Small molecule inhibitors of RORγt for Th17 regulation in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases / 药物分析学报

As a ligand-dependent transcription factor,retinoid-associated orphan receptor γt(RORyt)that controls T helper(Th)17 cell differentiation and interleukin(IL)-17 expression plays a critical role in the pro-gression of several inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.An emerging novel approach to the therapy of these diseases thus involves controlling the transcriptional capacity of RORyt to decrease Th17 cell development and IL-17 production.Several RORyt inhibitors including both antagonists and inverse agonists have been discovered to regulate the transcriptional activity of RORyt by binding to orthosteric-or allosteric-binding sites in the ligand-binding domain.Some of small-molecule inhibitors have entered clinical evaluations.Therefore,in current review,the role of RORyt in Th17 regulation and Th17-related inflammatory and autoimmune diseases was highlighted.Notably,the recently developed RORyt inhibitors were summarized,with an emphasis on their optimization from lead compounds,ef-ficacy,toxicity,mechanisms of action,and clinical trials.The limitations of current development in this area were also discussed to facilitate future research.

Impact of inclusion of varicella vaccine into the immunization program on the incidence of varicella / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological characteristics of varicella in Minhang District， Shanghai from 2013 to 2022， and to evaluate the impact of adjusting the varicella vaccination program to a two-dose regimen and its inclusion in the Shanghai immunization program on the incidence of varicella. MethodsData on reported varicella cases from 2013 to 2022 in Minhang District were collected. Interrupted time series analysis and segmented regression models were used to analyze the changes in varicella incidence before and after the adjustment of varicella immunization strategies. ResultsFrom 2013 to 2022， the average annual incidence of varicella was 76.58/100 000， with the highest incidence in 2017 （119.21/100 000） and the lowest in 2022 （27.02/100 000）. The varicella incidence exhibited seasonal patterns with peaks occurring from March to June and October to January of the following year. Prior to the adjustment of varicella immunization strategies （2013‒2017）， the varicella incidence showed an upward trend （z=2.20， P=0.03）， while after the adjustment （2018‒2022）， a adownward trend was observed （2018‒2022） （z=-2.25， P=0.02）. Interrupted time series analysis showed that following the adjustment of varicella immunization strategies， an immediate change of -33.91/100 000 （t=-4.35， P<0.001） in varicella incidence was observed， and the incidence slope was -17.59/100 000 with a decline of 28.61/100 000 （t=-12.16， P<0.001） compared to before inclusion. ConclusionThe incidence of varicella in Minhang District， Shanghai from 2013 to 2022 exhibits distinct seasonal patterns. After adjusting the varicella vaccination program to a two-dose regimen and incorporating it into the immunization program， the second dose of varicella vaccine administration substantially increases. As a result， the rising trend of varicella incidence is effectively controlled， and the incidence level decreases significantly， showing a sustained downward trend.

Efficacy and safety evaluation of dabigatran etexilate in the treatment of elderly non-valvular atrial fibrillation / 药学实践杂志

Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of dabigatran etexilate in the treatment of elderly patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), so as to provide reference for clinical treatment and rational drug use. Methods Eighty elderly patients with NVAF in The Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai from December 2020 to June 2021, aged 65 to 80 years, were enrolled in a self-controlled study. Dabigatran etexilate 110 mg was given orally, twice a day (one in the morning and one in the evening) for 6 months. During the follow-up visit, the coagulation function indexes including APTT, TT, FIB and D-D were observed in patients taking medicine for 1 month and 6 months. Liver function indexes including ALT, AST and TBIL, renal function indicators including UREA and eGFR, and blood routine indexes including HGB and ESR, also were observed in patients taking medicine for 1 month and 6 months. Results Patients were compared at 1 month and 6 months after treatment with dabigatran and before: the difference of coagulation function indexes as APTT and TT was statistically significant (P<0.05);There was no significant difference in liver function index, renal function index and blood routine index (P>0.05); A total of 25 adverse events occurred, and the incidence rate of adverse reactions was 31.25%, there was no adverse events such as serious hemorrhage，life threatening and organ failure hemorrhage occurred．Conclusion Dabigatran has good efficacy and safety in the treatment of the elderly NVAF.

