Changes and its influencing factors of procalcitonin in pediatric cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To explore the natural changes of procalcitonin (PCT) in the early period after pediatric cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Methods    A prospective and observational study was done on patients below 3 years of age, who underwent cardiac surgery involving CPB, with the risk adjustment of congenital heart surgery (RACHS) score of 2 to 5 and free from active preoperative infection or inflammatory disease. Blood samples for measurement of PCT, C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell (WBC) were taken before surgery and daily for 7 days in postoperative period. Infections and complications within 7 days after operation were investigated. According to the presence or absence of infection and complications within 7 days after operation, the enrolled children were divided into an infection+complications group, a simple infection group, a simple complication group, and a normal group. Results     Finally, 429 children with PICU stay≥ 4 days were enrolled, including 268 males and 161 females, with a median age of 8.0 (0.7, 26.0) months. There were 145 children in the simple infection group, 38 children in the simple complication group, 230 children in the normal group and 16 children in the infection+complications group. The levels of PCT, CRP and WBC were significantly higher after CPB. CRP and WBC peaked on the second postoperative day (POD) and remained higher than normal until POD7. PCT peaked on POD1 and would generally decrease to normal on POD5 if without infection and complications. Age, body weight, RACHS scores, the duration of CPB and aortic cross-clamping time were correlated with PCT level. There was a statistical difference in PCT concentration between the simple infection group and the normal group on POD 3-7 (P<0.01) and a statistical difference between the simple complication group and the normal group on POD 1-7 (P<0.01). A statistical difference was found between the simple infection group and the simple complication group in PCT on POD 1-5 (P<0.05). Conclusion    WBC, CRP and PCT significantly increase after CPB in pediatric cardiac surgery patients. The factors influencing PCT concentration include age, weight, RACHS scores, CPB and aortic cross-clamping time, infection and complications.

The role of roxadustat in chronic kidney disease patients complicated with anemia

The incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing worldwide and the current prevalence rate is 13.4%. There are > 120 million CKD patients in China and this number is expected to increase. One of the main abnormalities in patients with CKD and kidney impairment is decreased synthesis of erythropoietin (EPO), which causes anemia and affects iron metabolism. The probability of developing is higher in anemia patients with CKD than in the general population, and the incidence increases as kidney function decreases. Deficient EPO production by the kidney is the most important cause of renal anemia. Notably, anemia in patients with CKD has multiple causes, such as bleeding caused by platelet dysfunction, iron deficiency due to digestive and absorption disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, and shorter red blood cell life. Anemia is also a leading cause of hospitalization in patients with CKD. A new oral medication to treat renal anemia, the hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor called roxadustat (FG-4592), regulates iron metabolism and promotes erythropoiesis. This drug has a therapeutic effect on patients with CKD. Roxadustat showed advantages over EPO in clinical experiments. This review summarizes the mechanisms of action, clinical applications, effectiveness, and safety of roxadustat.

Progress of research on chitosan-based microspheres in oral tissue lesions / 口腔医学

@#Chitosan-based microspheres use chitosan as the main material to obtain particles with special structures through microsphere processing technology. They have the ability of slow and controlled release of drugs and the role of scaffolding, which have great application prospect in stomatology, but the application of chitosan-based microspheres is still in the research stage and has not yet been applied in clinical practice. This article reviews progress of domestic and foreign research on chitosan-based microspheres, in aspects of treatment of oral and jawbone tissue defects, periodontal diseases, dental pulp diseases and nerve tissue injury, in order to provide reference for follow-up research.

