Expression of miR-210-3p in the aqueous humor of patients with age-related cataracts and its effect on human lens epithelial cell injury induced by hydrogen peroxide / Expressão de miR-210-3p no humor aquoso de pacientes com catarata relacionada à idade e seu efeito na lesão de células epiteliais do cristalino humano induzida por peróxido de hidrogênio

ABSTRACT Purpose: The regulatory effect of microRNA on diseases has been confirmed. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of microRNA-210-3p in age-related cataracts and assess the effect of abnormal miR-210-3p expressions on H2O2-induced SAR01/04 cells. Methods: Reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction method was performed to assess the levels of miR-210-3p in aqueous humor samples. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was employed to assess the discrimination ability of miR-210-3p between patients with age-related cataracts and healthy people, and Pearson correlation analysis was used to identify the correlation between miR-210-3p and oxidative stress indices such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, malonaldehyde. Cell counting kit-8 assay and Transwell assay were used to estimate the biological function of H2O2-induced age-related cataract cell model. The levels of oxidative stress indices such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and malonaldehyde were measured to evaluate the degree of oxidative stress damage in the age-related cataract cell model. The relationship between miR-210-3p and its target gene was verified by luciferase reporter gene analysis. Results: The miR-210-3p expression was elevated in the aqueous humor of patients with age-related cataracts. A high miR-210-3p expression showed a high diagnostic value for age-related cataracts and was significantly associated with the level of oxidative stress markers in patients with age-related cataracts. The inhibition of miR-210-3p can reverse oxidative stress stimulation and adverse effects on H2O2-induced cell function. Conclusions: The results suggested that miR-210-3p could promote cell viability, cell migration, and oxidative stress by targeting autophagy-related gene 7 in in vitro age-related cataract cell model.

RESUMO Objetivo: O efeito regulador do microRNA em doenças tem sido confirmado, e este artigo tentou avaliar a expressão do microRNA-210-3p na catarata relacionada à idade e avaliar o efeito da expressão anormal do miR-210-3p em células SAR01/04 induzidas por H2O2. Métodos: O método de transcrição reversa seguida de reação em cadeia da polimerase (RT-PCR) quantitativa foi realizado para avaliar os níveis de miR-210-3p em amostras de humor aquoso. Análise de características operacionais do receptor foi feita para avaliar a capacidade de discriminação do miR-210-3p entre pacientes com catarata relacionada à idade e pessoas saudáveis. A análise de correlação de Pearson identificou a correlação do miR-210-3p e índices de estresse oxidativo, como superóxido dismutase, glutationa peroxidase, malonaldeído. O ensaio de contagem de células kit-8 (cck-8) e o ensaio no sistema Transwell foram utilizados para estimar a função biológica do formato de células de catarata relacionada com a idade induzida por H2O2. Os níveis de índices de estresse oxidativo como superóxido dismutase, glutationa peroxidase e malonaldeído foram detectados para avaliar o grau de dano do estresse oxidativo em formato de células de catarata relacionada à idade. A relação entre miR-210-3p e seu gene alvo foi verificada por análise do gene repórter luciferase. Resultados: A expressão miR-210-3p foi elevada no humor aquoso de pacientes com catarata relacionada à idade. A expressão miR-210-3p altamente expressiva mostrou alto valor diagnóstico para catarata relacionada à idade e foi significativamente associado ao nível de marcadores de estresse oxidativo em pacientes com catarata relacionada à idade. A inibição de miR-210-3p pode reverter a estimulação do estresse oxidativo e os efeitos adversos da função celular induzida por H2O2. Conclusões: Esses dados sugeriram que a expressão miR-210-3p poderia promover a viabilidade celular, migração celular e estresse oxidativo ao direcionar genes ATG 7 relacionados à autofagia em modelo in vitro de células de catarata relacionadas à idade.

Longitudinal study on the relationship between cumulative family risk and depression symptoms among children and adolescents / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To explore the relationship between cumulative family risk and depression symptoms at 2 and 4 year follow up among children and adolescents, so as to provide reference basis for promoting the mental health of children and adolescents.@*Methods@#Data were acquired from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) project in 2016(T1), 2018 (T2), and 2020 (T3), which included 730 children and adolescents, their families and parents. The measurement tools included the Cumulative Family Risk Scales and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Chi square test and Logistic regression were used to analyze the relationship between cumulative family risk and depression symptoms among children and adolescents.@*Results@#The detection rates of moderate and above depression symptoms among children and adolescents at T1, T2, and T3 were 14.4%, 15.9%, and 24.5%, respectively. The prevalence of depression symptoms of children and adolescents at T2 was higher in females (19.8%) than males (12.5%)( χ 2=7.28 ,P <0.01). Logistic regression analyses showed that the cumulative family risk at T1 positively predicted depression symptoms of children and adolescents at T1, T2, and T3( OR =1.73, 1.32, 1.38, P ＜0.05).@*Conclusions@#The cumulative family risk has a long lasting impact on depressive symptoms among children and adolescents after 2 and 4 years. Family and schools should pay attention to the changes in depression among children and adolescents,and provide timely intervention and assistance to promote their mental health development.

