Construction of a prognostic model for hepatocellular carcinoma based on pyroptosis-related genes / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective: To study the construction of a prognostic model for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs). Methods: HCC patient datasets were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and a prognostic model was constructed by applying univariate Cox and least absolute shrinkages and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis. According to the median risk score, HCC patients in the TCGA dataset were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, univariate and multivariate Cox analysis, and nomograms were used to evaluate the predictive ability of the prognostic models. Functional enrichment analysis and immune infiltration analysis were performed on differentially expressed genes between the two groups. Finally, two HCC datasets (GSE76427 and GSE54236) from the Gene Expression Omnibus database were used to externally validate the prognostic value of the model. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis or Wilcoxon tests were performed on the data. Results: A total of 366 HCC patients were included after screening the HCC patient dataset obtained from the TCGA database. A prognostic model related to HCC was established using univariate Cox regression analysis, LASSO regression analysis, and seven genes (CASP8, GPX4, GSDME, NLRC4, NLRP6, NOD2, and SCAF11). 366 cases were evenly divided into high-risk and low-risk groups based on the median risk score. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences in the survival time between patients in the high-risk and low-risk groups in the TCGA, GSE76427, and GSE54236 datasets (median overall survival time was 1 149 d vs. 2 131 d, 4.8 years vs. 6.3 years, and 20 months vs. 28 months, with P = 0.000 8, 0.034 0, and 0.0018, respectively). ROC curves showed good survival predictive value in both the TCGA dataset and two externally validated datasets. The areas under the ROC curves of 1, 2, and 3 years were 0.719, 0.65, and 0.657, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the risk score of the prognostic model was an independent predictor of overall survival time in HCC patients. The risk model score accurately predicted the survival probability of HCC patients according to the established nomogram. Functional enrichment analysis and immune infiltration analysis showed that the immune status of the high-risk group was significantly decreased. Conclusion: The prognostic model constructed in this study based on seven PRGs accurately predicts the prognosis of HCC patients.

Efficacy of endoscopic-assisted transaxillary breast augmentation with ultrasonic scalpel and electroscalpel / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective:To evaluate the clinical effects of the dissection of the implant pockets with ultrasonic scalpel or traditional electroscalpel through the axillary approach under endoscopic assistant.Methods:A total of 125 female patients with an average of 32.5 years, ranged from 21 to 44 years, underwent endoscopic-assisted transaxillary breast augmentation in the Department of Plastic Surgery, the Affiliated Friendship Plastic Surgery Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, from January 2019 to December 2020, were analyzed retrospectively. The implant pockets were dissected with ultrasonic scalpel (ultrasonic scalpel group) in 64 patients or with traditional electroscalpel (electroscalpel group) in 61 patients. The operation time, operation speed, postoperative drainage, drainage tube removal time and hospital stay of the two groups were compared and analyzed statistically.Results:Compared with the electroscalpel group, the average operation time of the ultrasonic scalpel group 75(71-90) min was significantly shorter than that of the electroscalpel group 105(80-135) min ( t=4.10, P<0.001), the operation speed (3.27±0.44 ml/min) was faster than that of the electroscalpel group (2.52±0.72 ml/min) ( t=4.71, P<0.001), the postoperative drainage 130.5(98.8-193.3) ml was significantly less than that of the electroscalpel group 281.75(145.5-328.3) ml ( t=2.21, P<0.05), and the drainage tube removal time 3 (3-4) d and hospital stay 3 (3-4) d were remarkablely shorter than that of the electroscalpel group 4 (3-4) d, 5 (4-6) d ( t=3.58; t=4.06, P<0.05). Conclusions:The application of ultrasonic scalpel in endoscopic-assisted transaxillary breast augmentation is safe and reliable. In addtion to improving the surgical efficiency, ultrasonic scalpel can reduce blood loss, shorten the time of hospital stay and reduce complications, which is worthy of further promotion in clinical application.

