The Role of MMP-9 in Regulating Degradation of the Splenic Microvascular Basement Membrane Induced by High Altitude Hypoxia / Rol de la MMP-9 en la Regulación de la Degradación de la Membrana Basal Microvascular Esplénica Inducida por Hipoxia de Altura

SUMMARY: To investigate changes of MMP-9 in the rat spleen and hypoxia-induced microvascular basement membrane under high altitude hypoxia. Thirty male specific pathogen-free Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into control and hypoxia groups, with 15 rats in each group. The rats in the control group were placed in Dingxi City, Gansu Province (2080 m above sea level) for 30 days. Rats in the hypoxia group were raised in a hypoxic environment in Maduo County, Qinghai Province (4300 m above sea level), for 30 days to establish a hypoxic rat model. Routine blood tests, MMP-9 mRNA, MMP-9 protein, and the spleen microvascular basement membrane were detected. (1) Compared with the control group, the red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels of the rats in the hypoxia group were all increased; thus, a hypoxia model was successfully established. (2) Compared with the control group, the expression of MMP-9 mRNA and protein was significantly higher in the spleen of rats in the hypoxic group, and the difference was statistically significant (P <0.05). (3) Compared with the control group, the blood vessel basement membrane in the spleen of the hypoxia group was degraded. Under natural low air pressure and high altitude conditions, the expression of MMP-9 in rat spleen tissue increases and participates in the degradation of the microvascular basement membrane.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue investigar los cambios de la MMP-9 en el bazo de la rata y la membrana basal microvascular inducida bajo hipoxia a gran altura. Treinta ratas macho Sprague Dawley, libres de patógenos específicos, se dividieron aleatoriamente en dos grupos de 15 ratas cada uno, un grupo control y un grupo hipoxia. Durante 30 días las ratas del grupo control estuvieron en la ciudad de Dingxi, provincia de Gansu (2080 m sobre el nivel del mar). Las ratas del grupo de hipoxia se criaron en un entorno hipóxico en el condado de Maduo, provincia de Qinghai (4300 m sobre el nivel del mar), durante 30 días para establecer un modelo de rata hipóxica. Se realizaron análisis de sangre de rutina, ARNm de MMP-9, proteína MMP-9 y de la membrana basal microvascular del bazo. En comparación con el grupo control, el recuento de glóbulos rojos, la hemoglobina y los niveles de hematocrito de las ratas del grupo de hipoxia aumentaron; por lo tanto, se estableció con éxito un modelo de hipoxia. En comparación con el grupo control, la expresión de ARNm y proteína de MMP-9 fue significativamente mayor en el bazo de las ratas del grupo hipóxico, siendo la diferencia estadísticamente significativa (P <0,05). En comparación con el grupo control, la membrana basal de los vasos sanguíneos estaba degradada en el bazo del grupo hipoxia. En condiciones naturales de baja presión atmosférica y gran altitud, la expresión de MMP-9 en el tejido del bazo de la rata aumenta y participa en la degradación de la membrana basal microvascular.

