Analysis of Antidepressant Quality Markers of Bupleuri Radix Before and After Vinegar-processing Based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and Network Pharmacology / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo analyze the antidepressant quality markers（Q-Marker） of Bupleuri Radix（BP） before and after vinegar-processing by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry（UPLC-Q-TOF-MS）， multivariate statistical analysis and network pharmacology. MethodUPLC-Q-TOF-MS was used to analyze the chemical basis of raw and vinegar-processed products of BP， and principal component analysis（PCA） orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis（OPLS-DA） were used to identify the differential components in BP that changed significantly before and after vinegar-processing， which were regarded as candidate quality markers（Q-Marker）. Then the disease-drug-component-target network related to antidepressant effect of BP was constructed by network pharmacology， and the antidepressant Q-Marker of raw and vinegar-processed products of BP was determined. Rats were randomly divided into blank group， model group， fluoxetine group（2.67 mg·kg-1） and total saponin group（0.72 mg·kg-1）， except the blank group， rats in the other groups were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress（CUMS）. Three weeks after the start of modeling， rats in each administration group were given the corresponding dose of drugs once a day for 4 weeks， and rats in the blank and model groups were given normal saline with dose of 10 mL·kg-1. At 1 day before modeling， 21 days and 28 days after administration， body mass weighing， sucrose preference test and open field test were performed on each group . After 28 days of administration， real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction（Real-time PCR） was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase（PI3K）， protein kinase B（Akt）， mammalian target of rapamycin（mTOR）， glycogen synthase kinase-3β（GSK-3β）， forkhead box transcription factor O3a（FoxO3a） and β-catenin in hippocampal tissues of rats in each group， while protein expression levels of PI3K， Akt， mTOR and FoxO3a in hippocampal tissues of rats in each group were detected by Western blot. ResultThere were 19 components in BP showed significant changes before and after vinegar-processing， and 9 components such as saikosaponin A， saikosaponin B1， saikosaponin B2， saikosaponin C and saikosaponin D were identified as potential Q-Marker through S-plot differential marker screening. Combined with the disease-drug-component-target network， saikosaponin A， saikosaponin B1， saikosaponin B2 and saikosaponin D were identified as antidepressant Q-Marker of raw and vinegar-processed products of BP. According to the results of pharmacodynamic tests， after 28 d of administration， compared with the blank group， the body mass， sucrose preference index and open field total score of rats in model group， fluoxetine group and total saponin group decreased significantly（P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the body mass， sucrose preference index and open field total score in total saponin group increased significantly（P<0.01）. Compared with the blank group， mRNA expression levels of PI3K， Akt， mTOR and β-catenin in hippocampus of rats in the model group decreased significantly（P<0.05）， while mRNA expression levels of GSK-3β and FoxO3a increased significantly（P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， mRNA expression levels of PI3K， Akt， mTOR and β-catenin in hippocampus of rats in the total saponin group were increased significantly（P<0.05）， while mRNA expression levels of GSK-3β and FoxO3a decreased significantly（P<0.05）. Compared with the blank group， the protein expression levels of Akt and mTOR in hippocampus of the model group decreased significantly（P<0.01）， while the protein expression levels of PI3K and FoxO3a increased significantly（P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the expression level of Akt in hippocampus of the total saponin group increased significantly（P<0.01）， the mTOR expression level was increased but not statistically significant， while the protein expression levels of PI3K and FoxO3a decreased significantly（P<0.01）. ConclusionThe chemical constituents of BP changed greatly after vinegar-processing， and the antidepressant Q-Marker of raw and vinegar-processed products of BP was determined by chemical basis， pharmacodynamics， network pharmacology and signaling pathway， which provided a reference for further research on quality control， pharmacodynamic substance basis and processing mechanism of BP.