Mandibular morphology change due to mandibular angle osteotomy: a cone beam computed tomography-based three-dimensional cephalometry analysis / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of mandibular angle osteotomy on the morphological changes of mandible by using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanning data and three-dimensional cephalometry.Methods:According to included and excluded criteria, the complete CBCT data of 20 female patients (aged 20-35 years with an average age of 25.5 years) from January 2016 to June 2018 who underwent curved mandibular angle osteotomy combined with splitting cortiectomy were selected. Seven items reflecting mandibular morphology before and after surgery were measured respectively. All the data were analyzed by the means of SPSS 12.0; linear correlation analysis and paired t test were used to evaluate the change of andibular morphology.Results:The measurement results of the mandible pre- and post-operative 10 days showed as follows: Go-Go decreased, both sides of Cd-Go, Go-Ri and MR-MA decreased, both sides of Go-Me became longer, both sides of Ar-Go-Me and MP-FH increased. The paired t-test results showed that there was significant difference before and after operation ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the left and right measurement items ( P>0.05). Compared with that in 10 days after operation, the measurement items also changed 6 months after operation. There was no statistical difference between the above measurement items 6 months after surgery and 10 days after surgery ( P>0.05), and no statistical difference between the left and right sides ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The mandibular three-dimensional model which is reconstructed based on CBCT data, not only displays the three-dimensional anatomical structure that cannot be presented on X-ray film visually and comprehensively by means zoom, rotation and other operations, but also precisely and accurately shows the change of the shape of the mandible from the sagittal, coronal and horizontal plane with arbitrary cutting and rotation. The measurement of mandible is more accurate and reliable, and the surgical plan of mandibular angle osteotomy can be accurately planned preoperatively, and the operative effect can be quantitatively evaluated postoperatively.

A strategy for rapid discovery of traceable chemical markers in herbal products using MZmine 2 data processing toolbox: A case of Jing Liqueur / 中草药·英文版

Objective: The quality evaluation of herbal products remains a big challenge. Traceable markers are the core concept of the authentication of herbal products. However, the discovery of traceable markers is labor-intensive and time-consuming. The aim of this study is to develop a convenient approach to rapidly screen the traceable markers for herbal product authentication. Methods: Commercial Jing Liqueur and its 22 species of herbal ingredients were analyzed using HPLC-QTOF-MS and GC–MS to characterize nonvolatile and volatile chemicals. The acquired data were imported into MZmine 2 software for mass detection, chromatogram building, deconvolution and alignment. The aligned data were exported into a csv file and then traceable markers were selected using the built-in filter function in Excel. Finally, the traceable markers were identified by searching against online databases or publications, some of which were confirmed by reference standards. Results: A total of 288 chemical features transferred from herbal materials to Jing Liqueur product were rapidly screened out. Among them, 52 markers detected by HPLC-QTOF-MS were annotated, while nine volatile markers detected by GC–MS were annotated. Moreover, 30 of these markers were confirmed by comparing with reference standards. A chemical fingerprint consisting of traceable markers was finally generated to ensure the authentication and quality consistency of Jing Liqueur. Conclusion: A strategy for rapid discovery of traceable markers in herbal products using MZmine 2 software was developed.

Calibration on chromone reference extract and application on quality control of Saposhnikoviae Radix / 中国中药杂志