Preparation and Biodistribution of 131I-labeled Hepatoma Nucleic Acid Nanotrain / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo construct 131Ⅰ-labeled hepatoma nucleic acid nanotrain and to explore its feasibility as a new nuclide carrier targeting hepatoma. MethodsThree short nucleic acid chains self-assembled to a long nucleic acid chain after being annealed， and 131Ⅰ-NT was obtained by radioiodine labeling using chloramine T method. The labeling efficiency and radiochemical purity of the nanoparticles were measured by paper chromatography. The stability of the labeled products in vitro at different temperatures and different storage solvents was detected. The specific uptake of nanoparticles by hepatocellular carcinoma cells was observed by laser confocal microscopy， and the radioactive uptake ratio of 131Ⅰ-NT combined with human hepatocellular carcinoma cell HepG2 and normal hepatocyte L02 was measured. The biodistribution of 131Ⅰ-NT was obtained through injecting 131Ⅰ-NT into HepG2 tumor-bearing mice via tail vein. ResultsThe labeling rate of 131Ⅰ-NT was （93.05±0.74） %， and the radiochemical purity post purification was （98.35±0.32） %. Its radiochemical purity in PBS and pure serum at 4℃ for 24 h was （92.77±0.04） % and （89.43±0.2） %， respectively. The radioactivity uptake rate of HepG2 cells was higher than that of L02 cells after 131Ⅰ-NT was incubated with two kinds of cells for 2 h significantly. After injection of 131Ⅰ-NT through tail vein， the radioactive uptake per gram of tumor tissue were （4.9±0.55）%ID/g， （10.12±0.32）%ID/g and （4.25±0.31）%ID/g at 30 min， 1 h and 2 h， respectively. The T/M ratio was 7.33±2.04， 36.54±12.72 and 44.93±7.90 respectively. ConclusionsThe 131Ⅰ-labeled long chain nucleic acid nanotrain was constructed successfully， which possesses relatively high stability in vitro ， and high targeting ability to HepG2 cells in vitro and HepG2 tumor-bearing mouse model. Our study demonstrated that 131Ⅰ-NT may be a potential radionuclide carrier targeting human liver cancer， which provides a new idea for the targeted radionuclide diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Clinical significance and changes of homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folic acid in diabetic retinopathy / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To analyze the changes of serum homocysteine(Hcy), vitamin B12(VitB12)and folic acid in the serum of patients with diabetic retinopathy(DR), and to explore their significance in the occurrence and development of DR.METHODS: A case-control study was designed. A total of 95 patients with DR(DR group), 94 patients with diabetes mellitus(DM group)treated in endgcrinology department and 87 patients with age-related cataract(normal control group)from the ophthalmology department of Shenzhen People's Hospital between July 2021 and January 2022 were selected. Fasting venous blood was collected and serum was separated. The concentration of Hcy in serum was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and chemiluminescence immunoassay was used to detect the concentration of VitB12 and folic acid. Pearson linear correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between Hcy and clinical parameters. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the main factors which affect Hcy level. Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was designed to analyze the diagnostic value of serum Hcy, VitB12 and folic acid in DR.RESULTS: The concentration of serum Hcy in DR group was 16.52±3.54 μmol/L, which was significantly higher than that in DM group(10.86±3.47 μmol/L)and control group(6.84±1.39 μmol/L; all P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05); The concentration of VitB12 in the serum of the control group was 501.79±108.95 pmol/L, which was higher than that in DM group(478.57±57.85 pmol/L)and DR group(455.88±181.49 pmol/L), but the difference was not statistically significant(P=0.054); The concentration of folic acid in serum of control group was 10.31±2.43 nmol/L, which was higher than that of DM group(9.94±1.90 nmol/L)and DR group(7.27±2.79 nmol/L), and the difference between DR group and DM group was statistically significant(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05); In DR group, Hcy expression was weakly positively correlated with triglyceride and low density lipoprotein(r=0.208, P=0.043; r=0.240, P=0.019). Multivariate linear regression showed that low density lipoprotein was an important factor which affect the expression of Hcy in DR patients. ROC curve shows that Hcy has important value in the diagnosis of DR.CONCLUSIONS: Hcy, VitB12 and folic acid are differentially expressed in DR group, DM group and normal control group. Hcy may be involved in the pathogenesis of DR, and it has important value in the diagnosis of DR. In addition, low density lipoprotein is also an important factor which affects the expression of Hcy.

Risk factors associated with malignant vasovagal syncope in children / 中华儿科杂志

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics and risk factors of malignant vasovagal syncope (VVS) in children. Methods: This was a case-control study. The data of 368 VVS patients who were treated in the Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics from June 2017 to December 2021 was collected and analyzed. They were divided into malignant VVS group and non-malignant VVS group according to the presence of sinus arrest, and then their demographic characteristics were compared. The children with malignant VVS and complete clinical information were recruited into the case group and were matched by age and sex (1∶4 ratio) with non-malignant VVS patients during the same period.Their clinical characteristics and lab tests were compared. Independent sample t test, Mann Whitney U or χ2 test was used for comparison between groups.Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors for malignant VVS in children. Results: Eleven malignant VVS and 342 non-malignant VVS met the inclusion and exclusion critera. Eleven malignant VVS and 44 non-malignant children were recruited in the case-control study. Ten patients of the 11 malignant VVS had a cardiac arrest occurring at 35 (28, 35) minutes of the head-up tilt test, and the duration of sinus arrest was (9±5) s. One patient had syncope occurring while waiting for drawing blood, and the duration of sinus arrest was 3.4 s. The children with malignant vasovagal syncope were younger than non-malignant VVS patients (9 (7, 10) vs. 12 (10, 14) years old, P<0.05), and had higher mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and standard deviation of the mean cardiac cycle over 5-minute period within 24 hours ((347±9) vs. (340±8) g/L, (124±9) vs. (113±28) ms, both P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that MCHC was an independent risk factor for malignant VVS in pediatric patients (OR=1.13, 95%CI 1.02-1.26, P=0.024). Conclusions: The onset age of malignant VVS was younger, with no other special clinical manifestations. MCHC was an independent risk factor for malignant VVS.

