Characterization of candidate factors associated with the metastasis and progression of high-grade serous ovarian cancer / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the biggest cause of gynecological cancer-related mortality because of its extremely metastatic nature. This study aimed to explore and evaluate the characteristics of candidate factors associated with the metastasis and progression of HGSOC.@*METHODS@#Transcriptomic data of HGSOC patients' samples collected from primary tumors and matched omental metastatic tumors were obtained from three independent studies in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were selected to evaluate the effects on the prognosis and progression of ovarian cancer using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Hub genes' immune landscapes were estimated by the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) database. Finally, using 25 HGSOC patients' cancer tissues and 10 normal fallopian tube tissues, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to quantify the expression levels of hub genes associated with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stages.@*RESULTS@#Fourteen DEGs, ADIPOQ , ALPK2 , BARX1 , CD37 , CNR2 , COL5A3 , FABP4 , FAP , GPR68 , ITGBL1 , MOXD1 , PODNL1 , SFRP2 , and TRAF3IP3 , were upregulated in metastatic tumors in every database while CADPS , GATA4 , STAR , and TSPAN8 were downregulated. ALPK2 , FAP , SFRP2 , GATA4 , STAR , and TSPAN8 were selected as hub genes significantly associated with survival and recurrence. All hub genes were correlated with tumor microenvironment infiltration, especially cancer-associated fibroblasts and natural killer (NK) cells. Furthermore, the expression of FAP and SFRP2 was positively correlated with the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, and their increased protein expression levels in metastatic samples compared with primary tumor samples and normal tissues were confirmed by IHC ( P = 0.0002 and P = 0.0001, respectively).@*CONCLUSIONS@#This study describes screening for DEGs in HGSOC primary tumors and matched metastasis tumors using integrated bioinformatics analyses. We identified six hub genes that were correlated with the progression of HGSOC, particularly FAP and SFRP2 , which might provide effective targets to predict prognosis and provide novel insights into individual therapeutic strategies for HGSOC.

A study on knowledge, attitude, and vaccination behavior of herpes zoster vaccine among urban residents in selected areas of China / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective: To understand the knowledge, attitude, and current status of vaccination of herpes zoster vaccination among urban residents aged 25 years and above in China. Methods: In August to October 2022, a convenience sampling method was used to survey residents aged 25 years and above at 36 community centers in 9 cities across China. Questionnaires were used to collect basic information, knowledge, and attitude toward herpes zoster and its vaccination, as well as vaccination status and reasons for non-vaccination among residents. Results: A total of 2 864 urban residents were included in the study. The total score of residents' cognition of herpes zoster and its vaccine was 3.01±2.08, and the total score of their attitude was 18.25±2.76. Factors such as being male (β=-0.45, P<0.001), older than 40-59 years (β=-0.34, P=0.023) or ≥60 years (β=-0.68, P<0.001), married (β=-0.69, P=0.002) were negatively associated with knowledge score. The educational level of high school or secondary school (β=0.44, P=0.036), college (β=0.65, P=0.006), bachelor's degree and above (β=1.20, P<0.001), annual net household income ≥120 000 Yuan in 2021 (β=0.42, P=0.020), having urban employee medical insurance (β=0.62, P=0.030), having public or commercial medical insurance (β=0.65, P=0.033), and having a history of chickenpox (β=0.29, P=0.025) were positively associated with knowledge scores. Being male (β=-0.38, P=0.008) and not remembering a history of chickenpox (β=-0.49, P=0.012) were negatively associated with attitude scores. Annual net household income in 2021 was between 40 000-80 000 Yuan (β=0.44, P=0.032) or between 80 000-120 000 Yuan (β=0.62, P=0.002) or ≥120 000 Yuan (β=0.93, P<0.001), and a history of herpes zoster (β=0.59, P=0.004) were positively associated with attitude scores. Of the 2 864 residents surveyed, only 29 (1.01%) had received the herpes zoster vaccine, with a vaccination rate of 1.70% for those aged 50 years and above, with the main reason for non-vaccination being lack of knowledge about the herpes zoster vaccine, followed by the high price. 42.67% of the population said they would consider getting the herpes zoster vaccine in the future. Conclusion: Low knowledge of herpes zoster and its vaccine, positive attitudes towards the preventive effects of herpes zoster and its vaccine, and extremely low vaccination rates among the urban population in China call for multiple measures to strengthen health education and vaccination recommendations for residents, especially for the elderly, low-education and low-income populations.

