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Pertussis is an acute, highly infectious respiratory disease caused by Bordetella pertussis, and is one of the leading causes of infant disease and death worldwide. The pertussis vaccine has been used in the expanded program on immunization globally since 1974 and the vaccination coverage remains high. In recent years, the pertussis incidence rate increased, even pertussis outbreaks occurred, in more and more countries or areas after years with low incidence level. The disease burden of pertussis has been seriously underestimated, and the prevention and control of pertussis is facing many challenges. This article reviews the epidemic status of pertussis worldwide, the factors affecting the reemergence of pertussis, and the challenges in the prevention and control to provide a reference for prevention and control of pertussis.
Subject(s)
Infant , Humans , Whooping Cough/prevention & control , Vaccination , Pertussis Vaccine/therapeutic use , Bordetella pertussis , Disease OutbreaksABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effectiveness of Flow-through bridge anterolateral thigh flap transplantation in the treatment of complex calf soft tissue defects.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of the patients with complicated calf soft tissue defects, who were treated with Flow-through bridge anterolateral thigh flap (study group, 23 cases) or bridge anterolateral thigh flap (control group, 23 cases) between January 2008 and January 2022, were retrospectively analyzed. All complex calf soft tissue defects in the two groups were caused by trauma or osteomyelitis, and there was only one major blood vessel in the calf or no blood vessel anastomosed with the grafted skin flap. There was no significant difference between the two groups in general data such as gender, age, etiology, size of leg soft tissue defect, and time from injury to operation ( P>0.05). The lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) was used to evaluate the sufferred lower extremity function of the both groups after operation, and the peripheral blood circulation score of the healthy side was evaluated according to the Chinese Medical Association Hand Surgery Society's functional evaluation standard for replantation of amputated limbs. Weber's quantitative method was used to detect static 2-point discrimination (S2PD) to evaluate peripheral sensation of the healthy side, and the popliteal artery flow velocity, toenail capillary filling time, foot temperature, toe blood oxygen saturation of the healthy side, and the incidence of complications were compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#No vascular or nerve injury occurred during operation. All flaps survived, and 1 case of partial flap necrosis occurred in both groups, which healed after free skin grafting. All patients were followed up 6 months to 8 years, with a median time of 26 months. The function of the sufferred limb of the two groups recovered satisfactorily, the blood supply of the flap was good, the texture was soft, and the appearance was fair. The incision in the donor site healed well with a linear scar, and the color of the skin graft area was similar. Only a rectangular scar could be seen in the skin donor area where have a satisfactory appearance. The blood supply of the distal limb of the healthy limb was good, and there was no obvious abnormality in color and skin temperature, and the blood supply of the limb was normal during activity. The popliteal artery flow velocity in the study group was significantly faster than that in the control group at 1 month after the pedicle was cut, and the foot temperature, toe blood oxygen saturation, S2PD, toenail capillary filling time, and peripheral blood circulation score were significantly better than those in the control group ( P<0.05). There were 8 cases of cold feet and 2 cases of numbness on the healthy side in the control group, while only 3 cases of cold feet occurred in the study group. The incidence of complications in the study group (13.04%) was significantly lower than that in the control group (43.47%) ( χ 2=3.860, P=0.049). There was no significant difference in LEFS score between the two groups at 6 months after operation ( P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Flow-through bridge anterolateral thigh flap can reduce postoperative complications of healthy feet and reduce the impact of surgery on blood supply and sensation of healthy feet. It is an effective method for repairing complex calf soft tissue defects.
Subject(s)
Humans , Thigh/surgery , Plastic Surgery Procedures , Leg/surgery , Cicatrix/surgery , Retrospective Studies , Soft Tissue Injuries/surgery , Treatment Outcome , Lower Extremity/surgery , Skin Transplantation/methods , Perforator FlapABSTRACT
During the global efforts to prevent and control the COVID-19 pandemic, extensive research and development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines using various technical approaches have taken place. Among these, vaccines based on adenovirus vector have gained substantial knowledge and experience in effectively combating potential emerging infectious diseases, while also providing novel ideas and methodologies for vaccine research and development (R&D). This comprehensive review focuses on the adenovirus vector technology platform in vaccine R&D, emphasizing the importance of mucosal immunity induced by adenoviral vector-based vaccine for COVID-19 prevention. Furthermore, it analyzes the key technical challenges and obstacles encountered in the development of vaccines based on the adenovirus vector technology platform, with the aim of providing valuable insights and references for researchers and professionals in related fields.