Mechanism of curcumin inhibiting choroidal neovascularization in brown Norway rat / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM:To investigate the mechanism of curcumin inhibiting the choroidal neovascularization(CNV)of brown Norway(BN)rats.METHODS: CNV model of 36 BN rats was established through laser photocoagulation induction, and they were divided into 6 groups with 6 rats in each group. Normal group was fed normally with no intervention, while 532nm laser photocoagulation was used to establish a experimental CNV model in BN rats. Rats after modeling were respectively intervened for 14d and divided into model group, ranibizumab group, curcumin low [100mg/(kg·d)], medium [200mg/(kg·d)], and high [400mg/(kg·d)] dose group. The model group was given intragastric administration of saline for 14d, ranibizumab(10mg/mL, 0.2mL/dose)was injected at 2d after photocoagulation with 5μL once for rats in ranibizumab group, and different concentrations of curcumin were intragastrically administrated to the rats in low, medium and high groups for 14d. Fundus photography, fundus fluorescein angiography(FFA)and indocyanine green angiography(ICGA)examination were performed at 14d after photocoagulation. Ocular histopathological specimens of rats with CNV were made, and the central thickness of CNV were observed by HE staining. Ocular histopathological specimens were made, and the expressions of AKT/p-AKT/HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway-related proteins were observed by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA relative expressions of AKT/HIF-1α/VEGF factor in CNV tissues were detected by RT-qPCR, and the protein expressions of AKT/p-AKT/HIF-1α/VEGF factor in CNV tissues were detected by Western-blot.RESULTS: CNV generation rates in the model group, the ranibizumab group, and the low, medium and high-dose curcumin groups were 78.18%, 73.21%, 77.19%, 75.86%, 74.55%, respectively, which were higher than 70%. The average absorbance were 182.12±6.59, 119.22±8.03, 166.45±8.33, 164.34±5.69, 149.22±6.45, respectively; the ranibizumab group was significantly lower than the model group(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05); the low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups were significantly higher than the ranibizumab group(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05), and the curcumin high-dose group was significantly lower than the model group(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05). HE staining showed that the retinal tissue structure of BN rats in normal group was clear and neatly arranged. The central thickness of CNV in the ranibizumab group was significantly reduced at 14d after photocoagulation compared with the model group(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05); While the curcumin high-dose group was significantly reduced compared with the model group(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05), but increased when compared with ranibizumab group(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05). Immunohistochemistry results showed that AKT, p-AKT, HIF-1α, and VEGF factors were negatively expressed in the retinal tissue structure of BN rats in the normal group, and no brown-yellow reactants were found. The expression of AKT, p-AKT, HIF-1α, and VEGF factors in the model group were higher than that in the normal group at 14d after photocoagulation(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05); the ranibizumab group was lower than the model group(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05). While the expression of the curcumin high-dose group was significantly decreased compared with the model group(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05), but significantly increased when compared with ranibizumab group(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05). The mRNA results showed that the relative expression levels of AKT, HIF-1α and VEGF mRNA in the model group at 14d after photocoagulation were higher than those of the normal group(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05); the ranibizumab group was lower than the model group(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05). While curcumin high-dose group was significantly decreased compared with the model group(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05), but significantly increased when compared with ranibizumab group(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05). Western-blot results showed that there was no significant difference in the relative expression of AKT protein among each experimental groups at 14d after photocoagulation. The relative expression of p-AKT protein in the model group was significantly higher than that in the normal group(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05); the ranibizumab group was significantly lower than the model group(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05); the curcumin high-dose group was significantly lower than the model group(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05). The relative expression levels of HIF-1α protein were significantly higher in the model group than in the normal group(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05), and the ranibizumab group was lower than in the model group(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05). The relative expression levels of HIF-1α protein was lower in the curcumin high-dose group than in the model group(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05)but higher than ranibizumab group(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05). The relative expression level of VEGF protein was significantly lower in the curcumin medium/high-dose group than in the model group(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.05).CONCLUSION: Curcumin at 400mg/(kg·d)has an inhibitory effect on CNV in BN rats. The mechanism may be closely related to inhibiting the activation of AKT/p-AKT/HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathways.

Effect of interferon receptor 1 silenced human diploid MRC⁃5 cell line on replication of varicella⁃zoster virus / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Abstract：Objective To improve the replication level of varicella⁃zoster virus（VZV）in human diploid cell line MRC⁃5 and increase the yield of VZV vaccine by reducing the expression of interferon（IFN）related genes via optimizing the cell line MRC⁃5. Methods Interferon receptor 1（IFNAR1）silenced MRC⁃5 cell line（MRC⁃5IFNAR1⁃）was constructed by CRISPR／Cas9 gene editing technology，which was determined for the relative expression of IFNAR1 mRNA，and for those of mRNA of IFN related genes IFNβ and OAS1 after VZV infection by qRT⁃PCR to evaluate the effect of gene silencing. Gene mutation sequences were further identified by sequencing of the silenced sites. The replication of VZV in MRC⁃5 and MRC⁃5IFNAR1⁃ cell lines was compared 168 h after VZV infection by using qRT⁃PCR and plaque formation unit（PFU）assay， to evaluate the effect of MRC⁃5IFNAR1⁃cell line on VZV replication. Results The growth status of MRC⁃5IFNAR1⁃ cell line wasconsistent with that of MRC ⁃ 5 cells，and the relative expression of IFNAR1 mRNA decreased by 73%；The relative expressions of IFNβ and OAS1 mRNA in MRC⁃5IFNAR1⁃ cell line were 61% and 90% lower than those in MRC⁃ 5 cells respectively after VZV infection；In addition，168 h after VZV infection，the level of DNA replication and the titer of VZV increased by 5. 7 folds and 4 folds respectively. Conclusion The successful establishment of MRC⁃5IFNAR1⁃ cell line may be a potential scheme to increase the yield of vaccines based on human diploid cells，and provided a reference for expanding production of VZV vaccine.

