Traditional herbal medicine: Therapeutic potential in acute gouty arthritis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Acute gouty arthritis (AGA) is characterized by a rapid inflammatory reaction caused by the build-up of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in the tissues surrounding the joints. This condition often associated with hyperuricemia (HUA), is distinguished by its symptoms of intense pain, active inflammation, and swelling of the joints. Traditional approaches in AGA management often fall short of desired outcomes in clinical settings. However, recent ethnopharmacological investigations have been focusing on the potential of Traditional Herbal Medicine (THM) in various forms, exploring their therapeutic impact and targets in AGA treatment.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review briefly summarizes the current potential pharmacological mechanisms of THMs - including active ingredients, extracts, and prescriptions -in the treatment of AGA, and discusses the relevant potential mechanisms and molecular targets in depth. The objective of this study is to offer extensive information and a reference point for the exploration of targeted AGA treatment using THMs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This review obtained scientific publications focused on in vitro and in vivo studies of anti-AGA THMs conducted between 2013 and 2023. The literature was collected from various journals and electronic databases, including PubMed, Elsevier, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The retrieval and analysis of relevant articles were guided by keywords such as "acute gouty arthritis and Chinese herbal medicine," "acute gouty arthritis herbal prescription," "acute gouty arthritis and immune cells," "acute gouty arthritis and inflammation," "acute gouty arthritis and NOD-like receptor thermoprotein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3)," "acute gouty arthritis and miRNA," and "acute gouty arthritis and oxidative stress."

RESULTS

We found that AGA has a large number of therapeutic targets, highlighting the effectiveness the potential of THMs in AGA treatment through in vitro and in vivo studies. THMs and their active ingredients can mitigate AGA symptoms through a variety of therapeutic targets, such as influencing macrophage polarization, neutrophils, T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and addressing factors like inflammation, NLRP3 inflammasome, signaling pathways, oxidative stress, and miRNA multi-target interactions. The anti-AGA properties of THMs, including their active components and prescriptions, were systematically summarized and categorized based on their respective therapeutic targets.

CONCLUSION

phenolic, flavonoid, terpenoid and alkaloid compounds in THMs are considered the key ingredients to improve AGA. THMs and their active ingredients achieve enhanced efficacy through interactions with multiple targets, of which NLRP3 is a main therapeutic target. Nonetheless, given the intricate composition of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), additional research is required to unravel the underlying mechanisms and molecular targets through which THMs alleviate AGA.

Experimental Limits on Solar Reflected Dark Matter with a New Approach on Accelerated-Dark-Matter-Electron Analysis in Semiconductors

Recently a dark matter-electron (DM-electron) paradigm has drawn much attention. Models beyond the standard halo model describing DM accelerated by high energy celestial bodies are under intense examination as well. In this Letter, a velocity components analysis (VCA) method dedicated to swift analysis of accelerated DM-electron interactions via semiconductor detectors is proposed and the first HPGe detector-based accelerated DM-electron analysis is realized. Utilizing the method, the first germanium based constraint on sub-GeV solar reflected DM-electron interaction is presented with the 205.4  kg·day dataset from the CDEX-10 experiment. In the heavy mediator scenario, our result excels in the mass range of 5-15  keV/c^{2}, achieving a 3 orders of magnitude improvement comparing with previous semiconductor experiments. In the light mediator scenario, the strongest laboratory constraint for DM lighter than 0.1  MeV/c^{2} is presented. The result proves the feasibility and demonstrates the vast potential of the VCA technique in future accelerated DM-electron analyses with semiconductor detectors.

Identification of immunological characteristics and cuproptosis-related molecular clusters in primary Sjögren's syndrome

BACKGROUND

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocyte infiltration of the exocrine glands. The typical clinical symptoms of pSS include dryness of the mouth (xerostomia) and eyes (xerophthalmia), fatigue, and joint pain. Cuproptosis is a recently identified mode of programmed cell death that leads to the progression of multiple diseases, and the precise etiology and pathophysiology of pSS remain unknown. Consequently, the aim of our study was to explore cuproptosis-related molecular clusters and identify key genes in pSS.

