The mechanism of modified Gan Cao Fu Zi Decoction in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis based on network pharmacology and experimental validation / 药学学报

We used network pharmacology to predict the mechanism in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) via modified Gan Cao Fu Zi Decoction (GCFZ), and validated the results of the analysis and explored the pharmacodynamic effects of GCFZ through animal experiments. Firstly, TCMID, SymMap, HERB, STITCH and GEO databases were utilized to obtain the target genes of GCFZ for the treatment of RA, which yielded a total of 1 250 differentially expressed genes for RA, 534 genes for GCFZ targets and 83 intersecting genes. Then functional enrichment analysis of the intersecting genes was performed through GO and KEGG databases, and the results revealed that GCFZ and its active ingredients mainly functioned through cytokine pathways, where chemokine signaling pathway and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway were enriched with a high number of genes. Cytoscape 3.8.0 software was used to construct the drug-target-disease network and screen key proteins, which included TNF, C-X-C chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8), C-X-C chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10), C-C chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5), C-X-C chemokine ligand 2 (CXCL2) and C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4). The molecular docking technology was used to confirm the binding ability of the main active ingredients of GCFZ to the core proteins. Additionally, the therapeutic effects of GCFZ in low (4 g·kg-1), medium (8 g·kg-1) and high (16 g·kg-1) dose groups were investigated by constructing the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model. X-ray imaging approach, HE staining and Safranin O-Fast Green staining showed that GCFZ treatment significantly improved bone destruction, synovial hyperplasia and cartilage damage in CIA rats, while immunofluorescence results showed that GCFZ treatment could regulate the expression of TNF, CXCL8 and CCL5. In summary, our results indicate that GCFZ contains a variety of small molecule pharmacodynamic substances, which can exert therapeutic effects via multiple targets and pathways, and obviously reduce the symptoms of arthritis in CIA rats. This animal experiment of our research was approved by the Experimental Animal Management and Ethics Committee of Bengbu Medical College.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Familial Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis with Acidosis / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo investigate the diagnosis and treatment of familial hypokalemic periodic paralysis with acidosis. MethodsThe proband's medical history， clinical manifestations， laboratory examinations and imaging characteristics were retrospectively analyzed， and prevalence situation of family members was investigated in detail. Next generation sequencing technology was used to detect the pathogenic gene loci related to periodic paralysis， and the relevant literatures were summarized. ResultsThe proband was definitely diagnosed as familial hypokalemic periodic paralysis. There was a heterozygous mutation in the SCN4A gene of the proband， which was c.2006G>A， resulting in amino acid changes R669H.The proband's grandfather， father and uncle shared the same variation. ConclusionsFamilial hypokalemic periodic paralysis with paroxysmal acidosis is rare， which is easily misdiagnosed as renal tubular acidosis. c 2006G>A mutation in SCN4A gene is the molecular basis of the disease in this family. The clinical phenotypes of different gene mutations are different， and gene screening is helpful for diagnosis and treatment.

