Association between telomere length in the DNA of peripheral blood leukocytes and the propofol dose in anesthesia induction: an observational study

Abstract Introduction: Propofol is a widely used anesthetic and its dose is closely related to aging. Telomere length (TL) is a unique heritable trait, and emerging as a biomarker of aging, health and disease. Telomerase RNA component (TERC) plays an important role in maintaining TL. We proposed a hypothesis that propofol dose in general anesthesia can be predicted by measuring TL before operation, which greatly reduced the risk of anesthesia, especially the elderly. Methods: The association between the propofol dose in anesthesia induction and: TL in the DNA of peripheral blood leukocytes; body weight; sex; difference of the Bispectral Index (BIS) before and after anesthesia induction in patients was evaluated by multivariable linear regression analyses. The mutation at the 5'end or 3'end of TERC was detected. We recruited 100 patients of elective surgery. Results: We found that propofol dose in anesthesia induction was clearly correlated significantly with TL (r = 0.78, p < 0.001), body weight (r = 0.84, p = 0.004), sex (r = 0.83, p= 0.84, p = 0.004), sex (r = 0.83, p = 0.004), and difference of BIS before and after anesthesia induction (r = 0.85, p = 0.029). By comparing the absolute values of standardized regression coefficients (0.58, 0.21, 0.19, and 0.12) of the four variables, it can be seen that TL contributes the most to the propofol dose in anesthesia induction. However, the mutation at the 5' end or 3' end of TERC was not found. Conclusions: These findings provide preliminary evidence that the propofol dose in anesthesia induction was clearly correlated with genetically determined TL. TL may be a promising predictor of the propofol dose, which is beneficial to improve the safety of anesthesia and reduce perioperative complications.

Physical fitness training of volleyball players based on scientific theory / Treinamento de aptidão física de jogadores de voleibol baseado na teoria científica / Entrenamiento físico de jugadores de voleibol basado en la teoría científica

ABSTRACT Introduction: Athletes' physical fitness is the basis for improving their volleyball skills, and physical training can play an essential role in the whole process of training volleyball players resulting in improving the level of physical function of volleyball players and changing the structure of body conformation. Objective: Analyze the effects of physical training on the overall quality of volleyball players. Methods: Several volleyball players were randomly selected and submitted to two months of physical training based on scientific theory literature. We used mathematical statistics to analyze the fitness and performance indicators of volleyball players before and after physical training. Results: The physical fitness of volleyball players was significantly improved after two months of physical training (P<0.05). The performance of volleyball players improved after physical training (P<0.05). Conclusion: Physical agility of volleyball players is improved when submitted to systematic physical training. After physical training, the velocity quality of volleyball players can be significantly improved. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução: A preparação física do atleta é a base para melhorar suas habilidades no vôlei e o treinamento físico pode ter um papel essencial em todo o processo no treino dos jogadores de voleibol resultando na melhora do nível de função física dos jogadores de vôlei e alterar a estrutura da conformação corporal. Objetivo: Analisar os efeitos do treinamento físico na qualidade geral dos jogadores de voleibol. Métodos: Vários jogadores de voleibol foram selecionados aleatoriamente e submetidos a dois meses de treinamento físico embasado na literatura da teoria científica. Foram utilizadas estatísticas matemáticas para analisar os indicadores de aptidão física e desempenho dos jogadores de voleibol antes e depois do treinamento físico. Resultados: A aptidão física dos jogadores de vôlei foi significativamente aprimorada após dois meses de treinamento físico (P<0,05). O desempenho dos jogadores de voleibol melhorou após o treinamento físico (P<0,05). Conclusão: A agilidade física dos jogadores de voleibol é aprimorada quando submetida ao treinamento físico sistemático. Após o treinamento físico, a qualidade da velocidade dos jogadores de voleibol pode ser significativamente melhorada. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: La condición física del deportista es la base para mejorar sus habilidades en el voleibol y el entrenamiento físico puede desempeñar un papel esencial en todo el proceso de formación de los jugadores de voleibol, lo que resulta en la mejora del nivel de la función física de los jugadores de voleibol y el cambio de la estructura de la conformación del cuerpo. Objetivo: Analizar los efectos del entrenamiento físico en la calidad general de los jugadores de voleibol. Métodos: Se seleccionaron aleatoriamente varios jugadores de voleibol y se los sometió a dos meses de entrenamiento físico basado en la literatura teórica científica. Se utilizó la estadística matemática para analizar la aptitud física y los indicadores de rendimiento de los jugadores de voleibol antes y después del entrenamiento físico. Resultados: La aptitud física de los jugadores de voleibol mejoró significativamente tras dos meses de entrenamiento físico (P<0,05). El rendimiento de los jugadores de voleibol mejoró tras el entrenamiento físico (P<0,05). Conclusión: La agilidad física de los jugadores de voleibol mejora cuando se los somete a un entrenamiento físico sistemático. Tras el entrenamiento físico, la calidad de la velocidad de los jugadores de voleibol puede mejorar considerablemente. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

