Gegen Qinliantang Ameliorates Glucose and Lipid Metabolism Disorders in Rat Model of Catch-up Growth by Regulating SIRT1/PGC1α/Nrf1 Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Gegen Qinliantang on glucose and lipid metabolism in the rat model of catch-up growth （CUG） induced by a high-fat diet and the underlying mechanism. MethodA total of 60 SD rats were randomized into a normal control group （n=18） and a modeling group （n=42）. The rat model of CUG was established with a restricted diet followed by a high-fat diet， and the changes of general status and body weight were observed. The levels of fasting blood glucose （FBG）， fasting insulin （FINS）， triglyceride （TG）， and total cholesterol （TC） were measured in 6 rats in each group at the end of the 4th and 8th week， respectively. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index （HOMA-IR） was calculated， and the insulin sensitivity and body composition changes of CUG rats were evaluated. The successfully modeled rats were assigned into 6 groups： normal control， model， high-， medium-， and low-dose Gegen Qinliantang （2.5， 5， 10 g·kg-1）， and pioglitazone （3.125 mg·kg-1）. The rats were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage for 6 weeks， and the normal control group and model group were administrated with the same amount of normal saline. During the experiment period， the changes of body weight were recorded， and the FBG， FINS， HOMA-IR， TG， and TC were determined at the end of the experiment. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was employed to observe the pathological changes of skeletal muscle in rats. The levels of reactive oxygen species （ROS） and malondialdehyde （MDA） in the skeletal muscle were measured strictly according to the manuals of the reagent kits. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was performed to measure the mRNA levels of silencing information regulator 1 （SIRT1）， peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator1α （PGC1α）， and nuclear respiratory factor 1 （Nrf1） in the skeletal muscle. Western blot and immunohistochemistry were employed to assess the expression of SIRT1， PGC1α， and Nrf1 in the skeletal muscle. ResultCompared with the normal control group， the model group presented elevated levels of FBG， FINS， TG， and TC （P<0.05， P<0.01）， increased HOMA-IR （P<0.01）， increased diameter of muscle fibers and adipocytes between muscle cells in the skeletal muscle， rising levels of ROS and MDA in the skeletal muscle （P<0.01）， and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of SIRT1， PGC1α， and Nrf1 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， Gegen Qinliantang （especially the medium and high doses） and pioglitazone decreased the body weight， FINS， HOMA-IR， and TG （P<0.05， P<0.01） and reduced interstitial components such as intermuscular fat in the skeletal muscles and the diameter of muscle fibers. Furthermore， the drugs lowerd the levels of ROS and MDA （P<0.05， P<0.01） and up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of SIRT1， PGC1α， and Nrf1 （P<0.05， P<0.01） in the skeletal muscle. ConclusionGegen Qinliantang can ameliorate the glucose and lipid metabolism disorders and insulin resistance in CUG rats by regulating the SIRT1/PGC1α/Nrf1 signaling pathway.

Diagnosis and evaluation of 38 cases of pelvic congestion syndrome and single center experience in intracavitary treatment / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To evaluate the diagnostic evaluation process and the effectiveness and safety of intracavitary therapy for pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 38 patients admitted to Beijing Shijitan Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University from March 2019 to February 2022. Combined with the patient′s symptoms, PCS was diagnosed by color Doppler ultrasound, computed tomography venography (CTV), and venography. The ovarian vein was embolized with controllable spring coil and polydocanol foam sclerosing agent. The patients were followed up 1, 3 and 6 months after operation.Results:The total surgical success rate of 38 patients was 100%, and the incidence of complications was 5.3%(2/38); Spring coils (2.8±0.3)per person; The dosage of hardener was (7.0±2.1)ml/person. The improvement rate of patient symptoms was 97.4%(37/38); After 1, 3, and 6 months of surgery, color Doppler ultrasound was reexamined and no recanalization was observed in the embolized ovarian veins; The diameter of the parauterine vein was (2.8±0.5)mm, which was significantly lower than the preoperative (7.5±1.9)mm ( P<0.05); The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score was significantly lower than the preoperative score [(2.12±1.87)points vs (7.58±0.82)points, P<0.001]. Conclusions:Process based assessment is helpful in identifying and diagnosing PCS patients who urgently need treatment; Endovascular treatment based on embolization of ovarian vein with controllable spring coil and foam sclerosing agent is minimally invasive, safe and effective.

