The role and impact of macrophages in the pathogenesis of primary biliary cholangitis / 临床肝胆病杂志

Primary biliary cholangitis （PBC） is a chronic autoimmune disease of cholestasis in which immune factors lead to progressive small bile duct destruction， cholestasis， and eventually liver fibrosis， liver cirrhosis， and even liver failure. Macrophages， as a group with functional heterogeneity， play different roles in the whole disease process of PBC. This article summarizes the possible ways by which macrophages are involved in the pathogenesis of PBC and discusses their impact on the disease and the potential therapeutic targets of macrophages. It is pointed out that macrophages are mainly involved in innate immunity in PBC injury and are associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis， and they are also associated with cholestasis， liver fibrosis， and liver cirrhosis in the later stages of the disease.

Analysis of Clinical Characteristics and Death Risk Factors in Patients with Community-acquired Pneumonia Complicated with Diabetes / 昆明医科大学学报

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics and risk factors of death during hospitalization in patients with community-acquired pneumonia(CAP)complicated with diabetes mellitus(DM).Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 566 patients with CAP hospitalized in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from January 2018 to January 2022.The patients were divided into simple CAP group(n=478)and CAP combined with diabetes(CAP+DM)group(n=88)according to whether they had diabetes,and then CAP+DM group(n=88)was divided into survival group(n=69)and death group(n =19)according to whether the patients died during hospitalization.The clinical data and laboratory test indicators of patients in different groups were compared.Cox regression analysis was used to screen the risk factors of death during hospitalization in the CAP+DM group.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was plotted to evaluate the predictive value of independent risk factors on hospitalization death.Results Compared with the simple CAP group,the CAP+DM group had significant differences in age,concomitant hypertension,coronary heart disease,CURB-65 score,neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio(NLR),C-reactive protein(CRP),procalcitonin(PCT),albumin(ALB),prealbumin(PA),glucose(GLU),serum potassium(K),calcium(Ca),phosphorus(P),magnesium(Mg),lactic acid(Lac),non-invasive ventilation time,ICU occupancy rate and mortality rate(P<0.05);Compared with the survival group,there were statistically significant differences in CURB-65 score,NLR,CRP,PCT,GIU,ALB,PA,serum iron(Fe),Ca,non-invasive ventilation time,and ICU admission rate among the death group patients(P<0.05).Cox regression analysis showed that the increase of NLR level and the decrease in PA level were the risk factors for in-hospital death in patients with CAP complicated with diabetes(P<0.05).When the PA cutoff value was 91 mg/L,the AUC,sensitivity,and specificity for predicting in-hospital death of CAP patients with diabetes were 0.849,84.2%and 81.2%,respectively.Conclusion Patients with CAP combined with diabetes are more serious and have worse prognosis than those with CAP alone.PA has a good predictive value for the prognosis of these patients.Early detection and active intervention should be carried out to reduce the in-hospital mortality of patients.

Current status of research on the genetic susceptibility of primary biliary cholangitis / 临床肝胆病杂志

Primary biliary cholangitis （PBC） is a liver autoimmune disease with a strong genetic tendency characterized by the degeneration and necrosis of bile duct epithelial cells， and it is often observed in middle-aged and elderly women. With the continuous development of genome-wide association studies， the genetic susceptibility of PBC has attracted more and more attention. This article elaborates on the research advances in the genetic susceptibility genes closely associated with PBC， in order to provide effective targets for the treatment of PBC.

Prenatal diagnosis and genetic analysis of a fetus with partial deletion of Yq and mosaicism of 45,X / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To carry out prenatal diagnosis and genetic analysis for a fetus with disorders of sex development (DSDs).@*METHODS@#A fetus with DSDs who was identified at the Shenzhen People's Hospital in September 2021 was selected as the study subject. Combined molecular genetic techniques including quantitative fluorescence PCR (QF-PCR), multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), as well as cytogenetic techniques such as karyotyping analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were applied. Ultrasonography was used to observe the phenotype of sex development.@*RESULTS@#Molecular genetic testing suggested that the fetus had mosaicism of Yq11.222qter deletion and X monosomy. Combined with the result of cytogenetic testing, its karyotype was determined as mos 45,X[34]/46,X,del(Y)(q11.222)[61]/47,X,del(Y)(q11.222),del(Y)(q11.222)[5]. Ultrasound examination suggested hypospadia, which was confirmed after elective abortion. Combined the results of genetic testing and phenotypic analysis, the fetus was ultimately diagnosed with DSDs.@*CONCLUSION@#This study has applied a variety of genetic techniques and ultrasonography to diagnose a fetus with DSDs with a complex karyotype.

