High-resolution mass spectrometry-based mass defect filtering for characterization of traditional Chinese medicine: a review / 中国中药杂志

The components of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) are characterized by diversity and complexity, and the comprehensive characterization of chemical compositions is the premise to study the effective substances of TCM. High-resolution mass spectrometry(HRMS) is an important tool for qualitative analysis of the complex composition of TCM. A series of HRMS post-processing strategies have been greatly developed and applied for the analysis of complex HRMS data and the structural annotation of chemical components. Considering that the structural analogues tend to have a specific range of mass defect, mass defect filtering(MDF) can be subjected to HRMS data for rapid identification of TCM structural analogues. As a representative data-mining strategy, MDF can effectively improve the characterization efficiency of target compounds in the complex system of TCM. In recent years, classic MDF has been developed into various modified MDF technologies, facilitating the efficient interpretation of HRMS data. This review introduced the principles and characteristics of different MDF technologies and summarized the application of MDF in the qualitative analysis of TCM to provide a comprehensive reference for the research on component characterization and structural identification in TCM.

Exploration of mechanism of "simultaneous treatment of brain and heart" of Naoxintong Capsules based on Toll-like receptor signaling pathway / 中国中药杂志

This study aims to explore the mechanism of "simultaneous treatment of the brain and the heart" of Naoxintong Capsules(NXT) under cerebral ischemia based on Toll-like receptor(TLR) signaling pathway.Male SD rats were randomized into sham operation group, model group, NXT group, and positive drug group.Middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO) model rats were used in model group, NXT group, and positive drug group, respectively.Neurological function was scored with the Bederson scale, and brain infarct rate was measured by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC) staining.Brain edema was detected with wet-dry weight method.Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling(TUNEL) staining were used to observe and count apoptotic cardiocytes.In addition, serum myocardial enzymes were measured.The expression of 8 TLR signaling pathway-related proteins interferon-α(IFN-α), interferon regulatory factor-3(IRF3), interferon regulatory factor-7(IRF7), TLR2, TLR4, TLR7, TLR9, and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in the cerebral cortex and heart of rats was detected by Western blot. Brain infarct rate, neurological function score, and brain water content in NXT group decreased significantly compared with those in the model group. At the same time, the reduction in apoptosis rate of cardiocytes and the content of serum aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), creatine kinase(CK), and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) were decreased in the NXT group.Systems pharmacological results and previous research showed that TLR signaling pathway played an important role in immune inflammatory response.The study of TLR signaling pathway and related proteins is helpful to elucidate the mechanism of "simultaneous treatment of the brain and the heart". Western blot results showed that NXT significantly inhibited the expression of IRF3, IRF7, TLR2, TLR7, and TNF-α in cerebral cortex and heart under cerebral ischemia.Cerebral ischemia influences cardiac functions, and TLR signaling pathway is one of the pathways for "simultaneous treatment of the brain and the heart" of NXT.

Anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects and molecular mechanisms of catalpol against H_2O_2-induced oxidative damage in pancreatic β cells (INS-1 cells) / 中国中药杂志

The present study investigated the anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects and molecular mechanisms of catalpol on the H_2O_2-induced pancreatic β-cells(INS-1 cells).The oxidative damage model of INS-1 cells was induced and optimized by the stimulation of H_2O_2 of different concentrations for different time.CCK-8 assay was used to detect cell viability after catalpol intervention(1, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 μmol·L~(-1)) for 24 h.Intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS), superoxide dismutase(SOD), and lipid peroxide malondialdehyde(MDA) were measured by DCFH-DA fluorescent probe, WST-1, and TBA respectively.Moreover, the apo-ptotic effect was detected by AO-EB and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining.In addition, the protein expression levels were detected by Wes-tern blot, and intracellular insulin concentration was measured by ELISA.The results showed that the oxidative damage model of INS-1 cells was stably induced by 50 μmol·L~(-1) H_2O_2 treatment for 2 h, and catalpol at 1-80 μmol·L~(-1) did not affect cell viability of INS-1 cells.Compared with the conditions in the model group, 1, 5, and 10 μmol·L~(-1) catalpol intervention for 2 h could protect INS-1 cells from oxidative damage(P<0.001), reduce ROS and MDA, increase SOD, and inhibit excessive cell apoptosis.Moreover, 1, 5, and 10 μmol·L~(-1) catalpol could also up-regulate the phosphorylation of nuclear transcription factor NF-E2 related factors, negatively regulate Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1(Keap1), phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK), and heme oxyge-nase 1(HO-1), and promote the protein expression of pancreatic-duodenal homeobox factor-1(PDX-1) and glucose transporter 2(GLUT2).In addition, 1, 5, and 10 μmol·L~(-1) catalpol increased insulin secretion of INS-1 cells under oxidative damage in the high-glucose culture medium, indicating function recovery of pancreatic β cells.PDX-1 is a key nuclear transcription factor of pancreatic β cell function that directly regulates GLUT2 and insulin synthesis, and affects glucose homeostasis.In conclusion, catalpol can reduce the oxidative damage and apoptosis of INS-1 cells, activate antioxidant pathway, protect the function of pancreatic β cells, and improve insulin synthesis and secretion.

