Review and updates on physical activity load assessment in preschool children / 中国学校卫生

Abstract@#With the increasing attention paid to preschool physical activity in recent years, physical activity load assessment of preschool children has evolved with the development of theory and the wide application of microelectronic technology. In this paper, relevant literature from PubMed, Web of Science, and CNKI database were collected and analyzed, aiming to provide review and updates on physical activity load assessment in preschoolers. Given the characteristics of children s physical activities, effective measurement methods should be chosen and integrated from these tools, to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of children s physical activity load assessment.

Progress in the study of antiviral activity of cepharanthine against SARS-CoV-2 / 南方医科大学学报

As a member of the dibenzyl isoquinoline alkaloid family, cepharathine is an alkaloid from the traditional Chinese medicine cepharathine, which is mainly used for treatment of leukopenia and other diseases. Recent studies of the inhibitory effect of cepharathine against SARS-CoV-2 have attracted widespread attention and aroused heated discussion. As the original discoverer of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of cepharanthine, here we briefly summarize the discovery of cepharanthine and review important progress in relevant studies concerning the discovery and validation of anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of cepharathine, its antiviral mechanisms and clinical trials of its applications in COVID-19 therapy.

Corrigendum to “Effects of total iridoid glycosides of Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora against non-alcoholic steatohepatitis rats induced by high-fat and high-sugar diet through regulation of lipid metabolism” Chin Herb Med 12 (2019) 67–72 (Chinese Herbal Medicines (2020) 12(1) (67–72), (S167463841930108X), (10.1016/j.chmed.2019.12.005)) / 中草药·英文版

When this paper was first published the following ethical statement was omitted in error: This study was carried out in strict accordance with the recommendations in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals of Tianjin Institute of Pharmaceutical Research. The authors would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Corrigendum to “Neuroprotective effect of Sanqi Tongshuan Tablets on sequelae post-stroke in rats” Chinese Herbal Medicines 11 (2019) 45–51 (Chinese Herbal Medicines (2019) 11(1) (45–51), (S167463841830162X), (10.1016/j.chmed.2018.12.002)) / 中草药·英文版

When this paper was first published the following ethical statement was omitted in error: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of AAALAC (NO. 001488) and carried out in strict accordance with the recommendations in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals of Tianjin Institute of Pharmaceutical Research. The authors would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused. DOI of original article: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chmed.2018.12.002

Repurposing of clinically approved drugs for treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 in a 2019-novel coronavirus-related coronavirus model / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Medicines for the treatment of 2019-novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infections are urgently needed. However, drug screening using live 2019-nCoV requires high-level biosafety facilities, which imposes an obstacle for those institutions without such facilities or 2019-nCoV. This study aims to repurpose the clinically approved drugs for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a 2019-nCoV-related coronavirus model.@*METHODS@#A 2019-nCoV-related pangolin coronavirus GX_P2V/pangolin/2017/Guangxi was described. Whether GX_P2V uses angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as the cell receptor was investigated by using small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated silencing of ACE2. The pangolin coronavirus model was used to identify drug candidates for treating 2019-nCoV infection. Two libraries of 2406 clinically approved drugs were screened for their ability to inhibit cytopathic effects on Vero E6 cells by GX_P2V infection. The anti-viral activities and anti-viral mechanisms of potential drugs were further investigated. Viral yields of RNAs and infectious particles were quantified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and plaque assay, respectively.@*RESULTS@#The spike protein of coronavirus GX_P2V shares 92.2% amino acid identity with that of 2019-nCoV isolate Wuhan-hu-1, and uses ACE2 as the receptor for infection just like 2019-nCoV. Three drugs, including cepharanthine (CEP), selamectin, and mefloquine hydrochloride, exhibited complete inhibition of cytopathic effects in cell culture at 10 μmol/L. CEP demonstrated the most potent inhibition of GX_P2V infection, with a concentration for 50% of maximal effect [EC50] of 0.98 μmol/L. The viral RNA yield in cells treated with 10 μmol/L CEP was 15,393-fold lower than in cells without CEP treatment ([6.48 ± 0.02] × 10vs. 1.00 ± 0.12, t = 150.38, P < 0.001) at 72 h post-infection (p.i.). Plaque assays found no production of live viruses in media containing 10 μmol/L CEP at 48 h p.i. Furthermore, we found CEP had potent anti-viral activities against both viral entry (0.46 ± 0.12, vs.1.00 ± 0.37, t = 2.42, P < 0.05) and viral replication ([6.18 ± 0.95] × 10vs. 1.00 ± 0.43, t = 3.98, P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Our pangolin coronavirus GX_P2V is a workable model for 2019-nCoV research. CEP, selamectin, and mefloquine hydrochloride are potential drugs for treating 2019-nCoV infection. Our results strongly suggest that CEP is a wide-spectrum inhibitor of pan-betacoronavirus, and further study of CEP for treatment of 2019-nCoV infection is warranted.