A medium-and long-term comparative observation on volumetric changes of cervical disc herniation after symmetrically or asymmetrically decompression and conservative treatment for cervical spondylotic myelopathy / 中华外科杂志

Objective: To compare the volumetric changes of cervical disc herniation (CDH) after cervical microendoscopic laminoplasty(CMEL),expansive open-door laminoplasty (EOLP) and conservative treatment. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted involving 101 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy(CSM),at the Department of Orthopaedics,the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from April 2012 to April 2021. The patients included 52 males and 49 females with an age of (54.7±11.8) years(range:25 to 86 years). Among them, 35 patients accepted CMEL treatment,33 patients accepted EOLP treatment,while 33 patients accepted conservative treatment. Volume data of CDH were measured by three-dimensional analysis of the initial and follow-up MRI images. The absorption rate and reprotrusion rate of CDH were calculated. The happening of resorption or reprotrusion was defined when the ratio was greater than 5%. The clinical outcomes and quality of life were evaluated by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and the neck disability index (NDI).Quantitative data was analyzed by one-way ANOVA with post LSD-t test (multiple comparison) or Kruskal-Wallis test. Categorical data was analyzed by χ2test. Results: The follow-up time of the CMEL group,EOLP group and the conservative treatment group were (27.6±18.8)months,(21.6±6.9)months and(24.9±16.3)months respectively with no significant difference(P>0.05). Changes of CDH volume in patients:(1) There were 96 CDH of 35 patients in the CMEL group,among which 78 showed absorption. The absorption frequency was 81.3%(78/96) and the absorption rate was ranged 5.9% to 90.9%;9 CDH showed reprotrusion,the reprotrusion frequency was 9.4% (9/96) and the reprotrusion rate was 5.9% to 13.3%;(2) There were 94 CDH of 33 patients in the EOLP group,of which 45 showed absorption. The absorption prevalence was 47.9% (45/94) and the absorption rate was 5.0% to 26.7%;20 CDH showed reprotruded,with the reprotrusion frequency of 21.3% (20/94) and the reprotrusion rate was 5.8% to 28.3%;(3) There were 102 CDH in 33 patients of the conservative group. Among them, 5 showed absorption. The absorption frequency was 4.9% (5/102),and the absorption rate was 7.2% to 14.3%;58 CDH showed reprotruded with the re-protrusion ratio of 56.9% (58/102) and the re-protrusion rate was 5.4% to 174.1%. The absorption ratio and reprotrusion ratio of the CMEL group were statistically different from EOLP group or the conservative group (P<0.01).The absorption ratio and reprotrusion ratio of the EOLP group was different from conservative group (P<0.01). In terms of clinical outcomes, the excellent/good rate of the JOA score and NDI scores in the CMEL group were different from that of conservative group (P<0.01) but not from that of the EOLP group(P>0.05). Conclusions: CMEL is an effective method for the treatment of CSM,making CDH easier to resorption compared to the EOLP or conservative treatment,thus making a better decompression effect on the nerves. This study enlightened on a new strategy for the clinical treatment of CSM.

Mechanism of Schisandra Chinensis-mediated microglia phenotypic transformation by regulation of the TLR4 pathway based on miR-124 / 药学学报