Mechanism of anti-CXCR4 nanobody inhibiting angiogenesis in pancreatic cancer / 药学学报

Tumor angiogenesis provides adequate oxygen and nutrition for tumor development and supports tumor growth and metastasis. Stromal cell derived factor 1 (SDF-1) and its receptor C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) in pancreatic cancer microenvironment are involved in tumor growth such as promoting tumor cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. In this study, anti-CXCR4 nanobody (CXCR4 Nb) and anti-programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) &CXCR4 bispecific nanobody (PX4 BsNb) were expressed in Escherichia coli system and purified by nickel column affinity chromatography. We investigated the anti-angiogenesis activity and mechanism of CXCR4 Nb by in vivo and in vitro experiments. Ethical approval was obtained for collection of human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (hPBMC) samples from the Local Ethics Committee of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. All animal experiments were approved by the Animal Ethic Committee of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The results showed that CXCR4 Nb at 0.1 μmol·L-1 could effectively inhibit the proliferation and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) promoted by pancreatic stellate cells in vitro. CXCR4 Nb and PX4 BsNb at 0.3 mg·kg-1 obviously decreased tumor angiogenesis and inhibited the tumor growth in NOD/SCID mice, the inhibitory rates were 28.8% and 36.1%, respectively. CXCR4 Nb significantly inhibited tumor growth and angiogenesis with great safety, which provides support for application of CXCR4 Nb and anti-angiogenesis therapy of pancreatic cancer.

Patient-Reported Outcomes of PD-1 Inhibitor Camrelizumab Combined with Antiangiogenic Drug Apatinib in Patients with Advanced Cervical Cancer / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveA previous multicenter， single-arm phase Ⅱ clinical study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the PD-1 inhibitor camrelizumab in combination with the antiangiogenic drug apatinib in patients with recurrent/metastatic cervical cancer. In the current study， we aimed to report the patient-reported outcomes （PRO） in patients with advanced cervical cancer. MethodsThe researchers filled out quality of life questionnaire FACT-Cx with the patients face-to-face at the baseline and every two treatment cycles. The patients provided the questionnaire until disease progression. For patients who continued the study， the data cutoff date for the questionnaire was Oct12， 2020. ResultsIn this study， 41 patients who received treatment finished at least one FACT-Cx questionnaire. The scores of FACT-Cx questionnaire at baseline， the first 6 cycles， and after 6 cycles of treatment （range， 7-15cycle） were 114.53±18.23， 124.08±15.23 and 132.82±21.97， respectively. The scores of questionnaire at the first 6 cycle and after 6 cycles of treatment were significantly increased when compared with those at baseline （P＜0.05）. With respect to each dimension of the FACT-Cx questionnaire， physical status （such as mental state， limb pain）， emotional status （such as sadness， tension）， functional status （such as daily activities） and additional concerns （such as sexual function）， the average scores of these dimensions was significantly higher after 6 treatment cycles than those at baseline （P<0.05）. Social/family status dimensions （such as family relationships） did not change significantly. In the first 6 cycles， the incidence of grade 3 to 4 adverse events （AEs） was 71.11%. However， the incidence of grade 3 to 4 AEs decreased significantly to 25.0% after 6 treatment cycles， with the frequencies of hypertension and fatigue decreasing significantly. ConclusionsCamrelizumab combined with apatinib significantly improves the overall quality of life of patients with recurrent/metastatic cervical cancer. The scores of FACT-Cx questionnaire in multiple dimensions， such as physiological status， emotional status， functional status， and the additional status were significantly increased. Moreover， the questionnaire scores still increase after 6 treatment cycles compared with those of the first 6 cycles， indicating that the improvement of quality of life is durable.