Mechanism of autophagy induced by osthole through PINK1/Parkin pathway in HeLa cells / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the potential mechanism of osthole promoting autophagy in cervical cancer HeLa cells. Methods HeLa cells were treated with various concentrations of Osthole(0,10,20,40,80,160,240,320 mg·L-1). MTT was used to detect cell vitality. Transmission electron microscopy(TEM)was used to observe the morphology of HeLa cells after osthole intervention. Mondane sulfonyl cadaverine(MDC)staining was used to dectect the level of autophagy. Western blot was employed to analyze the expression levels of mitochondrial protein MFN1 and DPR1. JC-1 flourescence probe was applied to detect mitochondrial membrane potential. Flow cytometry was used to deteminet the release of reactive oxygen species(ROS). A transplanted tumor model of cervical cancer was established in vivo in nude mice. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of PINK1,Parkin and LC3Ⅱ/. Results Osthole could inhibit the proliferation of HeLa cells significantly. Transmission electron microscopy showed that typical autophagosomes were formed in HeLa cells after osthole intervention. The fluorescence intensity of MDC was enhanced. The expression of mitochondrial fusion protein MFN1 was down-regulated after HeLa cells pretreated with osthole,and mitochondrial fission protein DRP1 was up-regulated. Mitochondrial membrane potential decreased. ROS production of HeLa cells was increased by flow cytometry,which could be reversed by autophagy inhibitor 3-MA. Tumor weight in nude mice was inhibited by osthole obviously,which might restrain cervical cancer. Western blot result indicated that the key factors of mitochondrial autophagy PINK1,Parkin and LC3Ⅱ/ratio were up-regulated in HeLa cells. Conclusions Osthole could induce autophagy in HeLa cells and its mechanism may be related to ROS production and PINK1/Parkin pathway.

Inhibitory Effects and Mechanisms of Three Benzodiazepines on Helicobacter pylori / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To explore the inhibitory effects and mechanisms of benzodiazepines on Helicobacter pylori (Hp).Methods The Hp international standard strain ATCC43504 was treated with benzodiazepines diazepam,midazolam,and remimazolam,respectively.The treatments with amoxicillin and clarithromycin were taken as the positive controls,and that with water for injection as the negative control.The inhibition zone of each drug was measured by the disk diffusion method.The minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC)and minimum bactericidal concentration(MBC)of each drug against Hp were determined.Hp suspension was configured and treated with diazepam and midazolam,respectively.The bacterial suspension without drug added was used as the control group.The concentration of K+ in each bacterial suspension was measured by an automatic biochemical analyzer before drug intervention(T0)and 1(T1),2(T2),3(T3),4(T4),5(T5),6(T6),and 7 h(T7)after intervention.Hp urease was extracted and treated with 1/2 MIC diazepam,1 MIC diazepam,2 MIC diazepam,1/2 MIC midazolam,1 MIC midazolam,2 MIC midazolam,1 mg/ml acetohydroxamic acid,and water for injection,respectively.The time required for the rise from pH 6.8 to pH 7.7 in each group was determined by the phenol red coloring method.Results The inhibition zones of diazepam,midazolam,remimazolam,amoxicillin,clarithromycin,and water for injection against Hp were 52.3,42.7,6.0,72.3,60.8,and 6.0 mm,respectively.Diazepam and midazolam showed the MIC of 12.5 μg/ml and 25.0 μg/ml and the MBC of 25 μg/ml and 50 μg/ml,respectively,to Hp.The concentrations of K+ in the diazepam,midazolam,and control groups increased during T1-T7 compared with those at T0(all P<0.01).The concentration of K+ in diazepam and midazolam groups during T1-T4 was higher than that in the control group(all P<0.01).The time of inhibiting urease activity in the 1/2 MIC diazepam,1 MIC diazepam,2 MIC diazepam,1/2 MIC midazolam,1 MIC midazolam,and 2 MIC midazolam groups was(39.86±5.11),(36.52±6.65),(38.58±4.83),(39.25±6.19),(36.36±4.61),and(35.81±6.18)min,respectively,which were shorter than that in the acetohydroxamic acid group(all P<0.01)and had no significance differences from that in the water for injection group(all P>0.05).Conclusion Diazepam and midazolam exerted inhibitory effects on Hp,which may be related to the cleavage of Hp cells rather than inhibiting urease.