The calibration of chromone reference extract(CRE) was conducted and a quality control method of Saposhnikoviae Radix(SR) was established based on CRE. Meanwhile, the quality control system of SR was improved and the feasibility of using reference extract as a substitute for single reference substance in quality control of Chinese medicine was discussed. In this study, the content of the prepared CRE was calibrated with prim-O-glucosylcimifugin, cimifugin, 4'-O-β-D-glucosyl-5-O-methylvisamminol, and secO-glucosylhamaudol as indicators. Subsequently, an HPLC analytical method was developed to determine the content of four chromones in 20 batches of SR samples based on the CRE with known content as the standard substance. T-test was used for the comparison of the determination results of the two methods(single chemical component and CRE as reference substances, respectively), and the P values of prim-O-glucosylcimifugin, cimifugin, 4'-O-β-D-glucosyl-5-O-methylvisamminol, and sec-O-glucosylhamaudol were 0. 16,0. 39, 0. 14, and 0. 42. The results demonstrated that there was no significant difference between the two methods. This study initially verified the feasibility that the CRE could be used as a substitute for single reference substance in quality control of SR. In conclusion,this study is expected to provide a scientific basis and a new research model for the application of reference extract in the quality control of Chinese medicine.

Study on Mechanism of the Improvement Effects of Xinmaikang on Atherosclerosis in Rabbits Based on TLR 4/ NF-κB Signaling Pathway / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To explore t he mechanism of Xinmaikang improving atherosclerosis （AS）in rabbits. METHODS ：A total of 50 male Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into sham operation group ，model group ，simvastatin group [positive control ， 2.60 mg/（kg·d）] and Xinmaikang low-dose and high-dose groups [ 0.21，0.84 g/（kg·d）]，with 10 rabbits in each group. Rabbits in sham operation group were fed with ordinary diet ，and only femoral artery was separated and ligated ，and abdominal aortic endothelium was not strained ；the other groups were given high-fat diet and received abdominal aortic intimal balloon injury to induce AS model. Ten weeks after operation ，sham operation group and model group were given intragastric administration of normal saline ，and administration groups were given corresponding drug solution intragastrically （normal saline as solvent ）with the volume of 100 mL，once a day ，for consecutive 12 weeks. After last administration ，the pathological changes of abdominal aorta and inner wall in rabbits were observed in each group. The serum contents of triglyceride （TG），total cholesterol （TC），low density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C），high density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C），interleukin-6（IL-6）and IL- 1β were detected，and the contents and protein expression of Toll-like receptor 4（TLR4）and nuclear factor-κB p65（NF-κB p65）in abdominal aortic tissue were determined. RESULTS ：Compared with sham operation group ，the intima of abdominal aorta in model group was rich in lipids ，the thickness of vessel wall and plaque area were increased obviously ，and there was obvious vascular endothelial injury. The contents of TG ，TC，LDL-C，IL-6 and IL- 1β in serum，the contents and protein expression of TLR 4 and NF-κB p65 in abdominal aorta tissue were significantly increased ，while the content of HDL-C was decreased significantly （P＜0.05 or P＜ 0.01）. Compared with model group ，the lesion of rabbit abdominal aorta were alleviated ，and no obvious damage was found on the inner wall. The contents of TG ，TC，LDL-C，IL-6，IL-1β of Xinmaikang high-dose group and simvastatin group as well as the content of NF-κB p65 and protein expression of TLR4 and cnd- NF-κB p65 were improved significantly （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS：Xinmaikang can improve AS in rabbits ， and its mechanism may be assicated with inhibiting the expression of TLR 4，NF-κB p65 and inhibiting inflammatory response.

