Chinese Medicine Meets Conventional Medicine in Targeting COVID-19 Pathophysiology, Complications and Comorbidities / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate how the National Health Commission of China (NHCC)-recommended Chinese medicines (CMs) modulate the major maladjustments of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), particularly the clinically observed complications and comorbidities.@*METHODS@#By focusing on the potent targets in common with the conventional medicines, we investigated the mechanisms of 11 NHCC-recommended CMs in the modulation of the major COVID-19 pathophysiology (hyperinflammations, viral replication), complications (pain, headache) and comorbidities (hypertension, obesity, diabetes). The constituent herbs of these CMs and their chemical ingredients were from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Information Database. The experimentally-determined targets and the activity values of the chemical ingredients of these CMs were from the Natural Product Activity and Species Source Database. The approved and clinical trial drugs against these targets were searched from the Therapeutic Target Database and DrugBank Database. Pathways of the targets was obtained from Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and additional literature search.@*RESULTS@#Overall, 9 CMs modulated 6 targets discovered by the COVID-19 target discovery studies, 8 and 11 CMs modulated 8 and 6 targets of the approved or clinical trial drugs for the treatment of the major COVID-19 complications and comorbidities, respectively.@*CONCLUSION@#The coordinated actions of each NHCC-recommended CM against a few targets of the major COVID-19 pathophysiology, complications and comorbidities, partly have common mechanisms with the conventional medicines.

Hedgehog signaling in gastrointestinal carcinogenesis and the gastrointestinal tumor microenvironment

The Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway plays important roles in gastrointestinal carcinogenesis and the gastrointestinal tumor microenvironment (TME). Aberrant HH signaling activation may accelerate the growth of gastrointestinal tumors and lead to tumor immune tolerance and drug resistance. The interaction between HH signaling and the TME is intimately involved in these processes, for example, tumor growth, tumor immune tolerance, inflammation, and drug resistance. Evidence indicates that inflammatory factors in the TME, such as interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interferon-

Influence of nape acupuncture therapy on swallowing function of patients with cerebral infarction / 解放军医学杂志

Objective To observe the influence of nape acupuncture therapy on swallowing function of patients with cerebral infarction. Methods Eighty patients with dysphagia after cerebral infarction were recruited and randomly allocated to the nape acupuncture group and the control group, 40 each group. Both groups were given general medicine therapy and swallowing functional training, while the nape acupuncture group was given nape acupuncture based on the control group, and fiberoptic nasopharyngoscopy was used for the swallowing function before and after treatment. Rosenbek Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) score of 5ml pudding food, 5ml and 10ml liquid food, and the scores for bedside water-swallowing test and standardized swallowing assessment (SSA) were obtained. Before and after treatment, the differences between the two groups were identified respectively. Results After treatment, the scores of SSA and PAS of swallowing of 3 kinds of food in both groups were significantly improved compared with those before treatment (P<0.05). The improvement of SSA and PAS scores of 5ml and 10ml liquid food in the nape acupuncture group were superior to the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate of the nape acupunture group was significantly higher than that of control group (χ2=5.00, P<0.05). Conclusion Nape acupuncture therapy may significantly improve the swallowing function of patients with dysphagia following cerebral infarction.

Clinico-pathological features of temporal lobe epilepsy with enlarged amygdala / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To summarize the clinical, video electroencephalogram (VEEG), radiological and pathological features of 3 patients of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) with amygdala enlargement (AE).@*METHODS@#Three TLE patients with AE who were hospitalized in Peking University International Hospital were collected. The above features were retrospectively analyzed, and the amygdala volume was measured as well.@*RESULTS@#Of all the 3 patients, 2 were females and 1 male, whose seizure onset ages varied from 21 to 40 years. Two cases presented with secondarily generalized tonicclonic seizures after falling asleep during the night. One of the 2 cases had complex partial seizures (CPSs) with episodic memory and automatism after one year, and the third one had CPSs with lip smacking and tongue wagging during the night. All the patients suffered from obvious anxious disorder. Unilateral AE by MRI was demonstrated in the 3 cases, one on the right side, and the other two on the left side. The average amygdala volume of the enlarged side and the other side were (2 123.7±131.8) mm3 and (1 276.3±156.9) mm3, respectively. Unilateral interictal epileptic discharges were ipsilateral to the AE in 2 cases, while the other patient showed bilateral interictal epileptic discharges. The ictal VEEG showed that the seizure onset zone was ipsilateral to the AE and was confined to the anterior and middle temporal regions in the 3 patients. The interictal single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was negative in 2 cases. The interictal positron emission tomography (PET) showed hypometabolism in the AE in one case. The histological pathology revealed focal cortical dysplasia in the amygdala and temporal lobe in the 3 cases, and one of the 3 cases was combined with hippocampal sclerosis. All the patients became seizure free after surgery in the half year following-up. VEEG revealed slow wave activity and occasional spike wave in the operated side.@*CONCLUSION@#AE may be one subtype of TLE. It is necessary to recognize AE in TLE with MRI-negative. For those poorly responsive to antiepileptic drugs, surgical treatment could provide a better solution. Focal cortical dysplasia may be one of the most common pathological features of TLE with AE.