Long noncoding RNA MRAK088388 is involved in the progression of childhood allergic asthma via miR-30a/ATG5 axis / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To investigate the association between the long-stranded non-coding ribonucleic acid (lncRNA) MRAK088388 and allergic asthma in children. 【Methods】 A total of 15 healthy children and 15 children with asthma were monitored for disease progression over a 2-year period. Blood samples were collected from patients during the chronic phase of the disease for lncRNA/mRNA expression microarray analysis. Competing endogenous RNA networks (MRAK088388/miR-30a/ATG5) were identified by bioinformatics analysis. In vitro cultured bronchial epithelial (16HBE) cells were used to quantify gene and associated protein expression levels by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and protein blotting, respectively. Cell Counting Kit-8 and transwell assays were used to assess the proliferation and migration of 16HBE cells and verify the effects of MRAK088388, miR-30a and ATG5 on asthma. 【Results】 Six lncRNA-miRNA-mRNAs were identified by correlation analysis. By qRT-PCR analysis, MRAK088388/miR-30a/ATG5 was selected to construct the ceRNA network in this study. mRAK088388 and ATG5 expressions were high in the peripheral blood of children with asthma, while the expression of miR-30a was low (P<0.05). The expression level of E-cadherin was significantly higher in 16HBE cells after si-MRAK088388+TGF-β1 group, while the expression levels of Vimentin and α-SMA were significantly lower (P<0.05), indicating that knockdown of MRAK088388 inhibited the epithelial mesenchymal transition in 16HBE cells. Compared with si-NC+ TGF-β1 group, the cell morphology of si-MRAK088388+TGF-β1 group was similar to that of the control group, indicating that MRAK088388 knockdown attenuated TGF-β1-induced cell morphological changes; in addition, MRAK088388 knockdown inhibited TGF-β1-induced proliferation and migration of 16HBE cells. MRAK088388 was confirmed by qPCR and protein blotting to promote the progression of childhood asthma by targeting the miR-30a/ATG5 axis. 【Conclusion】 Childhood asthma is associated with the MRAK088388/miR-30a/ATG5 axis, and MRAK088388 is involved in the process of childhood allergic asthma by negatively regulating miR-30a expression and regulating elevated ATG5 expression levels to affect bronchial epithelial cell mesenchymal transition, proliferation, and migration.

Research on Ethical Governance of "BRAIN Initiative" in the United States / 中国医学伦理学

With the implementation of the "BRAIN initiative" in various countries, neuroethical governance has become an important concern of the international community. After ten years of development, the "BRAIN initiative" in the United States has formed a relatively complete ethical governance system. By interpreting the strategic report of the "BRAIN initiative" in the United States, analyzing its basic framework of ethical governance, dissecting its governance practice mechanism, and conducting research from the aspects of top-level design and construction, regulatory model innovation, promoting public participation, enhancing international dialogue, and improving soft and hard regulations, this paper provided some reference and thoughts for the ethical governance of the "BRAIN initiative" in China.

Inhibition of M2 macrophage polarization and reduction of airway inflammation in asthmatic mice with lncRNA MRAK088388 knockout / 细胞与分子免疫学杂志

Objective To investigate the long non-coding RNA(lncRNA) MRAK08838 regulates macrophage function to influence the development of asthmatic airway inflammation. Methods MRAK088388 gene knockout (MRAK088388-/-) mouse model was prepared and allergic asthma was induced by dust mite protein Dermatophagoides farinae 1 (Der f1). The mice were sacrificed after 28 days of modeling, and serum was collected to measure IgE and IgG. The FinePointe RC system was used to measure airway hyperresponsiveness and evaluate lung function in mice. Lung tissue was taken for HE staining, and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining was used to evaluate inflammatory infiltration and mucus secretion in mouse lungs. Fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression level of lncRNA MRAK08838 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cells and lung tissue of asthmatic mice. ELISA was used to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-10 and IL-17A. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the phenotype of macrophages in BALF and lung tissue, as well as the proportion of neutrophils, eosinophils, and alveolar macrophages. The changes of the above indicators were detected in mice by adoptive transfer of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM). Results Under the challengle of Der f1, MRAK088388-/- mice showed reduced allergic airway inflammation, including reduced eosinophils in BALF and reduced production of IgE and IgG1. In addition, Der f1-treated MRAK088388-/- mice had fewer M2 macrophages than wild-type asthmatic mice. Wild-type mouse BMDM (M0) and Der f1-treated MRAK088388-/- mice also showed mild inflammatory response. Conclusion Knockout of MRAK088388 alleviates airway inflammation in asthmatic mice by inhibiting M2 polarization of airway macrophages.