Abnormal coagulation activity and the related clinical significance in patients with novel bunyavirus infection / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective:To explore the related indexes of coagulation and thrombosis and their clinical significance in patients with severe fever with thrombocytopenia symptoms (SFTS) during the onset and recovery period after novel bunyavirus infection.Methods:A total of 36 patients diagnosed with SFTS (SFTS onset group) and 18 convalescent SFTS patients, who were hospitalized in the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from April 12, 2020, to October 12, 2020 were recruited in this study. Thirty-six healthy controls were recruited from volunteers. Plasma was collected and prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen (FIB), thrombin time(TT), antithrombin-Ⅲ (AT-Ⅲ), fibrin degradation product (FDP) and D-dimer (D-D) were determined by automatic blood coagulation analyzer. Thrombomodulin (TM), thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), plasminase-α2 plasminase inhibitor complex (PIC) and tissue plasminogen activator-plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 complex (t-PAIC) were determined by an automatic chemiluminescence analyzer.Results:Compared with the healthy control group, PT was significantly prolonged (12.5 [12.1, 13.6] s, vs 10.8 [10.5, 11.5] s, P<0.05) in SFTS onset group, but was still within the reference range (14.0-21.0 s), and APTT (49.1 [42.0, 58.2]s vs 28.5 [26.6, 30.4]s, P<0.05) was also significantly prolonged in SFTS onset group. Compared with healthy control group, FDP (6.07 [2.67, 8.64] μg/ml vs 1.00 [0.80, 1.87] μg/ml, P<0.001), D-D (2.27 [1.04, 2.98] μg/ml vs 0.30 [0.21, 0.47] μg/ml, P<0.001), TAT (16.05 [8.05, 26.58] ng/ml vs 3.55 [2.60, 4.85] ng/ml, P<0.001), PIC (4.44 [2.52, 5.54] μg/ml vs 0.84 [0.60, 1.35] μg/ml, P<0.001), TM ([19.41±8.29] TU/ml vs [9.33±1.89] TU/ml, P<0.001), and t-PAIC ([37.52±21.10] ng/ml vs [7.06±3.37] ng/ml, P<0.001) values were all significantly higher in the SFTS onset group (all P<0.001). The level of TAT in the SFTS recovery group (9.10 [3.95, 18.40] ng/ml) was still out of the reference range (<4 ng/ml), while the level of PIC in the SFTS recovery group was lower than in SFTS onset group (1.91 [1.45, 2.93] μg/ml vs 4.44 [2.52, 5.54] μg/ml, P<0.05). Compared with SFTS onset group, the levels of TM and t-PAIC were lower in the SFTS recovery group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Coagulation system activation and vascular endothelial injury are evidenced in SFTS patients. In the convalescence period, the vascular endothelial injury is recovered, however, there is still a certain degree of coagulation dysfunction, therefore, it is necessary to monitor the coagulation indicator of discharged patients post SFTS.

A retrospective study on the risk factors and time distribution of renal recurrence in lupus nephritis patients with long-term follow-up / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective:To explore the risk factors and time distribution of renal relapse in patients with lupus nephritis (LN).Methods:Clinical, pathological characteristics and long-term outcomes of LN patients who were diagnosed and followed in Jinling Hospital from January 2004 to December 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into relapse group and non-relapse group. The differences of clinical pathological characteristics between the two groups were compared. The multivariate Cox proportion risk model was used to analyze the risk factors affecting renal relapse in LN. The risk factors and time distribution of renal relapse were analyzed with annual relapse risk-time curve.Results:A total of 814 patients with LN were included in the study, with 419 cases (51.5%) of complete remission and 395 cases (48.5%) of partial remission. The age was (30.24±10.90) years old, and there were 112 males (13.8%). There were 367 patients suffering renal relapse. The time of first renal relapse was (3.21±2.70) years. The results of multivariate Cox regression showed that age ( HR=0.976, 95% CI 0.966-0.986, P<0.001), renal pathological activity index (AI) score ( HR=1.039, 95% CI 1.013-1.065, P=0.003), remission status after induction treatment ( HR=0.671, 95% CI 0.504-0.894, P=0.006), 24 h urinary protein quantitation ( HR=1.297, 95% CI 1.115-1.508, P=0.001), anti-double strand DNA antibody (A-dsDNA, HR=1.450, 95% CI 1.139-1.846, P=0.003) and complement C3 ( HR=0.223, 95% CI 0.128-0.389, P<0.001) were correlated with increasing risk of renal relapse in LN. The annual relapse risk profile was unimodal, with a peak period of the second year after maintenance treatment. Similar patterns of relapse were presented in subgroup analysis. Conclusions:Age, renal pathological AI score, remission status after induction therapy, 24 h urine protein, A-dsDNA and blood complement C3 are the influencing factors for relapse of LN patients. The peak period of renal relapse in patients with LN is in the second year of maintenance therapy.

