Study on the objectivity and biological mechanism of Psoralea corylifolia Linn.'s 'Great dryness damages the liver' / 药学学报

According to the theory of 'Xingben Dazao' of Psoralea corylifolia Linn. (BL), the susceptible syndromes and biomarkers of liver injury caused by BL were searched. Rat models of kidney-yin deficiency syndrome (M_yin) and kidney-yang deficiency syndrome (M_yang) were established, and all animal experimental operations and welfare following the provisions of the First Affiliated Experimental Animal Ethics and Animal Welfare Committee of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (No. YFYDW2020017). The results showed that BL significantly decreased the body weight, water intake, and urine weight of M_yin rats and increase the organ indexes of the liver, testis, adrenal gland, and spleen and the expression of alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Meantime, BL significantly increased the urine weight of M_yang rats and decreased the expression of ALT and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining showed that BL could aggravate inflammatory infiltration of hepatocytes in rats with M_yin and alleviate liver injury in rats with M_yang. Metabolomics identified 17 BL co-regulated significant differential metabolic markers in M_yin and M_yang rats. Among them, 8 metabolites such as glutamine, quinolinate, biliverdin, and lactosylceramide showed opposite trends, mainly involving cysteine and methionine metabolism, tyrosine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, purine metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, glycerol phospholipid metabolism, glutamine metabolism, and other pathways. M_yin/M_yang may be the susceptible constitution of BL for liver damage or protection, which may be related to the regulation of amino acid metabolism and sphingolipid metabolism. The study can provide some experimental data support for the safe and accurate use of BL in the clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine.

Whole exome sequencing analysis and prenatal diagnosis in children with neurodevelopmental disorders / 中华预防医学杂志

To explore the application value of whole exome sequencing (WES) in the diagnosis of prenatal and postnatal neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). A total of 70 patients diagnosed with NDDs who underwent WES at the Medical Genetics Center of the Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province between June 2020 and July 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples and amniotic fluid. WES-based copy number variant (CNV) analysis was integrated into the routine WES data analysis pipeline. The results showed that a molecular diagnosis rate could be made in 21/70 (30%) cases. Of 21 positive cases, 14 (23%) cases were detected by single-nucleotide variant/small insertion/deletion (SNV/Indel) analysis, of which 12 variants were novel, 6 (9.8%) cases were detected by WES-based CNV analysis, and 1 (1.6%) case was detected by a combination of both. The diagnostic yield of WES combined with CNV analysis was higher than that of SNV/Indel analysis alone (30%, 21/70 vs. 20%, 14/70). Of the 28 prenatally diagnosed cases, 6 cases were found to have inherited parental variation for NDDs, 10 cases were found not to have the same pathogenic variation as the proband, and the remaining 12 cases were found to have no pathogenic or likely pathogenic variation that could explain the NDDs phenotype. Clinical follow-up showed that 5 families opted for abortion and the remaining had no current abnormalities. In conclusion, WES may be an effective method to clarify the genetic etiology and prenatal diagnosis of NDDs, which is helpful in assessing the prognosis to aid clinical management and reproductive guidance.

Potential components and mechanism of Liangxue Tuezi Mixture in treating Henoch-Schönlein purpura based on network pharmacology and metabolomics / 中国中药杂志

Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of fight/mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) and UNIFI were employed to rapidly determine the content of the components in Liangxue Tuizi Mixture. The targets of the active components and Henoch-Schönlein purpura(HSP) were obtained from SwissTargetPrediction, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM), and GeneCards. A "component-target-disease" network and a protein-protein interaction(PPI) network were constructed. Gene Ontology(GO) functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed for the targets by Omishare. The interactions between the potential active components and the core targets were verified by molecular docking. Furthermore, rats were randomly assigned into a normal group, a model group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose Liangxue Tuizi Mixture groups. Non-targeted metabolomics was employed to screen the differential metabolites in the serum, analyze possible metabolic pathways, and construct the "component-target-differential metabolite" network. A total of 45 components of Liangxue Tuizi Mixture were identified, and 145 potential targets for the treatment of HSP were predicted. The main signaling pathways enriched included resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K-AKT), and T cell receptor. The results of molecular docking showed that the active components in Liangxue Tuizi Mixture had strong binding ability with the key target proteins. A total of 13 differential metabolites in the serum were screened out, which shared 27 common targets with active components. The progression of HSP was related to metabolic abnormalities of glycerophospholipid and sphingolipid. The results indicate that the components in Liangxue Tuizi Mixture mainly treats HSP by regulating inflammation and immunity, providing a scientific basis for rational drug use in clinical practice.

