NPS (Net Promoter Score). Métrica de la experiencia del cliente: construcción y análisis del indicador de una cobertura médica privada / NPS (Net Promoter Score), Customer experience metrics.: construction and analysis of the indicator of private medical coverage

Introducción: el NPS (Net Promoter Score) es un indicador que se utiliza en los programas de experiencia del cliente para medir la satisfacción de dicho público objetivo y su lealtad. Nuestra finalidad fue consolidar el NPS por primera vez en una prepaga de un hospital de alta complejidad de Buenos Aires (PS-HIBA) en busca de establecer un indicador objetivo desde la perspectiva del cliente. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional analítico, de corte transversal. Se incluyeron en el estudio los datos obtenidos a partir de las respuestas de los afiliados al PS-HIBA. Resultados: se consolidó el primer indicador NPS del PS-HIBA: 22 puntos. Se visualizaron los tres perfiles de clientes, obteniendo un 45,7% promotores, 22,3% detractores y 32% pasivos o neutros. Complementariamente se identificaron los motivos de dichas calificaciones; las tres principales fueron: la problemática de accesibilidad a los turnos, la atención y los profesionales valorados positivamente. Conclusión: este estudio aporta un indicador objetivo, que facilita un lenguaje común en la organización y una comparación con el mercado desde la mirada del cliente. El NPS, como sistema, busca impulsar la construcción de una cultura centrada en el cliente, con el fin de mejorar su lealtad y permitir una retroalimentación donde se logra tener presente la voz del cliente, e identificar, priorizar y abordar los problemas percibidos. Nos permite establecer los lineamientos de oportunidades de mejora desde la perspectiva de los pacientes. (AU)

Introduction: the NPS (Net Promoter Score) is an indicator used in customer experience programs to measure the satisfaction of said target audience and their loyalty. Our purpose was to send the survey and consolidate the NPS for the first time in a high complexity prepaid hospital in Buenos Aires (PS-HIBA) in search of an objective indicator from the customer's perspective. Methods: an analytical, cross-sectional observational study was carried out. Data obtained from members' responses to the PS-HIBA were included in the study. Results: the first NPS indicator of PS-HIBA was consolidated: 22 points. The three customer profiles were displayed, obtaining 45.7% promoters, 22.3% detractors and 32% passive or neutral. Complementarily, the reasons for these qualifications were identified, being the three main ones: the problem of accessibility to medical appointments, the medical attention and the professionals valued positively. Conclusion: this study provides an objective indicator which facilitates a common language in the organization and a comparison with the market from the customer's point of view.The NPS as a system seeks to promote the construction of a customer-focused culture, in order to improve their loyalty and allow feedback. Thus, it is possible to keep the customer's voice in mind, identify, prioritize and address the perceived problems. It allows us to establish the guidelines for opportunities to improve from the patients' perspective. (AU)

A comparative computational approach on the most deleterious missense variant in Connexin 43 protein and its potent inhibitor analysis

Intercellular communication between the cell plays an essential role in cell growth and cell formation, including migration, metabolism, and cell differentiation. Cell function and tissue homeostasis are maintained through gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC), thus regulating connexin hemichannels. Mis regulation of such connexin, especially connexin (Cx) 43, affects a comprehensive process, including cell differentiation, inflammation, and cell death. Mis regulation may be due to the missense variant in Cx43. Thus, we screened the complete set of mutations from public mutational databases and obtained 219 missense variants, which were then classified based on their pathogenicity, functional impact, stability, conservation, and physiochemical properties. Variant L214P was scrutinized to have the most deleterious, which was then modelled using the I-TASSER server and performed molecular docking analysis to screen potent inhibitors. The compound Kanamycin, Ginsenoside, and Astragaloside IV have better interactions with Cx43 mutant with a maximum of 5 hydrogen bonds. Ginsenoside is a compound that follows a Lipinski rule of five. Thus, the result obtained from this study suggests that Ginsenoside would be a better potent inhibitor for native and mutant Cx43.

