The Genetic Polymorphism and Structural Analysis of 47 Microhaplotypes in a Jiangsu Changshu Chinese Han Population / 生物化学与生物物理进展

ObjectiveTo investigate the genetic polymorphism and structure of 47 autosomal microhaplotypes in the Han population in Changshu City, Jiangsu Province, and to evaluate the forensic efficiencies and forensic parameters. MethodsThe DNA library of unrelated individual samples was prepared according to MHSeqTyper47 kit manual and sequenced on the MiSeq FGx platform. Microhaplotype genotyping and sequencing depth statistics were processed using MHTyper. The genetic information of samples was then evaluated. The fixation index and genetic distance between the Jiangsu Changshu population and the reference populations in the 1000 Genomes Project phase 3 (1KG) were calculated, and forensic parameters were evaluated. ResultsThe fixation index and genetic distance between the Han population in Changshu, Jiangsu, and the CHB (Han Chinese in Beijing, China) reference population in 1KG were the lowest. The effective allele number (Ae) of each locus is also the closest between the two populations. The combined matching probability (CMP) of the Changshu Han population is close to the 5 populations of the East Asian reference super-population in 1KG, which is 1.25×10-36, and the combined probability of exclusion reached 0.999 999 999 964 1. ConclusionThis study reported the genetic polymorphism and allele frequency of 47 microhaplotypes in a Han population in Changshu City, Jiangsu Province. This information provides a data basis for 47 microhaplotypes in forensic applications. In addition, the polymorphism differences between the 1KG reference population and the Han population in Changshu, Jiangsu were compared, and the genetic structure of 47 microhaplotypes in the Han population in Changshu, Jiangsu was revealed. In general, the reference data of the East Asian super-population in 1KG is more in line with the genetic characteristics of Han population in Changshu, Jiangsu.

Epidemiological characteristics and trend of HBV-DNA changes in patients with hepatitis B and liver cancer in Nantong region / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective Based on the epidemic situation of hepatitis B and liver cancer patients in Nantong from 2019 to 2022, to analyze the trend of hepatitis B virus DNA (HBV-DNA) changes and provide theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of hepatitis B and liver cancer. Methods The data of patients with hepatitis B and liver cancer in Nantong Cancer Hospital were collected, and the general data, the time of infection with hepatitis B and the results of quantitative HBV-DNA test were statistically analyzed. Results A total of 487 patients with hepatitis B and liver cancer were collected, including 395 males and 92 females. Among them, patients aged 51-60 were the most common, accounting for 28.34%, followed by those aged 41-50 and 61-70, accounting for 23.00% and 21.56% respectively. In addition to 84 patients with unknown infection time, most of the patients with hepatitis B infection time distributed in 11 to 20 years, followed by 21 to 30 years and 1 to 10 years. Except for 126 patients with unknown levels of HBV DNA, the positive rate of HBV DNA in 361 patients was 64.82%. Between 2019 and 2022, except for patients with unknown levels of HBV-DNA, the proportion of patients with HBV-DNA<500 copies/mL showed an upward trend, while the proportion of patients with HBV-DNA (103-106) copies/mL showed a downward trend. Conclusion Sex and the time of infection with hepatitis B are high risk factors for hepatitis B liver cancer. Most patients with liver cancer are positive for HBV-DNA, which needs to be tested regularly to guide antiviral treatment.

Evaluating the application efficiency of the MHSeqTyper47 kit in kinship identification / 中国法医学杂志

Objective To investigate the application value of the MHSeqTyper47 kit in kinship identification.Methods Multiplexed amplification and library preparation were performed for DNA samples from 113 related individuals by using the MHSeqTyper47 kit.The libraries were sequenced on a MiSeq FGx sequencer,and the data were analyzed using MHTyper for microhaplotype genotyping.The kinship indexes were calculated to evaluate the application efficiency of this kit in kinship identification and compared with those of the GlobalFilerTM kit.Results For the MHSeqTyper47 kit,the CPI values in trio identification were 1.43× 1011～6.15×1018.The CPI values in duo identification were 1.02× 105～1.53× 1013.The CFSI values in full sibling identification were 7.73×101～2.59×1016.Trios,duos and full siblings could be completely distinguished from unrelated pairs.The combined efficiency of these two kits in 2nd-degree kinship identification was 0.466 2.Conclusion The application value of MHSeqTyper47 kit is relatively higher in the identification of lst-degree kinships.If jointly used with the GlobalFilerrM kit,2nd-degree kinship identification could be achieved in some cases.

