Polypeptide from Moschus Suppresses Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation by Inhibiting NF-κ B-ROS/NLRP3 Pathway / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To examine the anti-inflammatory effects and potential mechanisms of polypeptide from Moschus (PPM) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced THP-1 macrophages and BALB/c mice.@*METHODS@#The polypeptide was extracted from Moschus and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Subsequently, LPS was used to induce inflammation in THP-1 macrophages and BALB/c mice. In LPS-treated or untreated THP-1 macrophages, cell viability was observed by cell counting kit 8 and lactate dehydrogenase release assays; the proinflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and flow cytometry, respectively; and protein and mRNA levels were measured by Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), respectively. In LPS-induced BALB/c mice, the proinflammatory cytokines were measured, and lung histology and cytokines were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, respectively.@*RESULTS@#The SDS-PAGE results suggested that the molecular weight of purified PPM was in the range of 10-26 kD. In vitro, PPM reduced the production of interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-18, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), IL-6 and ROS in LPS-induced THP-1 macrophages (P<0.01). Western blot analysis demonstrated that PPM inhibited LPS-induced nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway and thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP)/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway by reducing protein expression of phospho-NF-κB p65, phospho-inhibitors of NF-κB (Iκ Bs) kinase α/β (IKKα/β), TXNIP, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC), and pro-caspase-1 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In addition, qRT-PCR revealed the inhibitory effects of PPM on the mRNA levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Furthermore, in LPS-induced BALB/c mice, PPM reduced TNF-α and IL-6 levels in serum (P<0.05 or P<0.01), decreased IL-1β and IL-18 levels in the lungs (P<0.01) and alleviated pathological injury to the lungs.@*CONCLUSION@#PPM could attenuate LPS-induced inflammation by inhibiting the NF-κB-ROS/NLRP3 pathway, and may be a novel potential candidate drug for treating inflammation and inflammation-related diseases.

Difference in Brain Age Between Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To investigate the brain age differences between Alzheimer's disease(AD)and mild cognitive impairment(MCI)patients,and further explore the correlations between brain age gap(BAG)and clinical features.Methods The clinical data and radiologic findings of 132 probable AD and AD-derived MCI patients diagnosed at Beijing Tiantan Hospital,Capital Medical University from December 2018 to July 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.According to the diagnostic criteria for AD and MCI,the patients were assigned into AD and MCI groups.In addition,156 volunteers without neurological diseases and other severe diseases were recruited as the control group.The general data,Montreal cognitive assessment(MoCA)score,and mini-mental state examination(MMSE)score were compared among the three groups.The deep learning-based brain age prediction model was employed to calculate the BAGs of the three groups.Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to explore the correlations between BAG and clinical features.Results The 132 patients included 106 patients in the AD group and 26 patients in the MCI group.The MoCA and MMSE scores followed an ascending trend of AD group<MCI group<control group(all P<0.001).The predicted brain age and BAG in the AD group were higher than those in the MCI group(P=0.040,P=0.003)and control group(P=0.001,P<0.001).There was no significant difference in predicted brain age or BAG between MCI and control groups(P=0.352,P=0.224).BAG was negatively correlated with MoCA score(r=-0.341,P<0.001)and MMSE score(r=-0.324,P=0.001)in the AD group.Conclusion BAG can be used as an imaging biomarker to evaluate the degree of brain structural variation and the severity of brain injury in the patients with cognitive impairment.

