Acteoside promotes autophagy and apoptosis of hepatoma cells by regulating JNK signaling pathway / 中国中药杂志

This study explored the molecular mechanism of acteoside against hepatoma 22(H22) tumor in mice through c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK) signaling pathway. H22 cells were subcutaneously inoculated in 50 male BALB/c mice, and then the model mice were classified into model group, low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose acteoside groups, and cisplatin group. The administration lasted 2 weeks for each group(5 consecutive days/week). The general conditions of mice in each group, such as mental status, diet intake, water intake, activity, and fur were observed. The body weight, tumor volume, tumor weight, and tumor-inhibiting rate were compared before and after administration. Morphological changes of liver cancer tissues were observed based on hematoxylin and eosin(HE) staining, and the expression of phosphorylated(p)-JNK, JNK, B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2), Beclin-1, and light chain 3(LC3) in each tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. qRT-PCR was performed to detect the mRNA expression of JNK, Bcl-2, Beclin-1, and LC3. The general conditions of mice in model and low-dose acteoside groups were poor, while the general conditions of mice in the remaining three groups were improved. The body weight of mice in medium-dose acteoside group, high-dose acteoside group, and cisplatin group was smaller than that in model group(P<0.01). The tumor volume in model group was insignificantly different from that in low-dose acteoside group, and the volume in cisplatin group showed no significant difference from that in high-dose acteoside group. Tumor volume and weight in medium-dose and high-dose acteoside groups and cisplatin group were lower than those in the model group(P<0.001). The tumor-inhibiting rates were 10.72%, 40.32%, 53.79%, and 56.44% in the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose acteoside groups and cisplatin group, respectively. HE staining showed gradual decrease in the count of hepatoma cells and increasing sign of cell necrosis in the acteoside and cisplatin groups, and the necrosis was particularly obvious in the high-dose acteoside group and cisplatin group. Immunohistochemical results suggested that the expression of Beclin-1, LC3, p-JNK, and JNK was up-regulated in acteoside and cisplatin groups(P<0.05). The results of immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and qRT-PCR indicated that the expression of Bcl-2 was down-regulated in the medium-dose and high-dose acteoside groups and cisplatin group(P<0.01). Western blot showed that the expression of Beclin-1, LC3, and p-JNK was up-regulated in acteoside and cisplatin groups(P<0.01), and there was no difference in the expression of JNK among groups. qRT-PCR results showed that the levels of Beclin-1 and LC3 mRNA were up-regulated in the acteoside and cisplatin groups(P<0.05), and the level of JNK mRNA was up-regulated in medium-dose and high-dose acteoside groups and cisplatin group(P<0.001). Acteoside promotes apoptosis and autophagy of H22 cells in mice hepatoma cells by up-regulating the JNK signaling pathway, thus inhibiting tumor growth.

Total electric field intensity in workplace of high-voltage direct current converter stations / 环境与职业医学

Background The converter stations of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission lines generate special total electric fields. At present, few investigations have been conducted on total electric fields in the workplace of converter stations from an perspective of occupational health. Objective To understand the current situation of total electric field strength in the workplace of converter stations. Methods Using purposive sampling, a calibrated HDEM-1 direct current (DC) total electric field strength measurement system was used to measure the total electric fields of 12 converter stations serving 6 DC lines in Southeast and Southwest China according to the Measurement method for total electric field strength and ion current density of the converter stations and DC transmission lines (DL/T 1089—2008). The results were evaluated according to occupational exposure limits recommended by The limits of electromagnetic environment at ±800 kV UHV DC converter station (DL/T 275—2012), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). Results A total of 615 check points were planned, the total electric field strength was 0.05-37.05 kV·m−1, and the median was 10.45 kV·m−1. The total electric field strength of 39 check points (6.3%) exceeded 25 kV·m−1 (the limits of ACGIH and ICNIRP), and the total electric field strength of 12 check points (2.0%) exceeded 30 kV·m−1 (the limit of DL/T 275—2012). There were statistically significant differences in the total electric field strength values and the proportions of exceeding 25 kV·m−1 between the neutral regions and the positive regions and between the neutral regions and the negative regions (P < 0.01). The proportion of total electric field strength exceeding 30 kV·m−1 in the negative regions was higher than that in the positive regions (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in the total electric field strength of converter stations at different voltage levels and different altitudes (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the proportions of total electric field exceeding 25 kV·m−1 and exceeding 30 kV·m−1 in converter stations at different voltage levels and different altitudes (P > 0.05). Conclusion The total electric field in some workplace of converter stations exceeds selected limits. Converter station operators may be exposed to high-strength total electric field for a short time.

