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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.
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In this study, the reverse engineering technology was used to analyze the prescription and process of Doppelherz® Energy DIRECT, based on the composition of the prescription on the official website of the product, the detection method of composition is established according to the pharmacopoeia and literature information, combined with gravimetric analysis to complete prescription analysis. The prescription composition of the reference listed drug was determined to be composed of caffeine, taurine, vitamin B, anhydrous glucose, citric acid, sorbitol, sucralose, magnesium salts of fatty acids, in which the glucose content was 71.4%, the citric acid content was 7.0% and the magnesium salts of fatty acids content was < 5.8%. According to patent inquiry, Raman imaging and other technologies, the preparation process of the marketed preparation has been basically obtained, and the development of the self-made preparation has been completed on this basis. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Academy of Military Medical Sciences. Combined with the results of the taste evaluation experiment and the caffeine dissolution test of the preparation in 1 min, the hot-melt extrusion technology was screened out as the taste-masking technology of the self-made preparation, the parameters of the hot-melt extrusion process were screened by differential scanning calorimetry analysis, and finally a product with good taste and qualified quality was obtained, which provided a reference method for the research and development of related preparations.
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The COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing in the world, the risk of COVID-19 spread from other countries or in the country will exist for a long term in China. In the routine prevention and control phase, a number of local COVID-19 epidemics have occurred in China, most COVID-19 cases were sporadic ones, but a few case clusters or outbreaks were reported. Winter and spring were the seasons with high incidences of the epidemics; border and port cities had higher risk for outbreaks. Active surveillance in key populations was an effective way for the early detection of the epidemics. Through a series of comprehensive prevention and control measures, including mass nucleic acid screening, close contact tracing and isolation, classified management of areas and groups at risk, wider social distancing and strict travel management, the local COVID-19 epidemics have been quickly and effectively controlled. The experiences obtained in the control of the local epidemics would benefit the routine prevention and control of COVID-19 in China. The occurrence of a series of COVID-19 case clusters or outbreaks has revealed the weakness or deficiencies in the COVID-19 prevention and control in China, so this paper suggests some measures for the improvement of the future prevention and control of COVID-19.
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Humans , COVID-19/prevention & control , China/epidemiology , Contact Tracing , Epidemics/prevention & control , Pandemics/prevention & control , SARS-CoV-2ABSTRACT
Objective: To analyze the course of disease and epidemiological parameters of COVID-19 and provide evidence for making prevention and control strategies. Methods: To display the distribution of course of disease of the infectors who had close contacts with COVID-19 cases from January 1 to March 15, 2020 in Guangdong Provincial, the models of Lognormal, Weibull and gamma distribution were applied. A descriptive analysis was conducted on the basic characteristics and epidemiological parameters of course of disease. Results: In total, 515 of 11 580 close contacts were infected, with an attack rate about 4.4%, including 449 confirmed cases and 66 asymptomatic cases. Lognormal distribution was fitting best for latent period, incubation period, pre-symptomatic infection period of confirmed cases and infection period of asymptomatic cases; Gamma distribution was fitting best for infectious period and clinical symptom period of confirmed cases; Weibull distribution was fitting best for latent period of asymptomatic cases. The latent period, incubation period, pre-symptomatic infection period, infectious period and clinical symptoms period of confirmed cases were 4.50 (95%CI:3.86-5.13) days, 5.12 (95%CI:4.63-5.62) days, 0.87 (95%CI:0.67-1.07) days, 11.89 (95%CI:9.81-13.98) days and 22.00 (95%CI:21.24-22.77) days, respectively. The latent period and infectious period of asymptomatic cases were 8.88 (95%CI:6.89-10.86) days and 6.18 (95%CI:1.89-10.47) days, respectively. Conclusion: The estimated course of COVID-19 and related epidemiological parameters are similar to the existing data.