Association between spontaneous portosystemic shunt and hepatorenal syndrome in liver cirrhosis / 临床肝胆病杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between spontaneous portosystemic shunt （SPSS） and hepatorenal syndrome （HRS） in patients with liver cirrhosis. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for 93 patients with SPSS from Dezhou Hospital， Qilu Hospital of Shandong University， from January 2015 to January 2022， and the patients were followed up for 12 months with the onset of HRS as the observation endpoint. According to the presence or absence of HRS， the 93 patients with SPSS were divided into HRS group with 38 patients （40.86%） and non-HRS group with 55 patients （59.14%）， and the two groups were compared in terms of clinical data， laboratory data， complication， and shunt diameter. Based on the maximum shunt vein diameter of 1.5 cm， the 93 patients with SPSS were divided into high shunt group with 52 patients （55.91%） and low shunt group with 41 patients （44.09%）， and with the onset of HRS as the observation endpoint， the two groups were compared in terms of the incidence rate of HRS and survival time curve. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data with homogeneity of variance between two groups， and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. The receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve was used to predict cut-off values， the Kaplan-Meier curve was used for comparison of survival time， and the Log-rank test was used to compare the differences in survival curves. The multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to investigate risk factors. ResultsCompared with the non-HRS group， the HRS group had significant increases in Child-Pugh score， Child-Pugh class， MELD score， serum creatinine， blood urea nitrogen， alanine aminotransferase， aspartate aminotransferase， maximum shunt vein diameter， the incidence rates of hepatic encephalopathy and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis， and the degree of ascites， as well as significant reductions in main portal vein diameter， serum sodium and albumin （all P<0.05）. Compared with the low shunt group， the high shunt group had a significant increase in the incidence rate of HRS （51.92% vs 26.83%， χ²=5.974， P=0.015） and a significant reduction in the time to the onset of HRS （Log-rank P=0.033）. A maximum shunt vein diameter of >1.5 cm （hazard ratio ［HR］=1.123， 95% confidence interval ［CI］： 1.041‍ ‍—‍ ‍1.211， P=0.003）， an increase in MELD score （HR=1.205， 95%CI： 1.076‍ ‍—‍ ‍1.437， P=0.039）， a reduction in serum albumin （HR=0.890， 95%CI： 0.814‍ ‍—‍ ‍0.974， P=0.011）， an increase in the degree of ascites （HR=2.099， 95%CI： 1.066‍ ‍—‍ ‍4.130， P=0.032）， and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis （HR=2.259， 95%CI： 1.020‍ ‍—‍ ‍5.003， P=0.045） were independent risk factors for the onset of HRS in SPSS patients. ConclusionThere is an association between SPSS and HRS， and shunt diameter >1.5 cm was an independent risk factor for HRS in SPSS patients， which should be taken seriously and require early intervention in clinical practice.

Subcellular localization of macrophage migration inhibitory factor and its diverse biological functions in tumors / 药学学报

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an enzyme-active pleiotropic cytokine that is expressed in various immune cells and tumor cells. MIF plays diverse roles in inflammation and tumor progression. It acts as a cytokine involved in immune response and inflammatory lesions. Additionally, MIF is closely associated with tumor proliferation, metastasis, and other tumor hallmarks, exerting a multifaceted influence on tumor occurrence and progression. MIF not only functions by being secreted into the extracellular space as a cytokine but can also be localized within the cytoplasm and nucleus, exhibiting diverse biological functions. As MIF in promoting tumor progression becomes increasingly recognized, MIF-based therapeutic strategies have become a hot research topic in oncology. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of MIF with different subcellular localization about their pro-tumoral functions. A better understanding of MIF in tumor biology will bring broader perspectives for the development of novel MIF targeting strategies and give promising direction for future tumor treatments.