Observation of the therapeutic effect of Tongyuan needling combined with jingyu herb-separated moxibustion on recurrent implantation failure of kidney deficiency and blood stasis / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVES@#To observe the therapeutic effect of Tongyuan needling combined with jingyu herb-separated moxibustion on the patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF) of kidney deficiency and blood stasis undergoing frozen embryo transfer of the conventional hormone replacement therapy cycle.@*METHODS@#Sixty RIF of kidney deficiency and blood stasis patients who planned for frozen embryo transfer were randomly divided into a combined treatment group (30 cases) and a western medication group (30 cases). In the western medication group, the conventional hormone replacement therapy was performed for endometrial preparation during transfer cycle. On the basis of treatment as the western medication group, in the combined treatment group, Tongyuan needling combined with jingyu herb-separated moxibustion was adopted. Regarding tongyuan needling, the acupoint prescription for Tongdu Tiaoshen (promoting the governor vessel and regulating the spirit, e.g. Dazhui [GV 14], Ganshu [BL 18], Shenshu [BL 23] and back-shu points) and that for Yinqi Guiguan (conducting qi back to the primary, e.g. Zhongwan [CV 12], Qihai [CV 6], Guanyuan [CV 4] and front-mu points) were selected. Acupuncture was delivered at these two prescriptions alternatively each time. After acupuncture, the herb-separated moxibustion (in which, the herbal powder was prepared with the modified Yangjing Zhongyu decoction for cultivating the kidney essence and promoting pregnancy) was operated at Shenque (CV 8). This combined therapy was delivered once every two days, 3 sessions a week till the day of embryo transfer. The pregnancy outcomes (positive rate of human chorionic gonadotropin [β-HCG] and clinical pregnancy rate) were compared between the two groups, as well as the TCM syndrome score, serum estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) levels, endometrial thickness and type, endometrial blood flow index (pulsatility index [PI], resistance index [RI]) before and after treatment.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the clinical pregnancy rate of the combined treatment group was 40.0% (12/30), higher than that of the western medication group (16.7%, 5/30, P<0.05); and the difference in the positive rate of β-HCG was not significant statistically between the two groups (P>0.05). After treatment, the serum levels of E2 and P were elevated (P<0.05), the endometrial thickness was thickened (P<0.05); the scores of TCM syndrome, and the levels of PI and RI were reduced (P<0.05) when compared with those before treatment in the two groups. The proportion of type A endometrium increased compared with that before treatment in the combined treatment group (P<0.05). Except the levels of E2 and P, the above indexes in the combined treatment group were superior to the western medication group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#On the basis of frozen embryo transfer of conventional hormone replacement cycle, the intervention of Tongyuan needling combined with jingyu herb-separated moxibustion can effectively relieve the clinical symptoms, increase the endometrial blood flow and its thickness, and improve the endometrial receptivity, thereby ameliorate pregnancy outcomes in RIF patients of kidney deficiency and blood stasis.

Effect of patient decision aids on choice between sugammadex and neostigmine in surgeries under general anesthesia: a multicenter randomized controlled trial / 대한마취과학회지

Background@#Shared decision making using patient decision aids (PtDAs) was established over a decade ago, but few studies have evaluated its efficacy in Asian countries. We therefore evaluated the application of PtDAs in a decision conflict between two muscle relaxant reversal agents, neostigmine and sugammadex, and sequentially analyzed the regional differences and operating room turnover rates. @*Methods@#This multicenter, outcome-assessor-blind, randomized controlled trial included 3,132 surgical patients from two medical centers admitted between March 2020 and August 2020. The patients were randomly divided into the classical and PtDA groups for pre-anesthesia consultations. Their clinicodemographic characteristics were analyzed to identify variables influencing the choice of reversal agent. On the day of the pre-anesthesia consultation, the patients completed the four SURE scale (sure of myself, understand information, risk-benefit ratio, encouragement) screening items. The operating turnover rates were also evaluated using anesthesia records. @*Results@#Compared with the classical group, the PtDA group felt more confident about receiving sufficient medical information (P < 0.001), felt better informed about the advantages and disadvantages of the medications (P < 0.001), exhibited a superior understanding of the benefits and risks of their options (P < 0.001), and felt surer about their choice (P < 0.001). Moreover, the PtDA group had a significantly greater tendency to choose sugammadex over neostigmine (P < 0.001). @*Conclusions@#PtDA interventions in pre-anesthesia consultations provided surgical patients with clear knowledge and better support. PtDAs should be made available in other medical fields to enhance shared clinical decision-making.

Adjustment of X-ray angle intraoperation based on the anatomic shape of femoral neck section / 解剖学报

[Abstract] Objective To investigate the appropriate X-ray angle which image can represent total proximal of femur according to the anatomic shape of the femoral neck section. Methods The anatomic parameter of the femoral neck section was observed and measured. Found the femoral neck was contained with three main surfaces of anterior surface, posterosuperior surface and posteroinferior surface. A model of surface fluoroscopy has been made by covering aluminum foil papers on the three surfaces of femoral neck. Taking the midpoint of the femoral neck as the fluoroscopy center, the C-arm was rotated at an interval of 10° between 0° and 170°, and the three aluminum foil paper models were taken for X-ray projection respectively. The X-ray angle with the smallest image of aluminum foil paper was taken as the appropriate X-ray angle of the surface. A penetrating model of the femoral neck internal fixation was made of three Kirschner wires penetrating through the anterior, posterosuperior and posteroinferior surfaces of femoral neck. The images of the penetrating Kirschner wires were observed through the traditional anteroposterior, lateral view and the three appropriate X-ray angle views obtained from the above test. Results The length of the three main surfaces accounts for 80. 95% of the circumference of the femoral neck. The anterior surface coronal angle was 18°, the posterosuperior surface coronal angle was 65°, and the posteroinferior surface coronal angle was 165°. The Appropriate X-ray angle of the three surfaces were 20°, 70° and 170° respectively. In the images of the three appropriate X-ray angles, the penetrating Kirschner wires of anterior surface, posterosuperior surface and posteroinferior surface of the femoral neck could be clearly observed respectively, while the penetrating Kirschner wire could not be completely found in the traditional anteroposterior and lateral images. Conclusion Traditional anteroposterior and lateral fluoroscopy can not accurately display the three-dimensional structure of femoral neck. By increasing the appropriate X-ray angle of 20°, 70° and 170°, the reduction quality and bony violation from internal fixation implants on the anterior surface, posterosuperior surface and posteroinferior surface of the femoral neck could be observed respectively.