To investigate the mechanism by which Schisandra Chinensis mediates the phenotypic transformation of microglia via microRNA-124 (miR-124)-based regulation of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway, a model was established using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation of BV2 cells. Cells were treated with different doses of Schisandra Chinensis extract (SCE). MiR-124 inhibitors and negative control sequences (NC inhibitor) were transfected into LPS-induced BV2 cells and treated with SCE. The MTT assay was used for cell activity detection; an NO kit was used to measure NO release; ELISA kits were used to measure the levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Microglia markers, including ionized calcium binding adapter molecule-1 (IBA-1) and arginase-1 (Arg-1), and the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) were evaluated by immunofluorescent staining. NF-κB p65, IBA-1, Arg-1, TLR4, myeloid differentiation primary factor 88 (MyD88), inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappa B kinases-α (IKK-α), IL-10, TNF-α were detected by immunoblot. SCE at concentrations ranging from 31.25 to 250 μg·mL-1 had no significant effect on cell activity. SCE treatment significantly inhibited NO release induced by LPS (P < 0.001, P < 0.01), increased the level of IL-10 (P < 0.05), and decreased the level of TNF-α (P < 0.001). In addition, SCE significantly reduced the expression of TNF-α, IBA-1, TLR4, and MyD88 (P < 0.01, P < 0.001) and elevated the expression of IL-10, Arg-1, NF-κB P65 and IKK-α (P < 0.001, P < 0.01, P < 0.05). SCE treatment could also promote the expression of miR-124 (P < 0.01). However, transfection with the miR-124 inhibitor increased TNF-α (P < 0.001), decreased the level of IL-10 (P < 0.05), increased the mRNA level and the protein expression of TNF-α and IBA-1 (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, P < 0.001), and decreased the mRNA level and protein expression of IL-10 and Arg-1 (P < 0.001, P < 0.01). In addition, the inhibition of TLR4 and MyD88 was attenuated. In conclusion, SCE appears to inhibit the activation of TLR4 signaling pathway by upregulating miR-124 so as to inhibit microglia M1 polarization and promote microglia M2 polarization.

Epidemiological Characteristics and Spatiotemporal Distribution Patterns of Human Norovirus Outbreaks in China, 2012-2018 / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

OBJECTIVE@#To clarify the epidemiological characteristics and spatial distribution patterns of human norovirus outbreaks in China, identify high-risk areas, and provide guidance for epidemic prevention and control.@*METHODS@#This study analyzed 964 human norovirus outbreaks involving 50,548 cases in 26 provinces reported from 2012 to 2018. Epidemiological analysis and spatiotemporal scanning analysis were conducted to analyze the distribution of norovirus outbreaks in China.@*RESULTS@#The outbreaks showed typical seasonality, with more outbreaks in winter and fewer in summer, and the total number of infected cases increased over time. Schools, especially middle schools and primary schools, are the most common settings of norovirus outbreaks, with the major transmission route being life contact. More outbreaks occurred in southeast coastal areas in China and showed significant spatial aggregation. The highly clustered areas of norovirus outbreaks have expanded northeast over time.@*CONCLUSION@#By identifying the epidemiological characteristics and high-risk areas of norovirus outbreaks, this study provides important scientific support for the development of preventive and control measures for norovirus outbreaks, which is conducive to the administrative management of high-risk settings and reduction of disease burden in susceptible areas.

tiRNA-Val promotes angiogenesis via Sirt1-Hif-1α axis in mice with diabetic retinopathy

BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a specific microvascular complication arising from diabetes, and its pathogenesis is not completely understood. tRNA-derived stress-induced RNAs (tiRNAs), a new type of small noncoding RNA generated by specific cleavage of tRNAs, has become a promising target for several diseases. However, the regulatory function of tiRNAs in DR and its detailed mechanism remain unknown. RESULTS: Here, we analyzed the tiRNA profiles of normal and DR retinal tissues. The expression level of tiRNA-Val was significantly upregulated in DR retinal tissues. Consistently, tiRNA-Val was upregulated in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) under high glucose conditions. The overexpression of tiRNA-Val enhanced cell proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis in HRMECs, but the knockdown of tiRNA-Val decreased cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, tiRNA-Val, derived from mature tRNA-Val with Ang cleavage, decreased Sirt1 expression level by interacting with sirt1 3'UTR, leading to the accumulation of Hif-1α, a key target for DR. In addition, subretinal injection of adeno-associated virus to knock down tiRNA-Val in DR mice ameliorated the symptoms of DR. CONCLUSION: tiRNA-Val enhance cell proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis via Sirt1/Hif-1α pathway in HRMECs of DR retinal tissues.