Neuroprotective effect and mechanism of Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu Formula on diabetes mellitus complicated with depression model rats based on CX3CL1-CX3CR1 axis / 中国中药杂志

Based on the CX3C chemokine ligand 1(CX3CL1)-CX3C chemokine receptor 1(CX3CR1) axis, this study explored the potential mechanism by which Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu Formula(ZGJTJY) improved neuroinflammation and enhanced neuroprotective effect in a rat model of diabetes mellitus complicated with depression(DD). The DD rat model was established by feeding a high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin(STZ) intraperitoneal injection for four weeks and chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS) combined with isolated cage rearing for five weeks. The rats were divided into a control group, a model group, a positive control group, an inhibitor group, and a ZGJTJY group. The open field test and forced swimming test were used to assess the depression-like behaviors of the rats. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was performed to measure the expression levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β(IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in plasma. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1(Iba1), postsynaptic density protein-95(PSD95), and synapsin-1(SYN1) in the hippocampus. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, Nissl staining, and TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL) fluorescence staining were performed to assess hippocampal neuronal damage. Western blot was used to measure the expression levels of CX3CL1, CX3CR1, A2A adenosine receptor(A2AR), glutamate receptor 2A(NR2A), glutamate receptor 2B(NR2B), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) in the hippocampus. Compared with the model group, the ZGJTJY group showed improved depression-like behaviors in DD rats, enhanced neuroprotective effect, increased expression of PSD95, SYN1, and BDNF(P<0.01), and decreased expression of Iba1, IL-1β, and TNF-α(P<0.01), as well as the expression of CX3CL1, CX3CR1, A2AR, NR2A, and NR2B(P<0.01). These results suggest that ZGJTJY may exert its neuroprotective effect by inhibiting the CX3CL1-CX3CR1 axis and activation of hippocampal microglia, thereby improving neuroinflammation and abnormal activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor(NMDAR) subunits, and ultimately enhancing the expression of synaptic-related proteins PSD95, SYN1, and BDNF in the hippocampus.

Effect of Modified Shuyuwan on Hippocampal Myelin Sheath Injury in Vascular Dementia Rats Through Cx43/Glu/AMPAR Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of modified Shuyuwan （SYW） on hippocampal myelin sheath injury in vascular dementia （VD） model rats. MethodSixty male SD rats of SPF grade were randomly divided into sham operation group， model group， and high-， medium- and low-dose modified SYW groups， with 12 rats in each group. The VD model was induced by bilateral carotid artery ligation in rats of the groups except for those of the sham operation group. After modeling， rats were screened by the water maze test， followed by drug treatment by gavage. Specifically， rats in the modified SYW groups were treated with modified SYW at 10， 5， 2.5 g·kg-1·d-1， accordingly， and those in other groups were administered with the same amount of normal saline. After intragastric administration for 28 days， the spatial learning and memory abilities of rats were detected by the water maze test. The hippocampal neuron structure was observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. The content of hippocampal tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， and glutamate （Glu） was observed by biochemical detection. The hippocampal expression of myelin basic protein （MBP）， astrocyte activation marker glial fibrillary acidic protein （GFAP）， and connexin 43 （Cx43） was detected by immunofluorescence detection. The myelin sheath structure in the hippocampus was observed by the electron microscope. The α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid receptor （AMPAR） and Cx43 protein expression was detected by Western blot. ResultCompared with the sham operation group， the model group showed prolonged escape latency （P<0.01）， decreased times of crossing the original platform and percentage of target quadrant detention time （P<0.01）， disordered neuron structure in the hippocampal CA1 region， loose myelin sheath lamella with blurry edge， up-regulated expression levels of TNF-α， IL-6， and Glu in the hippocampal CA1 region， especially Glu （P<0.01）， reduced expression of AMPAR （P<0.01）， increased protein expression of p-AMPAR and Cx43 （P<0.01）， significantly dwindled protein expression of MBP in the myelin sheath， and enhanced fluorescence co-labeled by GFAP and Cx43. Compared with the model group， the modified SYW groups showed shortened escape latency （P<0.05）， increased times of crossing the original platform and percentage of target quadrant detention time （P<0.05）， closely arranged hippocampal neuron structure， denser myelin sheath lamella with clear edge， down-regulated expression levels of TNF-α， IL-6， and Glu in the hippocampal CA1 region， especially Glu （P<0.01）， up-regulated AMPAR （P<0.01）， reduced protein expression of p-AMPAR and Cx43， especially in the high-dose group （P<0.01）， significantly elevated protein expression of MBP in the myelin sheath， and weakened fluorescence co-labeled by GFAP and Cx43， especially in the high-dose group. ConclusionModified SYW can improve the learning and memory abilities of VD rats， and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of Cx43 expression， reduction of the release of Glu， inhibition of AMPAR-mediated inflammatory response to reduce the production of astrocyte marker GFAP， and promotion of the expression of MBP protein to alleviate myelin injury.

