Astragaloside IV for Heart Failure: Preclinical Evidence and Possible Mechanisms, A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the cardioprotective effects of astragaloside IV (AS-IV) in heart failure (HF).@*METHODS@#PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Wanfang Database, Chinese Bio-medical Literature and Retrieval System (SinoMed), China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were searched from inception to November 1, 2021 for animal experiments to explore AS-IV in treating HF in rats or mice. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS), left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD), left ventricular end-systolic dimension (LVESD), left ventricular weight-to-body weight (LVW/BW) and B-type brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were recorded. The qualities of included studies were assessed by the risk of bias according to the Cochrane handbook. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 13.0.@*RESULTS@#Twenty-one articles involving 558 animals were considered. Compared with the control group, AS-IV improved cardiac function, specifically by increasing LVEF (mean difference (MD)=6.97, 95% confidence interval (CI)=5.92 to 8.03, P<0.05; fixed effects model) and LVFS (MD=7.01, 95% CI=5.84 to 8.81, P<0.05; fixed effects model), and decreasing LVEDD (MD=-4.24, 95% CI=-4.74 to -3.76, P<0.05; random effects model) and LVESD (MD=-4.18, 95% CI=-5.26 to -3.10, P<0.05; fixed effects model). In addition, the BNP and LVW/BW levels were decreased in the AS-IV treatment group (MD=-9.18, 95% CI=-14.13 to -4.22, P<0.05; random effects model; MD=-1.91, 95% CI=-2.42 to -1.39, P<0.05; random effects model).@*CONCLUSIONS@#AS-IV is a promising therapeutic agent for HF. However, this conclusion needs to be clinically validated in the future.

Qishen Taohong Granule () as Adjuvant Therapy for Improving Cardiac Function and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure: A Randomized Controlled Trial / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To confirm the improvement of cardiac function and quality of life (QOL) in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) via Chinese medicine (CM) Qishen Taohong Granule (, QTG).@*METHODS@#This study was a single-center, prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Seventy-six patients from 27 to 84 years old diagnosed with CHF New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II or III in stage C were enrolled and randomly assigned at a 1:1 ratio to receive QTG or trimetazidine (TMZ), in addition to their standard medications for the treatment of CHF. The study period was 4 weeks. The primary outcomes included cardiac function evaluated by NYHA classification and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), as well as QOL evaluated by CHF Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Survival Scale (CHFQLS). The secondary outcomes included 6-min walking test (6MWT), CM syndrome score, symptom and sign scores and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). All indices were measured at baseline and the end of the trial.@*RESULTS@#At the 4-week follow-up period, the effective rate according to NYHA classification in the QTG group was better than that in the TMZ group (74.29% vs. 54.29%, P<0.05). But there was no significant difference in post-treatment level of LVEF between the two groups (P>0.05). The CHFQLS scores improved by 13.82±6.04 vs. 7.49±2.28 in the QTG and TMZ groups, respectively (P<0.05). Subgroup analysis of the CHFQLS results showed that physiological function, role limitation and vitality were significantly higher in the QTG group than in the TMZ group (15.76±7.85 vs. 7.40±3.36, P<0.05; 16.00±8.35 vs. 10.53±4.64, P<0.05; 15.31±8.09 vs. 7.89±4.60, P<0.05). Compared with TMZ group, treatment with QTG also demonstrated superior performance with respect to 6MWT, CM syndrome, shortness of breath, fatigue, gasping, general edema and NT-proBNP level. No significant adverse reactions or adverse cardiac events occurred during treatment in either group.@*CONCLUSION@#In addition to conventional treatments, the use of QTG as an adjuvant therapy significantly improved cardiac function and QOL in patients with CHF class II or III in stage C. [Registration No. ChiCTR1900022036 (retrospectively registered)].

Effect of ceramic materials on the optical properties of porcelain veneers for tetracycline-stained teeth / 华西口腔医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To analyze the chromatic properties and translucency of porcelain veneers made from different ceramic materials against the background of tetracycline-stained teeth.@*METHODS@#Porcelain specimens (A1, A3, B2, B4) measuring 0.50 mm in thickness were prepared by heat-press casting and layering. The L*, a*, and b* values of the specimens against simulated tetracycline tooth and black-and-white backgrounds were measured by a spectrophotometer, and color differences ΔE@*RESULTS@#The ΔE@*CONCLUSIONS@#When changing the color of tetracycline-stained teeth, 0.50 mm-thick IPS d.SIGN feldspathic veneers with an opaque layer provide better chromatic properties than IPS e.max Press LT glass ceramic veneers. However, the translucency of feldspathic veneers is generally poorer than that of glass ceramic veneers.