Pedigree analysis of type Ⅳ hereditary hemochromatosis caused by c. 430A>G heterozygous mutation of SLC40A1 gene / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective:To investigate clinical phenotypes of type Ⅳ hereditary hemochromatosis caused by c. 430A>G heterozygous mutation of SLC40A1 gene and the correlation between genotype and phenotype, exploring ferritin cutoff value for screening.Methods:One case of type Ⅳ hereditary hemochromatosis with c. 430A>G heterozygous mutation in the SLC40A1 gene and 5 generations of their family lineage with a total of 47 members who were seen at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University in July 2020 were studied for systematic clinical investigation. Thirty-nine surviving individuals were tested for ferritin, liver function, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and sex hormones, and Sanger sequencing was performed to verify the mutation loci and to map the family tree. Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between ferritin and other indicators, and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to calculate the ferritin cutoff value for screening for this genotype of hemochromatosis.Results:Ten patients with c. 430A>G heterozygous mutation in the SLC40A1 gene were identified among 39 family members, and five of them were diagnosed with hemochromatosis, presenting incomplete penetrance. The differences in levels of ferritin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST; both P<0.01) and FPG, as well as incidences of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and arthritis (all P<0.05) between group of mutation positive and group negative were statistically significant, while the difference in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was not. Spearman correlation analysis showed that, ferritin levels were significantly associated with ALT ( r=0.903), AST ( r=0.879), FPG ( r=0.782), and the incidences of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism ( r=0.798) and arthritis ( r=0.798; all P<0.01) in those with the c. 430A>G heterozygous mutation in the SLC40A1 gene. The ferritin cutoff value for screening of hereditary hemochromatosis with c. 430A>G heterozygous mutation in the SLC40A1 gene was 1 036.7 μg/L, with a sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 94.3%, respectively. Conclusion:The SLC40A1 gene c. 430A>G heterozygous mutation is closely associated with elevated levels of AST and FPG, increased incidences of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and arthritis, and the ferritin cutoff value is a useful screening parameter.

Reinterpretation of imaging of non-bony structures of the spine / 中华骨科杂志

Imaging is an essential tool in the management of spinal disorders. Most spine surgeons focus on bony structures and the spinal cord when reading imaging examinations, while the interpretation of the morphology and characteristics of soft tissues such as paraspinal muscles and fat has been a "relative blind spot". As the imaging features of the non-bony structures of the spine have been studied and reinterpreted, it has become clear that these non-bony structural changes are also associated with spinal diseases. Soft tissue parameters such as "paraspinal muscle cross-sectional area," "subcutaneous fat thickness," and "paraspinal muscle fat infiltration rate" on CT, MRI, and other imaging studies have been shown to play a role in spine diseases, and have been shown to be reproducible in the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of spinal disorders and have potential for clinical application. In addition, the association of sarcopenia and spinal epidural lipomatosis with spinal disorders is gaining attention. In recent years, with a better understanding of the pathogenesis of spinal disorders, techniques such as 3D gait analysis and photographic postural measurement have also shown promise in the diagnosis and assessment of the outcome of degenerative spinal disorders and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. In view of this, this article summarizes the latest research progress in the basic and clinical aspects of non-bony structures of the spine and analyzes the significance of the imaging features of these non-bony structures in the basic research and diagnosis of spinal diseases.

Application of CT pulmonary function imaging in convalescent COVID-19 patients / 中华放射学杂志

Objective:To explore the application value of CT pulmonary function imaging in patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the convalescent phase.Methods:The COVID-19 patients who were clinically cured and discharged from Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology were prospectively collected from January to April 2020. Clinical pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and CT pulmonary function imaging were performed 3 months after discharge. The Philips IntelliSpace Portal image post-processing workstation was used to obtain the paired inspiratory-expiratory CT quantitative indexes of the whole lung, left lung, right lung and five lobes. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether residual lesions remain in inspiratory CT images: non-residual lesion group and residual lesion group. The chi-square test was used to compare the differences in the PFT results between groups; the Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the differences in PFT indexes [forced expiratory volume in the first second as percentage of predicted value (FEV 1%), FEV 1/forced vital capacity (FEV 1/FVC), total lung capacity as percentage of predicted value (TLC%), FVC%] and the differences in quantitative CT indexes [lung volume (LV), mean lung density (MLD), volume change in inspiratory phase and expiratory phase (?LV)] between groups. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the relationship between CT pulmonary function imaging and PFT indexes of convalescent COVID-19 patients. Results:Of the 90 patients with COVID-19, 35 were males and 55 were females; 45 were included in the non-residual lesion group and 45 were included in the residual lesion group. Fifty-three patients had clinical pulmonary dysfunction 3 months after discharge, including 22 patients in the non-residual lesion group and 31 patients in the residual lesion group. In patients with residual disease, left lower lobe and right lower lobe LV, left lower lobe and right lower lobe ?LV in the inspiratory and expiratory phase were smaller than those without residual disease; whole lung, left lung, right lung, left upper lobe, left lower lobe and right lower lobe MLD in the inspiratory phase and left lower lobe and right lower lobe MLD in the expiratory phase were greater than those without residual disease ( P<0.05). Since there was no significant difference in FEV 1/FVC and FVC% between residual and non-residual lesion groups ( P>0.05), FEV 1/FVC and FVC% of two groups were combined. Multiple linear regression analysis showed FEV 1/FVC=91.765-0.016×LV in-right middle lobe+0.014×MLD ex-left lower lobe ( R2=0.200, P<0.001), FVC%=-184.122-0.358×MLD in-right lung-0.024×?LV left upper lobe ( R2=0.261, P<0.001). There was significant difference in TLC% between residual and non-residual lesion groups ( P<0.05), so multiple linear regression analysis was performed both in the two groups. In the non-residual lesion group, TLC%=80.645+0.031×LV ex-right lower lobe ( R2=0.132, P<0.001); In the residual lesion group, TLC%=-110.237-0.163×MLD in-right upper lobe-0.098×MLD ex-left upper lobe -0.025×LV ex-right lower lobe ( R2=0.473, P<0.001). Conclusion:CT pulmonary function imaging can quantitatively analyze the whole lung, unilateral lung and lobulated lung, thus reflecting the regional pulmonary function, providing more valuable diagnostic information for the assessment of pulmonary function in convalescent patients with COVID-19.