Features of anemia in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis / 临床肝胆病杂志

Objective To investigate the laboratory and clinical features of anemia in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for the patients who were hospitalized in Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, from December 2020 to May 2021 and were found to have anemia based on reticulocyte hemoglobin (Hb) content (Ret-He) and whole blood cell analysis, and 106 patients with the discharge diagnosis of alcoholic liver cirrhosis who had no history of upper gastrointestinal bleeding or blood transfusion were screened out as subjects. Clinical features and related influencing factors were retrospectively analyzed based on the severity of anemia, the cytomorphological classification of anemia, and Ret-He. The independent samples t -test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups; a one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups, and the SNK- q test and the least significant difference t -test were used for further comparison between two groups. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data with skewed distribution between two groups, and the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison between multiple groups. The chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. A Spearman correlation analysis was performed to investigate the correlation of different classification criteria for anemia with laboratory markers and clinical features. Results Among the 106 patients, there were 103 male patients (97.2%), with a mean age of 55.07±10.18 years and a mean Hb level of 87.16±18.55 g/L; there were 49 patients (46.2%) with mild anemia, 49 (46.2%) with moderate anemia, and 8(7.5%) with severe anemia; mean Ret-He was 33.65(13.3-46.4) pg, and there were 33 patients (31.1%) with ≤29 pg and 73 patients (68.9%) with Ret-He > 29 pg; among these patients, 46(43.4%) had macrocytic anemia, 34(32.1%) had normocytic anemia, 2(1.9%) had simple microcytic anemia, and 24 (22.6%) had microcytic hypochromic anemia; among these patients, 87(82.1%) had ascites and/or intra-abdominal infection, 82(77.4%) had splenomegaly and/or hypersplenism, 65(61.3%) had esophageal and gastric varices, and 31(29.2%) had hepatic encephalopathy. Compared with the control group (moderate/severe anemia), the mild anemia group had significantly higher Ret-He, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular-hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), serum iron (SI), and transferrin saturation (TS) (all P 29 pg (83.7% vs 56.1%, P =0.002) or normocytic anemia (44.9% vs 21.1%, P =0.009), a significantly lower unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC) ( P 29 pg group, the Ret-He ≤29 pg group had significantly lower Hb, MCV, MCH, MCHC, SI, TS, and proportion of patients with mild anemia or ascites and/or intra-abdominal infection (all P < 0.05), a significantly higher UIBC ( P < 0.05), and a significantly higher proportion of patients with microcytic hypochromic anemia or esophageal and gastric varices ( P < 0.05). Hb, Ret-He, MCV, MCH, MCHC, UIBC, SI, and TS were correlated with the severity of anemia, the cytomorphological classification of anemia, and iron deficiency (all P < 0.05), and esophageal and gastric varices and ascites and/or abdominal infection were correlated with the cytomorphological classification of anemia and iron deficiency (all P < 0.05). Conclusion The degree of anemia is mostly mild and moderate in the decompensated stage of alcoholic liver cirrhosis, and macrocytic anemia and normocytic anemia are more common. The incidence rate of iron deficiency increases with the severity of anemia, and esophageal and gastric varices and ascites and/or intra-abdominal infection are correlated with the cytomorphological classification of anemia and iron deficiency; therefore, it is necessary to enhance the monitoring of iron deficiency anemia in such patients in clinical practice.

Determination of six heavy metals in peanuts using microwave-assisted digestion-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with an octopole reaction system / 预防医学

Objective @#To establish a microwave-assisted digestion-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) with an octopole reaction system for simultaneous determination of six heavy metals in peanuts, including Cr, Ni, As, Cd, Pb, Hg. @*Methods @#Peanut samples were shelled and crushed evenly, and 0.350 0 g was accurately weighed and digested with 5 mL nitric acid and 1 mL hydrogen peroxide in a digestion tank. Following microwave-assisted digestion, pure water was used to quantify the samples, and internal standards and an octopole reaction system were used to remove the interference. Then, the contents of six heavy metals were determined in peanuts by ICP-MS. The accuracy and precision of ICP-MS were evaluated using national criteria ( GBW 10013 and GBW 10044 ) and spike-and-recovery testing. @*Results @#The six heavy metals showed good linearity at the selected linear range ( r≥0.999 8 ). The detection limits of ICP-MS ranged from 0.001 4 to 0.023 8 ng/mL, and the spike-and-recovery rates ranged from 94.7% to 98.8%, with the relative standard deviations ranging from 0.7% to 3.6%. In addition, the determination results of the standard reference materials were all within the normal reference range. The detection of six heavy metals was 100.0% in 60 peanut samples, and the contents of six heavy metals were all low.@*Conclusion @#The established ICP-MS assay is feasible for simultaneous determination of multiple heavy metals in peanuts.