Analysis of the direct economic burden of measles cases and its influencing factors in Shanghai from 2017 to 2019 / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective: To analyze the direct economic burden caused by measles cases in Shanghai from 2017 to 2019 and its influencing factors. Methods: A total of 161 laboratory-confirmed measles cases reported from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2019, in Shanghai were included in the study through the "Measles Surveillance Information Reporting and Management System" of the "China Disease Surveillance Information Reporting and Management System". Through telephone follow-up and consulting hospital data, the basic information of population, medical treatment situation, medical treatment costs and other information were collected, and the direct economic burden of cases was calculated, including registration fees, examination fees, hospitalization fees, medical fees and other disease treatment expenses, as well as transportation and other expenses of cases. The multiple linear regression model was used to analyze the main influencing factors of the direct economic burden. Results: The age of 161 measles cases M (Q1, Q3) was 28.21 (13.33, 37.00) years. Male cases (56.52%) were more than female cases (43.48%). The largest number of cases was≥18 years old (70.81%). The total direct economic burden of 161 measles cases was 540 851.14 yuan, and the per capita direct economic burden was 3 359.32 yuan. The direct economic burden M (Q1, Q3) was 873.00 (245.01, 4 014.79) yuan per person. The results of multiple linear regression model analysis showed that compared with other and unknown occupations, central areas and non-hospitalized cases, the direct economic burden of measles cases was higher in scattered children, childcare children, students, and cadre staff in the occupational distribution, suburban areas and hospitalized, with the coefficient of β (95%CI) values of 0.388 (0.150-0.627), 0.297 (0.025-0.569), 0.327 (0.148-0.506) and 1.031 (0.853-1.209), respectively (all P values<0.05). Conclusion: The direct economic burden of some measles cases in Shanghai is relatively high. Occupation, area of residence and hospitalization are the main factors influencing the direct economic burden of measles cases.

Experimental study of cardioprotective effects of Cinnamomi Ramulus and Cinnamomi Cortex formula granules on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats based on efficacy of "warming and coordinating heart Yang" / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to parallelly investigate the cardioprotective activity of Cinnamomi Ramulus formula granules(CRFG) and Cinnamomi Cortex formula granules(CCFG) against acute myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury(MI/RI) and the underlying mechanism based on the efficacy of "warming and coordinating the heart Yang". Ninety male SD rats were randomly divided into a sham group, a model group, CRFG low and high-dose(0.5 and 1.0 g·kg~(-1)) groups, and CCFG low and high-dose(0.5 and 1.0 g·kg~(-1)) groups, with 15 rats in each group. The sham group and the model group were given equal volumes of normal saline by gavage. Before modeling, the drug was given by gavage once a day for 7 consecutive days. One hour after the last administration, the MI/RI rat model was established by ligating the left anterior descending artery(LAD) for 30 min ischemia followed by 2 h reperfusion except the sham group. The sham group underwent the same procedures without LAD ligation. Heart function, cardiac infarct size, cardiac patho-logy, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, cardiac injury enzymes, and inflammatory cytokines were determined to assess the protective effects of CRFG and CCFG against MI/RI. The gene expression levels of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain protein 3(NLRP3) inflammasome, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD(ASC), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1(caspase-1), Gasdermin-D(GSDMD), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), and interleukin-18(IL-18) were determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). The protein expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, GSDMD, and N-GSDMD were determined by Western blot. The results showed that both CRFG and CCFG pretreatments significantly improved cardiac function, decreased the cardiac infarct size, inhibited cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and reduced the content of lactic dehydrogenase(LDH), creatine kinase MB isoenzyme(CK-MB), aspartate transaminase(AST), and cardiac troponin Ⅰ(cTnⅠ). In addition, CRFG and CCFG pretreatments significantly decreased the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in serum. RT-PCR results showed that CRFG and CCFG pretreatment down-regulated the mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, ASC, and downstream pyroptosis-related effector substances including GSDMD, IL-18, and IL-1β in cardiac tissues. Western blot revealed that CRFG and CCFG pretreatments significantly decreased the protein expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, GSDMD, and N-GSDMD in cardiac tissues. In conclusion, CRFG and CCFG pretreatments have obvious cardioprotective effects on MI/RI in rats, and the under-lying mechanism may be related to the inhibition of NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway to reduce the cardiac inflammatory response.