Risk factors for myocardial injury in esophagogastric variceal bleeding patients with cirrhosis / 陆军军医大学学报

Objective To explore the risk factors for myocardial injury in esophagogastric variceal bleeding(EGVB)patients with liver cirrhosis during hospitalization.Methods A case-control trial was conducted on 235 EGVB patients admitted to our hospital between May 2021 and July 2022.Their basic information,laboratory results and relevant data during hospitalization were collected.According to their myocardial enzyme profiles during hospitalization,they were divided into myocardial injury group(n=46)and non-myocardial injury group(n=189).Univariate regression analysis and clinical correlation analysis were used to preliminarily screen the risk factors for myocardial injury secondary to EGVB caused by liver cirrhosis.Then,multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to further screen the risk factors.A nomogram was constructed based on the selected risk factors and the occurrence of myocardial injury.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was plotted to analyze the independent predictive value of these factors alone or combined together.Calibration curve analysis and internal verification were utilized to evaluate the predictive performance of the nomogram model.Subgroup verification was performed in the myocardial infarction group.Results Univariate analysis revealed that statistical differences were observed in age,sex,hypertension,renal disease,underlying diseases,vomiting,leukocytosis,increased alanine aminotransferase(ALT)or aspartate aminotransferase(AST),albumin,red blood cell hematocrit(HCT),international normalized ratio(INR),endoscopy within 6 h after admission,and Child-Pugh(CP)class between the myocardial injury group and the non-myocardial injury group(P＜0.01).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age(P=0.014,OR=1.153,95％CI:1.030～1.291),underlying diseases(P=0.005,OR=1.122,95％CI:1.032～2.437),and albumin(P=0.012,OR=0.449,95％CI:0.241～0.837)were independent risk factors for inhospital myocardial injury in EGVB patients with liver cirrhosis.The AUC value of the above indicators combined together for predicting myocardial injury was 0.902.Hosmer-Lemeshow test and calibration curve analysis indicated that the nomogram had good prediction consistency(Chi-square=12.88,P=0.615).Internal verification correctly distinguished 86.4％of verification objects.Subgroup analysis of myocardial injury patients showed that albumin was also an independent risk factor for in-hospital myocardial injury in this population(AUC=0.80).Conclusion Age,underlying diseases,and albumin level are independent risk factors for in-hospital myocardial injury in EGVB patients with liver cirrhosis.Albumin level can be used as an independent risk factor for predicting myocardial infarction.Combination of the above 3 indicators has a high diagnostic value in early identification and prevention of myocardial injury in this patient population.

Involvement of RNF99 in potential link between ubiquitination and septic shock via TAK1/NF-κB signal-ing pathway / 实用医学杂志

Objective To explore the potential relationship between ubiquitination of transforming growth factor kinase 1(TAK1)/nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)signaling pathway mediated by ring finger protein 99(RNF99)and septic acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS).Methods Plasmid and siRNA transfection were conducted to overexpress or knock down RNF99 in MLE12,and expressions of p65 phosphate and p65 protein were analyzed.The protein interaction between RNF99 and TRAF6 or TAK1 was analyzed by immunoprecipitation assay.Forty mice were randomly divided into WT plus PBS,WT plus LPS,RNF99 specific expression(TG)plus PBS,and TG plus LPS groups,with 10 mice in each group.Sepsis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 30 mg/kg LPS.Results As compared with vector group,protein expression levels of TRAF6 and TAK1 in MLE12 cells decreased significantly in RNF99 group(P<0.05).Ubiquitinated TRAF6 protein increased in MLE12 cells with RNF99 knockdown.As compared with LPS plus vector group,phosphorylation level of p65 in MLE12 cells was signifi-cantly lower in LPS plus RNF99 group(P<0.05).As compared with si-NC group,protein expression levels of RNF99 and IκBα in si-RNF99 group decreased significantly(P<0.05).As compared with LPS plus si-NC group,phosphorylation level of p65 in LPS plus si-RNF99 group increased significantly(P<0.05).The staining percentage of CD68 macrophages in lung tissues was significantly lower in TG plus LPS group than in WT plus LPS group(P<0.05).Phosphorylation level of p65 in lung tissues was significantly lower in TG plus LPS group than in WT plus LPS group(P<0.05).Conclusion RNF99 regulates NF-κB signaling pathway by interacting with the key regulator of NF-κB signaling pathway(TRAF6/TAK1),and improves lung injury after intraperitoneal injection of LPS in mice.

