pollen sensitization in the allergic rhinitis group（98.49% vs 94.76%, P<0.05）. Ragweed pollen with other summer and autumn pollen allergens in patients with positive SPT, the top three were Chenopodium pollen, Humulus pollen and Artemisia grandis pollen, with positive rates of 90.42%, 89.63% and 85.40%, respectively. Ragweed combined with other pollen sensitization accounted for 99.57%（4 407/4 426）. Allergic rhinitis was the main disease in patients sensitized with ragweed pollen alone or combined with other pollens, and there was no significant difference between the two groups（94.97% vs 98.50%, P>0.05）. Conclusion:Ragweed pollen is highly sensitized in Beijing area, single ragweed pollen sensitization is rare, often combined with multiple pollen sensitization, and allergic rhinitis is the main disease.

Effects of obstetric critical care simulation training on core competency and learning experience of midwives: A pilot quasi-experimental study.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the effects of maternal critical care simulation training on the core competency and satisfaction of midwives in China. BACKGROUND: Midwives play an important role during the peripartum period. Simulation-based training could be an effective tool in improving the core competency of midwives when managing critical obstetric illnesses. DESIGN: A pilot pre- and post-course, quasi-experimental study in China. METHOD: In July 2022, 82 midwives completed a 2-day obstetric critical care simulation training and survey. Core competency was evaluated by a comprehensive score system, including response ability, communication ability, site control ability, critical thinking ability, team cooperation ability, forward-thinking ability, midwifery specialty ability, and error correction ability. We used the Simulation Effectiveness Tool-Modified (SET-M) to evaluate the learning experience and satisfaction. Descriptive analysis, McNemar χ2 test, and subject content analysis were used for data analysis. RESULTS: After the training, the core competency scores showed significant improvements in the case scenarios simulating shoulder dystocia, amniotic fluid embolism, and eclampsia (P < 0.05) but not postpartum hemorrhage (P > 0.05). The scores evaluated by the SET-M were all above 2.5 points. Some midwives preferred extended course duration, expanded course materials, and more active involvement in the simulation exercises. The midwives were generally highly satisfied with the training, but some expressed certain negative emotions, such as anxiety and nervousness. CONCLUSION: The high quality of scientifically constructed and implemented obstetric critical care simulation training courses could improve the core competency and satisfaction of midwives. Appropriate preparation and professional simulation teachers are required to reduce negative emotions and improve learning outcomes and experience.

Antioxidant and Antiapoptotic Properties of n-Butanol Fraction the Acanthopanax senticosus Extracts in H2O2-RAW264.7 Cells and CCl4-Induced Liver Injury in Mice.

The Acanthopanax senticosus has been shown to have a wide range of pharmacological activities, which are associated with health benefits, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties. A previous study has shown that the n-butanol fraction of A. senticosus extract had the strongest antioxidant effect in vitro. This study aimed to investigate the effects that the n-butanol fraction of A. senticosus extract could relieve oxidative stress damage through antioxidant and antiapoptotic in the H2O2-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages and the CCl4-induced liver injury. The result showed that the n-butanol fraction extract could relieve damage by increasing the intracellular antioxidant enzymes (SOD) level, decreasing intracellular ROS and MDA levels, and regulating antioxidant and antiapoptotic-related gene expression levels. The morphological observation of HE, TUNE, and immunohistochemistry staining of liver tissue verified that the n-butanol fraction extract is though anti-oxidative and antiapoptotic to alleviate cellular oxidative damage. The RT-PCR assay showed that the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE and the Bax/Bcl-2 signaling pathway were related to the molecular mechanism of action. The experimental results show that Acanthopanax senticosus extract has a good effect in treating liver injury and enhancing the antioxidant capacity of the body.

Sodium butyrate reduces overnutrition-induced microglial activation and hypothalamic inflammation.

Overnutrition-induced hypothalamic inflammation greatly disturbs feeding behavior and energy homeostasis as well as the pathogenesis of obesity. Butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid, reportedly participates in the regulation of the immune response and energy metabolism in the body. However, the role of butyrate in overnutrition-induced microglial activation and hypothalamic inflammation remains unclear. In the present study, we established a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hypothalamic inflammation model in mice. Oral supplementation with sodium butyrate (NaB) significantly reduced HFD-induced microgliosis, inflammatory cytokine expression, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, neuronal apoptosis, and neuropeptide Y (NPY) expression in the mouse hypothalamus. Utilizing a high-glucose (HG)-stimulated microglial activation model in vitro, we found that NaB inhibited the HG-induced expression of the inflammatory factor IL-1ß. Moreover, NaB exerted an antioxidant effect by balancing HO-1 and NOX4 expression, thus preventing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in HG-treated microglia. Interestingly, NaB treatment promoted microglial process formation and extension via the Akt/Cdc42 pathway under both normal and HG-stimulated conditions, indicating a resting morphology of microglia. Taken together, our study revealed for the first time the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of NaB in overnutrition-induced microglial activation and hypothalamic inflammation, which might become a potential therapeutic option for obesity prevention and treatment.

Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Based on a New Class of Doubly Concerted Companion Dyes.

To develop efficient dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), concerted companion (CC) dyes XW60-XW63 constructed from the covalent linkage of a strapped porphyrin dye unit and an organic dye unit have been reported to exhibit panchromatic absorption and excellent photovoltaic performance. However, these CC dyes only afforded moderate VOC values of ca. 763 mV, demonstrating relatively weak antiaggregation ability, which remains an obstacle for further enhancing the photovoltaic behavior. To address this problem, we herein develop porphyrin dyes XW77-XW80 with the macrocycles wrapped with alkoxy chains of various lengths (OC6H13-OC22H45) and the corresponding CC dyes XW81-XW84 containing these porphyrin dye units. Interestingly, the new CC dyes XW81-XW83 exhibit increasing VOC from 745 to 784 mV with the chain lengths extended from C6 to C18, and a lowered VOC of 762 mV was obtained for XW84 when the chain length was further extended to C22. As a result, XW83 afforded the highest PCE of 12.2%, which is, to the best of our knowledge, the record efficiency for the iodine electrolyte-based solar cells sensitized with a single dye. These results can be rationalized by the so-called doubly concerted companion (DCC) effects, that is, the two subdye units exhibit not only complementary absorption but also concerted antiaggregation with the long wrapping chains on the porphyrins unit simultaneously protecting the porphyrin macrocycle and the neighboring organic subdye unit, thus affording panchromatic absorption and strong antiaggregation and anticharge-recombination ability. These results provide a new approach for constructing a class of DCC dyes to achieve high-performance DSSCs without using any antiaggregating coadsorbent or absorption-enhancing cosensitizer.

Contribution of Tocopherols in Commonly Consumed Foods to Estimated Tocopherol Intake in the Chinese Diet.

Vitamin E is an essential fat-soluble nutrient mainly found in vegetable oils, nuts, and other foods. In this study, we evaluated the contribution of commonly consumed foods to the vitamin E dietary intake of the population in relation to their consumption practices. In addition, the vitamin E intakes of Chinese residents were compared in different regions of China and in different years. The results showed that vegetable oil was the main source of vitamin E dietary intake for Chinese residents, accounting for 46.76% of total dietary intake of vitamin E, followed by cereals, vegetables, meat, aquatic products, eggs, legumes, nuts, fruits and dairy products. Among all vegetable oils, rapeseed oil was the highest contributor of vitamin E, accounting for 10.73% of all foods. Due to dietary habits and regional differences, vitamin E intake also varies greatly among residents in different regions of China and has increased yearly from 1982 to 2020. This study provides with scientific evidence for reasonable VE supplementation.

Prediction of clinical efficacy of subcutaneous immunotherapy for Artemisia sieversiana pollen allergic rhinitis by serum metabolomics.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Specific immunotherapy is the only effective etiological treatment for allergic rhinitis, but subcutaneous immunotherapy has a slow onset and poor compliance. Predicting the clinical efficacy of subcutaneous immunotherapy in advance can reduce unnecessary medical costs and resource waste. This study aimed to identify metabolites that could predict the efficacy of subcutaneous immunotherapy on seasonal allergic rhinitis by serum metabolomics. METHODS: Patients (n = 43) with Artemisia sieversiana pollen allergic rhinitis were enrolled and treated with subcutaneous immunotherapy for one year. Patients were divided into the ineffective group (n = 10) and effective group (n = 33) according to the therapeutic index. Serum samples were collected before treatment. Metabolomics was determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and analyzed differential compounds and related metabolic pathways. RESULTS: A total of 129 differential metabolites (P < 0.05) were identified and 4 metabolic pathways, namely taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, pentose and glucuronate interconversions, pentose phosphate pathway, and alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, were involved. CONCLUSION: Some metabolites, such as hypotaurine, taurine, and l-alanine, have the potential to become predictive biomarkers for effective subcutaneous immunotherapy.

