Physicochemical and biological characterization of the lipid particles with bovine serum albumin corona.

Diacylglycerol-based nanoparticles are promising bioactive delivery systems. However, limited understanding of their interaction with biological entities restricts their clinical use. This study investigated the protein corona formed on medium and long chain diacylglycerol (MLCD)-based solid lipid nanoparticles (NPs) modified by Polyoxethylene stearate (PEG) and compared to glyceryl tristearate (TG) and cetyl palmitate (CP) nanoparticles. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) formed corona with MLCD NPs through hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding, contributing to a decrease in α-helix, an increase in ß-sheet and a change in the microenvironment of Tyr residues. Owing to higher lipid hydrophilicity, MLCD NPs showed a much lower affinity for BSA than TG and CP NPs, and the binding constant with BSA was increased for larger NPs. PEG modification and the protein corona reduced the uptake of NPs by macrophages but exerted little influence on B16 cell. Among the NPs with different lipid core, the MLCD NPs showed a lower macrophages cell uptake but higher B16 cell uptake, suggesting a longer circulation time in blood but higher cancer cell internalization. This work shed light on the interactions between MLCD NPs and proteins, which is significant for application as nanocarriers with improved biological efficacy.

Mitigation of retinol-induced skin irritation by physiologic lipids: Evidence from patch testing.

BACKGROUND: There is a dearth of effective treatments to counter retinol-induced skin irritation. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of three potential mitigants: (i) phytosteryl/octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate (PLG), (ii) a physiologic lipid mixture (PLM) comprised of ceramide three and cholesterol, and (iii) niacinamide, in ameliorating irritation instigated by retinol. METHODS: An occlusive human patch test, spanning 5 days, was undertaken on 18 Chinese participants aged between 23 and 40. It was designed as a randomized, double-blind, and vehicle-controlled study. Clinician erythema assessment (CEA) and instrumental evaluations were employed pre and post-test. Subsequently, a 4-week consumer in-use test, randomized and double-blind in nature, was executed to substantiate the soothing effects of PLG. RESULTS: Data from CEA and bioengineering assessments revealed that, in comparison to the vehicle control, both 2% PLG and 5% PLM notably curbed retinol-induced skin erythema and inflammation. Notably, PLG outperformed PLM. Conversely, 3% niacinamide did not offer relief against retinol-induced discomfort. The subsequent consumer in-use test affirmed that treatments with 2% PLG were better tolerated than those with the vehicle alone. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first confirmation that physiologic lipids effectively mitigate retinol-induced irritation. Given their capacity to counter retinol-induced irritation, physiologic lipids, particularly PLG, are recommended for incorporation in retinol regimens. Additionally, the Visia-CR a* value can serve as a robust objective measure for interpreting patch test outcomes.

Internal standard optimization advances sensitivity and robustness of ratiometric detection method.

We design a p-aminothiophenol (pATP) modified Au/ITO chip to determine nitrite ions in lake water by a ratiometric surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) method based on nitrite ions triggering the transformation of pATP to p,p'-dimercaptoazobenzene (DMAB). Intriguingly, by using the SERS peak (at 1008 cm-1) from benzoic ring deforming as an internal standard instead of the traditional peak at 1080 cm-1, the detection sensitivity of the method was improved 10 times.

