Research Advance of Chinese Medicine in Treating Atherosclerosis: Focus on Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 / 中国结合医学杂志

As a serious cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis (AS) causes chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in the body and poses a threat to human health. Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is a member of the phospholipase A2 (PLA2) family, and its elevated levels have been shown to contribute to AS. Lp-PLA2 is closely related to a variety of lipoproteins, and its role in promoting inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in AS is mainly achieved by hydrolyzing oxidized phosphatidylcholine (oxPC) to produce lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC). Moreover, macrophage apoptosis within plaque is promoted by localized Lp-PLA2 which also promotes plaque instability. This paper reviews those researches of Chinese medicine in treating AS via reducing Lp-PLA2 levels to guide future experimental studies and clinical applications related to AS.

Clinical Effect of Jianpi Huoxue Prescription Combined with Acupuncture on Chronic Atrophic Gastritis with Gastric Blood Stasis and Its Impact on Inflammatory Indicators and Gastric Mucosal Function / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the application effect of Jianpi Huoxue prescription combined with acupuncture in patients with chronic atrophic gastritis （CAG） of gastric blood stasis type. MethodA total of 86 patients with CAG admitted to Wuhan First Hospital from November 2021 to March 2023 were selected and randomly divided into two groups. The control group was treated with conventional Western medicine， while the observation group was treated with Jianpi Huoxue prescription combined with acupuncture. The clinical efficacy， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome score， pathological score， negative conversion rate of Helicobacter pylori （Hp）， inflammatory indicators ［neutrophils/lymphocytes （NLR） and interleukin （IL）-1β］， changes in levels of gastric protease （PG） Ⅰ， PG Ⅰ/PG Ⅱ， and gastrin-17 （G-17）， and drug safety during treatment were observed after treatment in both groups. ResultAfter treatment， the total effective rate of the observation group ［95.35% （41/43）］ was significantly better than that of the control group ［79.07% （34/43）］， and the difference was statistically significant （χ2=5.108， P<0.05）. After treatment， the scores of the primary and secondary TCM syndromes in the observation group and the control group were significantly decreased （P<0.05）. After treatment， the scores of primary and secondary TCM syndromes in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group （P<0.05）. After treatment， the pathological scores of gastric mucosa atrophy， activity， chronic inflammation， intestinal metaplasia， and dysplasia were significantly lower in the observation group and control group （P<0.05）. After treatment， the pathological scores of gastric mucosa atrophy， activity， chronic inflammation， intestinal metaplasia， and dysplasia in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group （P<0.05）. After treatment， the Hp conversion rate in the observation group was significantly increased compared with the control group （P<0.05）. After treatment， the levels of inflammatory indicators NLR and IL-1β in the observation group and control group were significantly lower （P<0.05）， and the levels of inflammatory indicators NLR and IL-1β in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group （P<0.05）. After treatment， the levels of PGI and PGⅠ/PGⅡ in the observation group and control group were significantly higher （P<0.05）， and the levels of PGI and PGⅠ/PGⅡ in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group （P<0.05）. After treatment， the G-17 level of the observation group and the control group was different at different time points （P<0.05）， and the G-17 level of the observation group was higher at different time points than that of the control group （P<0.05）. The G-17 level of the observation group had an increasing trend compared with the control group （P<0.05）. There was no significant difference in the risk of adverse reactions between the two groups. ConclusionThe combination of Jianpi Huoxue prescription and acupuncture can effectively alleviate symptoms， increase Hp negative conversion rate， inhibit inflammation， and regulate PG and G-17 levels in CAG patients， thus controlling or even reversing gastric mucosal atrophy and reducing the probability of its progression to gastric cancer.

The neuroprotective effects of Herba siegesbeckiae extract on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rats / 中国药理学通报