Subject(s)
Humans , COVID-19 , Cohort Studies , Contact Tracing , Incidence , Prospective StudiesABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the protective effect and potential mechanisms of microRNA-26a-5p (miR-26a-5p) on podocyte injury in diabetic kidney disease (DKD).Methods:(1) In vivo experiment: Four-week-old db/db mice were divided into db/db group, db/db+agomir-NC group and db/db+miR-26a-5p agomir group according to random number table method, with 10 mice in each group, and 10 db/m mice of the same week-old were set as normal control group. At the age of 10 weeks, pathological changes were observed through light and electron microscopy. Kidney weight/body weight (KW/BW), urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR), fasting blood glucose (FBG) and other biochemical indicators were also detected. The position and expression of miR-26a-5p in kidney tissue were determined through fluorescence in situ hybridization and quantitative real-time PCR, while the expressions of transient receptor potential cation channel-6 (TRPC6) and Nephrin in kidney tissue were determined by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. (2) In vitro experiment: The immortalized mouse podocytes (MPC5) were divided into 5 groups: normal glucose group, high mannitol group, high glucose group, high glucose+miR-26a-5p mimic group, and high glucose+mimic-NC group. The expressions of miR-26a-5p, TRPC6 and Nephrin were detected. Luciferase reporter assay was conducted to research the relationship of miR-26a-5p and TRPC6. Results:(1) In vivo experiment: Compared with db/m group, db/db mice exhibited lower KW/BW and disrupted conditions of ACR, FBG, total cholesterol, triglycerides and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (all P<0.01). Increased glomeruli volume, more extracellular matrix deposition, thicker basement membrane and more foot process fusion were observed by light and electron microscope. Increased expression of TRPC6 protein as well as decreased expression of Nephrin protein and miR-26a-5p were detected in kidney tissues of db/db mice ( P<0.05). Compared with db/db+agomir-NC group, db/db mice transfected by miR-26a-5p agomir exhibited less albuminuria, with less protein expression of TRPC6 and more Nephrin in kidney tissue (all P<0.05). (2) In vitro experiment: Compared with normal glucose group, high glucose-treated podocytes exhibited increased expression of TRPC6 ( P<0.05), as well as decreased expression of Nephrin ( P<0.05) and miR-26a-5p ( P<0.01). Compared with high glucose+mimic-NC group, lower expression of TRPC6 and higher expression of Nephrin were detected in podocytes transfected by miR-26a-5p mimic (both P<0.05). Luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR-26a-5p could regulate the expression of TRPC6 precisely. Conclusions:The expression of miR-26a-5p in podocytes is down-regulated in the context of high glucose and miR-26a-5p protects podocytes from injury via inhibiting the expression of TRPC6 in DKD.
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Objective:To analyze changes in nutritional status and immune function of elderly men receiving regular physical examinations, and to investigate the effects of aging on the nutritional status and immune function among elderly men.Methods:A total of 209 elderly men aged 60-101(72.9±11.5)years and receiving regular physical check-ups were enrolled.All research subjects were subjected to nutritional risk screening(NRS2002)and monitoring of nutrition and immune-related indicators, including routine blood work, blood biochemistry, immunoglobulin and T lymphocyte subsets.Results:Body weight, body mass index, hemoglobin, total protein, albumin and serum iron of elderly men decreased with age( F=21.754, 6.257, 47.528, 12.285, 18.397, 18.667, all P<0.001), with those aged 80 and above showing more significant decline and a greater proportion with malnutrition( χ2=77.134, P<0.001). The B lymphocyte counts of elderly men aged 80 and above were significantly lower( P<0.05)while serum IgA and IgG levels were significantly higher( F=3.110, 3.866, P=0.047, 0.022)than those of the 70-79 year old group.In addition, the B lymphocyte count and B lymphocyte ratio in malnourished elderly men were significantly lower( t=2.512, 2.874, P=0.013, 0.005), and IgA was significantly increased( t=2.513, P=0.017), compared with those with normal nutrition. Conclusions:The risk of malnutrition and reduced immune function among elderly men aged 80 years and above is significantly increased, and assessment and screening of the risk of malnutrition in the elderly should be stressed.