Cloning and heterologous expression of sansanmycin biosynthetic gene cluster in Streptomyces coelicolor / 药学学报

Sansanmycins (SSs), produced by Streptomyces sp. SS, belong to uridyl peptide antibiotics which exhibit a good inhibitory effect on Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. They share a unique chemical scaffold with a 4',5'-enamide-3'-deoxyuridine attached to DABA (N-methyl-2,3-diaminobutyryl) which was located in the peptide chain through peptide bond. In order to study the function of related genes and to employ synthetic biology to gain new SS derivatives, we obtained a complete SS biosynthetic gene cluster and heterologously expressed it in Streptomyces coelicolor M1146, M1152 and M1154. Fermentation broth of the recombinant strains were detected using HPLC and HPLC-MS/MS, and the result showed that SS-A was successfully produced in the three strains, and its production level in S. coelicolor M1154 was similar to the original wild type strain. In addition, a potential SS analogue named as SS-1154 was discovered from the fermentation broth of S. coelicolor M1154.

Preparation of biotin-grafted pullulan acetate nanoparticles conjugated with CD3 antibodies and their uptake of T cells / 医学研究生学报

Objective Cytotoxic T lymphocytes are the main effector cells of anti-tumor immunity. Active targeting of nanoparticles to T cells and activation of T cells can be achieved by conjugation with specific antibodies. We prepared the biotin-grafted pullulan acetate nanoparticles conjugated with CD3 (Bio-PA-CD3 NPs), and explored their effects on the proliferation, cytokine secretion and uptake of CD8+T cells.Methods We prepared Bio-PA NPs by the dialysis method, conjugated CD3 antibodies to the surface of NPs to make Bio-PA-CD3 NPs, and measured the diameter and Zeta potential of the NPs. We evaluated the effects of the NPs on the proliferation of CD8+T cells and the secretion of cytokines by CCK-8 assay and ELISA, respectively, and quantitatively analyzed the cellular uptakes of the Bio-PA-CD3 NPs by the flow cytometry.Results The Bio-PA-CD3 NPs exhibited regular spherical shapes of even size and with no adhesion. The content of CD3 antibodies on the surface of the NPs decreased with the increased degree of biotin substitution. The CD3 contents of the Bio-PA-CD3 NPs with biotin substitution degrees of 1.6%, 5.4% and 6.3% were (36.1±4.4), (21.4±4.3) and (10.3±4.7) μg/mg, respectively. Compared with Bio-PA NPs, Bio-PA-CD3 NPs at a certain concentration significantly enhanced the proliferation of CD8+T cells in vitro and promoted the secretion of IFN-γ, TNF-β and IL-2 cytokines. The Bio-PA-CD3 NPs manifested a higher cellular uptake with the increased content of CD3 antibodies.Conclusion The Bio-PA-CD3 NPs we prepared could be a promising agent to enhance the immune effect of T cells.

The Clinical Application of Fixed Permanent Periodontal Splint / 昆明医科大学学报

Objective To study the effect of unmovable splint therapy in patients with moderate and severe periodontitis. Methods Twenty periodontitis cases with loosened anterior teeth were treated with unmovable splints after the basic periodontal therapy. The clinical effect and periodontal index were evaluated in the sixth month, the first year, the second year and the third year. Result The success rate was 90 percent three years after the restoration.Conclusion Unmovable splint therapy is one of the effective therapies in the treatment of periodontitis.

Risk factors of oxygen saturation decrease during intrahospital transportation of intensive care unit patients in emergency department / 中华护理杂志

Objective To explore risk factors of oxygen saturation (SpO2) decrease during intrahospital transporta-tion (IHT) of intensive care unit (ICU) patients in emergency department,and provide theoretical basis for prevent-ing oxygen saturation decrease during intrahospital transportation. Methods A cross-sectional study design was adopted,from April to May,2017,we investigated 182 ICU patients who required IHT in an emergency department in a tertiary hospital in Shanxi Province by using self-designed Evaluation Form of Intrahospital Transportation for ICU Patients in Emergency Room. We divided patients into two groups based on whether their SpO2 decreased or not. Risk factors of SpO2 decrease were identified by univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis. Results Among 182 patients,117 had SpO2 decrease,and the rate of SpO2 decrease was 64.3%. Patient's age,MEWS score, disease type,escort personnel,and oxygen supply device were risk factors of SpO2 decrease. Conclusion SpO2 de-crease is the result of combination of multiple risk factors during IHT. We ought to enhance training of escort person-nel,assess patient's condition and SpO2 level accurately and make plan before transportation,choose qualified oxygen supply device to ensure patients can have effective oxygen supply during IHT,which prevent SpO2 decrease during IHT.