Effect of Gualou Xiebai Decoction on type II cardiorenal syndrome based on endothelial/epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and its mechanism / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the protective effects of different doses Gualou Xiebai Decoction (GXD) on type II cardiorenal syndrome (type II CRS) and explore its preliminary mechanisms. Methods The type II cardiorenal syndrome rat model was replicated by li-gating the left anterior descending coronary artery. After 10 weeks of intragastric administration, the cardiac function of the rats in each group was evaluated by echocardiography; serum were collected for biochemical testing; heart and kidney tissue samples were stained with HE and Masson to observe pathological changes. The hydroxyproline content in the heart and kidney was detected. The expression levels of endothelial/epitheli-al-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT/EMT) related proteins in heart and kidney tissues were detecterd by immunofluorescence double staining

Anti-inflammatory material basis and mechanism of Artemisia stolonifera based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS combined with network pharmacology and molecular docking / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory material basis and molecular mechanism of Artemisia stolonifera based on the analysis of the chemical components in different extracted fractions of A. stolonifera and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in combination with network pharmacology and molecular docking. Thirty-two chemical components were identified from A. stolonifera by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). Among them, there were 7, 21 and 22 compounds in water, n-butanol and ethyl acetate fractions, respectively. The antio-xidant capacity of different extracted fractions was evaluated by measuring their scavenging ability against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl) hydrazyl(DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)(ABTS) free radicals and total antioxidant capacity [ferric reducing antioxidant power(FRAP) assay]. The inflammatory model of RAW264.7 cells was induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS), and the levels of nitrite oxide(NO), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-6(IL-6) in the supernatant and the mRNA expression of related inflammatory factors in cells were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects. The results revealed that ethyl acetate fraction of A. stolonifera was the optimal antioxidant and anti-inflammatory fraction. By network pharmacology, it was found that flavonoids such as rhamnazin, eupatilin, jaceosidin, luteolin and nepetin could act on key targets such as TNF, serine/threonine protein kinase 1(AKT1), tumor protein p53(TP53), caspase-3(CASP3) and epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR), and regulate the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase-protein kinase B(PI3K-AKT) and mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) signaling pathways to exert the anti-inflammatory effects. Molecular docking further indicated excellent binding properties between the above core components and core targets. This study preliminarily clarified the anti-inflammatory material basis and mechanism of ethyl acetate fraction of A. stolonifera, providing a basis for the follow-up clinical application of A. stolonifera and drug development.

Added value of shear-wave elastography in the prediction of extracapsular extension and seminal vesicle invasion before radical prostatectomy / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

The purpose of this study was to analyze the value of transrectal shear-wave elastography (SWE) in combination with multivariable tools for predicting adverse pathological features before radical prostatectomy (RP). Preoperative clinicopathological variables, multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mp-MRI) manifestations, and the maximum elastic value of the prostate (Emax) on SWE were retrospectively collected. The accuracy of SWE for predicting adverse pathological features was evaluated based on postoperative pathology, and parameters with statistical significance were selected. The diagnostic performance of various models, including preoperative clinicopathological variables (model 1), preoperative clinicopathological variables + mp-MRI (model 2), and preoperative clinicopathological variables + mp-MRI + SWE (model 3), was evaluated with area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) analysis. Emax was significantly higher in prostate cancer with extracapsular extension (ECE) or seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) with both P < 0.001. The optimal cutoff Emax values for ECE and SVI were 60.45 kPa and 81.55 kPa, respectively. Inclusion of mp-MRI and SWE improved discrimination by clinical models for ECE (model 2 vs model 1, P = 0.031; model 3 vs model 1, P = 0.002; model 3 vs model 2, P = 0.018) and SVI (model 2 vs model 1, P = 0.147; model 3 vs model 1, P = 0.037; model 3 vs model 2, P = 0.134). SWE is valuable for identifying patients at high risk of adverse pathology.