Mechanical Behavior of Radial Support of a Novel Balloon Expandable Tapered Stent / 医用生物力学

Objective To explore influences of the taper and connecting rib form on supporting performance of the stent, and provide an important scientific basis for structural design and clinical selection of the tapered stent. Methods A nonlinear finite element model for radial support performance of a novel balloon-expandable tapered stent was constructed, and the radial stiffness (RS) and stress distributions of the stent at different tapers (0°, 0.565°and 1.13°) and with different structural forms of stent linker (V-shape, I-shape, C-shape, S-shape, M-shape) were analyzed by plane compression. The relationship between structural design of the vascular stent and its radial support performance was studied. Results The RS of 0°stent, 0.565°stent, 1.13° stent was 2.51, 1.61, 0.85 N/mm, respectively. The RS of 0.565°stent and 1.13° stent was 35.86% and 66.14% lower than that of 0°stent (round straight stent), respectively. Except that the RS of C-shape linker stent was 1.48 N/mm, the RS of I, M, S and V-shape linker stents was not significantly different, which was 2.51, 2.61, 2.41, 2.52 N/mm, respectively, indicating that radial compression resistance of these four linker stents was almost the same. Conclusions Compared with traditional round straight stents, the RS of tapered stents will decrease, and the RS of stents will gradually decrease with the the taper increasing. Among all stent types in this study, except C-shape linker stents, the RS of other linker shapes has little effect on the RS of stents. The radial support performance of the stent can be improved by reducing the taper of the tapered stent, without changing the form of stent connecting ribs.

Effect of various intracanal materials on the diagnostic accuracy of cone-beam computed tomography in vertical root fractures / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To study the effect of various intracanal materials on the accuracy of oral maxillofacial cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for the diagnosis of vertical root fracture (VRF).@*METHODS@#A total of twenty-four structurally intact single root canal dried and isolated teeth extracted for orthodontic treatment or periodontal disease were collected. The teeth were decrowned along the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) and then used as samples for the study after conventional root canal preparation and post preparation. The 24 samples were divided into two groups with 12 samples in each group. Group A was the control group (no VRF group). According to intracanal materials, they were divided into five subgroups: blank group, fiber post group, gutta-percha point group, titanium post group and gold-palladium post group. Group B was the experimental group (VRF group), and subgroups were grouped as above. The VRF model was prepared by a unified method in the VRF group: the root was completely fractured in the buccolingual direction with a custom root canal nail and then cemented and reset. The control group was not subjected to the simulation of VRF. Titanium post and gold-palladium post were made according to the individuality of the root canal preparation, and the tightness of the post to the root canal wall was confirmed by X-ray radiograph. Then all the samples were scanned by CBCT in the isolate swine mandibular alveolar sockets. The diagnostic accuracy was statistically analyzed via blind interpretation by experienced endodontic specialists and oral and maxillofacial medical imaging specialists.@*RESULTS@#The accuracy of the diagnosis of VRF in the blank group, fiber post group, gutta-percha point group, titanium post group, and gold-palladium post group in CBCT was 95.83%, 91.67%, 87.50%, 79.17%, and 45.83%, respectively. Compared with the blank group, the differences were not statistically significant in the fiber post group (P>0.999), the gutta-percha point group (P=0.500) and the titanium post group (P=0.125). The lowest diagnostic accuracy of VRF was found in the gold-palladium post group, and the difference was statistically significant compared with all other groups (P < 0.001).@*CONCLUSION@#Various intracanal materials have different degrees of influence on the diagnostic accuracy of VRF diagnosis in CBCT. The influence of fiber post, gutta-percha point and titanium post was small, while the influence of gold-palladium post was significant.

Microbial transformation of artemisinin and its derivatives / 中国中药杂志

Microbial transformation is an efficient enzymatic approach for the structural modification of exogenous compounds to obtain derivatives. Compared with traditional chemical synthesis, the microbial transformation has in fact the undoubtable advantages of strong region-and stereo-selectivity, and a low environmental and economic impact on the production process, which can achieve the reactions challenging to chemical synthesis. Because microbes are equipped with a broad-spectrum of enzymes and therefore can metabolize various substrates, they are not only a significant route for obtaining novel active derivatives, but also an effective tool for mimicking mammal metabolism in vitro. Artemisinin, a sesquiterpene with a peroxy-bridged structure serving as the main active functional group, is a famous antimalarial agent discovered from Artemisia annua L. Some sesquiterpenoids, such as dihydroartemisinin, artemether, and arteether, have been developed on the basis of artemisinin, which have been successfully marketed and become the first-line antimalarial drugs recommended by WHO. As revealed by pharmacological studies, artemisinin and its derivatives have exhibited extensive biological activities, including antimalarial, antitumor, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory. As an efficient approach for structural modification, microbial transformation of artemisinin and its derivatives is an increasingly popular strategy that attracts considerable attention recently, and numerous novel derivatives have been discovered. Herein, this paper reviewed the microbial transformation of artemisinin and its artemisinin, including microbial strains, culture conditions, product isolation and yield, and biological activities, and summarized the advances in microbial transformation in obtaining active derivatives of artemisinin and the simulation of in vivo metabolism of drugs.