[Analysis on the allergic characteristics of humulus pollen in Beijing].

Objective:To understand the sensitization characteristics of humulus pollen in patients with allergic rhinitis or allergic asthma in Beijing, and to explore the proportion of the population allergic to humulus pollen. Methods:Selected 8380 patients who were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, and allergic rhinitis combined with asthma in outpatient clinic from January 2017 to December 2019. SPT test was performed with humulus allergen reagent to compare the sensitization distribution of humulus pollen by age and disease, and analyze the sensitization characteristics of humulus pollen. Results:The total positive rate of humulus pollen SPT reached 49.59%.The positive rate of humulus pollen SPT was the highest in the age group of 10 to 14 years old, reaching 71.98%, compared with other age groups, there was a statistical difference （P<0.01）; and the positive rate of SPT in patients under 10 years of age gradually increased with age, and the positive rate of SPT in patients over 50 years of age gradually decreased with age. Humulus pollen SPT positive patients ++++ and above accounted for 41.43%, which was significantly different from other groups （P<0.01）. Single humulus was less allergenic, accounting for about 23.87%. Most of them were combined with multiple pollen allergies （76.13%）, and often combined with chenopodiaceae pollen sensitization （92.81%）. Conclusion:The SPT positive rate of humulus pollen in patients with allergic rhinitis or asthma in Beijing area is nearly 50%. The positive rate of SPT is the highest among patients aged 10-14, and most of them show strong positive reactions. It is suggested that humulus pollen is the main allergen of allergic rhinitis and asthma, and the sensitization of humulus pollen tends to be multiple allergens.

[Epidemiological survey of allergic rhinitis in steppe area of Xilingol League, Inner Mongolian of China].

Objective:To investigate the epidemiologic feature of allergic rhinitis （AR） in the grassland area of Xilin Gol League, in Inner Mongolia, including prevalence rate, clinical characteristics and main allergens, so as to provide scientific evidence for the prevention and treatment of AR. Methods:From May to August of 2015, in strict accordance with the requirements of epidemiological investigation, A multi-stage, stratified， random and cluster sampling method was adopted to investigate the population in three areas of Xilingol Grassland in Inner Mongolia （Xilinhot, Erlianhot and Duolun）, with a face to face questionnaire used to investigate the general situation, the main clinical symptoms and related symptoms of AR and the combined. Simultaneously, the skin prick test （SPT） of 10 common grassland allergens was carried out, and the gravity sedimentation method was used to monitor the daily pollen types and quantity in the area.SAS 9.4 software was used for data analysis． Results:A total of 2878 subjects in the cluster sample completed the questionnaire survey and allergen detection. The positive rate of SPT was 41.10% （1179/2787）, the self-reported prevalence rate of AR was 39.96%（1150/2878） and confirmed prevalence rate of AR was 22.72%（654/2878）. The most obvious clinical symptoms of AR were sneezing （91.13%, 1048/1150） and itchy nose （85.65%, 985/1150）. The most obvious clinical symptoms of ocular were itchy （55.13%, 634/1150） and tearing（42.96%，494/1150）. Fatigue and somnolence were prominent among other symptoms associated with AR. Among comorbidities, AR combined with conjunctivitis accounted for 60.52% （696/1150）, AR combined with asthma accounted for 13.57% （156/1150）. The major allergens of AR from high to low were Artemisia pollen, Chenopodium pollen, and Humulus pollen. The peak of AR symptoms mostly occuredin August.， and the peak period of allergic rhinitis symptoms coincided with the peak period of pollen quantity. Conclusion:The prevalence rate of AR in is extremely high due to the high seasonal pollen exposure in steppe area of Xilingol League in Inner Mongolian. Artemisia pollen is the main sensitized allergen.

Self-assembled Au4Cu4/Au25 NCs@liposome tumor nanotheranostics with PT/fluorescence imaging-guided synergetic PTT/PDT.