Preliminary study on the optimal keV of virtual monoenergetic images in transplanted renal artery on a dual-layer spectral detector CT / 中华放射学杂志

Objective:To investigate the optimal monoenergetic level of virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) in transplanted renal artery on a dual-layer spectral detector CT.Methods:A retrospective study was performed on 16 renal transplant patients who underwent transplanted renal angiography on a dual-layer spectral detector CT in Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from June 2020 to April 2021. Conventional 120 kVp polyenergetic images (PI) were reconstructed, and virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs) in range of 40-200 keV with interval of 10 keV were reconstructed, too. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of 120 kVp PI and VMIs were measured. Meanwhile, the subjective scores of the display of transplanted renal artery were performed on volume rendering images of 120 kVp PI and VMIs. Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between energy levels and SNR or CNR. Rank sum tests were performed to compare the parameters of image quality between the VMI which had the highest SNR and CNR, and the other VMIs, or 120 kVp PI.Results:Among the VMIs, SNR or CNR was negatively correlated with energy levels ( r =-0.86 and -0.88, all P<0.001). The SNR [22.80(18.57, 34.16)] and CNR [35.38(25.97, 39.01)] of 40 keV VMI were the highest, and significantly higher than that of 120 kVp PI and 50-200 keV VMIs, all the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The subjective scores of 40 keV VMI and 120 kVp PI were 5 (5, 5) and 4 (3, 5), respectively. The score of 40 keV VMI was significantly higher than that of 120 kVp PI ( Z=-2.60, P=0.009). There were no significant differences in subjective scores between 40 keV VMI and 50-70 keV VMIs ( Z=-1.00, -1.41, -1.73, P=0.317, 0.157, 0.083), but the subjective score of 40 keV VMI was higher than that of 80-200 keV VMIs and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Conclusions:As for the images of transplanted renal angiography on a dual-layer spectral detector CT, the image quality of 40 keV VMI was best, thus 40 keV was the optimal monoenergetic level.

Design and implementation of the course on Synthetic Biology based on the concept of general education / 生物工程学报

As an emerging branch of biology, Synthetic Biology has seen rapid development with great potential in theoretical research and application. With a lot of brand-new concepts and research methods, it brings challenges to university teachers, and little experience is available in China on the teaching of Synthetic Biology. In this study, we discussed the general education-based development and application of the course on Synthetic Biology (a discipline in "liberal arts" in Zhejiang University) from the background, design, implementation, outcome, and problems of the course, hoping to provide a reference for the optimization of the course and the design of similar courses in other universities in China.