Aim To study the neuroprotective effects of Herba siegesbeckiae extract on cerebral ischemia/ reperfusion rats and its mechanism. Methods Sixty SD rats were randomly divided into model group, low, middle and high dose groups of Herba siegesbeckiae, and Sham operation group, and the drug was given continuously for seven days. The degree of neurologic impairment was evaluated by mNSS, and the infarct volume was measured by MRI. The number of Nissl-posi- tive cells was detected by Nissl staining, and the apop- tosis was accessed by Tunel staining. Furthermore, the expression of Bax, Bcl-2 and NeuN was observed by Western blot, and the expression of NeuN was detected by immunofluorescence staining. The expression of IL- 1β, TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA was performed by RT- qPCR. Results The mNSS score and the volume of ischemic cerebral infarction in the model group were significantly increased, and Herba siegesbeckiae extract treatment significantly decreased the mNSS score and infarct volume (P<0.05, P<0.01). Herba siegesbeckiae extract could increase the number of Nissl-pos- itive cells and the expression of NeuN (P<0.01), and reduce the number of Tunel-positive cells (P<0.01). Western blot showed that Herba siegesbeckiae extract inhibited the expression of Bax, increased Bcl-2 and NeuN in ischemic brain tissue (P<0.01). RT-qPCR showed that Herba siegesbeckiae extract inhibited the expression of IL-1 β, TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA in the is-chemic brain tissue (P<0.01). Conclusions Herba siegesbeckiae extract can reduce the cerebral infarction volume, improve the neurological function damage, inhibit the apoptosis of nerve cells and the expression of inflammatory factors and promote the expression of NeuN, there by exerting protective effects on MCAO rats.

BMP7 expression in mammalian cortical radial glial cells increases the length of the neurogenic period

The seat of human intelligence is the human cerebral cortex, which is responsible for our exceptional cognitive abilities. Identifying principles that lead to the development of the large-sized human cerebral cortex will shed light on what makes the human brain and species so special. The remarkable increase in the number of human cortical pyramidal neurons and the size of the human cerebral cortex is mainly because human cortical radial glial cells, primary neural stem cells in the cortex, generate cortical pyramidal neurons for more than 130 days, whereas the same process takes only about 7 days in mice. The molecular mechanisms underlying this difference are largely unknown. Here, we found that bone morphogenic protein 7 (BMP7) is expressed by increasing the number of cortical radial glial cells during mammalian evolution (mouse, ferret, monkey, and human). BMP7 expression in cortical radial glial cells promotes neurogenesis, inhibits gliogenesis, and thereby increases the length of the neurogenic period, whereas Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling promotes cortical gliogenesis. We demonstrate that BMP7 signaling and SHH signaling mutually inhibit each other through regulation of GLI3 repressor formation. We propose that BMP7 drives the evolutionary expansion of the mammalian cortex by increasing the length of the neurogenic period.

Distributions of Visual Receptive Fields from Retinotopic to Craniotopic Coordinates in the Lateral Intraparietal Area and Frontal Eye Fields of the Macaque / 神经科学通报·英文版

Even though retinal images of objects change their locations following each eye movement, we perceive a stable and continuous world. One possible mechanism by which the brain achieves such visual stability is to construct a craniotopic coordinate by integrating retinal and extraretinal information. There have been several proposals on how this may be done, including eye-position modulation (gain fields) of retinotopic receptive fields (RFs) and craniotopic RFs. In the present study, we investigated coordinate systems used by RFs in the lateral intraparietal (LIP) cortex and frontal eye fields (FEF) and compared the two areas. We mapped the two-dimensional RFs of neurons in detail under two eye fixations and analyzed how the RF of a given neuron changes with eye position to determine its coordinate representation. The same recording and analysis procedures were applied to the two brain areas. We found that, in both areas, RFs were distributed from retinotopic to craniotopic representations. There was no significant difference between the distributions in the LIP and FEF. Only a small fraction of neurons was fully craniotopic, whereas most neurons were between the retinotopic and craniotopic representations. The distributions were strongly biased toward the retinotopic side but with significant craniotopic shifts. These results suggest that there is only weak evidence for craniotopic RFs in the LIP and FEF, and that transformation from retinotopic to craniotopic coordinates in these areas must rely on other factors such as gain fields.