Influencing factors for low-level viremia in chronic hepatitis B patients treated with long-term entecavir antiviral therapy / 临床肝胆病杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the influencing factors for persistent low-level viremia (LLV) in chronic hepatitis B(CHB) patients receiving long-term entecavir antiviral therapy. MethodsThe CHB patients who received entecavir antiviral therapy for at least one year in The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from November 2018 to June 2020 were enrolled as subjects, and according to HBV DNA load at the end of the observation period, the patients were divided into LLV group and sustained virological response (SVR) group. Demographic features and laboratory markers were observed for all patients. The independent samples t-test or the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups, and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the influencing factors for LLV in patients receiving long-term entecavir treatment. ResultsA total of 560 CHB patients were enrolled, with 204 in the LLV group and 356 in the SVR group. There were significant differences between the two groups in age (Z=-3.530, P＜0.001), sex (χ2=4.270, P=0.039), presence or absence of liver cirrhosis (χ2=53.879, P＜0.001), medication compliance (χ2=5.326, P=0.021), HBeAg positive rate (χ2=90.681, P＜0.001), baseline HBV DNA load before treatment (Z=-8.337, P＜0.001), baseline HBsAg quantification (Z=-10.472, P＜0.001), and medication type (χ2=7.558, P=0.006). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that baseline HBeAg status before treatment (odds ratio ［OR］=3.381, 95% confidence interval ［CI］: 1.985-5.756, P＜0.001), HBV DNA load before treatment (OR=1.223, 95%CI: 1.050-1.424, P=0.010), and HBsAg quantification before treatment (OR=2.448, 95%CI: 1.743-3.438, P＜0.001) were risk factors for LLV in long-term entecavir antiviral therapy. ConclusionIn clinical practice, CHB patients with high HBV DNA load, high HBsAg quantification, and positive HBeAg tend to have a high risk of LLV even after long-term entecavir antiviral therapy. Therefore, such population should be taken seriously with the dynamic monitoring of HBsAg quantification, HBV DNA load, and HBeAg status.

CT-Guided Microcoil Localization of Small Peripheral Pulmonary Nodules to Direct Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Resection without the Aid of Intraoperative Fluoroscopy

Objective@#To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of CT-guided microcoil localization of solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) for guiding video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). @*Materials and Methods@#Between June 2016 and October 2019, 454 consecutive patients with 501 SPNs who received CTguided microcoil localization before VATS in our institution were enrolled. The diameter of the nodules was 0.93 ± 0.49 cm, and the shortest distance from the nodules to the pleura was 1.41 ± 0.95 cm. The distal end of the microcoil was placed less than 1 cm away from the nodule, and the proximal end was placed outside the visceral pleura. VATS was performed under the guidance of implanted microcoils without the aid of intraoperative fluoroscopy. @*Results@#All 501 nodules were marked with microcoils. The time required for microcoil localization was 12.8 ± 5.2 minutes. Microcoil localization-related complications occurred in 179 cases (39.4%). None of the complications required treatment. A total of 463 nodules were successfully resected under the guidance of implanted microcoils. VATS revealed 38 patients with dislocated microcoils, of which 28 underwent wedge resection (21 cases under the guidance of the bleeding points of pleural puncture, 7 cases through palpation), 5 underwent direct lobectomy, and the remaining 5 underwent a conversion to thoracotomy. In 4 cases, a portion of the microcoil remained in the lung parenchyma. @*Conclusion@#CT-guided microcoil localization of SPNs is safe and reliable. Marking the nodule and pleura simultaneously with microcoils can effectively guide the resection of SPNs using VATS without the aid of intraoperative fluoroscopy.

CT-Guided Microcoil Localization of Small Peripheral Pulmonary Nodules to Direct Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Resection without the Aid of Intraoperative Fluoroscopy

Objective@#To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of CT-guided microcoil localization of solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) for guiding video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). @*Materials and Methods@#Between June 2016 and October 2019, 454 consecutive patients with 501 SPNs who received CTguided microcoil localization before VATS in our institution were enrolled. The diameter of the nodules was 0.93 ± 0.49 cm, and the shortest distance from the nodules to the pleura was 1.41 ± 0.95 cm. The distal end of the microcoil was placed less than 1 cm away from the nodule, and the proximal end was placed outside the visceral pleura. VATS was performed under the guidance of implanted microcoils without the aid of intraoperative fluoroscopy. @*Results@#All 501 nodules were marked with microcoils. The time required for microcoil localization was 12.8 ± 5.2 minutes. Microcoil localization-related complications occurred in 179 cases (39.4%). None of the complications required treatment. A total of 463 nodules were successfully resected under the guidance of implanted microcoils. VATS revealed 38 patients with dislocated microcoils, of which 28 underwent wedge resection (21 cases under the guidance of the bleeding points of pleural puncture, 7 cases through palpation), 5 underwent direct lobectomy, and the remaining 5 underwent a conversion to thoracotomy. In 4 cases, a portion of the microcoil remained in the lung parenchyma. @*Conclusion@#CT-guided microcoil localization of SPNs is safe and reliable. Marking the nodule and pleura simultaneously with microcoils can effectively guide the resection of SPNs using VATS without the aid of intraoperative fluoroscopy.