Analysis and prediction of thyroid cancer morbidity and mortality trends in China / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective: To analyze the morbidity and mortality trends of thyroid cancer in China from 1990 to 2019, explore the causes of the trends, and predict morbidity and mortality in the future. Methods: The morbidity and mortality data of thyroid cancer in China from 1990 to 2019 were collected from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease database. The Joinpoint regression model was used to describe the change trends. Based on the morbidity and mortality data from 2012 to 2019, a grey model GM (1,1) was constructed to predict the trends in the next ten years. The model was tested by the posterior error method and residual test method. Results: In all populations, men and women, the AAPC values of the crude morbidity rates were 4.15% (95%CI: 3.86%-4.44%, P<0.001), 5.98% (95%CI: 5.65%-6.31%, P<0.001) and 3.23% (95%CI: 2.94%-3.53%, P<0.001) respectively, the AAPC values of age-standardized morbidity rates were 2.47% (95%CI: 2.12%-2.83%, P<0.001), 3.98% (95%CI: 3.68%-4.29%, P<0.001), 1.65% (95%CI: 1.38%-1.93%, P<0.001), the AAPC values of crude mortality rates were 2.09% (95%CI: 1.92%-2.25%, P<0.001), 3.68% (95%CI: 3.45%-3.90%, P<0.001), 0.60% (95%CI: 0.50%-0.71%, P<0.001). The age-standardized mortality rates in men showed a fluctuating trend of first decrease (1990-1994), then increase (1994-2012), and then decrease (2012-2019) (AAPC=1.35%, 95%CI: 1.16%-1.53%, P<0.001). The age-standardized mortality rate in women continuously decreased (AAPC=-1.70%, 95%CI: -1.82%- -1.58%, P<0.001). The GM (1,1) models can be used for medium and long-term predictions. The results of the residual test show that the average relative error values of all models are less than 10.00%, the prediction accuracy values are more than 80.00%, and the prediction effects are good. The results of the posterior error method show that all the prediction results are good except the qualified prediction of the age-standardized morbidity rate in men. In 2029, the crude morbidity rates would increase to 3.57/100 000, 2.78/100 000, and 4.40/100 000, respectively, and the age-standardized incidence rates would increase to 2.38/100 000, 1.89/100 000, and 2.88/100 000, respectively, the crude mortality rates would increase to 0.57/100 000, 0.62/100 000 and 0.53/100 000, and the age-standardized mortality rates would decrease to 0.33/100 000, 0.42/100 000 and 0.27/100 000 in all population, men and women in China. Conclusions: The overall, gender- specific age-standardized mortality rates showed downward trends in the last decade or so, and the prediction results showed that it might further decline. However, the crude morbidity rates, age-standardized and crude mortality rates have been on the rise, and the population aging is becoming increasingly serious in China, which requires close attention and targeted prevention and control measures.

Correlation of traditional Chinese medicine to reduced re-admission risk in ankylosing spondylitis patients with dampness-heat syndrome: a retrospective cohort study / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to analyze the impact of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) on the risk of re-admission for ankylosing spondylitis(AS) patients with dampness-heat syndrome. In this study, a telephone follow-up was conducted on 1 295 AS inpatients, and after screening and exclusions, 1 044 successfully followed-up patients were included. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using propensity score matching(PSM), and a Cox proportional risk model was employed to assess the effect of various factors on the risk of re-admission for AS patients with dampness-heat syndrome. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to analyze the effect of TCM intervention time on re-admission. The incidence rate of dampness-heat syndrome in AS patients was found to be 51.3% in this study. After 1∶1 PSM, 385 AS patients with dampness-heat syndrome and 385 AS patients without dampness-heat syndrome were included for analysis. The results indicated that the re-admission rate was higher for patients with dampness-heat syndrome compared with those without dampness-heat syndrome(P<0.05). AS patients with dampness-heat syndrome in the TCM group had a lower admission rate than those in the non-TCM group(P=0.01). The cox proportional risk model demonstrated that TCM was an independent protective factor, as it reduced the risk of re-admission by 35%(HR=0.35, 95%CI[0.26, 0.95], P<0.05). Moreover, the subgroup with high exposure(time to use Chinese medicine >12 months) had a significantly lower risk of re-admission than that with low TCM exposure(time to use Chinese medicine ≤12 months). The re-admission rate for AS patients with dampness-heat syndrome was higher than that without dampness-heat syndrome, and TCM was identified as a protective factor in reducing the risk of re-admission. Furthermore, a longer duration of TCM intervention was associated with a lower risk of re-admission.