Application of "ABC" three line perforator locating method for free anterolateral perforator flap of calf / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To explore the feasibility of an "ABC" three line perforator locating method in design and harvest of free anterolateral perforator flap of calf.Methods:Between March 2021 and November 2021, 42 patients with 62 wounds on hand and foot were treated in the Department of Hand Surgery, Suzhou Ruihua Orthopaedic Hospital. The "ABC" three line perforator locating method was applied to determine the location and source of perforating branch before operation and to guide the design and harvest of flap during operation in wound reconstruction. Among the 42 patients, 24 had the injury of single digit, 7 had the injuries with 2 digits, 4 with 3 digits, 1 with 4 digits, 1 of the first web, 1 in the wrist, 2 of the great toe, 1 of second toe and 1 in dorsal foot. The sizes of soft tissue defect were 1.5 cm×2.0 cm-3.0 cm×14.0 cm. The sizes of the flaps were 2.0 cm×2.5 cm-3.5 cm×15.0 cm. All donor sites were sutured directly. In the follow-up, sensations of flaps were evaluated following the sensory function evaluation standard of British Medical Research Council(BMRC), and the recovery of the donor and recipient sites was evaluated by the flap comprehensive evaluation scale. Regular follow-up were scheduled at outpatient clinic.Results:A total of 162 perforators were located before operation. There were 95 perforating branches being explored in the operation, of which 5 patients had 1 extra perforating branch than that located before surgery. Seventy-six perforating branches were found consistent with preoperative localisation, with a coincidence rate of 84.4%(76/90). Sixty-four perforating branches were found consistent with the preoperative source with an accuracy rate of 84.2%(64/76). All the 62 flaps survived without a vascular compromise. Follow-up lasted for 6-10(mean 7.1) months. The colour and texture of the flaps were excellent. The flaps were thin and wear-resistant. The sensory function of the flaps was evaluated at S 1-S 3 by BMRC. Comprehensive evaluation scale of flap was excellent in 38 patients and good in 4 patients. Conclusion:"ABC" three line perforator locating method in design of free anterolateral calf flap is a feasible and an ideal auxiliary method in surgical practice. It combines anatomical knowledge, clinical experience and Doppler ultrasound localisation as well as accurately guides the location and source prediction of perforator before surgery.

Comparison of clinical efficacy between laparoscopic and open radical resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of total laparoscopic surgery vs. open surgery for hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Methods:The clinical data of 45 patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma and 42 patients by open surgery from Mar 2017 to Mar 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:There was no significant difference in demographics, Bismuth classification and excision extension between the two groups (all P>0.05). The laparoscopic surgery used longer time ( t=-1.366, P<0.05). The intraoperative blood loss, number of lymph node dissection and postoperative hospital stay favored laparoscopic method( t=0.043, t=0.026, t=-1.852, P<0.05). R 0 radical resection rate，postoperative complications were also in favor of laparoscopic surgery ( χ2=3.216, χ2=2.566, all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in postoperative pathology and in hospital expenses (all P>0.05). The 1- and 3-year survival rate of the laparoscopic group was superior (all P<0.05). Conclusions:In spite of longer operational time，patients in laparoscopic hilar cholangiocarcinoma radical resection group have shorter postoperative in hospital stay and longer postoperative survival time.

Analysis of the clinical effect of single J tube of bilateral ureter through the bladder stoma to treat vesicovaginal fistula after radiotherapy of cervical cancer / 中华泌尿外科杂志

This article retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 8 patients with vesicovaginal fistula after radiotherapy for cervical cancer admitted in our hospital from January 2015 to October 2021. All of them underwent cystostomy under local anesthesia. A single J tube of bilateral ureters was retained under cystoscope, and the single J tube was introduced into the fistula bag through the cystostomy opening. All patients wore diapers for a long time before operation, and used urine pads 0-2 pieces/day after operation. QOL score was 5.3±0.5 points before operation, and 2.5±0.5 points after operation. The patient's body odor basically disappeared. The vesicovaginal fistula can be repaired by surgery, but for patients who cannot be operated or failed repeatedly due to various reasons, a single J tube of bilateral ureters can be drawn out through the cystostomy opening, which can improve the quality of life of patients through minor trauma.

Association of pre-pregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain with macrosomia / 中华健康管理学杂志