Estimation of atmospheric environmental radiation capacity in an isotope industrial park / 中国辐射卫生

Objective To study and estimate the public dose constraint and the atmospheric radiation capacity of an isotope industrial park, and to provide a basis for management of radioactive effluent discharge in isotope industrial parks. Methods We collected the natural environment data, meteorological data, and population distribution and dietary data as well as the source terms of radioactive airborne effluents of an isotope industrial park. The public dose constraint value of the isotope industrial park was determined based on the natural environmental radiation hazard level. The atmospheric environmental radiation capacity of the industrial park was estimated by the all-pathways method. Results The public dose constraint value of the industrial park was 0.2 mSv/a. At the end of industrial park planning, the maximum individual effective dose to the public caused by airborne effluent discharge was 1.07×10−6 Sv/a, which accounted for 0.54% of the public dose constraint value. The proportions of discharges of airborne radionuclides to respective environmental radiation capacities ranged from 0.04% to 4.34%. Conclusion The determined public dose constraint value of the isotope industrial park can be used as the total radiation capacity of the regional atmospheric environment to constrain the discharge of radioactive effluents. The environmental radiation capacity of each radionuclide can be estimated by the all-pathways method considering the comprehensive impact of radionuclide discharges, which is suitable for the control and management of isotope production enterprises in industrial parks.

Anti-tumor Effect of Alkaloids of Chinese Medicine： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Malignant tumors， with the increasing crude morbidity and mortality year by year， have become the major diseases threatening human health. The conventional therapeutic drugs against tumors have serious adverse reactions， which can cause a heavy burden on patients. The active components of Chinese medicine can effectively inhibit tumor growth， improve the quality of life of patients， and have few toxic and side effects. Alkaloids of Chinese medicine are natural organic compounds widely existing in a variety of Chinese herbal medicines. In recent years， they have attracted more and more attention because of their anti-tumor effect. The anti-tumor mechanisms of alkaloids of Chinese medicine mainly include the induction of apoptosis， inhibition of tumor cell migration and invasion， suppression of proliferation， induction of autophagy of tumor cells， cell cycle arrest， inhibition of tumor angiogenesis， regulation of microRNA， and modulation of immunity. In addition， Chinese medicine alkaloids can also reverse tumor drug resistance and reduce the stemness of tumor stem cells. Alkaloids of Chinese medicine can regulate the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B （PI3K/Akt）， c-Jun N-terminal kinase （JNK）， p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （p38 MAPK）， mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR）， Notch， Hedgehog， Wnt/β-catenin， and other signaling pathways to participate in the processes of tumor proliferation， invasion and metastasis， autophagy and apoptosis， and affect the occurrence and development of tumors in multiple links and ways. The derivatives and nano-preparations of alkaloids can improve the solubility， utilization， and anti-tumor activity of alkaloids， bringing a broader prospect for the clinical application of alkaloids. This review summarized the recent anti-tumor research on alkaloids， their representative derivatives， and nano-preparations to provide references for the in-depth research on the anti-tumor effect of alkaloids.

Influence of donor and pancreatic characteristics on the success rate of islet isolation / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective:To explore the selection criteria of the donor for islet transplantation of Chinese people by analyzing the correlation between pancreas characteristics and success rate of islets isolation.Methods:Data from 113 cases of human islet isolation were collected. According to the result of islet isolation, the donors were divided into two groups, the success group(IEQ≥250 000, purification≥30%, and viability≥80%), and the failure group(IEQ<250 000, or purification<30%, or viability<80%). The modified Ricordi method was used to digest pancreas tissue, and the continuous density gradient method was performed to purify islets. The islets were identified by staining with the Dithizone(DTZ), the islets were analyzed for cell viability and purity.Results:The donor age in success group was significantly younger than failure group in the range of age eligible for this study( t=2.479, P=0.015). Pearson correlation showed that donor age was positively corelated with islet yield( r=-0.214, P=0.047). There was more fat on the pancreas surface in the successful islet isolation group( z=-2.007, P=0.045). The digestibility( t=2.133, P=0.035) and recovery rate( t=5.912, P=0.001) were elevated in success group. Conclusion:The pancreases from younger donors could obtain the higher-yielding islet, the pancreas with more surface fat or with higher weight was associated with islet isolation success in the scope covered by the inclusion criteria of this study.