Application of pretrained model based on electronic medical record in recognition of acute respiratory infection / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective: To evaluate the recognition of acute respiratory infection (ARI) by a pretrained model based on electronic medical records (EMRs). Methods: 38 581 EMRs were obtained from Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital in December 2021. Bidirectional encoder representation from transformers (BERT) pretrained model was used to identify ARI in EMRs. The results of medical professionals were considered as the gold standard to calculate the sensitivity, specificity, Kappa value, and area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic (AUC). Results: There were 3 817 EMRs in the test set, with 1 200 ARIs. A total of 1 205 cases were determined as ARI by the model, with a sensitivity of 92.67% (1 112/1 200) and a specificity of 96.45% (2 524/2 617). The model identified ARI with similar accuracy in males and females (AUCs 0.95 and 0.94, respectively), and was more accurate in identifying ARI cases in those aged less than 18 than in adults 18-59 and adults 60 and older (AUCs 0.94, 0.89 and 0.94, respectively). The current model had a better identification of ARIs in outpatient patients than that in hospitalized patients, with AUCs of 0.74 and 0.95, respectively. Conclusion: The use of the BERT pretrained model based on EMRs has a good performance in the recognition of ARI cases, especially for the outpatients and juveniles. It shows a great potential to be applied to the monitoring of ARI cases in medical institutions.

Research on the interaction between COVID-19 and influenza / 中华预防医学杂志

Since the global pandemic of COVID-19, different countries have implemented various prevention and control measures, which has affected the epidemic characteristics of respiratory infectious diseases such as influenza. From 2020 to 2021, the level of influenza activity was relatively low, but it is necessary to be alert that with the adjustment of national prevention and control measures, influenza may have a relatively strong epidemic rebound. In order to deal with influenza epidemic, experts were organized to publish a series of influenza studies in this issue, suggesting that influenza prevention and control cannot be underestimated during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is suggested to carry out research on the interaction between COVID-19 and influenza to explore the epidemic characteristics of the disease, develop new technologies and tools to improve the efficiency of monitoring and early warning, identify obstacles to vaccination, promote the scientific implementation of intervention measures, and achieve joint prevention and control of multiple diseases.

Correlation between the Promoter Methylation Status of TRIM58 and Its mRNA Expression in Acute Myeloid Leukemia / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the relationship between the promoter methylation status of Tripartite-motif protein 58 (TRIM58) and its mRNA expression level in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and to explore the expression and regulation of TRIM58 in AML.@*METHODS@#The bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP) and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) technologies were used to detect the promoter methylation status and expression levels of TRIM58 mRNA in primary CD34+ and CD34- AML cells and the AML cell lines KG1a and K562 were determined.@*RESULTS@#The expression of TRIM58 mRNA in CD34+ cells was down-regulated in 10 AML patients, while that in CD34- cells was down-regulated in 12 cases. Differences in the promoter methylation level of TRIM58 were statistically significant between AML group and normal control group (P<0.05). Additionally, the expression of TRIM58 mRNA was down-regulated in cell lines KG1a and K562, and up-regulated after decitabine treatment.@*CONCLUSION@#The down-regulation of mRNA expression of TRIM58 in AML cells may be related to its promoter methylation status.