Preliminary exploration of SpyGlass direct visualization system in diagnosis and treatment of biliary stricture after liver transplantation / 器官移植

Objective To preliminarily evaluate the application value of SpyGlass direct visualization system in the diagnosis and treatment of biliary stricture after liver transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 4 patients presenting with biliary stricture after liver transplantation who underwent SpyGlass direct visualization system examination were collected. The examination, treatment and prognosis of biliary stricture were analyzed. Results The examination results of color Doppler ultrasound, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in 4 patients suggested biliary anastomotic stricture with intrahepatic biliary dilatation, and 2 of them were complicated with intrahepatic biliary calculi. Repeated placement of biliary stent under ERCP yielded poor effect in 3 cases. SpyGlass direct visualization system examination hinted biliary anastomotic stricture in 4 patients, 3 cases of intrahepatic biliary dilatation, 3 cases of intrahepatic biliary calculi, 2 cases of purulent bile and 3 cases of floccules within the biliary tract, 1 case of congestion and edema of biliary tract wall and 2 cases of local epithelial necrosis and stiffness changes of intrahepatic biliary tract wall. The wire could not be inserted in 1 patient due to severe biliary anastomotic stricture. Four patients were treated with biliary stricture resection + biliary stone removal + biliary end-to-end anastomosis, biliary stricture resection + biliary-intestinal anastomosis, ERCP lithotomy + biliary metal stent implantation, and biliary metal stent implantation + percutaneous transhepatic bile duct lithotomy, respectively. Relevant symptoms were relieved without evident complications. All patients survived during the follow-up until the submission date. Conclusions Compared with traditional imaging examination, SpyGlass direct visualization system may more directly display the morphological characteristics of biliary tract wall and structural changes within biliary tract cavity, which is an effective examination tool for biliary stricture after liver transplantation. In addition, individualized treatment methods may be adopted for different biliary tract diseases, which is expected to improve clinical prognosis of patients.

Cyclic Stretch Promotes Migration of MC3T3-E1 Cells via Increasing Runx2 Expression / 医用生物力学

Objective To investigate the effects of cyclic stretch on migration of MC3T3-E1 cells and its related mechanism. Methods The strain loading system was used to stretch MC3T3-E1 cells cultured in vitro with 15% amplitude, to simulate the mechanical condition in vivo. The wound healing assay was used to detect the migration of MC3T3-E1 cells. Western blotting was used to test Runx2 expression. RNA interfering was used to decrease Runx2 expression. Results Cyclic mechanical stretch with 15% amplitude, 1.25 Hz frequency and lasting for 24 hours could promote the migration of MC3T3-E1 cells and increase the expression level of Runx2. Runx2 interference inhibited the migration of MC3T3-E1 cells in static culture condition. Interference with Runx2 expression in MC3T3-E1 cells could partially reduce the positive effect of cyclic mechanical stretch on cell migration. Conclusions Cyclic stretch can promote the migration of MC3T3-E1 cells, and Runx2 may play an important role in this process. This study provides experimental basis for finding innovative clinical treatment method to promote fracture healing.

Aeromonas hydrophila bloodstream infection in patients with hematologic diseases: a report of 4 cases / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: To report the diagnosis, treatment and outcome of 4 patients with hematological diseases complicated with Aeromonas hydrophila bloodstream infection in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, further clarify the importance of blood culture and deepen the clinical understanding of the disease. Four patients with hematological diseases complicated with Aeromonas hydrophila bloodstream infection treated in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from 2017 to 2021 were recruited as the study objects. The clinical manifestations, blood culture collection, detection time of Aeromonas hydrophila, laboratory examination, treatment and prognosis of the patients were retrospectively analyzed. In this study, 4 cases were male patients with hematological diseases, who were in myelosuppression after chemotherapy. After fever, blood culture was collected and Aeromonas hydrophila was detected. The positive time of blood culture in 4 cases ranged from 4 to 11 hours. The results of antibiotic sensitivity showed that it was highly sensitive to the second, third and fourth generation cephalosporins, quinolones and carbapenems. Four patients were treated with imipenem cilastatin sodium in the early stage, and one patient recovered after active anti infection and leukocyte raising treatment. One patient did not complete chemotherapy due to a request for discharged, and the follow-up was unknown. Two patients developed rapidly into necrotizing fasciitis and died later. Hematological diseases complicated with Aeromonas hydrophila bloodstream infection are rare, but the mortality rate is high. For patients with repeated fever and considering infection, blood culture should be carried out as soon as possible to confirm the pathogen and drug sensitivity test. During clinical treatment, the treatment should be adjusted in time in combination with the patient's situation. In addition to anti-infection treatment, the patient's immunity should be improved and the development of necrotizing fasciitis should be vigilant. Keywords: Aeromonas hydrophila; hematologic diseases; leukemia; bloodstream infection; blood culture; necrotizing fasciitis