Exploring and developing a new type of nanoplatform with diagnosis and treatment to effectively cure tumors and reduce side effects has become a hot spot for researchers and is of great significance. Herein, a cancer theranostic nanoplatform with dual-imaging, dual-phototherapy and laser-responsiveness to tumor microenvironment was successfully assembled by liposome (Lip) co-loaded with oil-soluble Au4Cu4 nanoclusters (NCs) and water-soluble Au25 NCs via a simple film hydration method and subsequent extraction process. The prepared Au4Cu4/Au25@Lip nanoplatform with core-shell structure and about 50 nm of uniform sphere shape presented highly biocompatible, stability and passive targeting due to the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Furthermore, the Lip composed of lecithin and cholesterol has good affinity with the cell membrane, which can realize the effective accumulation of photosensitizers at the tumor site, so that improving phototherapy effect and reducing the damage to normal tissue. The loaded oil-soluble Au4Cu4 NCs were firstly and pleasantly surprised to find possessed not only ideal photodynamic effect, but also preferable catalysis towards endogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) decomposition to produce oxygen (O2) for improving the tumor hypoxic environment besides the excellent photoluminescence ability while the water-soluble Au25 NCs own outstanding photothermogenesis effect and also photoluminescence performance. The in vitro and in vivo experiment results proved that in the Au4Cu4/Au25@Lip nanoplatform, the performances of both NCs were complementary, which presenting considerable photothermal/fluorescence imaging (PTI/FI)-guided synergistic photothermal therapy (PTT)/O2-enhanced photodynamic therapy (PDT) effect for the tumor under the irradiation of near infrared (NIR) laser. This work provides a useful inspiration and paves a new way for the assembly of NCs or namomaterials with different properties into an integrated anti-tumor theranostic nanoplatform.

Effect of traditional Chinese medicine nursing on postoperative patients with gastric cancer and its impact on quality of life.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) nursing on postoperative patients with gastric cancer and its impact on quality of life. METHODS: According to the random number table method, 103 patients with gastric cancer were divided into observation group (n=52, TCM nursing) and control group (n=51, routine nursing). The postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal function, the scores of mental states, inflammatory index, self-esteem scale (SES) and quality of life score (generic quality of life inventory-74 scale, GQOLI-74 scale) before and after intervention were compared between the two groups, and the adverse reactions were recorded. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the first postoperative exhaust time, the regression time of epigastric distension symptoms, the first defecation time and the time of returning to normal eating in the observation group were shorter than those in the control group (all P<0.05). After intervention, the scores of Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and the levels of serum TNF-α, CRP and IL-1ß in the two groups were lower than those before intervention, and those in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (all P<0.05). After intervention, the scores of SES and GQOLI-74 in both groups were higher than those before intervention, and those in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (all P<0.05). During hospitalization, the total incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Perioperative TCM nursing for patients with gastric cancer can more obviously improve postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction, alleviate acute inflammation, improve postoperative unhealthy mental state, reduce the occurrence of postoperative complications, and finally improve the quality of life of postoperative patients, which is worthy of clinical application.

An effective NIR laser/tumor-microenvironment co-responsive cancer theranostic nanoplatform with multi-modal imaging and therapies.

Cancer is still a major threat to human health at present. Developing new types of integrated nanoplatforms for the accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of cancer is very significant. Herein, an intelligent dual-stage core-shell cancer theranostic nanoplatform (Fe3+@Au1Ag24@PbP) with NIR laser/tumor-microenvironment (TME) co-responsiveness and multi-modal imaging-therapy was successfully prepared, which was composed of the precisely structured oil-soluble Au1Ag24 nanoclusters (NCs) and Fe3+ ions easily assembled within the oil and aqueous phases of the polyethylene glycol (PEG) block grafted polyketal (PK) copolymer (PK-b-PEG, PbP) vesicles, respectively. In this system, we were delighted to find that the prepared Au1Ag24 NCs possess multi-photoresponsive properties, endowing the nanoplatform with photoacoustic (PA)/photothermal (PT) imaging and synergetic photothermal therapy (PTT)/photodynamic therapy (PDT) for cancer under near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation. On the other hand, Fe3+ ions exhibit multi-TME response and regulation behaviors, including as catalysts for the decomposition of endogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the solid tumor to produce O2 and as the oxidizing agent for the consumption of the intracellular GSH to avoid the reduction of the generated 1O2; therefore, the synchronously formed Fe2+ ions from the redox of Fe3+ with GSH could further react with H2O2 to produce hydroxyl radical (˙OH), which induced ferroptosis-based cancer treatment. The PbP shell possesses TME/pH sensitivity for controlled drug release and passive targeting, causing a large increase in Au1Ag24/Fe3+ accumulation within the weakly acidic tumor region and reducing the side effects on normal tissues. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that the Fe3+@Au1Ag24@PbP nanoplatform presented excellent PA/PT imaging-guided synergetic PTT/PDT/ferroptosis effects toward tumor cells and tumors. This integrating multi-responsive and multi-modal theranostic nanoplatform paves a new way for effective cancer therapy.