The effects of natural polysaccharide supramolecular hydrogel on bacteriostatic activity and biofilm clearance of berberine / 药学学报

Taking berberine (BBR) as an example, to study whether the supramolecular hydrogel formed by berberine and lotus root starch (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn; LRS), a natural polysaccharide, affects the inhibition to Staphylococcus aureus and the ability of biofilm clearance. The chemical structure and rheological properties of BBR@LRS gel were characterized by infrared spectroscopy and rheometer. The in vitro release of supramolecular hydrogel was observed at pH = 1.2 and pH = 7.4. Broth dilution method and biofilm clearence experiment were used to observe the bacteriostasis and biofilm clearance respectively. Cytotoxicity test and in vitro hemolysis test were used to evaluate the biosafety preliminarily. The results showed that the LRS polysaccharide hydrogel could encapsulate BBR, and there was an interaction between them. The BBR@LRS gel had good rheological properties and biosafety, and played a role in solubility enhancement and slow release of BBR, which was stronger than BBR in inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and clearing biofilm. This study provides reference for the effect of natural polysaccharide supramolecular hydrogels on biological functions of active components of traditional Chinese medicine.

Porphyromonas gingivalis infection causes umbilical vein endothelial barrier dysfunction in vitro by down-regulating ZO-1, occludin and VE-cadherin expression / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the molecular mechanisms of Porphyromonas gingivalis infection-induced umbilical vein endothelial barrier dysfunction in vitro.@*METHODS@#Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured in vitro, and after the formation of the endothelial barrier, the cells were infected with P. gingivals at a multiplicity of infection (MOI). The transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) of the cell barrier was measured, and FITC-dextran trans-endothelial permeability assay and bacterial translocation assay were performed to assess the endothelial barrier function. The expression levels of cell junction proteins including ZO-1, occludin and VE-cadherin in the cells were examined by qRT-PCR and Western blotting.@*RESULTS@#In freshly seeded HUVECs, TEER increased until reaching the maximum on Day 5 (94 Ωcm2), suggesting the formation of the endothelial barrier. P. gingivals infection caused an increase of the permeability of the endothelial barrier as early as 0.5 h after bacterial inoculation, and the barrier function further exacerbated with time, as shown by significantly lowered TEER, increased permeability of FITC-dextran (40 000/70 000), and increased translocation of SYTO9-E. coli cross the barrier. MTT assay suggested that P. gingivals infection did not significantly affect the proliferation of HUVECs (P>0.05), but in P. gingivalsinfected cells, the expressions of ZO-1, occludin and VE-cadherin increased significantly at 24 and 48 h after bacterial inoculation (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#P. gingivals may disrupt the endothelial barrier function by down-regulating the expressions of the cell junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin, VE-cadherin) and increasing the permeability of the endothelial barrier.

Exposure level of neonicotinoid pesticides and their metabolites in pregnant women in the suburb of Shanghai / 中华预防医学杂志

In 2021, a total of 151 pregnant women were selected from the suburb of Shanghai. A questionnaire survey was conducted to obtain data about maternal age, gestational week, total annual household income, education level and passive smoking among pregnant women and one spot urine was collected. The concentrations of eight neonicotinoid pesticides and four metabolites in urine were measured by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The differences in detection frequencies and concentrations of neonicotinoid pesticides and their metabolites among pregnant women with different characteristics were compared, and the influencing factors of the detection of neonicotinoid pesticides in urine were analyzed. The results showed that at least one neonicotinoid pesticide was detected in 93.4% (141 samples) of urine samples. The detection frequencies of N-desmethyl-acetamiprid, clothianidin, thiamethoxam, and N-desmethyl-clothianidin were high, about 78.1% (118 samples), 75.5% (114 samples), 68.9% (104 samples), and 44.4% (67 samples), respectively. The median concentration of the sum of all neonicotinoid pesticides was 2.66 μg/g. N-desmethyl-acetamiprid had the highest detection concentration with a median concentration of 1.04 μg/g. A lower urinary detection frequency of imidacloprid and its metabolites was seen in pregnant women aged 30-44 years [OR (95%CI): 0.23 (0.07-0.77)]. A higher detection frequency of clothianidin and its metabolites was seen in pregnant women with per capita annual household income≥100 000 yuan [OR (95%CI): 6.15 (1.56-24.28)]. There was widespread exposure to neonicotinoid pesticides and their metabolites in pregnant women from the suburb of Shanghai, which might pose potential health risks to pregnant women, and maternal age and household income were potential influencing factors of the exposure to neonicotinoid pesticides.