Mechanism of Zhenwu Decoction in improving renal inflammatory injury in mice with DN of spleen-kidney Yang deficiency syndrome by regulating ROCK/IKK/NF-κB pathway / 中国中药杂志

To investigate the intervention effect and mechanism of Zhenwu Decoction on diabetic nephropathy(DN) mice of spleen-kidney Yang deficiency syndrome based on the Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase(ROCK)/IκB kinase(IKK)/nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) pathway. Ninety-five 7-week-old db/db male mice and 25 7-week-old db/m male mice were fed adaptively for one week. The DN model of spleen-kidney Yang deficiency syndrome was induced by Dahuang Decoction combined with hydrocortisone by gavage, and then the model was evaluated. After modeling, they were randomly divided into a model group, high-dose, medium-dose, and low-dose Zhenwu Decoction groups(33.8, 16.9, and 8.45 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), and an irbesartan group(25 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), with at least 15 animals in each group. The intervention lasted for eight weeks. After the intervention, body weight and food intake were measured. Serum crea-tinine(Scr), blood urea nitrogen(BUN), fasting blood glucose(FBG), urinary albumin(uALb), and urine creatinine(Ucr) were determined. The uALb/Ucr ratio(ACR) and 24 h urinary protein(UTP) were calculated. Renal pathological morphology was evaluated by HE staining and Masson staining. The levels of key molecular proteins in the ROCK/IKK/NF-κB pathway were detected by Western blot. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), interleukin-8(IL-8), interleukin-10(IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α). Compared with the blank group, the model group showed increased content of BUN, uALb, and SCr, increased values of 24 h UTP and ACR, decreased content of Ucr(P<0.05), enlarged glomeruli, thickened basement membrane, mesangial matrix proliferation, inflammatory cell infiltration, and collagen fiber deposition. The protein expression of ROCK1, ROCK2, IKK, NF-κB, phosphorylated IKK(p-IKK), phosphorylated NF-κB(p-NF-κB), and phosphorylated inhibitor of NF-κB(p-IκB) increased(P<0.05), while the protein expression of inhibitor of NF-κB(IκB) decreased(P<0.05). The levels of inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α increased(P<0.05), while the level of IL-10 decreased(P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the groups with drug treatment showed decreased levels of BUN, uALb, SCr, 24 h UTP, and ACR, increased level of Ucr(P<0.05), and improved renal pathological status to varying degrees. The high-and medium-dose Zhenwu Decoction groups and the irbesartan group showed reduced protein expression of ROCK1, ROCK2, IKK, NF-κB, p-IKK, p-NF-κB, and p-IκB in the kidneys(P<0.05), increased protein expression of IκB(P<0.05), decreased levels of serum inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α(P<0.05), and increased level of IL-10(P<0.05). Zhenwu Decoction can significantly improve renal function and renal pathological damage in DN mice of spleen-kidney Yang deficiency syndrome, and its specific mechanism may be related to the inhibition of inflammatory response by down-regulating the expression of key molecules in the ROCK/IKK/NF-κB pathway in the kidney.

Porphyromonas gingivalis bacteremia increases the permeability of the blood-brain barrier via the Mfsd2a/Caveolin-1 mediated transcytosis pathway / 国际口腔科学杂志·英文版

Bacteremia induced by periodontal infection is an important factor for periodontitis to threaten general health. P. gingivalis DNA/virulence factors have been found in the brain tissues from patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is essential for keeping toxic substances from entering brain tissues. However, the effect of P. gingivalis bacteremia on BBB permeability and its underlying mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, rats were injected by tail vein with P. gingivalis three times a week for eight weeks to induce bacteremia. An in vitro BBB model infected with P. gingivalis was also established. We found that the infiltration of Evans blue dye and Albumin protein deposition in the rat brain tissues were increased in the rat brain tissues with P. gingivalis bacteremia and P. gingivalis could pass through the in vitro BBB model. Caveolae were detected after P. gingivalis infection in BMECs both in vivo and in vitro. Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) expression was enhanced after P. gingivalis infection. Downregulation of Cav-1 rescued P. gingivalis-enhanced BMECs permeability. We further found P. gingivalis-gingipain could be colocalized with Cav-1 and the strong hydrogen bonding between Cav-1 and arg-specific-gingipain (RgpA) were detected. Moreover, P. gingivalis significantly inhibited the major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2a (Mfsd2a) expression. Mfsd2a overexpression reversed P. gingivalis-increased BMECs permeability and Cav-1 expression. These results revealed that Mfsd2a/Cav-1 mediated transcytosis is a key pathway governing BBB BMECs permeability induced by P. gingivalis, which may contribute to P. gingivalis/virulence factors entrance and the subsequent neurological impairments.

Role of TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in diabetic kidney disease and research progress of traditional Chinese medicine intervention / 中国中药杂志

Diabetic kidney disease is an important microvascular complication of diabetes and the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Its pathological characteristics mainly include epithelial mesenchymal transition(EMT) in glomerulus, podocyte apoptosis and autophagy, and damage of glomerular filtration barrier. Transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)/Smad signaling pathway is specifically regulated by a variety of mechanisms, and is a classic pathway involved in physiological activities such as apoptosis, proliferation and differentiation. At present, many studies have found that TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway plays a key role in the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease. Traditional Chinese medicine has significant advantages in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease for its multi-component, multi-target and multi-pathway characteristics, and some traditional Chinese medicine extracts, traditional Chinese medicines and traditional Chinese medicine compound prescription improve the renal injury of diabetic kidney disease by regulating TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. This study clarified the mechanism of TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in diabetic kidney disease by expounding the relationship between the key targets of the pathway and diabetic kidney disease, and summarized the research progress of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease by interfering with TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in recent years, to provide reference for drug research and clinical treatment of diabetic kidney disease in the future.