Analysis of serum differential proteomics in patients with acute cervical spondylotic radiculopathy / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:The specific molecular mechanism of the transformation from normal healthy people to acute cervical spondylotic radiculopathy has not been clear,which needs to be further studied. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the differential expression of serum proteomics between normal healthy people and patients with acute cervical spondylotic radiculopathy,and to find and identify potential specific serum markers between them. METHODS:The serum samples of eight patients with acute cervical spondylotic radiculopathy and eight normal healthy people were collected,and the proteomic screening and analysis were performed by tandem mass tag combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry technology,in order to explore and identify serum proteins differentially expressed in patients with acute cervical spondylotic radiculopathy. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:A total of 183 significantly differential proteins were screened by tandem mass tag technology,and 11 significantly differential proteins were identified(P＜0.05).Compared with normal healthy people,three differential proteins were significantly up-regulated,including human leukocyte antigen-A,secretoglobin family 1a member 1,and protein 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase,and seven differential proteins were significantly down-regulated,such as immunoglobulin heavy constant gamma 3,skin factor,and myosin light chain 3,in patients with acute cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.Gene ontology enrichment analysis showed that these differential proteins participated in antigen binding,immunoglobulin receptor binding and other molecular functions.Protein-protein interaction analysis showed that among the common differential proteins between normal healthy people and patients with acute cervical spondylotic radiculopathy,HLA-A,HPD,PSMA3,DMKN,SCGB1A1,and MYL3 were located at the nodes of the functional network,and were closely related to the systems of body immunity,cellular inflammatory response,energy metabolism,and mechanical pressure.The significantly differential proteins HLA-A,HPD and MYL3 were verified by western blot,and the results were consistent with those of proteomics.To conclude,tandem mass tag combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry technology can be used to find the differentially expressed proteins in serum between normal healthy people and patients with acute cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.It is preliminarily believed that HLA-A,HPD and MYL3 may be specific serum markers of acute cervical spondylotic radiculopathy,providing a new direction for further research on its pathogenesis.

The mechanism of Notch signaling pathway in osteoporosis and its prevention and treatment with traditional Chinese medicine / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Recent studies have shown that the Notch signaling pathway plays a varying role in osteoporosis,and in-depth research in this field is of great significance to the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.Traditional Chinese medicine has become the focus of research in today's society due to its obvious multi-faceted,multi-level benefits in alleviating osteoporosis with less adverse effects. OBJECTIVE:To analyze and summarize domestic and international literature to further understand the connection between the Notch signaling pathway and osteoporosis and to elucidate the mechanism by which traditional Chinese medicine prevents and treats osteoporosis via the Notch signaling pathway. METHODS:CNKI,WanFang,and VIP were searched with the keywords of"Notch,osteoporosis,osteoblasts,osteoclasts,bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells,signaling pathway,traditional Chinese medicine,pill,experiment"in Chinese.PubMed,Nature,and Embase were retrieved using the keywords of"Notch,osteoporosis,osteoblasts,osteoclasts,mesenchymal stem cells,signal pathway,traditional Chinese medicine,pill,experiment"in English.The search time was from database inception to October 2022. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The Notch signaling pathway plays a role in the development and progression of osteoporosis to varying degrees by regulating the differentiation and proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells,osteoblasts and osteoclasts.The Notch signaling pathway regulates the proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells,osteoblasts and osteoclasts by directly or indirectly regulating key cytokines such as Notch1,Jagged1,Hes,Hey,macrophage colony-stimulating factor and nuclear factor-κB receptor-activating factor ligand,which in turn promotes or inhibits bone formation and ultimately has a certain effect on the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.The active ingredients of Chinese herbs are mostly extracted from herbs for kidney tonifying,such as Epimedium,Cortex Eucommiae,Malaytea Scurfpea Fruit,Eleutherococcus Senticosus,Ligustrum Lucidum.Moreover,herbal compounds and preparations have the effect of tonifying kidney and strengthening bone,which provides more herbal options and directions for the subsequent study of Notch signaling pathway toward the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.Current studies on traditional Chinese medicine mainly focus on active ingredients and single herbal extracts,with relatively few clinical trials on Chinese herbal compounds and preparations.Fewer studies have been conducted on the regulation of Notch signaling pathways by acupuncture,manipulation,and integrated Chinese and Western medicine to prevent and treat osteoporosis.Therefore,there is a need to explore the mechanisms by which traditional Chinese medicine technology-based therapies and integrated Chinese and Western medicine regulate the Notch signaling pathway to treat osteoporosis.