Subject(s)
Humans , COVID-19 Vaccines , Pandemics/prevention & control , COVID-19/prevention & control , SARS-CoV-2/genetics , Viral Vaccines/genetics , Adenoviridae/genetics , TechnologyABSTRACT
Objective: To understand the vaccination status of enterovirus type 71 (EV71) inactivated vaccines in China from 2017 to 2021 and provide evidence for making policy on immunization strategy against hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). Methods: Using the reported dose number of EV71 vaccination and birth cohort population data collected by the China immunizaiton program information system to estimate the cumulative coverage of EV71 vaccine by the end of 2021 among the birth cohorts since 2012 at national, provincial, and prefecture levels, and analyze the correlation between the vaccination coverage and the potential influencing factors. Results: As of 2021, the estimated cumulative vaccination coverage of the EV71 vaccine was 24.96% in birth cohorts since 2012. The cumulative vaccination coverage was between 3.09% and 56.59% in different provinces, between 0 and 88.17% in different prefectures. There was a statistically significant correlation between vaccination coverage in different regions and the region's previous HFMD prevalence and disposable income per capita. Conclusions: Since 2017, the EV71 vaccines have been widely used nationwide, but the coverage of EV71 vaccination varies greatly among regions. Vaccination coverage is higher in relatively developed regions, and the intensity of previous epidemic of HFMD may have a certain impact on the acceptance of the vaccine and the pattern of immunization service. The impact of EV71 vaccination on the epidemic of HFMD requires further studies.
Subject(s)
Humans , Enterovirus A, Human , Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease/prevention & control , Vaccines, Inactivated , Viral Vaccines , Enterovirus , Vaccination , China/epidemiologyABSTRACT
Objectives:To analyze the impact of target lesion calcification evaluated by coronary angiography on immediate procedure success rate and long-term clinical outcome in patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI). Methods:Consecutive patients received angiographic calcification evaluation and underwent PCI in Fuwai Hospital,Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2017 to December 2018 were prospectively enrolled in this study.Patients are divided into 4 groups,including non-calcification group(n=14 387),mild calcification group(n=8 231),moderate calcification group(n=3 208)and severe calcification group(n=886).The primary endpoint was immediate post-PCI procedure success rate,which was defined as residual stenosis<50%without major operational complications(including coronary artery perforation,coronary artery dissection,intraoperative stent thrombosis)and failure to cross the lesion.The long-term clinical endpoint was the 3-year major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE),which included composite endpoint events such as all cause death,myocardial infarction(MI),and revascularization. Results:The severe calcification group had a lower success rate of interventional therapy(80.59%vs.94.23%vs.94.29%vs.91.49%),a higher incidence of residual stenosis≥50%(17.72%vs.5.03%vs.4.84%vs.7.29%),a higher incidence of coronary artery dissection(1.81%vs.0.66%vs.0.78%vs.1.25%),and a higher incidence of coronary artery perforation(2.14%vs.0.51%vs.0.38%vs.0.69%),and a higher incidence of failure to cross the lesion(0.23%vs.0.12%vs.0.04%vs.0.16%)compared to the non-calcification group,mild calcification group,and moderate calcification group(all P<0.05).Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that patients with severe calcification had a higher risk of MACE(12.98%vs.9.35%,HR=1.21,95%CI:1.00-1.47,P=0.046),all-cause mortality(4.29%vs.1.80%,HR=1.55,95%CI:1.10-2.18,P=0.013),and MI(2.14%vs.0.97%,HR=1.97,95%CI:1.21-3.20,P=0.006)compared to patients without calcification. Conclusions:Patients with angiographic-detected severe calcification after PCI treatment face higher risk of PCI procedure failure,MACE,all-cause death,and MI compared to patients without,with mild,and moderate calcification.
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Adult vaccination is an important component of the life-course immunization for all. Strengthening adult vaccination in China contributes to shrinking immunization gaps between regions and groups, enhancing the overall immunity of our population, and promoting health equity and social prosperity. Chinese adults bear the heavy burden of vaccine preventable diseases such as influenza, pneumococcal diseases and shingles, and have low coverage of vaccines against those diseases, so it is necessary to make efforts to improve adult vaccination development. This article focuses on elaborating the values of adult vaccination, introducing the current status of adult vaccination abroad, and analyzing the challenges and existing foundations for China to provide adult vaccination, and makes suggestions for the building and development of adult vaccination.