Demographic characteristics and associated influencing factors in treated patients with chronic hepatitis B with hypoviremia : a single-center retrospective cross-sectional study / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective: To investigate the demographic characteristics and clinical influencing factors which associates with the occurrence probability of persistent or intermittent hypoviremia (LLV) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) treated with nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs). Methods: A single-center retrospective analysis was performed on patients with CHB who received outpatient NAs therapy for≥48 ± 2 weeks. According to the serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA load at 48±2 weeks treatment, the study groups were divided into LLV (HBV DNA < 20 IU/ml and < 2 000 IU/ml) and MVR group (sustained virological response, HBV DNA < 20 IU/ml). Demographic characteristics and clinical data at the start of NAs treatment (considered as baseline) were retrospectively collected for both patient groups. The differences in the reduction of HBV DNA load during treatment was compared between the two groups. Correlation and multivariate analysis were further conducted to analyze the associated factors influencing the LLV occurrence. Statistical analysis was performed using the independent samples t-test, c2 test, Spearman analysis, multivariate logistic regression analysis, or area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results: A total of 509 cases were enrolled, with 189 and 320 in the LLV and MVR groups, respectively. Compared to patients with MVR group at baseline: (1) the demographics characteristics of patients showed that LLV group was younger in age (39.1 years, P = 0.027), had a stronger family history (60.3%, P = 0.001), 61.9% received ETV treatment, and higher proportion of compensated cirrhosis (20.6%, P = 0.025) at baseline; (2) the serum virological characteristics of patients showed that LLV group had higher HBV DNA load, qHBsAg level, qHBeAg level, HBeAg positive rate, and the proportion of genotype C HBV infection but decreased HBV DNA during treatment (P < 0.001) at baseline; (3) the biochemical characteristics of patients showed that LLV group had lower serum ALT levels (P = 0.007) at baseline; (4) the noninvasive fibrosis markers of patients showed that LLV group were characterized by high aspartate aminotransferase platelet ratio index (APRI) (P = 0.02) and FIB-4 (P = 0.027) at baseline. HBV DNA, qHBsAg and qHBeAg were positively correlated with LLV occurrence (r = 0.559, 0.344, 0.435, respectively), while age and HBV DNA reduction were negatively correlated (r = -0.098, -0.876, respectively). Logistic regression analysis showed that ETV treatment history, high HBV DNA load at baseline, high qHBsAg level, high qHBeAg level, HBeAg positive, low ALT and HBV DNA level were independent risk factors for patients with CHB who developed LLV with NAs treatment. Multivariate prediction model had a good predictive value for LLV occurrence [AUC 0.922 (95%CI: 0.897 ~ 0.946)]. Conclusion: In this study, 37.1% of CHB patients treated with first-line NAs has LLV. The formation of LLV is influenced by various factors. HBeAg positivity, genotype C HBV infection, high baseline HBV DNA load, high qHBsAg level, high qHBeAg level, high APRI or FIB-4 value, low baseline ALT level, reduced HBV DNA during treatment, concomitant family history, metabolic liver disease history, and age < 40 years old are potential risk factors for developing LLV in patients with CHB during the therapeutic process.

Cerebral blood flow dysautoregulation and idiopathic orthostatic dizziness/vertigo in the elderly / 中风与神经疾病杂志

@#Orthostatic dizziness is a common type of dizziness or vertigo in the department of neurology. In the past，there was no expert consensus or diagnosis and treatment guideline for this disease due to the lack of diagnostic methods and standards. Based on the international criteria published by the Committee for the Classification of Vestibular Disorders of the Bárány Society in 2019 as well as our clinical experience，this article focuses on the possible mechanisms and diagnosis and treatment suggestions on orthostatic dizziness/vertigo in the elderly，hoping to provide a reference for clinicians.