Mechanism by which terpenoid herbal monomers prevent osteoporosis by regulating nuclear factor-kappaB signaling pathway / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:The nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway plays an important role in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis.In recent years,increasing studies have shown that terpenoid herbal monomer compounds can inhibit the activity of bone resorbing cells and promote the differentiation of bone forming cells via the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway,thus reducing bone resorption and increasing bone formation,which has certain preventive and therapeutic effects on osteoporosis. OBJECTIVE:By analyzing and summarizing the domestic and international literature,to investigate the relationship between nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway and osteoporosis in depth,elucidate the mechanism of terpenoid monomer compounds in regulating the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway to prevent osteoporosis,and systematically summarize the terpenoid monomer compounds targeting to regulate the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway to prevent osteoporosis. METHODS:According to the proposed inclusion and exclusion criteria,two researchers searched for relevant articles published from database inception to December 2022 in CNKI and PubMed using the search terms"NF-κB,osteoporosis,osteoblasts,osteoclasts,angiogenesis,traditional Chinese medicine,terpenoid"in Chinese and English,respectively.A third researcher summarized and organized the literature and 75 articles were finally included for a systematic review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway mediates the onset and progression of osteoporosis by regulating the differentiation and proliferation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts,as well as angiogenesis.Activation of the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway negatively regulates the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts.Activation of the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway enhances osteoclast activity and inhibits osteoblast growth,thereby inhibiting compensatory bone production to maintain bone homeostasis.However,over-activation of the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway can lead to osteoporosis.The nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway is involved in the"angiogenesis-osteogenesis"coupling by upregulating the expression levels of cytokines such as angiopoietin-1,platelet-derived growth factor BB and vascular endothelial growth factor,which promote the growth of blood vessels in bone.The terpenoid herbal monomer compounds are used in the field of tissue engineering to promote the proliferation and differentiation of bone cells,thereby promoting the growth and repair of bone tissue.Terpenoid herbal monomer compounds can prevent and treat osteoporosis by inhibiting the degradation of nuclear factor-κB inhibitor,blocking nuclear factor-κB/p65 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation,thereby weakening the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway,promoting osteoblast differentiation and inhibiting osteoclast formation.Currently,research on the regulation of nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway by monomeric compounds of terpenoids to prevent osteoporosis is mainly based on in vitro cellular experiments and animal models,and there is a lack of research on the complex physiological and pathological processes in humans.In the future,more clinical trials and studies are needed to further clarify the mechanism of action and efficacy of the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway involved in the intervention of osteoporosis.

Mendelian randomization study on the association between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis and bone mineral density / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Many clinical research observations have indicated a close association between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis as well as bone mineral density(BMD).However,it remains unclear whether there is a causal genetic relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and the development of osteoporosis and alterations of BMD. OBJECTIVE:To assess the potential causal relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis as well as BMD using a two-sample Mendelian randomization approach,provide meaningful insights from a genetic perspective into the underlying mechanisms and offer a reference for early prevention of osteoporosis and improvement in the progression of the disease. METHODS:We conducted a study using data from publicly available genome-wide association studies databases to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with rheumatoid arthritis as instrumental variables(P＜5×10-8).The main outcomes of the study included osteoporosis and BMD at five different sites,including total body BMD,lumbar spine BMD,femoral neck BMD,heel BMD,and forearm BMD.The inverse variance-weighted method was used as the primary analysis method to evaluate causal effects.Weighted median,simple median,weighted mode and MR-Egger regression were used as supplementary analyses.Causal relationships between rheumatoid arthritis and the risk of osteoporosis and BMD were assessed using odds ratios(OR)and 95%confidence intervals(CI).Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q test and horizontal pleiotropy was evaluated using MR-Egger intercept tests. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The inverse variance-weighted analysis demonstrated a positive association between genetically predicted rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis(OR=1.123,95%CI:1.077-1.171;P=4.02×10-8).Heterogeneity test(P=0.388)indicated no significant heterogeneity among the single nucleotide polymorphisms.MR-Egger intercept(P=0.571)tests did not detect horizontal pleiotropy,and sensitivity analysis showed no evidence of bias in the study results.There was no causal relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and BMD at the five different sites.The total body BMD(OR=1.000,95%CI:0.988-1.012;P=0.925),lumbar spine BMD(OR=0.999,95%CI:0.982-1.016;P=0.937),femoral neck BMD(OR=1.001,95%CI:0.986-1.016;P=0.866),heel BMD(OR=0.996,95%CI:0.989-1.004;P=0.419),and forearm BMD(OR=1.063,95%CI:0.970-1.031;P=0.996)indicated no significant association.MR-Egger intercept analysis did not detect potential horizontal pleiotropy(total body BMD:P=0.253;lumbar spine BMD:P=0.638;femoral neck BMD:P=0.553;heel BMD:P=0.444;forearm BMD:P=0.079).Rheumatoid arthritis may contribute to the development of osteoporosis through the interaction between chronic inflammation and bone formation,resorption,and absorption.Additionally,the use of glucocorticoids and the presence of autoantibodies(such as anti-citrullinated protein antibody)in patients with rheumatoid arthritis showed associations with osteoporosis.Future research should focus on monitoring systemic inflammatory markers,standardized use of glucocorticoids,and regular screening for osteoporosis risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Signaling pathways related to kaempferol active monomers in the treatment of osteoporosis / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Recent studies have shown that the occurrence and prevention of osteoporosis often focus on the cellular molecular level,and the mechanism of related signaling pathways is an important way to further understand osteoporosis.At present,traditional Chinese medicine has been proved to play a significant role in alleviating osteoporosis.Kaempferol as an emerging Chinese herbal extract has become the focus of clinical and basic research due to its anti-osteoporosis effectiveness and mechanism of action. OBJECTIVE:To further understand the mechanism underlying the anti-osteoporosis effect of kaempferol active monomer through regulation of related signaling pathways by analyzing and collating domestic and foreign literature. METHODS:"Kaempferol,osteoporosis,osteoblasts,osteoclasts,bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells,signaling pathways"were used as Chinese and English search terms to search CNKI,WanFang,VIP,PubMed,Web of Science and Embase databases for relevant literature published from database inception to February 2023. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Kaempferol affects the occurrence and progression of osteoporosis to varying degrees by participating in the regulation of differentiation,proliferation and apoptosis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells,osteoblasts and osteoclasts.Kaempferol can prevent and treat osteoporosis by regulating various signaling pathways.Kaempferol can promote the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts and inhibit the formation of osteoclasts by interfering with the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to regulate β-catenin protein counting and the formation of β-catenin-TCf/LEF complex.Kaempferol interferes with the RANK/RANKL pathway to maintain the dynamic balance of osteoclasts and bone homeostasis.Kaempferol can promote bone formation by intervening with the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to upregulate the levels of related osteogenic factors Runx2 and Osterix and promote bone cell calcification.Kaempferol interferes with osteoclast differentiation and inhibits reactive oxygen species activity by regulating the ER/ERK pathway.Kaempferol inhibits the expression of ERK,JNK,p38/MAPK and decreases reactive oxygen species production by interfering with the MAPK pathway,thus protecting osteogenesis.Kaempferol enhances the expression of osteogenic factors,bone morphogenetic protein-2,p-Smad1/5/8,β-catenin and Runx2,inhibits the expression of Peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor,and promotes the differentiation and proliferation of osteoblasts through the BMP/Smad pathway.