Surface roughness, gloss and sequential polishing times of various chairside computer aided design/manufacturing restorative materials / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of polishing on surface roughness, gloss and optimum polishing time of various computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) restorative materials and to provide a proper polishing procedure for dental clinicians.@*METHODS@#Five CAD/CAM restorative materials including vita mark Ⅱ (VM), vita enamic (VE), lava ultimate (LU), shofu block HC (SB) and brilliant crios (BC) were selected. Six specimens were prepared for each material. The specimen was fixed on a custom-made polishing apparatus and sequentially polished with Sof-Lex poli-shing disk system including medium disk (with abrasive particle sizes of 10-40 μm), fine disk (with abrasive particle sizes of 3-9 μm) and superfine disk (with abrasive particle sizes of 1-7 μm). Surface roughness (Ra value) and gloss value were measured every 10 seconds until the numerical values were no longer changed. Then the surface roughness, gloss value and polishing time were recorded and the specimen was moved to the next sequence of polishing. Finally, statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 24.0.@*RESULTS@#For all the restorative materials, the Ra values were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) and the gloss values were significantly increased (P < 0.05) after sequentially polishing with Sof-Lex disks. No significant difference was detected among Ra values of all the tested materials (P>0.05) after sequential polishing. The gloss values of LU [(68.1±4.5) GU] and BC [(68.2±5.8) GU] were significantly higher than those of VE [(48.1±8.1) GU] and BC [(53.2±5.8) GU], P < 0.05. To obtain optimal surface smoothness, VM cost the shortest polishing time [40 (30, 55) s] among all the restorative materials (P < 0.05). No significant differences in the total polishing time were observed among VE [140 (135, 145) s], LU [130 (120, 140) s], SB [140 (130, 150) s] and BC [130 (120, 140) s], P>0.05.@*CONCLUSION@#The surface roughness of all CAD/CAM restorative materials were decreased after sequentially polishing with Sof-Lex disk system. To obtain the smoothest surface, different types of restorative materials might need different polishing times using Sof-Lex polishing disk system. For ceramic restorative material VM, we recommend polishing only with medium disk for 40 s. For hybrid restorative material VE and composite restorative material LU, SB and BC, we recommend polishing with medium disk, fine disk and superfine disk in sequence for 130-140 s in total.

Genetic Mutation Characteristics of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency Patients in Wuhan / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the genotype mutation characteristics of patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase(G6PD) deficiency in Wuhan.@*METHODS@#A total of 1 321 neonates with positive screening and outpatients were received G6PD mutation detection, 12 kinds of common G6PD mutation in Chinese people was detected by using multicolor melting curve analysis (MMCA) method, for those with negative results, the enzyme activity and clinical information were analyzed, sequencing was recommended after informed consent when it is necessary.@*RESULTS@#Among 1321 patients, a total of 768 mutations were detected out, with a detection rate of 58.1%. A total of 18 types of G6PD genotypes were identified, including c.1388G>A, c.1376G>T, c.95G>A, c.1024C>T, c.871G>A, c.392G>T, c.487G>A, c.1360C>T, c.1004C>A, c.517T>C, c.592C>T, c.94C>G, c.152C>T, c.320A>G, c.1028A>G, c.1316G>A, c.1327G>C and c.1376G>C, including 683 male hemizygotes, 3 female homozygotes, 80 female heterozygotes and 2 female compound heterozygous.@*CONCLUSION@#A total of 18 types of G6PD mutations are identified in the reaserch, and c.94C>G, c.1028A>G and c.1327G>C are first reported in Chinese population. The most common G6PD mutation types in Wuhan are c.1388G>A, c.1376G>T, c.95G>A.