Objective:To analyze the association of pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain with macrosomia.Methods:In this retrospective cohort study, data of all puerperae and newborns in the Obstetrics Center of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from July 2020 to June 2021 were collected, including basic maternal information, pregnancy complications and neonatal conditions. A total of 2 422 pregnant women with full-term singleton live birth and their newborns were included in the analysis. The incidence of macrosomia (≥4 000 g) was calculated according to the birth weight of the newborns. Logistic regression and heat map were used to analyze the associations of pre-pregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain with macrosomia.Results:The incidence of macrosomia was 4.00% (97/2 422) in full-term singleton live birth newborns. Pre-pregnancy body weight, pre-pregnancy BMI, pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity rate, pre-delivery body weight, total weight gain during pregnancy, mean weekly weight gain during pregnancy, the proportion of excessive weight gain during pregnancy, duration of pregnancy, and the proportion of primiparity and education level of junior college or below were all significantly higher in the puerperae of the macrosomia group than those in the non-macrosomia group [(63.87±8.27) vs (58.14±7.86) kg, (23.33±2.97) vs (21.60±2.72) kg/m2, 35.1% vs 17.3%, (77.48±9.11) vs (70.02±8.79) kg, (13.61±4.56) vs (11.88±4.40) kg, (0.34±0.11) vs (0.30±0.11) kg, 58.8% vs 31.1%, (280.47±7.79) vs (276.14±7.83) d, 34.1% vs 23.7%, 18.6% vs 7.5%] (all P<0.05). Pre-pregnancy BMI ( OR=1.227, 95% CI: 1.145-1.314), mean weekly weight gain during the whole pregnancy ( OR=33.453, 95% CI: 5.172-217.947), duration of pregnancy ( OR=1.083, 95% CI: 1.055-1.112), primiparity ( OR=1.969, 95% CI: 1.232-3.101) and education level of junior college or below ( OR=2.525, 95% CI: 1.325-4.668) were all positively associated with occurrence of macrosomia (all P<0.05). The incidence of macrosomia increased with the pre-pregnancy body mass index and mean weekly weight gain during the whole pregnancy. Conclusions:High pre-pregnancy BMI and mean weekly weight gain during the whole pregnancy are associated with the increased risk of macrosomia. Appropriate weight management during pregnancy may help to reduce the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Study on cerebral oxygen metabolism of healthy volunteers at three altitude areas by MR quantitative susceptibility mapping combined with three-dimensional arterial spin labeling sequence / 中华放射学杂志

Objective:To investigate the differences in cerebral oxygen metabolism in healthy volunteers at three altitude areas by MR quantitative magnetic susceptibility imaging (QSM) combined with three-dimensional arterial spin labeling (3D-ASL).Methods:From March 2019 to October 2020, Zhengzhou Han Chinese volunteers recruited from the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Xining Han Chinese volunteers recruited from the Fifth People′s Hospital of Qinghai Province, Lhasa Han Chinese volunteers and Tibetan volunteers recruited from Lhasa People′s Hospital were collected. They were divided into 21-30 age group, 31-40 age group, and 41-50 age group. All the volunteers underwent MR QSM combined with 3D-ASL sequence imaging, and oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) images of gray matter, and white matter were collected, OEF and CBF values were obtained, and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO 2) values were calculated. The comparison of various indicators among multiple groups was conducted using one-way ANOVA, and pairwise comparisons were conducted using LSD- t test. Results:A total of 132 volunteers were included, including 38 Han Chinese volunteers in Zhengzhou, 9 in the 21-30 age group, 13 in the 31-40 age group and 16 in the 41-50 age group; 27 Han Chinese volunteers in Xining, including 9 in the 21-30 age group, 8 in the 31-40 age group and 10 in the 41-50 age group; 34 Han Chinese volunteers in Lhasa, including 13 in the 21-30 age group, 11 in the 31-40 age group and 10 in the 41-50 age group; and 33 Tibetan volunteers in Lhasa, including 10 in the 21-30 age group, 10 in the 31-40 age group and 13 in the 41-50 age group. In the group aged 21-30 years, the overall difference in brain gray matter OEF values among volunteers from different altitudes was statistically significant ( P<0.05), with statistically significant differences in OEF values between Tibetans in Lhasa and Han Chinese in Xining, Han Chinese in Lhasa ( P<0.05). The overall difference in CMRO 2 values in the gray matter of volunteers at different altitudes was statistically significant ( P<0.05), with significant differences in CMRO 2 values between Lhasa Tibetan and Han Chinese in Zhengzhou, Han Chinese in Xining, Han Chinese in Lhasa ( P<0.05). In the 31-40 age group, there were statistically significant differences in the overall CBF values of gray and white matter among volunteers from different altitudes ( P<0.05). Among them, there were statistically significant differences in the CBF values of gray and white matter between Han Chinese in Zhengzhou and Han in Xining, Han Chinese in Lhasa, Lhasa Tibetan ( P<0.05). The overall differences in OEF values of gray matter and white matter among volunteers at different altitudes were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Among them, there were statistically significant differences in OEF values of gray matter and white matter between the Han Chinese in Zhengzhou and the Han Chinese in Xining, the Han Chinese in Lhasa ( P<0.05). There was also a statistically significant difference in OEF values of gray matter and white matter between the Han Chinese in Lhasa and the Tibetan in Lhasa ( P<0.05). The overall difference in CMRO 2 values in gray and white matter among volunteers from different altitudes was statistically significant ( P<0.05). Among them, there was a statistically significant difference in CMRO 2 values of cerebral gray matter between Lhasa Tibetans and Zhengzhou Han, Xining Han, Lhasa Han ( P<0.05), and there was a statistically significant difference in CMRO 2 values of cerebral white matter between Lhasa Tibetans and Zhengzhou Han, Lhasa Han ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The cerebral oxygen metabolism of Tibetan living in the plateau is characterized by low oxygen consumption, low blood oxygen dependence and high tissue oxygen utilization. The CMRO 2 of the Han people who migrated to the plateau for a long time is maintained at a certain level, similar to that in the plain area. The effects of age factors on CBF, OEF and CMRO 2 are small.