Effect of nanoparticles of different stiffness combined with menthol/curcumol on mechanical properties of bEnd.3 cells / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to investigate the effects of nanoparticles PLGA-NPs and mesoporous silicon nanoparticles(MSNs) of different stiffness before and after combination with menthol or curcumol on the mechanical properties of bEnd.3 cells. The particle size distributions of PLGA-NPs and MSNs were measured by Malvern particle size analyzer, and the stiffness of the two nanoparticles was quantified by atomic force microscopy(AFM). The bEnd.3 cells were cultured in vitro, and the cell surface morphology, roughness, and Young's modulus were examined to characterize the roughness and stiffness of the cell surface. The changes in the mechanical properties of the cells were observed by AFM, and the structure and expression of cytoskeletal F-actin were observed by a laser-scanning confocal microscope. The results showed that both nanoparticles had good dispersion. The particle size of PLGA-NPs was(98.77±2.04) nm, the PDI was(0.140±0.030), and Young's modulus value was(104.717±8.475) MPa. The particle size of MSNs was(97.47±3.92) nm, the PDI was(0.380±0.016), and Young's modulus value was(306.019±8.822) MPa. The stiffness of PLGA-NPs was significantly lower than that of MSNs. After bEnd.3 cells were treated by PLGA-NPs and MSNs separately, the cells showed fine pores on the cell surface, increased roughness, decreased Young's modulus, blurred and broken F-actin bands, and reduced mean gray value. Compared with PLGA-NPs alone, PLGA-NPs combined with menthol or curcumol could allow deepened and densely distributed surface pores of bEnd.3 cells, increase roughness, reduce Young's modulus, aggravate F-actin band breakage, and diminish mean gray value. Compared with MSNs alone, MSNs combined with menthol could allow deepened and densely distributed surface pores of bEnd.3 cells, increase roughness, reduce Young's modulus, aggravate F-actin band breakage, and diminish mean gray value, while no significant difference was observed in combination with curcumol. Therefore, it is inferred that the aromatic components can increase the intracellular uptake and transport of nanoparticles by altering the biomechanical properties of bEnd.3 cells.

Escore Albumina-Bilirrubina para Predizer Desfechos em Pacientes com Cardiomiopatia Dilatada Idiopática / Albumin-Bilirubin Score to Predict Outcomes in Patients with Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Resumo Fundamento: A disfunção hepática é uma variável postulada de prognóstico desfavorável na cardiomiopatia dilatada (CMD). Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar o valor prognóstico do escore albumina-bilirrubina (ALBI), um modelo relativamente novo para a avaliação da função hepática, em pacientes com CMD idiopática. Métodos: Um total de 1.025 pacientes com CMD idiopática foram incluídos retrospectivamente e divididos em três grupos com base nos escores de ALBI: grau 1 (≤ −2,60, n = 113), grau 2 (−2,60 a −1,39, n = 835) e grau 3 (> −1,39, n = 77). Foi analisada a associação do escore ALBI com eventos clínicos adversos maiores (ECAM) intra-hospitalares e mortalidade a longo prazo. Valor de p inferior a 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados: A taxa de ECAM intra-hospitalares foi significativamente maior nos pacientes com grau 3 (2,7% versus 7,1% versus 24,7%, p < 0,001). A análise multivariada mostrou que o escore ALBI foi um preditor independente para ECAM intra-hospitalares (odds ratio ajustada = 2,80, IC 95%: 1,63 - 4,80, p < 0,001). Após seguimento mediano de 27 meses, 146 (14,2%) pacientes morreram. A curva de Kaplan-Meier indicou que a taxa cumulativa de sobrevida a longo prazo foi significativamente menor em pacientes com grau mais alto de ALBI (log-rank = 45,50, p < 0,001). O escore ALBI foi independentemente associado à mortalidade a longo prazo (hazard ratio ajustada = 2,84, IC 95%: 1,95 - 4,13, p < 0,001). Conclusão: O escore ALBI, como modelo de risco simples, pode ser considerado uma ferramenta de estratificação de risco para pacientes com CMD idiopática.