METHOD

Gene expression profiles of the peripheral blood in the GSE84844 dataset were downloaded to identify the expression characteristics of cuproptosis regulators and immune cell infiltration. Subsequently, further exploration was conducted on the clusters involving cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) and the corresponding immune cell infiltration, and the WGCNA algorithm was applied to explore the cluster-specific differentially expressed genes. Finally, the best machine prediction model was selected for candidate hub cuproptosis-associated genes and the accuracy of predictive efficiency was verified by the salivary gland in an external dataset (GSE143153) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULT

Through a comparison of patients with pSS and controls, 7 CRGs and 4 types of immune cells were identified. Immune cell infiltration revealed significant immune heterogeneity in three cuproptosis-related molecular clusters in pSS. The random forest machine model showed the best discriminatory performance (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = 1.000) and built a predictive model based on 5 genes, which demonstrated satisfactory performance (AUC = 0.70) in the GSE143153 dataset. Based on serum samples, EED (AUC = 0.557), CBL (AUC = 0.635), and NFU1 (AUC = 0.655) showed lower expression levels in patients with pSS (p = 0.037, p = 0.000, p = 0.000, respectively).

CONCLUSION

In this study, we systematically analyzed the association between pSS and cuproptosis, established a predictive model that screened for high-risk genes linked to the advancement of pSS, and explored the pathogenic mechanisms and novel therapeutic strategies for pSS, targeting EED, CBL and NFU1.

[Associations between risk factor control and survival among cancer patients]

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the associations between the number of cardiovascular risk factor goals achieved with all-cause mortality, atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD)-related mortality, and cancer-related mortality amongst cancer patients. Methods: From 2006 to 2020, a total of 2 079 individuals with newly diagnosed cancer, free of ASCVD, were enrolled in this study from the Kailuan cohort. Patients were classified into three groups (group 1,≤1 risk factor at goal, n=407; group 2, 2 risk factors at goal, n=865; group 3,≥3 risk factors at goal, n=807) according to the control status of blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, using health checkup results of the latest survey after cancer diagnosis. Multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to examine the associations between the number of risk factors at goals with all-cause mortality, ASCVD-related mortality, and cancer-related mortality. Results: The mean age at diagnosis was (60.4±10.4) years, and 71.2% were male. During a median follow-up of 2.95 (1.38, 5.12) years, 600 cases of all-cause mortality, 63 cases of ASCVD-related mortality, and 314 cases of cancer-related mortality were observed. After adjusting for age, gender, education level, smoking status, alcohol consumption, salt intake, physical activity, body mass index, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, family history of cardiovascular diseases, antihypertensive drugs, hypoglycemic drugs, lipid-lowering drugs, and anti-cancer medications, compared with cancer patients achieving ≤1 risk factor goal, those achieving ≥3 risk factor goals showed significantly decreased risk of all-cause mortality, ASCVD mortality, and cancer mortality, with HR (95%CI) of 0.68 (0.54-0.86), 0.35 (0.16-0.77), and 0.60 (0.43-0.82), respectively (all P values <0.05). Significant relationships between the number of risk factor goals achieved and decreased mortality of all kinds were observed (all P values for trend<0.05). Results of the subgroup analyses suggested that the associations between the number of risk factor goals achieved and lower mortality of all kinds were more prominent among individuals who were ≥60 years, male, and those with respiratory and reproductive cancers (all P values <0.05). Conclusions: This study suggested a significant association between the number of cardiovascular risk factor goals achieved and survival in cancer patients, especially amongst those who were older, male, with respiratory cancers and reproductive cancers.

Modeling the charge collection efficiency in the Li-diffused inactive layer of P-type high purity germanium detector

A model of the Li-diffused inactive layer in P-type high purity germanium detectors is built to describe the transportation of charge carriers and calculate the charge collection efficiency therein. The model is applied to calculate charge collection efficiency of a P-type point-contact germanium detector used in rare event physics experiments and validated in another P-type semi-planar germanium detector. The calculated charge collection efficiency curves are well consistent with measurements for both detectors. Effects of the Li doping processes on the charge collection efficiency are discussed based on the model. This model can be easily extended to other P-type germanium detectors, for instance, the P-type broad-energy Ge detector, and the P-type inverted-coaxial point-contact detector.