Role of serum CX3CR1 in the diagnosis of coronary artery stenosis and in the evaluation of prognosis after percutaneous coronary intervention / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the role of serum CX3CR1 in the diagnosis of coronary artery stenosis and in the evaluation of prognosis after percutaneous coronary intervention.Methods:A total of 101 patients with coronary artery stenosis (≥ 50% stenosis) confirmed with coronary angiography (CAG) in Haiyang People's Hospital from January 2018 to May 2019 who were followed up till May 2021 were included in the observation group. Thirty-four healthy individuals who underwent physical examination during the same period were included in the control group. Patients in the observation group were divided into an in-stent restenosis group (ISR group, n = 28) and a non-ISR group ( n = 73). The expression of CX3CR1 was detected. The incidence of adverse cardiac events was calculated. The sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) plotted for the use of CX3CR1 to diagnose coronary artery stenosis and predict adverse cardiac events were evaluated. Results:The expression of CX3CR1 in the observation group was (3.95 ± 1.05) μg/L, which was significantly higher than (2.30 ± 0.65) μg/L in the control group ( t = 2.87, P < 0.05). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the AUC, sensitivity, and specificity of the use of CX3CR1 in diagnosing coronary artery stenosis were 0.892, 75.2%, and 88.2%. The incidence of non-fatal myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, heart failure, and cardiac death in the ISR group was significantly higher compared with the non-ISR group ( χ2 = 8.06, 7.17, 8.06, 7.17, all P < 0.05). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis results showed that the AUC value of CX3CR1 in predicting non-fatal myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, heart failure, and cardiac death were 0.786, 0.895, 0.997, and 0.887, respectively. Conclusion:CX3CR1 is highly expressed in coronary artery stenosis, which can provide a reference for the diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of coronary artery stenosis.

Chemokine receptor CX3CR1 promotes local remodeling of monocyte-derived Langerhans cell subsets to maintain chronic skin inflammation / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

Objective:To investigate the role of chemokine receptor CX3CR1 in chronic skin inflammation and its regulatory mechanism.Methods:Wild type (WT) C57BL/6 mice and Cx3 cr1 GFP/GFP mice were induced by DNFB to establish acute and chronic allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) model. Ear inflammation and swelling were observed with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Flow cytometry (FCM) was used to detect the changes in classical Langerhans cell (LC) and monocyte-derived LC (Mo-LC), as well as the expression of major histocompatibility complex Ⅱ (MHCⅡ), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and TNF-α. Changes in epidermal LC in UV irradiation-induced dermatitis models were also analyzed. In human chronic skin inflammation, CX3CL1 expression was detected using immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR and Western blot and CD1a, CD14 and CD207 expression was observed with immunofluorescence staining. Results:In the chronic ACD model, Cx3 cr1 GFP/GFP mice showed significantly alleviated ear inflammatory and swelling as compared with WT mice, but no significant difference was found in the acute ACD model. The percentages of Mo-LC were decreased in the chronic ACD model and after three weeks of UV irradiation. Moreover, MHCⅡ, TNF-α and iNOS expressed by Mo-LC were significantly upregulated as compared with those by classical LC. CX3CL1 expression was significantly upregulated and the numbers of CD14 + monocytes and CD1a + langerin - Mo-LC were dramatically increased in human chronic skin inflammation. Conclusions:CX3CR1 might maintain inflammatory response by regulating local remodeling of Mo-LC in chronic skin inflammation.