Abstract Background: Liver dysfunction is a postulated variable for poor prognosis in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of the albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score, a relatively new model for evaluating liver function, in patients with idiopathic DCM. Methods: A total of 1025 patients with idiopathic DCM were retrospectively included and divided into three groups based on ALBI scores: grade 1 (≤ −2.60, n = 113), grade 2 (−2.60 to −1.39, n = 835), and grade 3 (> −1.39, n = 77). The association of ALBI score with in-hospital major adverse clinical events (MACEs) and long-term mortality was analyzed. P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The in-hospital MACEs rate was significantly higher in the grade 3 patients (2.7% versus 7.1% versus 24.7%, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that ALBI score was an independent predictor for in-hospital MACEs (adjusted odds ratio = 2.80, 95%CI: 1.63 - 4.80, p < 0.001). After a median 27-month follow-up, 146 (14.2%) patients died. The Kaplan-Meier curve indicated that the cumulative rate of long-term survival was significantly lower in patients with higher ALBI grade (log-rank = 45.50, p < 0.001). ALBI score was independently associated with long-term mortality (adjusted hazard ratio = 2.84, 95%CI: 1.95 - 4.13, p < 0.001). Conclusion: ALBI score as a simple risk model could be considered a risk-stratifying tool for patients with idiopathic DCM.

Perifosine inhibits biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by interacting with PqsE protein / 中华预防医学杂志

To explore the biofilm inhibitory efficacy of perifosine against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginos) and its mechanisms. Twenty-fourwell plate was used to form biofilms at the bottom and crystal violet staining was used to determine the biofilm inhibitory effects of perifosine against P. aeruginosa, the wells without perifosine was set as control group. Glass tubes combined with crystal violet staining was used to detect the gas-liqud interface related bioiflm inhibitory effects of perifosine, the wells without perifosine was set as control group. Time-growth curved was used to detect the effects of perifosine on the bacteial planktonic cells growth of P. aeruginosa, the wells without perifosine was set as control group. The interaction model between perifosine and PqsE was assessed by molecular docking assay. The inhibitory effects of perifosine on the catalytic activity of PqsE was determined by detection the production of thiols, the wells without perifosine was set as control group. Binding affinity between perifosine and PqsE was detected by plasma surface resonance. The biofims at the bottom of the microplates and air-liquid interface were effectively inhibited by perifosine at the concentration of 4-8 μg/ml. There was no influence of perifosine on the cells growth of P. aeruginosa. The resuts of molecular docking assay indicates that perifosine could interacted with PqsE with the docking score of -10.67 kcal/mol. Perifosine could inhibit the catalytic activity of PqsE in a dose-dependent manner. The binding affinity between perifosine and PqsE was comfirmed by plasma surface resonance with KD of 6.65×10-5mol/L. Perifosine could inhibited the biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa by interacting with PqsE.

Clinicopathological features of NTRK3 gene rearrangement papillary thyroid carcinoma / 中华病理学杂志

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features and differential diagnosis of NTRK3 gene rearrangement thyroid papillary carcinoma (PTC). Methods: The PTC cases without BRAF V600E mutation were collected at Fujian Provincial Hospital South Branch from January 2015 to January 2020. The cases of NTRK3 gene rearrangement PTC were examined using immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The clinical data, histopathological characteristics, immunohistochemical features and molecular pathological changes were retrospectively analyzed. Data from the TCGA PTC dataset and the literature were also studied. Results: A total of 3 PTC cases harboring NTRK3 gene rearrangement were confirmed. All the patients were female, aged from 26,49,34 years. Histologically, two of them demonstrated a multinodular growth pattern. Only one case showed prominent follicular growth pattern; the other two tumors showed a mixture of follicular, papillary and solid growth patterns. All tumors showed a typical PTC nuclear manifestation, with some nuclear pleomorphism, vacuolated foci and oncocytic features. The characteristic formation of glomeruloid follicular foci was present in two cases which also showed psammoma bodies, and tumoral capsular or angiolymphatic invasion. The background thyroid parenchyma showed chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. Mitotic rates were low, and no cases had any tumor necrosis. The pan-TRK and TTF1 testing was both positive in 3 cases, while S-100 and mammaglobin were both negative in them. FISH studies confirmed the NTRK3 gene rearrangement in all 3 cases. Studies on the TCGA datasets and literature revealed similar findings. Conclusions: NTRK3 gene rearrangement PTC is rare. It may be easily misdiagnosed due to the lack of histological and clinicopathological characteristics. Molecular studies such as pan-TRK immunostaining, FISH and even next-generation sequencing are needed to confirm the diagnosis. Immunohistochemistry of pan-TRK performed in the PTC cases without BRAF V600E mutation can be used as a good rapid-screening tool. With the emergence of pan-cancer tyrosine receptor kinase inhibitors, proper diagnosis of these tumors can help determine appropriate treatments and improve their outcomes.