Two cases of fetal inguinoscrotal hernia and review of the literature

Fetal inguinal hernia is quite rare and here we report two cases of prenatally diagnosed inguinoscrotal hernia to add to the limited understanding of this rare condition. The disappearance of blood flow signal in the scrotum may be helpful in detecting fetal incarcerated inguinoscrotal hernia that may progress to strangulation. If bowel dilatation was observed in such cases, the physician should be alert to identify primary intestinal obstruction caused by congenital digestive tract malformation and secondary intestinal obstruction caused by incarceration.

Constraints on Sub-GeV Dark Matter-Electron Scattering from the CDEX-10 Experiment

We present improved germanium-based constraints on sub-GeV dark matter via dark matter-electron (χ-e) scattering using the 205.4  kg·day dataset from the CDEX-10 experiment. Using a novel calculation technique, we attain predicted χ-e scattering spectra observable in high-purity germanium detectors. In the heavy mediator scenario, our results achieve 3 orders of magnitude of improvement for m_{χ} larger than 80  MeV/c^{2} compared to previous germanium-based χ-e results. We also present the most stringent χ-e cross-section limit to date among experiments using solid-state detectors for m_{χ} larger than 90  MeV/c^{2} with heavy mediators and m_{χ} larger than 100  MeV/c^{2} with electric dipole coupling. The result proves the feasibility and demonstrates the vast potential of a new χ-e detection method with high-purity germanium detectors in ultralow radioactive background.

Exotic Dark Matter Search with the CDEX-10 Experiment at China's Jinping Underground Laboratory

A search for exotic dark matter (DM) in the sub-GeV mass range has been conducted using 205 kg day data taken from a p-type point contact germanium detector of the CDEX-10 experiment at China's Jinping underground laboratory. New low-mass dark matter searching channels, neutral current fermionic DM absorption (χ+A→ν+A) and DM-nucleus 3→2 scattering (χ+χ+A→ϕ+A), have been analyzed with an energy threshold of 160 eVee. No significant signal was found; thus new limits on the DM-nucleon interaction cross section are set for both models at the sub-GeV DM mass region. A cross section limit for the fermionic DM absorption is set to be 2.5×10^{-46}  cm^{2} (90% C.L.) at DM mass of 10  MeV/c^{2}. For the DM-nucleus 3→2 scattering scenario, limits are extended to DM mass of 5 and 14  MeV/c^{2} for the massless dark photon and bound DM final state, respectively.

[Characteristics and the first CD4+T lymphocytes test of newly-reported HIV/AIDS cases aged 50 years and above in the third round of China comprehensive AIDS response program]

Objective: To understand the characteristics and the first CD4⁺T lymphocytes (CD4) test of newly-reported HIV/AIDS cases aged 50 years and above in the third round of China comprehensive AIDS response (CARES) program. Methods: The data of newly-reported HIV/AIDS cases aged 50 years and above from 2014 to 2018 were collected from the National Information system for HIV/AIDS Control and Prevention of Chinese System for Disease Control and Prevention. The Cochran-Armitage trend test and multivariate logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. Results: There were 8 288, 9 512, 11 315, 13 091, and 14 673 newly-reported cases of HIV/AIDS aged 50 years and above in the third round of China CARES in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018, respectively, for a total of 56 879 cases. The majority of cases were male (75.7%). The main route of transmission was heterosexual transmission (87.8%). Most of the cases were diagnosed by medical institutions (68.6%). 69.6% of HIV/AIDS cases completed the first CD4 test within 10 working days after the diagnosis of HIV infection. Among the 29 078 HIV/AIDS cases who had their first CD4 test immediately after diagnosis of HIV infection, the proportions of CD4 cell count <200 cells/μl and <500 cells/μl were 66.5% and 93.8%, respectively. The results of logistic regression analysis of the factors related to the first CD4 test immediately showed that, compared to cases with an education level of elementary school and below, OR (95%CI) values for timely CD4 testing of cases with an education level of junior high school, high school or technical secondary school and junior college or above were 1.113 (1.063-1.166), 1.205 (1.128-1.289) and 1.277 (1.160-1.406) respectively. Compared to cases aged 50-59 years, OR (95%CI) values for timely CD4 testing of cases aged 70-79 years and ≥80 years were 0.864 (0.816-0.914) and 0.612 (0.554-0.676), respectively. Compared to cases diagnosed by HIV voluntary counseling and testing, OR (95%CI) value for timely CD4 testing of cases diagnosed by medical institutions was 0.750 (0.714-0.788). Conclusions: The number of newly reported HIV/AIDS cases aged 50 and above was increasing year by year in the third round of China CARES, with a predominance of men and previous infections. The proportion of timely CD4 tests was drastically increasing. The factors associated with timely CD4 test included primary school or below education level, ≥70 years old, and cases diagnosed by medical institutions. The third round of China CARES should focus on strengthening the prevention of AIDS and early detection of HIV/AIDS cases among the elderly.