Establishment method and significance of birthweight curve and reference in single center / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective: To establish neonatal birthweight percentile curves based on single-center cohort database using different methods, compare them with the current national birthweight curves and discuss the appropriateness and significance of single-center birthweight standard. Methods: Based on a prospective first-trimester screening cohort at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from January 2017 to February 2022, the generalized additive models for location, scale and shape (GAMLSS) and semi-customized method were applied to generate local birthweight percentile curves (hereinafter referred to as the local GAMLSS curves, semi-customized curves) for 3 894 cases who were at low risk of small for gestation age (SGA) and large for gestation age (LGA). Infants were categorized as SGA (birth weight<10th centile) by both semi-customized and local GAMLSS curves, semi-customized curves only, or not SGA (met neither criteria). The incidence of adverse perinatal outcome between different groups was compared. The same method was used to compare the semi-customized curves with the Chinese national birthweight curves (established by GAMLSS method as well, hereinafter referred to as the national GAMLSS curves). Results: (1) Among the 7 044 live births, 404 (5.74%, 404/7 044), 774 (10.99%, 774/7 044) and 868 (12.32%, 868/7 044) cases were diagnosed as SGA according to the national GAMLSS curves, the local GAMLSS curves and the semi-customized curves respectively. The birth weight of the 10th percentile of the semi-customized curves was higher than that of the local GAMLSS curves and the national GAMLSS curves at all gestational age. (2) When comparing semi-customized curves and the local GAMLSS curves, the incidence of admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for more than 24 hours of infants identified as SGA by semi-customized curves only (94 cases) and both semi-customized and local GAMLSS curves (774 cases) was 10.64% (10/94) and 5.68% (44/774) respectively, both significantly higher than that in non SGA group [6 176 cases, 1.34% (83/6 176); P<0.001]. The incidence of preeclampsia, pregnancy<34 weeks, and pregnancy<37 weeks of infants identified as SGA by the semi-customized curves only and both semi-customized and local GAMLSS curves was 12.77% (12/94) and 9.43% (73/774), 9.57% (9/94) and 2.71% (21/774), 24.47% (23/94) and 7.24% (56/774) respectively, which were significantly higher than those of the non SGA group [4.37% (270/6 176), 0.83% (51/6 176), 4.23% (261/6 176); all P<0.001]. (3) When comparing semi-customized curves and the national GAMLSS curves, the incidence of admission to NICU for more than 24 hours of infants identified as SGA by semi-customized curves only (464 cases) and both semi-customized and national GAMLSS curves (404 cases) was 5.60% (26/464) and 6.93% (28/404) respectively, both significantly higher than that in non SGA group [6 176 cases, 1.34% (83/6 176); all P<0.001]. The incidence of emergency cesarean section or forceps delivery for non-reassuring fetal status (NRFS) in infants identified as SGA by semi-customized curves only and both semi-customized and national GAMLSS curves was 4.96% (23/464) and 12.38% (50/404), both significantly higher than that in the non SGA group [2.57% (159/6 176); all P<0.001]. The incidence of preeclampsia, pregnancy<34 weeks, and pregnancy<37 weeks in the semi-customized curves only group and both semi-customized and national GAMLSS curves group was 8.84% (41/464) and 10.89% (44/404), 4.31% (20/464) and 2.48% (10/404), 10.56% (49/464) and 7.43% (30/404) respectively, all significantly higher than those in the non SGA group [4.37% (270/6 176), 0.83% (51/6 176), 4.23% (261/6 176); all P<0.001]. Conclusion: Compared with the national GAMLSS birthweight curves and the local GAMLSS curves, the birth weight curves established by semi-customized method based on our single center database is in line with our center' SGA screening, which is helpful to identify and strengthen the management of high-risk infants.

Research progress on chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Ajania plants / 中国中药杂志

Ajania belonging to the subtribe Artemisiinae of Anthemideae(Asteraceae) is a genus of semi-shrubs closely related to Chrysanthemum. There are 24 species of Ajania in northwestern China, most of which are folk herbal medicines with strong stress tolerance. Modern medical studies have demonstrated that the chemical constituents of Ajania mainly include terpenoids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, alkynes, and essential oils. These compounds endow the plants with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antimalarial, antioxidant, and insecticide effects. In this study, we reviewed the research progress in the chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Ajania, aiming to provide reference for the further research and development of Ajania.