Lateral closing wedge osteotomy and modified cross pinning with external tension band fixation in the treatment of cubitus varus deformity in childrenLateral closing wedge osteotomy and modified cross pinning with external tension band fixation in the treatment of cubitus varus deformity in children / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the therapeutic effects of distal humeral lateral closing wedge osteotomy followed by modified pinning combined with external tension band fixation in the treatment of cubitus varus deformity in children.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Total 26 adult patients with cubitus varus deformity were treated by operation from March 2011 to June 2015, 15 patients were boys and the other 11 patients were girls, ranging in age from 4 to 13 years, with an average of 7.8 years. The cubitus varus angel ranged from 11 degrees to 24 degrees, with a mean(17.50±6.73) degrees, 3 patients complicated more than 10 degrees constriction of flexion. Lateral closing wedge osteotomy retaining the medial 3 to 4 mm intact cortex by lateral elbow approach was applied in these 26 patients. The wedge defect were closed and fixed by crossing pinning. The lateral column compression was achieved with external tension band(the crossing pins were bended laterally and the pin ends were hooked mutually). The pre-operative, post-oparetive and contralateral carrying angles were compared and Laupattarakasem criteria was used to evaluate the results at follow-up.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the patients got bony union 2 months after operation and there was no infection or nerve palsy. The average follow-up period was 18.8 months (ranged, 13 to 29 months). The carrying angle was restored to(11.50±3.17) degrees(ranged, 8 to 14 degrees). According to the Laupattarakasem evaluation criteria, 14 patients got an excellent result, 13 good and 1 fair.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Normal carrying angle and elbow flexion could be restored by lateral closing wedge osteotomy, and stable fixation could be achieved with crossing pinning and external tension band, which is available for early mobilization.</p>

Effect of heterologous auxotrophy markers on adaptation to various stresses in Candida albicans / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To investigate the effect of heterologous auxotrophy markers from non-Candida albicans (C. albicans) yeasts (C.dubliniensis HIS1\[C.d.HIS1\], C. maltosa LEU2\[C.m.LEU2\] and C.dubliniensis ARG4\[C.d.ARG4\]) on adaptation to various stresses of C. albicans knockout mutants (by His1-Leu2-Arg4 strategy). Methods Fusion PCR strategy was used to construct recombination fragment, which was then used to transform SN152 by lithium acetate method. Genomic PCR was used to confirm the integration of the three selection markers. Spot assays were employed to assess the sensitivities of different reintegrated strains to different stresses. Results The results of PCR showed that seven reintegrated strains containing C.m. LEU2, C.d. HIS1 and C.d. ARG4 were successfully constructed. The results of spot assay showed that there were no differences between the seven reintegration strains and SN152 in responses to the tested stresses, including pH stress, oxidative stress, antifungal agent stress, metal ion stress, cell wall stress, osmotic stress and DNA damage agent stress. We also found that only strains which integrated C.d. HIS1 marker could survive from the 0.02% SDS stress. Conclusion The three heterologous selection marker C.m. LEU2, C.d. HIS1 and C.d. ARG4 do not influence the sensitivity of C. albicans to most stresses; comparison can be made between C. albicans knockout mutants with different markers, and SN152 can be used as parental control. While assessing the sensitivity to SDS, the results vary with different selection markers, and SN152 can not be used as a unified control; therefore comparison should be made with C.d. HIS1 kept consistent.

Influence of nano-silica content on flexural properties of the aluminum borate whisker and silica filler composite resins / 华西口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To discuss the influence of nano-silica content which was hydrolyzed by tetraethyl orthosioate (TEOS) on the aluminum borate whisker (AlBw) and silica filler composite resins on flexural properties.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The nanometer-size silicon dioxide (SiO2) particles were prepared by sol-gel method based on tetraethyl orthosioate. Different proportion of AlBw and SiO2 were fused and attached onto the surface of AlBw through high temperature, then polymerized with resin matrix after surface siliconization and their flexural strength and flexural modulus were determined. The effects of heat treatment to the surface morphology of AlBw and the shapes of the mixture at various proportions were characterized by TEM.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The flexural properties of dental composite resins with AlBw-SiO2 compound as inorganic fillers were significantly improved. The flexural property of a new type of dental composite resins was(130.29 +/- 8.38) MPa, when the mass ratio of AlBw and nano-SiO2 particle was 3:1.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Nano-silica content which was hydrolyzed by tetraethyl orthosioate improved flexural properties of the aluminum borate whisker and silica filler composite resins.</p>