Monitoring and analysis of radioactivity levels in drinking water sources in five cities of Sichuan province from 2016 to 2020 / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective:To understand the radioactivity levels of water source in five key cities of Chengdu, Yibin, Mianyang, Guangyuan, Leshan in Sichuan province, and evaluate the radiation safety of these water sources.Methods:From 2016 to 2020, the measuring site selection, sampling and analysis were made for measuring the radioactivity levels of total alpha, total beta, 90Sr, 137Cs, 226Ra, U, Th in drinking water sources in these five cities. Reference was made, respectively, to the national standards Determination of total α radioactivity concentration in water thick source method (EJ/T 1075-1998), Determination of total β radioactivity in water evaporation method (EJ/T 900-1994), Radiochemical analysis method of strontium-90 in water and biological samples ash (HJ 815-2016), radiochemical analysis of cesium-137 in the ash of water and biological samples (HJ 816-2016), Analysis and determination of radium-226 in water (GB 11214-1989), Analysis of trace uranium in environmental samples -3 laser fluorescence law (HJ 840-2017), and Food safety in the test of radioactive substances in food determination of natural thorium and uranium (GB 14883.7-2016). Results:The activity concentration ranges from 0.011 to 0.076 Bq/L for total alpha, 0.027 to 0.098 Bq/L for total beta, 0.21 to 0.45 mBq/L for 137Cs, 1.0 to 2.4 mBq/L for 90Sr, 6.1 to 16.0 mBq/L for 226Ra, 0.06 to 0.21 μg/L for Th, and 0.73 to 3.30 μg/L for U. There were no significant differences in the concentrations of total alpha, total beta, 90Sr, 137Cs, 226Ra, U and Th in different water sources and different years ( P>0.05). There were no significant differences in the concentrations of total alpha, total beta, 90Sr, 137Cs and 226Ra during different water periods ( P>0.05). There were statistical differences in U activity concentration in different water periods ( H=16.53, P<0.05), and statistical differences in Th activity concentration in different water periods ( H=15.61, P<0.05). Conclusions:The survey showed that the total alpha, total beta, 90Sr, 137Cs, 226Ra, U and Th radioactivity levels in drinking water sources in Chengdu, Yibin, Mianyang, Guangyuan and Leshan of Sichuan province were at the same level as the relevant data in the Natural environmental radioactivity level in China published by the State Environmental Protection Bureau in 1995. All of there values were within the data range released by the 2013-2021 National Radiation Environment Monitoring Quality Report issued by the Radiation Environment Monitoring Technology Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. The radioactivity level in water sources in the five key cities was at a safe level.