Study on serum pharmacodynamic material basis of Gegen Qinlian Decoction in treatment of ulcerative colitis based on UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS / 中国中药杂志

This study established a mouse model of ulcerative colitis and explored the serum transitional components of Gegen Qinlian Decoction by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS. Based on the exact relative molecular weight and MS/MS spectrum, 55 prototype components and 59 metabolites were identified from the model group, while 18 prototype components and 35 metabolites from the control group. The prototype components in serum were mainly flavonoids and the characteristic components of the model group were alkaloids. Glucuronidation, sulfonation, and glycosylation have been confirmed to be the main metabolic types in vivo. The results of comparative analysis of differences indicated that puerarin, baicalin, wogonoside, wogonin, chrysin, oroxylin A, berberine, berberrubine, and palmatine were the characteristic components in model state, which at the same time, were confirmed by pharmacological studies to be the serum pharmacodynamic material basis of Gegen Qinlian Decoction in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. This study has provided reference for explaining the metabolic transformation pattern and mechanism of action of Gegen Qinlian Decoction in vivo.

Evolution of Sichuan Dao-di herbs recorded in ancient works of materia medica of different historical periods / 中国中药杂志

Sichuan province is very famous for its abundant resources of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).However, within the scope of administrative division of Sichuan province, the origin records of Dao-di herbs in different historical periods show a dynamic distribution process. On the basis of carefully sorting out the geographical scope of Sichuan province in different historical periods, this article focuses on the textual research of the Dao-di herbs in Sichuan province recorded in the seven mainstream ancient works of materia medica.The results showed that, according to the records of Mingyi bielu and Bencaojing Jizhu, the main distribution areas of Dao-di herbs were mainly in the central and eastern regions of Sichuan province, mainly including Moschus, Coptidis Rhizoma, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata and most of the rest materia medica had become unused in the historical process. Qianjin Yifang records that the distribution areas of Dao-di herbs were mainly in the middle and eastern part of Sichuan province.Aconiti Radix, Lateralis Radix Praeparata, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix are still the Dao-di herbs of Sichuan province. According to the book of Bencao Tujing,the main distribution areas of Dao-di herbs are Chengdu Plain, Yibin and Santai, While Toosendan Fructus, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Zanthoxyli Pericarpium, Aconiti Radix are still the Dao-di herbs of Sichuan province. Ben Cao Gang Mu records the place of origin as Sichuan.Coptidis Rhizoma, Toosendan Fructus, Cyathulae Radix are still the Dao-di herbs of Sichuan pro-vince. Yaowu Chuchanbian and Zengding Weiyao Tiaobian records the place of origin as Sichuan, as well as Kangding, Songpan, Dujiang-yan, Jiangyou, Nanchong, Ya'an, etc. Moschus, Coptidis Rhizoma, Eucommiae Cortex, Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex are still the Dao-di herbs of Sichuan province. The results of this article provide a new understanding of the history and distribution changes of Dao-di herbs in Sichuan province, and can help to further understand the formation connotation of Sichuan Dao-di herbs.