Efficacy of Acupuncture-Related Therapy in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVE

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is prevalent in middle-aged and elderly people. This condition negatively affects the quality of life of patients. Although non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used to relieve symptoms associated with KOA, it is associated with many side effects. Acupuncture and moxibustion therapies have been applied in the treatment of KOA. However, the efficacy of various acupuncture and moxibustion treatments has not been compared.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the application of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of KOA were searched in English databases and Chinese databases. Data were retrieved from establishment of the database to September 2020. Data analysis was performed using Stata14.0 and GeMTC 0.14.3 softwares.

RESULTS

A total of 40 RCTs involving 3215 patients with KOA were retrieved. Network meta-analysis revealed that the fire needle was superior to western medicine, electro-acupuncture, conventional acupuncture, warm needle and sham acupuncture; warm needle was better than conventional acupuncture and western medicine whereas electro-acupuncture was better than conventional acupuncture in improving pain scores in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Moreover, we found that fire needle and warm needle more effectively improved WOMAC stiffness scores than western medicine and sham moxibustion, whereas electro-acupuncture was superior to western medicine and sham moxibustion in improving WOMAC stiffness scores. Further analysis revealed that fire needle, warm needle and electro-acupuncture were more effective in improving WOMAC joint function scores than conventional acupuncture and western medicine. The fire needle was superior to conventional acupuncture and sham acupuncture, whereas electro-acupuncture was better than western medicine, conventional acupuncture and sham acupuncture in improving visual analogue scale scores.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that fire needle is superior to warm needle and electro-acupuncture, whereas warm needle and electro-acupuncture are better than conventional acupuncture, western medicine, sham moxibustion and sham acupuncture.

Label-free proteomics study on Shewanella putrefaciens regulated by ε-poly-lysine treatment

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to investigate the regulatory mechanism of ε-PL on Shewanella putrefaciens.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Proteomics analysis of inhibitory effect of ε-PL against S. putrefaciens was performed by label-free quantitative assay based on high-resolution mass spectrometry (MS). Quantification of 2206 proteins was obtained with high confidence, and a total of 36 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), with 10 and 26 proteins showing upregulation and downregulation, respectively, were identified. Upon Go functional enrichment, 11, 5 and 8 specific Go terms in biological processes, molecular functions and cellular components were identified, respectively. Six KEGG pathways, including 'ribosome', were significantly enriched. Among the ribosome pathway, there were seven DEPs and all of them were distributed on large and small subunits of ribosome.

CONCLUSIONS

The significant downregulation of proteins, large subunits of ribosomal proteins RP-L18, L30 and L27, small subunits ribosomal proteins S16 and S20, and RNA polymerase β' subunit protein rpoC were the critical action sites of ε-PL to inhibit S. putrefaciens growth.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Shewanella putrefaciens is one of the representative fish-spoilage bacteria regardless of fish type, and poses significant problems for the fish brewery. A better understanding of the antibacterial mechanism of ε-PL on S. putrefaciens could make important contributions to development of biological control strategies of these economically important pathogens.

Direct Detection Constraints on Dark Photons with the CDEX-10 Experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory

We report constraints on the dark photon effective kinetic mixing parameter (κ) with data taken from two p-type point-contact germanium detectors of the CDEX-10 experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory. The 90% confidence level upper limits on κ of solar dark photon from 205.4 kg-day exposure are derived, probing new parameter space with masses (m_{V}) from 10 to 300  eV/c^{2} in direct detection experiments. Considering dark photon as the cosmological dark matter, limits at 90% confidence level with m_{V} from 0.1 to 4.0  keV/c^{2} are set from 449.6 kg-day data, with a minimum of κ=1.3×10^{-15} at m_{V}=200  eV/c^{2}.