The effect of polyene phosphatidylcholine combined with Shudan decoction on the recovery of gallbladder function after fallbladder-preserving cholecystolithotomy / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of polyene phosphatidylcholine combined with Shudan decoction on the recovery of gallbladder function after gallbladder-preserving cholecystolithotomy.Methods:Sixty patients with gallbladder stone admitted to Shenzhen Hospital (Longgang), Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from June 2018 to July 2021 were selected. All patients were received gallbladder-preserving cholecystolithotomy, and they were divided in two groups by random number table, each group with 30 patients. The control group was treated with polyene phosphatidylcholine capsule after the operation, while the observation group was treated with Shudan decoction on the basis of the control group. After 30 d of continuous treatment, the traditional Chinese medicine symptoms score, gallbladder contraction function and the levels of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamine transferase (GGT), incidence of adverse reactions, clinical efficacy were compared between the two groups.Results:After treatment, the scores of abdominal distension, abdominal pain and anorexia in the observation group were lower than those in the control group ( P<0.05). After treatment, the thickness of the gallbladder wall in the observation group was lower than that in the control group and the the gallbladder contraction rate was higher than that in the control group: (2.62 ± 0.29) mm vs. (3.21 ± 0.32) mm, (74.17 ± 6.49)% vs. (62.03 ± 6.05)%, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of GGT and ALP in the observation group were lower than those in the control group: (132.32 ± 30.09) U/L vs. (150.27 ± 30.33)U/L, (56.12 ± 14.89) U/L vs. (75.07 ± 16.22) U/L, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). The total effective rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group: 96.67%(29/30) vs. 80.00%(24/30), there was statistical difference ( χ2 = 4.04, P<0.05). The adverse reactions in the two groups had no significant differences ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Polyene phosphatidylcholine combined with Shudan decoction has a definite efficacy for patients with cholecystolithiasis after gallbladder-preserving cholecystolithotomy, and can effectively promote the recovery of their gallbladder function and with good safety.

Research on Construction of Training Course on Palliative Care for Medical Student Volunteers / 中国医学伦理学

【Objective:】 To construct a palliative care training course for medical student volunteers, so as to provide reference for palliative care institutions to carry out palliative care training for medical student volunteers. 【Methods:】 Based on literature review, semi-structured interviews and the expert group meeting method, the first draft of the palliative care training course for medical student volunteers was drawn up. Then two rounds of expert consultation with 16 experts in relevant fields by Delphi method was conducted. 【Results:】 The positive coefficients of the two rounds of expert consultation were 89% and 100%, respectively. The expert authority coefficients of the two rounds were both 0.89. The Kendall coefficient of the second round was 0.196 to 0.328 (P<0.05). The final form of palliative care training course for medical student volunteers was consisted of 5 primary indicators (training objective, training content, training hour, training method, and assessment method), 23 secondary indicators, and 41 tertiary indicators. 【Conclusion:】 The palliative care training course for medical student volunteers is comprehensive and practical in content, scientific and reliable in construction, which can be used for hospice care institutions to provide palliative care volunteer service training for medical student volunteers, in order to improve the quality of volunteer service.

Experience of Professor WANG Xianbo in Treating Hepatitis B Virus Associated Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure by Differentiating Syndromes from Dampness， Heat， Toxicity， Stasis and Deficiency / 中医杂志

By summarising Professor WANG Xianbo's clinical experience in treating hepatitis B virus associated acute-on-chronic liver failure （HBV-ACLF）， it is believed that HBV-ACLF is a syndrome of root-cause deficiency and manifestation excess， with spleen deficiency as the root cause and dampness-heat-toxicity-blood stasis as the manifestation， and the therapeutic methods proposed as “detoxification and cooling of the blood to promote circulation of the internal organs， and strengthening spleen and resolving dampness to take care of the middle energizer”. In the treatment of HBV-ACLF， for syndrome of stasis-heat-toxicity mass， it was common to use the Jiedu Liangxue Formula （解毒凉血方） by detoxifying and cooling blood； For syndrome of dampness-heat-toxicity mass， it was common to use in the Jiedu Liangxue Lishi Formula （解毒凉血利湿方） by detoxifying and cooling the blood， strengthening the spleen and resolving dampness； For syndrome of spleen-deficiency and dampness-heat， it was common to use in the Jiedu Liangxue Jianpi Formula （解毒凉血健脾方， also known as Zhonggan No.2 Formula） by strengthening the spleen and reple-nishing qi， clearing heat and resolving dampness.