Identification and management of sepsis associated-acute kidney injury / 中华危重病急救医学

At present, the diagnosis of sepsis associated-acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) mainly relies on monitoring urine volume or serum creatinine (SCr) levels. Due to decreased renal blood supply and the use of diuretics, the diagnosis is intrusive and non-specific. Early identification of the clinical process of SA-AKI and effective management can restore renal function as soon as possible and improve outcomes. This paper discusses the epidemiology, diagnostic limitations, pathophysiological mechanism, treatment and prognosis of SA-AKI. Approximately 30% of patients with sepsis were found to develop acute kidney injury (AKI), and 50% of patients with AKI in the intensive care unit (ICU) were found to have sepsis. Once a diagnosis of SA-AKI is made, close monitoring and timely organ support therapy should be combined to prevent further kidney injury. SA-AKI can be reversed early in the first week after admission, and the prognosis is good. The main mechanisms of organ injury in sepsis are reduced perfusion of bilateral glomeruli, impaired inflammatory response, metabolic adaptation and microcirculation. Etiological control and antibiotic application early play important roles in sepsis management. In addition, fluid resuscitation, vasopressors, early use of renal replacement therapy (RRT), and blood purification are important prognostic factors of SA-AKI.

Analysis of practice effect of teaching reform in the course of nursing education based on Rain Classroom / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Objective:To investigate the application effect of blended teaching mode based on Rain Classroom in the course of nursing education.Methods:The nursing teaching class in 2019 was set as the observation group ( n=20), which adopted blended teaching mode combining classroom teaching and online learning of Rain Classroom platform. The teaching class with the same number of students in the same period in 2018 was set as the control group ( n=20), which implemented the traditional classroom teaching mode. SPSS 22.0 was used for statistical processing, and independent-samples t-test was used to analyze the results of seminar, simulated teaching and final theoretical examination of the two classes of students and the evaluation of the teaching effect of the course. Results:There was no significant difference between the two groups in the results of simulated teaching ( t=0.21, P = 0.834). The scores of seminar [(91.18±1.20), t=3.09, P<0.05] and final theoretical examination [(78.63±6.28), t=3.33, P<0.05] in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group. The scores of information retrieval and processing ability ( t=-3.33, P < 0.05), problem finding ability ( t=-2.17, P < 0.05), independent thinking ability ( t=-2.53, P < 0.05), knowledge integration ability ( t=-3.86, P < 0.001), self-learning ability ( t=-3.12, P<0.05), the sense of identity to the role of nursing teachers ( t=-2.53, P < 0.05), the awareness of active learning ( t=-3.13, P < 0.05) and the attitude of lifelong learning ( t=-4.46, P < 0.001) in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group. Conclusion:The blended teaching based on Rain Classroom is conducive to the cultivation of students' inquiry learning ability and deep learning of theoretical knowledge, and promotes the effective achievement of curriculum teaching objectives.