Comparison of HPLC fingerprints and determination of main components of Viticis Fructus from different species / 中国中药杂志

In order to comprehensively evaluate the quality of Viticis Fructus, this study established HPLC fingerprints and evaluated the quality of 24 batches of Viticis Fructus samples from different species by similarity evaluation and multivariate statistical analysis(PCA, HCA, PLS-DA). On this basis, an HPLC method was established to compare the content differences of the main components, including casticin, agnuside, homoorientin, and p-hydroxybenzoic acid. The analysis was performed on the chromatographic column(Waters Symmetry C_(18)) with a gradient mobile phase of acetonitrile(A)-0.05% phosphoric acid solution(B) at the flow rate of 1 mL·min~(-1) and detection wavelength of 258 nm. The column temperature was 30 ℃ and the injection volume was 10 μL. The HPLC fingerprint of 24 batches of Viticis Fructus samples was established with 21 common peaks, and nine peaks were identified. Similarity analysis was carried out based on chromatographic data of 24 batches of chromatographic data of Viticis Fructus, and the results showed that except for DYMJ-16, the similarity of Vitex trifolia var. simplicifolia was ≥0.900, while that of V. trifolia was ≤0.864. In addition, the similarity analysis of two different species showed that the similarity of 16 batches of V. trifolia var. simplicifolia was 0.894-0.997 and that of the eight batches of V. trifolia was between 0.990 and 0.997. The results showed that the similarity of fingerprints of these two species was different, but the similarity between the same species was good. The results of the three multivariate statistical analyses were consistent, which could distinguish the two different species. The VIP analysis results of PLS-DA showed that casticin and agnuside contributed the most to the distinction. The content determination results showed that there was no significant difference in the content of homoorientin and p-hydroxybenzoic acid in Viticis Fructus from different species, but the content of casticin and agnuside was significantly different in different species(P<0.01). The content of casticin was higher in V. trifolia var. simplicifolia, while agnuside was higher in V. trifolia. The findings of this study show that there are differences in fingerprint similarity and component content of Viticis Fructus from different species, which can provide references for the in-depth study of the quality and clinical application of Viticis Fructus.

Reduced SARS-CoV-2 infection risk is associated with the use of Seven-Flavor Herb Tea: A multi-center observational study in Shanghai, China / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#Omicron, a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant, is responsible for numerous infections in China. This study investigates the association between the use of Seven-Flavor Herb Tea (SFHT) and the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection to develop precise and differentiated strategies for control of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).@*METHODS@#This case-control study was conducted at shelter hospitals and quarantine hotels in China. A total of 5348 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients were enrolled between April 1 and May 31, 2022, while 2190 uninfected individuals served as healthy controls. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data on demographics, underlying diseases, vaccination status, and use of SFHT. Patients were propensity-score-matched using 1:1 nearest-neighbor matching of the logit of the propensity score. Subsequently, a conditional logistic regression model was used for data analysis.@*RESULTS@#Overall, 7538 eligible subjects were recruited, with an average age of [45.54 ± 16.94] years. The age of COVID-19 patients was significantly higher than that of uninfected individuals ([48.25 ± 17.48] years vs [38.92 ± 13.41] years; t = 22.437, P < 0.001). A total of 2190 COVID-19 cases were matched with uninfected individuals at a 1:1 ratio. The use of SFHT (odds ratio = 0.753, 95% confidence interval: 0.692, 0.820) was associated with a lower risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to untreated individuals.@*CONCLUSION@#Our findings suggest that taking SFHT reduces the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This is a useful study in the larger picture of COVID-19 management, but data from large-sample multi-center, randomized clinical trial are warranted to confirm the finding. Please cite this article as: Zhang SX, Chen XX, Zheng Y, Cai BH, Shi W, Ru M, Li H, Zhang DD, Tian Y, Chen YL. Reduced SARS-CoV-2 infection risk is associated with the use of Seven-Flavor Herb Tea: A multi-center observational study in Shanghai, China. J Integr Med. 2023; 21(4):369-376.