Determinants of Willingness to Undergo Lung Cancer Screening among High- Risk Current and Ex-smokers in Sabah, Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study / 결핵및호흡기질환

Background@#Attitudes towards smoking, lung cancer screening, and perceived risk of lung cancer have not been widely studied in Malaysia. The primary objective of this study was to describe the factors affecting the willingness of high-risk current smokers and ex-smokers to undergo low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for lung cancer. @*Methods@#A prospective, cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted in current smokers or ex-smokers aged between 55 and 80 years at three hospitals in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. The questionnaire recorded the following parameters: perceived lung cancer risk; Prostate Lung Colon Ovarian Cancer 2012 risk prediction model excluding race and ethnicity predictor (PLCOm2012norace); demographic characteristics; psychosocial characteristics; and attitudes towards lung cancer and lung cancer screening. @*Results@#A vast majority of the 95 respondents (94.7%) indicated their willingness to undergo screening. Stigma of lung cancer, low levels of knowledge about lung cancer symptoms, concerns about financial constraints, and a preference for traditional medication were still prevalent among the respondents, and they may represent potential barriers to lung cancer screening uptake. A desire to have an early diagnosis (odds ratio [OR], 11.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.53 to 84.05; p=0.02), perceived time constraints (OR, 3.94; 95% CI, 1.32 to 11.73; p=0.01), and proximity of LDCT screening facilities (OR, 14.33; 95% CI, 1.84 to 111.4; p=0.01) had significantly higher odds of willingness to undergo screening. @*Conclusion@#Although high-risk current smokers and ex-smokers are likely to undergo screening for lung cancer, several psychosocial barriers persist. The results of this study may guide the policymakers and clinicians regarding the need to improve lung cancer awareness in our population.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medik. on LPS-induced cystitis in mice: potential candidate for cystitis treatment based on classic use / 中国天然药物

Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medik. (A. manihot) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine with a variety of pharmacological properties. It was first recorded in Jiayou Materia Medica dating back to the Song dynasty to eliminate urinary tract irritation by clearing away heat and diuretic effect. However, its pharmacological action on urinary tract infections has not been investigated. The present study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of A. manihot on a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cystitis. The results showed that A. manihot decreased white blood cell (WBC) count in urine sediments of the cystitis mice, alleviated bladder congestion, edema, as well as histopathological damage, reduced the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β simultaneously. Moreover, A. manihot administration significantly downregulated the expression levels of TLR4, MYD88, IκBα, p-IκBα, NF-κB p65, and p-NF-κB p65 in LPS-induced cystitis mice. These findings demonstrated the protective effect of A. manihot against LPS-induced cystitis, which is attributed to its anti-inflammatory profile by suppressing TLR4/MYD88/NF-κB pathways. Our results suggest that A. manihot could be a potential candidate for cystitis treatment.

Feasibility and perioperative safety of transoral robotic surgery with da Vinci Xi platform / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To explore the feasibility and perioperative safety of transoral robotic surgery with da Vinci Xi platform for pharyngolaryngeal tumors. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 55 consecutive cases with resection of pharyngolaryngeal tumors by transoral robotic surgery with da Vinci Xi platform from July 27, 2020 to October 31, 2021 in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, including 44 males and 11 females, aged 25-79 years. There were 41 cases of oropharyngeal tumors, 9 cases of parapharyngeal space tumors, 2 cases of laryngeal tumors, 2 cases of hypopharyngeal tumors and 1 case of retropharyngeal space tumor. Operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, perioperative tracheotomy, nasal feeding, hemorrhage and other complications were analyzed. Results: Of the 55 patients, 54 received resection of pharyngolaryngeal tumors by da Vinci robot through oral approach, and only 1 case of pyriform sinus carcinoma underwent a conversion to open surgery due to poor exposure of lower margin. The average surgical time for the patients with transoral robotic surgeries was 64.4 min, the average blood loss was 24.8 ml, the average postoperative hospital stay was 6.9 d, and the average oral feeding time was 11.1 d. Seventeen patients (30.9%) underwent preventive tracheotomy during surgery. Among 38 cases of laryngeal cancer, 28 underwent simultaneously neck dissection. No serious complications occurred in all patients during and after operation. The follow-up time was 1-15 months. Aside from 1 patient had a relapse 10 months after surgery, other patients had no recurrence or metastasis. Conclusion: Transoral robotic surgery with da Vinci Xi is safe, effective and minimally invasive for resection of pharyngolaryngeal tumors under reasonable indications.