Spectrum-effect Relationship Analysis Between HPLC Fingerprint and Immunomodulatory Activity of Zhenqi Fuzheng Granules / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the pharmacodynamic ingredients of Zhenqi Fuzheng granules （ZFG） for immunomodulatory through spectrum-effect relationship analysis， which provides experimental basis for improving the quality standard of ZFG. MethodEighteen batches of ZFG from six manufacturers were collected for analysis. The fingerprints were established by high performance liquid chromatography （HPLC）. Acetonitrile （A）-0.1% formic acid aqueous solution （B） were adopted as the mobile phase with gradient elution （0-15 min， 5%A； 15-23 min， 5%-8%A； 23-30 min， 8%-11%A； 30-45 min， 11%-18%A； 45-60 min， 18%-21%A； 60-67 min， 21%-23%A； 67-90 min， 23%-37%A）， the detection wavelength was 220 nm. Chemometric analysis such as similarity analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis （HCA） were subsequently used to analyze the similarities and chemical differences among these samples. A cyclophosphamide-induced immunodeficiency mouse model was used to evaluate the immune-enhancing effects of the products from different manufacturers. The spectrum-effect relationship between HPLC fingerprints and the immunomodulatory effects was examined using Spearman bivariate correlation analysis. HPLC coupled with mass spectrometry （HPLC-MSn） was used to identify the spectrum-effect related peaks with electrospray ionization， positive and negative ion modes， and scanning range of m/z 100-1 500. ResultThe HPLC fingerprint of ZFG was established， and twenty peaks with good resolution were selected as common peaks. The results of quality analysis and pharmacodynamic test showed there were significant differences in both ingredients content and immune-enhancing effects of ZFG from different manufacturers. Through spectrum-effect relationship study， twelve peaks were screened as bioactive ingredients peaks. Thereafter， eight peaks among them were subsequently identified by HPLC-MSn. They were salidroside （peak 2）， echinacoside （peak 5）， calycosin-7-glucoside （peak 6）， isomer of specnuezhenide （peak 7）， isonuezhenide （peak 9）， calycosin （peak 11）， nuezhenide G13 or oleonuezhenide （peak 14）， and formononetin （peak 18）， respectively. ConclusionThere are differences in quality and efficacy of ZFG produced by different manufacturers. Through spectrum-effect relationship analysis， the medicinal ingredients of ZFG for immune-enhancing effects are screened， which can provide reference for the improvement of its quality standard.

The value of measuring plasma homocysteine in the differential diagnosis of postural tachycardia syndrome and suspected myocarditis in children / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective:To explore the significance of plasma homocysteine (Hcy) as a new biomarker for the differential diagnosis of postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and suspected myocarditis in children.Methods:A total of 24 children diagnosed with POTS and 21 children diagnosed with suspected myocarditis treated in the Pediatrics Department of the Peking University First Hospital from July to December 2016 were included in the study.Plasma Hcy levels were measured in each subject and compared between children with POTS and suspected myocarditis.The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were depicted for assessing the diagnostic potential of Hcy in distinguishing POTS from suspected myocarditis.Results:Plasma Hcy level in the POTS group was significantly higher than that in the suspected myocarditis group [(14.25±8.09) μmol/L vs.(8.99±3.19) μmol/L], which was also significantly higher than that of the mean levels in Beijing children [(8.82±5.58) μmol/L] (all P<0.05). When the cut-off was 9.36 μmol/L, the area under the ROC curve was 0.76, and the sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing POTS from suspected myocarditis were 71% and 68%, respectively. Conclusions:Plasma Hcy levels are helpful in the differential diagnosis of POTS and suspected myocarditis in children.

Current status and influencing factors of osteoporosis risk among residents in typical hot spring areas in Guizhou Province / 上海预防医学

Objective To understand the current status of osteoporosis risk and influencing factors for residents from 30 to 65 years old in typical hot spring areas in Guizhou province, and to provide a theoretical basis for reducing the risk of osteoporosis and the prevention of osteoporosis in the population. Methods A health questionnaire for residents in typical hot spring areas in Guizhou, osteoporosis risk test questions, Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI), etc were used. A face-to-face survey of 3 708 residents was conducted, and logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of osteoporosis risk in hot spring areas. Results 2 403(64.81%)residents of 3 708 people surveyed were at risk of osteoporosis, of whom 1 434(87.4%)males and 969 females(47.1%)had a higher risk of osteoporosis (χ2=652.4, P < 0.001). As age increased, more residents were at risk of osteoporosis(χ2=273.4, P < 0.001), and numbers of residents of 30-39 years old, 40-59 years old, and above 60 years of age at risk of osteoporosis were 319(49.2%), 1 572(62.9%), and 512(93.6%). Male osteoporosis risk was negatively correlated with an education level of undergraduate and above(OR=0.37, 95%CI: 0.19-0.73). Age 40-59(OR=1.54, 95%CI: 1.07-2.22), 60 and above(OR=6.39, 95%CI: 2.76-14.79), and sleep disorders(OR=1.59, 95%CI: 1.08-2.35)may increase the risk of osteoporosis in male residents in hot spring areas. Less oil in daily diet may increase the risk of osteoporosis in women(OR=1.70, 95%CI: 1.23-2.36). Age 40-59(OR=1.54, 95%CI: 1.17-2.03), over 60 and above(OR=16.24, 95%CI: 10.10-26.12), and sleep disorders(OR=1.84, 95%CI: 1.48-2.28)were positively correlated with risk of osteoporosis in women. Women with junior high school degree(OR=0.61, 95%CI: 0.47-0.80), high school degree(OR=0.57, 95%CI: 0.37-0.89)and undergraduate degree and above(OR=0.59, 95%CI: 0.39-0.98)had a lower risk of osteoporosis than women who were illiterate or semi-illiterate. The osteoporosis risk test questions showed that smoking, heavy drinking, and erectile dysfunction and reduced sexual desire were the main sources of osteoporosis risk in men. Menopause before the age of 60, ≤45 years old, no milk and no calcium supplements, parents with osteoporosis or bone fractures were the major risk sources of osteoporosis in women. Conclusion The risk of osteoporosis among male residents from 30 to 65 years old in typical hot spring areas in Guizhou province is higher than that among women. Education of osteoporosis prevention should be strengthened among local residents to promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles.