Deubiquitinating Enzyme USP29 Regulates the Protein Stability of CBX6 / 中国生物化学与分子生物学报

Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are transcriptional repressors that control cell fate and the development of embryo, and they elicit function mainly in the form of polycomb repressive complex (PRC). Chromobox protein homolog 6 (CBX6) is one of the core protein subunits of PRC1, which plays an important role in gene expression regulation, cell renewal and differentiation, tumorigenesis and development, and stem cell maintenance. In this study, CBX6 was found to be degraded through a ubiquitin-proteasome dependent pathway. Then the gene expression library containing 92 deubiquitinating enzymes (DUB) was used to screen DUB targeting CBX6 and results found that ubiquitin-specific protease 29 (USP29) could obviously stabilize CBX6 protein level and extend its half-life (P < 0.05). Immunoprecipitation experiments found that CBX6 interacted with USP29 through its C-terminal domains; Further studies found that USP29 regulated the protein stability of CBX6 by deubiquitination in an enzymatic-activity dependent manner. Cell proliferation assay also found that USP29 inhibited the proliferation of MCF7 cells (P<0.0001). Taken together, through screening, this study found that USP29 could stabilize CBX6 protein level through deubiquitinating CBX6 and inhibit the cell proliferation of MCF7.

Construction of "2R network pharmacology" research method for effective components of traditional Chinese medicine based on "prediction of dominant components-screening of potential targets" / 中国中药杂志

Chinese traditional medicine compound is the main form of Chinese medicine clinical application. The elucidation of the effective components of traditional Chinese medicine is one of the key scientific issues to promote the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine. At present, there are many research ideas on the effective components of traditional Chinese medicine compounds. By analyzing the current status and existing problems of existing research ideas, the author proposes a "double reduction network pharmacology"(2 R network pharmacology) research method based on "prediction of dominant components-potential target selection". Chemical components with good properties were selected by ADMET property prediction technology, and compared with the blood components and target organ components to determine the dominant components with potential therapeutic effect, that is "reducing constituents"; the potential core regulatory pathway of traditional Chinese medicine compound was enriched by RNA-Seq technology combined with network database, and then the target of traditional Chinese medicine compound was mined based on the signal pathway, that is "reducing targets". To improve the efficiency and accuracy of effective component screening, the network relationship of "component target" was established by the related technology of network pharmacology. The purpose of this study is to provide practical research ideas and methods for clarifying the effective components of traditional Chinese medicine, revealing the law of compatibility of traditional Chinese medicine and clarifying the target of drug action.

Study on scrophulariaceae radix reference extract and its application in quality control of Scrophulariae Radix / 中国中药杂志

By establishing the preparation process of Scrophulariaceae Radix reference extract(SRRE) and calibrating it, we discussed its feasibility as a substitute for single reference substance in the quality control of Scrophulariae Radix. The SRREs were prepared by solvent extraction method and chromatographic separation technology, and then calibrated with the reference substances of harpagide, angoroside C and harpagoside. The HPLC content determination method of Scrophulariae Radixl was established with SRREs of the known content and the reference substances of harpagide, angoroside C and harpagoside respectively as the control ones. Then the content of three components in Scrophulariae Radix was determined, and the t-test method was used to compare the results of the two methods. With SRRE as references, harpagide, angoroside C and harpagoside were in a good linear relationship(r≥0.999 8) within each range, and the average recovery rate was 98.55% to 100.6%. The t-test results showed that the P values of two determination methods were 0.493, 0.155 and 0.171 for harpagide, angoroside C and harpagoside respectively, indicating no significant diffe-rence between the two methods of content determination. The SRRE can be used as a substitute for the reference in the quality control of Scrophulariaceae Radix. The SRRE can replace the corresponding reference substance for the quality control of Scrophulariae Radix. The results of this study provide new methods and new ideas for the quality evaluation of Scrophulariae Radix, and provide a scientific basis for the application of reference extracts in the quality research of traditional Chinese medicine.