A retrospective analysis of Osimertinib in treatment of elderly patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma with epidermal growth factor receptor mutation / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Osimertinib in the second-line and above treatment of elderly patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma with epidermal grouth factor receptor(EGFR)mutation.Methods:A retrospective analysis of 51 elderly patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma aged 65 years and over was performed.EGFR gene mutations were detected at baseline.The patients were treated with Osimertinib as second or later-line treatment after disease progression on prior epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor(EGFR-TKI)therapy.Results:The median age of the patients was 72 years old, and the median progression-free survival(PFS)with Osimertinib was 13 months(95% CI: 10.8-15.2 months). Patients with exon 19 deletion(19del)treated with Osimertinib had longer PFS than patients with EGFR 21 exon L858R mutation(12 vs.24 month, P=0.028). In patients with EGFR resistance mutation T790M(T790M-positive), the PFS of patients with 19del combined with T790M(19del / T790M-positive)was better than that of patients with L858R combined with T790M(L858R / T790M-positive)(10 vs.28 months, P=0.029). After Osimertinib treatment, 43.8% of patients had brain or meningeal progression.The most commonly used agents for treatment after resistance to Osimertinib are antiangiogenic drugs.The common adverse reactions of Osimertinib were diarrhea(31.4 %), followed by dry skin with itching(29.4%)and rash(25.5 %). Most adverse reactions were grade 1 to 2, and one patient discontinued the drug intermittently due to grade 3 hematological adverse reactions. Conclusions:Osimertinib is effective and well tolerated in elderly patients with advanced EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma.

Analysis of copy number variation in AZF region of Y chromosome in patients with spermatogenic failure / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the characteristics of copy number variation (CNV) within the Y chromosome azoospermia factor (AZF) region in patients with spermatogenesis disorders in the Shenzhen area.@*METHODS@#A total of 123 patients with spermatogenesis disorders who had visited Shenzhen People's Hospital from January 2016 to October 2022 (including 73 patients with azoospermia and 50 patients with oligozoospermia) and 100 normal semen males were selected as the study subjects. The AZF region was detected with multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), and the correlation between the CNV in the AZF region and spermatogenesis disorders was analyzed using the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test.@*RESULTS@#19 CNV were detected among 53 patients from the 223 samples, including 20 cases (27.40%, 20/73) from the azoospermia group, 19 cases (38%, 19/50) from the oligozoospermia group, and 14 cases (14%, 14/100) from the normal control group. In the azoospermia, oligozoospermia, and normal control groups, the detection rates for CNV related to the AZFa region (including AZFab and AZFabc) were 5.48% (4/73), 2.00% (1/50), and 0 (0/100), respectively. The detection rates for the AZFb region (including the AZFbc region) were 6.85% (5/73), 0 (0/50), and 0 (0/100), respectively. The detection rates for gr/gr deletions in the AZFc region were 2.74% (2/73), 6.00% (3/50), and 9.00% (9/100), respectively, and those for b2/b4 deletions in the AZFc region were 2.74% (2/73), 10.00% (5/50), and 0 (0/100), respectively. The detection rates for complex rearrangements in the AZFc region were 6.85% (5/73), 18.00% (9/50), and 3.00% (3/100), respectively. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in the detection rate of gr/gr deletions between the three groups (Fisher's Exact Test value = 2.712, P = 0.249); the differences in the detection rate of b2/b4 deletions between the three groups were statistically significant (Fisher's Exact Test value = 9.489, P = 0.002); the differences in the detection rate of complex rearrangements in the AZFc region between the three groups were statistically significant (Fisher's Exact Test value = 9.493, P = 0.006). In this study, a rare AZFa region ARSLP1 gene deletion (involving SY86 deletion) was detected in a patient with oligozoospermia.@*CONCLUSION@#CNV in the AZFa and AZFb regions have a severe impact on spermatogenesis, but partial deletion in the AZFa region (ARSLP1 gene deletion) has a minor impact on spermatogenesis. The b2/b4 deletion and complex rearrangement in the AZFc region may be risk factors for male infertility. The gr/gr deletion may not serve as a risk factor for male infertility in the Shenzhen area.