Effect of Shaoyaotang on Inflammatory Cytokines and Intestinal Flora in Rats with Dampness-heat Diarrhea / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Shaoyaotang on diarrhea， inflammation， and intestinal flora in rats with dampness-heat diarrhea and explore the mechanism of therapeutic principle "treating incontinent syndrome with dredging method" of Shaoyaotang. MethodThe dampness-heat diarrhea model was induced by high temperature， high humidity， high sugar and fat diet， and pathogenic factors. The rats were divided into normal group， model group （normal saline）， Shaoyaotang group （5.62 g·kg-1）， Rhei Radix et Rhizoma （RRER）-free Shaoyaotang group （5.15 g·kg-1）， and RRER group （0.01 g·kg-1）. The rats were treated correspondingly for five days， twice a day in the morning and evening. The diarrhea index was used to evaluate the antidiarrheal effect of each group three hours after the administration in the evening. The levels of tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α， interleukin （IL）-1β， IL-2， and IL-6 in the serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） three hours after the last administration. The structure of intestinal flora in feces was characterized by 16sDNA. ResultCompared with the model group， the Shaoyaotang group， the RRER-free Shaoyaotang group， and the RRER group showed reduced diarrhea index （P<0.01）， with the onset rates ranking as the Shaoyaotang group>the RRER-free Shaoyaotang group>the RRER group. Those three groups with drug intervention all showed decreased levels of inflammatory factors （P<0.01）， especially the Shaoyaotang group， and no significant difference was observed between the RRER group and the RRER-free Shaoyaotang group. The abundance of pathogenic bacteria and conditioned pathogens （e.g. Escherichia-Shigella， Prevotella， Enterorhabdus， and Bacteroides） was reduced and the proliferation of probiotics （such as Ruminococcus， Turicibacter， and Lachnospiraceae） was increased in the groups with drug intervention （P<0.01）. For the structure of intestinal flora， the RRER group and the Shaoyaotang group were close to the normal group， and the RRER-free Shaoyaotang group was different from the other three groups （P<0.01）. ConclusionShaoyaotang can improve the outcome of rats with dampness-heat diarrhea through anti-inflammation and regulation of intestinal flora disorders. RRER in the prescription plays a key role in reducing the abundance of harmful bacteria and promoting the proliferation of probiotics， which is the key of Shaoyaotang in promoting the re-balance of intestinal flora. It also confirms the scientificity of treating dampness-heat diarrhea with RRER following the therapeutic principle "treating incontinent syndrome with dredging method".

In vitro evaluation of positioning accuracy of trephine bur at different depths by dynamic navigation / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the accuracy of trephine bur drilling at different depths guided by dynamic navigation system in 3D printing in vitro model.@*METHODS@#A model at the depth of 5 mm, 10 mm, and 15 mm from the outer surface of which hemispherical cavities was reserved and the 3D printing technology was used to make the standardized model with Veroclear resin. The cone beam CT (CBCT) was taken and the data were imported into the dynamic navigation software (DCARER, China) to establish navigation path programming. Under the guidance of dynamic navigation, a trephine bur with a diameter of 4.5 mm was used to complete the access operation. At each depth, 10 approaches were completed. The postoperative model CBCT was taken. The approach trajectory under navigation was reconstructed and compared with the designed path. The two-dimensional distance deviation, depth deviation, three-dimensional distance deviation, and angle deviation between the actually prepared path and the designed path were calculated.@*RESULTS@#At the depth of 5 mm, the two-dimensional distance deviation between the end position of the prepared path and the designed path was (0.37±0.06) mm, the depth deviation was (0.06±0.05) mm, the three-dimensional distance deviation was (0.38±0.07) mm, and the angle deviation was 2.46°±0.54°; At the depth of 10 mm, the four deviations between the end position of prepared path and the designed path were (0.44±0.05) mm, (0.16±0.06) mm, (0.47±0.05) mm, and 2.45°±1.21°, respectively; At the depth of 15 mm, the four deviations were (0.52±0.14) mm, (0.16±0.07) mm, (0.55±0.15) mm, and 3.25°±1.22°, respectively. With the increase of entry depth, the three-dimensional and depth accuracy of dynamic navigation system decreased (P < 0.01), and the positioning angle deviation had no relation with the entry depth (P>0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#Dynamic navigation technology can achieve high positioning accuracy in the depth range of 15 mm, but its deviation increases with the increase of entry depth.