Recent advances in mass spectrometry imaging and its application in drug research / 中国药科大学学报

@#Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI), a label-free molecular imaging technique, has been applied widely in the spatial localization of small molecule metabolites, lipids, peptides, and proteins, with its unique advantage of high spatial resolving power compared to traditional liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS).With the nonstop advancement of its achievable sensitivity and spatial resolution, MSI technique has been providing novel perspectives into the preclinical studies of drugs, such as in vivo localization of drugs and their metabolites, visualization of drug metabolism, and drug delivery tracking.This review introduces the basics of MSI techniques, including basic principles, key features, technical advantages, and limitations, with particular highlight of the recent applications of MSI in drug efficacy and safety evaluation, drug distribution research, drug delivery research, and analysis of Chinese medicine from recent publications, aiming to promote the utilization and further expansion of MSI in the research and development of drugs.

Research advances in mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes in treatment of autoimmune hepatitis / 临床肝胆病杂志

Autoimmune hepatitis （AIH） is a type of chronic hepatitis caused by the autoimmune system attacking hepatocytes， and its chronic progression may lead to liver cirrhosis and even hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently， pharmacotherapy and liver transplantation are the main treatment methods for AIH， but both methods have their own limitations， which limits the clinical benefits of patients. Therefore， it is a critical issue to search for new therapeutic agents and methods. Recent studies have shown that mesenchymal stem cells （MSC） and their exosomes can improve the symptoms of patients with AIH by suppressing inflammatory response， enhancing the regeneration of hepatocytes， and regulating the immune system and thus have wide application prospects in the treatment of AIH. By summarizing related articles， this article reviews the possible mechanisms and application of MSC and their exosomes in the treatment of AIH， in order to provide new ideas for the clinical treatment of AIH.

Antidepressant Effects of Oligosaccharides and Polysaccharides in Chinese Medicine： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Depression is a common psychiatric disease that seriously affects the physical and mental health and quality of life of patients， and has become one of the major global disease burdens. The etiology of depression is intricate， and despite extensive research， its pathogenesis remains inconclusive， resulting in various hypotheses of its onset mechanisms. Presently， the primary approach for clinically treating depression involves the utilization of selective inhibitors targeting the reuptake of monoamine neurotransmitters within the central nervous system. However， these drugs are generally characterized by delayed onset of action， limited efficacy and obvious resistance. Recently， researchers have gradually turned their attention to the development of antidepressant drugs with novel mechanisms. Notably， as a category of abundantly available active ingredients in Chinese medicine， numerous pharmacological studies have demonstrated that oligosaccharides and polysaccharides possess promising antidepressant properties， such as Morindae Officinalis Radix oligosaccharides， Polygalae Radix oligosaccharide esters， Poria polysaccharides and Astragali Radix polysaccharides. Their pharmacological mechanisms are various， including enhancing the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters in the brain， inhibiting the hyperactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis（HPA axis）， increasing the expression of neurotrophic factors（NTF）， regulating immune-inflammatory responses and modulating the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Therefore， oligosaccharides and polysaccharides from Chinese medicine have become a vital source of safe and effective novel antidepressant candidates due to the potential to improve depression through integrated regulatory effects. This article aims to provide a comprehensive and systematic review of recent progress to contribute to the elucidation of the mechanisms underlying the antidepressant effects of oligosaccharides and polysaccharides derived from Chinese medicine.

ffect of preoperative frailty on postoperative complications in elderly patients with esophageal cancer: A retrospective cohort study / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective     To evaluate the effect of frailty on postoperative complications in elderly patients with esophageal cancer. Methods     We enrolled the patients aged≥65 years and with esophageal cancer who underwent surgical treatment in Shanghai Chest Hospital in 2021. The modified frailty index (mFI) was calculated and the patients were divided into a non-frailty group and a frailty group. The primary outcomes were the incidence of postoperative pulmonary infection, arrhythmia, anastomotic fistula and chylothorax complications. Secondary outcomes were the time of extubation, the rate of unplanned re-intubation, the length of ICU stay, hospital stay, rate of readmission within 30 days after discharge and the mortality within 30 days after operation. Results     Finally 607 patients were collected. There were 273 patients in the non-frailty group and 334 patients in the frailty group. The non-frailty group had lower rates of complications including pulmonary infection (5.5% vs. 13.5%), arrhythmia (3.7% vs. 9.3%), anastomotic fistula (2.9% vs. 7.5%), and shorter ICU stay [2.0 (0.0, 4.0) d vs. 4.0 (1.0, 6.0) d] and in-hospital stay [11.5 (9.5, 13.0) d vs. 13.0 (11.0, 18.0) d], lower rates of the readmission within 30 days (2.9% vs. 6.6%) and the mortality within 30 days (0.4% vs. 1.2%) compared with the frailty group (P<0.05). Conclusion     Frail elderly patients with esophageal cancer have higher rates of postoperative complications. mFI can be used as an objective index to identify high-risk elderly patients with esophageal cancer.