The physiology of plant seed aging: a review / 生物工程学报

Seed quality plays an important role in the agricultural and animal husbandry production, the effective utilization of genetic resources, the conservation of biodiversity and the restoration and reconstruction of plant communities. Seed aging is a common physiological phenomenon during storage. It is a natural irreversible process that occurs and develops along with the extension of seed storage time. It is not only related to the growth, yield and quality of seed and seedling establishment, but also has an important effect on the conservation, utilization and development of plant germplasm resources. The physiological mechanisms of seed aging are complex and diverse. Most studies focus on conventional physiological characterization, while systematic and comprehensive in-depth studies are lacking. Here we review the recent advances in understanding the physiology of seed aging process, including the methods of seed aging, the effect of aging on seed germination, and the physiological and molecular mechanisms of seed aging. The change of multiple physiological parameters, including seed vigor, electrical conductivity, malondialdehyde content and storage material in the seed, antioxidant enzyme activity and mitochondrial structure, were summarized. Moreover, insights into the mechanism of seed aging from the aspects of transcriptome, proteome and aging related gene function were summarized. This study may facilitate the research of seed biology and the conservation and utilization of germplasm resources.

Efficacy of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell in the Treatment of Refractory/Recurrent B Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia in Children / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) in the treatment of children with refractory/recurrent B acute lymphocytic leukemia (B-ALL).@*METHODS@#Thirty-two patients with r/r B-ALL were treated by CAR-T, the recurrence and death respectively were the end point events to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CAR-T.@*RESULTS@#The median age of the patients was 7.5 (2-17.5) years old; 40 times CAR-T were received in all patients and the median number of CAR-T was 0.9×107/kg; efficacy evaluation showed that 2 cases died before the first evaluation. Thirty patients showed that 3, 6, and 9-moth RFS was (96.3±3.6)%, (81.4±8.6)% and (65.3±12.5)%, respectively, while 3, 6, and 9-month OS was all 100%, and 12, 24-month OS was (94.7±5.1)% and (76±12.8)%. BM blasts≥36% before reinfusion and ferritin peak≥2 500 ng/ml within two weeks of CAR-T cell reinfusion were associated with recurrence. Adverse reactions mainly included cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and CART-cell-related encephalopathy syndrome (CRES), CRS appeared in 26 patients within a week of CAR-T cell reinfusion. CRES reaction was detected in 12 patients. Eighteen patients received intravenous drip of tocilizumab, among them, 12 combined with glucocorticoid. CRS and CRES reactions were relieved within one week after treatment. Hormone dosage was related to the duration of remission in patients, and the cumulative dose of methylprednisolone≥8 mg/kg showed a poor prognosis.@*CONCLUSION@#CAR-T is a safe and effective treatment for r/r B-ALL, most CRS and CRES reactions are reversible. BM blasts ≥36% before reinfusion and cumulative dose of methylprednisolone ≥8 mg/kg after reinfusion both affect the therapeutic effect. Ferritin≥2 500 ng/ml within two weeks after reinfusion is related to disease recurrence and is an independent prognostic risk factor.

Prevalence of uremic pruritus and related factors in patients undergoing hemodialysis / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the prevalence of uremic pruritus and related factors in patients undergoing hemodialysis.Methods:A total of 212 patients with uremia who undergo hemodialysis in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University in March 2021 were included in this cross-sectional study. Data including gender, age and blood biochemical indicators were collected. The 5D itch scale was used to evaluate skin itch in patients. The included patients were divided into pruritus and no pruritus groups according to evaluation results. Related indicators were compared between the two groups. Binary logistic regression analysis of skin itch related factors was performed.Results:According to 5D itch scale evaluation results, 129 patients (60.85%) of the 212 patients had no skin pruritus, and 83 patients (39.15%) had skin pruritus. In the pruritus group, age, hypersensitive C-reactive protein, alkaline phosphatase, brain natriuretic peptide, ferritin were 63.0 (51.0, 72.0) years, 1.66 (0.30, 7.85) mg/L, 93.0 (70.0, 118.0) U/L, 192.0 (84.9, 446.4) ng/L and 421.0 (291.6, 577.6) μg/L, respectively, which were significantly higher than 53.0 (42.0, 63.0) years, 0.40 (0.30, 1.88) mg/L, 79.0 (62.0, 99.0) U/L, 143.3 (65.8, 256.5) ng/L, 356.8 (203.3, 528.4) μg/L in the pruritus group ( Z = -3.14, -3.96, -3.05, -2.88, -2.11, all P < 0.05). Increased hypersensitive C-reactive protein, brain natriuretic peptide, ferritin levels ( Wald = 14.58, 4.17, 4.23, all P < 0.05) were independent risk factors for uremic pruritus. Conclusion:Uremic pruritus remains a serious problem in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Increased hypersensitive C-reactive protein, ferritin, brain natriuretic peptide levels are independent risk factors for uremic pruritus. In clinical work, physicians should focus on strengthening the early identification of patients, optimizing treatment measures, and improving the quality of life of patients.