Network Meta-analysis of Chinese patent medicine containing Hirudo in treatment of atherosclerosis / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Chinese patent medicines containing Hirudo in the treatment of atherosclerosis(AS) by network Meta-analysis, and to provide evidence-based reference for clinical treatment of AS. The clinical randomized controlled trial(RCT) on the treatment of atherosclerosis with Chinese patent medicines containing Hirudo were searched in CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed and EMbase from the establishment of the databases to July 1, 2022. And data extraction and quality assessment of the included RCT was performed according to the Cochrane standards. Stata 17 and ADDIS 1.16.5 were then used for Bayesian model network Meta-analysis. Finally, 67 RCTs with a total sample size of 6 826 cases were included, 3 569 cases in the experimental group and 3 257 cases in the control group, involving three oral Chinese patent medicines. Network Meta-analysis showed that in terms of reducing intima-media thickness(IMT), the top three Chinese patent medicines were Tongxinluo Capsules+sta-tins>Maixuekang Capsules+statins>Maixuekang Capsules. In terms of reducing plaque area, the top one was Maixuekang Capsules+sta-tins, and the other Chinese patent medicines had similar efficacy. For lowering AS Crouse scores, the top three were Maixuekang Capsules>Tongxinluo Capsules+statins>Naoxintong Capsules. For decreasing plaque number, the top three were Naoxintong Capsules+sta-tins>Tongxinluo Capsules+statins>Tongxinluo Capsules. With regard to adverse reactions/events, Naoxintong Capsules+statins had the lo-west incidence. In conclusion, in Chinese patent medicines containing Hirudo for the treatment of AS, Tongxinluo Capsules+statins, Maixuekang Capsules, Maixuekang Capsules+statins, and Naoxintong Capsules+statins were the primary choices to reduce IMT, AS Crouse scores, plaque area, and plaque number, respectively. The efficacy of Chinese patent medicines containing Hirudo with or without statins was more significant than that of statins alone in the four outcome indexes. Additionally, the treatment of AS should be evaluated comprehensively, and attention should be paid to Chinese patent medicines or their combination with western medicine, to optimize the treatment effect and minimize adverse reactions as the benchmark.

Effects of Cytokines on Early Death in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effect of cytokine levels on early death and coagulation function of patients with newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL).@*METHODS@#Routine examination was performed on 69 newly diagnosed APL patients at admission. Meanwhile, 4 ml fasting venous blood was extracted from the patients. And then the supernatant was taken after centrifugation. The concentrations of cytokines, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and ferritin were detected by using the corresponding kits.@*RESULTS@#It was confirmed that cerebral hemorrhage was a major cause of early death in APL patients. Elevated LDH, decreased platelets (PLT) count and prolonged prothrombin time (PT) were high risk factors for early death (P <0.05). The increases of IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p70 and IL-17A were closely related to the early death of newly diagnosed APL patients, and the increases of IL-5 and IL-17A also induced coagulation disorder in APL patients by prolonging PT (P <0.05). In newly diagnosed APL patients, ferritin and LDH showed a positive effect on the expression of IL-5, IL-10 and IL-17A, especially ferritin had a highly positive correlation with IL-5 (r =0.867) and IL-17A (r =0.841). Moreover, there was a certain correlation between these five high-risk cytokines, among which IL-5 and IL-17A (r =0.827), IL-6 and IL-10 (r =0.823) were highly positively correlated.@*CONCLUSION@#Elevated cytokine levels in newly diagnosed APL patients increase the risk of early bleeding and death. In addition to the interaction between cytokines themselves, ferritin and LDH positively affect the expression of cytokines, thus affecting the prognosis of APL patients.

Heixiaoyao Powder interferes with microglia polarization in AD model mice by regulating NOX2/ROS/NF-κB signaling pathway / 中国中药杂志