Role of microRNA-132 and Mecp2 in methamphetamine dependence / 中国药理学通报

Aim To explore the roles of miRNA-132 and its related proteins(Mecp2, CREB)in the mechanism of methamphetamine(MA)-induced neurotoxicity and dependence.Methods The rats were intraperitioneally injected(ip)with MA(10 mg·kg-1·d-1)to establish methamphetamine dependence model with different dependent time courses of 1 week, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks respectively.The miRNA-132 and Mecp2 mRNA were detected by RT-qPCR, and the Mecp2, p-Mecp2, CREB and p-CREB proteins were detected by Western blot in the tissues of frontal cortex and hippocampus.Results In the frontal cortex, the miRNA-132 and Mecp2 mRNA were up-regulated in MA-dependent groups(P<0.05 and P<0.01), while the Mecp2 protein were down-regulated(P<0.01).MA could promote the phosphorylation of Mecp2 protein in the frontal cortex(P<0.01).In hippocampus, the miRNA-132 was down-regulated in the MA-dependent groups, but Mecp2 mRNA was up-regulated(P<0.05).Mecp2 protein increased in MA-dependent 1 week group(P<0.05), and then recovered with the prolonged time of MA dependence, then decreased in MA-dependent 4 weeks groups(P<0.05)in hippocampus.The phosphorylation level of Mecp2 was significantly decreased in the 1 week group(P<0.01), and then increased in the 2 weeks group(P<0.01)in hippocampus.Conclusions MA could induce an abnormal expression of miRNA-132 in the frontal cortex and hippocampus, and miRNA-132 might inhibit the translation of Mecp2 mRNA and induce the decrease expression of Mecp2 protein in the frontal cortex.But in hippocampus, miRNA-132 does not show the correlation with the Mecp2 expression trend of the frontal cortex.And miRNA-132 regulation does not depend on the expression of Mecp2 in hippocampus.

Chinese Expert's Perspectives on Andrological Diseases Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine / 中国实验方剂学杂志

In recent years， the incidence rate of andrological diseases has shown a significant growth trend. Considering the unavailability of a perfect theoretical system for andrology in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） and the complex pathogenesis despite of the limited types of andrological diseases， it is necessary to improve the clinical efficacy of andrological diseases so as to satisfy the needs of patients. Therefore， the China Association of Chinese Medicine （CACM） organized the andrologists of TCM and western medicine and the outstanding young clinicians to discuss the andrological diseases responding specifically to TCM or integrated TCM and western medicine， such as chronic prostatitis， male infertility， benign prostatic hyperplasia， erectile dysfunction， and premature ejaculation， determine their diagnostic criteria in western medicine， and standardize the specifications for TCM diagnosis and treatment based on syndrome differentiation， thus formulating recognized and integrated diagnosis and treatment protocols. Apart from proposing suggestions on the treatment of such andrological diseases with TCM and western medicine， the experts have also figured out the andrological diseases responding specifically to TCM， the optimal intervention time of TCM and western medicine， and the suitable measures including surgery. The resulting consensus helps to better guide the formulation of accurate， personalized， and optimized treatment plans in clinical practice and improve the diagnosis and treatment effects of andrological diseases by giving full play to the advantages of TCM， which will in turn contribute to further innovation and development of TCM.