Subject(s)
Adult , Humans , Asian People , China , VaccinationABSTRACT
Objective To propose a cerebrovascular image segmentation method for magnetic resonance angiography(MRA)based on improved UNet.Methods Firstly,the UNet network was used as the basic segmentation model and the residual neural network was incorporated to effectively alleviate the training pressure of the deep network and promote information transfer;secondly,the compression and excitation modules were added to improve the sensitivity of the network to cerebrovascular features;finally,the atrous spatial pyramidal pooling(ASPP)module was appended to obtain multi-scale feature information to further enhance the segmentation accuracy.The model based on improved UNet was tested on the TOF-MRA public dataset and compared with the models of UNet,ResNet and ResUNet++.Results The model based on improved UNet had a Dice similarity coefficient of 0.75 and an accuracy of 0.72,which were both higher than those of the models of UNet,ResNet and ResUNet++.Conclusion The method proposed segments MRA cerebrovascular images effectively,and thus can assist clinicians in disease diagnosis.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2023,44(10):7-12]
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Adult vaccination is an important component of the life-course immunization for all. Strengthening adult vaccination in China contributes to shrinking immunization gaps between regions and groups, enhancing the overall immunity of our population, and promoting health equity and social prosperity. Chinese adults bear the heavy burden of vaccine preventable diseases such as influenza, pneumococcal diseases and shingles, and have low coverage of vaccines against those diseases, so it is necessary to make efforts to improve adult vaccination development. This article focuses on elaborating the values of adult vaccination, introducing the current status of adult vaccination abroad, and analyzing the challenges and existing foundations for China to provide adult vaccination, and makes suggestions for the building and development of adult vaccination.
Subject(s)
Adult , Humans , Asian People , China , VaccinationABSTRACT
Objective:To explore the clinical effect of ALTF transfer with cross-limb bridged "Y" shape vascular anastomosis in repair of complex soft tissue defects in calf.Methods:From August 2010 to September 2020, 33 patients(23 males and 10 females) with complex traumatic soft tissue defects in calf were treated. Preoperative angiography and intraoperative exploration confirmed that there was only 1 main vessel remained in the affected calf or the wound surface and the vessel could not be anastomosed with the vascular pedicle of the ALTF. The size of flap were 16 cm × 8 cm to 25 cm × 18 cm. Two patients received bilobed ALTFs. A "Y" shape anastomosis between the artery of ALTF vascular pedicle and the posterior tibial artery of the contralateral lower limbs was made in all 33 patients to establish the blood supply to the transferred free ALTF. The "Y" shape cross-limb bridged blood vessels at the proximal end of the vascular pedicle artery of the flap were embedded at both ends of the cut-off superior ankle posterior tibial artery of the contralateral lower limb. The vein of the flap was anastomosed with the saphenous vein that associates with the posterior tibial artery. The surface of the suspended blood vessel "bridge" was wrapped with a free skin craft, and the lower limbs were fixed in a straight and parallel position with an external fixation frame. The perfused area of the flap was directly sutured or covered with a free skin craft. The vascular bridge was kept for 3 to 6 weeks before being separated. Outpatient follow-up after discharge.Results:All the patients were entered the postoperative follow-up was 13 months to 7 years, in an average of 25 months. Among the 33 flaps, 31 survived completely, except 1 had necrosis and the other 1 had partial necrosis at the distal end of the flap. The flaps received good blood supply, hence with soft texture and satisfactory appearance. Doppler or DSA was performed after the surgery on the posterior tibial artery of the healthy limb, and the vascular pulsation and patency were found normal. Donor sites for the free skin graft healed well.Conclusion:The ALTF transfer with cross-limb bridged "Y" vascular anastomosis is one of the effective techniques and it was employed in the repair of complex defects of calf soft tissue. It solved the tissue that there was only 1 main vessel or even without a suitable vessel could be anastomosed with the pedicle of the flap.