Consensus of experts on the medical risk prevention for the patients with cardiovascular diseases during dental treatment (2022 edition) / 中华口腔医学杂志

With the aging process of population in the society, the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in China is increasing continuously and the number of dental patients with CVD is increasing gradually too. Due to the lack of guidelines for dental patients with CVD in our country, how to implement standardized preoperative evaluation and perioperative risk prevention remains a problem to be solved for dentists at present. The present expert consensus was reached by combining the clinical experiences of the expert group of the Fifth General Dentistry Special Committee, Chinese Stomatological Association and respiratory and cardiology experts in diagnosis and treatment for CVD patients, and by systematically summarizing the relevant international guidelines and literature regarding the relationship between CVD and oral diseases and the diagnosis and treatment of dental patients with heart failure, hypertension and antithrombotic therapy. The consensus aims to provide, for the dental clinicians, the criteria on diagnosis and treatment of CVD in dental patients in China so as to reduce the risk and complications, and finally to improve the treatment levels of dental patients with CVD in China.

Consensus of experts on the oral health management and medical risk prevention for the patients with chronic airway diseases (2022 edition) / 中华口腔医学杂志

Today, there is greater awareness on the association between oral diseases and respiration diseases after the outbreak of COVID-19. However, confusion regarding the oral health management and medical risk prevention for patients with chronic airway diseases has been remained among dental clinicians. Therefore, the dental experts of the Fifth General Dentistry Special Committee, Chinese Stomatological Association, combined with the experts of respiratory and critical care medicine, undertook the formation of consensus on the oral health management of patients with chronic airway diseases in order to help dental clinicians to evaluate medical risks and make better treatment decision in clinical practice. In the present consensus report, the relationship of oral diseases and chronic airway diseases, the oral health management and the treatment recommendations of patients with chronic airway diseases are provided.

Finite element analysis on stress concentration improvement in patellofemoral joint by releasing lateral patellar retinaculum with stiletto needle based on the theory of Jinshugu() / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To study mechanism of improvement of stress concentration on patellofemoral joint by stiletto needle releasing lateral patellar retinaculum guided by the theory of Jinshugu() and based on the finite element model of knee joint. and to elucidate the biomechanical mechanism of stiletto needle releasing changing patellar trajectory and reducing patellofemoral joint pressure.@*METHODS@#CT data of knee joint from a normal male (aged 29, heighted 171 cm, weighted 58 kg) was selected. Starting with construction of three-dimensional model of knee joint by using finite element software, the finite element model of knee joint with complete tendonand bone structures were established through several steps, such as geometric reconstruction, reverse engineering, meshing, material assignment and loading analysis. The loading condition was set as 500 N load on knee joint, and the average tensile stress of quadriceps femoris tendon was about 200 N. To simulate the release of lateral patellar retinaculum by stiletto needle at 30 and 90 position of knee flexion in finite element model separately, and to compare the improvement of stress concentration of patellofemoral joint by stiletto needle intervention under different knee flexion conditions.@*RESULTS@#The peak stress of patellofemoral joint and tibiofemoral joint decreased after stiletto needle releasing of patellofemoral lateral retinaculum compared with before intervention, which was(1) knee flexion at 30 degrees:patellar cartilage decreased by 0.498 MPa (decreased 9.06%), femoral trochlea decreased by 0.886 MPa(decreased 16.27%);(2) knee flexion at 90 degrees:patellar cartilage decreased by 0.558 MPa (decreased 8.6%), femoral trochlea decreasedby 0.607 MPa (decreased 9.94%).@*CONCLUSION@#Releasing lateral patellofemoral retinaculum with stiletto needle could effectively alleviate the stress concentration of patellofemoral joint and reduce local stress peak value, which it is helpful to improve patellar trajectory and make stress distribution more uniform.