Effects of Gongyanping Capsule on genital tract infected by ureaplasma urealyticum and fertility of mice / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To observe the effect of Gongyanping Capsule on genital tract infected by ureaplasma urealyticum and fertility of mice, and to explore its mechanism.Methods:One hundred female ICR mice were divided into normal control group, model control group, azithromycin group, the low and high-dose group of Gongyanping Capsule according to random number table method. Except for the normal control group, the other groups were infected with ureaplasma urealyticum to establish the reproductive tract inflammation model. The azithromycin group was given 40 mg/kg of azithromycin, the low and high-dose groups were given 50 and 100 mg/kg of Gongyanping Capsule respectively, the normal control group and model control group were given equal volume of normal saline, once a day, for 4 consecutive weeks. The fertility status of each group was recorded. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of the vaginal tissues of the mice in each group, and the content of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), IL-4, IL-12, TNF-α myeloperoxidase (MPO) and GSH-Px of the mice in each group were determined; RT-PCR and Western blot were used to determine the vagina level of mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB.Results:Compared with the model control group, the birth time and the number of dead mice in the azithromycin group and the low and high dose groups of Gongyanping Capsule decreased ( P<0.05), and the number of born mice increased ( P<0.05). The level of MCP-1, MPO, IL-4, IL-12, TNF-α decreased ( P<0.05), the level of GSH-Px increased ( P<0.05), the expression of TLR4 mRNA (1.25±0.33, 2.97±0.92, 2.32±0.72 vs. 3.69±1.32), NF-κB mRNA (1.48±0.42, 2.91±0.99, 2.13±0.70 vs. 3.83±1.41) decreased ( P<0.05), the expression of TLR4 (0.63±0.13, 1.32 ± 0.34, 1.04 ± 0.33 vs. 1.63 ± 0.41), NF-κB (0.63 ± 0.14, 1.36 ± 0.32, 1.03 ± 0.30 vs. 1.94 ± 0.58) decreased ( P<0.05), and had a certain dose-dependence. Conclusion:Gongyanping Capsule has obvious therapeutic effect on genital tract mice infected by ureaplasma urealyticum, and can significantly improve the fertility of mice; the mechanism may be related to that Gongyanping Capsule could inhibit the vaginal TLR4/NF-κB pathway in mice.

The development status and analysis of TCM in Latin America Countries / 国际中医中药杂志

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has become an important part in the healthcare system of Latin American countries, especially the TCM therapy represented by acupuncture and moxibustion. Acupuncture and moxibustion has been included in the medical insurance system of Brazil and Ecuador, and many universities in Brazil, Cuba, Mexico and other countries offer courses related to traditional medicine, including acupuncture and moxibustion courses. Latin American counties are rich in medicinal plant resources. Argentina, Chile, Colombia and other countries have publicized regulations related to the use of herbs.China has signed cooperation agreements on TCM with many Latin American countries and, they have showed desire to strengthen cooperation with China. At present, the development of TCM in Latin American countries faces some problems, such as the scale of TCM clinics is small, the quality of TCM training are unbalanced, and there are many restrictions on TCM products entering the Latin American market. In order to promote cooperation with Latin American countries in TCM and expand its scale and development, it is suggested that China should carry out in-depth cooperation on global public health governance at the national level, plan the layout of overseas centers of TCM in Latin America and promote the construction, while scientific research institutions of TCM should carry out joint research on TCM with Latin American countries, and strengthen cooperation in running schools to standardize TCM education.

Research progress of FOXO1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) has been extensively studied as a tumor suppressor. In oral squamous cell carcinoma, studies have demonstrated that FOXO1 can inhibit tumor cell oxidative stress, stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and promote tumor cell autophagy and apoptosis. FOXO1 may serve as a potential target for the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement via vena jugularis interna: A case report / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#We reported a 54-year-old female patient with severe tricuspid regurgitation, who received mechanic valve in the mitral position 15 years ago. The patient’s Society of Thoracic Surgeons score was 8.27%, and was intolerant to open heart surgery, so she was recommended for transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement via right vena jugularis interna. The procedures were guided by echocardiography and X ray fluoroscopy on November 13, 2021, the prosthesis was implanted successfully, and the patient was recoved without any adverse events. After 1 month follow-up, her general condition was apparently improved.