Effects of different field processing methods on volatile components of Chuanxiong Rhizoma: an exploration based on headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry / 中国中药杂志

The volatile oil of Chuanxiong Rhizoma(CX) is known as an effective fraction. In order to seek a suitable method for processing CX and its decoction pieces, this study selected 16 volatile components as indices to investigate how different processing methods such as washing/without washing, sun-drying, baking, oven-drying and far-infrared drying at different temperatures affected the quality of CX and its decoction pieces(fresh CX was partially dried, cut into pieces, and then dried) by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS), cluster analysis, principal component analysis and comprehensive weighted scoring. The results showed that the rapid washing before processing did not deteriorate the volatile components of CX. Considering the practical condition of production area, oven-drying was believed to be more suitable than sun-drying, baking, and far-infrared drying. The CX decoction pieces with a thickness of 0.3-0.4 cm were recommended to be oven-dried at 50 ℃. The integrated processing(partial drying, cutting into pieces, and drying) did not cause a significant loss of volatile components. For the fresh CX, the oven-drying at 60 ℃ is preferred. The temperature should not exceed 60 ℃, and drying below 60 ℃ will prolong the processing time, which will produce an unfavorable effect on volatile components. This study has provided the scientific evidence for field processing of CX, which is conducive to realizing the normalization and standardization of CX processing in the production area and stabilizing the quality of CX and its decoction pieces.

Multiple Mild Stimulations Reduce Membrane Distribution of CX3CR1 Promoted by Annexin a1 in Microglia to Attenuate Excessive Dendritic Spine Pruning and Cognitive Deficits Caused by a Transient Ischemic Attack in Mice / 神经科学通报·英文版

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) can cause reversible and delayed impairment of cognition, but the specific mechanisms are still unclear. Annexin a1 (ANXA1) is a phospholipid-binding protein. Here, we confirmed that cognition and hippocampal synapses were impaired in TIA-treated mice, and this could be rescued by multiple mild stimulations (MMS). TIA promoted the interaction of ANXA1 and CX3CR1, increased the membrane distribution of CX3CR1 in microglia, and thus enhanced the CX3CR1 and CX3CL1 interaction. These phenomena induced by TIA could be reversed by MMS. Meanwhile, the CX3CR1 membrane distribution and CX3CR1-CX3CL1 interaction were upregulated in primary cultured microglia overexpressing ANXA1, and the spine density was significantly reduced in co-cultured microglia overexpressing ANXA1 and neurons. Moreover, ANXA1 overexpression in microglia abolished the protection of MMS after TIA. Collectively, our study provides a potential strategy for treating the delayed synaptic injury caused by TIA.