Effects of the resin base and retention depth on fracture resistance of molars restored with nano-ceramic endocrowns / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the effects of resin base and different retention depth on the fracture resistance of mandibular molars restored with nano-ceramic endocrowns.@*METHODS@#Forty mandibular molars selected and randomly divided into 5 groups: ① The control group which was consisted of intact teeth, ② the non-resin base group, ③ the 2 mm retention depth group, ④ the 3 mm retention depth group, ⑤ the 4 mm retention depth group, respectively. After tooth preparation, in vitro root canal therapy was conducted, which was followed by endocrown design, production and adhesive of groups ②-⑤. All the samples were under load (N) of the universal mechanical testing machine after embedding. The fracture pattern of each sample was observed under stereomicroscope. Then the microstructure of the fracture surface was observed by scanning electron microscopy.@*RESULTS@#The fracture loads of each group were respectively: the control group fracture load was (3 069.34±939.50) N; experimental groups: fracture load of (2 438.04±774.40) N for the group without resin base; fracture load of (3 537.18±763.65) N for the group with 2 mm retention depth. The fracture load of the retention depth 3 mm group was (2 331.55±766.39) N; the fracture load of the retention depth 4 mm group was (2 786.98±709.24) N. There was statistical significance in the effect of resin base and different retention depth on the fracture loads of molars restored with nano-ceramic endocrown (P < 0.05). Repairable fractures in each group were as follows: control group 2/8, non-resin base group 1/8, retention depth of 2 mm group 1/8, retention depth of 3 mm group 2/8, and retention depth of 4 mm group 0/8. The effects of the retention depth and the presence of resin base on the fracture resistance of the resin nano-ceramic endocrowns were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Scanning electron microscopy showed more arrest lines and small twist hackles on the fracture surface of the restorations with resin base (retention depths of 2 mm, 3 mm, and 4 mm), with cracks extending towards the root. In addition to the characteristics above, more transverse cracks parallel to the occlusal surface, pointing outwards from the center of the pulp cavity retention, were also observed on the fracture surface of the non-resin base restorations.@*CONCLUSION@#When molar teeth with nano-ceramic endocrowns are restored, resin base and the retention depth of 2 mm help the teeth to obtain optimal fracture strength.

Clinicopathological features of mature T/NK cell lymphoma with aberrant CD20 or CD79α expression / 中华病理学杂志

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of mature T/NK cell lymphomas with aberrant CD20 or CD79α expression. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 641 cases of mature T/NK cell lymphoma diagnosed from January 2014 to December 2020 was performed, and 14 cases of CD20-positive and one case of CD79α-positive mature T/NK-cell lymphoma were identified. Histological examination, immunohistochemical characterization, in situ hybridization for Epstein-Barr virus encoded early RNA (EBER), and PCR testing for immunoglobulin and T cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangements were performed. Clinicopathological characteristics of these lymphomas were analyzed. Results: There were 13 males and 2 females, with a median age of 56 years. There were 8 cases of peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS), 3 cases of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTCL), 2 cases of monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma (MEITL) and 2 cases of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL). Twelve cases were stage Ⅲ or Ⅳ lymphomas. The prognosis was overall poor. The histology, immunophenotype and TCR gene rearrangement were not significantly different from the corresponding types of lymphoma. Ki-67 proliferation index was over 70% in all cases. The expression of CD20 or CD79α was weak and heterogeneous. All 15 case of Ig gene rearrangement were polyclonal. Conclusions: Mature T/NK cell lymphoma with abnormal expression of CD20 or CD79α is rare, commonly found in advanced stage, and associated with poor prognosis. The expression of CD20 or CD79α in these cases is weaker than the corresponding mature T/NK cell lymphomas, while its proliferation index is higher. Histomorphology, extensive immunoprofiling and molecular detection are required for accurate diagnosis.

Clinicopathological features and BRAF V600E and MYD88 L265P mutation status of nodal marginal zone lymphoma / 中华病理学杂志