Research Progress on Screening Active Components from Medicinal Plants Based on Affinity Ultrafiltration Coupled with LC-MS Technology / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Medicinal plants have a long history and play an important role in the prevention and treatment of human diseases. However， the interaction between bioactive components and specific biological targets in many medicinal plants is still unclear. Conventional separation and activity evaluation model of chemical constituents from natural products was time-consuming and laborious， and cannot truly reflect the interaction between the natural conformation of compounds and receptors， so these methods could not meet the urgent needs of modern drug development. Affinity ultrafiltration coupled with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry （AUF-LC/MS） is a rapid， efficient and precise method focused on identification of bio-components from natural products， it can make up for many shortcomings found in conventional discovery of bio-constituents. However， AUF-LC/MS technology also has some drawbacks in experiments. In this paper， the principle， characteristics and application of AUF-LC/MS in the screening of active ingredients from medicinal plants are systematically reviewed， and its development prospect is prospected， so as to provide scientific basis for rapid and targeted screening of active components from medicinal plants.

Obstetric Diseases Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine / 中国实验方剂学杂志

In recent years， with the change in life style， social environment， and national childbearing policy， the proportion of high-risk pregnant women has increased significantly， triggering the spectrum of obstetric diseases to constantly change， which has brought new challenges to the diagnosis and treatment of obstetrics. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has been proved effective in dealing with a variety of obstetric diseases， and various treatment methods are available， which can serve as alternative means for solving refractory obstetric diseases. However， most obstetric clinicians are currently less aware of the therapeutic effects of TCM， which has significantly hindered its participation in clinical treatment. Therefore， the China Association of Chinese Medicine （CACM） organized the outstanding young obstetricians of TCM and western medicine to discuss 15 obstetric diseases responding specifically to TCM or integrated TCM and western medicine， including hyperemesis gravidarum， threatened abortion， ectopic gestation， cough during pregnancy， pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome， maternal-fetal ABO incompatibility， postpartum hypogalactia， residual pregnancy tissue in uterine cavity， puerperal infection， pantalgia after childbirth， hematoma/undesirable healing after caesarean section， postpartum urinary retention， ileus after cesarean section， pelvic floor dysfunction， and postnatal depression. The suggestions for their treatment with TCM or integrated TCM and western medicine were also proposed， aiming to provide patients with effective and personalized treatments in clinical practice and improve the diagnosis and treatment effects of obstetric diseases， thus benefiting the public. At the same time， more obstetrical clinicians are expected to understand the therapeutic effects and advantages of TCM and draw on the strengths of both TCM and western， thereby promoting the establishment of an obstetric diagnosis and treatment system with Chinese characteristics.

Mechanism of Wenshen Yangxue Prescription Improving Endometrial Receptivity of Aged Female Mice by Regulating PI3K/Akt/FoxO3A Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To explore the effective components， targets， and possible mechanisms of Wenshen Yangxue prescription in improving endometrial receptivity of aged female mice based on network pharmacology and experimental verification. Method:Based on Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular mechANism of Traditional Chinese Medicine （BATMAN-TCM） and Integrative Pharmacology-based Research Platform of Traditional Chinese Medicine， the components and targets of Wenshen Yangxue prescription were retrieved， and the targets of ovulatory dysfunctional infertility were collected from the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man （OMIM） and GeneCards with "anovulatory sterility" and "anovulatory infertility" as keywords. The protein-protein interaction （PPI） network was constructed based on STRING and the core targets of Wenshen Yangxue prescription against ovulatory dysfunctional infertility were screened by Cytoscape， followed by Gene Ontology （GO） term enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） pathway enrichment of the core targets in DAVID database. Then， the "medicinal-component-target-pathway" network was established and the core targets were verified by animal experiment. Result:A total of 253 components and 326 targets of Wenshen Yangxue prescription， 819 disease targets， and 74 common targets were screened out. The common targets were mainly involved in the biological processes such as positive regulation of nitric oxide biosynthetic process， positive regulation of cell proliferation， response to estradiol， aging， response to oxidative stress， and angiogenesis. The GO term of response to oxidative stress and five of the top 20 KEGG pathways were analyzed. According to the "medicinal-component-target-biological process/pathway" network， 41 chemical components in 20 medicinals participated in hypoxia inducible factor-1 （HIF-1） signaling pathway， tumor necrosis factor （TNF） signaling pathway， forkhead box O （FOXO） signaling pathway， Toll-like receptor （TLR） signal pathway， and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B （PI3K/Akt） signaling pathway by affecting 35 targets. The results of animal experiment showed that the prescription could increase the expression of PI3K， phosphorylated PI3K （p-PI3K）， Akt， phosphorylated Akt （p-Akt）， forkhead box O3A （FoxO3A）， and phosphorylated FoxO3A （p-FoxO3A） in uterus of aged female ICR mice. Conclusion:Wenshen Yangxue prescription interferes with oxidative stress and PI3K/Akt/FoxO3A signaling pathway by influencing Akt1， dual oxidase 2 （DUOX2）， epidermal growth factor receptor （EGFR）， heme oxygenase-1 （HMOX1）， myeloperoxidase （MPO）， and other targets， thereby improving endometrial receptivity of aged female mice.