Prevalence of osteoarthrosis and its association with hot spring bathing among local adults in typical hot spring areas of Guizhou Province / 上海预防医学

Objective To investigate the prevalence of osteoarthrosis and the association between hot spring bathing and osteoarthrosis among local adults in typical hot spring areas of Guizhou Province. Methods A face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted among residents aged from 30 to 65 in five typical hot spring areas, including Xifeng(Xifeng County, Guiyang), Jianhe(Jianhe County, Qiandongnan), Fodingshan(Shiqian County, Tongren), Guiyu(Wudang District, Guiyang)and Huishangu(Suiyang County, Zunyi). Residents' basic information, bone and joint diseases prevalence, hot spring bathing, and other health-related behaviors were investigated in this study. The prevalence of local bone and joint diseases was analyzed, and binary logistic regression was used to calculate OR(95%CI)to analyze the association between hot spring bathing and bone and joint diseases. Results A total of 3 708 adults(1 648 males and 2 060 females)were included as the statistical analysis survey subjects, and 794 people reported bone and joint diseases, accounting for a prevalence rate of 21.41%, 95% CI: 0.201-0.227. The prevalence of females(24.56%)was higher than that of males(17.48%)(P < 0.001). The prevalence rates of diseases increased with age(χtrend2=130.265, P < 0.001). There were also statistically significant differences in the prevalence rate of bone and joint diseases among different genders, age groups, occupations, education levels, and smoking behaviors(P < 0.05). After gender, age, occupation, education and smoking were adjusted for, compared with the group who never took hot spring baths, participants who took hot spring baths occasionally(OR=0.793, 95%CI: 0.631-0.996)and frequently(OR=0.713, 95%CI: 0.536-0.948)were associated with a lower risk of bone and joint diseases. Conclusion The prevalence of osteoarthrosis is 21.41% in the typical hot spring areas of Guizhou Province. Older or females have a higher risk of prevalence of bone and joint diseases. Hot spring bathing may be associated with a lower risk of bone and joint diseases.

Association between hot spring bathing behavior and hypertension and the mediating effect of sleep quality problems in typical hot spring areas of Guizhou Province / 上海预防医学

Objective To investigate the association between hot spring bathing behavior and hypertension and understand the mediation effect of sleep quality problems on the association. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among adults aged 30 to 65 living and working around five hot springs in Guizhou Province, employing a self-designed questionnaire on the health status and hot spring bathing, and 3 708 qualified questionnaires were collected. Participants were divided into three groups according to their frequency of hot spring bathing: never, occasionally, and frequently. Stratified via sex and sleep quality, the binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between different hot spring bathing frequencies and self-reported hypertension. Results Significant difference was detected in the self-reported hypertension between groups who never bathe(13.7%), who occasional bathe(9.4%)and who frequently bathe(8.5%)among female participants(χ2=10.460, P=0.005). However, no significant difference was found among different bathing groups in males. Furthermore, multivariate analysis showed that compared with no bathing, occasional(OR=0.692)and frequent (OR=0.594)hot spring bathing were associated with lower hypertension prevalence among female population, and female groups of occasional and frequent bathing with sleep quality problems had smaller OR(OR=0.571 and 0.406, respectively). After sleep quality problems were included, hot spring bathing was still associated with lower hypertension risk, and the OR values of occasional bathing and frequent bathing groups were 0.723 and 0.611, respectively. The sleep quality problems of female population played a partial mediating role in the association between hot spring bathing and hypertension, and the relative mediating effects of occasional bathing and frequent bathing with hypertension were both statistically significant(Zm=-2.022 and -1.995, P < 0.05), which accounted for 34.34% and 30.15% of the total effects, respectively. Conclusion Regular hot spring bathing may play an auxiliary role in the prevention of hypertension, and it may provide a stronger protection for women, and especially those with sleep quality problems. Sleep quality problems may explain part of the association between hot spring bathing and hypertension in female population.