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features as well as BRAF V600E and MYD88 L265P mutation status of nodal marginal zone B cell lymphoma (NMZL). Methods: Thirty-two cases of NMZL were diagnosed from September 2009 to February 2021 at the Henan Provincial People's Hospital and Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences. The clinicopathologic characteristics were obtained and analyzed. BRAF V600E and MYD88 L265P mutation status were identified using PCR and Sanger sequencing, respectively. Results: There were 20 males and 12 females patients with a median age of 69 years (ranging 36-82 years). The most prevalent clinical manifestation was multiple lymph nodes enlargement in head and neck (22/32, 68.8%), followed by inguinal (12/32, 37.5%), axillary (11/32, 34.4%), mediastinum (5/32, 15.6%) and retroperitoneal lymph nodes (4/32, 12.5%). Most of the patients were in Ann Arbor stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ (21 cases). The morphologic features included diffuse (24/32, 75.0%), nodular (5/32, 15.6%), interfollicular (2/32,6.3%) and perifollicular (1/32,3.1%) types. The tumor cells showed monocyte-like, centrocyte-like, small lymphocyte-like and plasma cell-like differentiation. Immunophenotyping revealed diffuse expression of CD20 in all tumor cells, whereas CD43 (11/32, 34.4%), bcl-2 (20/32, 62.5%), MNDA (13/32, 40.6%) and CD5 (2/32, 6.3%) were partially expressed. Ki-67 proliferation index varied from 10% to 40%. BRAF V600E mutation was found in two cases (2/32, 6.3%), but MYD88 L265P mutation was not detected. Eighteen patients survived and three died at the end of follow-up period which ranged 6 to 110 months. Conclusions: The morphologic features of NMZL varies across individuals, it should be differentiated from various B-cell lymphomas; however immunological biomarkers with high specificity for NMZL are still lacking. No MYD88 L265P mutation is found in NMZL. Some cases may harbor BRAF V600E mutation and yet the prevalence remains indeterminate; further researches are warranted.

Schisandrae Fructus oil-induced elevation in serum triglyceride and lipoprotein concentrations associated with physiologic hepatomegaly in mice

Objective: To investigate hypertriglyceridemia and hepatomegaly caused by Schisandrae Sphenantherae Fructus (FSS) and Schisandra chinensis Fructus (FSC) oils in mice. Methods: Mice were orally administered a single dose of Schisandrae Fructus oils. Serum and hepatic triglyceride (TG), triglyceride transfer protein (TTP), apolipoprotein B48 (Apo B48), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), alanine aminotransfease (ALT) and liver index were measured at 6-120 h post-dosing. Results: FSS and FSC oil caused time and dose-dependent increases in serum and hepatic TG levels, with maximum increases in the liver (by 297% and 340%) at 12 h post-dosing and serum (244% and 439%) at 24-h post-dosing, respectively. Schisandrae Fructus oil treatments also elevated the levels of serum TTP by 51% and 63%, Apo B48 by 152% and 425%, and VLDL by 67% and 38% in mice, respectively. FSS and FSC oil treatments also increased liver mass by 53% and 55% and HGF by 106% and 174%, but lowered serum ALT activity by 38% and 22%, respectively. Fenofibrate pre/ co-treatment attenuated the FSS and FSC oil-induced elevation in serum TG levels by 41% and 49% at 48 h post-dosing, respectively, but increased hepatic TG contents (by 38% and 33%, respectively) at 12 h post-dosing. Conclusions: Our findings provide evidence to support the establishment of a novel mouse model of hypertriglyceridemia by oral administration of FSS oil (mainly increasing endogenous TG) and FSC oil (mainly elevating exogenous TG).

Schisandrae Fructus oil-induced elevation in serum triglyceride and lipoprotein concentrations associated with physiologic hepatomegaly in mice

Objective: To investigate hypertriglyceridemia and hepatomegaly caused by Schisandrae Sphenantherae Fructus (FSS) and Schisandra chinensis Fructus (FSC) oils in mice. Methods: Mice were orally administered a single dose of Schisandrae Fructus oils. Serum and hepatic triglyceride (TG), triglyceride transfer protein (TTP), apolipoprotein B48 (Apo B48), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), alanine aminotransfease (ALT) and liver index were measured at 6-120 h post-dosing. Results: FSS and FSC oil caused time and dose-dependent increases in serum and hepatic TG levels, with maximum increases in the liver (by 297% and 340%) at 12 h post-dosing and serum (244% and 439%) at 24-h post-dosing, respectively. Schisandrae Fructus oil treatments also elevated the levels of serum TTP by 51% and 63%, Apo B48 by 152% and 425%, and VLDL by 67% and 38% in mice, respectively. FSS and FSC oil treatments also increased liver mass by 53% and 55% and HGF by 106% and 174%, but lowered serum ALT activity by 38% and 22%, respectively. Fenofibrate pre/ co-treatment attenuated the FSS and FSC oil-induced elevation in serum TG levels by 41% and 49% at 48 h post-dosing, respectively, but increased hepatic TG contents (by 38% and 33%, respectively) at 12 h post-dosing. Conclusions: Our findings provide evidence to support the establishment of a novel mouse model of hypertriglyceridemia by oral administration of FSS oil (mainly increasing endogenous TG) and FSC oil (mainly elevating exogenous TG).