Stability and taste evaluation of two kinds of oral solvent after extemporaneous compounding / 药学学报

A flavoring agent and a suspension agent were prepared for extemporaneous compounding. The stability of the two agents before and after drug loading was investigated, and the taste of the suspension after extemporaneous compounding was evaluated by electronic tongue technology. The two agents remained stable under the conditions of influence factor test, accelerated test and long-term test. The appearance properties of the two agents did not change. The relative density of the flavoring agent was maintained at 1.053-1.075, and the pH was stable at 4.2-4.5. The relative density of the suspension agent was maintained at 0.999-1.022, and the pH was stable at 4.0-4.5. Seven kinds of drugs, including warfarin sodium tablets and spironolactone tablets, were mixed with these two oral solvents, and the content uniformity and stability were detected respectively. The results showed that the preparations could be evenly dispersed and the physical and chemical properties were stable. The results of taste evaluation showed that in captopril group and chloral hydrate group, the flavoring agent had the best effect on taste correction. In warfarin sodium group, rifampicin group, spironolactone group, vitamin B1 group and vitamin B2 group, the blending agents had the best effect on taste correction.

Clinical characteristics and influencing factors of onset age in inpatients with early- and late-onset obsessive-compulsive disorder inpatients / 四川精神卫生

BackgroundThe obsessive-compulsive disorder （OCD） features complexity in etiological factors and high heterogeneity in clinical manifestations. OCD patients with different ages of onset vary in clinical symptoms and etiology. However， current studies on inpatients with early- and late-onset OCD are limited. ObjectiveTo explore the differences in clinical characteristics between early- and late-onset OCD inpatients as well as the factors affecting the onset age of OCD， so as to provide references for early screening and treatment of OCD patients. MethodsThis study was based on collected medical records of 540 patients with OCD who received inpatient treatments at the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between March 2012 and March 2023. Patients with onset age above 18 were placed into early-onset group （n=310） and the others into late-onset group （n=230）. Then differences in demographic data and clinical symptoms between two groups of patients were compared. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the factors that affect the onset age of OCD. ResultsObserving the demographic data， there were significant differences between the two groups in the results in gender， marital status， family history of mental illness， ratio of comorbidities with other mental illnesses， occupational composition， education level and types of obsessive-compulsive symptoms （χ2=22.302、170.556， 9.224， 13.624， 242.277， 59.791， 7.231， P<0.05 or 0.01）. Also， the results in ages of onset and hospitalization between two groups were significantly different （Z=-19.915， 16.831， P<0.01）. In terms of clinical symptoms， the early onset group had a higher proportion of symptoms including obsessive thinking （χ2=11.998， P<0.05）， ordering （χ2=7.731， P<0.05） and rituals （χ2=7.714， P<0.05）， while the proportion of obsessive checking （χ2=8.204， P<0.05） and washing （χ2=7.506， P<0.05） symptoms were relatively low. In terms of risk factors， there were several independent risk factors that influence the onset age of OCD inpatients， including comorbid neurodevelopmental disorder， comorbid affective disorder， family history of schizophrenia and family history of affective disorder （OR=19.587， 1.830， 3.065， 4.431， P<0.05）. Among them， comorbid neurodevelopmental disorder was the core influencing factor， and female gender was a protective factor for early-onset patients （OR=0.417， P<0.01）. ConclusionThere are differences in demographic data and clinical symptom characteristics between early- and late-onset OCD inpatients， and comorbid neurodevelopmental disorder plays as a core risk factor affecting the onset age of OCD inpatients. ［Funded by Jiangsu Province Key Research and Development Plan for Social Development Special Project（number， BE2021616） ； Jiangsu Province Social Development General Project （number， BE2022678）； Key Project of Nanjing Medical Science and Technology Development Fund （number， ZKX20029）］