Research on the convergence mechanism of the medical-nursing combined care based on synergy theory / 中华医院管理杂志

Objective:To identify the key convergence points in the medical-nursing combined care among literature, and establish a mechanism for medical-nursing combined care integration from the perspective of the synergy theory, for the purpose of promoting the integrated development of such care in China.Methods:Relevant literature on the medical-nursing combined care were retrieved from the CNKI database from September 2013 to September 2021. The search formula used was TI= "the medical-nursing care integration" AND SU=(convergence+ transformation+ coordination+ mechanism), while supplementary searches were made using " pkulaw.com database" and Baidu Scholar database. The method of literature content analysis was used to screen key points of the medical-nursing combined care, and the convergence mechanism was built based on the perspective of the synergy theory.Results:A total of 42 literatures were included in this study, 8 key convergence points of medica-nursing combined care integration were identified. Namely the 4 key horizontal convergence points of medical care, aging care, rehabilitation and nursing, the 3 key vertical convergence points of home care, institution care and community care, and the one key convergence point of institutional medical care. Based on the synergy theory and the 8 key convergence points, the " 431" convergence mechanism of medical-nursing combined care was constructed. This mechanism refered to the horizontal linkage of healthcare, nursing, rehabilitation and aging care, the vertical redirection among home care, institution care and community care modes, and the development mode focusing on institutional aging care.Conclusions:At present, the poor convergence between aging care and nursing care in China is a key roadblock hindering the integrated development of aging and nursing care. Medical-nursing combined care should be conducive to the " 431" convergence development, achieving horizontal linkage, vertical redirection, and resource sharing, for the purpose of high-quality development of China′s aging care system.

Factors Related to Curative Effect of Brain-computer Interface Training on Upper Limb Paralysis after Stroke / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To explore the factors affecting curative effect of motor imagery brain-computer interface (MI-BCI) training on upper limb paralysis for subacute stroke patients. Methods:From January, 2018 to July, 2019, 23 inpatients with post-stroke upper limb paralysis accepting MI-BCI training were reviewed. The gender, age, course of disease, aphasia, location and nature of lesion, history of Botulinum toxin, hemisphere injured and modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) score of affected fingers were recorded, and they were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities (FMA-UE) before and four weeks after MI-BCI training. According to improvement of FMA-UE wrist and hand scores (≥ 2), the patients were divided into effective group (n = 11) and inefficacy group (n = 12). Results:The MAS scores before MI-BCI training (t = 2.677, P < 0.05) and history of botulinum toxin (Z = 0.000, P < 0.05) were more in the inefficacy group than in the efficacy group. FMA-UE scores (total and dimensions) after training were correlated to their baseline levels (r > 0.831, P < 0.01), FMA-UE total scores (Eta = 0.453, P < 0.05) and upper arms scores (Eta = 0.506, P < 0.05) were correlated to aphasia, FMA-UE scores of hands were correlated with MAS (r = -0.521, P < 0.05). Conclusion:Poor baseline motor function, spasticity and complication with aphasia were the factors unfavorable to MI-BCI training for subacute stroke patients with upper limb paralysis.