Comparison of the Nerve Regeneration Capacity and Characteristics between Sciatic Nerve Crush and Transection Injury Models in Rats / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

OBJECTIVE@#To provide useful information for selecting the most appropriate peripheral nerve injury model for different research purposes in nerve injury and repair studies, and to compare nerve regeneration capacity and characteristics between them.@*METHODS@#Sixty adult SD rats were randomly divided into two groups and underwent crush injury alone (group A, n = 30) or transection injury followed by surgical repair (group B, n = 30) of the right hind paw. Each group was subjected to the CatWalk test, gastrocnemius muscle evaluation, pain threshold measurement, electrophysiological examination, retrograde neuronal labeling, and quantification of nerve regeneration before and 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after injury.@*RESULTS@#Gait analysis showed that the recovery speed in group A was significantly faster than that in group B at 14 days. At 21 days, the compound muscle action potential of the gastrocnemius muscle in group A was significantly higher than that in group B, and the number of labeled motor neurons in group B was lower than that in group A. The number of new myelin sheaths and the g-ratio were higher in group A than in group B. There was a 7-day time difference in the regeneration rate between the two injury groups.@*CONCLUSION@#The regeneration of nerve fibers was rapid after crush nerve injury, whereas the transection injury was relatively slow, which provides some ideas for the selection of clinical research models.

Effects of propofol on glutamatergic neuronal activity in paraventricular thalamus / 药学学报

This study explored the effects of propofol on the activity of glutamatergic neurons in the paraventricular thalamus (PVT) and the underlying mechanisms at the molecular level using whole-cell patch-clamp techniques. Acute brain slices containing the PVT were obtained from 8 weeks old C57BL/6J mice. The electrophysiological characteristics of PVT neurons were recorded in current-clamp mode, then single-cell sequencing was used to identify neuronal types. The firing frequencies before, during, and after propofol or intralipid application were recorded as FB, FD and FW; and the membrane potentials were recorded as MPB and MPD. Picrotoxin (PTX) was used to block inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors during the application of propofol at 10 μmol·L-1. Then, GABAA receptor-mediated spontaneous and miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs and mIPSCs) were recorded, and the effects of 10 μmol·L-1 propofol were investigated. The animal experiments were approved by the Medical Animal Administrative Committee of Shanghai Medical College Fudan University. The results showed that there were no significant differences in FB, FD and FW during intralipid and 2 μmol·L-1 propofol application. With propofol at 5, 10 and 20 μmol·L-1, FD decreased significantly when compared with FB, and FW increased significantly as compared with FD (P < 0.01). The inhibition degree of the three concentration groups was significantly different (P < 0.01). In addition, with propofol at 20 μmol·L-1, MPD hyperpolarized significantly (P < 0.01). In the presence of PTX, 10 μmol·L-1 propofol could not suppress the firing frequency of PVT glutamatergic neurons. Propofol at 10 μmol·L-1 prolonged the decay time of sIPSCs (P < 0.01) and mIPSCs (P < 0.05), and increased the amplitude (P < 0.01) of mIPSCs of PVT glutamatergic neurons. Together, these results indicate that propofol can inhibit the activity of PVT glutamatergic neurons in a concentration-dependent and reversible manner, and the effect is likely to be mediated by postsynaptic GABAA receptors.

Isolation and identification of two new compounds from Semen Persicae / 药学学报

Five compounds were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of Semen Persicae by using various chromatographic methods, including ODS, Sephadex LH-20, HPLC and semipreparative HPLC. Their structures were identified by 1D-NMR, 2D-NMR, HR-ESI-MS, UV, IR, circular dichroism (CD) and ECD calculation techniques: (2R,3R)-5,7,4′-trihydroxy-3′-methoxy-3-formylflavan-3-ol-5-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), (7R,8S)-dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl 6″-benzoyl alcohol-9-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), (7R,8S)-dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol-9-β-O-D-glucopyranosid (3), 2-methoxy-4-(2-propenyl)-phenyl-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (4), 2-[4-(3-hydroxypropyl)-2-methoxyphenoxy]-propane-1,3-diol (5). Compound 1 and 2 are new compounds, and compounds 3-5 were obtained from Prunus davidiana (Carr.) Franch. for the first time.