Effect of recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor gel combined with silver ion dressing on the donor site in patients with hand trauma undergoing skin grafting / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of combined repair therapy using recombinant bovine basic fibroblast growth factor (R-bFGF) gel and silver ion dressing on the donor site of patients with hand trauma undergoing skin grafting.Methods:Eighty patients with hand trauma who underwent skin grafting at Lishui Central Hospital between October 2020 and October 2021 were enrolled in this study. Using a simple random grouping method, the patients were randomly assigned to a control group and an observation group in a 1:1 ratio, with 40 patients in each group. The control group received conventional vaseline gauze treatment, while the observation group was treated with a combination of R-bFGF gel and silver ion dressing. After 2 weeks of treatment, the repair effects of both groups were evaluated. Before and after treatment, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) scores and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores were compared between the control and observation groups. Additionally, wound healing time, granulation tissue growth time, wound epithelium formation time, and dressing change times as well as total active motion of the fingers were evaluated and compared between the two groups.Results:The repair effect in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group ( Z = 4.92, P < 0.05). Furthermore, the recovery of hand function in the observation group was notably better than that in the control group ( Z = 4.31, P < 0.05). The CD-RISC score in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [(77.54 ± 11.35) points vs. (70.61 ± 9.72) points, t = 2.93, P < 0.05]. Additionally, the VAS score, wound healing time, granulation tissue growth time, wound epithelium formation time, and dressing change times in the observation group were significantly lower or fewer than those in the control group [(4.95 ± 1.13) points vs. (5.52 ± 1.24) points, (10.43 ± 1.65) days vs. (15.54 ± 1.71) days, (7.42 ± 2.35) days vs. (11.56 ± 2.71) days, (10.25 ± 2.47) days vs. (12.82 ± 2.64) days, and (2.12 ± 0.63) times vs. (3.35 ± 0.86) times, t = -2.15, -13.60, -7.30, -4.50, -7.30, all P < 0.05]. Conclusion:The combined use of R-bFGF gel and silver ion dressing effectively enhances the repair outcomes of skin donor sites, thereby improving the psychological well-being and reducing pain perception in patients with hand trauma. This therapeutic approach markedly promotes the prognosis and functional recovery of these patients, offering valuable clinical reference for the treatment of hand injuries.

Serological analysis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-specific immunoglobulin G antibodies level in Henan Province / 中华传染病杂志

Objective:To analyze the specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies level in the population after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Henan Province.Methods:A total of 5 178 peripheral venous blood samples were collected from 10 districts (counties) in Henan Province according to the national seroepidemiological survey program for COVID-19, and the method of cluster random sampling was adopted from March 6 to 15, 2023. Descriptive analysis was used for the basic data, history of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination, SARS-CoV-2 infection of the respondents. The specific IgG antibody of SARS-CoV-2 was detected using chemiluminescence method. Statistical analysis was performed by using rank sum test, Kruskal Wallis test, and Dunn′s test.Results:The overall positive rate of SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG antibody was 83.35%(4 316/5 178). There were statistically significant differences in the specific IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 produced by people of different sexes, different ages, infected or not, vaccinated or not, and vaccinated with different doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine ( Z=3.60, H=195.32, Z=6.10, 18.08, H=382.70, respectively, all P<0.001). The specific IgG antibodies produced by unvaccinated+ uninfected group, unvaccinated+ infected group, vaccinated+ uninfected group, and vaccinated+ infected group were 3.54(0.98, 11.00), 60.65(2.33, 84.80), 133.00(59.80, 173.00), and 142.00(98.30, 176.00), respectively. And the difference was statistically significant( H=354.62, P<0.001). The specific IgG antibodies of uninfected people increased with the increase of inoculum times( H=287.00 and 98.48, both P<0.001). The specific IgG antibodies of people who were not infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the groups of whose interval from the last inoculation of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine to blood collection was less than three months, three to six months and more than six months were 171.86(156.04, 196.57), 71.71(17.08, 110.38) and 132.14(57.59, 172.25), respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( H=19.93, P<0.001). Among them, the absolute difference between the less than three months group and the three to six months group was statistically significant ( Z=3.67, P<0.001), and the absolute difference between the less than three months group and the more than six months group was statistically significant ( Z=3.47, P<0.001). The specific IgG antibodies level in the less than three months group was the highest. Conclusions:There is a certain correlation between the number of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine doses and the specific IgG antibodies level in uninfected people. The specific IgG antibodies could maintain a high level for three months after immunization.