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OBJECTIVE@#In traditional Chinese medicine, the herbal pair, Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae (RAB) and Eucommiae Cortex (EC), is widely used to treat osteoporosis. Herein, we determined whether this herbal pair can be used to ameliorate glucocorticoid (GC)-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) and find its optimal dosage in zebrafish.@*METHODS@#The characteristics of the aqueous extract of RAB and EC were separately characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography. Osteoporosis was induced in 5-day post-fertilization zebrafish larvae by exposing them to 10 μmol/L dexamethasone (Dex) for 96 h. Seven combinations of different ratios of RAB and EC were co-administered. Treatment efficacy was determined by calculating zebrafish vertebral area and sum brightness, via alizarin red staining, and by detecting alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to test the optimal dosage ratio.@*RESULTS@#According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015), β-ecdysone (β-Ecd) is a major bioactive marker in RAB extract, while pinoresinol diglucoside (PDG) is the major marker in EC extract. Both of β-Ecd and PDG content values aligned with the Chinese Pharmacopoeia standards. Treatment with 10 μmol/L Dex reduced zebrafish vertebral area, sum brightness, and ALP activity, but RAB and EC attenuated these effects. Combining 50 µg/mL RAB and 50 µg/mL EC was optimal for preventing GIOP in zebrafish. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate the mRNA expression of osteogenesis-related genes. A treatment of 10 μmol/L Dex decreased runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1), bone γ-carboxyglutamic acid-containing protein (BGLAP), and β-catenin levels. This effect was counteracted by RAB and EC co-treatment (P < 0.05). Additionally, the effect of using the two herbal extracts together was better than single-herb treatments separately. These results demonstrated that RAB and EC preserve osteoblast function in the presence of GC. The best mass ratio was 1:1.@*CONCLUSION@#RAB and EC herbal pair could ameliorate GC-induced effects in zebrafish, with 1:1 as the optimal dosage ratio.
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Animals , Glucocorticoids , Medicine, Chinese Traditional , Osteogenesis , Osteoporosis/prevention & control , ZebrafishABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Sinisan on behaviors and NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3） inflammasomes of depressed rats induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress （CUMS） and further explore the anti-depressant mechanism of Sinisan. MethodFifty male rats were randomly divided into a normal group， a model group， an NLRP3 inhibitor （MCC950） group （10 mg·kg-1）， and low- （2.5 g·kg-1） and high-dose （5 g·kg-1） Sinisan groups， with 10 rats in each group. The depression model was induced by 42 d CUMS in rats except for those in the normal group. Drug intervention was performed on the 22nd day of modeling by gavage in the Sinisan groups and by intraperitoneal injection in the MCC950 group. Except for the MCC950 group， the remaining four groups received 10 mg·kg-1 physiological saline by intraperitoneal injection， while the rats in the model group， the normal group， and the MCC950 group were administered with 3 mL of physiological saline by gavage. Twenty-one days later， the sucrose preference test and open field test were performed. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of NLRP3， apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD （ASC）， cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-1 （Caspase-1）， B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）， Bcl-2 associated X protein （Bax）， ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 （Iba1）， and CD68 in the hippocampus of rats in each group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect the levels of interleukin-1β （IL-1β） and interleukin-18 （IL-18） in the hippocampus of rats. Nissl staining and TUNEL were used to assess the pathological changes and apoptosis level in the hippocampal CA1 region of rats， respectively. ResultThe sucrose preference rate and consumption volume in the sucrose preference test， the total distance， the percentage of central movement distance， and the percentage of residence time in the open field test of rats in the model group were lower than those in the normal group （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the Sinisan groups and the MCC950 group showed improved depression-like behaviors， apoptosis level in the hippocampal CA1 region， and neuron loss to varying degrees. Sinisan could reduce the levels of IL-1β， IL-18， Bax， Iba1， and CD68 in the hippocampus （P<0.05， P<0.01）， increase the level of Bcl-2 （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and inhibit the protein expression of NLRP3， ASC， and Caspase-1 related to NLRP3 inflammasomes （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionSinisan can improve the depression-like behaviors and pathological damage of hippocampal neurons in CUMS-induced rats， and the mechanism may be related to the inflammatory response mediated by the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway.