Study on alleviating effect of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma on Psoraleae Fructus-induced liver injury based on network pharmacology and cell experiments / 中国中药杂志

This study was designed to explore the alleviating effect and mechanism of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma against Psora-leae Fructus-induced liver injury based on network pharmacology and cell experiments. The active components of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Psoraleae Fructus were first retrieved from the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine(ETCM), Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP), Comparative Toxicogenomics Database(CTD), and literature and further screened by SwissADME. The obtained 25 potential toxic components of Psoraleae Fructus and 29 flavonoids in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma were input into the SwissTargetPrediction for target predication. A total of 818 targets related to liver injury were screened out based on GeneCards and MalaCards, and 91 common targets of Psoraleae Fructus, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, and liver injury were obtained from Venny. STRING was applied for constructing the PPI network, and Metascape for analyzing the biological processes and signaling pathways that common targets participated in. Cytoscape was used to construct the component-target-disease network and component-target-pathway network for Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma against Psoraleae Fructus-induced liver injury. The predicted core targets were proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase(SRC), phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase subunit alpha(PIK3 CA), RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase(AKT1), etc, with PI3 K-AKT signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, apoptosis, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, and NF-κB signaling pathway mainly involved. Following the scree-ning of the main toxic and pharmacodynamic components, the pharmacodynamic effects were investigated by cell experiments. The results showed that licochalcone A was mainly responsible for alleviating coryfolin-induced liver injury, licochalcone B for coryfolin-and psoralidin-induced liver injury, and echinatin for corylifolinin-and bakuchiol-induced liver injury. The preliminary revealing of the alleviating effect of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma on Psoraleae Fructus-induced liver injury and the prediction of related mechanisms will provide reference for further mechanism research and reasonable clinical compatibility.

A clinical study of influenza A virus infection with neurological symptoms in children / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the clinical features of children with influenza A virus infection and neurological symptoms.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of children with laboratory-confirmed influenza A and neurological symptoms who were treated in Xi'an Children's Hospital Affiliated to Xi'an Jiaotong University from January to December, 2019.@*RESULTS@#A total of 895 children were diagnosed with influenza A, among whom 291 had neurological symptoms. Boys had a significantly higher incidence rate of influenza A than girls (@*CONCLUSIONS@#There is a high incidence rate of neurological symptoms in children with influenza A, and seizures are the most common symptom. Most of the patients with neurological symptoms tend to have a good prognosis, but those with ANE may have a poor prognosis.

Effect of Modified Shuyuwan on Neuroinflammation in APP/PS1 Dementia Mice Based on Nlrp3/ASC/Caspase-1 Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To observe the effect of modified Shuyuwan in amyloid precursor protein/ presenilin 1 （APP/PS1） dementia mice on cognitive and memory impairment and to explore its mechanism. Method:The 40 APP/PS1 mice were divided into model group （given Physiological saline）， low and high-dose modified Shuyuwan （14，64 g·kg^-1）group， and donepezil group （1 mg·kg^-1） and 10 wild mice were set as the blank control group （given Physiological saline）. All of the mice were administered intragastrically for 35 days. The memory and space exploration ability of mice was detected by Morris water maze， the morphology of mouse hippocampal neurons were observed by Nissl staining. The deposition of <italic>β </italic>amyloid 1-42（A<italic>β</italic>_1-42） in mouse hippocampus was detected by immunohistochemistry， and the expression of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1（Iba1）， a marker of hippocampal microglia （MG） and Nitric oxide synthase（iNOS）， a marker of actived MG， were detected by immunofluorescence. The protein expression of NLR family pyrin domain containing 3（Nlrp3）， Apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a Caspase-recruitment domain （ASC）， cysteine protease-1（Caspase-1）and interleukin-1 beta （IL-1<italic>β</italic>） were detected by Western blot， and the expression of IL-1<italic>β</italic>， tumor necrosis factor-<italic>α</italic>（TNF-<italic>α</italic>）and interleukin-18 （IL-18） mRNA were detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. Result:Compared with the blank control group， the memory and space exploration ability of the model group were significantly reduced （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， the number of hippocampal neurons decreased， the deposition of A<italic>β</italic>_1-42 increased， the markers of actived MG Iba1，iNOS increased， the protein expression of Nlrp3， ASC， Caspase-1， IL-1<italic>β</italic> increased significantly （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， and the mRNA expression of IL-1<italic>β</italic>， IL-18， and TNF-<italic>α</italic> increased significantly （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Compared with model group， the Chinese medicine group can improve the APP/PS1 mice's space exploration ability and memory ability （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， increase the number of hippocampal neurons， reduce A<italic>β</italic>_1-42 deposition， reduce the activation of MG， and reduce the protein expression of Nlrp3， ASC， Caspase-1 and IL-1<italic>β</italic> （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， and reduced the expression of IL-1<italic>β</italic> mRNA （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Conclusion:Modified Shuyuwan can reduce the expression of IL-1<italic>β</italic> and other inflammatory factors in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice by inhibiting the Nlrp3/ASC/Caspase-1 pathway， and relieve nerve inflammation and pathological injury of AD.