Analysis and prediction of the epidemiological trend of liver cancer in the Chinese population from 1990 to 2019 / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective:To analyze the changing trend of the incidence and mortality rates of liver cancer in the Chinese population from 1990 to 2019, and predict the future development trend of liver cancer.Methods:The descriptive epidemiologic method was conducted. Based on the Global Burden of Disease data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, the crude incidence rate and total number, crude mortality rate and total number, age- and sex-specific incidence rate and number, age- and sex-specific mortality rate and number of liver cancer in the Chinese population from 1990 to 2019 were collected. The age-standardized rate was calculated using the year 2000 China's standard population. Observation indicators: (1) the incidence and mortality of liver cancer in the Chinese population from 1990 to 2019; (2) changing trend of the age-standardized incidence and mortality rates of liver cancer in the Chinese population from 1990 to 2019; (3) prediction of the incidence and mortality of liver cancer in the Chinese population during 2020-2044. Count data were described as absolute numbers, percentages and ratios. The Joinpoint V.4.9.0.0 software was used to calculate the annual percent change (APC), average annual percent change (AAPC) and its 95% confidence interval ( CI) of age-standardized incidence and mortality rates of liver cancer in different time periods. The age-period-cohort model in the Nordpred package of R software (V.4.1.1) was used to predict the incidence and mortality of liver cancer in the Chinese population during 2020-2044. Results:(1) The incidence and mortality of liver cancer in the Chinese population from 1990 to 2019: the crude incidence rate and the age-standardized incidence rate of liver cancer in the Chinese population decreased from 20.01/100,000 and 24.31/100,000 in 1990 to 14.80/100,000 and 9.71/100,000 in 2019, respectively. The crude incidence rate and the age-standardized incidence rate of liver cancer in the Chinese male popula-tion decreased from 27.88/100,000 and 34.76/100,000 in 1990 to 22.05/100,000 and 15.22/100,000 in 2019, respectively. The crude incidence rate and the age-standardized incidence rate of liver cancer in the Chinese female population decreased from 11.63/100,000 and 13.51/100,000 in 1990 to 7.26/100,000 and 4.29/100,000 in 2019, respectively. The crude mortality rate and the age-standardized mortality rate of liver cancer in the Chinese population decreased from 19.64/100,000 and 23.97/100,000 in 1990 to 13.20/100,000 and 8.44/100,000 in 2019, respectively. The crude mortality rate and the age-standardized mortality rate of liver cancer in the Chinese male population decreased from 27.03/100,000 and 34.10/100,000 in 1990 to 19.18/100,000 and 13.03/100,000 in 2019, respectively. The crude mortality rate and the age-standardized mortality rate of liver cancer in the Chinese female population decreased from 11.78/100,000 and 13.64/100,000 in 1990 to 6.98/100,000 and 3.97/100,000 in 2019, respectively. (2) Changing trend of the age-standardized incidence and mortality rates of liver cancer in the Chinese population from 1990 to 2019: the trend of age-standardized incidence rate of liver cancer in the Chinese population could be divided into 5 periods, namely year 1990 to 1996, year 1996 to 2001, year 2001 to 2005, year 2005 to 2010 and year 2010 to 2019. In these 5 periods, the APC of age-standardized incidence rate changed from 1.27%(95% CI as 0.81% to 1.73%, P<0.001) to 1.12%(95% CI as 0.91% to 1.33%, P<0.001) of the total Chinese population, from 1.68%(95% CI as 1.19% to 2.17%, P<0.001) to 1.65%(95% CI as 1.42% to 1.87%, P<0.001) of the Chinese male population and from 0.21%(95% CI as -0.32 % to 0.75%, P=0.406) to -0.14%(95% CI as -0.40% to 0.11%, P=0.241) of the Chinese female population, respectively. The trend of age-standardized mortality rate of liver cancer in the Chinese population could be divided into 5 periods, namely year 1990 to 1996, year 1996 to 2000, year 2000 to 2005, year 2005 to 2012 and year 2012 to 2019. In these 5 periods, the APC of age-standardized mortality rate changed from 1.47%(95% CI as 0.74% to 2.20%, P=0.001) to 1.34%(95% CI as 0.78% to 1.90%, P<0.001) of the total Chinese population, from 1.96%(95% CI as 1.18% to 2.75%, P<0.001) to 1.79%(95% CI as 1.18% to 2.41%, P<0.001) of the Chinese male population and from 0.14%(95% CI as -0.54% to 0.82%, P=0.670 ) to 0.48%(95% CI as 0.02% to 0.93%, P=0.041) of the Chinese female population, respectively. From 1990 to 2019, the AAPC of age-standardized incidence and age-standardized mortality rates of liver cancer were -3.22%(95% CI as -3.41% to -3.03%) and -3.51%(95% CI as -3.82% to -3.19%) in the Chinese population, -2.90%(95% CI as -3.10% to -2.71%) and -3.22%(95% CI as -3.57% to -2.88%) in the Chinese male population, -3.96%(95% CI as -4.17% to -3.76%) and -4.13%(95% CI as -4.43% to -3.82%) in the Chinese female population, respectively. (3) Prediction of the incidence and mortality of liver cancer in the Chinese population during 2020-2044: the age-standardized incidence rate of liver cancer would decrease from 9.51/100,000 in 2015-2019 to 5.78/100,000 in 2040-2044 in the Chinese population, from 14.84/100,000 in 2015-2019 to 9.75/100,000 in 2040-2044 in the Chinese male population and from 4.28/100,000 in 2015-2019 to 1.88/100,000 in 2040-2044 in the Chinese female population, respectively. The age-standardized mortality rate of liver cancer would decrease from 8.40/100,000 in 2015-2019 to 4.62/100,000 in 2040-2044 in the Chinese population, from 12.91/100,000 in 2015-2019 to 7.59/100,000 in 2040-2044 in the Chinese male population and from 4.01/100,000 in 2015-2019 to 1.70/100,000 in 2040-2044 in the Chinese female population, respectively. The incidence number and mortality number of liver cancer from 2020 to 2044 would remain stable at around 160,000 per year and 140,000 per year in the Chinese population, 128,500 per year and 109,000 per year in the Chinese male population, 36,000 per year and 34,900 per year in the Chinese female population, respectively. Conclusion:The incidence and mortality rates of liver cancer in the Chinese popula-tion show a significant downward trend from 1990 to 2019, and the incidence number and mortality number of liver cancer in the Chinese population will remain stable above 100,000 during 2020-2044.