Microorganisms in the typical anaerobic digestion system of organic solid wastes: a review / 生物工程学报

The facultative anaerobic and strict anaerobic microorganisms enriched and acclimated during the anaerobic digestion process are crucial for the efficiency of the anaerobic digestion system. Most of the problems encountered during running anaerobic digestion processes could be effectively improved via stimulation of microbial metabolic activity. Benefited from the rapid development of microbiome techniques, deeper insights into the microbial diversity in anaerobic digestion systems, e.g. the microbe-microbe interactions and microbe-environment interactions, have been gained. A complex and intricate metabolic network exists in the anaerobic digestion system of solid organic wastes. However, little is known about these interactions and the underlying mechanisms. This review briefly summarized the representative interactions between microbial communities during anaerobic digestion process discovered to date. In addition, typical issues encountered during the anaerobic digestion of solid organic wastes and how microbes can tackle and alleviate these issues were discussed. Finally, future priorities on microbiome research were proposed based on present contribution of microbiome analysis in anaerobic digestion system.

Current Situation of Methamphetamine Abuse and Related Research Progress / 法医学杂志

Drug problem is a major social and public security problem in the world. Drug abuse poses a great threat to economic development, social stability and public health. In recent years, synthetic drugs represented by methamphetamine have surpassed traditional drugs such as morphine, heroin, ketamine and become one of the most abused drugs in the world. In order to solve the problem of drug abuse, it is of great theoretical value and practical significance to carry out all-round and multi-level scientific research on drug-related issues. Based on the current situation of drug abuse, this article reviews research progresses on the epidemiology of methamphetamine abuse, the monitoring technology, the basic researches on toxicity damage, the withdrawal drug screening, the related clinical comorbidity and the testing technologies, comprehensively presenting the development trend of methamphetamine abuse related issues.

The effects of Sestrin2 on apoptosis of heat-exposed lung epithelial cells and its mechanism / 中国应用生理学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the protective effects of Sestrin2 protein on lung epithelial Beas-2B cells in the heat-exposure environment and its mechanism.@*METHODS@#Lung epithelial Beas-2B cells were cultured at 37℃, 39℃, 40℃ and 41℃ respectively. Cells were harvested at different times (0, 3, 6 and 12 h) after pancreatin digestion. The expressions of Sestrin2, superoxide dismutase(SOD), reactive oxygen species(ROS), cell mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis rate of cells were detected by Western blot, fluorescence spectrophotometer and flow cytometry, respectively. Gene expression sequence was cloned into high expression plasmid pcDNA3.1. Beas-2B cells were transfected by Lipfectamine 2000 to construct Sestrin2 and SOD high expression cells. The changes of mitochondrial membrane potential and cell apoptosis were observed in the Sestrin2 and SOD high expression cells.@*RESULTS@#With the increase of temperature, the expression level of Sestrin2 protein in heat treatment group was decreased compared with the control group. When Beas-2B cells were exposed to 41℃, the ROS level was increased, mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased significantly and apoptosis rate was increased at different time points. After high expression of Sestrin2 and SOD in the Beas-2B cells, the expression level of ROS was decreased and the change tendency of mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased, and the apoptosis rate was reduced at 41℃ exposure.@*CONCLUSION@#Sestrin2 can alleviate the apoptosis of lung epithelial cells induced by heat exposure through mitochondrial membrane potential and SOD, which has protective effect on lung epithelial Beas-2B cells.