Inhibitory effect of Heidihuang Pills on renal fibrosis in a rat model of chronic renal failure via regulation of IGF-1 expression / 中成药

AIM To explore the effect of Heidihuang Pills on renal fibrosis in a rat model of chronic renal failure(CRF)and its mechanism.METHODS Wistar rats were randomly divided into the blank group for normal feeding and the model group for the establishment of CRF rat models by 5/6 nephrectomy.Subsequently,the successfully established rat models were randomly divided into the model group,the Heidihuang Pills group(10.43 g/kg),and the Heidihuang Pills+IGF-1R blocker(JB1)group for a regimen of 7-day subcutaneous injection of 18 μg/kg JB1 followed by gavage of 10.43 g/kg Heidihuang Pills.Eight weeks after the administration,the rats had their serum levels of Scr and BUN detected;their pathological changes of renal tissue observed by HE and Masson staining;their renal protein expressions of TGF-β,HIF-1α and α-SMA detected by immunohistochemistry;their renal protein expressions of IGF-1R and TGF-β detected by Western blot;and their renal mRNA expressions of IGF-1R and TGF-β detected by RT-qPCR.RESULTS Compared with the blank group,the model group displayed increased serum levels of Scr and BUN(P＜0.05);increased,degree of renal fibrosis,and renal fibrosis area(P＜0.05);increased renal expressions of TGF-β,HIF-1α,α-SMA proteins and TGF-β mRNA(P＜0.05);and decreased expressions of IGF-1R mRNA and protein(P＜0.05).Compared with the model group,the Heidihuang Pills group displayed decreased serum Scr and BUN levels(P＜0.05);decreased inflammatory cells in renal interstitium and the fibrosis degree(P＜0.05);decreased renal expressions of TGF-β,HIF-1α,α-SMA proteins and TGF-β mRNA(P＜0.05);and increased expressions of IGF-1R mRNA and protein(P＜0.05).However,the administration of JB1 could weaken the improvement effect of Heidihuang Pills on renal fibrosis in CRF rats(P＜0.05).CONCLUSION Heidihuang Pills can inhibit the renal fibrosis in CRF rats,and the inhibition process is related to up-regulated IGF-1 expression and promoted combination of IGF-1 and IGF-1R.

Survey on willingness of clinician to carry out clinical research in a tertiary hospital / 中华医学科研管理杂志

Objective:To analyze the willingness of clinicians to carry out clinical research and its influencing factors, and to provide a reference basis for scientifically and effectively promoting clinical research and improving the enthusiasm of clinicians.Methods:A grade A tertiary hospital in Tianjin was selected as a questionnaire unit, and clinicians were selected by simple random sampling. SPSS26.0 was utilized for the Wilcoxon rank sum test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, and generalized linear model analysis.Results:The score of willingness to carry out clinical research among 273 clinicians was 5.00. The results of multivariate analysis showed that, in terms of working time, compare with ″≥31years″, ″≤10years″, ″11~20years″, and ″21~30years″ had statistical significance in association with the scores of willingness to carry out clinical researchs, all of which were positively correlated; compared with the ″clear″ awareness of hospital medical ethics review process, ″knowing some″ had a statistical significance in association with the willingness scores with a negative correlation; compared with ″having free time″, the association between ″busy clinical work and no time″ and the willingness scores was statistically significant, and showed a negative correlation; compared with ″time devoting can get results″, the association between ″a lot of time and efforts can not achieve results in a short time″ and the score of willingness was statistically significant, and was negatively correlated; compared with ″willing″ to participate in scientific research and training, ″it does not matter″ and ″unwilling″ showed statistical significance in association with the willingness scores, and negatively correlated.Conclusions:The willingness of clinicians to conduct clinical research was affected by multiple factors. Hospitals should emphasize the cultivation of young talents, carry out research training, and build research support teams to improve the enthusiasm for research.