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Inflammatory Factors in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease Complicated with Anxiety and Depression / 中国实验方剂学杂志

To systematically evaluate the effect of traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） on the expression of inflammatory factors in peripheral blood of patients with coronary heart disease complicated with anxiety and depression，and explore its efficacy and safety in treatment of anxiety and depression. In this study，CNKI，VIP database，WanFang database，PubMed and Cochrane Library were searched to collect randomized controlled trials（RCTs） of TCM in the treatment of coronary heart disease complicated with anxiety and depression，and 2 researchers independently screened the literatures and extracted the data. The quality of the included literatures was evaluated with Cochrance bias risk evaluation tool and Meta analysis was conducted by Cochrane Revman 5.3 software. A total of 21 research articles were included，with a total sample size of 2 342 cases，1 175 cases in the treatment group and 1 167 cases in the control group. Meta analysis results showed that the treatment group reduced the hypersensitive C-reactive protein（hs-CRP）［standard mean difference（SMD）=-1.61，95% confidence interval（CI）（-2.14，-1.09），P<0.01］，interleukin（IL）-8［mean difference（MD）=-5.03，95% CI（-8.37，-1.70），P=0.003］，IL-17［MD=-33.27，95% CI（-40.15，-26.39），P<0.01］，tumor necrosis factor（TNF）-α［SMD=-1.18，95% CI（-1.98，-0.38），P<0.01］，and homocysteine（Hcy）［MD=-3.45，95% CI（-4.85，-2.04），P<0.01］. The treatment group was better than the control group in terms of relieving anxiety and depression，i.e. scores of Hamilton anxiety scale（HAMA） ［SMD=-1.97，95% CI（-2.48，-1.46），P<0.01］，Hamilton depression scale（HAMD） ［SMD=-1.94，95% CI（-2.50，-1.38），P<0.01］，and self-rating depression scale（SDS）［SMD=-0.72，95% CI（-0.90，-0.54），P<0.01］，so in terms of ，with statistically significant difference. 4 articles mentioned that no obvious adverse reactions occurred，4 articles mentioned that the treatment group had drowsiness，dry mouth and bitter mouth，gastrointestinal reactions，but the incidence rates were significantly lower than those of the control group. The other 13 articles did not mention the occurrence of adverse reactions.

Morinda citrifolia (Noni) Juice Suppresses A549 Human Lung Cancer Cells via Inhibiting AKT/Nuclear Factor-κ B Signaling Pathway / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the mechanism of the anti-tumor effect of Morinda citrifolia (noni).@*METHODS@#The influences of noni juice on cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration and the activity of AKT/nuclear factor- κ B (NF- κ B) signaling pathway in A549 human lung cancer cells were detected by MTT, cell counting kit-8, colony formation, Annexin V/PI double labeling, transwell, scratch test and immunoblotting assay, respectively. A549 cells were inoculated into the right axilla of nude mice, followed by noni juice treatment. The body weight of the nude mice was weighed, and the tumor volume and weight were measured. Cell proliferation and expression of apoptosis-related proteins were measured by immunohistochemistry, and the activity of NF- κ B signaling pathway was measured by immunoblotting.@*RESULTS@#The in vitro studies showed that noni juice inhibited the A549 cells proliferation, migration and invasion. Noni juice also promoted cells apoptosis in A549 cells. Immunoblotting assay showed that the phosphorylation level of AKT, p50, and STAT3 proteins was inhibited to different extents after noni juice treatment. The in vivo studies showed that noni juice effectively suppressed tumor formation of A549 cells in nude mice. Noni juice treatment inhibited the expression of Ki67, PCNA, and Bcl-2 protein in the tumor; while promoted the expression of caspase-3 protein. Additionally, we also found that noni juice treatment could restrain the activity of AKT/NF- κ B signaling pathway in the tumor tissue.@*CONCLUSION@#Noni juice inhibited the proliferation of A549 lung cancer cells, induced apoptosis, and inhibited cell invasion and migration via regulating AKT/NF- κ B signaling pathway.