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Objective: To investigate the functional changes of key gut microbiota (GM) that produce lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients and to explore their potential role in the pathogenesis of AF. Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study. Patients with AF admitted to Beijing Chaoyang Hospital of Capital Medical University were enrolled from March 2016 to December 2018. Subjects with matched genetic backgrounds undergoing physical examination during the same period were selected as controls. Clinical baseline data and fecal samples were collected. Bacterial DNA was extracted and metagenomic sequencing was performed by using Illumina Novaseq. Based on metagenomic data, the relative abundances of KEGG Orthology (KO), enzymatic genes and species that harbored enzymatic genes were acquired. The key features were selected via the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis. The role of GM-derived LPS biosynthetic feature in the development of AF was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and logistic regression analysis. Results: Fifty nonvalvular AF patients (mean age: 66.0 (57.0, 71.3), 32 males(64%)) were enrolled as AF group. Fifty individuals (mean age 55.0 (50.5, 57.5), 41 males(82%)) were recruited as controls. Compared with the controls, AF patients showed a marked difference in the GM genes underlying LPS-biosynthesis, including 20 potential LPS-synthesis KO, 7 LPS-biosynthesis enzymatic genes and 89 species that were assigned as taxa harbored nine LPS-enzymatic genes. LASSO regression analysis showed that 5 KO, 3 enzymatic genes and 9 species could be selected to construct the KO, enzyme and species scoring system. Genes enriched in AF group included 2 KO (K02851 and K00972), 3 enzymatic genes (LpxH, LpxC and LpxK) and 7 species (Intestinibacter bartlettii、Ruminococcus sp. JC304、Coprococcus catus、uncultured Eubacterium sp.、Eubacterium sp. CAG:251、Anaerostipes hadrus、Dorea longicatena). ROC curve analysis revealed the predictive capacity of differential GM-derived LPS signatures to distinguish AF patients in terms of above KO, enzymatic and species scores: area under curve (AUC)=0.957, 95%CI: 0.918-0.995, AUC=0.940, 95%CI 0.889-0.991, AUC=0.972, 95%CI 0.948-0.997. PLS-SEM showed that changes in lipopolysaccharide-producing bacteria could be involved in the pathogenesis of AF. The key KO mediated 35.17% of the total effect of key bacteria on AF. After incorporating the clinical factors of AF, the KO score was positively associated with the significantly increased risk of AF (OR<0.001, 95%CI:<0.001-0.021, P<0.001). Conclusion: Microbes involved in LPS synthesis are enriched in the gut of AF patients, accompanied with up-regulated LPS synthesis function by encoding the LPS-enzymatic biosynthesis gene.
Subject(s)
Aged , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Atrial Fibrillation/complications , Cross-Sectional Studies , Gastrointestinal Microbiome , Lipopolysaccharides , Prospective StudiesABSTRACT
Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT>1 year) in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and diabetes who were event-free at 1 year after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stent (DES) in a large and contemporary PCI registry. Methods: A total of 1 661 eligible patients were selected from the Fuwai PCI Registry, of which 1 193 received DAPT>1 year and 468 received DAPT ≤1 year. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE) and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) type 2, 3 or 5 bleeding, MACCE was defined as a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction or stroke. Multivariate Cox regression analysis and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) Cox regression analysis were performed. Results: After a median follow-up of 2.5 years, patients who received DAPT>1 year were associated with lower risks of MACCE (1.4% vs. 3.2%; hazard ratio (HR) 0.412, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.205-0.827) compared with DAPT ≤1 year, which was primarily caused by the lower all-cause mortality (0.1% vs. 2.6%; HR 0.031, 95%CI 0.004-0.236). Risks of cardiac death (0.1% vs. 1.5%; HR 0.051, 95%CI 0.006-0.416) and definite/probable ST (0.3% vs. 1.1%; HR 0.218, 95%CI 0.052-0.917) were also lower in patients received DAPT>1 year than those received DAPT ≤ 1 year. No difference was found between the two groups in terms of BARC type 2, 3, or 5 bleeding (5.3% vs. 4.1%; HR 1.088, 95%CI 0.650-1.821). Conclusions: In patients with stable CAD and diabetes who were event-free at 1 year after PCI with DES, prolonged DAPT (>1 year) provides a substantial reduction in ischemic cardiovascular events, including MACCE, all-cause mortality, cardiac mortality, and definite/probable ST, without increasing the clinically relevant bleeding risk compared with ≤ 1-year DAPT. Further well-designed, large-scale randomized trials are needed to verify the beneficial effect of prolonged DAPT in this population.