Diagnostic value of early bedside ultrasound measurement of quadriceps femoris on in-hospital mortality of septic patients / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To investigate the changes of quadriceps femoris thickness with the length of stay in intensive care unit (ICU) in patients with sepsis, and to evaluate the diagnostic value of muscle changes in mortality.Methods:A prospective study was conducted, and 92 patients with sepsis who were admitted to the ICU of the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical College from January 2020 to December 2021 were enrolled. The thickness of quadriceps femoris [including the quadriceps femoris muscle thickness at the midpoint of the anterior superior iliac spine and the upper edge of the patella (M-QMLT), and at the middle and lower 1/3 of the patella (T-QMLT)] measured by ultrasound 1 day (D1), 3 days (D3), and 7 days (D7) after admission to the ICU were collected. The atrophy rate of quadriceps femoris was calculated 3 and 7 days after admission to the ICU compared with 1 day [(D3-D1)/D1 and (D7-D1)/D1, (TD3-TD1)/TD1 and (TD7-TD1)/TD1, respectively]. The demographic information, underlying diseases, vital signs when admission to the ICU and in-hospital mortality of all patients were recorded, and the differences of the above indicators between the two groupswere compared. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the influence of quadriceps femoris muscle thickness and atrophy rate on in-hospital mortality of septic patients. The receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) was drawn to analyze the predictive value of quadriceps femoris muscle thickness and atrophy rate on in-hospital mortality of septic patients.Results:A total of 92 patients with severe sepsis were included, of which 41 patients died in hospital, 51 patients discharged. The in-hospital mortality was 44.6%. The muscle thickness of quadriceps femoris in severe septic patients decreased with the prolongation of ICU stay, and there was no significant difference between the two groups at the first and third day of ICU admission. The muscle thickness of quadriceps femoris at different measuring positions in the survival group was significantly greater than those in the death group 7 days after admission to the ICU [M-QMLT D7 (cm): 0.50±0.26 vs. 0.39±0.19, T-QMLT D7 (cm): 0.58±0.29 vs. 0.45±0.21, both P < 0.05]. The atrophy rate of quadriceps femoris muscle thickness at different measuring positions 3 and 7 days after admission to ICU in the survival group was significantly lower than those in the death group [(D3-D1)/D1: (8.33±3.44)% vs. (9.74±3.91)%, (D7-D1)/D1: (12.21±4.76)% vs. (19.80±6.15)%, (TD3-TD1)/TD1: (7.83±4.26)% vs. (10.51±4.75)%, (TD7-TD1)/TD1: (11.10±5.46)% vs. (20.22±6.05)%, all P < 0.05]. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that M-QMLT D7, T-QMLT D7, (D3-D1)/D1, (D7-D1)/D1, (TD3-TD1)/TD1, (TD7-TD1)/TD1 were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality (all P < 0.05). The results were stable after adjusting for confounding factors. ROC curve analysis showed that (TD7-TD1)/TD1 [area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.853, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was 0.773-0.934] was superior to (D7-D1)/D1, T-QMLT D7, M-QMLT D7, (TD3-TD1)/TD1 and (D3-D1)/D1 [AUC was 0.821 (0.725-0.917), 0.692 (0.582-0.802), 0.683 (0.573-0.794), 0.680 (0.569-0.791), 0.622 (0.502-0.742)]. Conclusions:For septic patients in ICU, bedside ultrasound monitoring of quadriceps femoris muscle thickness and atrophy rate has a certain predictive value for in-hospital mortality, and a certain guiding significance in clinical treatment and predicting the prognosis of sepsis.

Quantitative analysis of active ingredient content of Rhodiola rosea at different harvest months / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To establish a method for quantitative analysis of the active ingredients including salidroside, rosarin and rosavin and content determination in Rhodiola rosea at different harvest months. Methods:HPLC was used on an X selectHSS T3 (250 mm×4.6 mm, 5 μm) column with mobile phase consisting of methol-acetonitrile-phosphoric acid (0.05%) aqueous solution for gradient elution at a flow rate of 1 ml/min. The wavelength was detected at 275 nm (salidroside) and 254 nm (rosarin, rosavin). The column temperature was set at 30 ℃ and the injection volume was 5 μl.Results:The peak areas of Salidroside, rosarin and rosavin showed good linear relationships ( r > 0.999) with the content in the ranges of 44-1 420, 10-307 and 18-573 μg, respectively. The method was precise, stable, repeatable and the sample recovery test all well satisfied the requirements of quantitative analysis. The highest accumulation of the active ingredients was observed in Rhodiola rosea in September and the content of salidroside, rosarin and rosavin were 0.66, 0.07 and 0.53 mg/g, respectively. Conclusion:This method is simple and rapid to evaluate the content of active ingredients in Rhodiola rosea.

Advances of bioactive peptides in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury / 国际外科学杂志

Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (HIRI) occurs in liver surgical interventions or systemic hemorrhagic shock, especially in liver transplantation, which can lead to serious postoperative complications and strongly threats the utilization of marginal donor livers and the prognosis of recipients. Here, how to effectively intervene HIRI has always been the important topic in liver surgery. The pathogenesis of HIRI has been gradually elucidated, but no effective prevention and treatment measures have been performed to reduce the injury in clinic. Peptides are small molecules without a quaternary protein structure, which can effectively regulate physiological processes such as stress and metabolism in the body, and participate in the occurrence and development of diseases. Recently, with the successful application of insulin and other peptides in the bedside, the effect of bioactive peptides on HIRI has been attracting wide attention, numbers of studies have confirmed that bioactive peptides have great potential for liver protection during HIRI. This article reviews the roles of bioactive peptides in HIRI and provides new sight and reference to protect liver from HIRI.