The characteristics of adolescent pregnancy in Wenzhou from 2015 to 2019 / 预防医学

Objective@#To learn the characteristics of adolescent pregnancy in Wenzhou from 2015 to 2019, so as to provide basis for protecting adolescent physical and mental health. @*Methods@#Data of demographic characteristics, pregnancy and delivery outcomes of the women aged under 19 years ( adolescent pregnant ) and 20 to 34 years ( right-age pregnant ) who delivered in Wenzhou from 2015 to 2019 were collected from Wenzhou Maternal and Child Health Information Management System. The incidence of pregnancy complication, comorbidity and adverse delivery outcomes of adolescent pregnant women was compared with that of right-age pregnant women.@*Results@#Among 536 753 parturients reported in Wenzhou from 2015 to 2019, there were 22 419 ( 4.18% ) of adolescent pregnancy and 430 163 ( 80.14% ) of right-age pregnancy. The average age of adolescent pregnant women was (18.11±0.82) years ( range, 10-19 years ). The majority of adolescent pregnant women were migrant population (19 437 cases, 86.70%), had an education level of junior high school and below ( 18 594 cases, 82.94% ), and had no occupation (19 192 cases, 85.61%). The incidence rates of anemia, gestational diabetes, postpartum hemorrhage, perineal laceration and premature delivery in adolescent pregnant women increased from 2015 to 2019 ( all P<0.05 ). The incidence rates of gestational diabetes, anemia, gestational hypertension, placental abruption, postpartum hemorrhage, perineal laceration, premature delivery, low birth weight, fetal death and stillbirth were 1.65%, 11.76%, 0.19%, 0.26%, 3.19%, 24.52%, 6.03%, 5.53%, 0.50% and 0.04% in adolescent pregnant women, which were significant different from 5.49%, 8.94%, 0.13%, 0.01%, 0.17%, 23.46%, 4.66%, 3.08%, 0.26% and 0.01% in the right-age pregnant women, respectively ( all P<0.05 ). @*Conclusions@#The adolescent pregnant population in Wenzhou are mainly migrant population with lower education level and no occupation. The incidence rates of pregnancy complication, comorbidity and adverse birth outcomes in adolescent pregnant population are higher than those in right-age pregnant population, and are increasing year by year.

Anxiety and depression of general population in the early phase of COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review of cross-sectional studies

ABSTRACT Background: The rapid outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic promptly changed people's daily lives, influenced human interactions and economic activities and induced mental reactions. Objective: This review synthesized the evidence of correlation between demographic factors, social media exposure, stressors and anxiety and depression status in the early phase of COVID-19. Method: A systematically search included observational studies published before May15, 2020. We selected studies designed with valid measuring instruments of anxiety and depression. Result: 20 articles were included (19 cross-sectional) for review. People who were divorced/widowed, with poor self-rated health status, chronic illness and previous psychiatric illness had higher anxiety and depression prevalence. Higher COVID-19 awareness (including COVID-19 knowledge and precautionary measure) decreased anxiety and depression. The protective measures to reduce anxiety and depression levels included avoiding sharing meals, frequently washing hands and wearing mask. Economic loss, academic delay, influence of daily life, worrying and symptoms related to infection were stressors of anxiety and depression. There were lots of inconsistent results due to convenience sampling and diverse measuring instrument. Conclusion: Our review suggested that reliable information from health authorities, enhancing health literacies and prevention measures of general population can reduce anxiety and depression levels.

A case-control study on prognosis between EGFR gene mutant-and wild-type non-small cell lung cancer with brain metastasis / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#[摘 要] 目的：探讨表皮生长因子受体（epidermal growth factor receptor，EGFR）基因突变与非小细胞肺癌（non-small cell lung cancer，NSCLC）伴脑转移患者预后的相关性，为改善NSCLC合并脑转移患者预后、指导个体化治疗提供临床依据。方法：回顾性分析福建省立医院2013年1月1日至2018年9月30日期间收治的88例NSCLC合并脑转移患者的临床资料，随访取得患者的死亡时间，随访截止日期为2019年10月31日。收集和分析的临床资料包括性别、年龄、吸烟史、病理类型、基因检测、治疗情况、无进展生存期（progression free survival，PFS）、总生存期（overall survival，OS）等。运用生存分析（Kaplan-Meier生存时间曲线）评价EGFR突变型患者的预后，以单因素分析（log-rank检验）预测影响EGFR-TKI治疗效果的因素。结果：88例NSCLC脑转移患者有57例为EGFR突变型，其中位PFS（MPFS）为13.0个月（95%CI：11.951~14.049），明显高于EGFR野生型患者（P=0.003），患者中位生存期（median survival time，MST）为29.0个月（95%CI：20.531~37.468），明显高于EGFR野生型（P=0.001）。EGFR突变型中，Exon19-del突变组患者较Exon21 L858R突变组患者OS有延长趋势（P=0.05），Exon19-del+Exon20T790M突变组患者OS较Exon21 L858R突变组有延长趋势（P=0.077）。结论：EGFR突变组较野生型组NSCLC脑转移患者预后相对好些，且携带19外显子单一缺失突变的患者预后最好。