Acupoint thread-embedding as adjuvant therapy for bronchial asthma in children and its effect on pulmonary function, serum IgA and IgE levels / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the efficacy of acupoint thread-embedding combined with fluticasone propionate aerosol for chronic persistent bronchial asthma of lung-spleen @*METHODS@#A total of 120 children with chronic persistent bronchial asthma were randomly divided into an observation group (60 cases, 9 cases dropped off) and a control group (60 cases, 7 cases dropped off). The control group was treated with fluticasone propionate aerosol (125 μg per inhalation), twice a day; based on the control group treatment, the observation group was treated with acupoint thread-embedding at Dingchuan (EX-B 1), Feishu (BL 13), Zusanli (ST 36) and Danzhong (CV 17), once half a month. Both groups were treated for 3 months. The pulmonary function, serum IgA, IgE levels and TCM symptom score were compared between the two groups before and after treatment, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the large airway function (peak expiratory flow [PEF], forced expiratory volume at the first second [FEV1]) and small airway function (maximal expiratory flow at 25% of the forced capacity [MEF25%], maximal expiratory flow at 50% of the forced capacity [MEF50%], maximal expiratory flow at 75% of the forced capacity [MEF75%] and midexpiratory flow 25%-75% [MEF25%-75%]) were higher than those before treatment (@*CONCLUSION@#Acupoint thread-embedding combined with fluticasone propionate aerosol could improve the pulmonary function, TCM symptoms and serum IgA and IgE levels in children with chronic persistent bronchial asthma of lung-spleen

Mini-incision with endoscope-assisted surgery for bilateral congenital second branchial cleft fistula and a pedigree report / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of mini-incision with endoscope-assisted resection for bilateral congenital second branchial cleft fistula, and to report on a rare pedigree. Methods: The clinical data of 5 patients with bilateral congenital second branchial fistula admitted in Fujian Provincial Hospital from April 2007 to December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed, including 2 males and 3 females, aged from 3 to 31 years old. The surgical strateges and clinical experience of single mini-incision with endoscope-assisted fistulectomy were summarized, and a rare pedigree was reported. Results: In five patients, Case 1 to Case 4 were treated with bilateral endoscopic-assisted fistula high ligation with titanium clips and removal through a single small incision under general anesthesia. No obvious complications occurred after the operation. The patients were followed up for 40-164 months with no fistula recurrence. Case 5 gave up surgical resection and was followed up for 24 months with acute infection attack once. Case 2 and Case 4 came from the same family. In this family, 7 out of 31 members of four generations had second branchial cleft fistulas, of which 4 were bilateral and 3 were right. Pedigree analysis was consistent with autosomal dominant inheritance. No deafness, preauricular tag, external and middle ear deformity and kidney malformation were found in the family members. Conclusions: Bilateral congenital second branchial cleft fistula is rare. Surgical resection is the preferred treatment. Mini-incision with endoscopic-assisted fistula high ligation with titanium clip and resection has clear operative field, ideal cosmetic effect and definite curative effect.