Wolbachia infection and genotyping in Aedes albopictus / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo investigate the infection and genotypes of Wolbachia in Aedes albopictus. MethodsAdult and larval samples of Aedes albopictus were collected from different residential and wild areas from 2020 to 2021， Wolbachia surface protein （wsp） gene was amplified and genotyped for wAlbA and wAlbB by PCR， and sequenced for phylogenetic analysis. The difference of detection rate among different habitats， male and female adult mosquitoes， adult and larvae was compared by χ2 analysis. ResultsThe detection rate of Wolbachia in adult and larvae of Aedes albopictus were 43.5% （77/177） and 70.4% （190/270）， respectively， with a statistically significant difference （χ2=32.086，P<0.001）， and wAlbA and wAlbB were mainly detected together. The detection rate of Wolbachia in female and male Aedes albopictus were 50.7% （76/150） and 3.7% （1/27）， respectively， with a statistically significant difference（χ2=20.533，P<0.001）. The detection rate of adult Aedes albopictus in Songjiang wild area， residential area and Hongkou residential area were 91.7% （55/60）， 18.8% （22/117） and 41.7% （30/72）， respectively， with a statistically significant difference （χ2=54.322，P<0.001）. Genotyping and phylogenetic analysis showed that adult and larvae of Aedes albopictus infected with Wolbachia were mainly wAlb A and wAlb B. In addition， some sequences formed clades independently， and the genetic distance from other sequences was relatively large. ConclusionInfection of Wolbachia in Aedes albopictus is relatively common in Songjiang District. The main genotypes are wAlb A and wAlb B and there may be other subtypes， which are worthy of further exploration and research.