The value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in differential diagnosis of orbit tumors in extraconal compartment / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective@#To provide a reference for differential diagnosis of orbit tumors in extraconal compartment by analyzing the parameters of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS).@*Methods@#A total of 76 patients with orbit tumors in extraconal compartment who underwent CEUS examination were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were divided into two groups depending on histological diagnosis including 27 cases with malignant tumor and 49 cases with benign tumor. CEUS images were analyzed using Sonoliver software. The time-intensity curve (TIC) and dynamic vascular pattern curve (DVPC) were acquired and the characteristics of the arterial flow infusion of these were analyzed. The related parameters such as time of arrival time(AT), rise time (RT), time to peak(TTP), mean transit time(mTT), slope of rise(K1), the absolute value for slope of down (K2) were also obtained. The differences of DVPC, TIC and quantitative parameters between the two groups were compared. Receiver operating curve analysis was used to acquire the cut-off values of these parameters for differential diagnosis.@*Results@#①TICs of the benign tumors were mainly fast rise and slow drop and DVPCs were mainly positive biphasic, while TICs of the malignant tumors were mainly fast rise and fast drop and DVPCs were mainly biphasic. ②The differences of quantitative parameters IMAX, K1, K2, mTT and RT of TICs were statistically significant between the two groups (P<0.05), while those of AT and TTP were not (P>0.05). ③IMAX=456.2%, K1=109.6, K2=35.2, RT=7.9 s, mTT=28.1 s were the best cut-off values for differential diagnosis. Among these parameters, mTT with 28.1 s had the highest diagnostic value(sensitivity: 81%, specificity: 77%).@*Conclusions@#The quantitative CEUS parameters can provide effective reference for differential diagnosis of orbit tumors in extraconal compartment.

The value of contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography in differential diagnosis of orbit tumors in extraconal compartment / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective To provide a reference for differential diagnosis of orbit tumors in extraconal compartment by analyzing the parameters of contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography ( CEUS) . Methods A total of 76 patients with orbit tumors in extraconal compartment w ho underwent CEUS examination were retrospectively analyzed . T hese patients were divided into two groups depending on histological diagnosis including 27 cases with malignant tumor and 49 cases with benign tumor . CEUS images were analyzed using Sonoliver software . T he time‐intensity curve ( T IC ) and dynamic vascular pattern curve ( DVPC ) were acquired and the characteristics of the arterial flow infusion of these were analyzed . T he related parameters such as time of arrival time( AT ) ,rise time ( RT ) ,time to peak( T T P) ,mean transit time( mT T ) ,slope of rise( K1 ) ,the absolute value for slope of down ( K 2 ) were also obtained . T he differences of DVPC ,TIC and quantitative parameters between the two groups were compared . Receiver operating curve analysis was used to acquire the cut‐off values of these parameters for differential diagnosis . Results ① T ICs of the benign tumors were mainly fast rise and slow drop and DVPCs were mainly positive biphasic ,w hile T ICs of the malignant tumors were mainly fast rise and fast drop and DVPCs were mainly biphasic . ② T he differences of quantitative parameters IM AX ,K 1 ,K2 ,mT T and RT of T ICs were statistically significant between the two groups ( P ＜0 .05) ,w hile those of A T and T T P were not ( P ＞ 0 .05 ) . ③ IM AX＝ 456 .2% ,K1 ＝109 .6 ,K2 ＝35 .2 ,RT＝7 .9 s ,mT T＝28 .1 s were the best cut‐off values for differential diagnosis . Among these parameters ,mT T with 28 .1 s had the highest diagnostic value ( sensitivity :81% ,specificity :77% ) . Conclusions The quantitative CEUS parameters can provide effective reference for differential diagnosis of orbit tumors in extraconal compartment .