Bayesian Network Meta-analysis of Therapeutic Effect of Oral Chinese Patent Medicines on Coronary Artery Disease Complicated with Carotid Atherosclerosis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo compare the therapeutic effects of oral Chinese medicines （including Chinese patent medicines） on coronary artery disease （CAD） by the Bayesian network Meta-analysis. MethodThe randomized controlled trials of treating CAD with oral Chinese medicines were retrieved from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure （CNKI）， Wanfang Data， VIP， PubMed， Web of Science， Embase， and Cochrane Library from the inception to December 1， 2022. The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool was used to evaluate the quality of the included articles. The direct meta-analysis was performed to compare the performance of oral Chinese medicines alone and in combination with Western medicine in the treatment of CAD in terms of intima-media thickness （IMT）， vascular endothelial function， plaque score， hypersensitive C-reactive protein （hs-CRP）， total cholesterol （TC）， triglyceride （TG）， high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C）， low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C）， and total response rate. Furthermore， the Bayesian network Meta-analysis was performed to compare the therapeutic effects of different Chinese medicines. ResultA total of 41 articles were included. The direct meta-analysis results showed that Chinese medicines combined with Western medicine outperformed Western medicine alone in recovering all the indicators of CAD. The Bayesian network meta-analysis yielded the following results. In terms of the total response rate， modified Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang and Sanqi Huayu pills had obvious advantages over other Chinese medicines. In terms of IMT and plaque score， Xiaoban Huazhuo decoction， Yiqi Tongluo formula， Ruangan Jiangzhi capsules， and Guanxin Shutong capsules had obvious advantages over other Chinese medicines. In terms of blood lipid indicators， Shenqi Roumai mixture， Ruangan Jiangzhi capsules， Xiaoban Huazhuo decoction， Qiwei Sanxiong decoction， and Sanqi Huayu pills were superior to other Chinese medicines. The Chinese medicines above mainly had the functions of activating blood， resolving stasis， resolving phlegm， and dredging vessels. ConclusionThe combination of oral Chinese medicines and Western medicine is effective in treating CAD. Clinicians can use the drugs targeting abnormal indicators according to the results of this Bayesian network meta-analysis combined with the actual situation of patients to achieve better therapeutic effects.

Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on upper limb motor function of patients with stroke / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on motor function of upper limbs of stroke patients with hemiplegia. MethodsFrom October, 2020 to October, 2021, 65 patients from Wuhan No.1 Hospital were randomly divided into control group (n = 32) and observation group (n = 33). All the patients received routine rehabilitation and mirror therapy, and the observation group received tDCS in addition, for four weeks. They were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremities (FMA-UE), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) and modified Barthel index (MBI) before and after treatment. ResultsThe scores of FMA-UE, ARAT and MBI improved in the both groups after treatment (|t| > 10.455, Z = -2.793, P < 0.001), and all the scores were better in the observation group than in the control group (|t| > 4.152, Z = -2.045, P < 0.05). ConclusionThe combination of tDCS can effectively promote the recovery of upper limb motor function of stroke patients.

Shikonin induces hepatocellular carcinoma cell apoptosis by suppressing PKM2/PHD3/HIF-1α signaling pathway / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the mechanism of shikonin-induced death of human hepatocellular carcinoma SMMC-7721 cells.@*METHODS@#Cultured SMMC-7721 cells and normal hepatocytes (L-02 cells) were treated with 4, 8, or 16 μmol/L shikonin, and the changes in cell viability was assessed using MTT assay. The levels of ATP and lactic acid in the cell cultures were detected using commercial kits. Co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence staining were used to determine the relationship among pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), prolyl hydroxylase 3 (PHD3), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). The expressions of PHD3, PKM2, HIF-1α, Bax, cleaved caspase-3, and Bcl-2 in SMMC-7721 cells were detected with Western blotting, and cell apoptosis was analyzed with annexin V-FITC/PI staining. The effects of RNA interference of PKM2 on PHD3 and HIF-1α expressions in SMMC-7721 cells were detected using Western blotting.@*RESULTS@#The IC50 of shikonin against SMMC-7721 and L-02 cells was 8.041 μmol/L and 31.75 μmol/L, respectively. Treatment with shikonin significantly inhibited the protein expressions of PKM2, HIF-1α and PHD3 and nuclear translocation of PKM2 and HIF-1α in SMMC-7721 cells. Coimmunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence staining confirmed that shikonin inhibited the formation of PKM2/PHD3/HIF-1α complex and significantly reduced the contents of lactic acid and ATP in SMMC-7721 cells (P < 0.05). The expressions of PHD3 and HIF-1α decreased significantly after PKM2 knockdown (P < 0.05). Shikonin treatment significantly increased the apoptosis rate, enhanced the expressions of Bax and cleaved caspase-3, and decreased Bcl-2 expression in SMMC-7721 cells (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Shikonin induces apoptosis of SMMC-7721 cells possibly by inhibiting aerobic glycolysis through the PKM2/PHD3/HIF-1α signaling pathway to cause energy supply dysfunction in the cells.