Shoulder arthroscopic treatment of avulsion fracture of humeral greater tuberosity with double-row suture bridge / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the shoulder arthroscopic treatment of avulsion fracture of humeral greater tuberosity with double-row suture bridge.Methods:Retrospectively analyzed were the 13 avulsion fractures of humeral greater tuberosity which had been treated by shoulder arthroscopic double-row suture bridge at Bone and Joint Department, Guangzhou Liwan District Orthopedic Hospital from March, 2018 to March, 2020. There were 6 males and 7 females, with an average ages of 52.3 years (from 35 to 69 years). According to the Mutch classification, all the fractures of humeral greater tuberosity were attributed to the avulsion type. Of them, 3 were simple avulsion fractures of humeral greater tuberosity and 10 were complicated with shoulder anterior dislocation which was reduced manually before operation. There were 3 obsolete avulsion fractures of humeral greater tuberosity. Regular clinic and X-ray follow-ups were carried out. At the final follow-up, the pain, range of motion (ROM) and stability of the shoulder joint were assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS), American shoulder elbow scores (ASES), and Korean shoulder scores (KSS).Results:All the patients were followed up for an average of 12.3 months (from 10 to 16 months) postoperatively. No infection or shoulder instability was observed. At the final follow-up, the abduction and elevation averaged 164.6° (from 135° to 180°), the lateral external rotation 62.7° (from 40° to 80°), the internal rotation touch back test T10 level (from L2 to T6), the VAS 0.65 (from 0 to 2.5), the ASES 90.5 (from 78 to 100), and the KSS 91.5 (from 84 to 100).Conclusion:Shoulder arthroscopic treatment of avulsion fracture of humeral greater tuberosity with double-row suture bridge is minimally invasive and allows for repair of combined injury, leading to quick postoperative recovery.

The impact of flash glucose monitoring on glycemic control, residual islet function, and patient-reported outcomes in children and adolescents with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To assess the effect of flash glucose monitoring (FGM) compared with self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) on glycemic control, residual islet function, and patient-reported outcomes in children and adolescents with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes within 1 year.Methods:133 children and adolescents with newly diagnosed T1DM in the T1D clinic of the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 2016 to January 2020 were divided into two groups: FGM group ( n=82) and SMBG group ( n=51). The observation indexes included hemoglobin A1c (HbA 1c), fasting and postprandial blood glucose (FBG and 2 h BG), C-peptide (FCP and 2 h CP) during the one-year follow-up, Δ CP (2 h CP-FCP), patient-reported hypoglycemia and questionnaires regarding self-management of diabetes and quality of life. Results:At 6 months, HbA 1c in 2 groups was significantly decreased (all P<0.05); at 6 to 12 months, HbA 1c in FGM group tended to be stable ( P>0.05); at 12 months, HbA 1c in SMBG group was significantly increased compared with 6 months ( P=0.001). At 12 months, HbA 1c in SMBG group was higher than that in FGM group ( P=0.001). At 12 months, FBG in FGM group was equivalent to the baseline level ( P>0.05), while FBG in SMBG group was significantly higher than the baseline level ( P=0.006). 2 h BG only decreased at the 6th and 12th month in FGM group (all P<0.05). The FCP of SMBG group was significantly decreased at 12 months ( P<0.05), and the 2 h CP, Δ CP in the two groups decreased gradually (all P<0.05). FGM group had more hypoglycemic events at 6 and 12 months (all P<0.05). At 6 months, the score of Self-Management of T1D for Adolescents (SMOD-A) in FGM group was significantly improved ( P=0.001). During the follow-up period, the quality of life score of FGM group was stable ( P>0.05), while the quality of life score of SMBG group had a downward trend ( P=0.052). Conclusions:In newly diagnosed children and adolescents with T1DM, early application of FGM for blood glucose management will help to improve HbA 1c and reduce postprandial blood glucose. In addition, the self-management ability of children with FGM was improved after 6 months.