In vitro transdermal permeation of main compositions in Baimai Ointment / 中国中药杂志

To establish a determination method for the contents of ammonium glycyrrhetate,nardosinone,and curcumin in transdermal receptor liquid of Baimai Ointment,and investigate the percutaneous permeability of Baimai Ointment and the effects of two kinds of penetration enhancers on percutaneous absorption of three components. The contents of ammonium glycyrrhetate,nardosinone,and curcumin in transdermal receptor liquid were determined by high pressure liquid chromatography( HPLC). The vertical modified Franz diffusion cell was used to perform a transdermal experiment in vitro with the abdominal skin of mice( treated and untreated). The transdermal receptor liquid was preferably used to investigate the transdermal absorption rule of the Baimai Ointment and the effect of the penetration enhancer. The results showed that the comprehensive solubility of PEG-ET-NS( 3 ∶3 ∶4) was best among three types of receptor liquid PG-ET-NS( 3 ∶3 ∶4),PEG-ET-NS( 3 ∶3 ∶4),ET-NS( 3 ∶7). PEG-ET-NS was used as the receptor liquid for in vitro transdermal experiments. The cumulative permeation area of ammonium glycyrrhetate,nardosinone and curcumin within 24 h was 5. 73,18. 99,0. 38 μg·cm~(-2)respectively. Taking QEFand ER as comprehensive evaluation indicators of permeation performance,the comprehensive penetration-promoting performance of ammonium glycyrrhizinate: 3% PEG 400-ethanol-normal saline ≈ 1. 19 times( 3%azone) = 1. 94 times( blank); comprehensive penetration-promoting performance of nardosinone: 3% PEG 400-ethanol-normal saline≈1. 28 times( 3% azone) = 1. 37 times( blank); the comprehensive penetration performance of curcumin: 3% PEG 400-ethanol-normal saline≈1. 77 times( 3% azone) ≈3. 42 times( blank). The comprehensive penetration enhancement properties of the two penetration enhancers were as follows: 3% PEG 400-ethanol-normal saline>3%azone>blank. The transdermal absorption curve of ammonium glycyrrhetate,nardosinone and curcumin in Baimai Ointment were consistent with the zero-order equation,indicating that the transdermal absorption process was irrelevant to the concentration of three components,and its was a diffusion process. This experiment provides reference for the study of ointment transdermal preparations.

Preparation of ligustrazine microemulsion and comparative study on in vitro release of different size microemulsions / 中草药

Objective: To study the preparation process of ligustrazine microemulsion delivery system and evaluate its physical pharmacy properties; Microemulsions of different particle sizes were prepared in different oil phases, and the effect of particle size factors on the release behavior of the preparation was investigated. Methods: Taking the solubility of ligustrazine as index, the oil phase, emulsifier, and co-emulsifier were screened. The microemulsion formulation was optimized by pseudo-ternary phase diagram method. The encapsulation efficiency and drug loading was studied by ultrafiltration centrifugation. The particle size and potential were detected by the particle size analyzer. The release behavior of microemulsions with different particle sizes was compared by dialysis bag method. Results: The tetramethylpyrazine microemulsion was successfully prepared, and the appearance was clear and transparent. The average pH value was about 5.46. The detection method of microemulsion encapsulation rate was successfully established. When the drug loading of ligustrazine was 1.2 mg/mL, the encapsulation efficiency was (87.43 ± 0.20)%. The microemulsions of different particle sizes were prepared by changing the oil phase (ethyl oleate, oleic acid, and IPM). When the drug loading was 1.2 mg/mL, the three particle sizes were (16.80 ± 0.91), (129.50 ± 1.21), and (18.51 ± 0.24) nm, respectively. The release test showed that the release rate of all three could reach more than 90% within 4 h, and there was no significant difference. Conclusion: The uniform and stable tetramethylpyrazine microemulsion is successfully prepared; The release behavior of different tetramethylpyrazine microemulsions is not affected by the particle size factor.