Mechanism study on regulation of glioblastoma cell proliferation and apoptosis by sciadopitysin combined with CX-4945 through Notch1 pathway / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effects and mechanism of sciadopitysin combined with CK2 inhibitor CX-4945 on proliferation and apoptosis of glioblastoma U87 cells.Methods:Glioblastoma U87 cells were cultured in vitro, and treated with 0.01, 0.10, 1.00, 10.00, 100.00 μmol/L of sciadopitysin respectively. U87 cells were treated with 1.25, 2.50, 5.00, 10.00, 20.00 μmol/L of CX-4945. U87 cells were divided into control group (without any treatment), sciadopitysin group (100.00 μmol/L of sciadopitysin), CX-4945 group (5.00 μmol/L of CX-4945), sciadopitysin combined with CX-4945 group (100.00 μmol/L of sciadopitysin plus 5.00 μmol/L of CX-4945). MTT method was used to detect cell viability, Caspase3/7 activity assay and Annexin Ⅴ/ PI double staining were used to detect cell apoptosis, and Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of Notch1 pathway related proteins ICN1, HES1 and DLL3. Results:The cell viabilities of U87 cells treated with 0, 0.01, 0.10, 1.00, 10.00, 100.00 μmol/L of sciadopitysin were (100.00±6.30) %, (112.02±7.63) %, (140.84±6.73) %, (113.92±7.92) %, (102.60±7.12) % and (73.16±2.74) % respectively, and there was a statistically significant difference ( F=55.21, P<0.001). There were statistically significant differences in the cell viabilities of U87 cells between 0 μmol/L and 0.01, 0.10, 1.00, 100.00 μmol/L of sciadopitysin treatment ( P=0.009; P<0.001; P=0.003; P<0.001). The cell viability of U87 cells was inhibited by 100.00 μmol/L of sciadopitysin, while sciadopitysin at other low concentrations manifested as enhancement or no obvious effect. The cell viabilities of U87 cells treated with 0, 1.25, 2.50, 5.00, 10.00, 20.00 μmol/L of CX-4945 were (100.00±5.53) %, (108.70±10.24) %, (93.14±2.82) %, (81.46±4.92) %, (56.92±3.99) % and (31.24±2.67) % respectively, and there was a statistically significant difference ( F=135.18, P<0.001). There were statistically significant differences in the cell viabilities of U87 cells between 0 μmol/L and 1.25, 5.00, 10.00, 20.00 μmol/L of CX-4945 treatment ( P=0.022; P<0.001; P<0.001; P<0.001). Low concentration (1.25 μmol/L) of CX-4945 enhanced the cell viability of U87 cells, however higher concentrations (5.00, 10.00, 20.00 μmol/L) of CX-4945 shown inhibitory effect. The cell viabilities of U87 cells in the control group, sciadopitysin group, CX-4945 group and sciadopitysin combined with CX-4945 group were (100.00±5.53) %, (71.96±2.10) %, (77.66±4.12) % and (42.56±4.22) % respectively, and there was a statistically significant difference ( F=160.56, P<0.001). There were statistically significant differences between the control group and each treatment groups (all P<0.001). There were statistically significant differences between the sciadopitysin combined with CX-4945 group and sciadopitysin group, CX-4945 group (both P<0.001). The Caspase3/7 activities of U87 cells in the above four groups were 2.34±0.47, 4.02±0.22, 3.67±0.32 and 5.85±0.28 respectively, and there was a statistically significant difference ( F=55.80, P<0.001). The apoptosis rates of each groups were (0.40±0.10) %, (17.37±0.57) %, (3.00±0.66) % and (33.47±0.87) % respectively, and there was a statistically significant difference ( F=1 822.18, P<0.001). Further pairwise comparison showed that there were statistically significant differences in Caspase3/7 activities and apoptosis rates between the control group and each treatment groups ( P<0.001, P=0.001, P<0.001; P<0.001, P=0.001, P<0.001). There were statistically significant differences in Caspase3/7 activities and apoptosis rates between the sciadopitysin combined with CX-4945 group and sciadopitysin group, CX-4945 group (all P<0.001). The protein expression levels of Notch 1 pathway related proteins ICN1 (0.55±0.07 vs. 1.01±0.09), HES1 (0.66±0.08 vs. 1.00±0.06) and DLL3 (0.74±0.04 vs. 1.01±0.09) in U87 cells decreased significantly after treatment with 100.00 μmol/L of sciadopitysin ( t=5.94, P=0.004; t=5.15, P=0.007; t=4.00, P=0.016) . Conclusion:Sciadopitysin can synergize with CK2 inhibitor CX-4945 to inhibit the proliferation and promote apoptosis of glioblastoma U87 cells by inhibiting Notch1 signaling pathway.