Establishment of rapid detection method for zika virus based on direct amplification RT-PCR technique / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To establish a rapid detection method for zika virus based on direct amplification re-al-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)technique.Methods A direct amplification RT-PCR technique for the rapid detection of zika virus in 5 samples(whole blood,serum,saliva,throat swab and urine)was established by using a special function DNA polymerase and a preferred PCR enhancer.Results The detection limits of the 5 samples were 103 PFU/mL in serum,102 PFU/mL in urine,throat swab,and saliva,and 104 PFU/mL in whole blood.The coefficient of goodness-fit of stand-ard curves was above 0.98,and the amplification efficiency was 90％-110％.Zika virus nucleic acid was suc-cessfully amplified,but non-zika virus nucleic acid was not amplified.Based on the repeatable detection of sam-ples from urine,whole blood,and saliva,the variation coefficient of 6 repeated Ct values at 106 PFU/mL and 102 PFU/mL concentrations were all＜5％.The zika virus detection method established by the direct amplifi-cation RT-PCR technique was consistent with the detection results of conventional RT-PCR technique.Only two serum samples were detected in eight zika virus samples,and the remaining 62 non-zika virus samples and 12 negative samples were not amplified.Conclusion A rapid detection method for zika virus based on direct ampli-fication RT-PCR technique is successfully established.The method is simple,rapid,sensitive and specific.

Monitoring and analysis on host animals of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Henan Province from 2019 to 2022 / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective: To investigate the distribution and hantavirus (HV) carrying state in host animals of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in Henan Province from 2019 to 2022. Methods: Host animal monitoring was carried out at the monitoring sites of HFRS in Henan Province. The real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect hantavirus in rat lungs. The types of hantavirus were analyzed. The positive samples were sequenced and then sequence homology and variation were analyzed. Results: A total of 1 308 rodents were captured from 2019 to 2022, 16 specimens of rat lungs tested positive for hantavirus nucleic acid. The positive rate of HV was 1.22% (16/1 308). According to type, the positive rate of HV in Apodius agrarius was the highest (68.75%, 11/16). According to distribution, the positive rate of HV in field samples was the highest (2.50%, 12/480), and the positive rate of HV in residential samples was 0.53% (4/759). The typing results of 16 positive samples showed that all viruses were hantavirus type Ⅰ (hantaan virus). The positive samples were sequenced and eight S gene fragments (GenBank number: OQ681444-OQ681451) and six M gene fragments (OQ681438-OQ681443) were obtained. The S and M gene fragments were similar to the Shaanxi 84FLi strain and Sichuan SN7 strain. Phylogenetic analysis of S and M gene fragments showed that they all belonged to the hantaan virus-H5 subtype. Amino acid sequence analysis revealed that, compared with the hantaan virus vaccine strain 84FLi, the 74th amino acid encoded by eight S fragments was replaced by aspartamide with serine. Tryptophan was replaced by glycine at the 14th position of Gn region in XC2022047, and isoleucine was replaced by alanine at the 359 position of XC2022022 and XC2022024. Conclusion: The hantavirus carried by host animals in Henan Province from 2019 to 2022 belongs to the type Ⅰ (hantaan virus), and Apodemus agrarius is still the dominant host animal of the hantaan virus. Compared with the vaccine strains, amino acid sites are replaced in the immune epitopes of the S and M gene fragments.

Monitoring and analysis on host animals of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Henan Province from 2019 to 2022 / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective: To investigate the distribution and hantavirus (HV) carrying state in host animals of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in Henan Province from 2019 to 2022. Methods: Host animal monitoring was carried out at the monitoring sites of HFRS in Henan Province. The real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect hantavirus in rat lungs. The types of hantavirus were analyzed. The positive samples were sequenced and then sequence homology and variation were analyzed. Results: A total of 1 308 rodents were captured from 2019 to 2022, 16 specimens of rat lungs tested positive for hantavirus nucleic acid. The positive rate of HV was 1.22% (16/1 308). According to type, the positive rate of HV in Apodius agrarius was the highest (68.75%, 11/16). According to distribution, the positive rate of HV in field samples was the highest (2.50%, 12/480), and the positive rate of HV in residential samples was 0.53% (4/759). The typing results of 16 positive samples showed that all viruses were hantavirus type Ⅰ (hantaan virus). The positive samples were sequenced and eight S gene fragments (GenBank number: OQ681444-OQ681451) and six M gene fragments (OQ681438-OQ681443) were obtained. The S and M gene fragments were similar to the Shaanxi 84FLi strain and Sichuan SN7 strain. Phylogenetic analysis of S and M gene fragments showed that they all belonged to the hantaan virus-H5 subtype. Amino acid sequence analysis revealed that, compared with the hantaan virus vaccine strain 84FLi, the 74th amino acid encoded by eight S fragments was replaced by aspartamide with serine. Tryptophan was replaced by glycine at the 14th position of Gn region in XC2022047, and isoleucine was replaced by alanine at the 359 position of XC2022022 and XC2022024. Conclusion: The hantavirus carried by host animals in Henan Province from 2019 to 2022 belongs to the type Ⅰ (hantaan virus), and Apodemus agrarius is still the dominant host animal of the hantaan virus. Compared with the vaccine strains, amino acid sites are replaced in the immune epitopes of the S and M gene fragments.