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ObjectiveTo establish blood stasis models in zebrafish using three inducers and select the optimal model for evaluating the activity of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma in promoting blood circulation. MethodArachidonic acid （AA）， ponatinib， and isoprenaline （ISO） were used to induce blood stasis models in zebrafish. A normal group， a model group， a positive drug group， and Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma water extract freeze-dried powder groups at different concentrations were set up. The staining intensity of cardiac erythrocytes and the fluorescence intensity of cardiac apoptotic cells were calculated， the anti-thrombotic effect and anti-myocardial hypoxia activity of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma were evaluated. The activities of water extract and 70% methanol extract of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma were compared based on the preferred AA- and ISO-induced blood stasis models in zebrafish and the difference in the chemical composition was analyzed by UHPLC LTQ-Orbitrap MS/MS. ResultAfter induction by AA and ponatinib， the staining intensity of cardiac erythrocytes was reduced （P<0.01）， and the fluorescence intensity of cardiac apoptotic cells increased after the induction by ISO （P<0.01）. The freeze-dried powder of the water extract of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma could antagonize the thrombosis in the AA-induced model （P<0.01） and the myocardial apoptosis in the ISO-induced model （P<0.05）， while no significant improvement in the thrombosis was observed in the ponatinib-induced model. The freeze-dried powder of 70% methanol extract of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma could inhibit myocardial apoptosis in the ISO-induced blood stasis model （P<0.01）， and the effect was stronger than that of the freeze-dried powder of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma water extract. The difference in chemical composition lay in some saponins （such as ginsenoside Re）， amino acids， and acetylenic alcohols. ConclusionAA， ponatinib， and ISO all can serve as inducers for the blood stasis model in zebrafish. AA- and ISO-induced models can be used to evaluate the activity of freeze-dried powder of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma water extract in promoting blood circulation. The chemical compositions of the freeze-dried powders of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma extracted with water and 70% methanol are quite different. For the ISO-induced blood stasis model， the freeze-dried powder of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma extracted with 70% methanol has a stronger ability against myocardial hypoxia. Saponins and acetylenic alcohols may be closely related to the effects of promoting blood circulation and resolving blood stasis.
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In order to provide the basis for the development of famous classical formulas containing Myrrha， the name， origin， quality evaluation， harvest and processing of Myrrha were systematically researched by consulting the ancient herbal and medical books， combining with the modern related literature. According to textual research， the results showed that Commiphora myrrha was the main base in ancient times， which was produced in Somalia， Ethiopia and northern Kenya. In addition， raw and fried products of Myrrha were the commonly used specifications in ancient herbal medicine， which are still used today. Nowadays， Myrrha， fried Myrrha and vinegar-processed Myrrha were the commonly used specifications. Among the three specifications， Myrrha is the raw products after cleaning， fried Myrrha is a kind of processed products， which has relevant records in ancient materia medica and is still used today. Vinegar-processed Myrrha is a new processing specification in modern times. Based on the research results， it is suggested that Myrrha in Shentong Zhuyutang should be the purified raw Myrrha in accordance with the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia.
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AIM: To explore the correlation by analyzing and comparing the expression of inflammatory factors in peripheral blood of human leukocyte antigen-B27(HLA-B27)positive and negative uveitis patients.METHODS: All 76 patients first diagnosed with uveitis in our hospital from January 2020 to April 2022 were screened in this retrospective study. Nucleated cells were isolated from human venous blood, and HLA-B27 was detected by flow cytometry(direct immunofluorescence), the patients were divided into the HLA-B27-positive group(≥90%)in 35 cases and HLA-B27-negative group(≤5%)in 41 cases. The whole blood RNA was extracted. The mRNA expression of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), interleukin-10(IL-10), protease activated receptor 2(PAR2), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin enhancer-binding factor -3(ILF3)were detected and compared by RT-qPCR.RESULTS: The IL-1β, IL-10, PAR2 and TNF-α mRNA were observed no difference between the two groups of patients(all P>0.05). The IL-6 mRNA in the patients of HLA-B27-positive group was higher than in the HLA-B27-negative group, the ILF3 mRNA was lower than that in the negative group(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION: The expression level of IL-6 in peripheral blood was significantly increased and ILF3 was decreased in HLA-B27-positive group, which can be used as auxiliary indicators for diagnosis and treatment of HLA-B27-positive uveitis.