Assessment of circulating tumor DNA in cerebrospinal fluid by whole exome sequencing to detect genomic alterations of glioblastoma / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been demonstrated as a better source of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) than plasma for brain tumors. However, it is unclear whether whole exome sequencing (WES) is qualified for detection of ctDNA in CSF. The aim of this study was to determine if assessment of ctDNA in CSF by WES is a feasible approach to detect genomic alterations of glioblastoma.@*METHODS@#CSFs of ten glioblastoma patients were collected pre-operatively at the Department of Neurosurgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center. ctDNA in CSF and genome DNA in the resected tumor were extracted and subjected to WES. The identified glioblastoma-associated mutations from ctDNA in CSF and genome DNA in the resected tumor were compared.@*RESULTS@#Due to the ctDNA in CSF was unqualified for exome sequencing for one patient, nine patients were included into the final analysis. More glioblastoma-associated mutations tended to be detected in CSF compared with the corresponding tumor tissue samples (3.56 ± 0.75 vs. 2.22 ± 0.32, P = 0.097), while the statistical significance was limited by the small sample size. The average mutation frequencies were similar in CSF and tumor tissue samples (74.1% ± 6.0% vs. 73.8% ± 6.0%, P = 0.924). The R132H mutation of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and the G34V mutation of H3 histone, family 3A (H3F3A) which had been reported in the pathological diagnoses were also detected from ctDNA in CSF by WES. Patients who received temozolomide chemotherapy previously or those whose tumor involved subventricular zone tended to harbor more mutations in their CSF.@*CONCLUSION@#Assessment of ctDNA in CSF by WES is a feasible approach to detect genomic alterations of glioblastoma, which may provide useful information for the decision of treatment strategy.

Status quo investigation on induced abortion in 1 065 women of childbearing age in Wenzhou / 上海预防医学

Objective To investigate the service needs in relation to the related behavioral characteristics and reproductive health service for women receiving induced abortion in childbearing age in Wenzhou, providing reference for the protection of reproductive health in women of childbearing age. Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted among a total of 1 065 women of childbearing age who received artificial abortion in 12 medical institutions and maternal and child health care institutions in Wenzhou. Results Of the 1 065 women, 456 (42.82%) were under 24 years old, 609 (57.18%) were over 25 years old.815 (76.53%) with high school / technical secondary school degree or below, 250 (23.47%) with college degree or above.448 unmarried (42.07%), 617 married (57.93%).484 (45.45%) of first abortion and 581 (54.55%) of repeated abortion.Among the direct causes of abortion, 244 (54.46%) were not contraception, 382 (61.91%) were contraception failure.There was a significant difference in the direct causes of induced abortion among women with different marital status(χ2＝28.128, P < 0.05).67.51% of the surveyed women hoped that the family planning clinic would provide contraceptive and reproductive health consulting services after abortion. Conclusion Women of childbearing age with induced abortion in Wenzhou have low education level, high rate of repeated abortion, lack of contraceptive knowledge and high demand for contraceptive and reproductive health consulting services.Therefore, it is necessary to improve reproductive health education, popularize contraceptive knowledge, reduce abortion rate and promote reproductive health.