Radiation dose estimation and protective measure discussion of 241Am-Be neutron source logging / 中国辐射卫生

Objective To investigate the radiation dose to operators in the process of 241Am-Be neutron source logging, and discuss neutron source management and protective measures for operators in well logging. Methods Through on-site observation and measurement of 241Am-Be neutron source logging in a company, we obtained the surface γ dose rate and neutron dose rate of the neutron source, as well as the operating time and distance of various processes including source taking, transfer, and loading, calculated the radiation dose to operators in various processes, and analyzed the source and proportion of the personal effective dose to operators. Results The effective doses of neutron irradiation and γ irradiation were 94.17 μSv and 2.72 μSv, respectively, for the combined processes of source tank inspection, transfer, and detection; 36.66 μSv and 24.08 μSv, respectively, for source loading and unloading; and 130.83 μSv and 26.80 μSv, respectively, for the whole neutron source logging process. The total annual effective dose of neutron source logging was 15.78 mSv, as estimated by logging 100 times per year. Conclusion In the process of 241Am-Be neutron source logging in the company, the effective dose to operators mainly arises from neutron irradiation. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen neutron source management and take effective protective measures against neutron radiation.

ALDH1A3 + INS + cells in non-diabetic subjects and risk for type 2 diabetes: Analysis of cross-sectional data / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective:To investigate the correlations of β cell dedifferentiation in non-diabetic subjects with risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods:Immunofluorescence staining with insulin and β cell dedifferentiated marker ALDH1A3 was used to evaluate the β cell dedifferentiation levels in 38 non-diabetic and 23 T2DM. Correlation analyses were performed between β cell dedifferentiation levels and available clinical parameters including age, body mass index, HbA 1C level, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels in non-diabetic subjects. Results:β cell dedifferentiation level defined by the positive expression of ALDH1A3 in β cells(ALDH1A3 + INS + cell proportion) was significantly elevated in T2DM subjects( P<0.001). In PreD subjects, ALDH1A3 + INS + cells proportion were decreased( P=0.050) and negatively correlated with HbA 1C( r=-0.44, P=0.006), but not with age and body mass index. The analysis of correlation with lipidemic parameters showed that ALDH1A3 + INS + cells proportion was positively correlated with plasma total cholesterol level( r=0.39, P=0.045), but not plasma total triglyceride. Conclusion:ALDH1A3 + INS + cells were found to be decreased in prediabetes, suggesting that there may be enhanced β-cell identity in prediabetes to compensate for insulin secretion requirements; ALDH1A3 + INS + cells were elevated in people with high plasma total cholesterol levels, suggesting that total cholesterol may be one of the factors that induce β-cell dedifferentiation.

MicroRNA-21 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and migration of human bronchial epithelial cells by targeting poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 and activating PI3K/AKT signaling

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT ) is known to be involved in airway remodeling and fibrosis of bronchial asthma. However, the molecular mechanisms leading to EMT have yet to be fully clarified. The current study was designed to reveal the potential mechanism of microRNA-21 (miR-21) and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) affecting EMT through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE cells) were transfected with miR-21 mimics/inhibitors and PARP-1 plasmid/small interfering RNA (siRNA). A dual luciferase reporter assay and biotin-labeled RNA pull-down experiments were conducted to verify the targeting relationship between miR-21 mimics and PARP-1. The migration ability of 16HBE cells was evaluated by Transwell assay. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting experiments were applied to determine the expression of Snail, ZEB1, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin, and PARP-1. The effects of the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 on the migration of 16HBE cells and EMT were investigated. Overexpression of miR-21 mimics induced migration and EMT of 16HBE cells, which was significantly inhibited by overexpression of PARP-1. Our findings showed that PARP-1 was a direct target of miR-21, and that miR-21 targeted PARP-1 to promote migration and EMT of 16HBE cells through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Using LY294002 to block PI3K/AKT signaling pathway resulted in a significant reduction in the migration and EMT of 16HBE cells. These results suggest that miR-21 promotes EMT and migration of HBE cells by targeting PARP-1. Additionally, the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway might be involved in this mechanism, which could indicate its usefulness as a therapeutic target for asthma.

Application of nanocellulose in flexible sensors / 生物医学工程学杂志

The shortage of medical resources promotes medical treatment reform, and smart healthcare is a promising strategy to solve this problem. With the development of Internet, real-time health status is expected to be monitored at home by using flexible healthcare systems, which puts forward new demands on flexible substrates for sensors. Currently, the flexible substrates are mainly traditional petroleum-based polymers, which are not renewable. As a natural polymer, cellulose, owing to its wide range of sources, convenient processing, biodegradability and so on, is an ideal alternative. In this review, the application progress of nanocellulose in flexible sensors is summarized. The structure and the modification methods of cellulose and nanocellulose are introduced at first, and then the application of nanocellulose flexible sensors in real-time medical monitoring is summarized. Finally, the advantages and future challenges of nanocellulose in the field of flexible sensors are discussed.