Two new terpene glycosides from the Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus / 药学学报

Two undescribed terpene glycosides and two compounds were isolated from the n-butanol fraction of Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus by using various chromatographic methods, including MCI Gel, Sephadex LH-20, ODS, silica gel and semi-preparative HPLC. The structures of the isolated compounds were identified by spectroscopy methods (1D, 2D NMR, UV, IR, MS, etc.), and the absolute configuration of the compound 1 was determined by ECD calculation and acid hydrolysis. Compounds 1 and 2 are new compound, and compounds 3 and 4 were isolated from Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus for the first time.

Remifentanil Down-regulates GIRK2 Expression in Rat Dorsal Root Ganglion and Spinal Dorsal Horn / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo observe the changes in the expression and distribution of G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium channel subunit 2 （GIRK2） in the dorsal root ganglion （DRG） and spinal cord dorsal horn of rats with remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia. MethodsHyperalgesia was induced by intravenous infusion of remifentanil 4 μg/kg/min for 2 h in adult male SD rats. At 6th hour and on days 1， 3 and 5 following remifentanil treatment， we used immunofluorescence to examine the changes in the GIRK2 distribution and expression. Immunoblotting was used to detect GIRK2 expression of the total protein and membrane protein in DRG and spinal dorsal horn of rats. Behavioral testing was applied to evaluate the effect of intrathecal injection of GIRK2-specific agonist ML297 on thermal nociceptive threshold on day 1 after remifentanil infusion. Resultsmmunofluorescence results showed that GIRK2 was mainly co-localized with IB4-positive small neurons in DRG and nerve fibers in spinal dorsal horn. GIRK2 expression was significantly downregulated following remifentanil treatment. Immunoblotting results revealed that on day 1 following intravenous infusion of remifentanil， compared with those in the control group， GIRK2 expression levels of the total protein and membrane protein in DRG （0.47 ± 0.10 vs. 1.01 ± 0.17， P < 0.001； 0.47 ± 0.11 vs. 1.06 ± 0.12， P < 0.001） and spinal dorsal horn （0.52 ± 0.09 vs. 1.10 ± 0.08， P < 0.001； 0.54 ± 0.10 vs. 1.01 ± 0.13， P < 0.001） were all significantly decreased. The behavioral results showed that intrathecal ML297 effect on thermal withdrawal latency was significantly reduced following remifentanil treatment （P < 0.001）. ConclusionsRemifentanil might induce hyperalgesia via down-regulating GIRK2 expression in rat DRG and spinal cord dorsal horn.

Expert consensus on COVID-19 vaccination for children with special medical conditions / 上海预防医学

Children with certain comorbidities and immunocompromising conditions are highly vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 is an important strategy to reduce death， critical illness and overall disease burden. With the evolving and increasing transmission of SARS-CoV-2， universal vaccination is essential to achieve this goal. Children with special medical conditions are considered as the priorities for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. However， vaccine hesitancy towards the implementation of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination currently remains an urgent challenge. In order to promote the sustainable vaccination for those children in Shanghai as well as China， Shanghai municipal center for disease control and prevention， together with the national children’s medical center， children’s hospital of Fudan university and the expert group on immunization planning of the Shanghai preventive medicine association， organized a consensus expert working group to formulate the evidence-based recommendations and implementation suggestions for children with common chronic diseases， allergy history， diseases involving adverse events related to vaccination， and immunocompromising conditions， based on the published evidence of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination for populations and children with special medical conditions.