Changes of corneal parameters in different areas after cataract surgery / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To compare the distribution characteristics of axial sagittal front power(ASF), true net power(TNP), total corneal refractive power(TCRP)and the difference in back-front corneal radius ratio(B/F ratio)after cataract surgery.METHODS: A prospective study. A total of 156 patients(156 eyes)with age-related cataract who attend Weifang Eye Hospital for cataract surgery from December 2020 to May 2021 were collected. Pentacam was performed before operation and 3mo after operation to collect ASF, TNP and TCRP on 2, 4 and 6mm diameters rings and areas on the corneal apex and pupil-centered, as well as B/F ratio.RESULTS: 3mo after operation, there was no statistical difference in ASF on the 2mm diameters ring and area centered on the corneal apex compared with preoperative values(all P&#x003E;0.05), however, the ASF values on the 4 and 6mm diameters rings and areas were significantly different from those before surgery(all P&#x003C;0.05); There was no statistical difference in ASF on the 2mm diameters rings and areas centered on the pupil compared with preoperative values(all P&#x003E;0.05). The postoperative values of TNP and TCRP on the 2, 4 and 6mm diameters rings and areas centered on the corneal apex and centered on the pupil were statistically different before surgery(all P&#x003C;0.05). Preoperative, TCRP values were different between 2mm and 6mm and between 4mm and 6mm on both corneal apex and pupil-centered rings(all P&#x003C;0.0167), TCRP values were all different between 2mm and 6mm diameters areas on corneal apex and pupil-centered(all P&#x003C;0.0167); 3mo after operation, TCRP values were different on corneal apex and pupil-centered rings between 2mm and 6mm and between 4mm and 6mm diameters(all P&#x003C;0.0167). While TCRP values on the corneal apex and pupil-centered areas were only different between 2mm and 6mm diameters(all P&#x003C;0.0167). The preoperative B/F ratio of patients was 81.79%±1.87%, and the postoperative B/ F ratio of patients was 80.68%±2.23%(P&#x003C;0.001).CONCLUSION: Corneal parameters of different diameters of rings and areas centered on the corneal apex and pupil before and after cataract surgery may change and differ, which should be taken into account when selecting the K value for intraocular lens calculation and individualizing the selection of IOLs based on corneal characteristics.

Anterior Cingulate Cortex Mediates Hyperalgesia and Anxiety Induced by Chronic Pancreatitis in Rats / 神经科学通报·英文版

Central sensitization is essential in maintaining chronic pain induced by chronic pancreatitis (CP), but cortical modulation of painful CP remains elusive. Here, we examined the role of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in the pathogenesis of abdominal hyperalgesia in a rat model of CP induced by intraductal administration of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). TNBS treatment resulted in long-term abdominal hyperalgesia and anxiety in rats. Morphological data indicated that painful CP induced a significant increase in FOS-expressing neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) and ACC, and some FOS-expressing neurons in the NTS projected to the ACC. In addition, a larger portion of ascending fibers from the NTS innervated pyramidal neurons, the neural subpopulation primarily expressing FOS under the condition of painful CP, rather than GABAergic neurons within the ACC. CP rats showed increased expression of vesicular glutamate transporter 1, and increased membrane trafficking and phosphorylation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subunit NR2B and the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid receptor (AMPAR) subunit GluR1 within the ACC. Microinjection of NMDAR and AMPAR antagonists into the ACC to block excitatory synaptic transmission significantly attenuated abdominal hyperalgesia in CP rats, which was similar to the analgesic effect of endomorphins injected into the ACC. Specifically inhibiting the excitability of ACC pyramidal cells via chemogenetics reduced both hyperalgesia and comorbid anxiety, whereas activating these neurons via optogenetics failed to aggravate hyperalgesia and anxiety in CP rats. Taken together, these findings provide neurocircuit, biochemical, and behavioral evidence for involvement of the ACC in hyperalgesia and anxiety in CP rats, as well as novel insights into the cortical modulation of painful CP, and highlights the ACC as a potential target for neuromodulatory interventions in the treatment of painful CP.

Expression Analysis of miRNA Profiles in Apheresis Platelets during Storage / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the expression profiles changes of miRNA in apheresis platelets after 1, 3 and 5 days of storage.@*METHODS@#The apheresis platelets were collected from 20 volunteer blood donors. After mixing fully, the platelets were stored in a shaker with (22±2) ℃ horizontal oscillation. The samples were taken on the 1st, 3rd and 5th day, and used to sequence for miRNAs by DNA nanoball (DNB) sequencing technology, which were named as C_1, C_3 and C_5, respectively. The expression level of platelets miRNA was standardized by transcripts per kilobase million (TPM) algorithm. MiRNAs with P-value < 0.001 and the expression difference of more than two times were considered as significant difference between two groups. The expression of miRNAs was verified by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR).@*RESULTS@#By DNB sequencing, there were 688, 730, and 679 platelet miRNAs expressed in C_1, C_3 and C_5 group, respectively. Cluster analysis showed that the expression profile of miRNAs changed significantly. The expression level of the first 20 high abundance miRNAs was about 4/5 of the total amounts of expressed miRNAs in each group, which the top five miRNAs were miR-21-5p, miR-26a-5p, miR-199a-3p, miR-126-3p, and let-7f-5p. The correlation of high abundance platelet miRNAs among the three groups was high (R2=0.876, R2=0.979, R2=0.937, respectively) and the differences were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Compared with the differential expression of platelet miRNAs with more than 1 000 TPM in the C_3 and C_1 group, there were 6 differentially expressed miRNAs, including 3 up-regulated (miR-146a-5p, miR-379-5p, and miR-486-5p) and 3 down-regulated (miR-652-3p, miR-142-5p, and miR-7-5p). While in the C_5 and C_1 group, there were 4 differentially expressed miRNAs, including 2 up-regulated (miR-146a-5p and let-7b-5p) and 2 down-regulated (miR-30d-5p and miR-142-5p). Compared with the differentially expression of platelet miRNAs between 1-1 000 TPM in the C_3 and C_1 group, there were 133 differentially expressed miRNAs, in which 99 were up-regulated and 34 were down-regulated. While in the C_5 and C_1 group, there were 77 differentially expressed miRNAs, in which 31 were up-regulated and 46 were down-regulated. The six selected differentially expressed miRNAs verified by RT-qPCR were consistent with those of sequencing.@*CONCLUSION@#The expression profiles of platelets miRNAs change significantly among 1, 3, and 5 d of storage in vitro.