Subject(s)
Humans , Coronary Artery Disease/therapy , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 , Drug Therapy, Combination , Drug-Eluting Stents , Hemorrhage , Percutaneous Coronary Intervention , Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Risk Assessment , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Objective: To examine the safety and feasibility of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) decortication in patients presenting with stage Ⅲ tuberculous empyema. Methods: From August 2017 to July 2020, 158 patients of stage Ⅲ tuberculous empyema underwent uniportal VATS decortication with partial rib resection and customized periosteal stripper in Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital. There were 127 males and 31 females, aged (M(IQR)) 32(28) years (range:14 to 78 years). Follow-up was performed in the outpatient clinic or via social communication applications, at monthly thereafter. If there was no air leak and chest tube drainage was less than 50 ml/day, a chest CT was performed. If the lung was fully re-expanded, chest tubes were removed. All patients received a follow-up chest CT 3 to 6 months following their initial operations which was compared to their preoperative imaging. Results: There was one conversion to open thoracotomy. The operative time was 2.75 (2.50) hours (range: 1.5 to 7.0 hours), and median blood loss was 100 (500) ml (range: 50 to 2 000 ml). There were no perioperative mortalities. There were no major complications except 1 case of redo-VATS for hemostasis due to excessive drainage and 1 case of incision infection, The incidence of prolonged air leaks (>5 days) was 80.3%(126/157). The postoperative hospital stay was 5.00 (2.25) days (range: 2 to 15 days). All patients were discharged with 2 chest tubes, and the median duration drainage was 21.00 (22.50) days (range: 3 to 77 days). Follow-up was completed in all patients over a duration of 20 (14) months (range: 12 to 44 months). At follow-up, 149 patients(94.9%) recovered to grade Ⅰ level, 7 patients to grade Ⅱ level, and 1 patient to grade Ⅲ level. Conclusion: Uniportal VATS decortication involving partial rib resection and a customized periosteal stripper is safe and effective for patients with stage Ⅲ tuberculous empyema.
Subject(s)
Aged , Female , Humans , Male , China , Empyema, Tuberculous/surgery , Retrospective Studies , Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted , ThoracotomyABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo explore the effect and mechanism of Xiaojindan extract (XJD) on macrophage polarization. MethodLipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) were used to induce M1 and M2 polarization of RAW264.7 cells. The influence of 10-80 mg·L-1 XJD on cell proliferation was detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Nitric oxide (NO) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) release was explored by Griess assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. The mRNA expression of M1 and M2 macrophage markers was measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), and the CD206+ expression was determined by flow cytometry. The activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway was analyzed by western blot. Result10-80 mg·L-1 XJD showed no marked cytotoxicity in LPS (0.5 mg·L-1)- or IL-4 (20 μg·L-1)-induced RAW264.7 cells. Compared with the control group, LPS significantly promoted the expression of M1 macrophage markers (P<0.01), including increased NO and IL-6 release (P<0.01) and upregulated mRNA expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (P<0.01). Compared with LPS-induced group, 20-80 mg·L-1 XJD decreased the release of NO and IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.01), and similarly 10-80 mg·L-1 XJD suppressed the mRNA expression of IL-1β, iNOS, COX-2 and TNF-α (P<0.01). Compared with the control group, IL-4 obviously increased the expression of M2 macrophage markers (P<0.01), including increased CD206+ cell population and upregulated mRNA expression of arginine-1 (Arg-1), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-13 (IL-13) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Compared with IL-4-induced group, 10-80 mg·L-1 XJD dose-dependently decreased CD206+ cell population (P<0.01) and inhibited the mRNA expression of Arg-1, IL-10, IL-13 and TGF-β1 (P<0.01). Western blot showed that XJD significantly downregulated the activation of PI3K/Akt pathway as compared to LPS- and IL-4-induced groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionXJD significantly inhibited the macrophage polarization in the LPS- and IL-4-induced RAW264.7 cells by targeting PI3K/Akt pathway.