What Are the Differences in Psychological Outcomes Between People Who Posted COVID-19-Related Content on Social Media and Those Who Did Not?

Objective@#During the lockdown of cities and home quarantine, media became the only way for people to conveniently get coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19)-related information. And media engagement was closely related to psychological outcomes. But fewer researchers took COVID-19-related posting behaviors into consideration. Therefore, the present study aimed at examining the differences in psychological outcomes between people who posted COVID-19-related content on social media and those who did not. @*Methods@#The present study included 917 participants (304 males, 613 females) who had answered the questionnaires of media engagement, positive affect, negative affect, depression, anxiety, stress, satisfaction with life, death anxiety, and meaning in life. @*Results@#Results of t-tests showed that the Post group had lower levels of negative affect, anxiety, stress, and death anxiety than the Not Post (Npost) group. Network comparison tests indicated that the Npost group’s network and the Post group’s network differed in global strength, two edge-weights, and node centrality indices. @*Conclusion@#The results indicated that more attention should be paid to people who did not post any COVID-19-related content, especially when they have higher levels of stress and depression to prevent comorbidities. And for people who posted content, more attention should be paid when they have a higher level of negative affect.

Hepatic COX1 loss leads to impaired autophagic flux and exacerbates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

The mechanisms underlying autophagic defects in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) remain largely unknown. We aimed to elucidate the roles of hepatic cyclooxygenase 1 (COX1) in autophagy and the pathogenesis of diet-induced steatohepatitis in mice. Human nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) liver samples were used to examine the protein expression of COX1 and the level of autophagy. Cox1Δhepa mice and their wildtype littermates were generated and fed with 3 different NASH models. We found that hepatic COX1 expression was increased in patients with NASH and diet-induced NASH mice models accompanied by impaired autophagy. COX1 was required for basal autophagy in hepatocytes and liver specific COX1 deletion exacerbated steatohepatitis by inhibiting autophagy. Mechanistically, COX1 directly interacted with WD repeat domain, phosphoinositide interacting 2 (WIPI2), which was crucial for autophagosome maturation. Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated rescue of WIPI2 reversed the impaired autophagic flux and improved NASH phenotypes in Cox1Δhepa mice, indicating that COX1 deletion-mediated steatohepatitis was partially dependent on WIPI2-mediated autophagy. In conclusion, we demonstrated a novel role of COX1 in hepatic autophagy that protected against NASH by interacting with WIPI2. Targeting the COX1-WIPI2 axis may be a novel therapeutic strategy for NASH.

An optimal medicinal and edible Chinese herbal formula attenuates particulate matter-induced lung injury through its anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptosis activities / 中草药·英文版

OBJECTIVE@#Identifying novel strategies to prevent particulate matter (PM)-induced lung injury is crucial for the reduction of the morbidity of chronic respiratory diseases. The combined intervention represented by herbal formulae for simultaneously targeting multiple pathological processes can provide a more beneficial effect than the single intervention. The aim of this paper is therefore to design a safe and effective medicinal and edible Chinese herbs (MECHs) formula against PM-induced lung injury.@*METHODS@#PM-induced oxidative stress, inflammatory response and apoptosis A549 cell model were used to screen anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic MECHs, respectively. A network pharmacology method was utilized to rationally design a novel herbal formula. Ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer was utilized to assess the quality control of MECHs formula. The excretion of magnetic iron oxide nanospheres of the MECHs formula was estimated in zebrafish. The MECH formula against PM-induced lung injury was investigated with mice experiments.@*RESULTS@#Five selected herbs were rationally designed to form a new MECH formula, including Citri Exocarpium Rubrum (Juhong), Lablab Semen Album (Baibiandou), Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu), Mori Folium (Sangye) and Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma (Yuzhu). The formula effectively promoted the magnetic iron oxide nanospheres excretion in zebrafish. The mid/high dose formula significantly prevented PM-induced lung damage in mice by enhancing the activity of SOD and GSH-Px, reducing the MDA and ROS level and attenuating the upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β and TNF-α), down regulating the protein expression of NF-κB, STAT3 and Caspase-3.@*CONCLUSION@#Our findings suggest that the effective MECHs formula will become a novel strategy for preventing PM-induced lung injury and provide a paradigm for the development of functional foods using MECHs.