Quality Evaluation of Aurantii Fructus from Sichuan by Specific Chromatogram Combined with Chemometrics and Grey Correlation Analysis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveHigh performance liquid chromatography （HPLC） was used to establish the specific chromatograms of Aurantii Fructus from different origins， and the quality variability of Aurantii Fructus from Sichuan was analyzed and evaluated by combining entropy weighting method and grey correlation method. MethodHPLC was performed on an Agilent Eclipse Plus C18 column （4.6 mm×250 mm， 5 μm） with a gradient elution of methanol （A）-0.1% phosphoric acid aqueous solution as the mobile phase （0-12 min， 25%-33%A； 12-21 min， 33%-41%A； 21-30 min， 41%-42%A； 30-40 min， 42%-59%A； 40-53 min， 59%-72%A； 53-60 min， 72%A； 60-65 min， 72%-100%A； 65-70 min， 100%A； 70~71 min， 100%-25%A； 71-80 min， 25% A） at a flow rate of 1.0 mL·min-1， the injection volume was 10 μL and the detection wavelength was 330 nm. Fifty batches of Aurantii Fructus samples from different origins （Sichuan， Chongqing， Jiangxi and Hunan） were tested， and the similarity evaluation software is used to generate characteristic profiles and compare them with control profile for peak identification， and then to evaluate the similarity of the samples. IBM SPSS 19.0 and SIMCA 14.1 were used to perform multivariate statistical analysis on the results of the samples， and then the entropy weighting method and grey correlation were used to calculate the overall quality score of samples from Sichuan. ResultHPLC specific chromatogram of Aurantii Fructus was established， and 14 common peaks were identified as eriocitrin， neoeriocitrin， narirutin， naringin， hesperidin， neohesperidin， meranzin hydrate， poncirin， meranzin， marmin， nobiletin， 3，3′，4′，5，6，7，8-heptamethoxyflavone， tangeretin and auraptene. And the similarities between the samples from Sichuan and the control chromatogram were all above 0.980. The samples could be classified into four categories according to their main origins by chemical pattern recognition， and the results of cluster analysis， principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis were all able to discriminate the samples of different main origins effectively. The comprehensive evaluation results of entropy weighting method combined with grey correlation showed that the quality of Aurantii Fructus from Sichuan varied greatly among different origins， and the quality of Aurantii Fructus from Sichuan was ranked as Bazhong>Luzhou>Chongqing>Neijiang. ConclusionIn this study， the characteristic mapping of Aurantii Fructus from Sichuan is established， and combined with the analytical methods of chemometrics and grey correlation， the quality of samples from different origins can be effectively differentiated， which can provide a reference for the comprehensive evaluation and control of the quality of Aurantii Fructus from Sichuan.

Effect and Mechanism of Yiyi Fuzi Baijiangsan on Apoptosis of Human Colon Cancer HCT116 Cells / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Yiyi Fuzi Baijiangsan （YYFZBJ） on the apoptosis of colon cancer cell line HCT116. MethodYYFZBJ at different concentrations （0.5， 1， 2， 4， 6， 8， 10， 12， 14， 16 g·L-1） was used to intervene in HCT116 cells for 24， 48， 72 h. The cell counting kit-8 （CCK-8） method was used to determine the effect of YYFZBJ on cell proliferation in vitro. The cells were divided into a blank group， a capecitabine group（1.8 g·L-1）， and low-， medium-， and high-dose YYFZBJ groups （6， 10， and 14 g·L-1） and treated for 48 hours. Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis. Hoechst 33342 staining was used to observe the apoptotic morphology of cells. Mitochondrial membrane potential （MMP） was analyzed by a mitochondrial-targeted deep-red fluorescent probe （Mito-Tracker Red CMXRos）. The expression of proteins related to the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway， such as B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）， Bcl-2-associated X protein （Bax）， cytochrome C （Cyt C）， cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease （Caspase）-9， Caspase-3， cleaved Caspase-9， and cleaved Caspase-3 was detected by Western blot. The mRNA levels of Bcl-2， Bax， Cyt C， Caspase-9， and Caspase-3 were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. ResultCompared with the blank group， YYFZBJ （8， 10， 12， 14， 16 g·L-1） significantly inhibited the proliferation of HCT116 cells in vitro （P<0.05） in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with the blank group， the medium- and high-dose YYFZBJ groups and the capecitabine group showed increased apoptosis rates of colon cancer cells （P<0.05）. The YYFZBJ groups and the capecitabine group showed reduced number of colon cancer cells with significantly changed cellular morphology and cell apoptosis manifestations， such as strong dark blue fluorescence， nucleus concentration， shrinkage， and fragmentation. With the increase in the mass concentration of YYFZBJ， the blue fluorescence intensity was significantly enhanced. Compared with the blank group， the YYFZBJ groups and the capecitabine group showed reduced MMP in a dose-dependent manner， decreased protein and mRNA levels of Bcl-2， and increased protein expression of Bax， Cyt C， Caspase-9， Caspase-3， cleaved Caspase-9， and cleaved Caspase-3 and mRNA expression of Bax， Cyt C， Caspase-9， and Caspase-3 （P<0.05）. ConclusionYYFZBJ can induce the apoptosis of colon cancer HCT116 cells through the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.