Overexpression of LncRNA SLC25A25-AS1 Inhibits Proliferation‚ Migration‚ and Invasion of HeLa Cells / 中国生物化学与分子生物学报

Long non-coding RNA SLC25A25-AS1 has a tumor inhibition effect in the development of colorectal cancer. However‚ the mechanism of SLC25A25-AS1 in cervical cancer needs further study. We studied the abnormal expression of SLC25A25-AS1 in the serum of the patients with cervical cancer and the patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and explored the mechanism of SLC25A25-AS1 in the development of cervical cancer. The expression levels of SLC25A25-AS1 in the serum of normal controls‚ patients with cervical cancer‚ and patients with CIN were detected by RT-qPCR. The important role of SLC25A25-AS1 in HeLa cells was analyzed in vitro and in vivo experiments. Compared with the normal group‚ the expression level of serum SLC25A25-AS1 was decreased in patients with cervical cancer. In vitro‚ overexpression of SLC25A25-AS1 inhibited cell proliferation‚ migration‚ and invasion of HeLa cells. Tumor formation in nude mice assay showed that the subcutaneous tumor weight and volume of nude mice injected with SLC25A25-AS1-overexpressed HeLa cells were significantly smaller than that of nude mice injected with control cells (P<0. 05). SLC25A25-AS1 may play an important role in the development of cervical cancer and may serve as a new therapeutic target for cervical cancer.

Role of Puerariae Lobatae Radix in Gegen Decoction for treatment of primary dysmenorrhea / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to explore the characteristic role of Puerariae Lobatae Radix(PLR) in Gegen Decoction for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea(PD). Estrogen(E_2) was combined with oxytocin to establish a mouse model of PD. The mice were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a Gegen Decoction group, a PLR-free Gegen Decoction group, a PLR group, and a positive drug group(ibuprofen). Writhing response times and writhing incubation of mice in each group were tested by behavio-ral assessment, and the serum levels of prostaglandin F_(2α)(PGF_(2α)), prostaglandin E_2(PGE_2), E_2, and progesterone(PROG) were detected by ELISA kits. Western blot method was adopted to detect cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) and estrogen receptor alpha(ER_α) expression levels in uterine tissues. Doppler ultrasound was employed to detect changes in uterine artery blood flow in mice, including peak systolic blood flow velocity(maximum velocity), end-diastolic velocity(minimum velocity), peak systolic blood flow velocity/end-diastolic velocity(S/D), pulsatility index(PI), and resistive index(RI). Histopathological changes in the uterus were detected by HE staining. Based on the oxytocin-induced isolated uterine contraction model, the effects of Gegen Decoction, PLR-free Gegen Decoction, and PLR on the amplitude, frequency, and activity of isolated uterine contraction were compared to investigate the role of PLR in Gegen Decoction for the treatment of PD. The results showed that compared with the Gegen Decoction group, the PLR-free Gegen Decoction improved the indicators of PD except for E_2 content, ER_α expression, and uterine artery blood flow. PLR could significantly down-regulate the serum content of E_2 and the protein expression of uterine ER_α, and improve the uterine artery blood flow. The data suggested that PLR, as the sovereign drug of Gegen Decoction, might function in Gegen Decoction for the treatment of PD by mediating E_(2 )and improving the uterine artery blood flow.