A single-center retrospective analysis of 46 children with aerophagia / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the clinical features of aerophagia in children.@*MEYJODS@#A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical data of 46 children with aerophagia who were diagnosed and treated in Children's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from October 2011 to September 2019.@*RESULTS@#Among these 46 children, 15 (33%) had Tourette syndrome. Abdominal distension was the most common symptom and was observed in 45 children (98%). The 24-hour esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance monitoring showed a mean number of 341 times of air swallowing and a mean number of 212 times of gas reflux, and 95% of gas refluxes occurred in the upright body position. Compared with those without Tourette syndrome, the children with Tourette syndrome had a significantly higher incidence rate of air swallowing symptoms (67% vs 6%, P<0.001), but there were no significant differences in other symptoms and the results of 24-hour esophageal impedance. Dietary adjustment, psycho-behavioral therapy, and drug intervention significantly improved the scores of clinical symptoms and quality of life, among which psycho-behavioral therapy was an important intervention measure.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Some children with aerophagia may have Tourette syndrome, and such children are more likely to have air swallowing symptoms. Psycho-behavioral therapy is one of the most important treatment methods, and children with aerophagia tend to have a good prognosis after treatment.

Repurposing of clinically approved drugs for treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 in a 2019-novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) related coronavirus model / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#Medicines for the treatment of 2019-novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infections are urgently needed. However, drug screening using live 2019-nCoV requires high-level biosafety facilities, which imposes an obstacle for those without such facilities or 2019-novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). This study aims to repurpose the clinically approved drugs for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a 2019-nCoV related coronavirus model.@*Methods@#A 2019-nCoV related pangolin coronavirus GX_P2V/pangolin/2017/ Guangxi was described. Whether GX_P2X uses angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as the cell receptor was investigated by using small interfering RNA (siRNA) -mediated silencing of ACE2. The pangolin coronavirus model was used to identify drug candidates for treating 2019-nCoV infection. Two libraries of 2406 clinically approved drugs were screened for their ability to inhibit cytopathic effects on Vero E6 cells by GX_P2X infection. The antiviral activities and antiviral mechanisms of potential drugs were further investigated. Viral yields of RNAs and infectious particles were quantified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and plaque assay, respectively.@*Results@#The spike protein of coronavirus GX_P2V shares 92.2% amino acid identity with that of 2019-nCoV isolate Wuhan-hu-1, and uses ACE2 as the receptor for infection just like 2019-nCoV. Three drugs-cepharanthine (CEP), selamectin and mefloquine hydrochloride exhibited complete inhibition of cytopathic effects in cell culture at 10 μmol/L. CEP demonstrated the most potent inhibition of GX_P2V infection, with a concentration for 50% of maximal effect [EC50] of 0.98 μmol/L. The viral RNA yield in cells treated with 10 μmol/L CEP was 15,393-fold lower than in cells without CEP treatment ([6.48±0.02]×10-4 vs. 1.00±0.12, t=150.38, P<0.001) at 72 h post-infection (p.i.). Plaque assays found no production of live viruses in media containing 10 μmol/L CEP at 48 h p.i. Furthermore, we found CEP has potent antiviral activities against both viral entry (1.00±0.37 vs. 0.46±0.12, t=2.42, P<0.05) and viral replication (1.00±0.43 vs. [6.18±0.95]×10-4, t=3.98, P<0.05).@*Conclusions@#Our pangolin coronavirus GX_P2V is a workable model for 2019-nCoV research. CEP, selamectin and mefloquine hydrochloride are potential drugs for treating 2019-nCoV infection. Our results strongly suggest that CEP is a wide-spectrum inhibitor of pan-betacoronavirus, and clinical trial of CEP for treatment of 2019-nCoV infection is warranted.