Clinical phenotype and genetic features of 16p11.2 microdeletion-related epilepsy in children / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To study the clinical phenotype and genetic features of 16p11.2 microdeletion-related epilepsy in children.@*METHODS@#The medical data of 200 children with epilepsy who underwent a genetic analysis of epilepsy by the whole exon sequencing technology were collected retrospectively, of whom 9 children with epilepsy had 16p11.2 microdeletion. The clinical phenotype and genetic features of the 9 children with 16p11.2 microdeletion were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#The detection rate of 16p11.2 microdeletion was 4.5% (9/200). The 9 children with 16p11.2 microdeletion were 3-10 months old. They experienced focal motor seizures with consciousness disturbance, and some of the seizures developed into generalized tonic-clonic seizures. The interictal electroencephalogram showed focal or multifocal epileptiform discharge, and all 9 children responded well to antiepileptic drugs. The 9 children had a 16p11.2 deletion fragment size of 398-906 kb, and the number of deleted genes was 23-33 which were all pathogenic mutations. The mutation was of maternal origin in 2 children, of paternal origin in 1 child, and de novo in the other children.@*CONCLUSIONS@#16p11.2 microdeletion can be detected in some children with epilepsy. Most of the 16p11.2 microdeletion is de novo mutation and large gene fragment deletion. The onset of 16p11.2 microdeletion-related epilepsy in children is mostly within 1 year of life, and the epilepsy is drug-responsive.

Clinical features and prognosis of childhood B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia expressing the PRAME gene / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To study the clinical and prognostic significance of the preferentially expressed antigen of melanoma (PRAME) gene in the absence of specific fusion gene expression in children with B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL).@*METHODS@#A total of 167 children newly diagnosed with B-ALL were enrolled, among whom 70 were positive for the PRAME gene and 97 were negative. None of the children were positive for MLL-r, BCR/ABL, E2A/PBX1, or ETV6/RUNX1. The PRAME positive and negative groups were analyzed in terms of clinical features, prognosis, and related prognostic factors.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the PRAME negative group, the PRAME positive group had a significantly higher proportion of children with the liver extending >6 cm below the costal margin (P<0.05). There was a significant reduction in the PRAME copy number after induction chemotherapy (P<0.05). In the minimal residual disease (MRD) positive group after induction chemotherapy, the PRAME copy number was not correlated with the MRD level (P>0.05). In the MRD negative group, there was also no correlation between them (P>0.05). The PRAME positive group had a significantly higher 4-year event-free survival rate than the PRAME negative group (87.5%±4.6% vs 73.5%±4.6%, P<0.05), while there was no significant difference between the two groups in the 4-year overall survival rate (88.0%±4.4% vs 85.3%±3.8%, P>0.05). The Cox proportional-hazards regression model analysis showed that positive PRAME expression was a protective factor for event-free survival rate in children with B-ALL (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Although the PRAME gene cannot be monitored as MRD, overexpression of PRAME suggests a good prognosis in B-ALL.