Association of Overlapped and Un-overlapped Comorbidities with COVID-19 Severity and Treatment Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study from Nine Provinces in China / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

Objective@#Several COVID-19 patients have overlapping comorbidities. The independent role of each component contributing to the risk of COVID-19 is unknown, and how some non-cardiometabolic comorbidities affect the risk of COVID-19 remains unclear.@*Methods@#A retrospective follow-up design was adopted. A total of 1,160 laboratory-confirmed patients were enrolled from nine provinces in China. Data on comorbidities were obtained from the patients' medical records. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratio ( @*Results@#Overall, 158 (13.6%) patients were diagnosed with severe illness and 32 (2.7%) had unfavorable outcomes. Hypertension (2.87, 1.30-6.32), type 2 diabetes (T2DM) (3.57, 2.32-5.49), cardiovascular disease (CVD) (3.78, 1.81-7.89), fatty liver disease (7.53, 1.96-28.96), hyperlipidemia (2.15, 1.26-3.67), other lung diseases (6.00, 3.01-11.96), and electrolyte imbalance (10.40, 3.00-26.10) were independently linked to increased odds of being severely ill. T2DM (6.07, 2.89-12.75), CVD (8.47, 6.03-11.89), and electrolyte imbalance (19.44, 11.47-32.96) were also strong predictors of unfavorable outcomes. Women with comorbidities were more likely to have severe disease on admission (5.46, 3.25-9.19), while men with comorbidities were more likely to have unfavorable treatment outcomes (6.58, 1.46-29.64) within two weeks.@*Conclusion@#Besides hypertension, diabetes, and CVD, fatty liver disease, hyperlipidemia, other lung diseases, and electrolyte imbalance were independent risk factors for COVID-19 severity and poor treatment outcome. Women with comorbidities were more likely to have severe disease, while men with comorbidities were more likely to have unfavorable treatment outcomes.

Calculating the Number of Pregnant Women Receiving Standardized Services for PMTCT of HIV in Liangshan Prefecture, Based on the Equivalent Method / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

Objective@#To calculate the number of pregnant women who receive standardized prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services for HIV annually.@*Methods@#HIV-positive pregnant women in six counties of Liangshan Prefecture in 2017 were selected as study subjects. The entire process, from when the subjects first received the PMTCT of HIV services to the end, was divided into four stages, which were further divided into 25 phases. The equivalent coefficient was used to indicate the weight of workload in each phase. Seven experts were invited to score the equivalent coefficient; the number of pregnant women who received standardized services to prevent the transmission of HIV was calculated.@*Results@#A total of 663 HIV-positive pregnant women were registered in six Liangshan Prefecture counties in 2017. This figure was converted into 7,780 person-months devoted to HIV-positive pregnant women, with 260 person-months (3.34%) spent on the first antenatal care, 1,510 person-months (19.41%) during pregnancy, 378 person-months (4.86%) on delivery, and 5,632 person-months (72.39%) on post-partum period. The equivalent coefficient calculation showed that 314 HIV-positive pregnant women received standardized PMTCT services.@*Conclusion@#The number of pregnant women receiving standardized services for the PMTCT of HIV can be calculated accurately using the equivalent method to identify the gap between the level of PMTCT of HIV intervention services needed and the actual workload.

Feasibility of echocardiography-guided repeated intraventricular blood sampling in mice / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of echocardiography-guided closed-chest repeated intraventricular blood sampling in mice, and to clarify the maximum blood volume that can be collected by this method, and whether the method can be used for long-term repeated blood collection in mice. Methods: Twenty-four male C57BL/6J mice (10-14 weeks old) were divided into the terminal experiment group (n=4, for investigating the maximum blood amount that could be sampled at one time), the repeated 0.5 ml blood collection group (n=10, sampling 0.5 ml whole blood each time, once every two days for consecutive 4 weeks), and the repeated 0.75 ml blood collection group (n=10, sampling 0.75 ml whole blood each time, once every two days for consecutive 4 weeks). High-frequency echocardiography was used to display the largest section of the left ventricle, guiding the insulin syringe needle through the thorax into the left ventricle for blood collection. In the repeated 0.5 ml blood collection group, echocardiography was used to detect the cardiac structure and function before blood collection, three minutes after blood collection, and one week after the last (the 14th) blood collection. Results: We successfully performed echocardiography-guided closed-chest intraventricular blood sampling, with an average operating time (88±19)s per mouse, and a maximum blood volume (1.43±0.11)ml per mouse. In the repeated 0.5 ml blood collection group, heart rate, left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular fractional shortening, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension and left ventricular posterior wall end-diastolic thickness remained uncganged before the first blood collection and after 4 weeks of repeated blood collection (all P>0.05). No death in the repeated 0.5 ml blood collection group. However, in the 0.75 ml blood collection group, two mice died before the end point. Conclusions: The echocardiography-guided closed-chest intraventricular blood sampling is a safe, minimally invasive, convenient and efficient method, and can be used repeatedly for long-term blood collection in mice.