Nine foveal hypoplasia patients in a family / 中华眼底病杂志

Objective:To observe the clinical features of nine foveal hypoplasia (FVH) patients in a family.Methods:A retrospective clinical study. In August 2018, nine patients with FVH from a family diagnosed in Qilu Hospital of Shandong University (Qingdao) were included in this study. Detailed medical history of the proband was collected. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slit-lamp, cycloplegic refraction, fundus color photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) were performed on the proband. The peripheral venous blood of V7 (family member), the proband and the proband's parents were collected for DNA extraction, and gene detection was performed.Results:The proband, a four-year-old girl, had poor vision with BCVA of 0.4 in both eyes. OCT showed absence of foveal pit, absence of outer segment lengthening, absence of outer nuclear layer widening and incursion of inner retinal layers. The proband's mother was 32 years old, and macular foveal reflection was not observed in her eyes. OCT and OCTA examination showed no foveal pit and foveal avascular zone in both eyes. Both eyes of the proband and her mother were diagnosed with Thomas grade 4 FVH. The other seven patients also had no foveal pit, and could be categorized into Thomas grade 3 or 4. No significant pathogenic genes and mutation sites were detected in the proband through whole genome sequencing, and no copy number variation or chromosomal abnormality associated with the phenotype of the proband was detected. After seven months of amblyopia treatment, the proband's BCVA had improved to 0.5 in the right eye and 0.6 in the left eye, while the BCVA did not change after 2 years of follow-up.Conclusion:Nine FVH patients in this family had no foveal pit with similar OCT images, and their visual acuity was affected from lightly to severely. Early amblyopia training is helpful to improve the visual acuity of child patients.

Water tank scale: a reliable method for assessing motor function after spinal cord injury in rats / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the reliability of the Water Tank Scale for assessing recovery of motor function after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats.@*METHODS@#Thirty-six adult female SD rats were randomly divided into SCI and sham-operated groups (n= 18). The recovery of the hind limb motor function was assessed using Water Tank scoring, BBB scoring, and motor-evoked potentials (MEP) at 1, 3, 5, 7, 14 and 21 days after SCI. MEP was used as the gold standard for analyzing and comparing differences between the two scoring methods.@*RESULTS@#The Water Tank scores of the rats were significantly higher than the BBB scores on day 3 (0.22±0.43 vs 0, P < 0.05) and also on days 5, 7 and 14 after SCI (0.67±0.49 vs 0.11±0.32, 4.33±1.19 vs 2.83±1.04, 8.61± 1.20 vs 7.06±1.0, P < 0.01). On day 21 after SCI, the scores of the Water Tank Scale of the rats did not significantly differ from the BBB scores (14.78±1.06 vs 14.50±1.47, P>0.05). Neurophysiological monitoring showed that both the Water Tank score and BBB score were significantly correlated with MEP latency, but the Water Tank score had a greater correlation coefficient with MEP latency (r=-0.90).@*CONCLUSION@#Compared with the BBB scale, Water Tank scoring allows more objective and accurate assessment of functional recovery of the spinal cord in early stages following SCI in rats, and can thus be used as a reliable method for assessing functional recovery of the hind limbs in rat models of acute SCI.