Efficacy of Fuzheng Huayu Tablets for Treating Pulmonary Inflammation in COVID-19 Patients / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the efficacy and safety of Fuzheng Huayu tablets （FHT） for treating pulmonary inflammation in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 （COVID-19）. MethodA total of 70（4 cases were lost to follow-up, and 66 cases were finally completed） COVID-19 patients were recruited from February 1 to April 15 in 2020. They were assigned to a control group （35 patients） and a FHT group （31 patients）. The patients in the control group received routine treatment alone and those in the FHT group received FHT in addition to routine treatment. The primary outcome was the ratio of patients showing improvement in chest computed tomographic manifestations after 14 days. The secondary outcome measures included remission rate or progression rate of critical illness， clinical remission rate of respiratory symptoms， routine blood examination， C-reactive protein （CPR） level， procalcitonin （PCT） level， and blood oxygen saturation （SPO2）. The safety was assessed based on liver and kidney functions and adverse events. ResultAfter the 14-day treatment， the ratio of patients showing improvement in the FHT group （100%） was higher than that in the control group （77.1%） （χ2=8.063，P<0.01）. The ratio of disease stages after treatment showed no significant difference between two groups. In the FHT group， the symptoms including cough， dyspnea， and fatigue were alleviated after treatment （P<0.01）. In the control group， the symptoms including fever， cough， and dyspnea were alleviated （P<0.01）， while the fatigue was not relieved after treatment. No significant difference was observed in the clinical symptoms between the two groups after treatment. After treatment， the FHT group showed decreased white blood cell （WBC） count and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio （NLR） （P<0.01）， elevated platelet （PLT） level （P<0.05）， lowered CRP level （P<0.05）， and no significant difference in lymphocyte （LYM）， hemoglobin （Hb）， SPO2 or PCT level. The control group showed decreased NLR （P<0.05） and WBC count （P<0.01）， elevated PCT level （P<0.05）， and no significant change in LYM， Hb， PLT， SPO2 or CRP level after treatment. Furthermore， the FHT group had higher PLT level than the control group （P<0.05） after treatment， and other indicators had no significant differences between the two groups. The liver and kidney functions had no significant difference between the two groups after treatment. ConclusionFHT can safely promote the absorption of acute pulmonary inflammation in COVID-19 patients.

Structure of Gardenia Blue Pigment and Its Inhibitory Activity on Monoamine Oxidase B / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo study the chemical structure of gardenia blue pigment and its inhibitory activity against monoamine oxidase B （MAO-B）， in order to seek a potential feasible way for rational utilization and value enhancement of iridoids in Gardeniae Fructus. MethodIridoid glycosides in Gardeniae Fructus were hydrolyzed by cellulase to obtain their aglycones and reacted with amino acids. Then， the products were purified by column chromatography packed with D101 macroporous resin and preparative liquid chromatography to obtain gardenia blue pigments， and the gardenia blue pigments were identified by nuclear magnetic resonance （NMR） and mass spectrometry （MS）. Benzylamine was used as the reaction substrate of MAO-B and in vitro incubated with gardenia blue pigment monomers， high performance liquid chromatography （HPLC） was employed to determine the production of benzaldehyde for evaluating the inhibitory effect of gardenia blue pigments on MAO-B， the mobile phase was methanol （A） -50 mmol·L-1 potassium phosphate buffer （B， pH 3.2） （2∶3）， and the detection wavelength was 245 nm. ResultEight compounds of gardenia blue pigment A-H were synthesized and identified. In MAO-B inhibition test， compared with geniposide， the inhibitory activity of gardenia blue pigment D and E was significantly enhanced （P<0.05）. Compared with the 6β-hydroxygeniposide， the inhibitory activity of gardenia blue pigment G and H was significantly enhanced （P<0.05， P<0.01）. All the four gardenia blue pigments showed better MAO-B inhibitory activity than the prototype compounds. ConclusionGardenia blue pigment is a simple compound formed by one molecule of amino acid and one molecule of iridoid. Some gardenia blue pigments have better MAO-B inhibitory activity than the prototype compounds. The activity of gardenia blue pigment produced by different substrates is different， and the high-value gardenia blue pigment can be prepared based on experimental optimization， which can expand the application range of gardenia blue pigment and enrich the comprehensive utilization of iridoids from Gardeniae Fructus.

Relationships between Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence with Personality Traits and Presence of Psychological Distress among Adults with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Northwest Peninsular Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Study

@#Introduction: Treatment adherence with antiretroviral therapy (ART) and its related factors have hitherto been the subject of clinical concern. However, research focusing on the relationships between ART adherence and the presence of psychological distress and selected personality traits have yet to be concluded. Therefore, our study aimed to remedy this. Methods: A multicentre hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in northwest Peninsular Malaysia on HIV outpatients given ART from July 1st, 2018, till April 31st, 2020. Participants were recruited via purposive sampling. Data were collected through an interviewer-guided questionnaires: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Zuckerman-Kuhlman personality test (ZKPQ-M-40-CC), and interviewer-guided Timeline Follow-back (TLFB) for the assessment of adherence to ART. Results: A total of 229 patients completed the study. Majority (n=220, 96.1%) were considered adherent to ART. Among those who were non-adherent, two (22.2%) had anxiety disorder and five (55.6%) had depressive disorder. There was no significant association between treatment adherence and the presence of anxiety nor depression. However, sociodemographic factors determined that age group (p=0.033) and marital status (p=0.044) were significantly associated with treatment adherence. Multivariate analysis determined that ‘Active’ personality trait increases the likelihood to better treatment adherence by 1.14 times (95% CI: 1.02, 1.28, p=0.018). Conclusion: We did not find any association between treatment adherence and the presence of anxiety or depression. However, higher scores in ‘Active’ personality trait increases the likelihood of better treatment adherence among adult HIV on ART.