Effect of Shunao Jieyu Decoction on Intestinal Flora in Patients with Post-stroke Depression / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Shunao Jieyu decoction on intestinal flora in patients with post-stroke depression. MethodSixty patients with post-stroke depression of Qi stagnation， blood stasis， and phlegm obstruction were selected and divided into a treatment group （30 cases， Shunao Jieyu decoction） and a control group （n=30， paroxetine hydrochloride tablets） according to the random number table. All patients were treated correspondingly for eight weeks. The scores of traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） syndrome， Hamilton rating scale for depression（HAMD）， National Institutes of Health stroke scale（NIHSS）， and activities of daily living（ADL）before and after treatment were compared between the two groups. High-throughput sequencing was used to analyze the diversity of fecal flora and the distribution of taxonomical levels in two groups before and after treatment. ResultThe post-treatment TCM syndrome score， HAMD score， and NIHSS score were lower than those before treatment in the same group （P<0.05）， while the post-treatment ADL score was higher than that before treatment （P<0.05）. Compared with the control group after treatment， the treatment group showed decreased TCM syndrome score （P<0.05）. No significant difference was observed in the HAMD score， NIHSS score and ADL score between the two groups after treatment. The total effective rate of the treatment group was 90% （27/30）， which was superior to 66.3% （19/30） of the control group （χ2=5.863， P<0.05）. After treatment， the average values of Chao1 index， Observed species index， Shannon index， Simpson index， and Pielou's evenness index of intestinal flora diversity in the treatment group increased without significant difference， while the average value of the Good's Coverage index remained unchanged in the same group. At the phylum level， the abundance of Bacteroidetes increased. At the family level， the abundance of Bacteroidaceae increased. At the genus level， the abundance of Bacteroidetes increased. ConclusionShunao Jieyu decoction can effectively improve the clinical TCM symptoms of patients with post-stroke depression， relieve neurological impairment， improve the ability of daily living， and change the diversity and abundance of the intestinal flora of patients at different taxonomic levels.

Progress in Gene Therapy of Sickle Cell Disease Based on Hemoglobin F--Review / 中国实验血液学杂志

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a single gene genetic disease, which seriously threatens the life span and quality of patients. On the basis of the pathogenesis of SCD and the alternative therapy based on fetal hemoglobin F (HbF), the research progress of transcription factors involved in the regulation of HbF gene expression, such as BCL11A, ZBTB7A, KLF-1, c-MYB and SOX6, as well as the application of CRISPR / Cas9, TALEN, zinc finger nuclease and other gene editing technologies in this field has been made, providing a solid theoretical basis for the exploration of new treatment schemes for β- like hemoglobin diseases, such as sickle cell disease and β- thalassemia.

Reform of operating mechanism of the centers for disease control and prevention / 预防医学

Objective @#To explore the reform of the operating mechanism of centers for disease control and prevention ( CDCs ) in the new era, and to put forward recommendations. @*Methods @#We collected the financial investment and staffing of CDCs in Zhejiang Province from 2018 to 2020 through China Disease Prevention and Control Information System and Zhejiang Health Statistical Yearbook. We conducted a questionnaire survey among 620 staffs selected by convenience sampling, and a qualitative interview among 40 leaders and experts from CDCs and general hospitals in Zhejiang Province. @*Results @#By the year 2020, there were 105 CDCs in Zhejiang Province, including 1 province-level, 11 prefecture-level, 90 county-level and 3 development zone-level ones. The revenues were mainly from financial subsidy and business incomes, which were over expenditures. There were 7 008 posts in CDCs, with a staffing allocation ratio of 1.29/10 000. Among the reform measures of operation mechanism of CDCs, the flexible communication between clinicians and public health doctors was highly approved (90.03%); among the reform measures of enhancing the integration of prevention and treatment, further clarifying the public health functions of hospitals and ensuring financial compensation was highly approved (74.01%).@*Conclusion @#We should further stimulate the endogenous power and vitality of CDCs, strengthen the construction of talent team, promote the active integration of hospitals and CDCs, and improve public health level.