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This paper discussed the guiding significance of "disease-syndrome-symptom" mode in FU Qing-zhu's Obstetrics and Gynecology(FU Qing-zhu Nyu Ke) for dealing with ovulation disorder infertility caused by hyperprolactinemia(HPRL). FU Qing-zhu's Obstetrics and Gynecology(FU Qing-zhu Nyu Ke) concentrates on the disease entities, main symptoms, pathogenesis, and syndrome differentiation, based on which the prescriptions are prescribed. This reflects the "disease-syndrome-symptom" mode, with the core lying in the "combination of disease with syndrome". The contained Discussion on Menstruation Regulation(Tiao Jing Pian) and Discussion on Getting Pregnant(Zhong Zi Pian) have important reference significance for later doctors in the diagnosis and treatment of inferti-lity, and many prescriptions are still in use due to good effects. It is believed in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) that HPRL results from kidney deficiency and liver depression, among which kidney deficiency is the main cause. Liver depression accelerates the onset of HPRL, so the kidney-tonifying and liver-soothing herbs were mainly selected. The "disease-syndrome-symptom" mode in FU Qing-zhu's Obstetrics and Gynecology(FU Qing-zhu Nyu Ke) sheds enlightenment on the diagnosis and treatment of ovulation infertility caused by HPRL, in that it is not confined to disease entity and syndrome type. The integration of "disease-syndrome-symptom" highlights the main complaint of patients and emphasizes the main pathogenesis, thus giving full play to the overall advantage of syndrome differentiation. For multiple diseases in FU Qing-zhu's Obstetrics and Gynecology(FU Qing-zhu Nyu Ke) such as infertility due to liver depression, infertility due to obesity, delayed menstruation, and irregular menstruation, although the typical lactation symptom of HPRL is not mentioned, the medication can still be determined according to the chief complaint, syndrome type, and symptoms and signs, making up for the defects of excessive reliance on serum biochemical indicators in modern Chinese medicine. We should learn its diagnosis and treatment thoughts of paying attention to liver, spleen, kidney, and heart, holism, and strengthening body resistance to eliminate pathogenic factors.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Gynecology , Hyperprolactinemia/drug therapy , Infertility , Obstetrics , OvulationABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To test the hypothesis that β -glucan enhances protective qi (PQi), an important Chinese medicine (CM) concept which stipulates that a protective force circulates throughout the body surface and works as the first line of defense against "external pernicious influences".@*METHODS@#A total of 138 participants with PQi deficiency (PQD) were randomized to receive β -glucan (200 mg daily) or placebo for 12 weeks. Participants' PQi status was assessed every 2 weeks via conventional diagnosis and a standardized protocol from which a PQD severity and risk score was derived. Indices of participants' immune and general health status were also monitored, including upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), saliva secretory IgA (sIgA), and self-reported measures of physical and mental health (PROMIS).@*RESULTS@#PQi status was not significantly different between the β -glucan and placebo treatment groups at baseline but improved significantly in the β -glucan (vs. placebo) group in a time-dependent manner. The intergroup differences [95% confidence interval (CI)] in severity score (scale: 1-5), risk score (scale: 0-1), and proportion of PQD participants (%) at finish line was 0.49 (0.35-0.62), 0.48 (0.35-0.61), and 0.36 (0.25-0.47), respectively. Additionally, β -glucan improved URTI symptom (scale: 1-9) and PROMIS physical (scale: 16.2-67.7) and mental (scale: 21.2-67.6) scores by a magnitude (95% CI) of 1.0 (0.21-1.86), 5.7 (2.33-9.07), and 3.0 (20.37-6.37), respectively, over placebo.@*CONCLUSIONS@#β -glucan ameliorates PQi in PQD individuals. By using stringent evidence-based methodologies, our study demonstrated that Western medicine-derived remedies, such as β -glucan, can be employed to advance CM therapeutics. (ClinicalTrial.Gov registry: NCT03782974).
Subject(s)
Adult , Humans , Double-Blind Method , Qi , Risk Factors , Self Report , beta-Glucans/therapeutic useABSTRACT
Iron overload injury is considered to be a part of blood stasis syndrome of arthralgia in traditional Chinese medicine. Its primary therapies include clearing heat and detoxification, activating blood circulation, and removing blood stasis. Lonicera japonica flos (LJF) has long been known as an excellent antipyretic and antidote. Luteoloside (Lut) is one of the main components of LJF and exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties. However, the protection of Lut against iron overload injury and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, HUVECs were exposed to 50 μmol·L-1 iron dextran for 48 h to establish an iron overload damage model and the effects of Lut were assessed. Our results showed that 20 μmol·L-1 Lut not only increased cell viability and weakened LDH activity, but also significantly up-regulated DDAHⅡ expression and activity, increased p-eNOS/eNOS ratio and NO content, and reduced ADMA content in HUVECs exposed to iron overload. Furthermore, Lut significantly attenuated intracellular/mitochondrial ROS generation, improved SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px activities, reduced MDA content, maintained MMP, inhibited mPTP opening, prevented cyt c from mitochondria released into cytoplasm, reduced cleaved-caspase3 expression, and ultimately decreased cell apoptosis induced by iron overload. The effects of Lut were similar to those of L-arginine (an ADMA competitive substrate), cyclosporin A (a mPTP blocker agent), and edaravone (a free radical scavenger) as positive controls. However, addition of pAD/DDAH II-shRNA adenovirus reversed the above beneficial effects of Lut. In conclusion, Lut can protect HUVECs against iron overload injury via the ROS/ADMA/DDAH II/eNOS/NO pathway. The mitochondria are the target organelles of Lut's protective effects.