Changes of connexin 43 in irradiated human vascular endothelial cells and its influence on cell stiffness / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective:To investigate the changes of connexin 43 (Cx43) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) after X-ray irradiation and its influence on the stiffness of irradiated cells.Methods:Western blot was used to detect the expression of Cx43 in HUVEC cells at different time points (0, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h) after different doses of X-ray irradiation (0, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 Gy), and the phosphorylation levels of three phosphorylation sites (Ser279/282, Ser368 and Tyr265) of Cx43 at different time points (3, 6, 24 and 48 h) after 0, 5 and 10 Gy irradiation. The distribution of Cx43 protein in the irradiated HUVEC cells was detected by immunofluorescence. The stiffness changes of cells were detected by atomic force microscopy (AFM) at the depths of 50, 100 and 200 nm.Results:The expression of Cx43 in HUVEC cells was reduced at 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after 10 Gy X-ray irradiation( t=3.262, 3.708, 3.686, 6.825, P<0.05)and this decrease had a dose dependent manner at 24 h after 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 Gy irradiation ( t=3.034, 10.720, 13.130, 13.650, P<0.05). At 24 h after 5, 10 and 20 Gy X-ray irradiation, the distribution of Cx43 in HUVEC cells was transported from intercellular gap junctions to nucleus and perinuclear region. At 24-48 h after irradiation, the phosphorylation level of Ser368 at Cx43 increased and in a dose dependent manner. At 24 h after irradiation, the stiffness of the irradiated cells decreased significantly under the conditions of 100 and 200 nm ( t=3.362, 5.122, P<0.05), and recovered with overexpression of Cx43 ( t=2.674, 4.398, P<0.05). Conclusions:X-ray irradiation leads to the phosphorylation of Ser368 at Cx43, which promotes the degradation and nucleus/perinuclear translocation of Cx43 and reduces the stiffness of HUVEC. Increasing the expression level of Cx43 is helpful to the stiffness recovery of irradiated vascular endothelial cells, suggesting that Cx43 may be a potential target for regulating radiation injury of vascular endothelial cells.

Effect of CX3CL1/CX3CR1 in cerebral ischemia and its mechanisms / 国际脑血管病杂志

CX3CL1, also known as Fractalkine, is the only member of chemokines CX3C subclass. It plays an important role in a variety of central nervous system diseases and ischemic cerebrovascular diseases by binding to its specific receptor CX3CR1. In recent years, a large number of studies have investigated the specific role and related molecular mechanism of CX3CL1/CX3CR1. This article reviews the effect and molecular mechanism of CX3CL1/CX3CR1 in ischemic cerebrovascular disease, aiming to expand the understanding of the mechanism of CX3CL1/CX3CR1, and provide new ideas and intervention targets for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of ischemic cerebrovascular disease.

Research advances of chemokine receptor CX3CR1 and microglia in retinal degenerative diseases / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#Retinal degenerative diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration are the main clinical blinding eye diseases with complex etiology and irreversible damage to vision. CX3CR1 is a specific receptor of the chemokine CX3CL1. Both of them participate in various physiological functions and pathological changes of the whole body through regulating the immune system of the body. In recent years, studies have pointed out that CX3CR1 regulates the activity and function of retinal microglia, which play an important role in the process of retinal degenerative diseases. In this paper, the structure and function of the chemokine receptor CX3CR1 and the role of microglia in retinal degenerative diseases were reviewed, so as to provide ideas and directions for future research and treatment of such diseases.

Effect of p-coumaric acid on olfactory bulbectomy induced depression-like behaviors and its AMPA receptor mechanism in mice / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigated the effect of p-CA on depression-like behaviors of mice of olfactory bulbectomy and its possible mechanism. Methods The olfactory bulbectomy (OBX) model of mice was established by an operation of olfactory bulbectomy. The behaviors of the mice were detected by the forced swimming test and the tail suspension test. Results The depression-like behavior in the forced swimming and tail suspension test and the in the open field test significantly increased in OBX mice; however, p-CA improved the depres- sion-like behavior in the forced swimming and tail sus pension test and the hyper-locomotor activity in open field test in OBX mice. Moreover, treatment with AMPA receptor antagonist NBQX blocked this improving effect of p-CA. While, treatment with AMPA receptor agonist CX546 enhanced this improving effect of p-CA. Conclusions P-CA improves depression-like behaviors of OBX mice, and AMPA receptors may mediate this effect.