The effect and mechanism of Heixiaoyao Powder on the polarization of microglia(MG) in APP/PS1 double transgenic mice were explored based on NADPH oxidase 2(NOX2)/reactive oxygen species(ROS)/nuclear factor kappaB(NF-κB) signaling pathway. Fifty 4-month-old male APP/PS1 mice were randomly divided into a model group, an MCC950 group(10 mg·kg~(-1)), and low-, medium-, and high-dose Heixiaoyao Powder groups(6.45, 12.89, and 25.78 g·kg~(-1)). Thirty male C57BL/6J mice of the same age and strain were randomly divided into a blank group, a blank + intragastric intervention group, and a blank + intraperitoneal injection group. Drug intervention lasted 90 days. Morris water maze test was used to detect learning and cognitive ability. Nissl staining and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe the pathological morphology and ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the positive expression of M1-type marker CD16/32~+/Iba-1~+, M2-type marker CD206~+/Iba-1~+ of MG and the expression of hippocampal ROS. The colorimetric method was used to detect the content of malondialdehyde(MDA) and superoxide dismutase(SOD) in the hippocampus. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the levels of inflammatory factors, including interleukin-6(IL-6), interleukin-8(IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), in the hippocampus. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of β-amyloid protein(Aβ), Iba-1, CD16/32, CD206, NOX2, NF-κB, p-NF-κB, NF-κB inhibitor alpha(IκBα), and p-IKBα in the hippocampus. The results showed that as compared with the blank group, the model group showed prolonged target quadrant movement distance and escape latency(P<0.01), shortened target quadrant retention time and percentage(P<0.01), disorganized neuronal cells with swelling, nuclear disappearance or bias, reduced number of cells, dissolved or absent Nissl bodies, and a clear area in the cytoplasm, damaged and shrunk cell membrane with abnormal cell morphology, few organelles in the cytoplasm, reduced and swollen mitochondria, increased MG M1-type marker CD16/32~+/Iba-1~+(P<0.01), decreased M2-type marker CD206~+/Iba-1~+(P<0.01), increased ROS activity and MDA content(P<0.01), decreased SOD level(P<0.01), elevated inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α(P<0.01), up-regulated protein expression and phosphorylation of Aβ, CD16/32, Iba-1, NOX2, NF-κB, and IKBα(P<0.01), and down-regulated CD206(P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference between the blank group, the blank + intragastric intervention group, and the blank + intraperitoneal injection group. After the intervention of Heixiaoyao Powder, the Heixiaoyao Powder groups showed shortened target quadrant movement distance and escape latency(P<0.01), prolonged target quadrant retention time and percentage(P<0.01), increased and neatly arranged cells with relieved swelling, increased Nissl bodies, regular cell morphology, and intact cell membrane, relieved swelling of mitochondria, slightly expanded endoplasmic reticulum, decreased CD16/32~+/Iba-1~+(P<0.05 or P<0.01), increased CD206~+/Iba-1~+(P<0.01), decreased ROS activity and MDA content(P<0.01), increased SOD level(P<0.01), decreased content of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α(P<0.01), down-regulated protein expression and phosphorylation of Aβ, CD16/32, Iba-1, NOX2, NF-κB, and IKBα(P<0.01), and up-regulated CD206(P<0.01). In conclusion, Heixiaoyao Powder can alleviate neuronal damage and improve the learning and memory abilities of APP/PS1 mice. The mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of NOX2/ROS/NF-κB signaling pathway, regulating the polarization of MG, increasing the expression of M2 type, inhibiting the expression of M1 type, and reducing the release of inflammatory factor.

Analysis on Seed Quality Grading Standard of Belamcanda chinensis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To study the quality inspection standard of seeds of <italic>Belamcanda chinensis</italic> and establish the quality grading standard of seeds of <italic>B. chinensis</italic>. Method:The purity of seeds of <italic>B. chinensis</italic> from different producing areas was analyzed，and the 1 000-grain weight，water content，viability and germination rate of seeds of <italic>B. chinensis</italic> with different diameters were determined after diameter classification. K-means was used for cluster analysis to preliminarily formulate the quality grading standard of seeds of <italic>B. chinensis</italic>. Result:There were obvious regional differences in the size of seeds of <italic>B. chinensis</italic>. The particle size of seeds of <italic>B. chinensis</italic> of Xiaochang，Dawu and Huanggang Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Hubei Province was larger and mostly between 4.5 mm to 5.5 mm. The seeds of<italic> B. chinensis </italic>from Tuanfeng，Qujing，Yunnan，and Anguo，Hebei province had smaller particle sizes than those from the other three producing areas，which were mostly between 3.5 mm to 5.0 mm. Arils in seeds of <italic>B. chinensis</italic> were removed by 10% NaClO to effectively break seed dormancy and significantly improve the seed germination rate. On this basis，the seed diameter was taken as the main grading index，and the seed moisture content，viability，germination rate and purity were taken as important reference indexes. The quality of seeds of <italic>B. chinensis</italic> was preliminarily divided into three grades，grade Ⅰ：seed diameter≥5.5 mm，moisture content≤10%，viability≥94%，germination rate≥60%，and cleanliness≥93%；grade Ⅱ：seed diameter≥4.5 mm，moisture content≤10%，viability≥90%，germination rate≥55%，and cleanliness≥85%；and grade Ⅲ：seed diameter≥3.5 mm，moisture content≤10%，viability≥84%，germination rate≥45%，cleanliness≥80%. Conclusion:In this study，the quality grading standard of seeds of <italic>B. chinensis</italic> was preliminarily established to provide reference for the quality evaluation of seeds of <italic>B. chinensis</italic> and the breeding of improved varieties. In addition，the maturity and the storage time of seeds of <italic>B. chinensis</italic> have a greater impact on the quality of seeds，so it is recommended to select fully mature（dark black） seeds and new seeds for production.