Structure of SARS-CoV-2 and treatment of COVID-19 / 生理学报

Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new type of coronavirus pneumonia, which is caused by infection of a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. The virus infects lung cells by binding angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) of cell surface, which leads to leukocyte infiltration, increased permeability of blood vessels and alveolar walls, and decreased surfactant in the lung, causing respiratory symptoms. The aggravation of local inflammation causes cytokine storm, resulting in systemic inflammatory response syndrome. In December 2019, a number of new pneumonia cases were reported by Wuhan Municipal Health Commission, after then a novel coronavirus was isolated and identified as SARS-CoV-2. To the date of Sep. 13th, 2020, COVID-19 is affecting 216 countries or regions, causing 28 637 952 cases, 917 417 deaths, and the mortality rate is 3.20%. This review will summarize the structure of SARS-CoV-2 and the pharmaceutical treatment of COVID-19, and their potential relationships.

Ferroptosis in respiratory diseases / 生理学报

Ferroptosis is a novel form of regulated cell death which is dependent on iron and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and associated with the accumulation of lipid peroxides. It is obviously different from other cell death types in terms of morphology, biochemistry, genetics, etc. Also, it is related to the production of iron catalyzed lipid peroxides which is triggered by non-enzymatic or enzymatic reactions. Ferroptosis has been proved to be involved in hematological diseases, cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, liver and kidney diseases. This paper will review the definition, mechanism, inducers of ferroptosis, as well as the function of ferroptosis in respiratory system. We expect to present a new concept for respiratory research and suggest potential targets for clinical prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases.

Effect of minimally invasive techniques for removing impacted wisdom teeth on local inflammatory response and pain / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To explore the effect of minimally invasive techniques for removing impacted wisdom teeth on local inflammation and pain. Methods A total of 110 patients with impacted wisdom teeth removed in our department from June 2016 to February 2018 were divided into observation group(55 cases,minimally invasive removal) and control group (55 cases, traditional chisel) according to the surgical method. The operative status, the inflammatory mediators and pain mediators in the gingival sulcus before and after the treatment, and the therapeutic effects of the two groups were compared. Results The operative time of the observation group was shorter than that of the control group,the intraoperative blood loss was less than that in the control group, the differences were significant(P ＜ 0. 05). The levels of PTX3, cells in the gingival sulcus adhesion of cytokine 1 (ICAM1),peroxidase (MPO),prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels,pain mediator 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT), calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP), substance P(SP), galanin(Gla) and adenosine triphosphate(ATP) in the observation group after treatment was lower than those in the control group, the differences were significant(P ＜ 0. 05); The degree of mouth opening restriction, facial swelling and visual analog scale score(VAS) in the observation group were lower than those in the control group, the differences were significant(P ＜ 0. 05). Conclusion Compared with traditional chisel in extraction of impacted wisdom teeth, the minimally invasive wisdom tooth extraction can relieve the inflammatory response and pain sensation of patients,and the clinical treatment effect is significant.