Relationship between DDX46 gene and invasion and metastasis behaviors of TE-1 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To investigate the relationship between DDX46 genes and invasion and migration of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells. Methods    Human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells TE-1 were transfected by fluorescent marker shRNA lentivirus (shDDX46 group), and an empty vector was transfected as a control (shCtrl group). The expression rate of green fluorescent protein under the microscope was used to evaluate the cell transfection efficiency. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RTFQ-PCR) and Western blotting (WB) detected the knockdown efficiency of the target gene at the mRNA and protein expression levels. Wound healing, invasion assay and migration assay detected the changes of invasion and metastasis ability. Classical pathway analysis was used to explore signaling pathway changes and the possible mechanism of DDX46 in the invasion and metastasis was explored by detecting fibronectin expression. Results    DDX46 gene at mRNA and protein levels was significantly inhibited after lentiviral transfection. Wound healing showed that after 8 h the cell mobility of TE-1 cells decreased significantly (P=0.001). Invasion assay showed that after 24 h the average cell metastasis rate of TE-1 cells was lower in the shDDX46 group than that in the shCtrl group (P<0.001). The cell metastasis rate in the shDDX46 group corresponding to observation points in the transwell assay was lower than that in the shCtrl group (P<0.001) after 24 h culture. The results of the classical pathway analysis showed that the integrin signaling pathway activity was inhibited, further exploration of the mechanism of action found that the expression of fibronectin associated with cell adhesion was decreased. Conclusion    DDX46 gene is related to the invasion and migration ability of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells. Knockdown of DDX46 genes may reduce cell adhesion by downregulating the integrin pathway signaling.

Interpretation of Chinese experts consensus on artificial intelligence assisted management for pulmonary nodule (2022 version) / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#The increasing number of pulmonary nodules being detected by computed tomography scans significantly increase the workload of the radiologists for scan interpretation. Limitations of traditional methods for differential diagnosis of pulmonary nodules have been increasingly prominent. Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to increase the efficiency of discrimination and invasiveness classification for pulmonary nodules and lead to effective nodule management. Chinese Experts Consensus on Artificial Intelligence Assisted Management for Pulmonary Nodule (2022 Version) has been officially released recently. This article closely follows the context, significance, core implications, and the impact of future AI-assisted management on the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary nodules. It is hoped that through our joint efforts, we can promote the standardization of management for pulmonary nodules and strive to improve the long-term survival and postoperative life quality of patients with lung cancer.

The impact of COVID-19 on the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Lung cancer is a complex disease with its own challenges, and is considered to be one of the most common causes of cancer death worldwide. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has exacerbated these challenges. The aim of this review is to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the screening, diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. We hope to provide some experience and help for the whole process management of lung cancer patients.

Repair of soft tissue defect of the middle and lower leg with island flap / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective:To investigate the methods and effect of wound repair after partial skin and soft tissue necrosis of middle and lower leg fracture surgery.Methods:Three kinds of island flaps were used to repair the wound after skin and soft tissue necrosis of middle and lower leg fracture surgery in 22 patients. Nine patients were repaired with sural neurotrophic fascial flaps, 7 patients with posterior tibial artery perforator flaps, and 6 patients with peroneal artery perforator flaps. The area of wound defect was 3.0 cm×3.8 cm to 12.0 cm×9.0 cm. The donor area was directly sutured, or free skin grafted.Results:All patients were the cases after partial skin and soft tissue necrosis of middle and lower leg fracture surgery, with bone, internal fixation plate or tendon exposed. The skin flaps in 21 patients were survived, and the wound healed by first intention. The sural neurotrophic fascial flap necrosis in one patient was due to hematoma and entrapment in vascular pedicle. After 5 to 24 months (mean 9 months) follow-up, texture of flaps was good, no ulcer occured, and outlook of the repaired wound was satisfied. The sutured wound of donor site and skin-grafting had healed by first stage intention.Conclusions:Repair with island flap is an ideal way to the defect wound after skin and soft tissue necrosis of middle and lower leg fracture surgery.