Non-intubated, intravenous anesthesia with spontaneous ventilation versus routine intravenous anesthesia in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: A randomized controlled trial / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To compare the feasibility and safety of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) under non-intubated, intravenous anesthesia with spontaneous ventilation. Methods    A total of 80 patients undergoing VATS (48 wedge resections, 8 sympathectomies, 24 pleural biopsies) between January 2015 and June 2017 were included. Those patients were randomized into two groups. The 40 patients were enrolled as a treatment group (19 males and 21 females at age of 23.3±10.2 years) and received surgery under non-intubated intravenous anesthesia with spontaneous ventilation. And the other 40 patients were enrolled as a control group (21 males and 19 females at age of 22.2±9.9 years) and received surgery under routine intravenous anesthesia with intubated ventilation. Results    Comparing with the control group, the patients of the treatment group had lower white blood cell count (5.8×109±2.4×109 vs. 7.3×109±3.6×109, P<0.001), lower gastrointestinal adverse reaction rate (7.5% vs. 27.5%, P=0.002), lower sore throat rate (5.0% vs. 30.0%, P<0.001), lower cough grade (0.9±0.3 vs 2.1±0.5, P<0.050), shorter drainage time (1.8±1.6 d vs. 3.7±1.8 d, P<0.050) and shorter hospital stay (2.3±1.8 d vs. 5.8±2.3 d, P<0.050). Conclusion    Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery under non-intubated, intravenous anesthesia with spontaneous ventilation is safe and feasible, which also has certain advantages in reducing the postoperative complications and promoting patients' quick recovery from surgery.

Clinical observation of intense pulsed light therapy for meibomian gland dysfunction / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM:To investigate the effect of intense pulsed light on the meibomian gland dysfunction ( MGD) , and to observe whether the intense pulsed light can improve the symptoms and objective indexes of the patients with meibomian gland dysfunction. · METHODS: A retrospective noncomparative interventional case series was conducted. Totally 21 MGD patients (42 eyes) were selected from November 2016 to February 2017 in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, the results of the following tests is recorded:OSDI score, corneal fluorescein staining, tear break-up time, ocular surface analyzer, scanning confocal microscopy, all patients respectively were received intense pulsed light treatment 3 times at 3wk intervals, and followed up after 1mo. Paired sample t test was used to analyze the difference in outcome. ·RESULTS: In the 21 cases ( 42 eyes ) , the OSDI score decreased, the mean value before treatment was 30. 18 ± 4. 07, and the mean value after treatment was 24. 87±4. 32. The first tear film break-up time ( first, BUT) increased, the mean value before treatment was 5. 37 ± 0. 82s, the mean value after treatment was 7. 12 ± 0. 74s. The mean value of meibomian gland secretion scores before the treatment was 1. 57 ± 0. 52,the mean value after treatment was 1. 22 ± 0. 52. The mean value of corneal fluorescence staining before treatment was 0. 82 ± 0. 41, and the mean value after treatment was 0. 51 ± 0. 53, the difference was statistically significant (t=11. 2, 2. 68, 3. 31, 2. 78, 2. 61;P<0. 05). · CONCLUSION: Intense pulsed light can effectively improve the subjective symptoms of patients with MGD and alleviate the obstruction of meibomian glands. It is an important method for MGD treatment.

Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis by Hebi Recipe: an Efficacy Observation / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the auxiliary efficacy and safety of Hebi Recipe (HR)in treating early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 63 early RA patients with Gan-Pi disharmony were randomly assigned to the treatment group [32 cases, treated by HR (one dose per day, taken in two portions for 24 successive weeks) plus Methotrexate (MTX)] and the control group (31 cases, treated by MTX alone). The dosage of MTX was increased from 7.5 mg to 12.5 mg, once per week, 24 weeks as one course of treatment. Efficacy for Chinese medical syndromes, American College of Rheumatology 20 (ACR20) improvement rate, disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28), laboratory related indices [ESR, rheumatoid factor (RF), C-reactive protein (CRP), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP)], and related ultrasonic inspection items (synovium thickness, synovium blood flow classification, effusion of joint), and adverse reactions were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total effective rate (83.9%, 26/31 cases) and ACR20 improvement rate (74.2%, 23/31 cases) were higher in the treatment group than in the control group [60.7% (17/28 cases), 46.4% (13/28 cases); P < 0.05]. Compared with before treatment in the same group, DAS28 score, ESR, RF, CRP, CCP, synovium thickness, synovium blood flow classification, effusion of joint all decreased in the two groups after treatment (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment, ACR20 improvement rate, DAS28 score, ESR, RF, CRP, CCP, synovium thickness, synovium blood flow classification, effusion of joint all decreased in the treatment group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Liver dysfunction occurred in 1 case of the treatment group. One leucopenia and 2 liver dysfunction occurred in the control group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>HR could effectively improve joints and systemic symptoms of early RA patients with Gan-Pi disharmony.</p>