Prevalence and risk factors of Giardia lamblia infections among colorectal cancer patients in Henan Province / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and identify the risk factors of Giardia lamblia infections among patients with colorectal cancer in Henan Province. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed for questionnaire surveys among colorectal cancer patients in Henan Cancer Hospital during the period from March to July, 2021. Patients’ stool samples were collected, and the triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) gene of G. lamblia was amplified in stool samples using nested PCR assay to characterize the parasite genotype. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to identify the risk factors of G. lamblia infections among colorectal cancer patients. Results A total of 307 colorectal cancer patients were investigated, including 176 males (57.3%) and 131 females (42.7%). PCR assay detected 8.1% [95% confidential interval (CI): (0.056, 0.117)] prevalence of G. lamblia infections among the study subjects, and there was no significant difference in the prevalence between men [9.1%, 95% CI: (0.057, 0.143)] and women [6.9%, 95% CI: (0.037, 0.125)] (χ2 = 0.495, P = 0.482). In addition, there was no age-specific prevalence of G. lamblia infections among the participants (χ2 = 1.534, P = 0.675). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified use of septic tanks [odds ratio (OR) = 3.336, 95% CI: (1.201, 9.267)], daily use of well water [OR = 3.042, 95% CI: (1.093, 8.465)] and raising livestock [OR = 3.740, 95% CI: (1.154, 12.121)] as risk factors of G. lamblia infections among colorectal cancer patients, and the prevalence of abdominal pain was significantly greater in colorectal cancer patients with G. lamblia infections than in those without infections (P = 0.017). Among the 25 patients with G. lamblia infections, assemblage A was characterized in 24 (96.0%) cases and assemblage B in one case (4.0%). Conclusions The prevalence of G. lamblia is high among colorectal cancer patients in Henan Province, and assemblage A is the dominant genotype of G. lamblia. Use of septic tanks, daily use of well water and raising livestock are risk factors of G. lamblia infections among patients with colorectal cancer.

Investigation and Analysis of Poria Production / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo analyze the production of Poria in 5 major producing areas and the problems through field investigation and literature review and thus to lay a foundation for healthy development of Poria industry. MethodEach production process of Poria in Anhui， Hubei， Hunan， Yunnan， and Sichuan was probed and related research was retrieved for the analysis. ResultSichuan， Guangxi， Guizhou， and other areas have been the emerging producers of Poria. However， a few Poria cocos lines were used and the variety breeding lagged behind. Different cultivation techniques were adopted in different production areas. For example， the "induction" method failed to be widely used. Moreover， the harvest time was mainly dependent on the market demand not matter it was suitable or not. Furthermore， steaming has replaced the traditional diaphoretic processing in the processing of this medicinal material in production areas. In addition， fumigation with sulphur was still used in the processing of Poria. ConclusionAn excellent variety is the key to the quality of Poria. Efforts should be made to strengthen the evaluation of the germplasm resources of P. cocos and variety breeding and standardize the processing in production areas， thereby ensuring the safety and effectiveness of Poria and the decoction pieces. In addition， the contradiction between artificial cultivation and woodland ecology should be fully coordinated to ensure the sustainable development of Poria industry in China.

Time distribution of positive nucleic acid detection in imported cases infected with SARS-CoV-2 in China / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective: To analyze the time distribution of the first positive nucleic acid detection in imported cases infected with SARS-CoV-2 reported nationwide in China and provide references for further improvement of the prevention and control of COVID-19 in international travelers. Methods: The data of imported cases infected with SARS-CoV-2 reported by provinces from 24 July 2020 and 23 July 2021 were collected for the analysis on the time distribution of the first positive nucleic acid detection after entering China. Results: A total of 7 199 imported cases infected with SARS-CoV-2 were reported in 28 provinces during 24 July 2020 to 23 July 2021. The median interval (Q1, Q3) from the entry to the first positive nucleic acid detection of SARS-CoV-2 was 1 (0, 5) day. The imported cases who had the first positive nucleic acid detections within 14 days and 14 days later after the entry accounted for 95.15% (6 850/7 199) and 4.85% (349/7 199) respectively. Among these cases, 3.65% (263/7 199), 0.88% (63/7 199) and 0.32% (23/7 199) had the first positive nucleic acid detections within 15-21 days, 22-28 days and 28 days later after the entry respectively. The proportion of asymptomatic infections were 47.24% (3 236/6 850) and 63.61% (222/349) among the cases who had the first positive nucleic acid detections within 14 days and 14 days later after the entry respectively. A total of 39.54% (138/349) of cases infected with SARS-CoV-2 with the first positive nucleic acid detections 14 days later after the entry had inter-provincial travel after the discharge of entry point isolation. Conclusions: About 5% of the imported cases infected with SARS-CoV-2 were first positive 14 days later after the entry. In order to effectively reduce the risk of domestic COVID-19 secondary outbreaks caused by imported cases, it is suggested to add a nucleic acid test on 8th -13th day after the entry.