Preliminary adipose removal did not prevent diet-induced metabolic disorders in mice / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Obesity is a fundamental factor in metabolic disorders such as hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, fatty liver, and atherosclerosis. However, effective preventive measures are still lacking. This study aimed to investigate different surgical protocols for removing partial adipose tissue before the onset of obesity and determine whether, and by which protocol, preliminary adipose removal could exert potent preventive effects against diet-induced metabolic disorders.@*METHODS@#Male low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R) knockout (KO) mice were randomly divided into four groups and subjected to epididymal fat removal (Epi-FR) surgery, subcutaneous fat removal (suQ-FR) surgery, both subcutaneous and epididymal fat removal (Epi + suQ-FR) surgery, or sham-operation. After 1 week of recovery, all mice were given a high-fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks to induce metabolic disorders.@*RESULTS@#In the Epi-FR group and the sham-operated group, the mean numbers of the residual subcutaneous fat were 28.59 mg/g and 18.56 mg/g, respectively. The expression of relative genes such as Pparg, Cebpa, Dgat2, Fabp4 and Cd36 in the residual subcutaneous fat increased 2.62, 3.90, 3.11, 2.06, 1.78 times in the Epi-FR group compared with that in the sham-operated group. Whereas in the other fat-removal groups, the residual fat depots had no significant change in either size or gene expression, as compared with those of the sham-operated group. Plasma lipid and glucose levels and insulin sensitivity, as detected by the glucose tolerance test, were not significantly alleviated in the three fat removal groups. Liver mass or lipid content was not attenuated in any of the three fat removal groups. The atherosclerosis burdens in the entire inner aorta and aortic root did not decrease in any of the three fat removal groups.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Our data suggest that removal of epididymal adipose or subcutaneous adipose alone or in combination before the onset of obesity did not protect against hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, fatty liver, or atherosclerosis in LDL-R KO mice fed with a HFD. Hence, adipose removal possibly does not represent a potential approach in preventing obesity-related metabolic disorders in the obesity-susceptible population.

Genetic analysis of a family with 9q34.3 microdeletion and microduplication caused by abnormal chromosome balance structure / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To perform prenatal diagnosis, pedigree analysis, and genetic counseling of a pregnant woman who gave birth to a child with Kleefstra syndrome.@*METHODS@#Karyotype analysis, chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were used of peripheral blood and amniotic fluid to find causes. Recurrence risk assessment was performed later.@*RESULTS@#The amniotic fluid sample showed a 9q34.3 microduplication of arr (hg19) 9q34.3 (140 168 806-141 020 389)× 3, which overlapped the 9q34.3 microdeletion region of proband. The pregnant woman was detected with a balanced translocation of ish, t(9;17)(9q34.3; qter) (9p+; 17p+,9q+, 17q+). No other abnormal results were found in the family.@*CONCLUSION@#Offspring who share the same chromosome segment deletion or duplication are always from parent who carries balanced chromosomal structural aberration.

Effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation-assisted Cycling on Motor Function and Cardiopulmonary Fitness in Subacute Stroke Patients / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To explore the effects of functional electrical stimulation (FES)-assisted rehabilitation cycling on motor function, cardiopulmonary fitness and activities of daily living in patients with subacute stroke. Methods:From January, 2016 to April, 2019, 60 patients with first-onset stroke at subacute stage were divided into control group (n = 30) and experimental group (n = 30). The experimental group and the control group received cycling training with or without FES based on the routine treatment for four weeks. They were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and modified Barthel Index (MBI), and measured peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) before and after treatment. Results:The scores of FMA and MBI, and VO2peak increased in both groups after treatment (|t| > 7.889, P < 0.001), and the scores of FMA and VO2peak increased more in the experimental group than in the control group (|t| > 3.332, P < 0.01). Conclusion:FES-assisted rehabilitation cycling could promote the recovery of motor function, cardiopulmonary fitness and activities of daily living in subacute stroke patients.

Brain-computer Interface and Comprehensive Training for Stroke: A Resting State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To investigate the topological alterations in brain functional networks following comprehensive treatment including brain-computer interface (BCI) training in subacute stroke subjects. Methods:From January, 2018 to June, 2019, 14 subacute stroke patients with moderate to severe upper limbs paralysis accepted routine physical therapy, occupational therapy and BCI training based on motor imagery, for four weeks. They were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities (FMA-UE), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) and Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) before and after treatment, while the functional connectivity (FC) was investigated with resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Results:The scores of FMA-UE, ARAT and WMFT increased after treatment (|t| > 5.298, Z = -3.297, P < 0.01). The FC also increased across the whole brain, including temporal, parietal, occipital lobes and subcortical regions. The FC between left piriform cortex of parietal lobule (BA5L) and right medial surface of temporal lobe (BA48R), as well as those between left precentral gyrus (BA4L) and right anterior transverse temporal gyrus (BA41R) (r > 0.416, P < 0.05). Conclusion:Comprehensive rehabilitation including BCI training may promote recovery of motor function and activities of FC in brain in subacute stroke patients.