Efficacy and safety of belimumab combined with standard regimen in the treatment of active lupus nephritis / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of belimumab combined with standard regimen in the treatment of active lupus nephritis (LN).Methods:It was a single-center, pre - and post-control retrospective study. The Data of active LN patients treated with belimumab combined with standard regimen in the Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from June 1, 2020 to June 30, 2022 were collected for analyzing the renal response rate and adverse reactions after belimumab treatment.Results:A total of 17 patients were included, including 14 females (82.35%). The age of the first medication was (26.06±2.64) years old, the median time of illness before the use of belimumab was 24.00 (8.50, 48.50) months, and the recurrence times before the use of belimumab was (1.24±1.03) times. All the 17 patients underwent renal biopsy. The main pathological types were type IV in 11 cases (11/17), type Ⅲ+V in 2 cases (2/17), type IV+V in 3 cases (3/17), and type V in 1 case (1/17). The dose of glucocorticoids was (22.95±8.30) mg/d in 1 year before belimumab administration. In 12 patients with LN who completed 24 weeks of belimumab treatment plan, the 24-hour urinary protein showed a downward trend, and there was a statistically significant difference compared with the baseline at 24 week [0.49 (0.15, 2.19) g vs. 2.83 (1.14, 4.11) g, Z=-2.100, P=0.036]. Compared with the baseline, serum albumin at 24 week increased by 29.36%, with statistically significant difference [(34.50±3.34) g/L vs. (26.67±5.75) g/L, t=-3.840, P=0.030]. The systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index-2K score continued to decline, with statistically significant difference compared with baseline at 24 week (5.00±3.02 vs. 12.00±2.82, t=6.163, P<0.001). The lymphocyte count increased, and the difference was statistically significant compared with the baseline at 24 week [0.72(0.28, 2.39)×10 9/L vs. 0.30(0.19,0.34)×10 9/L, Z=-2.073, P=0.038]. There was a statistically significant difference between the glucocorticoids dosage at 24 week and the average glucocorticoids dosage 1 year before treatment [(11.25±6.35) mg/d vs. (22.60±9.75) mg/d, t=4.225, P=0.003]. After observation of belimumab for (38.13±22.93) weeks, patients had a complete response rate of 64.71% (11/17), a partial response rate of 17.65% (3/17), and an overall response rate of 82.35% (14/17). Relapse occurred in 1 case.No infusion-related reactions occurred in 17 patients. During the treatment, a total of 5 adverse events occurred, including 2 cases of pulmonary infection, 1 case each of sepsis, upper respiratory tract infection, and cytomegalovirus infection, which all improved after treatment and the subsequent treatment was not affected. Conclusion:Belimumab combined with standard regimen can improve the response rate of LN, reduce the recurrence rate, reduce the dosage of glucocorticoids, and control the overall adverse events with good prognosis.