Serological and molecular characterization of HBV infection with HBsAg reactive and HBV DNA non-reactive / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the serological and molecular characteristics of HBsAg+ /HBV DNA non-reactive (NR) infections. 【Methods】 Samples tested as HBsAg+ and HBV DNA NR were confirmed by individual NAT repeat testing, viral particle concentration by PEG precipitation combined with in-house nested PCR and real-time quantitative PCR, anti-HBc testing, and HBsAg quantification. HBV sequences were compared with those from donors with chronic and occult infection as controls. 【Results】 A total of 792 195 samples were screened between January 2011 and December 2020, of which 53 (1: 14 947) were confirmed HBsAg+ /HBV DNA NR. HBV DNA was detected further in five (9.4%) samples; three S sequences and four Pre Core/Core sequences were obtained. Unique amino acid substitutions (P130T, P135Q/S, R151Q, G153S and S155F) were found in the Core protein that may affect virus packaging and replication. 【Conclusion】 Extremely low HBV DNA level was detected in plasmas of HBsAg+ /HBV DNA NR donors. Barely detectable HBV DNA might be associated with unusual mutations in the Pre Core/Core protein affecting viral replication. More sensitive HBV DNA and/or HBsAg assays may be considered to further reduce the potential HBV transfusion-transmission residual risk.

Observation of corneal wavefront-guided FS-LASIK in the treatment of myopia with different degrees of astigmatism / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To compare the postoperative efficacy of corneal wavefront-guided femtosecond laser-assisted excimer in situ keratomileusis(FS-LASIK)in the treatment of myopia patients with different degrees of astigmatism and the changes of corneal higher order aberration.METHODS: A total of 133 patients(265 eyes)with myopia and astigmatism were enrolled in this retrospective study. All of them underwent corneal wavefront-guided FS-LASIK surgery for the first time in Aier Eye Hospital(Kunming)from April to October 2020. The patients were divided into three groups according to the different astigmatism: Low astigmatism group: astigmatism ≤1.0D, 62 cases(124 eyes), medium astigmatism group: a total of 54 cases(107 eyes)with astigmatism was 1.25-2.0D, high astigmatism group: a total of 17 cases(34 eyes)with astigmatism ≥2.25D. Visual acuity and refraction were recorded before surgery and 3mo after the surgery and the cornea of the patients was measured by Pentacam three-dimensional corneal topography. Record total higher order aberrations(root mean square), spherical aberration, horizontal coma, vertical coma, horizontal clover and oblique clover in the 6mm diameter range of the cornea. The postoperative effects of the three groups of patients were observed and the changes of corneal high order aberration before and after surgery were compared. RESULTS: The validity index of visual acuity in the three groups of patients was all greater than 1.1 and the residual diopter was all within ±0.30D. The residual diopter in the low astigmatism group was the least than that of the other two groups(P&#x003C;0.05). At 3mo after surgery, the corneal total higher order aberration, spherical aberration and vertical coma of the three groups were all increased compared with those before surgery(P&#x003C;0.05). The spherical aberration increase in the high astigmatism group was less than that in the other two groups(P&#x003C;0.05).CONCLUSION: Corneal wavefront-guided FS-LASIK surgery is safe and effective in the treatment of myopia with different degrees of astigmatism, and the effect is also accurate for patients with high astigmatism. The degree of of preoperative astigmatism is not responsible for increased corneal higher order aberration after the surgery.

Expert consensus on emergency medicine procedure optimization guided by routine prevention and control strategy for COVID-19

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a global public health emergency on 31 January 2020. Emergency medicine procedures in Emergency Department should be optimized to cope with the current COVID-19 pandemic by providing subspecialty services, reducing the spread of nosocomial infections, and promoting its capabilities to handle emerging diseases. Thus, the Chinese Society of Emergency Medicine and Wuhan Society of Emergency Medicine drafted this consensus together to address concerns of medical staffs who work in Emergency Department. Based on in-depth review of COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment plans, literatures, as well as management approval, this consensus proposes recommendations for improving the rationalization and efficiency of emergency processes, reducing the risk of nosocomial infections, preventing hospital viral transmission, and ensuring patient safety.