A novel homozygous frameshift variant in DNAH8 causes multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella in a consanguineous Pakistani family / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) is a severe form of asthenozoospermia categorized by immotile spermatozoa with abnormal flagella in ejaculate. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) is used to detect pathogenic variants in patients with MMAF. In this study, a novel homozygous frameshift variant (c.6158_6159insT) in dynein axonemal heavy chain 8 (DNAH8) from two infertile brothers with MMAF in a consanguineous Pakistani family was identified by WES. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) confirmed DNAH8 mRNA decay in these patients with the DNAH8 mutation. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy revealed highly divergent morphology and ultrastructure of sperm flagella in these patients. Furthermore, an immunofluorescence assay showed the absence of DNAH8 and a reduction in its associated protein DNAH17 in the patients' spermatozoa. Collectively, our study expands the phenotypic spectrum of patients with DNAH8-related MMAF worldwide.

Discussion and analysis on the necessity of setting up the training system of stomatological clinical pharmacist / 中华医学教育探索杂志

At present, there is still no stomatology specialty in the training system of clinical pharmacists in China and the relevant research is still blank. The development of stomatological clinical pharmacy is also slow due to the lack of clinical pharmacists. By analyzing the national oral health policies, the characteristics of oral diseases and the clinical needs of stomatology, this paper provides theoretical basis for the setting of clinical pharmacist training specialty of stomatology specialty in China. This paper also makes a preliminary discussion on the construction of the training system of clinical pharmacists in the specialty of stomatology, so as to provide advice and references for the design and specific plan of the training system in the specialty of stomatology.

Mechanism of Gegen Qinliantang against Vulnerable Plaque of Atherosclerosis： Based on Macrophage Pyroptosis Mediated by NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1 Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of Gegen Qinliantang （GQL） on vulnerable plaque of atherosclerosis based on the macrophage pyroptosis mediated by nuclear factor （NF）-κB/NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3）/cysteine-aspartic acid protease （Caspase）-1 pathway. MethodA total of 12 normal C57BL/6CNC mice were used as the control group， and 60 ApoE-/- mice of the same line were randomized into 5 groups： model group， low-dose， medium-dose， and high-dose GQL groups （GQL-D， GQL-Z， GQL-G groups， respectively）， and western medicine group. The control group and model group were given （ig） equal volume sterile distilled， and GQL-D， GQL-Z， GQL-G and western medicine groups received （ig） corresponding concentration of drugs for 8 weeks. Aortic plaques were observed based on hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining. Serum levels of interleukin （IL）-1β and IL-18 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）， protein levels of macrophage mannose receptor （CD206）/apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD （ASC） and CD206/NLRP3 by double-labeling immunofluorescence， and C-terminal gasdermin D （GSDMD）， N-terminal GSDMD， NLRP3， pro-cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 1 （pro-Caspase-1） and NF-κB p65 by Western blot. ResultCompared with the control group， model group demonstrated serious pathological changes， rise of the levels of serum IL-1β and IL-18 and tissue ASC， NLRP3， C-terminal GSDMD， N-terminal GSDMD， pro-Caspase-1， and NF-κB p65， and decrease of CD206 level （P<0.05）. As compared with model group， the administration groups showed alleviation of the lesions in aortic wall， decrease in levels of serum IL-1β and IL-18 and tissue ASC， NLRP3， C-terminal GSDMD， N-terminal GSDMD， pro-Caspase-1， and NF-κB p65， and rise of CD206 level， with significant difference between some groups （P<0.05）. ConclusionGegen Qinliantang alleviates vulnerable plaque of atherosclerosis by regulating NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway and further relieving macrophage pyroptosis.