Summary of Research on Intervention of Chinese Medicine in Breast Cancer Treatment / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Breast cancer is a malignant tumor with a variety of complex mechanisms. Current researchers generally believe that its cause may be related to living environment， daily mood， heredity， behavior habits， et al， but its specific pathogenesis has not yet been studied clearly. With the rapid increase in the number of breast cancer patients worldwide， the clinical treatment methods in most countries have also been continuously improved. At present， the methods such as surgery， radiotherapy and chemotherapy， immunotherapy， and endocrine therapy are mainly adopted in clinical practice. These methods have increased the survival rate of patients， but still with the possibility of recurrence and metastasis， and there are obvious sequelae. Some postoperative patients also experience psychological pressure and burden， which would greatly affect the quality of life. A large number of experiments and clinical experience have proved that due to its unique advantages， traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） has serially improved its current status in the extensive treatment of breast cancer. No matter in post-operative rehabilitation or in the process of co-radiation and chemotherapy， it has played an increasingly prominent role. TCM can improve human immunity， regulate the body's environment， effectively prevent the recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer， improve postoperative recovery， reduce the complications of radiation treatment and iatrochemistry， expressively improve the quality of life of patients， and prolong the survival time of patients. In recent years， the effectiveness of TCM in the treatment of breast cancer has brought more and more great trust from the patients in TCM， and most patients are willing to actively receive TCM treatment， so the mechanisms and approaches of TCM intervention in the treatment of breast cancer still need further research and exploration by our medical workers. By consulting the latest domestic and foreign literature， we reviewed the research progress on five approaches of TCM intervention in the treatment of breast cancer， including signaling pathways， immunotherapy， endocrine therapy， chemotherapy， and radiotherapy. Signal pathway intervention was explained mainly based on wingless-type MMTV integration site family members（Wnt）signaling pathway ， B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）-associated X protein（Bax）/Bcl-2/cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-3（Caspase-3）signaling pathway， phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase（PI3K）/protein kinase B（PKB/Akt）/mammalian target of rapamycin（mTOR）signaling pathway， a highly conserved signal transduction pathway to regulate cell-cell communication（Notch）signaling pathway， mitogen-activated proteinkinase （MAPK） signaling pathway， etc. This article aims to provide reference for the treatment of breast cancer by Chinese medicine.

Complex Network Analysis of Xiyanping Injection in Treatment of Bronchitis Based on Real World / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To explore the group modules of Chinese medicine and western medicine for the treatment of bronchitis patients with Xiyanping injection based on the real world to provide references for the clinical treatment of bronchitis with Chinese medicine and western medicine. Method:Medical records of 13 874 patients with bronchitis treated by Xiyanping injection were extracted from 29 hospital information systems （HISs） in China，and complex network analysis was carried out using Tabu Search algorithm to obtain the substructure and associated information of core drug combination of Xiyanping injection for the treatment of bronchitis and to analyze clinical medication protocols. Result:Medication protocols for the pathogens of bronchitis are listed below： Xiyanping injection + cefuroxime for bacterial infection. Xiyanping injection + interferon for viral infection. Xiyanping injection + azithromycin for mycoplasma infection. According to the clinical symptoms and complications of bronchitis， the appropriate medication protocols were as follows： Xiyanping injection + ambroxol + Feilike mixture + ibuprofen for uncomplicated bronchitis. Xiyanping injection + ipratropium bromide + budesonide + salbutamol for asthmatic bronchitis. Xiyanping injection + mannitol + furosemide + phenobarbital + gangliosides + immunoglobulin for bronchitis complicated with viral encephalitis. Xiyanping injection + creatine phosphate sodium + vitamin C for bronchitis complicated with viral myocarditis. The combined medication of Chinese medicine for the treatment of bronchitis was adopted based on its characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine. Conclusion:The data of this study were derived from the real world. The combined medications protocols of Xiyanping injection targeting the clinical symptoms and complications of bronchitis were extracted and summarized. However， it is necessary to formulate an individualized medication protocol according to the specific condition.