Preliminary study on the efficacy of ultrasound therapy in the rat model of sepsis / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To investigate the possible mechanism of ultrasound therapy in the rat model of sepsis.Methods:Seventy-eight male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into Sham group ( n = 12), septic model group ( n = 22), ultrasound treatment group ( n = 22), methyllycaconitine citrate (MLA) combined with ultrasound treatment group ( n = 22). In the Sham group, only the abdomen was opened, the cecum was found to be free, without cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). In the septic model group, CLP was used to replicate the septic rat model. After operation, each group of rats were subcutaneously injected with preheated 37 ℃ normal saline. The rats in the ultrasound treatment group were treated with ultrasound [Philips IU22 L9-3 ultrasound instrument and 9 MHz probe were used to break the sequence in the spleen area once every 6 seconds, with 1 second for each time, the mechanical index (MI) was 0.72, and the treatment time was 10 minutes]. In the MLA combined with ultrasound treatment group, α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) specific blocker MLA 4 mg/kg was injected intraperitoneally 30 minutes before operation, and ultrasound treatment was performed 2 hours after operation. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL-1β, IL-6) in serum of each group were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at 24 hours after operation. The 10-day survival rate of each group was recorded, and the symptoms of each group were evaluated by clinical disease score (CDS). The histopathological changes of lung and colon were observed under light microscope. Results:Compared with the Sham group, the 10-day survival rate of rats in the septic model group was decreased significantly [40% (4/10) vs. 100% (6/6)], the CDS was (10.73±2.19 vs. 6.17±0.58) and the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were increased significantly at 24 hours after operation [TNF-α (ng/L): 42.00±8.92 vs. 13.16±3.19, IL-6 (ng/L): 129.37±25.04 vs. 63.99±12.92, IL-1β(ng/L): 254.98±67.27 vs. 76.83±25.39, all P < 0.01]. Compared with the septic model group, the survival rate in the ultrasound treatment group was improved [70% (7/10) vs. 40% (4/10)], but there was no significant difference ( P > 0.05). The CDS (7.64±2.68 vs. 10.73±2.19) and the expressions of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were significantly reduced at 24 hours after operation [TNF-α(ng/L): 16.93±6.02 vs. 42.00±8.92, IL-6 (ng/L): 73.65±24.38 vs. 129.37±25.04, IL-1β(ng/L): 111.86±14.08 vs. 254.98±67.27, all P < 0.01]. Compared with the ultrasound treatment group, the survival rate in the MLA combined with ultrasound treatment group was reduced [60% (6/10) vs. 70% (7/10)], but the difference was not statistically significant ( P > 0.05). CDS was significantly increased (9.55±2.72 vs. 7.64±2.68), and the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β were significantly increased at 24 hours after operation [TNF-α(ng/L): 34.61±7.89 vs. 16.93±6.02, IL-6 (ng/L): 112.92±10.42 vs. 73.65±24.38, IL-1β(ng/L): 212.57±32.16 vs. 111.86±14.08, all P < 0.01]. Microscopically, in the septic model group, the alveolar septum was thickened, a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrated, normal pulmonary reticular structure disappeared, and pulmonary interstitium showed obvious hemorrhage and edema, meanwhile, the structure of colonic villi was obviously abnormal, with cells were edema and inflammatory cell infiltration, and the arrangement was disordered, so that the subepithelial space and the top of it fell off. After ultrasound treatment, the thickness of the alveolar interval in rats was similar to that in Sham group, without obvious inflammatory cell infiltration, and the pulmonary reticular structure was relatively intact. At the same time, the morphology of colonic villi was basically normal and orderly, the edema of cell was not obvious, and subcutaneous space and tip fall off were not obvious. After being antagonized by MLA, the rat lung tissue showed thickened alveolar septum, inflammatory cell infiltration, incomplete pulmonary network structure, hemorrhage and edema in the interstitium. The villi structure of the colon was faintly visible, with obvious cell edema and inflammatory cell infiltration, and the arrangement was abnormal. Conclusion:Ultrasound treatment improves the prognosis of septic rats, MLA can reverse the anti-inflammatory effect of ultrasound therapy by antagonizing α7nAChR, suggesting that the protective mechanism of ultrasound in sepsis may be related to activating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway mediated by α7nAChR.