Subject(s)
Humans , Endothelium, Vascular , Glucosides , Iron Overload , Luteolin , Reactive Oxygen SpeciesABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the effects of Chinese herbal decoction on traditional Chinese medicine syndrome, menstrual cycle and sex hormone levels in amenorrhea patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.Methods:A total of 124 amenorrhea patients with polycystic ovary syndrome who received treatment in The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, China between December 2016 and December 2018 were included in this study. They were randomly assigned to receive either oral metformin hydrochloride and clomiphene citrate (control group, n = 62) or oral metformin hydrochloride and clomiphene citrate combined with Chinese herbal decoction (observation group, n = 62). Clinical effective rate and remission of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome were compared between control and observation groups. After treatment, recovery of menstrual cycle, ovulation rate, change of sex hormone level relative to before treatment, and the incidence of adverse reactions were determined in each group. Results:Total clinical effective rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [96.77% (60/62) vs. 77.42% (48/62), χ2 = 12.817, P < 0.001]. Total effective rate in term of TCM syndrome in the control group was significantly higher than that in the observation group [83.87% (52/62) vs. 43.55% (27/62), χ2 = 21.800, P < 0.001]. After treatment, serum luteinizing hormone, free testosterone, luteinizing hormone / follicle stimulating hormone, estradiol, follicle stimulating hormone levels in the observation group were (4.28 ± 2.04) U/L, (1.93 ± 0.07) nmol/L, (3.17 ± 1.07), (240.32 ± 30.26) pmol/L, (3.17 ± 1.07) U/L, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the control group [(6.45 ± 2.11) U/L, (3.27 ± 0.07) nmol/L, (5.73 ± 2.46), (300.32 ± 31.26) pmol/L, (5.12 ± 1.07) U/L), t = 5.822, 106.583, 7.514, 10.859, 10.147, all P < 0.001]. Ovulation rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [80.65% (50/62) vs. 51.61% (32/62), χ2 = 11.666, P = 0.001]. Periodic ovulation rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [91.94% (57/62) vs. 35.48% (22/62), χ2 = 14.528, P < 0.001]. In the observation group, the proportion of patients having edema, gastrointestinal reaction, vomiting, and diarrhea was 4.84% (3/62), 6.45% (4/62), 11.29% (7/62) and 11.29% (7/62), respectively, and they were 9.68% (6/62), 12.90% (8/62), 19.35% (12/62) and 25.80% (16/62)], respectively in the control group (all P < 0.05). Conclusion:Chinese herbal decoction can help regulate the hormone balance in amenorrhea patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, promote ovulation, eliminate amenorrhea, increase the curative effects on traditional Chinese medicine syndrome, and increase the rate of menstrual cycle recovery.
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Objective:To explore the inhibitory effect and mechanism of Jingulian extract (JGL) on inflammation. Method:The following groups were set up in this study: a control group (10% fetal bovine serum), a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) model group (0.5 mg·L<sup>-1</sup>), and JGL groups (10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 120, 160, 200, 250, 300 mg·L<sup>-1</sup> + 0.5 mg·L<sup>-1 </sup>LPS). The RAW264.7 cells were cultured for 24 hours. Cell proliferation was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Nitric oxide (NO) release was detected by Griess assay. The release of cytokines interleukin (IL)-1<italic>β</italic>, IL-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-<italic>α</italic> was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and intraprostaglandin peroxidase synthase 2 (PTGS2)/cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was measured by real-time fluorescence-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and the activation of key proteins in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway by Western blot. Result:Compared with the control group, LPS (0.5 mg·L<sup>-1</sup>)could promote the proliferation of RAW264.7 cells after stimulation for 24 hours (<italic>P</italic><0.01). Compared with the model group, JGL had no significant effect on cell proliferation. Compared with the control group, LPS (0.5 mg·L<sup>-1</sup>)increased the release of NO, IL-1<italic>β</italic>, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-<italic>α</italic> (<italic>P</italic><0.01). Compared with the model group, JGL (20-300 mg·L<sup>-1</sup>)inhibited the release of NO in a dose-dependent manner after stimulation for 24 hours (<italic>P</italic><0.05) and reduced IL-1<italic>β</italic>, IL-6, and