Inhibition of subicular seizure-labeled c-fos+ neurons alleviates cognitive deficit in epilepsy / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE Cognitive deficit is a com-mon comorbidity in temporal lobe epilepsy(TLE)and that is not well controlled by current therapeutics.Currently,how epileptic seizure affects cognitive performance remains largely unclear.The subiculum is the major out-put of the hippocampus,which projects to entorhinal cor-tex and other more distinct brain regions.Physiologically,the subiculum codes spatial working memory and naviga-tion information including place,speed,and trajectory.Importantly,prior studies have noted the importance of the subiculum in the beginning,spreading,and generaliz-ing process of hippocampal seizure.How seizure-activated neurons in subiculum participate in cognitive impairment remains largely elusive.METHODS In this study,we sought to label the subicular seizure-activated c-fos+ neu-rons with a special promoter with enhanced synaptic activity-responsive element E-SARE in the subiculum,combined with chemogenetics and designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs(DREADDs),Ca2+ fiber photometry approaches,and behavioral tasks,to reveal the role of these neurons in cognitive impairment in epilepsy.RESULTS We found that chemogenetic inhibi-tion of subicular seizure-tagged c-fos+ neurons(mainly CaMK Ⅱ α+ glutamatergic neurons)alleviates seizure generalization and improves cognitive performance in the hippocampal CA3 kindling TLE model.While inhibition of seizure-labeled c-fos+ GABAergic interneuron shows no effect on seizure and cognition.As a comparison,che-mogenetic inhibition of the whole subicular CaMK Ⅱ α+ neuron impairs cognitive function in na?ve mice in basal condition.Notably,inhibition of subicular seizure-tagged c-fos+ neurons enhances the recruitment of cognition-responsive c-fos+ neurons via increasing neural excitability during cognition tasks.CONCLUSION Our results dem-onstrate that subicular seizure-activated c-fos+ neurons contribute to cognitive impairment in TLE,suggesting sei-zure-tagged c-fos+ neurons as the potential therapeutic target to alleviate cognitive impairment in TLE.

Material Basis and Molecular Mechanism of Linggui Qihua Prescription Against Myocardial Fibrosis in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the material basis and molecular mechanism of Linggui Qihua prescription （LGQH） against myocardial fibrosis in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction （HFpEF）. MethodLiquid chromatography-mass spectrometry （LC-MS） was used to qualitatively analyze the active components of LGQH. AutoDock software was employed for molecular docking between the active components of LGQH and target proteins including α-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA）， type Ⅰ collagen （ColⅠ）， type Ⅲ collagen （ColⅢ）， matrix metalloproteinase-9 （MMP-9）， and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 （TIMP-1）. In vivo experiments were conducted on 40 spontaneously hypertensive rats （SHRs） aged 4 weeks， which were divided into an HFpEF group， an Entresto group （0.018 g·kg-1）， and low- and high-dose LGQH groups （3.87， 7.74 g·kg-1）. A high-fat， high-salt， and high-sugar diet was administered for 16 weeks along with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin solution for 8 weeks to establish an HFpEF model in rats. The blank group consisted of 10 Wistar Kyoto （WKY） rats and 10 SHRs. After successful modeling， the WKY， SHR， and HFpEF groups were given equal volumes of normal saline， while the other three groups received predetermined interventions. Daily oral gavage was performed for 6 weeks. After intervention， echocardiography was conducted to measure left ventricular （LV） anterior wall thickness （LVAWd）， LV posterior wall thickness （LVPWd）， LV internal diameter at end-diastole （LVIDd）， LV ejection fraction （LVEF）， isovolumic relaxation time （IVRT）， early diastolic peak velocity of mitral valve inflow （E）， and early diastolic mitral annular velocity （e'）. The E/e' ratio was calculated. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect serum atrial natriuretic peptide （ANP）， B-type natriuretic peptide （BNP）， and galectin-3 （Gal-3）. Myocardial fibrosis was observed through Masson staining of pathological sections， and collagen volume fraction （CVF） and perivascular fibrosis ratio （PFR） were calculated. Real-time polymerase chain reaction （PCR） and Western blot were employed to detect LV myocardial mRNA and protein expression of α-SMA， ColⅠ， ColⅢ， MMP-9， and TIMP-1. ResultLC-MS identified 13 active components in LGQH. Molecular docking indicated stable binding of the 13 compounds with five target proteins. In vivo experiments showed that compared with the blank group， the HFpEF group had significantly increased LVAWd， LVPWd， LVIDd， IVRT， E/e'， ANP， BNP， Gal-3， CVF， and PFR. LV myocardial α-SMA， ColⅠ， and ColⅢ mRNA and protein expression was significantly upregulated， while MMP-9/TIMP-1 mRNA and protein ratios were significantly downregulated （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the HFpEF group， LGQH might dose-dependently reduce LVAWd， LVPWd， LVIDd， IVRT， E/e'， ANP， BNP， Gal-3， CVF， and PFR， downregulated myocardial α-SMA， ColⅠ， ColⅢ mRNA expression， α-SMA， and ColⅠ protein expression， and upregulated MMP-9/TIMP-1 mRNA and protein expression （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionLGQH contains multiple active components and may inhibit myocardial fibrosis in HFpEF rats. It may further alleviate LV hypertrophy， dilation， and diastolic dysfunction， making it an effective Chinese medicinal prescription for treating HFpEF.