Value of extrahepatic bile duct and main pancreatic duct segment patterns on MRCP to differentiate the periampullary carcinoma / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the value of the extrahepatic bile duct and main pancreatic duct segment patterns on magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) for differentiating the periampullary carcinoma (PAC).Methods:The clinicopathologic data of 125 patients with PAC who were admitted to Wuxi No.2 People’s Hospital from June 2013 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, including 72 males and 53 females, aged (64.9±8.6) years. According to its anatomy, the extrahepatic bile duct (B) was divided into suprapancreatic and intrapancreatic (including ampullary) segments, and the main pancreatic duct (P) was divided into tail-body and head segments. MRCP patterns: i. the extrahepatic bile duct or main pancreatic duct visible without dilatation, ii. cutoff of the distal extrahepatic bile duct or main pancreatic duct with upstream dilatation, iii. cutoff of the intrapancreatic or head segment with upstream dilatation and remnant intrapancreatic or head segments invisible, iv. cutoff of the intrapancreatic or head segment with upstream dilatation and nondilated remnant intrapancreatic or head segments, were represented as 0, 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Segment patterns of B1/P0+ B1/P1, B0/P2+ B0/P3+ B2/P2+ B2/P3+ B3/P3, B3/P0, and B0/P0+ B2/P0 on MRCP were compared in PAC patients.Results:Of the 125 patients, there were 57 (45.6%) with pancreatic head carcinoma, 36 (28.8%) with ampullary carcinoma, 20 (16.0%) with distal cholangiocarcinoma, and 12 (9.6%) with periampullary duodenal carcinoma. Segment patterns of B0/P2+ B0/P3+ B2/P2+ B2/P3+ B3/P3 were found in 52 patients with pancreatic head carcinoma (91.2%, 52/57), with a significant difference between PAC (χ 2=110.66, P<0.001). Segment patterns of B1/P0+ B1/P1were found in 36 patients with ampullary carcinoma (100.0%, 36/36), fallowed by 11 (91.7%, 11/12) with periampullary duodenal carcinoma, with a significant difference between PAC (χ 2=129.95, P<0.001). Segment pattern of B3/P0 presented in 16 patients with distal cholangiocarcinoma (80.0%, 16/20), with a significant difference between PAC (χ 2=62.45, P<0.001). The segment patterns of B0/P0+ B2/P0 were only seen in 3 of 57(5.3%) patients with pancreatic head carcinoma. Conclusion:On MRCP, cutoff of the head segment with upstream dilatation and remnant head segment invisible or nondilated indicates the pancreatic head carcinoma. Cutoff of the intrapancreatic segment with upstream dilatation, remnant intrapancreatic segment visible, and main pancreatic duct nondilated, indicates the distal cholangiocarcinoma. And cutoff of the distal extrahepatic segment with upstream dilatation and main pancreatic duct dilatation or not, indicates the ampullary or periampullary duodenal carcinoma.

Research progress of ferroptosis in hypoxia-associated brain injury / 生理学报

Cerebral hypoxia often brings irreversible damage to the central nervous system, which seriously endangers human health. It is of great significance to further explore the mechanism of hypoxia-associated brain injury. As a programmed cell death, ferroptosis mainly manifests as cell death caused by excessive accumulation of iron-dependent lipid peroxides. It is associated with abnormal glutathione metabolism, lipid peroxidation and iron metabolism, and is involved in the occurrence and development of various diseases. Studies have found that ferroptosis plays an important role in hypoxia-associated brain injury. This review summarizes the mechanism of ferroptosis, and describes its research progress in cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury, neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain damage, obstructive sleep apnea-induced brain injury and high-altitude hypoxic brain injury.

Anti-osteoporosis mechanism of Panax quiquefolium L. based on zebrafish model and metabonomics / 药学学报