A recurrent homozygous missense mutation in CCDC103 causes asthenoteratozoospermia due to disorganized dynein arms / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Asthenoteratozoospermia is one of the most severe types of qualitative sperm defects. Most cases are due to mutations in genes encoding the components of sperm flagella, which have an ultrastructure similar to that of motile cilia. Coiled-coil domain containing 103 (CCDC103) is an outer dynein arm assembly factor, and pathogenic variants of CCDC103 cause primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). However, whether CCDC103 pathogenic variants cause severe asthenoteratozoospermia has yet to be determined. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed for two individuals with nonsyndromic asthenoteratozoospermia in a consanguineous family. A homozygous CCDC103 variant segregating recessively with an infertility phenotype was identified (ENST00000035776.2, c.461A>C, p.His154Pro). CCDC103 p.His154Pro was previously reported as a high prevalence mutation causing PCD, though the reproductive phenotype of these PCD individuals is unknown. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of affected individuals' spermatozoa showed that the mid-piece was severely damaged with disorganized dynein arms, similar to the abnormal ultrastructure of respiratory ciliary of PCD individuals with the same mutation. Thus, our findings expand the phenotype spectrum of CCDC103 p.His154Pro as a novel pathogenic gene for nonsyndromic asthenospermia.

Differentially expressed genes in chronic periodontitis and the correlation with disease severity / 国际生物医学工程杂志

Objective:To study the differentially expressed genes in chronic periodontitis (CP) and to explore the correlation with disease severity.Methods:Gene expression profile data associated with CP were screened in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and analyzed with GEO2R online software to create volcano maps. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEEG) and Gene Ontology (GO) analyses were performed on the screened CP-associated differentially expressed genes to predict their possible functions and signaling pathways. The protein-protein interaction database (STRING) was used to analyze the interaction relationships between the encoded proteins of the screened CP-related differentially expressed genes. Cytohubba software was used to identify key genes in the signaling pathway. One120 CP patients and 40 healthy controls were selected. The screened CP-related genes were validated by the real-time polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) method.Results:A total of 1 151 CP differentially expressed genes that met the requirements were screened. These genes were mainly enriched in the GO pathway for positive regulation of granulocyte differentiation, helper T-cell differentiation, leukocyte aggregation, regulation of acute inflammatory response, chemokine-mediated and endoplasmic reticulum unfolded protein response, as well as in the KEGG pathway for NFB pathway, chemokine pathway, cytokine receptor interaction, leukocyte transendothelial migration pathway, B-cell receptor pathway, Toll-like receptor pathway, etc. The protein-protein interaction network was constructed using the screened CP-related differentially expressed genes, which included 78 nodes and 496 links, with a mean aggregation coefficient and mean connectivity of 0.69 and 12.7, respectively. Cytohubba analysis showed that Sell was a key gene in the signaling pathway, and its relative expression levels in the gingival fluids of the three CP groups with different degrees(1.14±0.46, 0.86±0.41, 0.52±0.46) was significantly lower than that of the control group (1.50±0.65) (all P<0.05). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of subjects diagnosed with CP using Sell expression levels in gingival fluid was 0.79 (95% CI: 0.71 to 0.86). The AUC values were greater than 0.65 at 95% CI when Sell was used as a biological marker to evaluate the severity of CP. Conclusions:CP-related differentially expressed genes are mainly enriched in the number of pathways associated with the inflammatory response of periodontitis. The expression levels of Sell genes were significantly reduced in the gingival sulcus fluid of CP patients and correlated with the severity of the disease. The Sell genes are expected to be a biomarker for CP grading.