Search for Light Weakly-Interacting-Massive-Particle Dark Matter by Annual Modulation Analysis with a Point-Contact Germanium Detector at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory

We present results on light weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) searches with annual modulation (AM) analysis on data from a 1-kg mass p-type point-contact germanium detector of the CDEX-1B experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory. Datasets with a total live time of 3.2 yr within a 4.2-yr span are analyzed with analysis threshold of 250 eVee. Limits on WIMP-nucleus (χ-N) spin-independent cross sections as function of WIMP mass (m_{χ}) at 90% confidence level (C.L.) are derived using the dark matter halo model. Within the context of the standard halo model, the 90% C.L. allowed regions implied by the DAMA/LIBRA and CoGeNT AM-based analysis are excluded at >99.99% and 98% C.L., respectively. These results correspond to the best sensitivity at m_{χ}<6  GeV/c^{2} among WIMP AM measurements to date.

Constraints on Spin-Independent Nucleus Scattering with sub-GeV Weakly Interacting Massive Particle Dark Matter from the CDEX-1B Experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory

We report results on the searches of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) with sub-GeV masses (m_{χ}) via WIMP-nucleus spin-independent scattering with Migdal effect incorporated. Analysis on time-integrated (TI) and annual modulation (AM) effects on CDEX-1B data are performed, with 737.1 kg day exposure and 160 eVee threshold for TI analysis, and 1107.5 kg day exposure and 250 eVee threshold for AM analysis. The sensitive windows in m_{χ} are expanded by an order of magnitude to lower DM masses with Migdal effect incorporated. New limits on σ_{χN}^{SI} at 90% confidence level are derived as 2×10^{-32}∼7×10^{-35}  cm^{2} for TI analysis at m_{χ}∼50-180  MeV/c^{2}, and 3×10^{-32}∼9×10^{-38}  cm^{2} for AM analysis at m_{χ}∼75  MeV/c^{2}-3.0  GeV/c^{2}.

[Spatial-temporal analysis on the human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome among permanent residence and migrants in Shanghai, 2005-2015]

Objective: To describe the spatial and temporal characteristics of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome(HIV/AIDS) in permanent residents and migrants in Shanghai during 2005 to 2015 and provide suggestions for the HIV/AIDS prevention. Methods: The data of HIV/AIDS was collected from the National HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Information Management System based on report date. The population data was collected from the statistical yearbook of Shanghai. Spatial analysis was conducted using the hotspots model in ArcGIS. SaTScan software was employed to determine the distribution of HIV clusters in space, time or both. Results: During 2005 to 2015, a total of 13 498 cases of HIV/AIDS were reported in Shanghai. The prevalence of HIV increased from 0.025/10(5) (450 cases) to 0.093/10(5) (2 236 cases). The prevalence of AIDS increased from 0.002/10(5) (32 cases) to 0.028/10(5) (683 cases). Hotspot analysis showed that the hot spot of incidence of migrants had moved from Hongkou (2005) (Z=2.96, P=0.003) to Changning (2006-2015) (all Z>1.96, P<0.05); whereas the hot spot of incidence of permanent residents had moving from Jinshan (2005-2007) (all Z>2.58, P<0.01) to downtown area (2006-2015) (all Z>1.96, P<0.05). The spatial high clusters of HIV and AIDS were same, including Huangpu, Xuhui, Changning, Jingan, Putuo, Hongkou and Yangpu; The temporal high clusters of HIV cases among permanent residents were 2011 to 2015, and the spatial clusters were Huangpu, Xuhui, Changning, Jingan. The temporal high clusters of HIV cases among migrants were 2014 to 2015, and the spatial clusters was Xuhui, Changning, Jingan. Conclusion: The total HIV/AIDS incidence in Shanghai was clustered in downtown area. The cluster of the incidence of the permanent residents had moving towards that of migrants, indicating the cluster area deserves a close surveillance.

Limits on Light Weakly Interacting Massive Particles from the First 102.8 kg×day Data of the CDEX-10 Experiment

We report the first results of a light weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) search from the CDEX-10 experiment with a 10 kg germanium detector array immersed in liquid nitrogen at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory with a physics data size of 102.8 kg day. At an analysis threshold of 160 eVee, improved limits of 8×10^{-42} and 3×10^{-36}  cm^{2} at a 90% confidence level on spin-independent and spin-dependent WIMP-nucleon cross sections, respectively, at a WIMP mass (m_{χ}) of 5  GeV/c^{2} are achieved. The lower reach of m_{χ} is extended to 2  GeV/c^{2}.