Association between hot spring bathing and quality of life of smokers in typical hot spring areas of Guizhou Province / 上海预防医学

Objective To analyze the association between hot spring bathing and the quality of life of smokers living in typical hot spring areas of Guizhou to make suggestions on improving their quality of life. Methods The study is a cross-sectional study whose data was collected by questionnaires. The WHO Quality of Life Scale(WHO QOL-BREEF)was used to measure quality of life. Results The quality of life in the psychological domain(14.09±1.83 vs 13.79±1.82, P < 0.05)and the environmental domain(12.70±1.84 vs 12.37±1.67, P < 0.05)among smokers who took hot spring baths was significantly higher than that among those who did not. After adopting ordinary logistic regression model to adjust for other factors, for the physical domain, the odd of scoring"good"in the WHO scale in group of smokers who took hot spring baths less that once a month was 0.70 lower than that in those who took baths at least once a month(OR=0.70, 95%CI: 0.54-0.91). In psychological domain, the odd of the group of smokers who did not take hot spring baths was 0.65 lower than that in those who took baths at least once a month(OR=0.65, 95%CI: 0.47-0.90). And the odd of the group of smokers who bathed less than once in a month was 0.71 lower than those who bathed at least once a month(OR=0.71, 95%CI: 0.54-0.92). Conclusion There is a positive relationship between hot spring bathing and quality of life, which prompts that people who smoke take hot spring baths to improve their quality of life.

Study of hot spring bathing and chronic disease prevalence among residents between 30 and 65 in typical hot spring areas of Guizhou Province / 上海预防医学

Objective To investigate hot spring bathing behavior and chronic disease prevalence of residents aged 30 to 65 in typical hot spring areas of Guizhou Province. Methods Totally 3 708 individuals between 30 and 65 in five typical hot spring areas of Guizhou Province were included in this study. Their hot spring bathing behavior and chronic disease prevalence were recorded. Unconditional logistic regression was used to analyze the association between hot spring bathing and the incidence of chronic diseases. Results 71.3% of the residents in the hot spring areas had bathed in hot springs, with the proportion higher in males than females(χ2=92.856, P < 0.001). 76.3% of people took hot spring baths fewer than or equal to 6 times per year, 30.8% of residents often chose to take hot spring baths in the evening, and 37.6% of the residents took hot spring baths for 21-40 minutes. Bathing was more common in winter. 11.5% and 17.9% of the residents added other substances and used hot spring facilities, and most of them added traditional Chinese medicine and used the sauna. 46.6% and 41.6 % of the residents took hot spring baths to relax and relieve fatigue. The self-reported prevalence rate of chronic diseases was 522.1‰, and the top five single diseases were lumbar intervertebral disc disease(119.7‰), hypertension(118.1‰), urinary calculus(77.7‰), cervical intervertebral disc disease(53.7‰)and osteogenesis(44.5‰). Compared with those who never bathed in hot springs, taking hot spring baths 7-11 times a year was negatively correlated with chronic diseases.(OR=0.551, 95%CI: 0.345-0.879). Conclusion Hot spring bathing is popular in typical hot spring areas of Guizhou Province, but its frequency is not high. The overall prevalence of chronic diseases is relatively high, and the order of most prevalent chronic diseases is different from that in other areas. Proper hot spring bathing is negatively correlated with chronic diseases.