Vitamin D level in children with bloodstream infection / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the difference in serum 25(OH)D level between children with bloodstream infection and healthy children.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A case-control study was conducted among 60 children with bloodstream infection who were hospitalized between January 2010 and December 2013 and had positive results of two blood cultures. Meanwhile, 60 aged-matched healthy children who underwent physical examination during the same period of time were enrolled as the healthy control group. Chemiluminescence was applied to measure the serum 25(OH)D level, and the constituent ratios of children with different serum 25(OH)D levels were compared between the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The bloodstream infection group had a significantly lower serum 25(OH)D level than the healthy control group (P<0.01). Compared with the healthy control group, the bloodstream group had significantly lower constituent ratios of children with normal Vitamin D level (8% vs 35%) or vitamin D insufficiency (22% vs 43%) (P<0.05). Compared with the healthy control group, the bloodstream group had significantly higher constituent ratios of children with vitamin D deficiency (42% vs 13%) or severely vitamin D deficiency (28% vs 8%) (P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Vitamin D insufficiency prevails among children, and children with bloodstream infection have a significantly lower serum 25(OH)D level than healthy children.</p>

Frequency-specific alterations of large-scale functional brain networks in patients with Alzheimer's disease / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Previous studies have indicated that the cognitive deficits in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) may be due to topological deteriorations of the brain network. However, whether the selection of a specific frequency band could impact the topological properties is still not clear. Our hypothesis is that the topological properties of AD patients are also frequency-specific.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 10 right-handed moderate AD patients (mean age: 64.3 years; mean mini mental state examination [MMSE]: 18.0) and 10 age and gender-matched healthy controls (mean age: 63.6 years; mean MMSE: 28.2) were enrolled in this study. The global efficiency, the clustering coefficient (CC), the characteristic path length (CpL), and "small-world" property were calculated in a wide range of thresholds and averaged within each group, at three different frequency bands (0.01-0.06 Hz, 0.06-0.11 Hz, and 0.11-0.25 Hz).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>At lower-frequency bands (0.01-0.06 Hz, 0.06-0.11 Hz), the global efficiency, the CC and the "small-world" properties of AD patients decreased compared to controls. While at higher-frequency bands (0.11-0.25 Hz), the CpL was much longer, and the "small-world" property was disrupted in AD, particularly at a higher threshold. The topological properties changed with different frequency bands, suggesting the existence of disrupted global and local functional organization associated with AD.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>This study demonstrates that the topological alterations of large-scale functional brain networks in AD patients are frequency dependent, thus providing fundamental support for optimal frequency selection in future related research.</p>

Enrichment and Biological Characteristics of Peripheral Blood-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Rats / 中国实验血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effective method for enrichment of rat peripheral blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells(PBMSC) and study the cell biological characteristics.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Peripheral mononuclear cells were isolated by density gradient centrifugation from blood of 4 week old rats after G-CSF mobilization. Thereafter, the fibroblast-like cells were acquired by plastic-adherent culture, and the proliferation curve was assayed. For analyzing surface markers of the second generation cultured isolated PBMSC, both flow cytometry(CD90, CD44, CD29, CD45, CD11b and CD79a) and immunocytochemical staining(CD73, CD105, CD34 and HLA-DR) methods were used. Furthermore, the differentiation capacities of PBMSC into osteocytes, chondrocytes and adipocytes were identified.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) The adherent cells displayed typical colony-forming unit fibroblast(CFU-F) growth pattern after 6-7 day of primary culture and reached 80% confluence after 21 days of culture. The passaged PBMSC possessed high proliferative capacity and spindle growth pattern and was able to grown into exponential phase next day with a doubling time of 39.2 h. (2) PBMSC expressed mesenchymal markers such as CD90, CD44, CD29, CD73 and CD105, but failed to expressed markers of CD45, CD11b, CD79a, CD34 and HLA-DR. (3) After 21 days of culture in osteogenic, chondrogenic and adipogenic differentiation media, calcifying nodules, intracellular glycosaminoglycans and lipid droplets could be found by alizarin red, alcian blue and oil red-O staining, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PBMSC can be enriched from rat peripheral blood with high purity and abundance by our methods. The growth and phenotypic characteristics of the isolated PBMSC are consistent with that of well-known MSC, and these cells possess the capability to multi-lineage mesoderm differentiation.</p>