Abstract P4-09-05: Withdrawn

This abstract was withdrawn by the authors.

[Application of Ischemia Modified Albumin for Acute Ischemic Heart Disease in Forensic Science]

OBJECTIVES

To explore the application value and forensic significance of ischemia modified albumin （IMA） in pericardial fluid to diagnose sudden cardiac death.

METHODS

IMA level in pericardial fluid was detected in acute ischemic heart disease group （n=36）, acute myocardial infarction group （n=6）, cardiomyopathy group （n=4） and control group （n=15） by albumin cobalt binding method. The levels of IMA were compared among these groups. The best cut-off IMA value was estimated and the sensitivity and specificity of acute myocardial ischemia group was distinguished from control group by receiver operating characteristics （ROC） curve.

RESULTS

The IMA level in acute ischemic heart disease group was significantly higher than that of control group （P<0.05）. Compared with acute myocardial infarction group and cardiomyopathy group, the IMA level in acute ischemic heart disease group had no significant difference （P>0.05）. The cut-off value for the identification of acute myocardial ischemia which obtained by ROC analysis was 40.65 U/mL. And the sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing acute ischemia cardiac disease was 60.0% and 80.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The IMA value in pericardial fluid can be a reference marker for the diagnosis of acute myocardial ischemia, which also can provide objective basis for the forensic identification of sudden cardiac death.

[Application of IMA and H-FABP in Forensic Diagnosis of Sudden Cardiac Death]

Acute myocardial ischemia is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death. The diagnosis of early myocardial ischemia is a hot point in forensic medicine, which is also an early and important part for a prevention against myocardial infarction. This paper conducts a comprehensive discussion of the structure, function, clinical value and forensic medicine application prospect of ischemia modified albumin （IMA） and heart-type fatty acid binding protein （H-FABP), aiming to determine whether the two proteins can be used as biochemical detection indicators of early myocardial ischemia for the diagnosis of sudden cardiac death in forensic medicine.

Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours of healthcare professionals regarding child maltreatment in China

BACKGROUND

A new, recently issued national law and regulation in China conferred the responsibility of healthcare professionals in child maltreatment intervention. However, few studies have reported on the recognition and reporting of child maltreatment by healthcare professionals in China. The aim of this study was to assess healthcare professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and self-perceived behaviour in terms of identifying, assessing, and reporting child maltreatment cases in China.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey of 877 healthcare professionals from four provinces was conducted using a structured questionnaire.

RESULTS

The respondents demonstrated insufficient knowledge on identifying potential child maltreatment cases. Over 30% of them were less than confident in the medical examination, evaluation, and treatment of child maltreatment cases, especially with regard to cases involving sexual abuse. Only 3.19% of respondents had ever received training on child maltreatment intervention, and as a result, lack of knowledge with regard to dealing with child maltreatment cases, referral procedures, and regulations was indicated to be the main cause of underreporting.

CONCLUSIONS

Healthcare professionals in China have insufficient knowledge, skills, and confidence when it comes to dealing with all aspects of child maltreatment. Although participants reported a positive attitude towards their role in detecting and reporting child maltreatment cases, there are obstacles that hinder them from doing so. Appropriate training courses should be developed to empower professionals with knowledge and skills, as well as increase their confidence in dealing with suspected child maltreatment cases.

Study of inactive layer uniformity and charge collection efficiency of a p-type point-contact germanium detector

The characteristics of the surface inactive layer of a 1-kg-mass p-type point-contact germanium detector were studied. The thickness of the inactive layer and its uniformity on the top and lateral surfaces were measured. A charge collection efficiency function was developed according to the Monte Carlo simulation to describe the charge collection capacity along the depth within this inactive layer. In the energy range below 18keV, the surface, bulk, and total spectra of ⁵⁷Co, ¹³³Ba, ¹³⁷Cs, and ⁶⁰Co from simulations based on the charge collection efficiency function were well consistent with those from experiments.