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OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of monoammonium glycyrrhizinate on the stem cell-like characteristics, oxidative stress and mitochondrial function of acute promyelocytic leukemia cells NB4.@*METHODS@#CCK-8 method was used to detect the viability of acute promyelocytic leukemia cells NB4, and the appropriate dose was screened; Cloning method was used to detect the proliferation rate of NB4 cell; Western blot was used to detect the expression of cell cycle-related protein; flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis and sort NB4 stem cells positive (CD133+); Stem cell markers (Oct4, ABCG2, Dclk1) were detected by RT-PCR; ROS was detected by fluorescence; The kit was used to detect the level of oxidative stress markers (MDA); The flow cytometry was used to detect the change of mitochondrial membrane potential; Western blot was used to detect the expression of mitochondrial damage index-related proteins (Bax/BCL-2).@*RESULTS@#Compared with the control group, if the concentration of MAG was less than 5 μmol/L, the cell NB4 viability showed no significant difference; if the concentration was higher than 5 μmol/L, the inhibitory effect on the growth of cell NB4 increased and showed significant difference (P<0.05), according to the results of CCK-8 experiment, four groups were set based on the concentration of MAG 0 μmol/L, MAG 5 μmol/L, MAG 10 μmol/L, and MAG 20 μmol/L; compared with the control group (MAG 0 μmol/L), the cells in MAG 5 μmol/L group showed no significant difference, while the proliferation rate, cyclin expression, mitochondrial membrane potential, stem cell CD133+ ratio, and marker mRNA level ( Oct4, ABCG2, Dclk1) of NB4 cell were significantly reduced (P<0.05); the apoptosis rate, reactive oxygen species, MDA content and Bax/BCL-2 expression of NB4 cell significantly increased (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Monoammonium glycyrrhizinate has a significant inhibitory effect on acute promyelocytic leukemia cells NB4, which may be related to the regulation of stem cell-like characteristics, oxidative stress and mitochondrial function.
Subject(s)
Humans , Apoptosis , Cell Line, Tumor , Doublecortin-Like Kinases , Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism , Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute , Mitochondria , Oxidative Stress , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases , Stem CellsABSTRACT
Quality evaluation of Chinese medicinal decoction pieces is vital for the development of the downstream industries, and is an important channel for implementing the strategy of "higher quality, higher price, and priority for the high quality" for traditional Chinese medicine. At the moment, the quality of Chinese medicinal decoction pieces is mainly evaluated based on chemical component examination. Considering the weak preliminary research foundation and poor research conditions, traditional experience-based evaluation is undervalued in the quality rating of Chinese medicinal decoction pieces. However, traditional experience is a summary of the quality of Chinese medicinal materials based on clinical experience, which thus can be a potential basis for the quality evaluation of the decoction pieces. It is a challenge in the evaluation of Chinese medicinal decoction pieces to objectify the traditional experience-based evaluation from multiple aspects such as chemistry, effect, and characterization via modern techniques. Therefore, this study developed the "experience-ingredients-activity-electronic sensing" evaluation system for Chinese medicinal decoction pieces on the basis of experience-based assessment, chemical ingredients that can truly reflect the traditional experience, biological effect assessment, and electronic sensory evaluation, which is expected to quantify the traditional experience of quality evaluation of Chinese medicinal decoction pieces via chemistry, biology, and sensory simulation. The evaluation system can serve as a reference for clinical experience-based quality evaluation of Chinese medicinal decoction pieces.