Effect of chronic emotional stress induced by empty bottle stimulation on inflammatory factors in rats with acute myocardial infarction: analysis of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of chronic emotional stimulation induced by empty bottle stimulation on CXCL12/CXCR4-mediated inflammatory response in rats with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).@*METHODS@#Rat models of anxiety were established by a 21-day stimulation with uncertain empty bottle drinking water, and myocardial infarction was induced by ligating the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery; compound models were established by performing myocardial infarction operation on the 15th day of anxiety modeling. The rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: shamoperated group (=6), myocardial infarction group (=6), compound model group (with myocardial infarcted and anxiety; = 6), and inhibitor group (compound models treated daily with 1 mg/kg AMD3100 for 6 days; =7). Echocardiography was used to examine the LVEF and LVFS to evaluate the cardiac function of the rats. Elevated maze test and open field test were used to evaluate the behaviors of the rats. The expressions of CXCL12, CXCR4, IL-1β, IL-18 and neutrophil active protease (NE) in the myocardial tissues and blood samples were detected with ELISA and immunohistochemistry.@*RESULTS@#The LVEF and LVFS were lower in the compound model group than in the sham group and myocardial infarction group ( < 0.05), and were higher in inhibitor group than in the compound model group ( < 0.05). LVID; d and LVID; s were lower in the inhibitor group than in the compound model group ( < 0.05). Compared to those in the sham group and myocardial infarction group, the rats in the compound model group more obviously preferred to stay in the closed arm ( < 0.05) in EPM; the rats in the inhibitor group had more times of entering and staying in the open arm than the compound model rats ( < 0.05); the horizontal and vertical movements were less in the compound model rats than in those in the sham group and the myocardial infarction group ( < 0.05) in OFT, and the vertical movement of the rats in inhibitor group was higher than those in the compound model group ( < 0.05). The expression of CXCR4 in the marginal zone of myocardial infarction was significantly higher in the compound model group than in the sham-operated group, myocardial infarction group and inhibitor group ( < 0.05). The expressions of IL-1β, IL-18 and NE in the inhibitor group were significantly lower than those in the compound model group ( < 0.05). Compared with at in the sham-operated group, the number of Nissl bodies in the compound model group decreased significantly ( < 0.01).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Chronic emotional stress induced by empty bottle stimulation can lead to dysfunction of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis, which causes inflammatory cascade after myocardial infarction to worsen myocardial cell necrosis, cardiac function and hippocampal neuronal damage after the infarction.

Effective-constituent compatibility-based analysis of Bufei Yishen formula, a traditional herbal compound as an effective treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#Critical effective constituents were identified from Bufei Yishen formula (BYF), a traditional herbal compound and combined as effective-constituent compatibility (ECC) of BYF I, which may have potential bioactive equivalence to BYF.@*METHODS@#The active constituents of BYF were identified using four cellular models and categorised into Groups 1 (Bufeiqi), 2 (Bushen), 3 (Huatan) and 4 (Huoxue) according to Chinese medicinal theory. An orthogonal design and a combination method were used to determine the optimal ratios of effective constituents in each group and the ratios of "Groups 1 to 4" according to their pharmacological activity. We also comprehensively assessed bioactive equivalence between the BYF and the ECC of BYF I in a rat model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).@*RESULTS@#We identified 12 active constituents in BYF. The numbers of constituents in Groups 1 to 4 were 3, 2, 5 and 2, respectively. We identified the optimal ratios of effective constituents within each group. In Group 1, total ginsenosides:Astragalus polysaccharide:astragaloside IV ratio was 9:5:2. In Group 2, icariin:schisandrin B ratio was 100:12.5. In Group 3, nobiletin:hesperidin:peimine:peiminine:kaempferol ratio was 4:30:6.25:0:0. In Group 4, paeoniflorin:paeonol ratio was 4:1. An orthogonal design was then used to establish the optimal ratios of Group 1, Group 2, Group 3 and Group 4 in ECC of BYF I. The ratio for total ginsenosides:Astragalus polysaccharide:astragaloside IV:icariin:schisandrin B:nobiletin:hesperidin:peimine:paeoniflorin:paeonol was determined to be 22.5:12.5:5:100:12.5:4:30:6.25:25:6.25. A comprehensive evaluation confirmed that ECC of BYF I presented with bioactive equivalence to the original BYF.@*CONCLUSION@#Based on the ECC of traditional Chinese medicine formula method, the effective constituents of BYF were identified and combined in a fixed ratio as ECC of BYF I that was as effective as BYF itself in treating rats with COPD.