[Clinical, genetic, and pathological analysis in 165 children with disorders of sex development]. / 165ä¾‹å„¿ç«¥æ€§å‘è‚²å¼‚å¸¸ç–¾ç— çš„ä¸´åºŠã€é—ä¼ å­¦ä¸Žç— ç†å­¦åˆ†æž.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical phenotypes, genetic characteristics, and pathological features of children with disorders of sex development (DSD). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on epidemiological, clinical phenotype, chromosomal karyotype, gonadal pathology, and genotype data of 165 hospitalized children with DSD at Children's Hospital of Hebei Province and Tangshan Maternal and Child Health Hospital from August 2008 to December 2022. RESULTS: Among the 165 children with DSD, common presenting symptoms were short stature (62/165, 37.6%), clitoromegaly (33/165, 20.0%), cryptorchidism (28/165, 17.0%), hypospadias (24/165, 14.5%), and skin pigmentation abnormalities/exteriorized pigmented labia majora (19/165, 11.5%). Chromosomal karyotype analysis was performed on 127 cases, revealing 36 cases (28.3%) of 46,XX DSD, 34 cases (26.8%) of 46,XY DSD, and 57 cases (44.9%) of sex chromosome abnormalities. Among the sex chromosome abnormal karyotypes, the 45,X karyotype (11/57, 19%) and 45,X/other karyotype mosaicism (36/57, 63%) were more common. Sixteen children underwent histopathological biopsy of gonadal tissues, resulting in retrieval of 25 gonadal tissues. The gonadal tissue biopsies revealed 3 cases of testes, 3 cases of dysplastic testes, 6 cases of ovaries, 11 cases of ovotestes, and 1 case each of streak gonad and agenesis of gonads. Genetic testing identified pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in 23 cases (23/36, 64%), including 12 cases of 21-hydroxylase deficiency congenital adrenal hyperplasia caused by CYP21A2 pathogenic variants. CONCLUSIONS: Short stature, clitoromegaly, cryptorchidism, hypospadias, and skin pigmentation abnormalities are common phenotypes in children with DSD. 45,X/other karyotype mosaicism and CYP21A2 compound heterozygous variants are major etiological factors in children with DSD. The most commonly observed gonadal histopathology in children with DSD includes ovotestes, ovaries, and testes/dysgenetic testes.

Cat-scratch disease manifesting as uveitis and binocular fundus nodular lesions: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Cat-scratch disease typically presents with various ocular manifestations such as uveitis, vitritis, retinitis, retinochoroiditis, and optic neuritis. However, fundus nodular lesions was rarely reported. In our study, we reported a case of Cat-Scratch disease with binocular fundus nodular lesions. CASE PRESENTATION: An 11-year old male presented with uveitis in the right eye and bilateral fundus nodular lesions after indirect contact with unvaccinated cats. Comprehensive ancillary examinations including wide-angle fundus photography, ultrasonography, fluorescein fundus angiography, optical coherence tomography, and orbital magnetic resonance imaging were performed to elucidate the multidimensional features of the binocular lesions. Metagenomics next-generation sequencing was utilized to confirm the diagnosis of Cat-scratch disease. The patient's condition showed improvement after a 6-month combination treatment regimen involving systemic administration of doxycycline hyclate and methylprednisolone tablets, as well as local application of mydriatic and corticosteroid eye drops. CONCLUSIONS: We firstly reported a case of Cat-scratch disease presenting simultaneously with uveitis and fundus nodular lesions caused by Bartonella henselae infection in a child. Timely diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics and corticosteroids showed promising outcomes for the prognosis of these ocular disorders.