Main components in butyl alcohol extract of Baitouweng Decoction inhibited neutrophil chemotaxis / 中国中药杂志

The present study aims to investigate the effects of the main components(aesculin, berberine hydrochloride, and anemoside B4) in the butyl alcohol extract of Baitouweng Decoction(BAEB) on the chemotaxis of neutrophils induced by dimethyl sulfoxide(DMSO). HL60 cells were cultivated in RPMI-1640 complete medium, and transferred into a 6-well plate(2 × 10~5 per mL) with 4 mL in each well, followed by incubation with DMSO at 1.3% for five days. The morphologic changes of cells were observed under an inverted microscope. The CD11 b expression after DMSO induction was analyzed by flow cytometry. The effects of aesculin, berberine hydrochloride, and anemoside B4 on the cell proliferation and migration were detected by CCK8 assay and Transwell assay, respectively. The effects of the main components on the production and polarization of F-actin protein were also examined by flow cytometry and laser confocal microscopy. PI3 K/Akt signaling pathway was checked by Western blot. As revealed by the results, neutrophil-like HL60 cells were observed after DMSO induction. The CD11 b expression in these cells increased significantly as indicated by the flow cytometry. Additionally, 100 μg·mL~(-1) aesculin, 8 μg·mL~(-1) berberine hydrochloride, and 80 μg·mL~(-1) anemoside B4 were potent in inhibiting the migration of neutrophils and reducing F-actin expression. Berberine hydrochloride was verified to be capable of diminishing phosphorylated PI3 K/Akt protein expression. The findings indicate that aesculin, anemoside B4, and especially berberine hydrochloride in the BAEB can inhibit the chemotaxis of neutrophils, which is possibly achieved by the inhibition of F-actin and PI3 K/Akt signaling pathway.

Research progress on the role of Hippo signaling pathway in posterior capsular opacification / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#Posterior capsular opacification is the most common complication after cataract extraction, which seriously influences the quality of life of patients. At present, there is no effective measure to prevent posterior capsular opacification. Surgery or Nd:YAG laser is often used in clinical, and a new treatment is urgently needed. Hippo signaling pathway is involved in the steady-state regulation of many mammalian cells and organs. Recent studies have shown that Hippo signaling pathway can regulate the proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation and other behaviors of lens epithelial cells. Hippo signaling pathway may provide a new target in the treatment of posterior capsular opacification. This article reviews the composition, regulatory mechanism of Hippo signaling pathway and its application in posterior capsular opacification. In order to provide a broader idea for the prevention and treatment of posterior capsular opacification.

The Prediction of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Very Low Birth Weight Infants through Clinical Indicators within 1 Hour of Delivery

Background@#Despite the advances in neonatology, the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is increasing. It is important to prevent the development of BPD in the first place. The online BPD outcome estimator from National Institute of Children Health and Human Development and Neonatal Research Network is available. However, it is not applicable for Asians. Moreover, limits are set for birth weight and gestational weeks excluding those who may still have BPD. The aim of this study was to develop a prediction model for BPD using first hour perinatal and neonatal factors in Korean very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs). @*Methods@#Data were collected for 8,022 VLBWIs with gestational age (GA) ≥ 22 weeks who were born between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2016, and admitted to the neonatal intensive care units of the KNN. Multiple logistic regression models reanalyzed by stepwise selection with significant clinical indicators for BPD. PROC package was used to calculate the area under curve (AUC) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Moreover, it was used to search the best cut-off value. External validation was performed with the 2017 Korean neonatal network (KNN) data. @*Results@#After all missing data were excluded, 4,600 VLBWIs were included in the training dataset of the prediction model. Predictability of presence of BPD was 90.8% and prediction P value cut off was 0.550. Five-minute Apgar score, birth weight, GA, sex, surfactant use were significant indicators. Predictability of severe BPD was 81.5% and prediction P value cut off was 0.160. Five-minute Apgar score, birth weight, maternal PIH, chronic maternal hypertension, GA, sex, respiratory distress syndrome, need of resuscitation at birth were significant indicators. After external validation, sensitivity and specificity did not change significantly. @*Conclusion@#From this study, high predictability was obtained using clinical parameters obtained within one hour of life. P value for prediction of each grade of BPD and equation for calculation was presented. It can be helpful for the early prediction of BPD in Korean VLBWI. This study will contribute to the prediction of BPD in Asians especially Korean VLBWIs, not currently included in the NICHD BPD online BPD predictor. In addition, the predictive power may be continuously increased with the cumulative data of KNN.

The Prediction of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Very Low Birth Weight Infants through Clinical Indicators within 1 Hour of Delivery