Age-Related Changes of Biomechanical Properties for Limb Bones in Male Rats / 医用生物力学

Objective To investigate the age-related changes of biomechanical properties for humerus, femur and tibia in male rats and their application values in age estimation. Methods According to different weeks of age, 90 healthy male SD rats were divided into 2, 4, 6, 8, 17, 26, 52, 78 and 104-week groups with 10 rats in eachgroup. After the rats were executed by excessive anesthesia, humerus, femur, and tibia were separated and the attached soft tissues were removed. The length of the above-mentioned bones and the diameter of the middle section (compression site) were measured with vernier caliper, and the three-point bending test was conducted with electronic universal material testing machine to detect the ultimate load and displacement under ultimate load. Results There were significant differences in the ultimate load of humerus, femur and tibia among male rats in different age groups (P<0. 05). With the increase of week age, the ultimate loads of the humerus, femur and tibia increased first and then decreased, and reached the peak value in 52-week age group, showing a strong positive correlation with week age before 52 weeks ( r = 0. 884,0. 933,0. 929, P<0. 05). There was no significant difference in humerus and tibia. The displacement of femur under ultimate load was weakly positively correlated with week age (R= 0. 406,P<0. 05). The age prediction accuracy for automatic linear modeling of ultimate load for humerus, femur, tibia and three above-mentioned bones in rats before 52-week age was 78. 2% , 86. 8% , 84. 1% and 88. 3% , respectively. There was a strong positive correlation between the length of humerus, femur and tibia and the ultimate load (R= 0. 904, 0. 897, 0. 814, P<0. 05). The diameters of humerus, femur and tibia were strongly positively correlated with the ultimate load (R = 0. 759, 0. 814 and 0. 745, P<0. 05). Conclusions The ultimate loads of humerus, femur and tibia in male rats increased first and then decreased with age, and were positively correlated with age before 52 weeks, which could be used for age inference. The highest accuracy of age estimation was ultimate loads of three bones, followed by femur. The length/ middle diameter of humerus, femur and tibia were strongly positively correlated with the ultimate load.