Characterization of the Ryanodine Receptor Gene With a Unique 3'-UTR and Alternative Splice Site From the Oriental Fruit Moth

The ryanodine receptor (RyR), the largest calcium channel protein, has been studied because of its key roles in calcium signaling in cells. Insect RyRs are molecular targets for novel diamide insecticides. The target has been focused widely because of the diamides with high activity against lepidopterous pests and safety for nontarget organisms. To study our understanding of effects of diamides on RyR, we cloned the RyR gene from the oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta, which is the most serious pest of stone and pome tree fruits throughout the world, to investigate the modulation of diamide insecticides on RyR mRNA expression in G. molesta (GmRyR). The full-length cDNAs of GmRyR contain a unique 3'-UTR with 625 bp and an open reading frame of 15,402 bp with a predicted protein consisting of 5,133 amino acids. GmRyR possessed a high level of overall amino acid homology with insect and vertebrate isoforms, with 77-92% and 45-47% identity, respectively. Furthermore, five alternative splice sites were identified in GmRyR. Diagnostic PCR showed that the inclusion frequency of one optional exon (f) differed between developmental stages, a finding only found in GmRyR. The lowest expression level of GmRyR mRNA was in larvae, the highest was in male pupae, and the relative expression level in male pupae was 25.67 times higher than that of in larvae. The expression level of GmRyR in the male pupae was 8.70 times higher than in female pupae, and that in male adults was 5.70 times higher than female adults.

A quantitative analysis of (1)H-MR spectroscopy at 3.0 T of three brain regions from childhood to middle age

OBJECTIVE

To study age-related metabolic changes in different brain regions.

METHODS

Point-resolved spectroscopy (repetition time/echo time = 2000 ms/30 ms) was performed in the left and right hippocampus, the left thalamus and the left centrum semiovale of 80 healthy subjects (37 females and 43 males aged 7-64 years). Analysis of covariance and linear regression were used for statistical analysis. Both metabolite concentration ratios with respect to total creatine (tCr) and absolute metabolite concentrations were included for analysis.

RESULTS

Ins (myo-inositol)/tCr (p < 0.001) and absolute Ins concentration (p = 0.031) were significantly increased with age after adolescence. NAA (N-acetylaspartic acid)/tCr (p < 0.001) and absolute NAA concentration (p = 0.010) significantly declined with age after adolescence.

CONCLUSION

Age-related increase of Ins and decline of NAA are found in all three regions, especially at the hippocampus, indicating possible gliosis in the ageing brain.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

We could use NAA/tCr and Ins/tCr as an indicator to estimate the neurons-to-glial cells ratio at the thalamus. This may be an index to distinguish normal tissues from gliosis.

Increased dosage of cyclosporine induces myopathy with increased seru creatine kinase in an elderly patient on chronic statin therapy

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

The concomitant administration of atorvastatin and cyclosporine has been shown to increase the serum concentration of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A, which may be associated with the elevation of creatine kinase and an increased risk of myopathy. Our objective is to report on a case of statin-induced myopathy associated with concomitant use of cyclosporine and other contributing factors.

CASE SUMMARY

An 88-year-old Chinese male patient with comorbidities received polypharmacy treatment, including atorvastatin and cyclosporine. After the dosage of cyclosporine was increased to 300 mg every day for 8 months, the patient developed body pain and leg weakness, with a serum creatine kinase increase and evidence on magnetic resonance imaging of muscle oedema.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

Cyclosporine is a moderate inhibitor of the cytochrome P450 CYP3A4 isoenzyme, which is known to increase the serum level of atorvastatin. We hypothesized that the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic properties of atorvastatin-induced myopathy are the result of its interaction with high dosage of cyclosporine.

Mutations in and Expression of the Tumor Suppressor Gene p53 in Egg-Type Chickens Infected With Subgroup J Avian Leukosis Virus

To investigate the molecular mechanisms of the oncogenic effects of avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J), we examined mutations in and the expression of p53 in the myelocytomas distributed in the liver, spleen, trachea, and bone marrow, as well as in fibrosarcomas in the abdominal cavity and hemangiomas in skin from chickens that were naturally or experimentally infected with ALV-J. Two types of mutations in the p53 gene were detected in myelocytomas of both the experimentally infected and the naturally infected chickens and included point mutations and deletions. Two of the point mutations have not been reported previously. Partial complementary DNA clones with a 122-bp deletion in the p53 gene ORF and a 15-bp deletion in the C-terminus were identified in the myelocytomas. In addition, moderate expression of the mutant p53 protein was detected in the myelocytomas that were distributed in the liver, trachea, spleen, and bone marrow. Mutant p53 protein was not detected in the subcutaneous hemangiomas or in the abdominal fibrosarcomas associated with natural and experimental ALV-J infection, respectively. These results identify mutations associated with abnormal expression of p53 in ALV-J-associated myelocytomas, suggesting a role in tumorigenesis.