The application of ventral-combined-dorsal exposure of middle hepatic vein via caudal approach in liver cancer laparoscopic anatomic hemihepatectomy / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the feasibility of ventral-combined-dorsal exposure of middle hepatic vein via caudal approach in laparoscopic anatomic hemihepatectomy of liver cancer.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 44 patients undergoing laparoscopic antecedent hemihepatectomy with the ventral-combined-dorsal exposure of middle hepatic vein via caudal approach in the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University (Hunan Provincial People's Hospital) from January 2021 to September 2021. Among the 44 patients, there were 24 male and 20 female patients, aged 56-66 (61±5) years. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, occlusion time of the first hilum hepatis, postoperative complications and postoperative hospital stay were analyzed.Results:All 44 patients underwent the surgery successfully. The average operation time was (259.3±33.4) min. Intraoperative blood loss was (113.8±31.0) ml, and no intraoperative blood transfusion was performed. The mean intraoperative occlusion time of the first hilum was (56.1±7.1) min. No postoperative hemorrhage and biliary fistula and other complications occurred. The mean postoperative hospital stay is (9.3±1.4) days. Pathological examination confirmed hepatocellular carcinoma in 36 cases and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in 8 cases.Conclusion:The ventral-combined-dorsal exposure of middle hepatic vein via caudal approach benefits exposure of middle hepatic vein in laparoscopic anatomic hemihepatectomy, reducing intraoperative accidental bleeding and ensuring surgical safety.

Willingness to receive measles-containing vaccine among healthcare workers / 预防医学

Objective@#To investigate the willingness to receive measles-containing vaccine (MCV) and its influencing factors among healthcare workers in the Yangtze River Delta region, so as to provide the evidence for improving the measles-containing vaccination rate@*Methods@#Healthcare workers were sampled from 19 medical institutions in each of Shanghai Municipality, Jiangsu Province, Zhejiang Province and Anhui Province for questionnaire surveys using a multi-stage stratified convenience sampling methods from July 2020 to March 2021. Participants' gender, age, educational level, professional title, measles-containing vaccination, awareness of MCV and willingness to receive MCV were collected, and the factors affecting the willingness to receive MCV were identified among healthcare workers using a multivariable logistic regression model. @*Results@#Totally 1 403 questionnaires were allocated, and 1 394 valid questionnaires were recovered, with an effective recovery rate of 99.36%. The respondents included 327 men and 1 067 women, with a male to female ratio of 1∶3.26, and 64.35% (897) were at ages of 31 to 50 years. There were 1 005 respondents with a bachelor degree (72.09%), 765 with middle and senior professional titles (54.88%), 676 with a history of measles-containing vaccination (48.49%), 1 176 with willingness to receive MCV (84.36%) and 218 without willingness to receive MCV due to convenience of vaccination (30.73%) and cost (19.27%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that region (Zhejiang, OR=1.613, 95%CI: 1.054-2.470; Anhui, OR=2.058, 95%CI: 1.259-3.363), and no history of measles (OR=2.219, 95%CI: 1.302-3.781) were factors improving the willingness to receive MCV among healthcare workers, and hospital level (secondary, OR=0.483, 95%CI: 0.306-0.763; tertiary, OR=0.251, 95%CI: 0.160-0.394), history of measles-containing vaccination (no, OR=0.262, 95%CI: 0.172-0.399; unknown, OR=0.386, 95%CI: 0.266-0.559), and unawareness of MCV knowledge (OR=0.208, 95%CI: 0.081-0.536) were factors inhibiting the willingness to receive MCV among healthcare workers.@*Conclusions@#The willingness to receive MCV correlates with region, history of measles, hospital level, history of measles-containing vaccination and awareness of MCV knowledge among healthcare workers in the Yangtze River Delta region.