Angiojet thrombus clearance device in hemodialysis access thrombosis / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the role of Angiojet thrombus clearance device in the treatment of dialysis access thrombosis.Methods:The clinical data of 37 patients with Angiojet thrombus clearance due to hemodialysis thrombosis from May 2019 to May 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:The clinical success rate was 100%, the mean operation time was (42±21) minutes. The time of aspiration was (35±18) s, and the average length of occlusion was (8±5) cm. All patients were treated with balloon dilation after aspiration. The average postoperative dialysis flow was (270±15) ml/min. The mean length of stay was (2.0±1.5) days. There were no surgically related deaths, no vascular rupture or bleeding, no major complications. Dilated local pseudoaneurysm formation was observed in 5 patients after dilation by angiography without special treatment. The mean follow-up time was 11 months. The primary patency rate was 85% and the secondary patency rate was 87% at 6 months post operatively.Conclusion:Angiojet thrombus removal device has the advantages of minimally invasive, short operation time and repeatability.

Case report of early-onset epileptic encephalopathy caused by compound heterozygous mutation of the WWOX gene / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Clinical data of a case with early-onset epileptic encephalopathy admitted in the Department of Neuroendocrinology, Jinan Children′s Hospital in April 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.A 1-month-old male patient was hospitalized for convulsion for 4 days.The child had repeated seizures in the form of tonic and tonic-spasm seizures, accompanied by feeding difficulties, slow weight gain, and overall developmental delay.Electroencephalogram showed multifocal discharge, atypical hypsarrhythmia, and brain magnetic resonance imaging showed delayed myelination.The whole exome sequencing showed compound heterozygous mutation of the WWOX gene.Topiramate, Levetiracetam and Valporate were ineffective to this case.Genetic testing should be performed timely in patients with early-onset epileptic encephalopathy and overall developmental delay to make a clear etiology and prognosis, thus guiding prenatal diagnostics and genetic counseling.

Clinical effect of Fumai Zhuyu Decoction in the adjuvant treatment of deep vein thrombosis after orthopedic surgery / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To evaluate the curative effect of Fumai Zhuyu Decoction on deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after orthopedic surgery.Methods:According to random method, 90 patients with DVT after orthopedic surgery who met inclusion criteria in the hospital were divided into two groups between January 2018 and December 2020, 45 cases in each group. Both groups were given DVT catheterization for thrombolysis. After that, control group was given subcutaneous injection of low molecular weight heparin calcium, while observation group was additionally treated with Fumai Zhuyu Decoction. All were continuously treated for 14d. Before and after treatment, scores of TCM syndromes were evaluated. The coagulation response time (R), clotting time (K), clotting angle (α) and maximum strength of blood clotting (MA) were detected by full-automatic thromboelastometry analyzer. The levels of serum IL-6 and CRP were detected by ELISA. The hematocrit (Hct) was calculated according to red cell casts and whole blood height. The adverse reactions were recorded. And the clinical curative effect was evaluated.Results:The differences in total response rate between observation group and control group were statistically significant [82.2% (37/45) vs. 62.2% (38/45); χ2=4.49, P=0.034]. After treatment, scores of affected limb pain, dark encrusted skin and affected limb swelling in observation group were significantly lower than those in control group ( t values were 7.26, 7.14, 6.88, respectively, all Ps<0.001). After treatment, R [(6.12±0.86) min vs. (5.45±0.56) min, t=3.58] and K [(2.24±0.45) min vs. (1.72±0.42) min, t=4.63] in observation group were significantly longer than those in control group ( P<0.01), α [(51.69±2.23)° vs. (54.23±2.42)°, t=4.23] and MA [(51.58±3.62) min vs. (54.58±3.53) min, t=3.25] were significantly lower than those in control group ( P<0.01), and levels of serum IL-6, CRP and Hct were significantly lower than those in control group ( t values were 2.66, 2.96, 7.58, respectively, all Ps<0.01). During treatment, differences in incidence of adverse reactions between observation group and control group were statistically significant [6.7% (3/45) vs. 22.2% (10/45); χ2=4.41, P=0.036]. Conclusion:The Fumai Zhuyu Decoction can reduce blood viscosity, prevent thrombosis and improve clinical curative effect in patients with DVT after orthopedic surgery.