Effect of treatment on the quality of life of cervical cancer patients: a prospective study from a tertiary care centre of West Bengal

Background: Cervical cancer is one of many health care ironies. Better survival rates demand better quality of life (QoL). The aim of present study was to determine the change in QoL of cervical cancer patients due to treatment.Methods: An observational prospective study was conducted from July 2017 to June 2018 among 80 new cervical cancer patients without any prior history of treatment for cervical cancer, attending radiotherapy department of a tertiary care centre of West Bengal using a semi-structured schedule and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) quality of life questionnaire (QLQ). Information was collected on socio-demographic and clinical aspects and QoL domains. Those with history of surgery for cervical cancer, advanced stage of disease were excluded. EORTC QLQ was administered at baseline and one month after completion of treatment. Data was analysed by percentage, means±standard deviation, range and Wilcoxon signed rank test etc. using SPSS-16.Results: Only 60 patients could be analysed as 10 patients died and 10 lost to follow-up. After treatment there was a significant improvement in global health, physical, emotional and cognitive functioning as well as decrease in symptoms like fatigue, pain, insomnia, appetite loss and constipation along with worsening of financial difficulties. There was significant improvement in body image, decrease in problems of symptom experience, peripheral neuropathy and menopausal symptoms after treatment.Conclusions: The cervical cancer patients show an overall improvement in their QoL in most of the domains after one month of treatment except worsening of financial difficulties.

Effect of Three Handing-Three Points on Pain Function and Expression of CX3CL1/CX3CR1 in Spinal Cord Dorsal Horn of Rats with Sciatic Nerve Injury / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To investigate the mechanism of Three Handing-Three Points on pain function in sciatic nerve injury rats by observing the changes of chemokine (C-X3-C motif) ligand 1, CX3CL1)/chemokine (C-X3-C motif) receptor 1 (CX3CR1) protein and mRNA expression in spinal dorsal horn. Methods:A total of 74 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal group (n= 12), sham group (n = 24), model group (n = 25), and Three Handing-Three Points group (Tuina group,n = 13). The model group and Tuina group prepared the sciatic nerve injury model. The sham group exposed sciatic nerve only. Tuina group received Tuina on Yinmen (BL37), Chengshan (BL57) and Yanglingquan (GB34) with Tuina manipulation emulator. The photothermal pain threshold was measured seven days after modeling and after 20 days of intervention; cumulative pain score was measured seven days after modeling, and after ten days and 20 days of intervention. The spinal dorsal horn tissues were extracted to detect the protein and mRNA expression of CX3CL1/CX3CR1 with Western blotting and RT-PCR seven days after modeling and after 20 days of intervention. The microglia morphology in spinal dorsal horn was observed with immunofluorescence after 20 days of intervention. Results:Seven days after modeling, compared with the normal group, the photothermal pain tolerance threshold increased in the model group and the sham group (P < 0.05); compared with the sham group, the cumulative pain score increased in the model group and Tuina group (P < 0.05). After ten days of intervention, the cumulative pain score was lower in Tuina group than in the model group (P < 0.05). After 20 days of intervention, both the photothermal pain tolerance threshold and cumulative pain score were lower in Tuina group than in the model group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the expression of CX3CL1/CX3CR1 protein and mRNA on the seven days after modeling and after 20 days of intervention (P > 0.05). The microglia in the model group were partially activated or completely activated, while those in Tuina group were unactivated or partially activated after 20 days of intervention. Conclusion:Three Handing-Three Points can improve the pain function of sciatic nerve injured rats, which may associate with regulating microglia through the pathway other than CX3CL1/CX3CR1.

Effect of Buyang Huanwu Tang on Synaptic Structural Plasticity After Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion in Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

<b>Objective::To investigate the mechanism of Buyang Huanwu Tang (BYHWT) in improving synaptic structural plasticity after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats. <b>Method::Middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion model was established. SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group, model group, BYHWT group, BYHWT+ Gap26(connexin43 inhibitor)groups. BYHWT was given twice a day(16 g·kg^-1), Gap26 was intraperitoneally injected once a day since the third day after surgery (25 g·kg^-1). Brain was taken out at the 7^th day. The changes of neuronal synaptic and gap junction ultrastructure were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Synaptophysin (SYN) and growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43) protein expression were detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence. <b>Result::The structure of synapses was integrated, and the gap junctions were clear in sham-operated group. In the hippocampus of model group, the structure was destroyed, and the gap junctions disappeared. Compared with the sham-operated group, model group up-regulated the expressions of SYN and GAP-43 (<italic>P</italic><0.05, <italic>P</italic><0.01). In the hippocampus of BYHWT group, the structure was close to the normal. Furthermore, BYHWT up-regulated the expressions of SYN and GAP-43 (<italic>P</italic><0.05, <italic>P</italic><0.01). However, after the combined administration with Cx43 inhibitor (Gap26), the damage of synaptic structural decreased, only a small number of gap junctions with the structural integrity can be seen, and the effect of BYHWT on SYN and GAP-43 was inhibited (<italic>P</italic><0.05, <italic>P</italic><0.01). <b>Conclusion::BYHWT could improve the hippocampal synaptic structural plasticity obviously after the CIRI. The mechanism may be related to the increase of the expression of Cx43 and the promotion of the intervention of SYN and GAP-43.