Effects of laser-assisted cochleostomy on inner hair cell ribbon synapse in rats / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects on ribbon synapse of inner hair cells after superpulsed CO2 laser-assisted cochleostomy in SD rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighteen SD rats were randomly divided into laser-assisted surgery groups (2 W group and 5 W group), sham-operated group and control group. Ten of those were performed a cochleostomy using superpulsed CO2 laser with a corresponding power. Auditory brainstem responses (ABR) were measured pre-and postoperatively. The ribbon synapses at apical and middle cochlear turns were observed under laser scanning confocal microscope and then were quantified with 3ds Max software.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The postoperative ABR thresholds of the 2 W and 5 W groups were larger than the preoperative case (t = -5.65, P < 0.01; t = -4.97, P < 0.01). The synapse number at the middle turn decreased significantly in 5 W group (F = 17.15, P < 0.01), while no significant changes were noted at the apical turn (P > 0.05). There was no statistical difference in 2 W group (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The superpulsed CO2 laser-assisted cochleostomy with high-power is accompanied by a synaptic injury, while no obvious effects after the low-power laser surgery, which might be a safe strategy to preform cochleostomy.</p>

Clinical research on post-stroke dysphagia treated with nape acupuncture and rehabilitation training / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the improvement in post-stroke dysphagia after treatment of nape acupuncture and rehabilitation training.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighty patients who were in compliance with the inclusive criteria were randomized into a conventional treatment group and a nape acupuncture group, 40 cases in each one, according to the admission sequence. In the conventional treatment group, on the basis of general medication, the rehabilitation training of swallowing function was applied. In the nape acupuncture group, on the basic treatment as the conventional treatment group, nape acupuncture group was given.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After treatment, the improvements in bedside water swallowing test, SSA, VFSS and pharynx transit time were all superior to those before treatment for the patients in the two groups (all P < 0.05). The improvements in bedside water swallowing test, SSA, VFSS and pharynx transit time in the nape acupuncture group were all superior to those in the conventional treatment group (all P < 0.05). The total effective rate was 85.0% (34/40) in the nape acupuncture group, which was higher than 65.0% (26/40) in the conventional treatment group, indicating the significantly statistical difference between the two groups (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Nape acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training significantly improves swallowing function of the patients after stroke.</p>

Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid promotes colon carcinogenesis / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate whether ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid promotes colon carcinogenesis through downregulation of P53-dependent growth inhibition.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Colon carcinogenesis was induced by injection of azoxymethane (AOM) intraperitoneally. Experimental animals were randomly divided into four groups, receiving regular diet and intraperitoneal injection of normal saline(control group), high ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid diet with intraperitoneal injection of normal saline(Corn oil group), regular diet with intraperitoneal injection of AOM(AOM group), or high ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid diet with intraperitoneal injection of AOM (Corn oil+AOM group). Aberrant crypt focis (ACFs) were observed after methylene blue staining and enumerated. Colonic mucosa PCNA and P53 expressions were assessed by RT-PCR and Western blotting, and location of P53 in the colon crypt focis was determined by immunohistochemical staining.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Amounts of ACFs was 1.2±0.3 in the control group, 1.3±0.4 in the Corn oil group, 41.0±4.8 in the AOM group, and 73.3±9.9 in the Corn oil+AOM group, the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05). The expression of P53 in normal crypt focis was higher than that in ACFs. High ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid dietary significantly promoted AOM-induced colon PCNA expression, and enhanced AOM-mediated P53 inhibition in colon mucosa.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>High ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid diet can enhance AOM-induced inhibition of P53 in colon mucosa, resulting in overexpression of PCNA, formation of ACF, and carcinogenesis in the colon.</p>