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China , Drugs, Chinese Herbal , Electronics , Medicine, Chinese Traditional , Restraint, PhysicalABSTRACT
In this experiment, Panax notoginseng saponins chitosan nanoparticles(PNS-NPs) were prepared by self-assembly and their appearance, particle size, encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, polydispersity index(PDI), Zeta potential, and microstructure were characterized. The prepared PNS-NPs were intact in structure, with an average particle size of(209±0.258) nm, encapsulation efficiency of 42.34%±0.28%, a drug loading of 37.63%±0.85%, and a Zeta potential of(39.8±3.122) mV. The intestinal absorption of PNS-NPs in rats was further studied. The established HPLC method of PNS was employed to investigate the effects of pH, perfusion rate, and different drugs(PNS raw materials, Xuesaitong Capsules, and PNS-NPs). The absorption rate constant(K_a) and apparent permeability coefficient(P_(app)) in the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and colon were calculated and analyzed. As illustrated by the results, the intestinal absorption of PNS-NPs was increased in the perfusion solution at pH 6.8(P<0.05), and perfusion rate had no significant effect on the K_a and P_(app) of PNS-NPs. The intestinal absorption of PNS-NPs was significantly different from that of PNS raw materials and Xuesaitong Capsules(P<0.05), and the intestinal absorption of PNS-NPs was significantly improved.
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Animals , Rats , Chitosan/pharmacology , Intestinal Absorption , Nanoparticles , Panax notoginseng/chemistry , Saponins/pharmacologyABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the efficacy of Yanghe Pingchuan Decoction in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with syndrome of kidney deficiency and phlegm in the acute exacerbation stage.Methods:A total of 86 patients meeting the standard with acute exacerbation of COPD who were admitted to Haikou Hospital of TCM from May 2019 to July 2021 were selected and divided into an observation group and a control group by random number table method, with 43 cases in each group. The patients in the control group were treated with conventional Western medicine, and the patients in the experimental group were treated with Yanghe Pingchuan Decoction on the basis of the treatment in the control group. Both groups took 14 days of treatment. Scoring of TCM symptom of both groups before and after treatment was conducted. The serum levels of CRP, TNF-α and IL-6 were detected by ELISA, and the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) and the percentage of FEV1 to predicted value (FEV1%) were detected by automatic pulmonary function tester. Clinical efficacy was evaluated.Results:The observed total effective rate was 90.70% (39/43) in the observation group, which was significantly higher than 72.09% (31/43) in the control group, with statistical significance ( χ2=4.91, P<0.05). After treatment, the symptom scores of cough and expectoration, wheezing, shortness of breath, poor appetite, sweating and cold limbs in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t values were 10.21, 11.30, 15.77, 13.87, 8.73, respectively, all Ps<0.01); the levels of CRP and TNF-α，IL-6 in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t values were 22.43, 18.21, 20.90, respectively, all Ps<0.01); the levels of FEV1/FVC (62.58±5.23 vs. 58.47±11.61, t=2.12), FEV1 (63.79±1.47 vs. 60.17±10.94, t=2.15) in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Yanghe Pingchuan Decoction can effectively improve the pulmonary function of patients with acute exacerbation of COPD, relieve clinical symptoms, reduce the levels of serum CRP, TNF-α and IL-6, and improve the efficacy.
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Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of perioperative fasting abbreviation in traumatic patients with orthopaedic trauma and diabetes mellitus undergoing selective surgery.Methods:The patients were selected for this prospective nonrandomized controlled study who had undergone selective surgery from June 2019 to June 2021 at Department of Orthopaedic Trauma, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital. They were divided into an intervention group and a control group according to the wards where they stayed. The intervention group was fasted for solids from 0 o'clock on the surgery day and received oral solution with 6.25% maltodextrin which had been prepared by the nutritional department 3 hours prior to surgery. The control group was fasted for either liquids or solids from the midnight before surgery. All patients were evaluated according to the wake-up score and defensive reflex score after surgery. Once they were awakened, they were allowed slag-free drinks. Normal