Mitochondrial Quality Control Affects Diabetic Cardiomyopathy：Based on Theory of Qi Deficiency and Stagnation / 中国实验方剂学杂志

With the increasing incidence of diabetes mellitus in recent years， cardiomyopathy caused by diabetes mellitus has aroused wide concern and this disease is characterized by high insidiousness and high mortality. The early pathological changes of diabetic cardiomyopathy （DCM） are mitochondrial structural disorders and loss of myocardial metabolic flexibility. The turbulence of mitochondrial quality control （MQC） is a key mechanism leading to the accumulation of damaged mitochondria and loss of myocardial metabolic flexibility， which， together with elevated levels of oxidative stress and inflammation， trigger changes in myocardial structure and function. Qi deficiency and stagnation is caused by the loss of healthy Qi， and the dysfunction of Qi transformation results in the accumulation of pathogenic Qi， which further triggers injuries. According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， DCM is rooted in Qi deficiency of the heart， spleen， and kidney. The dysfunction of Qi transformation leads to the generation and lingering of turbidity， stasis， and toxin in the nutrient-blood and vessels， ultimately damaging the heart. Therefore， Qi deficiency and stagnation is the basic pathologic mechanism of DCM. Mitochondria， similar to Qi in substance and function， are one of the microscopic manifestations of Qi. The role of MQC is consistent with the defense function of Qi. In the case of MQC turbulence， mitochondrial structure and function are impaired. As a result， Qi deficiency gradually emerges and triggers pathological changes， which make it difficult to remove the stagnant pathogenic factor and aggravates the MQC turbulence. Ultimately， DCM occurs. Targeting MQC to treat DCM has become the focus of current research， and TCM has the advantages of acting on multiple targets and pathways. According to the pathogenesis of Qi deficiency and stagnation in DCM and the modern medical understanding of MQC， the treatment should follow the principles of invigorating healthy Qi， tonifying deficiency， and regulating Qi movement. This paper aims to provide ideas for formulating prescriptions and clinical references for the TCM treatment of DCM by targeting MQC.

Association between hypertension and the risk of gallstone disease / 临床肝胆病杂志

ObjectiveThis article aims to investigate the association between hypertension and the risk of GSD by conducting a national multicenter study， a systematic review， and a meta-analysis. MethodsThe study was conducted in three stages. In the first stage， subjects were recruited for health examination in four hospitals in Chengdu， Tianjin， Beijing， and Chongqing， China， from 2015 to 2020， and the multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between hypertension and the risk of GSD in each center. In the second stage， Embase， PubMed， Wanfang Data， VIP， and CNKI databases were searched for related studies published up to May 2021， and a meta-analysis was conducted to further verify such association. In the third stage， the random effects model was used for pooled analysis of the results of the multicenter cross-sectional study and the findings of previous literature. ResultsA total of 633 948 participants were enrolled in the cross-sectional study， and the prevalence rate of GSD was 7.844%. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that hypertension was positively associated with the risk of GSD（P<0.05）. Subgroup analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the association between hypertension and GSD between individuals with different sexes， ages， and subtypes of GSD. A total of 80 articles were included in the systematic review and the meta-analysis， and the results showed that the risk of GSD was increased by 1.022 times for every 10 mmHg increase in diastolic pressure and 1.014 times for every 10 mmHg increase in systolic pressure. ConclusionHypertension significantly increases the risk of GSD， and the findings of this study will provide a basis for the etiology of GSD and the identification of high-risk groups.

Clinical phenotype and genetic analysis of twelve children with ring chromosomes / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the prevalence and clinical manifestations of ring chromosomes among children featuring abnormal development.@*METHODS@#From January 2015 to August 2021, 7574 children referred for abnormal development were selected, and their peripheral blood samples were subjected to G-banded chromosomal karyotyping analysis.@*RESULTS@#Twelve cases of ring chromosomes were detected, which have yielded a prevalence of 0.16% and included 1 r(6), 2 r(9), 1 r(13), 1 r(14), 2 r(15), 1 r(21) and 3 r(X). The children had various clinical manifestations including growth and mental retardation, limb malformation, and congenital heart disease. For two children with r(9) and two with r(15) with similar breakpoints, one child with r(9) and one with r(15) only had growth retardation, whilst another with r(9) and another with r(15) also had peculiar facies and complex congenital heart disease. The r(X) has featured some manifestations of Turner syndrome.@*CONCLUSION@#Ring chromosomes are among the common causes for severe growth and mental retardation in children with diverse clinical phenotypes. Clinicians should pay attention to those with developmental anomalies and use chromosomal analysis to elucidate their genetic etiology.