Long-term P300 in hemispherectomized patients / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>In the years around 1990, in Beijing Tiantan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University many children with infantile hemiplegia and intractable epilepsy were treated with further modified anatomical hemispherectomy. We report the follow up of the first six cases. To make good use of these precious clinical data and make clear their neuropsychological state, we performed neuropsychological and neurophysiological measurements in these patients, who were at a median of 17.8 years after hemispherectomy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Oddball task was given to the patients and to a normal control group to collect the peak latency (PL) and peak amplitude (PA) of event-related potentials (ERPs)-P300. The P300 data of the two groups were analyzed and the P300 patterns of the six patients are presented. The baseline characteristics and long-term follow-up of the six hemispherectomized patients, especially the long-term seizure control and cognitive function after surgery, are described.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Five patients had no seizures and one was almost seizure-free during the years after surgery. Clear P300 was obtained from every electrode in the patients. Differences of P300 between patients and normal control group had no statistical significance. And the maximum PA was at the site of electrode Pz or Cz which was consistent with that of the control group and with previous findings.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Further modified anatomical hemispherectomy has preferable long-term antiepileptic effects. The P300 results of the patients mean that the basic cognitive function of the patients has no difference from the control group. This reflects the plasticity of the hemisphere to some extent and increases the affirmation of the long-term curative effects of further modified anatomical hemispherectomy from both neuropsychological and neurophysiological aspects.</p>

New concept and clinical application of colorectal intraepithelial neoplasia and carcinoma / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To introduce the WHO 2000 diagnostic criteria of biopsy of colorectal intraepithelial neoplasia and carcinoma and to enhance diagnostic accuracy and avoid overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The postoperative pathological examination and preoperative biopsy in 56 patients diagnosed as colorectal intraepithelial neoplasia and carcinoma before operation from January 2001 to October 2005 were compared retrospectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among the 56 cases, 16 patients were diagnosed by preoperative biopsy as carcinoma in situ, intramucosal carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, but according to the new standard, of them 14 cases should be revised to be higher grade colorectal intraepithelial neoplasia.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Strictly adhere to the new WHO criteria, colorectal intraepithelial neoplasia and carcinoma can be diagnosed properly, but for the cases that submucosal muscular layer would not presented in biopsy, the diagnosis should be made by combining clinical findings and various examination results so as to avoid underdiagnosis and delay of treatment.</p>

The Development of Ion Beam Bioengineering by Literature Analysis in China / 中国生物工程杂志

The ion beam bioengineering study articles for 1994 -2003 years were retrieved, the research material and the level of the research, magazine, the ion source and the fund source were analysed and counted. The results indicate that the ion beam bioengineering of China get a fast development under the support of the nation and the local government and college. The development in the field of microbe is the fastest. in 21st century, the local government and colleges gradually enlarge the support of the ion beam bioengineering, some articles are under the support of enterprise researcher and fund. The contents of these articles mainly about application study. After analysing the data, the future of ion beam bioengineering of China was forecasted.

Application of RAPD Molecular Marker to Edible Fungi / 中国生物工程杂志

RAPD molecular marker was widely applied to the studies of edible fungi due to it’s simplicity , rapidity and economy. The principle of RAPD molecular marker and its applications to edible fungi were summarized. The applications of RAPD to edible fungi were introduced in species and parental strain identification,genetic diversity, gene clone, gene isolation and the construction of gene linkage map. RAPD molecular marker provids a powerful tool for the studies of edible fungi.

Experimental study on the osseointegration of nanophase hydroxyapatite biograde-coated implants / 中华外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the osseointegration of the nanophase hydroxyapatite biograde-coated implants and host bone.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Nanophase hydroxyapatite biograde-coated implants, hydroxyapatite biograde-coated implants and noncoated Ti-6Al-4V implants were inserted into both femoral of Beagle canines the tissue response, dynamic osteogensis and SEM were studied at 4, 8 and 12 weeks.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The degradation of nanophase hydroxyapatite was slower than hydroxyapatite, dynamic osteogensis and the form of osteoblast were better than the control groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The biological reaction of Nanophase hydroxyapatite biograde-coated implants is better than hydroxyapatite coated implant.</p>