Immunoprotective effect of recombinant peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase from Babesia microti against B. microti infection in mice / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To evaluate the immunoprotective effect of active immunization with recombinant peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase from Babesia microti against B. microti infection in mice. Methods Female BALB/c mice at 6 weeks of age, each weighing approximately 20 g, were divided into the recombinant protein immunization group, the infection control group and the normal control group, of 25, 18, 15 mice in each group, respectively. Mice in the recombinant protein immunization group were given active immunization with recombinant BmPPIase protein, and 18 mice with the highest antibody titers were intraperitoneally injected with 100 μL of B. microti-infected whole blood 2 weeks after the last immunization. Mice in the infection control group were intraperitoneally injected with 100 μL of B. microti-infected whole blood, while 15 mice in the normal control group received no treatment. Blood samples were collected from mice in the recombinant protein immunization group and the infection control group on days 0 to 30 post-immunization for detection of B. microti infection, and blood samples were collected on days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 post-immunization for routine blood tests with a blood cell analyzer and for detection of serum cytokines using cytometric bead array. Results Anti-BmPPIase antibodies were detected in 25 mice in the recombinant protein immunization group 2 weeks after the last immunization, with titers of 5 × 103 to 8 × 104. B. microti infection rate peaked in mice in both the recombinant protein immunization and the infection control group on day 7 post-immunization, with positive infection rates of 13.3% and 50.0%, and there were significant differences between the two groups in terms of B. microti infection rate on days 3 (χ2= 113.18, P < 0.01), 5 (χ2 = 475.22, P < 0.01), 7 (χ2 = 465.98, P < 0.01) and 9 post-infection (χ2= 18.71, P < 0.01), while the B. microti infection rate tended to be 0 in both groups on day 11 post-immunization. Routine blood tests showed higher red blood cell counts [(5.30 ± 0.50) × 1012 to (9.87 ± 0.24) × 1012 counts/L)] and hemoglobin levels [(89.67 ± 22.80) to (148.60 ± 3.05) g/L)] in the recombinant protein immunization group than in the infection control group on days 0 to 28 post-immunization. Cytometric bead array detected higher serum interferon-γ [(748.59 ± 17.56) to (3 858.28 ± 1 049.10) fg/mL], tumor necrosis factor-α [(6 687.34 ± 1 016.64) to (12 708.13 ± 1 629.79) fg/mL], interleukin (IL)-6 [(611.05 ± 75.60) to (6 852.68 ± 1 554.00) fg/mL] and IL-17a [(167.68 ± 185.00) to (10 849.27 ± 355.40) fg/mL] and lower IL-10 levels [(247.65 ± 138.00) to (18 787.20 ± 2 830.22) fg/mL] in the recombinant protein immunization group than in the infection control group during the study period. Conclusions Recombinant BmPPIase protein induces up-regulation of interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α and presents a high immunoprotective activity against B. microti infection in mice, which is a potential vaccine candidate protein.

Epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors of Blastocystis hominis infection among children with diarrhea under five years of age in Guangzhou City / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of Blastocystis hominis infection among children with diarrhea under five years of age in Guangzhou City. Methods Children with diarrhea under 5 years of age admitted to Guangzhou Children’s hospital, Guangzhou Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital and Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center during the period between January 1 and December 31, 2020, were enrolled. Participants’ demographics, living environments and health status were collected using questionnaire surveys. Stool samples were collected from participants and nucleic acid was extracted. B. hominis infection was identified using PCR assay and sequence alignment, and the factors affecting B. hominis infection among children with diarrhea under 5 years of age were identified using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 684 children with diarrhea under 5 years of age were enrolled, including 468 male children and 216 female children, with a mean age of (1.79 ± 1.12) years. The overall prevalence of B. hominis infection was 4.97% [34/684, 95% confidential interval (CI): (3.59%, 6.86%)] among participants, and there was no significant difference in the prevalence of B. hominis infection between children with chronic [7.52% (20/266), 95% CI: (4.92%, 11.33%)] and acute diarrhea [3.35% (14/418), 95% CI: (2.01%, 5.54%)] (χ2 = 5.983, P = 0.014). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified keeping pet [odds ratio (OR) = 6.298, 95% CI: (2.711, 14.633)], drinking non-tap water [OR = 4.522, 95% CI: (1.769, 11.561)], lactose intolerance [OR = 4.221, 95% CI: (1.043, 17.087)], antibiotic use [OR = 0.125, 95% CI: (0.017, 0.944)] and chronic diarrhea [OR = 2.172, 95% CI: (1.018, 4.637)] as factors affecting B. hominis infection among children with diarrhea under 5 years of age in Guangzhou City. Conclusions B. hominis infections is detected in children with diarrhea under five years of age in Guangzhou City. Improving home environments and pet-keeping hygiene is recommended to reduce the likelihood of B. hominis infection among children.

Application of pulmonary circulation single-blocking method in intersegmental plane identification during segmentectomy / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To introduce a new method for identifying intersegmental planes during thoracoscopic segmentectomy using pulmonary circulation single-blocking in the target segment. Methods    To retrospectively analyze the clinical data of 83 patients who underwent thoracoscopic pulmonary segmentectomy from January 2019 to March 2020 using the pulmonary circulation single-blocking method. There were 33 males and 50 females, with a median age of 54 (46-65) years, and they were divided into a single vein group (SVG, n=31) and a single artery group (SAG, n=52), and the clinical data of two groups were compared. Results    The intersegmental planes were identified successfully in both groups and there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of intersegmental plane management (P=0.823), operating time (P=0.786), intraoperative blood loss (P=0.775), chest drainage time (P=0.659), postoperative hospital stay (P=0.824) or the incidence of postoperative complications (P=1.000). Conclusion    The use of pulmonary circulation single-blocking for intersegmental plane identification during thoracoscopic segmentectomy is safe and feasible, and the intersegmental plane can be satisfactorily identified by the single-blocking of arteries or veins.