Role of complement system in the pathogenesis of uveitis / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Uveitis is a group of inflammation diseases involving the iris, ciliary body, choroid, vitreous body, retina and retinal vessels, which can lead to visual deterioration and even visual loss. The pathogenesis of uveitis is complex and diverse, including infection, autoimmunity, trauma, physical and chemical injury, immune genetic mechanism and so on. Recent studies have shown that the activation of complement system is one of the pathogenesis of uveitis. Various complement proteins, including CFH, CFB, CFI, MAC, CD59 and so on, regulate host tissue damage through a rigorous mechanism mediated by the complement system. And studies have found that those complement proteins are involved in the occurrence and development of uveitis at the gene level and biological function. In addition, complement components like C2, C3, C4 and C5 can affect the pathogenesis of uveitis in terms of copy number variation, gene polymorphism and the regulation of T-cell-mediated autoimmune response. Therefore, complement inhibition therapy and related gene therapy provide new ideas and targets for the treatment of uveitis.

Nie-pinching the spine, puncturing Sifeng (EX-UE 10) plus Chinese herbs for pediatric anorexia due to dysfunction of spleen in transportation: a randomized controlled trial / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of Nie-pinching the spine, puncturing Sifeng (EX-UE 10) plus Chinese herbs in treating pediatric anorexia due to dysfunction of spleen in transportation. Methods: A total of 64 kids were randomized into an observation group and a control group by the random number table method, with 32 cases in each group. Patients in both groups received Jian Pi Kai Wei (strengthening spleen and stomach) powder according to pattern differentiation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In addition, patients in the observation group received Nie-pinching the spine and puncturing Sifeng (EX-UE 10). Nie-pinching the spine was applied twice a week, and puncturing Sifeng (EX-UE 10) was performed once a week, with 2 weeks counted as 1 course of treatment. After 2 courses of treatment, the body mass index (BMI), peripheral blood leptin level and the microelements Zn, Fe and Se were compared at different time points (before treatment, after the first and second courses of treatment), as well as the therapeutic efficacy and onset time. Results: After 2 courses of treatment, 31 cases in each group were evaluated. After the 1st course and the 2nd course, the BMI and serum Zn, Fe and Se levels in the observation group increased significantly (all P<0.05), the leptin level decreased substantially (both P<0.05); the BMI in the control group showed a substantial rise (P<0.05), while the Zn, Fe and Se levels slightly increased showing no statistical significance (all P>0.05), and the leptin level decreased but the difference showed no statistical significance (P>0.05). After the 1st and the 2nd courses of treatment, the BMI, serum Zn, Fe and Se levels increased more significantly (all P<0.05), and the serum leptin level decreased more significantly (both P<0.05) in the observation group than in the control group. After the 2nd course, the total effective rate and recovery rate in the observation group were both higher than those in the control group (both P<0.05), together with a quicker onset time (P<0.05). Conclusion: Nie-pinching the spine, puncturing Sifeng (EX-UE 10) plus Chinese herbs is effective for pediatric anorexia due to dysfunction of spleen in transportation. It can decrease leptin, increase Zn, Fe and Se levels, alleviate apositic symptoms and increase BMI in the kids.

Agreement of Spatiotemporal Gait Characteristics between Gaitboter Gait Analysis System and Noraxon Gait Analysis System / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To assess the agreement between measurements of spatiotemporal gait characteristics made with Gaitboter and Noraxon gait analysis systems. Methods:From February to April, 2019, 35 healthy adults were recruited to participate in gait analysis using Gaitboter and Noraxon gait analysis apparatuses, respectively. Stance phase, swing phase, stride length, cadence, velocity and toe out were recorded and computed. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Bland-Altman plots were used to evaluate the agreement between the two gait analysis systems. Results:There was a good reliability in spatiotemporal gait characteristics between two gait analysis systems (ICC 0.691 to 0.835). Bland-Altman plots also showed good agreement. Conclusion:The measurements of temporal and spatial parameters with Gaitboter and Noraxon gait analysis systems yield acceptable agreement, and further study needs to be conducted on the validity of the Gaitboter gait analysis system.

Effect of Individualized Memory Rehabilitation Based on Forgetting Characteristics of Patients with Brain Injury / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To investigate the effect of individualized memory rehabilitation based on the forgetting characteristics in patients with brain injury (BI). Methods:From September, 2018 to October, 2019, 60 BI patients were randomly divided into routine memory training group (control group, n = 30) and individualized memory training group (observation group, n = 30). The observation group group was tested with forgetting characteristics pre-training. Both groups received memory training for four weeks, respectively. All patients were evaluated with Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test-2nd Edition (RBMT-II) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) pre- and post-training. Results:The total post-training scores of RBMT-II and MoCA were higher than the pre-training scores in both groups (|t| > 3.885, P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the total scores between two groups pre- and post-training (P > 0.05). The differences between post- and pre-training total scores of RBMT-II and MoCA were significantly higher in the observation group group than in the control group (|Z| > 3.757, P < 0.001). Conclusion:Memory rehabilitation training could improve memory abilities and general cognitive function of BI patients, and it is more effective to carry out individualized memory rehabilitation training based on the forgetting characteristics.