Change laws of water absorption in Chinese herbal pieces and prediction model of relative density for Chinese medicine decoction / 中国中药杂志

This study aims to explore the change laws of water absorption in Chinese herbal pieces and establish the prediction model of relative density for Chinese medicine compound decoction. Firstly, fitted equations of water absorption and decocting time was established by observing the change laws of water absorption in 36 kinds of Chinese herbal pieces in 12 groups(according to the drug-parts) with decocting time. The r value of the mineral group and other type group was 0.691 2 and 0.663 3, respectively. The r value of the remaining 10 groups was 0.802 2-0.925 4. All P values were less than 0.05(n=21). The formula of the amount of water added was optimized by combining the fitted equations with determined water absorption, and the liquid yield could be controlled in a range of 100%±10%. Secondly, it was determined that the liquid density tester could be used for the rapid determination of relative density of Chinese medicine decoction after methodological study and comparison with the pycnometer method. The linear regression equation between the corrected relative density(y) and extraction ratio(%, x) was built by measuring and analyzing the related parameters such as liquid yield, relative density and extraction ratio in 46 kinds of Chinese herbal pieces. The established equation was y=0.041 3x+1.003 7, r=0.930 9(P <0.01, n=46), with linear range of 1.94%-65.75%. Based on this, the prototype model for predicting relative density of Chinese medicine decoction was established, and the relative densities of 8 Chinese medicine decoctions were within the prediction interval of this model in verification. This study lays a foundation for database construction of Chinese medicine decoction, implementation of personalized decocting mode and rapid quality control of Chinese medicine decoction.

Identification of compounds in Lycii Cortex by UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS / 中国中药杂志

This experiment was performed to analyze and identify the chemical constituents of Lycii Cortex by UPLC-LTQ-OrbitrapMS. The analysis was performed on a Waters Xbridge Shield RP18( 4. 6 mm×250 mm,5 μm) column with the mobile phase of 0. 1%formic acid( A)-acetonitrile( B) under gradient conditions at a flow rate of 1. 0 m L·min-1 and the temperature maintained at 35 ℃ ．Electrospray ionization ion trap time-off light multistage mass spectrometry was applied for qualitative analysis under positive and negative ion modes. The results indicated that 55 compounds consisted of 39 phenolic amides,6 organic acids,3 cyclic peptides,2 coumarins and 5 others. In conclusion,an UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS method was established to qualitative analysis of Lycii Cortex in this study,and the fragmentation rules of phenolic amides were summarized,which provides a good foundation for further study of Lycii Cortex.

Genetic analysis of a case with atypical neonatal Cri-du-chat syndrome / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE To analyze the clinical features and genetic mutations in a neonate with atypical Cri-du-chat syndrome, whom only featured with weak cry but had no dysmorphic facial features and congenital heart disease. METHODS G-banding karyotyping was performed on the child and her parents. The result was validated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Chromosome microarray (CMA) was used to further delineate the mutation. RESULTS G-banding analysis suggested that the child had a karyotype of 46,XX,del(5)(p14p15), while both of his parents had a normal karyotype. FISH confirmed the absence of D5S23 and D5S721 at 5p15.2. A 25.7 Mb deletion was detected in the 5p15.33p14.1 region by CMA. CONCLUSION The phenotype of Cri-du-chat syndrome can vary significantly among patients, particularly in neonates, and can be easily mis-diagnosed. Combined cytogenetic and molecular analysis can identify the missing fragments with greater precision.