The protective role of IMM-H004 on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice / 药学学报

This study investigates the protective role of IMM-H004, a novel coumarin derivative, on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI) in mice. All animal experiments in this paper have been approved by the Ethics Committee of Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. The experimental animals were divided into three groups, including sham group, model group, and IMM-H004 treatment group. Serum biochemical indicators were detected and H&E staining was used to assess liver damage. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) was performed to analysis the mRNA content of inflammatory factors. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to observe neutrophil infiltration. Western blot was used to examine the protein levels of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1 (caspase-1), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). The results showed that IMM-H004 could significantly reduce the serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). H&E results showed IMM-H004 could alleviate liver damage caused by HIRI. The mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-1β, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were decreased by IMM-H004 administration. Meanwhile, IMM-H004 could markedly inhibit neutrophil infiltration. Furthermore, IMM-H004 could significantly down-regulate the protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and IL-1β, inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Our results confirmed that IMM-H004 could protect mice from HIRI and provide a theoretical foundation for IMM-H004 application for treating HIRI.

Proliferation rate and expression of stem cells markers during expansion in primary culture of pulp cells

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the proliferation rate and the expression of stem cells markers during expansion in primary culture of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), comparing different techniques (explant and enzymatic digestion), subject ages (up to 40 and over 40) and cell passages (#2, #5 and #8). DPSCs were isolated using either the enzymatic digestion (ED) or explant (EX) technique. The number of days needed for the cells to reach confluence was determined. Immunophenotyping was performed by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry analysis using antibodies specific for nestin, vimentin, CD44, CD146, Oct3/4 and CD34. Data were subjected to three-way analysis of variance (n = 6/group). The ANOVA tests were complemented by Tukey's or t-tests (p < 0.05). The variables "donor age" and "technique" were analyzed to define the optimal desirability value using a response optimization. DPSCs presented a high proliferation rate from passages 2 to 5 while cells from passage 8 proliferated at a slower rate. For all markers, no significant difference was observed among passages, irrespective of the technique used or the donor's age. The mean fraction of specific antibodies was 73.7% (± 11.5), 49.0% (± 18.7), 80.1% (± 8.0), 45.2% (± 13.7), 64.7% (± 5.3) and 2.0% (± 1.5) for CD44, OCT, vimentin, nestin, CD146 and CD34, respectively. The highest optimal desirability value was obtained using the ED technique and cells from younger patients (d = 0.92). However, it was concluded that neither the isolation technique nor the donor age or cell passage significantly interfered with the stem cell phenotype and proliferation rate during cell expansion.

Effects of four types of integrated Chinese and Western medicines for the treatment of COVID-19 in China: a network meta-analysis