Molecular mechanism of Bupleuri Radix and Scutellariae Radix drug pair for depression based on integrative pharmacology platform of traditional Chinese medicine / 中国中药杂志

Xiaochaihu decoction is a classic prescription of traditional Chinese medicine. Modern research has proved its anti-depression effect. However, its pharmacological mechanism for anti-depression effect is difficult to be unveiled because of the complexity of compound Chinese medicines. Bupleuri Radix and Scutellariae Radix is the core drug pair of Xiaochaihu decoction. In this research, Bupleuri Radix and Scutellariae Radix were analyzed by the integrative pharmacology platform to study its molecular mechanism for anti-depression. One hundred and sixteen active ingredients were predicted, 62 for Bupleuri Radix, mainly including saikosaponins, acids, alcohols, and 54 for Scutellariae Radix, mainly including flavonoids and glycosides. Its anti-depression effect was relevant to 118 core targets, including 22 known disease targets, such as serotonin receptor(HTR2C), activating transcription factor(ATF1, ATF2), δ opioid receptor(OPRD1), μ opioid receptor (OPRM1), κ opioid receptor(OPRK1), inositol monophosphatase(IMPA1), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), histamine H1 receptor(HRH1), neurotrophic factor tyrosine kinase receptor1 (NTRK1), Glycogen synthetase kinase 3β(GSK3β), etc. The antidepressant effect involved positive regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase Ⅱ promoter, transcription factor binding, cytosol, transcriptional regulation of DNA template, enzyme binding, endocrine system, nervous system, neurotrophin signaling pathway, cell growth and death, signal transduction, thyroid hormone signaling pathway and other related biological processes and metabolic pathways. This study provides a scientific evidence for further study of the anti-depression mechanism of this drug pair.

Protective Effect of Shenxi Dan on Multiple Organ Damage of Rats with Endotoxic Shock / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To investigate the protective effect of Shenxi Dan,a recipe for cooling blood,activating blood and inducing resuscitation,on multiple organ damage of rats with endotoxic shock.Methods The SD rats were randomly divided into normal group,model group and Shenxi Dan group.Except for the normal group,the rats in the other groups were given intraperitoneal injection of D-galactosamine (GalN) and intravenous injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce endotoxic shock.The changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP) during the entire process were monitored.Serum samples and liver and lung tissues were collected after infusion for 0 h,2 h,6 h,respectively,and then the amount of whole blood cells,serum contents of total bilirubin (TB),lactate dehydrogenase (LDH),aspartate aminotransferase (AST),and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were detected.Meanwhile,the pathological changes in lung and liver tissues after hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining were observed under light microscope.Results Compared with the model group,the decrease degree of the blood pressure was mild,platelet count(plt) was not decreased obviously,while the increase of serum TB,LDH,AST,ALT contents was significantly inferior,and inflammatory pathological changes of lung and liver tissues significantly were much relieved in Shenxi Dan group.Conclusion Shenxi Dan can improve lung and liver function of endotoxic shock rats,reduce the pathological damage,and improve microcirculation,which is helpful to clinical treatment of endotoxic shock.

Open, multicenter, phase Ⅳ clinical trial of Shenbei Guchang capsules in treatment of diarrhea type irritable bowel syndrome / 中国中药杂志