The effect of Wendler Glottoplasty to elevate vocal pitch in transgender women / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Wendler Glottoplasty to elevate vocal pitch in transgender women. Methods: The voice parameters of pre-and 3-month post-surgery of 29 transgender women who underwent Wendler Glottoplasty in department of otorhinolaryngology head and neck surgery of Beijing Friendship Hospital from January, 2017 to October, 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The 29 transgender women ranged in age from 19-47 (27.0±6.3) years old. Subjective evaluation was performed using Transsexual Voice Questionnaire for Male to Female (TVQMtF). Objective parameters included fundamental frequency (F0), highest pitch, lowest pitch, habitual volume, Jitter, Shimmer, maximal phonation time (MPT), noise to harmonic ratio (NHR) and formants frequencies(F1, F2, F3, F4). SPSS 25.0 software was used for statistically analysis. Results: Three months after surgery, the score of TVQMtF was significantly decreased [(89.9±14.7) vs. (50.4±13.6), t=11.49, P<0.001]. The F0 was significantly elevated [(152.7±23.3) Hz vs. (207.7±45.9) Hz, t=-6.03, P<0.001]. Frequencies of F1, F2 and F3 were significantly elevated. No statistical difference was observed in the frequencies of F4. The highest pitch was not significantly altered while the lowest pitch was significantly elevated [(96.8±17.7) Hz vs. (120.0±28.9) Hz, t=-3.71, P=0.001]. Habitual speech volume was significantly increased [(60.0±5.2) dB vs. (63.6±9.6) dB, t=-2.12, P=0.043]. Jitter, Shimmer, NHR and MPT were not obviously altered (P>0.05). Conclusions: Wendler Glottoplasty could notably elevate the vocal pitch, formants frequencies and degree of vocal femininity in transgender women without affecting phonation ability and voice quality. It can be an effective treatment modality for voice feminization.

Interaction between microplastics and microorganisms in soil environment: a review / 生物工程学报

As a widespread pollutant in the environment, research on microplastics have attracted much attention. This review systematically analyzed the interaction between microplastics and soil microorganisms based on existing literatures. Microplastics can change the structure and diversity of soil microbial communities directly or indirectly. The magnitude of these effects depends on the type, dose and shape of microplastics. Meanwhile, soil microorganisms can adapt to the changes caused by microplastics through forming surface biofilm and selecting population. This review also summarized the biodegradation mechanism of microplastics, and explored the factors affecting this process. Microorganisms will firstly colonize the surface of microplastics, and then secrete a variety of extracellular enzymes to function at specific sites, converting polymers into lower polymers or monomers. Finally, the depolymerized small molecules enter the cell for further catabolism. The factors affecting this degradation process are not only the physical and chemical properties of the microplastics, such as molecular weight, density and crystallinity, but also some biological and abiotic factors that affect the growth and metabolism of related microorganisms and the enzymatic activities. Future studies should focus on the connection with the actual environment, and develop new technologies of microplastics biodegradation to solve the problem of microplastic pollution.

Establishment of a novel composite rat model of chronic skeletal muscle injury / 中国实验动物学报

Objective To establish a novel rat model of chronic skeletal muscle composite injury in the lumbar region,to explore its mechanism and treatment method in depth.Methods Twenty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into control group(n = 10),Hitting injury model(HIM)group(n = 9),Composite damage model(CDM)group(n = 9)(vertical blow combined with forced prolonged sitting).Open field test,HE staining and PCR sequencing were performed 3 days after modeling.Results The open field distance of rats in HIM group was significantly shorter than that in the CDM group,and both groups had shorter distances than the control group.HE staining showed multiple muscle fiber breaks,significant widening of muscle gaps,uneven distribution of muscle nuclei,and visible congestion in the model group of simple blow injury;In the CDM group,muscle fibers were ruptured,the muscle gaps were slightly widened,and inflammatory cell infiltration was observed between the muscles,especially around the muscle fiber breakage,with muscle fiber nuclei gathering.A volcano plot of the sequencing result suggested significant differences in the Pf4 gene.GO analysis of muscle tissue in model group rats showed upregulation of oxygen binding and carrier activity pathways.Conclusions This study attempted to establish a composite skeletal muscle injury model to study the pathological changes of chronic skeletal muscle injury in the low back pain and evaluate the efficacy of treatment method.It has practical application value in animal experiments for chronic non-specific low back pain.

Growth Regularity of Pulmonary Ground Glass Nodules Based on 3D Reconstruction Technology / 中国肺癌杂志