Analysis on ingredients and metabolites of Gegen Decoction absorbed into blood based on UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS / 中国中药杂志

This study analyzed the plasma components of Gegen Decoction(GGD) by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS), which is expected to serve as a reference for exploring the pharmacodynamic substances of GGD. Female Wistar rats were given(ig) GGD and then plasma samples were collected and analyzed by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS. The results showed that 42 chemical components were identified: 25 prototypes(14 from Puerariae Lobatae Radix, 6 from Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 3 from Paeoniae Radix Alba, and 2 from Ephedrae Herba) and 17 metabolites(from isoflavonoids in Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma). UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS was employed to achieve rapid analysis of plasma components of GGD, laying a basis for elucidating the therapeutic material basis and mechanism of GGD.

Predictive effects of a combined indicator in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after thermal ablation

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the predictive power of the combination of Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) and albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade in prognosis outcomes of early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after thermal ablation. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was reviewed and approved by our institutional review board, and written informed consent was obtained from each patient. According to the Milan criteria, a total of 405 treatment-naïve patients with clinicopathologically confirmed HCC were enrolled who subsequently underwent thermal ablation from 2011 to 2016. The outcomes of overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were statistically analyzed. Results: The median follow-up time of this study was 45.1 months (range, 1.3–83.2 months). After thermal ablation in patients with SII-ALBI Grades 1, 2, and 3, the cumulative 5-year OS rates were 81.7%, 63.2%, and 26.9%; the 5-year CSS rates were 82.4%, 67.5%, and 26.9%; and the 5-year RFS rates were 49.3%, 44.6%, and 25.3%, respectively (all P < 0.001). On multivariate Cox regression analyses, SII-ALBI was independently associated with the three outcomes after adjustment for various confounders (all P < 0.05). In addition, SII-ALBI played a predictive role in OS, CSS, and RFS for patients with negative alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) (P < 0.05). Compared with SII and ALBI, the AUCs for the prediction of OS and CSS using SII-ALBI were superior to single indicator (bothP < 0.05). Conclusion: Elevated preablation SII-ALBI is associated with shorter OS, CSS, and RFS in patients with early-stage HCC. Our indicator showed the potential to be a supplement tool for patients with negative AFP during follow-up

Construction and simulation mechanical analysis of dynamic knee joint finite element model based on CT image / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To construct a dynamic knee joint finite element model based on CT image data and verify the validity of the model. To provide a simulation model and basic data for biomechanical research of the knee joint by further finite element analysis.@*METHODS@#The CT data of a healthy male knee joint was selected. With the help of Mimics 19.0 and Hypermesh 12.0 software, a high simulation finite element model of knee joint was established following steps, including geometric reconstruction, reverse engineering, meshing and material characterization. The dynamic knee flexion model was generated by determining the boundary conditions and torque loading, and the validity of themodel was confirmed. The biomechanical changes of the tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joints under different knee flexion angles were analyzed by applying the loads (500 N) to the finite element model during knee flexion.@*RESULTS@#A finite element model of knee joint was established based on CT images and anatomical characteristics. The model included three-dimensional elements such as bone, ligament, cartilage, meniscus and patellar retinaculum. The different finite element models of knee flexion states were produced by applying different torques after establishing boundary conditions. According to equivalent conditions (knee flexion 30 degrees, quadriceps tendon under 200 N stretch), the peak stress value of patella was 2.209 MPa and the average Mises stress was 1.132 MPa; the peak stress value of femoral trochlear was 1.405 MPa and the average Mises stress was 0.936 MPa. The validity of the model was proved by the difference between the model and previous studies of 1% to 13.5%. Dynamic model loading showed that the Mises stressof tibiofemoral joint decreased with the increase of knee flexion angle, while the Mises stress of patellofemoral joint was positively correlated with knee flexion angle. The Mises stress of cartilage stress planes at different knee flexion angles was significantly different(<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The finite element model established in this study is more comprehensive and can effectively simulate the biomechanical characteristics of dynamic knee joint, which provides support for further simulation mechanics researches of the knee joint.

Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo and American ginseng mixture: A Chinese herbal formulation for gut microbiota modulation / 中国天然药物

Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo (D. officinale) is a famous traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). A mixture of D. officinale and American ginseng has been shown to enhance cell-mediated immunity, humoral immunity, and monocyte/macrophage functions in mice. Here, the effects of a D. officinale and American ginseng mixture on the structure of gut microbial community in dogs were examined using high-throughput 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The data revealed that while the mixture did not change the diversity of gut microbial community significantly, differences among individuals were significantly reduced. Furthermore, the mixture-responsive operational taxonomic units (OTUs) exhibited a phase-dependent expression pattern. Fifty-five OTUs were found to exhibit a mixture-induced expression pattern, among which one third were short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing genera and the others were probiotic genera included Lactobacillus spp., Sutterella, Alistipes, Anaerovorax, Bilophila, Coprococcus, Gordonibacter, Oscillibacter, among others. By contrast, 36% of the OTUs exhibiting a mixture-repressed expression pattern were disease-associated microorganisms, and six genera, namely Actinomyces, Escherichia/Shigella, Fusobacterium, Slackia, Streptococcus and Solobacterium, were associated with cancer. In addition, five genera were closely associated with diabetes, namely Collinsella, Rothia, Howardella, Slackia and Intestinibacter. Our results indicate that this D. officinale and American ginseng mixture may be used as a prebiotic agent to enhance SCFA-producing genera and prevent gut dysbiosis.

Curcumin Inhibits the Proliferation, Migration, Invasion, and Apoptosis of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Cell Line by Regulating MiR-21/VHL Axis

Fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus in pregnancy

Fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus (FT1DM) has received clinical attention for its low incidence and poor prognosis. Currently, few cases of FT1DM are associated with pregnancy in clinical practice, but it poses a great threat to the life of mothers and infants. Here, we present two cases of FT1DM in pregnancy. In Case 1, the patient was a 26-year-old woman who was admitted to the hospital with reduced fetal movement. She was diagnosed with FT1DM and delivered a dead female fetus. Lispro and lantus were administered to control blood glucose, and lipoic acid for antioxidant therapy. In Case 2, the patient was a 28-year-old woman who developed nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and polydipsia, which later proved to be FT1DM. An abortion was induced and blood glucose levels were controlled using an insulin pump. All physicians should be aware of this disease in order to provide prompt diagnosis and emergency treatment, thus improving maternal prognosis. We suggest that plasma glucose/hemoglobin A1C ratio be adopted as a new clinical parameter in predicting FT1DM.

Review of important clinical advances in diabetes mellitus in 2018 / 中国实用内科杂志

In 2018, American Diabetes Association(ADA), European Association for the Study of Diabetes(EASD), Chinese Diabetes Society(CDS), Chinese Geriatrics Society(CGS) and Chinese Society of Microcirculation(CSM), etc. published several guidelines and statements on diabetes and its complications. The prevention of diabetes, diagnostic criteria of diabetes, the characteristics of blood pressure and blood lipid, integrated management of diabetes, the efficacy and adverse reaction of hypoglycemic drugs were also suggested and recommended. These guidelines and statements play key roles in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and future research of diabetes mellitus, which is reviewed in this article.

Diagnosis and treatment strategy for advanced severe lung cancer / 中国实用内科杂志

Advanced severe lung cancer means the stage IIIB, IIIC, and IV lung cancer patients with a PS score of 2 to 4 points due to various related causes of lung cancer itself or the complication of anti-tumor drugs, with a high probability of benefiting from the existing systemic anti-tumor treatments. The diagnosis and treatment strategies emphasize the implementation of minimally invasive dynamic monitoring mutation targets and curative effects. Every drug that is useful to the patient should be used as possible, and making the best use of every drug as possible with the help of respiratory support therapy. Specific treatment concepts include combination therapy,alternating medication, paying equal attention to systemic therapy and local therapy, PS score assessment, upgrading and downgrading of drug use, and simultaneous treatment of cancer and lung itself.