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE Various integrated Chinese and Western medicines might be beneficial for the treatment of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of lung computed tomography (CT) of four integrated Chinese and Western medicines in the treatment of COVID-19 using network meta-analysis (NMA). METHODS Multiple databases were consulted to find randomized controlled trials of four different types of integrated Chinese and Western medicines for the treatment of COVID-19. NMA was conducted on the data using Stata (13.0) software. The odds ratio (OR) was calculated. The studies included in this paper were divided into a control group (Western medicine) and an observation group (one of four integrated Chinese and Western medicines). RESULTS 5 eligible publications were identified. A total of 598 cases were included in the study, and the results showed that the four types of integrated Chinese and Western medicines (symptomatic and supportive care with Qingfei Touxie Fuzheng, Lianhua Qingke, and Xuebijing) were significantly superior (P < 0.05) to symptomatic and supportive care alone, except for symptomatic and supportive care with Lianhua Qingwen. The combination of symptomatic and supportive care with Lianhua Qingke had the highest probability of being the most clinically efficacious intervention, with a surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) curve of 85.7. CONCLUSIONS A combination of symptomatic and supportive care with Lianhua Qingke is the best option among the four integrated Chinese and Western medicines considered for the treatment of COVID-19.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Vários medicamentos chineses e ocidentais integrados podem ser benéficos para o tratamento da COVID-19. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a eficácia da tomografia computadorizada (TC) de pulmão de quatro medicamentos chineses e ocidentais integrados para o tratamento da COVID-19 usando uma meta-análise em rede (NMA). MÉTODOS Vários bancos de dados foram consultados para encontrar ensaios clínicos randomizados de quatro tipos diferentes de medicamentos chineses e ocidentais integrados para o tratamento da COVID-19. A NMA foi realizada nos dados usando o software Stata (13.0). O odds ratio (OR) foi calculado. Os estudos incluídos neste artigo foram divididos em um grupo de controle (medicina ocidental) e um grupo de observação (um dos quatro medicamentos chineses e ocidentais integrados). RESULTADOS 5 publicações elegíveis foram identificadas. Um total de 598 casos foram incluídos no estudo, e os resultados mostraram que os quatro tipos de medicamentos chineses e ocidentais integrados (tratamento sintomático e de suporte com Qingfei Touxie Fuzheng, Lianhua Qingke e Xuebijing) foram significativamente superiores (P <0,05) a somente cuidados sintomáticos e de suporte, exceto cuidados sintomáticos e de suporte com Lianhua Qingwen. A combinação de cuidados sintomáticos e de suporte com Lianhua Qingke teve a maior probabilidade de ser a intervenção clinicamente mais eficaz, com uma superfície abaixo da curva de classificação cumulativa (SUCRA) de 85,7. CONCLUSÕES Uma combinação de tratamento sintomático e de suporte com Lianhua Qingke é a melhor opção entre os quatro medicamentos integrados chineses e ocidentais considerados para o tratamento de COVID-19.

Antidiabetic effect of Momordica charantia saponins in rats induced by high-fat diet combined with STZ

Background: The harmful effects of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications have become a major global public health problem. In this study, the effects of Momordica charantia saponins (MCS) on lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and insulin signaling pathway in type 2 diabetic rats were investigated. Results: MCS could attenuate the tendency of weight loss of the model rats. It could also improve glucose tolerance; reduce fasting blood glucose, nonesterified fatty acid, triglyceride, and total cholesterol; and increase the insulin content and insulin sensitivity index of the rats. The activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase increased, and the content of malondialdehyde decreased in the liver and pancreas tissues of rats in MCS-treated groups significantly. In addition, the expression of p-IRS-1 (Y612) and p-Akt (S473) increased, and the expression of p-IRS-1 (S307) decreased in the liver tissues and pancreas tissues of rats in MCS-treated groups significantly. Conclusion: MCS has an antidiabetic effect, which may be related to its improving the lipid metabolism disorder, reducing oxidative stress level, and regulating the insulin signaling pathway.

Knowledge of and attitudes toward COVID-19 among parents of child dental patients during the outbreak

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of and attitudes toward coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among the parents of child dental patients in Shenzhen during the outbreak. A structured questionnaire containing 10 questions was used, and each question had 2 or 3 possible answers. The parents of children (aged 0-14 years) who visited the dental department of our hospital last year were eligible to participate in this study. A total of 148 parents were interviewed by telephone in February 2020 by research staff. A total of 94.59% of the parents said they paid high attention to COVID-19 and explained it to their children; 66.22% thought the dental department environment was more dangerous than other public places; 91.89% believed the dental department had a higher risk of virus infection; and 83.78% said they would take their children to a dental department if the children had a severe toothache. Approximately 81.08% of the parents expressed confidence after we informed them about the preventive measures taken in the dental department to ensure safe treatment for their children. In conclusion, all parents were concerned about COVID-19, and most of them had talked about it with their children often. In addition, a considerable percentage of them would not take their children to the dental department even if they had severe dental pain and thought that the dental environment could be more dangerous than other environments. More information about this topic should be delivered to this population.

Recommendations for public health protection against flood disaster / 中华预防医学杂志

Flood disaster is one of the most serious natural disasters in the world, and it could pose an inestimable impact on the affected people. Based on existing laws, regulations, and emergency manuals in China, extensive literature review, epidemiological and related protection evidence, and expert consultation, this study analyzed different health risk factors of flood disaster and proposed a multi-stage, multi-population, and multi-phase comprehensive protection measures for the public in the perspective of pre-event prevention, in-event intervention and post-event rescue strategy, which could provide a scientific basis for improving the level of public health protection against the flood disaster and corresponding health outcomes.