BACKGROUND@#Since the popularization of computed tomography (CT) technology, the detection rate of pulmonary ground glass nodules (GGNs) with imaging follow-up as the main management method has increased significantly. The purpose of this study is to quantitatively analyze the changes of pulmonary GGNs during the follow-up process with three-dimensional reconstruction technology, explore the natural progression of pulmonary GGNs, and provide effective basis for clinical guidance for patients to conduct reasonable management of nodules.@*METHODS@#A total of 115 cases of pulmonary GGNs with regular follow-up in the Combined Outpatient Department of Zhoushan Hospital from March 2015 to November 2022 were enrolled. Quantitative imaging features of nodules were extracted by semi-automatic segmentation of 3D Slicer software to evaluate the growth of nodules and clinical intervention during follow-up.@*RESULTS@#The average baseline age of the patients was (56.9±10.1) yr. The mean follow-up time was (48.8±18.9) months. The two-dimensional diameter of baseline CT scan was (7.9±2.9) mm, and the maximum three-dimensional diameter was (10.1±3.4) mm. The two-dimensional diameter of the last CT scan was (9.9±4.7) mm, and the maximum three-dimensional diameter was (11.4±5.1) mm. A total of 27 cases (23.5%) showed an increase during follow-up, with a median volume doubling time of 822 days and a median mass doubling time of 1,007 days. 32 cases were surgically resected, including 6 cases of invasive adenocarcinoma (IAC), 16 cases of minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA), 8 cases of adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) and 2 cases of atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH). Five nodules underwent surgical intervention due to the progression of two-dimensional diameter, which was pathologically confirmed as pre-invasive lesions, but their three-dimensional maximum diameter showed no significant change. Nodular morphology, lobulated sign, spiculated sign and vacuole signs all promoted the growth of nodules in univariate analysis. There were significant differences in age, baseline diameter, mean CT value, median CT value, 10% and 90% percentile CT number between the growth group and the stable group (P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that age and average CT value were risk factors for nodule growth (P<0.05). Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis results indicated that the age ≥63 years old, the baseline three-dimensional maximum diameter ≥9.2 mm, and the average CT value ≥-507.8 HU were more likely to accelerate the growth of GGNs. The maximum three-dimensional diameter ≥14.4 mm and the average CT value ≥-495.7 HU may be a higher malignant probability.@*CONCLUSIONS@#GGNs show an inert growth process, and the use of three-dimensional measurements during follow-up is of greater significance. For persistent glass grinding nodules ≥63 years old, the baseline three-dimensional maximum diameter ≥9.2 mm, and the average CT value ≥-507.8 HU are more likely to increase. However, most nodules still have good prognosis after progression, and long-term follow-up is safe.

Gene clone and functional identification of sterol glycosyltransferases from Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis / 中国中药杂志

In this study, the authors cloned a glycosyltransferase gene PpUGT2 from Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis with the ORF length of 1 773 bp and encoding 590 amino acids. The phylogenetic tree revealed that PpUGT2 belonged to the UGT80A subfamily and was named as UGT80A49 by the UDP-glycosyltransferase(UGT) Nomenclature Committee. The expression vector pET28a-PpUGT2 was constructed, and enzyme catalytic reaction in vitro was conducted via inducing protein expression and extraction. With UDP-glucose as sugar donor and diosgenin and pennogenin as substrates, the protein was found with the ability to catalyze the C-3 hydroxyl β-glycosylation of diosgenin and pennogenin. To further explore its catalytic characteristic, 15 substrates including steroids and triterpenes were selected and PpUGT2 showed its activity towards the C-17 position of sterol testosterone with UDP-glucose as sugar donor. Homology modelling and molecule docking of PpUGT2 with substrates predicted the key residues interacting with ligands. The re-levant residues of PpUGT2-ligand binding model were scanned to calculate the corresponding mutants, and the optimized mutants were obtained according to the changes in binding affinity of the ligand with protein and the surrounding residues within 5.0 Å of ligands, which had reference value for design of the mutants. This study laid a foundation for further exploring the biosynthetic pathway of polyphyllin as well as the structure of sterol glycosyltransferases.

Species differences of Baishouwu based on characteristic chromatogram and content determination of acetophenones / 药学实践与服务

Objectives To provide scientific basis for the quality control of different species of Baishouwu by establishing the HPLC fingerprint of domestic of Baishouwu and determining the main active components of acetophenones. Methods HPLC-DAD method was used to determine the HPLC fingerprints of domestic of Baishouwu. Then, the content of 4 kinds of acetophenones in Baishouwu was determined. The column was Diamonsil C18（250mm×4.6mm, 5μm）with the mobile phase of methanol and 0.1% phosphoric acid at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. The detection wavelength of p-Hydroxyl acetophenone, baishouwu benzophenone, 2',4'-Dihydroxy acetophenone was set at 260 nm and 2',5'-Dihydroxy acetophenone at 280 nm respectively. Results The similarity and cluster analysis in HPLC fingerprint showed that the constituents were significantly different among C. bungei, C. auriculatum and C. wilfordii. The content of total acetophenones in C. wilfordii was significantly higher than that in other localities of C. auriculatum and C. bungei. Conclusions Acetophenone could be used as the evaluation index to evaluate the quality of Baishouwu in different origins. The content of total acetophenone in C. wilfordii is the highest, which could be used as the best quality resource of Baishouwu.