Discussion on traceability, resources development and efficacies of fragrant herbs based on "One Belt and One Road" / 中草药

As a traditional medicine gradually introduced into China by the communication and development of "The Ancient Silk Road", scented herbs supplement and enrich Chinese medicinal resources. In order to advocate the construction of national "One Belt and One Road", promote the further development and utilization of external scented herbs resources in China, and serve the health and drug use of the vast number of people, especially the ethnic minority groups, of other Belt and Road countries. This paper reviewed a large number of literatures and combed the sources of scented herbs in countries along "One Belt and One Road" route. These medicinal herbs are classified from the perspective of the efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the fragrant substance basis, efficacy and clinical use of the representative drugs are clarified. We herein proposed strategies for the further development and utilization of scented herbs to promote the rapid development of scented herbs, and further enhance the confidence of national medicine culture.

Association of dominant eye and non-dominant eye with severity of chronic primary angle-closure glaucoma / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective:To investigate the association of ocular dominance with the severity of chronic primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG).Methods:Ocular dominance was assessed via the " hole in card" method.The anatomical symmetry (including anterior chamber depth, lens thickness and axial length) in both eyes was analyzed via A scan ultrasound.The severely glaucomatous eye was determined by the mean defect of visual field.The association of ocular dominance with the severity of chronic PACG was then analyzed.This study followed the Declaration of Helsinki, and the study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong.Written informed consent was obtained from all subjects prior to their entering the study cohort.Results:Visual acuity (LogMAR) was 0.39±0.24 in the dominant eye group, and 0.43±0.29 in the non-dominant eye group.Anterior chamber depth was (2.53±0.26)mm in the dominant eye group, and (2.54±0.29)mm in the non-dominant eye group.Lens thickness was (4.96±0.31)mm in the dominant eye group, and (4.92±0.33)mm in the non-dominant eye group.Axial length was (22.58±0.61)mm in the dominant eye group, and (22.73±1.11)mm in the non-dominant eye group.No significant difference was found in visual acuity, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness or axial length between the dominant and non-dominant eye groups ( t=-1.643, -0.797, 1.867, -1.345; all at P>0.05). The vertical cup-disc ratio of the dominant eye group was lower than that of the non-dominant eye group (0.55 [0.40, 0.80] vs. 0.80 [0.63, 0.90]). The mean defect in the visual field of the dominant eye group was lower than that in the non-dominant eye group (-6.54 [-16.70, -3.85]dB vs.-18.77 [-28.19, -8.55]dB), and the intraocular pressure in the dominant eye group was lower than that in the non-dominant eye group (21.00 [17.00, 27.75]mmHg vs. 24.50 [19.00, 36.25]mmHg) (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa). Significant differences were found in mean defect, vertical cup-disc ratio and intraocular pressure between the two groups ( Z=-3.781, -3.528, -2.126; all at P<0.05). The ratio of the severely glaucomatous eye being the non-dominant eye was 84.09%, which was much higher than that of the severely glaucomatous eye being the dominant eye (15.91%). The non-dominant eye was related to the severity of chronic PACG ( χ2=40.909, P<0.001, Pearson contingency coefficient r=0.563). Conclusions:The non-dominant eye is associated with the severity of chronic PACG.