IL-10 (<italic>P</italic><0.05, <italic>P</italic><0.01), but no obvious inhibition on the release of TNF-<italic>α</italic> was observed. LPS (0.5 mg·L<sup>-1</sup>) could induce the expression of iNOS and PTGS2/COX-2 genes as compared with the control group (<italic>P</italic><0.05, <italic>P</italic><0.01). JGL could down-regulate the mRNA expression of iNOS and PTGS2/COX-2 genes as compared with the model group (<italic>P</italic><0.05, <italic>P</italic><0.01). LPS (0.5 mg·L<sup>-1</sup>) could activate the PI3K/Akt pathway (<italic>P</italic><0.01) as compared with the control group, while JGL (10, 20, 40, and 80 mg·L<sup>-1</sup>) decreased the expression of PI3K-p110, p-p85, and p-Akt (<italic>P</italic><0.01), and inhibited the activation of PI3K/Akt pathway. Conclusion:JGL extract could significantly inhibit the inflammatory response and activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway induced by LPS in RAW264.7 cells. The anti-inflammatory effect was related to the inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of hydrogel-encapsulated human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) on traumatic brain injury in rats and its related mechanism. Methods SD rat models of traumatic brain injury were constructed, which were divided into control group, chitosan group, stem cell group and combined treatment group. Results During the treatment, there was no significant difference in mNSS score between the control group and the chitosan group (P>0.05). On the 15th, 22nd, 29th and 36th day, the mNSS score of the combined treatment group decreased most significantly than that of the control group, followed by the stem cell group (P0.05), and the expression of related proteins in the stem cell group and the combined treatment group increased significantly. The expression level of the related protein in the combined treatment group was the highest, followed by stem cell group, the lowest in the control group and chitosan group (P<0.05). Conclusion Compared with stem cell transplantation alone, hydrogel-encapsulated hUC-MSCs transplantation can improve the motor and learning and memory abilities of rats with traumatic brain injury more effectively.
ABSTRACT
This study was aimed to investigate the mechanism of Danzhi Jiangtang Capsules( DJC) in the treatment of diabetic macrovascular disease in Goto-Kakizaki( GK) rats. The diabetic macrovascular disease rat model was induced by feeding high-fat and high-sugar combined with endothelial nitric oxide synthase( NOS) inhibitor N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester( L-NAME)( 0. 1 g·L-1·d-1). According to the random array table,the model rats were randomly divided into the model group,DJC groups( 1 260,630,320 mg·kg-1),atorvastatin group( 105 mg·kg-1) and metformin group( 10 mg·kg-1),with 12 rats in each group. The rats received gavage administration for 8 weeks. Twelve Wistar rats were selected as the normal control group. The changes of body weight,water intake,blood glucose,plasma total cholesterol( TC),triglyceride( TG),high density lipoprotein( HDL-C),low density lipoprotein( LDL-C),interleukin( IL-1β),IL-6,tumor necrosis factor( TNF-α),nitric oxide( NO),endothelin( ET-1) were observed in these rats. Aortic tissue was taken and the pathological changes were observed by HE staining. RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA levels of IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α in rat aorta. RT-PCR of the stem loop was used to detect the levels of miRNA-126,miRNA-155,miRNA-146 a,and miRNA-21 in rat plasma and aortic tissue. The canonical correlation between miRNAs and inflammatory factors was then analyzed. The results showed that DJC increased the rat body weight,lowered water intake,reduced the random blood glucose,reversed the rat aorta tissue damage,reduced serum TC,TG,LDL-C,ET-1,IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α,as well as miRNA-155,miRNA-146 a and miRNA-21 levels in serum,elevated plasma HDL-C,NO content,reduced the aorta mRNA of IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α,and the miRNA-155,miRNA-146 a and miRNA-21,elevated miRNA-126 expression in aorta. Aortic miRNA-126,miRNA-155,miRNA-146 a and miRNA-21 expression levels were typically correlated with the expression of inflammatory factors,among which miRNA-126 was negatively correlated,miRNA-155,miRNA-146 a and miRNA-21 were positively correlated with the factors. These results suggested that DJC had therapeutic effects on diabetic macrovascular diseases,and the mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of miRNA-126,miRNA-155,miRNA-146 a and miRNA-21 levels,as well as the reduction of inflammatory factors and vascular inflammatory response.