Limits on spin-independent couplings of WIMP dark matter with a p-type point-contact germanium detector

We report new limits on a spin-independent weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP)-nucleon interaction cross section using 39.5 kg days of data taken with a p-type point-contact germanium detector of 840 g fiducial mass at the Kuo-Sheng Reactor Neutrino Laboratory. Crucial to this study is the understanding of the selection procedures and, in particular, the bulk-surface events differentiation at the sub-keV range. The signal-retaining and background-rejecting efficiencies were measured with calibration gamma sources and a novel n-type point-contact germanium detector. Part of the parameter space in the cross section versus WIMP-mass implied by various experiments is probed and excluded.

New limits on interactions between weakly interacting massive particles and nucleons obtained with CsI(Tl) crystal detectors

New limits are presented on the cross section for weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) nucleon scattering in the KIMS CsI(Tℓ) detector array at the Yangyang Underground Laboratory. The exposure used for these results is 24 524.3  kg·days. Nuclei recoiling from WIMP interactions are identified by a pulse shape discrimination method. A low energy background due to alpha emitters on the crystal surfaces is identified and taken into account in the analysis. The detected numbers of nuclear recoils are consistent with zero and 90% confidence level upper limits on the WIMP interaction rates are set for electron equivalent energies from 3 to 11 keV. The 90% upper limit of the nuclear recoil event rate for 3.6-5.8 keV corresponding to 2-4 keV in NaI(Tℓ) is 0.0098 counts/kg/keV/day, which is below the annual modulation amplitude reported by DAMA. This is incompatible with interpretations that enhance the modulation amplitude such as inelastic dark matter models. We establish the most stringent cross section limits on spin-dependent WIMP-proton elastic scattering for the WIMP masses greater than 20  GeV/c2.

Measurement of the parity-violating longitudinal single-spin asymmetry for W± boson production in polarized proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s] = 500 GeV

We report the first measurement of the parity-violating single-spin asymmetries for midrapidity decay positrons and electrons from W+ and W- boson production in longitudinally polarized proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s] = 500 GeV by the STAR experiment at RHIC. The measured asymmetries, A(L)(W+) = -0.27 ± 0.10(stat.) ± 0.02(syst.) ± 0.03(norm.) and A(L)(W-) = 0.14 ± 0.19(stat.) ± 0.02(syst.) ± 0.01(norm.), are consistent with theory predictions, which are large and of opposite sign. These predictions are based on polarized quark and antiquark distribution functions constrained by polarized deep-inelastic scattering measurements.

Immunotolerance reaction for allograft-limb in rats induced by gene-modified cell transfusion

The therapeutic value of the transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-b) in transplantation has been reported; However, cell-mediated gene therapy using TGF-b is not applied to the organ transplantation widely. This study was to evaluate whether TGF-b-modified donor spleen cell specific transfusion in rat heterotopic allo-limb transplantation could induce tolerance tolerogenicity and prolong allograft's survival time. The Splenic T-cell in Wistar rats responsing to donor spleen cells which received TGF-b-transduced were severely impaired.The Survival time of Sprague-Dawley Allograft-limb in Wistar rats given TGF-b-modified donor spleen cells (5¥106 cells/well, administration of donor TGF-b-transduced donor spleen cells 7 days before transplantation) was extended modestly but significantly.

Measurement of the bottom quark contribution to nonphotonic electron production in p + p collisions at √s=200 GeV

The contribution of B meson decays to nonphotonic electrons, which are mainly produced by the semileptonic decays of heavy-flavor mesons, in p + p collisions at √s=200  GeV has been measured using azimuthal correlations between nonphotonic electrons and hadrons. The extracted B decay contribution is approximately 50% at a transverse momentum of pT≥5  GeV/c. These measurements constrain the nuclear modification factor for electrons from B and D meson decays. The result indicates that B meson production in heavy ion collisions is also suppressed at high pT.