Biomimetic Biphasic Electrospun Scaffold for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tissue Engineering

Background@#Replacing damaged anterior cruciate ligaments (ACLs) with tissue-engineered artificial ligaments is challenging because ligament scaffolds must have a multiregional structure that can guide stem cell differentiation. Here, we designed a biphasic scaffold and evaluated its effect on human marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) under dynamic culture conditions as well as rat ACL reconstruction model in vivo. @*Methods@#We designed a novel dual-phase electrospinning strategy wherein the scaffolds comprised randomly arranged phases at the two ends and an aligned phase in the middle. The morphological, mechanical properties and scaffold degradation were investigated. MSCs proliferation, adhesion, morphology and fibroblast markers were evaluated under dynamic culturing. This scaffold were tested if they could induce ligament formation using a rodent model in vivo. @*Results@#Compared with other materials, poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide)/poly(ε-caprolactone) (PLGA/PCL) with mass ratio of 1:5 showed appropriate mechanical properties and biodegradability that matched ACLs. After 28 days of dynamic culturing, MSCs were fusiform oriented in the aligned phase and randomly arranged in a paving-stone-like morphology in the random phase. The increased expression of fibroblastic markers demonstrated that only the alignment of nanofibers worked with mechanical stimulation to promote effective fibroblast differentiation. This scaffold was a dense collagenous structure, and there was minimal difference in collagen direction in the orientation phase. @*Conclusion@#Dual-phase electrospun scaffolds had mechanical properties and degradability similar to those of ACLs. They promoted differences in the morphology of MSCs and induced fibroblast differentiation under dynamic culture conditions. Animal experiments showed that ligamentous tissue regenerated well and supported joint stability.

Molecular mechanism of Gegen Qinlian Decoction in promoting differentiation of brown adipose tissue to improve glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in diabetic rats / 中国中药杂志

This study explored the molecular mechanism underlying the Gegen Qinlian Decoction(GQD) promoting the differentiation of brown adipose tissue(BAT) to improve glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in diabetic rats. After the hypoglycemic effect of GQD on diabetic rats induced by high-fat diet combined with a low dose of streptozotocin was confirmed, the total RNA of rat BAT around scapula was extracted. Nuclear transcription genes Prdm16, Pparγc1α, Pparα, Pparγ and Sirt1, BAT marker genes Ucp1, Cidea and Dio2, energy expenditure gene Ampkα2 as well as BAT secretion factors Adpn, Fndc5, Angptl8, IL-6 and Rbp4 were detected by qPCR, then were analyzed by IPA software. Afterward, the total protein from rat BAT was extracted, and PRDM16, PGC1α, PPARγ, PPARα, SIRT1, ChREBP, AMPKα, UCP1, ADPN, NRG4, GLUT1 and GLUT4 were detected by Western blot. The mRNA expression levels of Pparγc1α, Pparα, Pparγ, Ucp1, Cidea, Ampkα2, Dio2, Fndc5, Rbp4 and Angptl8 were significantly increased(P<0.05) and those of Adpn and IL-6 were significantly decreased(P<0.05) in the GQD group compared with the diabetic group. In addition, Sirt1 showed a downward trend(P=0.104), whereas Prdm16 tended to be up-regulated(P=0.182) in the GQD group. IPA canonical pathway analysis and diseases-and-functions analysis suggested that GQD activated PPARα/RXRα and SIRT1 signaling pathways to promote the differentiation of BAT and reduce the excessive lipid accumulation. Moreover, the protein expression levels of PRDM16, PGC1α, PPARα, PPARγ, SIRT1, ChREBP, AMPKα, UCP1, GLUT1, GLUT4 and NRG4 were significantly decreased in the diabetic group(P<0.01), which were elevated after GQD intervention(P<0.05). Unexpectedly, the expression of ADPN protein in the diabetic group was up-regulated(P<0.01) as compared with the control group, which was down-regulated after the administration with GQD(P<0.01). This study indicated that GQD promoted BAT differentiation and maturity to increase energy consumption, which reduced the glucose and lipid metabolism disorders and thereby improved diabetes symptoms.