In this study, we investigated the anti-osteoporotic activity and mechanism of action of extract of Panax quiquefolium L. based on zebrafish model combined with metabolomics technology. A zebrafish model of prednisolone-induced osteoporosis was used to compare the anti-osteoporotic activity of Panax quiquefolium L., and the expression of osteoblast-associated genes and osteoclast-associated genes in zebrafish was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), using bone fluorescence area and fluorescence density as evaluation indexes. Metabolomics based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) was used to explore the change patterns of biomarkers and the metabolic pathways affected. The results showed that the 50% ethanol extracts of Panax quiquefolium L. from Jilin, Canada, Wenden and the United States can significantly improve the bone fluorescence area of zebrafish compared with model group. Furthermore, four sources 50% ethanol extracts of Panax quiquefolium L. except United States also can significantly improve the bone fluorescence density of zebrafish. In addition, PCR showed that extract of Panax quiquefolium L. can significantly up-regulated the expression of vitamin D receptor b (vdrb), collagen type I α2 (col1a2) and cysteine-rich acidic secreted protein (sparc) genes, and down-regulated the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (mmp9), anti-tartrase acid phosphatase (trap) and cathepsin K (ctsk) genes. Metabolomic analysis identified 24 key differential metabolites. Furthermore, pathway analysis showed that Panax quiquefolium L. could regulate the levels of 10 key biomarkers by participating in purine metabolism, tricarboxylic acid cycle and pentose phosphate metabolism and improve the osteoporosis status of zebrafish. This study preliminically revealed the anti-osteoporosis mechanism of 50% ethanol extract from Panax quiquefolium L. through multi-component, multi-target and multi-pathway and also provides theoretical basis for clinical development and utilization of anti-osteoporosis products of Panax quiquefolium L. This experiment was approved by the Experimental Animal Welfare Ethics Committee of the Institute of Biology, Shandong Academy of Sciences (approval number: SWS20181002).

Neuroprotective Effect of Chinese Medicinal Compounds Effective in Supplementing Qi and Resolving Phlegm on Alzheimer's Disease： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Alzheimer's disease （AD） is a common chronic degenerative neurological disease in the elderly and is mainly manifested by the impairment of cognition， memory， and behaviors. At present， the etiology and pathogenesis of this disease have not been fully unraveled， and the research on related drugs for alleviating the disease progression is still in clinical trials. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） believes that the elderly have reduced visceral function. Deficiency of vital Qi and turbid phlegm obscuring orifices are the core pathogenesis of AD. Qi deficiency and phlegm obstruction run through the whole pathological process of AD， and the important role of therapeutic principles of supplementing Qi and resolving phlegm is emphasized in treatment. In recent years， the Chinese medicinal compounds effective in supplementing Qi and resolving phlegm represented by Kaixin Powder have been widely used in the clinical and basic research of AD. As reported， in addition to the improvement of the cognitive function of AD， it can also reduce β amyloid （Aβ） deposition， inhibit tau hyperphosphorylation， improve neurotransmitter activity， regulate neuronal synaptic plasticity， resist oxidant stress injury， and inhibit the central inflammatory response and neuronal apoptosis. Therefore， this article reviewed and analyzed the theoretical basis of the treatment of AD by supplementing Qi and resolving phlegm and the mechanism of Chinese medicinal compounds effective in supplementing qi and resolving phlegm against AD to provide theoretical support and a scientific basis for the clinical application of TCM in the prevention and treatment of AD.

mRNA Expression of Aquaporins in Human Luteinized Granulosa Cells from Different Diameter Follicles / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo investigate the mRNA expression levels of various aquaporins （AQPs） in luteinized granulosa cells from follicles of different diameters. MethodsFrom March 25， 2022 to September 23， 2022 in our reproductive medicine center， 48 women undergoing in-vitro fertilization （IVF） were enrolled and divided into the antagonist group and the agonist group according to the ovarian stimulation protocol. Follicular fluid samples were collected on the day of oocyte pick-up and granulosa cells were extracted from follicles of different diameters： small （<13 mm）， medium （13~18 mm） and large （≥18 mm）. After RNA quantification， 22 cases （66 samples） were included for analysis and mRNA expression levels of AQPs were compared among the three follicle groups. ResultsThe mRNA expression of aquaporin 2 （AQP2） in luteinized granulosa cells increased with the increase of follicle diameter （linear trend P = 0.004） and the difference was statistically significant between two groups of large and small follicles （P = 0.017）. Statistical difference was found in the antagonist group （P = 0.049 6）， but not in the agonist group （P = 0.108）. ConclusionThe mRNA level of AQP2 in luteinized granulosa cells increases with the increase of follicle diameter and its expression is related to the ovarian stimulation protocol， suggesting that AQP2 may play a role in follicle growth and follicular fluid formation， and its mRNA expression level may be regulated by follicle stimulating hormone （FSH） and luteinizing hormone （LH）.