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Shenbei Guchang capsules in treatment of diarrhea type irritable bowel syndrome (yang deficiency of spleen and kidney) under widely used conditions, an open, multicenter, controlled, phase Ⅳ clinical trial was conducted in the drug clinical trial centers of 16 domestic hospitals. 2 123 patients from June 10, 2011 to November 29, 2012 were enrolled in the trial. Drug clinical trial was approved by Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital Ethics Committee before implementation. Before the start of trial, subjects were selected according to the research scheme and inclusion criteria, then they would step into the 14 d study after signing Informed Consent Form. All subjects were treated according to the research scheme, evaluated the conditions and filled in CFR sheet, to provide the evaluation data and information on safety and efficacy of Shenbei Guchang capsules. Shenbei Guchang capsules were used to treat diarrhea type irritable bowel syndrome in widely used conditions (2 123 cases), and 2 029 cases of them entered FAS set, cure+markedly effective in 1 921 cases, with a comprehensive curative effect rate of 94.68%; 2 010 cases of them entered PPS set, cure+markedly effective in 1 906 cases, with a comprehensive curative effect rate of 94.83%. The primary symptoms of IBS were abdominal pain and diarrhea. After treatment, both abdominal pain and diarrhea were improved, with significant differences (P<0.000 1). There were significant differences in traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores on both post-treatment day 7 and day 14 as compared with the conditions before treatment (P<0.000 1). 35 cases of adverse events occurred during the trial with an incidence of 1.65%, including 12 cases of drug-related adverse events (adverse reaction) with an incidence of 0.57%, mainly manifested as nausea, abdominal distension and dry mouth, most of which would be spontaneously relieved without any measures. No serious adverse events occurred. The commercially available Shenbei Guchang capsules are proved safe and effective for the treatment of diarrhea type irritable bowel syndrome (yang deficiency of spleen and kidney) under widely used conditions (2 123 cases), and can be continued for clinical promotion and application.

Regulatory network analysis of transcription factors, microRNAs, target genes and host genes in human multiple myeloma

In recent years, molecular biologists have achieved great advance in micro RNA [miRNA] and gene investigation about the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma [MM]. Existing research data of the transcription factors [TFs] and miRNAs is disperse and unorganized, which prevents researchers from investigating the mechanism and analyze regulatory pathways of MM systematically. In our research, regulatory interactions among miRNAs, TFs, host genes and target genes were imported to construct regulatory networks at three levels, including the abnormally expressed network and the related network as well as the global network. The abnormally expressed network was primary investigated cause it was an experimentally validated topological network, and it systematically explained the regulatory mechanism of MM. Its outstanding significance lies in that if we correct each abnormally expressed gene and miRNA to normal expression level by transcriptional control adjustment, thus the whole genetic expression network will return to normal state, and MM may not relapse. Additionally, analyses and comparisons to upstream as well as downstream of abnormally expressed miRNAs and genes in three networks highlighted some important regulators and key signaling pathways. For example, STAT3 and hsa-miR-125b, PIAS3 and hsa-miR-21 respectively formed self adaptation feedback regulations. The current research proposed a novel perspective to systematically explained the regulatory mechanism of MM and may contribute to further research and therapy of carcinomas

Effects of Panax quinquefolium saponin on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/serine threonine kinase pathway of neonatal rat myocardial cells subjected to hypoxia / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effects of Panax Quinquefolium Saponin (PQS) on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/serine threonine kinase (PI3K/Akt) pathway of neonatal rat myocardial cells subjected to hypoxia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Neonatal rat myocardial cells were cultured in vitro. After the myocardial cell injury was induced by hypoxia, the cells were randomized into 5 groups: the normal group, the model group, the positive control group (Ciclosporin A, 2 µ mol/L), the low-dose PQS group (PQSL, 25mg/L), and the high-dose PQS group (PQSH, 50 mg/L). Morphology and behavior of myocardial cells were observed under an inverted microscope. Apoptosis rate and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage rate of myocardial cells were determined by colorimetry. Mitochondrial transmembrane potential was assessed using a fluorexon laser. Phospho-glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β and phospho-Akt as well as cytochrome C were determined by Western blot</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>LDH leakage in the Ciclosporin A group, PQSH group and PQSL group reduced progressively compared with the model group (P<0.05). Akt and GSK-3β was strongly phosphorylated after treatment with Ciclosporin A and PQS compared with the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group (16.41±1.74; 35.28±6.30), both the integrated optical density of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) and the mitochondrial transmembrane potential significantly increased in the PQSH group (42.74±2.12; 71.36±6.54) and the PQSL group (39.58±1.49; 66.99±5.45; P<0.05, P<0.01). However, the protein of cytochrome C outside the mitochondrion decreased in the PQSH group (273.66±14.61) and the PQSL group (259.62±17.31) compared with the model group (502.41±17.76; P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Through activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway and inhibition of the MPTP, PQS might protect the heart against ischemia injury and apoptosis of myocardial cells.</p>