Guidelines for diagnosis and nutritional intervention of mild to moderate non-IgE mediated cow′s milk protein allergy in Chinese infants / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Cow′s milk protein allergy (CMPA) is one of the most common presentations of food allergy seen in early childhood.It is an abnormal immune response caused by cow′s milk protein.CMPA can be clinically subdivided into either immediate-onset IgE mediated or delayed onset non-IgE mediated, or both.At present, concerns regarding the early and timely diagnosis of CMPA have been high-lighted over the years and there are many expert consensus on CMPA in China, but these consensus did not distinguish IgE mediated or non-IgE mediated CMPA.In view of the obvious clinical differences between the two type of CMPA and non-IgE mediated CMPA is more common in infancy, experts focus on pediatric gastroenterology, allergy/immunology, dermatology, nutrition and child healthcare convened by the Allergy Prevention and Control Professional Committee of Chinese Preventive Medicine Association present this guideline to help practitioners in primary care settings to early recognize and make suitable management of non-IgE mediated CMPA in China.The guideline incorporates the cutting-edge international guidance and the actual situation of Chinese children describing in detail the types, clinical features, diagnosis and nutritional intervention of non-IgE mediated CMPA.There are 42 recommendations in 7 categories in total referring to the common questions related to non-IgE mediated CMPA.

Celastrol induces ferroptosis in activated HSCs to ameliorate hepatic fibrosis via targeting peroxiredoxins and HO-1

Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death, characterized by excessive membrane lipid peroxidation in an iron- and ROS-dependent manner. Celastrol, a natural bioactive triterpenoid extracted from Tripterygium wilfordii, shows effective anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory activities in multiple hepatic diseases. However, the exact molecular mechanisms of action and the direct protein targets of celastrol in the treatment of liver fibrosis remain largely elusive. Here, we discover that celastrol exerts anti-fibrotic effects via promoting the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inducing ferroptosis in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). By using activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) in combination with bio-orthogonal click chemistry reaction and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), we show that celastrol directly binds to peroxiredoxins (PRDXs), including PRDX1, PRDX2, PRDX4 and PRDX6, through the active cysteine sites, and inhibits their anti-oxidant activities. Celastrol also targets to heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and upregulates its expression in activated-HSCs. Knockdown of PRDX1, PRDX2, PRDX4, PRDX6 or HO-1 in HSCs, to varying extent, elevated cellular ROS levels and induced ferroptosis. Taken together, our findings reveal the direct protein targets and molecular mechanisms via which celastrol ameliorates hepatic fibrosis, thus supporting the further development of celastrol as a promising therapeutic agent for liver fibrosis.