Reactive Hydrogel Patch for SERS Detection of Environmental Formaldehyde.

The tobacco epidemic is a public health threat that has taken a heavy toll of lives around the globe each year. As one of the poison species from smoking, formaldehyde (FA) affects both the smokers and nearby persons who are exposed to second-hand smoke. Therefore, on-site tracking of FA exposure could evaluate the public environmental safety and mitigate the potential hazards. Herein, we first prepare SiO2-shelled AuAg alloy nanoparticles (AuAg@SiO2) and then embed AuAg@SiO2 within agarose hydrogel to construct the three-dimensional (3D) surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate. A reagent of 3-methyl-2-benzothiazolinone hydrazine (MBTH) with reaction activity toward FA is loaded in the 3D substrate to obtain the selective SERS patch (designated as M-hydrogel patch). Based on a marker Raman peak at 1273 cm-1 from the reaction product of MBTH-FA, the M-hydrogel patch is used to realize SERS detection of FA in smoke. A good linear relationship from 5 × 10-4 to 5 mg/m3 and a limit of detection (LOD) of 2.92 × 10-5 mg/m3 could be reached. While for detection of FA in aqueous, a linear range of 1 × 10-7-1 × 10-3 mg/mL with an LOD of 1.46 × 10-8 mg/mL could be achieved. As the real application, the proposed M-hydrogel patch could be placed anywhere indoor to SERS evaluate the spatial distribution of FA in tobacco smoke, which is in connection with the second-hand smoke effect on children and adults. Such M-hydrogel patch-based SERS assay is exerted for on-field detection of FA in water and furniture panels by using a portable Raman system, showing satisfactory selectivity and reproducibility.

O-phthalaldehyde assisted surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy selective determination of trace homocysteine in serum.

High plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels may indicate cardiovascular disease. However, sensitive and selective determination of Hcy remains a major challenge. Herein, we present a sensing strategy for Hcy by surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) method along with a specific reaction of o-phthalaldehyde (OPA) and Hcy. The obtained adduct 2-(1-carboxyl-3-thiopropyl)-1-isoindolinone (Hcy-OPA) can be directly detected by SERS using gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) as the substrate. The developed SERS method displays superior sensitivity (low detection limit of 2.50 × 10-12 mol L-1) with a broad linear range (5.00 × 10-10 -5.00 × 10-6 mol L-1). As a proof of real application, it can be used to detect Hcy in bovine serum samples with a concentration as low as 5.00 × 10-9 mol L-1, which is free from the interference of the other amino acids and glutathione.

Rapid detection of I- in food samples by cholesteric chiral artificial receptor L5.

In this study, a cholesteric chiral artificial receptor L5 was synthesized and a rapid method for the detection of iodide ions was established. The addition of L5 to Ethanol/Tris (V/V = 1/1, pH 7.0) solution changed the iodide ion solution from colorless to light yellow to achieve the naked-eye identification. The identification pattern was confirmed with the help of spectral titration, job test and anti-interference test, and it was found that L5 bound to iodide ion in a 1:1 coordination ratio. It was also confirmed that the hydrogen atoms of the amide group of MeO-PhCONH in L5 and the hydrogen atoms of -COOCH3 in L5 interacted with I- through hydrogen bonding force by 1H NMR titration, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and computer molecular simulation. The detection limit of L5 was 0.025 µmol/L, which could efficiently and conveniently detect iodide ions in food samples.