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 promotes vascular endothelial cell proliferation and migration by fractalkine / 生物工程学报

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and Chemokine CX3C ligand 1 (Fractalkine/CX3CL1) play important roles in vascular inflammation and injury. To study if STAT3 promotes vascular endothelial cell proliferation and migration through fractalkine, we overexpressed or knocked down STAT3 in vascular endothelial cells, and used quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting to determine the effect of STAT3 on fractalkine expression. The wild type and STAT3 binding site mutant fractalkine promoter luciferase reporter plasmids were constructed, and luciferase activity assays were used to explore the effect of STAT3 on the transcriptional activity of the fractalkine promoter. MTT assays were used to detect the effect of overexpression or knockdown of STAT3 or fractalkine on the proliferation rate of vascular endothelial cells. Scratch assays were used to detect the effect of overexpression or knockdown of STAT3 or fractalkine on vascular endothelial cell migration. There results showed that overexpression of STAT3 could promote fractalkine expression, and knockdown of STAT3 could down-regulate fractalkine expression. STAT3 could directly bind to the promoter of fractalkine to promote its transcriptional activity via binding the GAS site of the fractalkine promoter. Knockdown of STAT3 could inhibit the migration of vascular endothelial cell, and overexpression of fractalkine antagonized this inhibition. Our data concluded that STAT3 promotes the proliferation and migration of vascular endothelial cell by binding the GAS site of the fractalkine promoter to promote fractalkine transcriptional activity and expression.

Roles and mechanisms of chemokine CX3CL1 in cerebral ischemia / 国际脑血管病杂志

Chemokine CX3CL1 mainly participates in the physiological and pathological processes of nervous system by activating its receptor CX3CR1. Under physiological conditions, CX3CL1 can inhibit the activation of microglia; when cerebral ischemia and hypoxia, CX3CL1 can affect the expression of multiple downstream target genes involved in activation of adenosine receptor, inhibition of Ca2+ influx, and promotion of blood vessel growth. It is of great significance to improve the energy metabolism disorder and to establish microcirculation around infarcts after cerebral ischemia.

Roles and mechanisms of chemokine CX3CL1 in cerebral ischemia / 国际脑血管病杂志

Chemokine CX3CL1 mainly participates in the physiological and pathological processes of nervous system by activating its receptor CX3CR1.Under physiological conditions,CX3CL1 can inhibit the activation of microglia;when cerebral ischemia and hypoxia,CX3CL1 can affect the expression of multiple downstream target genes involved in activation of adenosine receptor,inhibition of Ca 2+ influx,and promotion of blood vessel growth.It is of great significance to improve the energy metabolism disorder and to establish microcirculation around infarcts after cerebral ischemia.

Role of gap junction protein connexin43 in pathogenesis of neuro-disorders / 中国药理学通报

Gap junction (GJ), which mainly consists of connexins, is a linking method between neighboring cells. Neighboring cells exchange substances, energy and information by gap junction intercellular communication mediated by GJ. Particularly, Cx43 protein is one of the most important members of Cx family. The study in recent years demonstrated the features of Cx43 protein and its important roles in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders, tumors, cardiovascular risks. This article summarizes the structure, functions, coding gene, structure analysis, synthesis, membrane localization, regulation of Cx43. Furthermore, this article explains the physiological functions of Cx43 in human bodies and its important roles in the pathogenesis of related neurological disorders.