food was allowed if there was no discomfort after 2 hours. The 2 groups were compared in terms of basic information, actual preoperative fasting time, total amount of preoperative drinking, and postoperative time for initial drinking and eating. The perioperative subjective feelings (anxiety, thirst, hunger, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, sweating, stomach discomfort, etc.), grip strength and blood glucose were observed and compared between the 2 groups. Adverse reactions in the 2 groups were also observed.Results:A total of 135 patients were included, including 52 in the intervention group and 83 in the control group. The intervention group consisted of 22 males and 30 females aged from 30 to 84 years; the control group consisted of 39 males and 44 females aged from 29 to 81 years. There was no significant difference in the basic information between the 2 groups, showing comparability ( P>0.05). The intervention group had significantly shorter preoperative fasting time [3.5 (2.5, 6.3) h versus 12.0 (9.0, 16.0) h], significantly higher water intake before surgery [300 (200, 300) mL versus 100 (100, 200) mL], significantly shorter postoperative fasting time [0.08 (0, 1.25) h versus 2.00(0, 6.00) h], and significantly reduced time to return to normal diet [2.0 (2.0, 2.3) h versus 3.0(2.0, 6.0) h] than the control group (all P<0.05). The symptoms of anxiety, fatigue, sweating, and stomach discomfort in the intervention group were significantly fewer than those in the control group throughout the evaluation period. The thirst in the intervention group was significantly alleviated than that in the control group immediately after returning to the ward after surgery, and the dizziness and hunger were significantly alleviated than those in the control group when the patients left the ward to the operation room before surgery and immediately after returning to the ward. The symptom of nausea after returning to normal diet in the intervention group was significantly relieved compared with the control group. All the comparisons above showed statistically significant differences ( P<0.05). The blood glucose in the intervention group 2 hours after taking slag-free drinks was significantly higher than that in the control group ( Z=-2.108, P=0.035). There was no significant difference in the blood glucose between the 2 groups during other measurement periods ( P>0.05). There were no serious adverse reactions in either of the 2 groups. Conclusion:The protocol of perioperative fasting abbreviation may be safe and feasible for the patients with orthopaedic trauma and diabetes mellitus undergoing selective surgery, because it shows benefits of improving the patients' subjective feelings and stabilizing the blood glucose perioperatively.
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Objective:To investigate the factors associated with the occurrence of coccoid forms in clinical isolates of Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori) and its relationship with the pathological changes of gastric mucosa. Methods:A total of 66 H. pylori-infected patients admitted to People′s Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region from January 2020 to June 2021 were included.The clinical data of the patients were collected. Immunohistochemical staining was performed on gastric mucosal biopsy specimen to observe the occurrence of coccoid forms of H. pylori and pathological changes of gastric mucosa. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Results:After immunohistochemical staining of 66 gastric mucosa biopsy specimens from H. pylori-infected patients, the co-existence of helical and coccoid forms of H. pylori was found in 26(39.39%) specimens, and no simple coccoid H. pylori change was found. Among them, the patients with a history of eradication therapy had a coccoid forms rate of 52.63%(20/38), and those without a history of eradication therapy had a coccoid forms rate of 21.43%(6/28), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=6.57, P=0.012). There were no significant differences in the coccoid forms rates between patients with different gender, ethnicity, age and gastric mucosal pathological changes (including atrophy, gastric intestinal metaplasia, inflammation, activity)(all P>0.050). Seventeen (73.9%) of the 23 patients whose endoscopy was more than one to three months from the last eradication therapy developed coccoid forms, while three of 15 patients whose endoscopy was more than three months from the last eradication therapy had coccoid forms, and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=10.59, P=0.002). Conclusions:The transformation of H. pylori coccoid forms is related to the previous eradication therapy. The coccoid forms of H. pylori is equally pathogenic relative to the helical forms of H. pylori.