Latent period and incubation period with associated factors of COVID-19 caused by Omicron variant / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective: To estimate the latent period and incubation period of Omicron variant infections and analyze associated factors. Methods: From January 1 to June 30, 2022, 467 infected persons and 335 confirmed cases in five local Omicron variant outbreaks in China were selected as the study subjects. The latent period and incubation period were estimated by using log-normal distribution and gamma distribution models, and the associated factors were analyzed by using the accelerated failure time model (AFT). Results: The median (Q1, Q3) age of 467 Omicron infections including 253 males (54.18%) was 26 (20, 39) years old. There were 132 asymptomatic infections (28.27%) and 335 (71.73%) symptomatic infections. The mean latent period of 467 Omicron infections was 2.65 (95%CI: 2.53-2.78) days, and 98% of infections were positive for nucleic acid detection within 6.37 (95%CI: 5.86-6.82) days after infection. The mean incubation period of 335 symptomatic infections was 3.40 (95%CI: 3.25-3.57) days, and 97% of them developed clinical symptoms within 6.80 (95%CI: 6.34-7.22) days after infection. The results of the AFT model analysis showed that compared with the group aged 18~49 years old, the latent period [exp(β)=1.36 (95%CI: 1.16-1.60), P<0.001] and incubation period [exp(β)=1.24 (95%CI: 1.07-1.45), P=0.006] of infections aged 0~17 year old were also prolonged. The latent period [exp(β)=1.38 (95%CI: 1.17-1.63), P<0.001] and the incubation period [exp(β)=1.26 (95%CI: 1.06-1.48), P=0.007] of infections aged 50 years old and above were also prolonged. Conclusion: The latent period and incubation period of most Omicron infections are within 7 days, and age may be the influencing factor of the latent period and incubation period.

Research progress of NOD2-mediated signaling pathways and relationship with autoinflammatory diseases and its inhibitors / 药学学报

Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain containing protein 2 (NOD2) is a member of intracellular pattern recognition receptor. After being activated, it will induce the release of inflammatory factors through a series of signal cascade transduction, thus playing an important role in the innate immune response. The abnormal NOD2 signaling pathway is involved in the occurrence and development of many diseases, especially the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the NOD2 gene have been identified to be closely associated with autoinflammatory diseases (AIDs). Therefore, inhibitors targeting NOD2 pathway have great potential in the treatment of inflammatory immune diseases. This review presents the recent progress of NOD2 receptor-mediated signal transduction pathways and its regulation mechanisms, the relationship between NOD2 and AIDs, and the inhibitors of NOD2 pathway.

Comparison of Thyroglobulin and Thyroid Function in Pregnant Women between Counties with a Median Urinary Iodine Concentration of 100-149 µg/L and 150-249 µg/L / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

OBJECTIVE@#This study explored whether thyroglobulin and thyroid disease prevalence rates were higher in pregnant Chinese women with a median urinary iodine concentration of 100-149 µg/L, compared with those with a median urinary iodine concentration of 150-249 μg/L maintained through sustainable universal salt iodization.@*METHODS@#This was a cross-sectional study in which 812 healthy pregnant women were enrolled to collect samples of their household edible salt, urine, and blood during their routine antenatal care in the 18 counties in Fujian Province, China. The levels of salt iodine concentration, urinary iodine concentration (UIC), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroid hormone (FT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroglobulin (Tg), thyroid peroxidase antibody and thyroglobulin antibody were assessed during the routine antenatal care visits.@*RESULTS@#The median UIC (mUIC) in pregnant women was 130.8 μg/L (interquartile range = 91.5-198.1 μg/L) in the counties with an mUIC of 100-149 μg/L (Group I), and 172.0 μg/L (interquartile range = 123.5-244.4 μg/L) in the counties with an mUIC of 150-249 μg/L (Group II). Goiter prevalence and thyroid nodule detection rates showed no difference between Group I and Group II ( P > 0.05). Except for FT4 values, the TSH, FT4, FT3, Tg and Tg values > 40 (μg/L) and the thyroid diseases prevalence rate (TDR) showed no significant differences between Group I and Group II ( P > 0.05), whether or not iodine supplementation measures were taken.@*CONCLUSION@#Compared with an mUIC of 150-249 μg/L, not only there was no difference in thyroid morphology, but also the Tg value, rate of Tg values > 40 µg/L, and TDR were not higher in pregnant women in the counties with an mUIC of 100-149 μg/L achieved through sustainable universal salt iodization in Fujian Province, China.