Analysis of the risk factors for poor prognosis and recurrence in patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis / 中华预防医学杂志

To investigate the risk factors of poor prognosis and recurrence in patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis. A single center, observational cohort study was used to retrospectively analyze 44 patients with anti NMDAR encephalitis hospitalized in the Department of Neurology of Beijing Tong Ren Hospital from January 2014 to October 2020. The results showed that the interval from onset to immunotherapy in the poor prognosis group was significantly longer than that in the good prognosis group (t=2.045,P=0.047), and the course of disease in the poor prognosis group was significantly longer than that in the good prognosis group (t=4.127,P=0.000 2). The number of patients with clinical manifestations of dyskinesia was significantly increased (Fisher exact test: P=0.014). The patients with abnormal brain MRI in the poor prognosis group were significantly more than those in the good prognosis group (Fisher exact test: P=0.017), and the patients with slow wave>50% in the poor prognosis group were significantly more than those with slow wave <50% (Fisher exact test: P<0.001). Patients with the first onset of immunotherapy time <3 months, long course of disease, high intracranial pressure, and high cerebrospinal fluid protein are prone to relapse. Bivariate logistic regression analysis showed that patients with dyskinesia, abnormal brain MRI, and slow wave EEG more than 50% were risk factors for poor prognosis (OR values were 4.687, 4.978, and 24.500, respectively; P values were 0.018, 0.016, and 0.000, respectively). The time of first-line immunotherapy for the first onset<3 months was the risk factor for recurrence (OR 17.231, P=0.010). In conclusion, dyskinesia, abnormal brain MRI and slow wave of EEG more than 50% may be the risk factors for poor prognosis of patients. The duration of immunotherapy less than 3 months after the first onset might be the risk factor for recurrence.

Neonate-onset ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency / 中国当代儿科杂志

The male neonate in this case study was admitted to the hospital at 15 hours of age due to respiratory distress for 15 hours and poor response for 3 hours after resuscitation from asphyxia. The neonate was highly unresponsive, with central respiratory failure and seizures. Serum ammonia was elevated (>1 000 μmol/L). Blood tandem mass spectrometry revealed a significant decrease in citrulline. Rapid familial whole genome sequencing revealed OTC gene mutations inherited from the mother. Continuous hemodialysis filtration and other treatments were given. Neurological assessment was performed by cranial magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalogram. The neonate was diagnosed with ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency combined with brain injury. He died at 6 days of age after withdrawing care. This article focuses on the differential diagnosis of neonatal hyperammonemia and introduces the multidisciplinary management of inborn error of metabolism.

Research progress on the relationship between gut microbiota and male infertility / 现代泌尿外科杂志

With the decline in male fertility in recent years, infertility has become an urgent global problem to be solved. Existing evidence shows that gut microbiota has an important impact on male reproductive health, and gut microbiota disorder can affect spermatogenesis by inducing inflammation, metabolic disorder and endocrine disruption. This paper systematically reviews the relevant research progress in this field, focusing on the impact of gut microbiota disorder on male reproductive ability from the aspects of gut microbiota and spermatogenesis, gut microbiota and sex hormone metabolism, effects of fecal microbiota transplantation and dietary regulation on male reproductive function, and discusses the future research directions of gut micro-biota and male infertility.

Recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Children are also at high risk of novel coronavirus infection. However, as children are in the developmental stage and their phylogeny is not yet complete, adult guidelines cannot be directly copied in the diagnosis and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children. Therefore, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University organized relevant professionals of Children’s Hospital. Based on the "Diagnosis and Treatment Plan for SARS-CoV-2 Infection (Trial 10th Edition)" issued by the General Office of the National Health Commission of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the diagnosis and treatment plan suggestions for children with novel coronavirus infection in The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University were formulated by referring to several instructive diagnosis and treatment plans and combining our hospital’s experience in treating children with SARS-CoV-2 infection. This recommendation makes a concise and practical description from the perspectives of epidemiology, clinical manifestations, clinical typing, treatment and nursing of children infected with SARS-CoV-2, and also makes recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of high-risk factors and complications for the reference of front-line clinical pediatricians so as to achieve timely and reasonable diagnosis and treatment of children infected with SARS-CoV-2. Early identification and active treatment of high-risk and critically patients can minimize the harm caused by complications.

Research progress on cardiovascular toxicity associated with anti-tumor drugs and its prevention and treatment / 药学学报

Cancer and cardiovascular diseases are the two major causes of death worldwide. The application of anti-tumor drugs has significantly improved the prognosis of patients, the cardiovascular toxicity caused by the application of them has become an important factor affecting the survival and prognosis of cancer patients. Therefore, the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular toxicity related to cancer treatment is increasingly important. The cardiovascular toxicity associated with anti-tumor drugs exhibits different clinical manifestations and involves multiple pathological mechanisms. This article reviews the current research progress from the perspective of the characteristics, molecular mechanisms and prevention and treatment strategies of cardiovascular toxicity caused by cancer drugs.