Pharmacokinetics of eight constituents in rat plasma after oral administration of Modified Xiaochaihu Granules for gastric ulcer based on UPLC-MS/MS / 中国中药杂志

An ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric method (UPLC-MS/MS) was developed in this study to simultaneously determine the contents of eight effective constituents in rat plasma, including baicalin, wogonoside, baicalein, liquiritin, glycyrrhizic acid, berberine hydrochloride, saikosaponin a and saikosaponin d in plasma of gastric ulcer rats, and investigate the pharmacokinetics of Modified Xiaochaihu Granules. Chromatographic separation was conducted on Zorbax SB-C₁₈ column (2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.8 μm) with acetonitrile -0.1% formic acid aqueous solution as the mobile phase for gradient elution, at a flow rate of 0.4 mL·min⁻¹ and column temperature of 40 °C. Detection was performed in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode with ESI ion source. All calibration curves showed good linearity (>0.996) over a wide concentration range for all constituents. RSDs of intra-day and inter-day precision were all within 15% and the extraction recoveries of all the constituents were in the range of 81.92% to 104.8%. The time to peak (tmax) of these eight constituents was (2.69±2.02), (5.17±2.04), (0.25±0), (0.83±0.26), (0.92±0.20), (0.92±0.20), (0.58±0.20), and (0.083±0) h, respectively; the half-life (t1/2) of them was (7.85±0.34), (10.16±2.21), (6.79±0.21), (8.32±0.48), (11.05±1.78), (11.56±3.46), (15.30±1.84), and (5.54±1.91) h, respectively; the peak concentration (Cmax) of them was (55.02±1.67), (213.66±4.62), (62.61±0.69), (68.43±1.42), (62.22±0.39), (30.17±1.89), (61.79±4.81), and (38.02±1.75) μg·L⁻¹, respectively. This established method is simple and accurate with good repeatability and strong specificity, which could provide modern experimental basis for modified Xiaochaihu granules in clinical treatment of gastric ulcer.

Relationship between expression and antimicrobial resistance of RND efflux pump of Acinetobacter baumannii / 中国感染控制杂志

Objective To detect the distribution of resistance-nodulation (RND)efflux pump system of Acineto-bacter baumannii (AB),and explore the relationship between its’expression and antimicrobial resistance.Methods Fifty-nine strains of multidrug-resistant AB isolated from clinical specimens in The First Affiliated Hospital of Nan-chang University were identified and performed antimicrobial susceptibility analysis,distribution of RND efflux sys-tem of AB was detected by polymerase chain reaction(PCR),expression of efflux pump genes in different drug-re-sistant phenotypes of AB was compared,relationship between the expression level and drug resistance was analyzed, amplified products of RND efflux system were sequenced.Results Resistance rates of AB to ampicillin/sulbactam, imipenem,gentamicin,ciprofloxacin,and levofloxacin were 93.2%,94.9%,88.1%,96.6%,and 52.5% respec-tively.PCR detection results of efflux pump and integron genes of 59 AB strains revealed that the carrying rates of adeR,adeS,adeB,adeJ,and adeG genes were 81.4%,91.5%,93.2%,100.0%,and 61.0% respectively.The expression of efflux pump genes in different strains was different,expression levels of ade B and adeJ genes among gentamicin,imipenem,ampicillin/sulbactam resistant AB group and non-resistant AB group were significantly dif- ferent (all P＜0.05).There was no mutation or insertion sequence in the base sequences of regulatory genes ade R and ade S of adeABC efflux pump.Conclusion RND efflux pump system is universally present in AB,the expres-sion upregulation of ade B and ade J genes in RND efflux pump system is related with antimicrobial resistance of bacteria to gentamycin,imipenem,and ampicillin-sulbactam.

Advances in molecular biological studies of the mangrove Kandelia obovata Sheue, Liu & Yong / 生物工程学报

Kandelia obovata Sheue, Liu & Yong, a mangrove species which distributed in tropical, subtropical coastal and estuarine intertidal, has important ecological functions in coastal ecosystems. Here, we reviewed several aspects of the recent research progress in molecular biological studies of K. obovata. We focused the phylogeography and genetic diversity of this species by several types of molecular markers, proteome analyses based on two-dimensional electrophoresis platform accomplished for this species, and functional genes isolated under non-biotic stress environment. Finally, based on the current research progress, we proposed some orientations for future molecular biological research on K. obovata.