Background@#Despite the advances in neonatology, the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is increasing. It is important to prevent the development of BPD in the first place. The online BPD outcome estimator from National Institute of Children Health and Human Development and Neonatal Research Network is available. However, it is not applicable for Asians. Moreover, limits are set for birth weight and gestational weeks excluding those who may still have BPD. The aim of this study was to develop a prediction model for BPD using first hour perinatal and neonatal factors in Korean very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs). @*Methods@#Data were collected for 8,022 VLBWIs with gestational age (GA) ≥ 22 weeks who were born between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2016, and admitted to the neonatal intensive care units of the KNN. Multiple logistic regression models reanalyzed by stepwise selection with significant clinical indicators for BPD. PROC package was used to calculate the area under curve (AUC) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Moreover, it was used to search the best cut-off value. External validation was performed with the 2017 Korean neonatal network (KNN) data. @*Results@#After all missing data were excluded, 4,600 VLBWIs were included in the training dataset of the prediction model. Predictability of presence of BPD was 90.8% and prediction P value cut off was 0.550. Five-minute Apgar score, birth weight, GA, sex, surfactant use were significant indicators. Predictability of severe BPD was 81.5% and prediction P value cut off was 0.160. Five-minute Apgar score, birth weight, maternal PIH, chronic maternal hypertension, GA, sex, respiratory distress syndrome, need of resuscitation at birth were significant indicators. After external validation, sensitivity and specificity did not change significantly. @*Conclusion@#From this study, high predictability was obtained using clinical parameters obtained within one hour of life. P value for prediction of each grade of BPD and equation for calculation was presented. It can be helpful for the early prediction of BPD in Korean VLBWI. This study will contribute to the prediction of BPD in Asians especially Korean VLBWIs, not currently included in the NICHD BPD online BPD predictor. In addition, the predictive power may be continuously increased with the cumulative data of KNN.

Active fractions of Camellia nitidissima inhibit non-small cell lung cancer via suppressing epidermal growth factor receptor / 中国中药杂志

The present study explored the effects and its underlying mechanisms of four active fractions of Camellia nitidissima(leaf polyphenols, leaf saponins, flower polyphenols, and flower saponins in C. nitidissima) in inhibiting the proliferation and migration of non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC) by suppressing the epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR). MTT assay was used to detect the effect of four active fractions on the proliferation of NCI-H1975 and HCC827 cells. Wound healing assay and Transwell assay were adopted to evaluate the effect of four active fractions on the migration of NSCLC. The effect of four active fractions on the enzyme activity of EGFR was detected. Molecular docking was carried out to explore the direct action capacity and action sites between representative components of the four active fractions and EGPR. Western blot assay was employed to investigate the effect of four active fractions on the protein expression in EGFR downstream signaling pathways. The results of the MTT assay indicated that the cell viability of NCI-H1975 and HCC827 cells was significantly inhibited by four active fractions at 50, 100, 150, and 200 μg·mL~(-1) in a dose-dependent manner. Wound healing assay and Transwell assay revealed that the migration of NCI-H1975 and HCC827 cells was significantly suppressed by four active fractions. In addition, the results of the protein activity assay showed that the enzyme activity of EGFR was significantly inhibited by four active fractions. The molecular docking results confirmed that various components in four active fractions possessed strong binding activity to EGFR enzymes. Western blot assay revealed that four active fractions down-regulated the protein expression of EGFR and its downstream signaling pathways. It is concluded that the four active fractions of C. nitidissima can inhibit NSCLC. The mechanism may be related to EGFR and its downstream signaling pathways. This study provides a new scientific basis for the clinical treatment of NSCLC with active fractions of C. nitidissima, which is of reference significance for further research on the anti-tumor mechanism of C. nitidissima.

Genome-wide DNA methylation patterns in monocytes derived from patients with primary Sjogren syndrome / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Epigenetics, especially DNA methylation, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of primary Sjogren syndrome (pSS). Our study aimed to reveal the role of DNA methylation in peripheral monocytes of pSS patients.@*METHODS@#A total of 11 pSS patients and five age-matched healthy controls (HCs) were included in this study. Monocytes were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells using magnetic microbeads. DNA methylation profiles were generated using Human Methylation 850K BeadChips.@*RESULTS@#In monocytes from pSS patients, we identified 2819 differentially methylated positions (DMPs), comprising 1977 hypomethylated- and 842 hypermethylated-DMPs, corresponding to 1313 unique genes when compared with HCs. IFI44L, MX1, PAARP9, and IFITM1, which influence the interferon (IFN) signaling pathway, were among the genes hypomethylated in pSS. Functional analysis of genes with a minimum of two DMPs showed involvement in antigen binding, transcriptional regulation, cell adhesion, IFN-γ pathway, type I IFN pathway, antigen presentation, Epstein-Barr virus infection, human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 virus infection, and metabolic disease-related pathways. In addition, patients with higher serum IgG levels exhibited enrichment in Notch signaling and metabolic-related pathways. Upon comparing monocytes with salivary gland epithelial cells, an important overlap was observed in the cell cycle, cell senescence, and interleukin-17 signaling pathways. The differentially methylated genes were more enriched in the ribosome- and AMP-activated protein kinase signaling pathway in anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB autoantibodies double-positive patients.@*CONCLUSION@#Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling revealed significant differences in DNA methylation in monocytes isolated from patients with pSS.