Latent period and incubation period with associated factors of COVID-19 caused by Omicron variant / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective: To estimate the latent period and incubation period of Omicron variant infections and analyze associated factors. Methods: From January 1 to June 30, 2022, 467 infections and 335 symptomatic infections in five local Omicron variant outbreaks in China were selected as the study subjects. The latent period and incubation period were estimated by using log-normal distribution and gamma distribution models, and the associated factors were analyzed by using the accelerated failure time model (AFT). Results: The median (Q1, Q3) age of 467 Omicron infections including 253 males (54.18%) was 26 (20, 39) years old. There were 132 asymptomatic infections (28.27%) and 335 (71.73%) symptomatic infections. The mean latent period of 467 Omicron infections was 2.65 (95%CI: 2.53-2.78) days, and 98% of infections were positive for nucleic acid test within 6.37 (95%CI: 5.86-6.82) days after infection. The mean incubation period of 335 symptomatic infections was 3.40 (95%CI: 3.25-3.57) days, and 97% of them developed clinical symptoms within 6.80 (95%CI: 6.34-7.22) days after infection. The results of the AFT model analysis showed that compared with the group aged 18-49 years old, the latent period [exp(β)=1.36 (95%CI: 1.16-1.60), P<0.001] and incubation period [exp(β)=1.24 (95%CI: 1.07-1.45), P=0.006] of infections aged 0-17 years old were prolonged. The latent period [exp(β)=1.38 (95%CI: 1.17-1.63), P<0.001] and the incubation period [exp(β)=1.26 (95%CI: 1.06-1.48), P=0.007] of infections aged 50 years old and above were also prolonged. Conclusion: The latent period and incubation period of most Omicron infections are within 7 days, and age may be a influencing factor of the latent period and incubation period.

Clinical, genetic, and pathological analysis in 165 children with disorders of sex development / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the clinical phenotypes, genetic characteristics, and pathological features of children with disorders of sex development (DSD).@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was conducted on epidemiological, clinical phenotype, chromosomal karyotype, gonadal pathology, and genotype data of 165 hospitalized children with DSD at Children's Hospital of Hebei Province and Tangshan Maternal and Child Health Hospital from August 2008 to December 2022.@*RESULTS@#Among the 165 children with DSD, common presenting symptoms were short stature (62/165, 37.6%), clitoromegaly (33/165, 20.0%), cryptorchidism (28/165, 17.0%), hypospadias (24/165, 14.5%), and skin pigmentation abnormalities/exteriorized pigmented labia majora (19/165, 11.5%). Chromosomal karyotype analysis was performed on 127 cases, revealing 36 cases (28.3%) of 46,XX DSD, 34 cases (26.8%) of 46,XY DSD, and 57 cases (44.9%) of sex chromosome abnormalities. Among the sex chromosome abnormal karyotypes, the 45,X karyotype (11/57, 19%) and 45,X/other karyotype mosaicism (36/57, 63%) were more common. Sixteen children underwent histopathological biopsy of gonadal tissues, resulting in retrieval of 25 gonadal tissues. The gonadal tissue biopsies revealed 3 cases of testes, 3 cases of dysplastic testes, 6 cases of ovaries, 11 cases of ovotestes, and 1 case each of streak gonad and agenesis of gonads. Genetic testing identified pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in 23 cases (23/36, 64%), including 12 cases of 21-hydroxylase deficiency congenital adrenal hyperplasia caused by CYP21A2 pathogenic variants.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Short stature, clitoromegaly, cryptorchidism, hypospadias, and skin pigmentation abnormalities are common phenotypes in children with DSD. 45,X/other karyotype mosaicism and CYP21A2 compound heterozygous variants are major etiological factors in children with DSD. The most commonly observed gonadal histopathology in children with DSD includes ovotestes, ovaries, and testes/dysgenetic testes.