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Objective:To evaluate the effects of propofol on α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate (AMPA) receptor expression in the hippocampus of neonatal rats.Methods:Eighty-four clean-grade healthy Sprague-Dawley rats of either sex, aged 7 days, weighing 14-18 g, were divided into 2 groups ( n=42 each) using a random number table method: control group (group C) and propofol group (group P). Propofol 30 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected in group P, fat emulsion 3 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected in group C, 1/2 of the initial dose was given at a 20 min interval, 3 times in total, for 3 consecutive days.The arterial blood samples were taken for blood gas analysis after administration on 1st day.The rats were sacrificed at 3, 7 and 28 days after the last administration of propofol, and the bilateral hippocampus was obtained for detection of the expression of AMPA receptors containing GluR1, GluR2 and GluR3 subunits in total and membrane protein (by Western blot), and the ratio of membrane protein to total protein (M/T) was calculated.The concentrations of free calcium ion were measured.The learning and memory ability was evaluated by Morris water maze test on 28 days after the last administration. Results:Compared with group C, the expression of AMPA receptor containing GluR1 subunit in total and membrane protein was significantly up-regulated, M/T was increased, the expression of AMPA receptor containing GluR2 subunit in total and membrane protein was down-regulated, and M/T was decreased at each time point ( P<0.05), no significant change was found in the expression of AMPA receptor containing GluR3 subunits ( P>0.05), the concentrations of free calcium ion in hippocampal cells were increased, and the escape latency was prolonged, the number of crossing the original platform was decreased, and the time of staying at the target quadrant was shortened at 2-4 days of training in group P ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The mechanism by which propofol reduces cognitive function is related to up-regulation of the expression of AMPA receptors containing GluR1 subunit in the hippocampus and down-regulation of the expression of AMPA receptors containing GluR2 subunits, which increases the concentration of free calcium ions in nerve cells of neonatal rats.
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To investigate the mechanism of rapamycin in promoting asthmatic regulatory T cell differentiation . Asthma model was prepared by sensitization and challenge of ovalbumin in mice. Spleen CD4CD25 T cells were sorted from the asthmatic mice and normal mice by ultrahigh speed flow cytometer, and divided into three groups. Transforming growth factor-β and interleukin-2, or combined with rapamycin (final concentration of 500 nmol/L) were given in the model group or the rapamycin group. The levels of Treg cells and CD4CD25 T cells were detected by flow cytometry. The phosphorylation level of downstream proteins of S6 and Akt in the mTORC1/2 signaling pathway were examined by Western blotting. Compared with the model group, the differentiation level of Treg cells in the rapamycin group was significantly increased, the proliferation level of CD4CD25 T cells was decreased, and the phosphorylations of the mTORC1/2 substrates, S6 protein and Akt were decreased （all <0.05）. Rapamycin can promote the differentiation and function of Treg cells via inhibition of the mTORC1/2 signaling pathway.
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Animals , Mice , Asthma , Cell Differentiation , Phosphorylation , Signal Transduction , Sirolimus/pharmacology , T-Lymphocytes, RegulatoryABSTRACT
The ripe dried fruit of citron(Citrus medica) is one of the important sources of Chinese herb Citri Fructus. At the same time, it is also grown for edible and ornamental uses. There are many species and abundant genetic variation. To clarify the intraspecific variation and resource distribution of citron, this study investigated the variation in 11 citron fruits, basically covering the main species in China, including Xiaoguo citron(C. medica var. ethrog), Goucheng(C. medica var. yunnanensis), Muli citron(C.medica var. muliensis), Dehong citron(C.medica×Citrus spp.), Fuzhou citron(C.medica×C.grandis?), Mawu(C.medica×C.grandis?), Cangyuan citron, Binchuan citron, Sweet citron, Big citron, and Small citron. The natural communities of citron were proved to be mainly distributed in the southwestern and western Yunnan and southeastern Tibet of China, with Yunnan, Sichuan, Guangxi, Chongqing, Hubei, and Zhejiang identified as the main production areas. Citron has also been widely grown in India, the Mediterranean region, and the Caribbean coast countries. The field investigation revealed the large-scale intraspecific variation of citron fruits. Most of the fruits are oval-like or sphere-like in shape. The fruits are green when raw and yellow when ripe, with oil cell dots on the skin, stripe-likes running from top to bottom, and bulge at the top. Usually, in the smaller citron fruits, the pulp and juice vesicles are better developed and the central columella is tighter. By contrast, the juice vesicles and central columella in larger fruits became more vacant, with carpels visible, and the apex segregation and development of the carpels is one of the reasons for variation. These variations should be given top priority in the future variety selection and breeding, and the quality differences of different citron species and their mechanisms should be further studied. In particular, variety selection and classification management according to their medicinal or edible purposes will provide scientific and technological supports for the orderly, safe, and effective production of citron products consumed as food and medicine.