Thinking on Clinical Key Problems During Transformation of Preparations in Medical Institutions to Innovative Chinese Medicines / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Under the national policy background of traditional Chinese medicine（TCM）registration review and approval reform， TCM preparations in medical institutions（hereinafter referred to as medical institution preparations） have human use experience， conform to the characteristics of TCM clinical practice， and have advantages in the research and development of innovative Chinese medicines. Therefore， the research and development mode based on clinical experience prescription-medical institution preparations-innovative Chinese medicines has attracted widespread attention from the industry. However， in the process of development and use of medical institution preparations， there are generally clinical problems that restrict their transformation into innovative Chinese medicines， resulting in a relatively weak collection basis of human use experience and insufficient clinical evidence for supporting the research and development of new TCM medicines. In this paper， on the basis of sorting out the supporting regulations and relevant technical requirements of human use experience， and analyzing the clinical problems restricting the transformation of medical institution preparations， it provides suggestions for medical institutions to carry out high-quality research on human use experience of preparations in the process of TCM clinical practice from the aspects of continuously exploring clinical value， improving the construction of information system， focusing on the TCM clinical practice and giving full play to the advantages of discipline cooperation. By realizing the whole life cycle management of medical institution preparations based on three-combination evaluation evidence system， we can promote the transformation of medical institution preparations into innovative Chinese medicines.

Efficacy and Safety of Jianpi Jieyu Decoction for Patients with Mild-to-Moderate Depression of Xin (Heart)-Pi (Spleen) Deficiency Syndrome: A Multi-centre Randomized Controlled Study / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Jianpi Jieyu Decoction (JJD) for treating patients with mild-to-moderate depression of Xin (Heart)-Pi (Spleen) deficiency (XPD) syndrome.@*METHODS@#In this multi-center, randomized, controlled study, 140 patients with mild-to-moderate depression of XPD syndrome were included from Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and Botou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from December 2017 to December 2019. They were randomly divided into JJD group and paroxetine group by using a random number table, with 70 cases in each group. The patients in the JJD group were given JJD one dose per day (twice daily at morning and evening, 100 mL each time), and the patients in the paroxetine group were given paroxetine (10 mg/d in week 1; 20 mg/d in weeks 2-6), both orally administration for a total of 6 weeks. The primary outcome was the change of 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) score at week 6 from baseline. The secondary outcomes included the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) score, Traditional Chinese Medicine Symptom Scale (TCMSS), and Clinlcal Global Impression (CGI) scores at the 2nd, 4th, and 6th weekends of treatment, HAMD-17 response (defined as a reduction in score of >50%) and HAMD-17 remission (defined as a score of ⩽7) at the end of the 6th week of treatment. Adverse events (AEs) were also recorded.@*RESULTS@#From baseline to week 6, the HAMD-17 scores decreased 10.2 ± 4.0 and 9.1 ± 4.9 points in the JJD and paroxetine groups, respectively (P=0.689). The HAMD-17 response occurred in 60% of patients in the JJD group and in 50% of those in the paroxetine group (P=0.292); HAMD-17 remission occurred in 45.7% and 30% of patients, respectively (P=0.128). The differences of CGI scores at the 6th week were not statistically significant (P>0.05). There were significant differences in HAMD-17 scores between the two groups at 2nd and 4th week (P=0.001 and P=0.014). The HAMA scores declined 8.1 ± 3.0 and 6.9 ± 4.3 points from baseline to week 6 in the JJD and paroxetine groups, respectively (P=0.905 between groups). At 4th week of treatment, there was a significant difference in HAMA between the two groups (P=0.037). TCMSS decreased 11.4 ± 5.1, and 10.1 ± 6.8 points in the JJD and paroxetine groups, respectively (P=0.080 between groups). At the 6th week, the incidence of AEs in the JJD group was significantly lower than that in the paroxetine group (7.14% vs. 22.86%, P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Compared with paroxetine, JJD was associated with a significantly lower incidence of AEs in patients with mild-to-moderate depression of XPD syndrome, with no difference in efficacy at 6 weeks. (Trial registration No. ChiCTR2000040922).