Effect of miR-4698 mediated GALNT4 expression on proliferation and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells / 中国医师杂志

Objective:The relative expression of miR-4698 in liver cancer tissues and cell lines was detected, and its effect on the proliferation and migration of liver cancer cells and its molecular mechanism were analyzed.Methods:Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to analyze the relative expression of miR-4698 in liver cancer tissues and liver cancer cell lines. Among the lowest-expressing hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines, miR-4698 mimic and control mimic were transfected with liposome transfection method, and named as experimental group and control group. qRT-PCR was used to detect transfection efficiency. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and transwell migration experiments were used to detect the effects of overexpressing miR-4698 on the proliferation and migration ability of liver cancer cells. Bioinformatics and dual luciferase reporter gene experiments were used to predict and verify the binding of miR-4698 to target gene. qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the relative expression of target gene at mRNA and protein levels, respectively.Results:Compared with the adjacent tissues, miR-4698 was significantly lower in the liver cancer ( P<0.01). Compared with normal hepatocytes, miR-4698 was significantly lower in hepatoma cell lines ( P<0.05), and the lowest in Huh7 cells ( P<0.01). After transfection, the expression of miR-4698 in Huh7 cells in experimental group was significantly increased compared with that in the control group ( P<0.01). Overexpression of the miR-4698 can inhibit the proliferation and migration of Huh7 cells ( P<0.05). Bioinformatics showed that the target gene of miR-4698 was polypeptide-n-acetylgalactosamine transferase 4 (GALNT4), and the double luciferase reporter gene confirmed that miR-4698 could bind to GALNT4 ( P<0.01). qRT-PCR showed that overexpression of miR-4698 could inhibit the expression of GALNT4 gene ( P<0.01). Western blot results showed that overexpression of miR-4698 decreased the protein expression of GALNT4, cyclin B and CDK1, and increased the protein expression of N-cadherin and ZEB-2. Conclusions:The expression of miR-4698 in liver cancer tissues and cell lines is significantly reduced. Overexpression of miR-4698 can inhibit the expression of GALNT4 gene and reduce the proliferation and migration ability of liver cancer Huh7 cells.

The status quo of postnatal care in the community: a qualitative study / 中华全科医师杂志

Objective:To investigate the status quo of postnatalcare in the community in Beijing.Methods:A qualitative study on the status quo of postnatal care was conducted using semi-structured interview between June and September 2019. Eighteen health workers who undertook postnatal care in the community for more than 3 years from 16 municipal districts in Beijing were chosen as interviewees. The content analysis method was used to analyze the interview data.Results:A total 178 868 words from 18 interviewees were transcribed. Four themes were extracted including: ①Lack of resources and information, and difficulties in implementation; ②Poor allocation of human resources, and lower personnel treatment; ③Inadequate depth and poor quality of services; ④Insufficient social attention, and interference from commercial institutions.Conclusion:For the existing problems in the postnatal care in the community, it is recommended to increase the financial investment and human resource allocation to improve the postnatal visits, as well as to strengthen the supervision of commercial puerperal health management agencies.

Biomimetic Biphasic Electrospun Scaffold for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tissue Engineering

Background@#Replacing damaged anterior cruciate ligaments (ACLs) with tissue-engineered artificial ligaments is challenging because ligament scaffolds must have a multiregional structure that can guide stem cell differentiation. Here, we designed a biphasic scaffold and evaluated its effect on human marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) under dynamic culture conditions as well as rat ACL reconstruction model in vivo. @*Methods@#We designed a novel dual-phase electrospinning strategy wherein the scaffolds comprised randomly arranged phases at the two ends and an aligned phase in the middle. The morphological, mechanical properties and scaffold degradation were investigated. MSCs proliferation, adhesion, morphology and fibroblast markers were evaluated under dynamic culturing. This scaffold were tested if they could induce ligament formation using a rodent model in vivo. @*Results@#Compared with other materials, poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide)/poly(ε-caprolactone) (PLGA/PCL) with mass ratio of 1:5 showed appropriate mechanical properties and biodegradability that matched ACLs. After 28 days of dynamic culturing, MSCs were fusiform oriented in the aligned phase and randomly arranged in a paving-stone-like morphology in the random phase. The increased expression of fibroblastic markers demonstrated that only the alignment of nanofibers worked with mechanical stimulation to promote effective fibroblast differentiation. This scaffold was a dense collagenous structure, and there was minimal difference in collagen direction in the orientation phase. @*Conclusion@#Dual-phase electrospun scaffolds had mechanical properties and degradability similar to those of ACLs. They promoted differences in the morphology of MSCs and induced fibroblast differentiation under dynamic culture conditions. Animal experiments showed that ligamentous tissue regenerated well and supported joint stability.