The estrogen-like protective effect of ginsenoside Rb3 on oxidative stress and dysfunction of endothelial cells induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein / 药学学报

Ginsenoside Rb3 (GRb3) is one of the main components in plasma of Panax quinquefolius Saponin of stem and leaf (PQS), which can be into human plasma. Previous studies have found PQS has estrogen-like vascular protective effects. In the present study, we investigated the estrogen-like protective effect of GRb3 on oxidative stress and dysfunction of endothelial cells induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein. The activities of SOD, NOS and the contents of MDA in the cell lysate were examined by enzyme method or spectrophotometry. The NO and ET-1 concentrations in the cell culture supernatant were measured by ELISA method. The iNOS and eNOS mRNA expression were measured by real time RT-PCR, while the phosphorylation levels of Akt was measured by Western blotting. The results showed that GRb3 could enhance the activity of SOD, reduce the content of MDA, increase the level of NOS, NO, ET-1 and iNOS mRNA expression while decrease the eNOS mRNA expression and the phosphorylation level of Akt. These effects were blocked by estrogen receptor antagonist ICI182780. GRb3 can play a role in protecting vascular endothelial cells by estrogen receptors, the protective mechanism is similar to 17-β estrodiol.

Morbidity of soldiers stationed on an island / 军事医学

Objective To investigate the morbidity of soldiers stationed on an island ,analyze the relationship betweendiseases and the environment,and to provide an effective method for disease prevention and treatment .Method Data ofoutpatients from troops stationed on an island between September 2012 and August 2013 were statistically investigatedaccording to the classification of diseases.The cause of disease was analyzed .In addition,90 soldiers stationed on an islandwere randomly selected to investigate their response to heat and humidity and parts susceptible to skin diseases viaquestionnaires and talks.Results A total of 789 cases of disease were identified,including 226 cases of upper respiratorytract infection,118 cases of orthopedic-related diseases,90 cases of traumatic diseases,88 cases of oral diseases,74 casesof digestive system diseases,62 cases of skin diseases,53 cases of ENT diseases,41 cases of urinary tract infection,and37 cases of anorectal diseases.The top five responses to heat and humidity were sweating,thirst,body fatigue,dizzinessand profuse sweating.The most susceptible part to skin diseases was the feet ,followed by the cheek,crotch,back andneck.Conclusion The epidemiological characteristics of diseases on this island are significant,and medical supportshould be focused on improving the overall level of hospital treatment.

Measurement and evaluation of physical fitness of soldiers stationed on an island and influence factors of operational ability / 军事医学

Objective To investigate the physical fitness status of stationed on an island and the influence factors of military operational ability in order to take effective intervention measures to cope with the problems encountered by the garrison force.Methods The outdoor environment heat intensity of the island was monitored and evaluated by thermal environment monitors.The physical fitness of thirty-eight soldiers randomly selected was evaluated by measuring VO 2max. Ninety soldiers stationed on this island were selected by random sampling , for whom questionnaires and interviews were designed, involving the influence factors of military operational ability .Results This island was a typical humid-hot environment, with high temperature , high humidity and high radiation .The physical fitness of soldiers declined obviously because of the typical humid-hot environment.The top five working environmental factors were high temperature , humidity, solar radiation, wind and seasonal drying .The top five personal factors were physical fatigue , overtraining, injury, mental fatigue and lack of sleep .Conclusion Considering the obviously decreased physical fitness of soldiers caused by the typical humid-hot environment , how to assess military combat effectiveness and how to determine whether the level of combat effectiveness can meet the actual needs of tropical combat , requires scientific indicators and criteria of evaluation .