Effect of adjacent segmental facet joint degeneration on adjacent segment disease after lumbar fusion and fixation / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effect of facet joint degeneration in adjacent segments on the incidence of adjacent segment disease (ASD) after lumbar fusion and fixation.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was performed on 138 patients who underwent L5S1 posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) from June 2016 to June 2019. Patients were divided into a degeneration group (68 cases) and a non-degenerative group (70 cases) based on the presence or absence of L4,5 facet joint degeneration before surgery (graded using the Weishaupt standard). Age, gender, body mass index (BMI), follow-up time, and preoperative L4,5 intervertebral disc degeneration (graded using the Pfirrmann standard) were collected for both groups. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) at 1 and 3 months after surgery. The incidence and time of ASD after surgery were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#There were no significant differences between the two groups in age, gender, BMI, follow-up time, or preoperative L4,5 intervertebral disc degeneration. Both groups showed significant improvement in VAS and ODI at 1 and 3 months after surgery (P<0.001), with no significant difference between the groups(P>0.05). However, there was a statistically significant difference in the incidence and timing of ASD between the groups (P<0.05). The degeneration group had 2 cases of ASD in gradeⅠdegeneration, 4 cases of ASD in gradeⅡdegeneration, and 7 cases of ASD in grade Ⅲ degeneration. There was a statistically significant difference between the number of patients with grade Ⅲ degeneration and those with gradesⅠandⅡASD (P<0.0167, Bonferroni correction).@*CONCLUSION@#Preoperative degeneration of adjacent articular processes will increase the risk of ASD after lumbar fusion fixation, whereas gradeⅢ degeneration will further increase the risk.

Effect of body mass index on short-term effectiveness of high tibial osteotomy in treatment of varus knee arthritis / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of body mass index (BMI) on the short-term effectiveness of high tibial osteotomy (HTO) in the treatment of varus knee arthritis.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 84 patients (84 knees) with varus knee arthritis treated with HTO between May 2016 and August 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. According to BMI, the patients were divided into normal group (32 patients in group A, BMI<25 kg/m 2), overweight group (27 patients in group B, BMI>30 kg/m 2), and obese group (25 patients in group C, BMI>30 kg/m 2). The BMI of groups A, B, and C were (23.35±0.89), (26.65±1.03), and (32.05±1.47) kg/m 2, respectively. There was no significant difference ( P>0.05) in gender, age, surgical side, disease duration, and preoperative Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, knee range of motion, and hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA) between groups. The operation time, intraoperative dominant blood loss, and the decrease of hemoglobin on the 3rd day after operation were recorded and compared between groups. The improvement of knee joint function and pain status were evaluated by knee joint HSS score, knee range of motion, and VAS score before and after operation, and measuring the HKA of patients on X-ray film. During the follow-up, the X-ray films of the knee joint were reexamined to observe the position of the internal fixator and the healing of osteotomy.@*RESULTS@#All patients completed the operation successfully and were followed up 8-40 months (mean, 19.3 months). There was no significant difference in follow-up time, operation time, intraoperative dominant blood loss, and the decrease of hemoglobin on the 3rd day after operation between groups ( P>0.05). No operative complications such as severe vascular or nerve injury occurred. After operation, deep venous thrombosis of lower extremities occurred in 1 case in groups A and B respectively, and fat liquefaction of surgical incision occurred in 2 cases in group C. There was no significant difference in the incidence of perioperative complications between groups (3.1% vs. 3.7% vs. 8.0%) ( P=0.689). During the follow-up, there was no bone nonunion, plate fracture or loosening. At last follow-up, HSS score, VAS score, knee range of motion, and HKA significantly improved in the 3 groups when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the differences of the above indexes between groups before and after operation ( P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#BMI does not affect the short-term effectiveness of HTO in the treatment of varus knee arthritis. HTO can be selected for overweight and obese patients after standard medical treatment is ineffective.

Primary Ovarian Small Cell Carcinoma of Pulmonary Type: Analysis of 6 Cases and Review of 31 Cases in the Literatures / 中国医学科学杂志(英文版)

Objective Primary ovarian small cell carcinoma of pulmonary type (SCCOPT) is a rare ovarian tumor with a poor prognosis. The platinum-based chemotherapy is the standard treatment. However, there is little research on the clinical characteristics of SCCOPT and the potential benefits of other treatments due to its low incidence. The study aims to investigate clinicopathological characteristics and treatment of SCCOPT.Methods We summarized the clinical, imaging, laboratorical and pathological characteristics of 37 SCCOPT cases, in which 6 cases were admitted to the Gansu Provincial Hospital from the year of 2008 to 2022 and 31 cases reported in 17 English and 3 Chinese literatures.Results The median age of the studied SCCOPT cases (n=37) was 56.00 (range, 22-80) years. Almost 80% of them had a stage Ⅲ or Ⅳ tumor. All patients underwent an operation and postoperative chemotherapy. Nevertheless, all cases had a poor prognosis, with a median overall survival time of 12 months. Immunohistochemically, the SCCOPT of all patients showed positive expressions of epithelial markers, such as CD56 and sex-determining region of Y chromosome-related high-mobility-group box 2 (SOX-2), and negative expressions of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, vimentin, Leu-7, and somatostatin receptor 2. The tumor of above 80% cases expressed synaptophysin. Only a few cases expressed neuron-specific enolase, chromogranin A, and thyroid transcription factor-1. Conclusions SCCOPT had a poor prognosis. SOX-2 could be a biomarker to be used to diagnose SCCOPT.