Clinical characteristics and drug sensitivity in children with invasive pneumococcal disease: a multicenter study / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the clinical characteristics, drug sensitivity of isolated strains, and risk factors of drug resistance in children with invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD).@*METHODS@#The clinical characteristics and drug sensitivity of the isolated strains of 246 hospitalized children with IPD in nine grade A tertiary children's hospitals from January 2016 to June 2018 were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#Of the 246 children with IPD, there were 122 males and 124 females. Their ages ranged from 1 day to 14 years, and among them, 68 (27.6%) patients were less than 1 year old, 54 (22.0%) patients were 1 to 2 years old, 97 (39.4%) patients were 2 to 5 years old, and 27 (11.0%) patients were 5 to 14 years old. Pneumonia with sepsis was the most common infection type (58.5%, 144/246), followed by bloodstream infection without focus (19.9%, 49/246) and meningitis (15.0%, 37/246). Forty-nine (19.9%) patients had underlying diseases, and 160 (65.0%) had various risk factors for drug resistance. The isolated Streptococcus pneumoniae strains were 100% sensitive to vancomycin, linezolid, moxifloxacin, and levofloxacin, 90% sensitive to ertapenem, ofloxacin, and ceftriaxone, but had a low sensitivity to erythromycin (4.2%), clindamycin (7.9%), and tetracycline (6.3%).@*CONCLUSIONS@#IPD is more common in children under 5 years old, especially in those under 2 years old. Some children with IPD have underlying diseases, and most of the patients have various risk factors for drug resistance. Pneumonia with sepsis is the most common infection type. The isolated Streptococcus pneumoniae strains are highly sensitive to vancomycin, linezolid, moxifloxacin, levofloxacin, ertapenem, and ceftriaxone in children with IPD.

Correlation between thyroid nodules and the components of metabolic syndrome / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

ABSTRACT:Objective To investigate the prevalence of thyroid nodules in Xi’an City by ultrasonography and study the correlation between thyroid nodules and the components of metabolic syndrome.Methods We recruited 4 527 subjects in this cross-sectional study and divided them into thyroid nodules (TN)group and non-thyroid nodules (NTN)group.The height,weight,blood pressure,blood sugar,lipid,and serum uric acid were measured and analyzed.The relationship between thyroid nodules and thyroid function was assessed in the subjects who received TT3,TT4,TSH,TGAB,and TPOAB tests.Results ① The prevalence of thyroid nodules was 31.8% and was significantly higher in the female patients (38.4% vs.27.1%,χ2=64.44,P0.05).③ Age,systolic blood pressure,and TG,LDL-C and serum uric acid levels were remarkably higher in TN group than in NTN group (P<0.001 ). Conclusion The prevalence of thyroid nodules in Xi’an City is noticeably high.High systolic blood pressure level, dyslipidemia and elevated uric acid are associated with thyroid nodules.Therefore,screening and management of the individuals with aforementioned characteristics deserve more attention.

Effect of lipoxin A4 on lipopolysaccharide-induced oxidant stress in human renal tubular epithelial cells and possible mechanisms / 实用医学杂志

Objective The study aimed to investigate the effect of lipoxin A4 (LXA4) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)?induced oxidant stress in human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK2 cells) and possible underlying mecha?nisms. MethodsHK2 cells were divided into three groups: Control ,LPS and LPS+LXA4 groups. After cells were treated with indicated conditions,morphological changes were observed. The expressions of Nrf2 were detected by immunofluorescence and cells were collected for RT?PCR experiments.Results HK2 cells seemed disrupted and necrotic with the administration of LPS. However ,LXA4 could prevent cells from injury induced by LPS. LPS decreased Nrf2 expression and promoted it to translocate to cytoplasm ,while LXA4 could increase its expression and promote it to translocate to nucleus. Moreover ,LPS could decrease Nrf2 and its downstream molecule mRNA expressions,but LXA4 could reverse this effect. Conclusion Our results demonstrated that LXA4 effectively inhibit?ed HK2 cell oxidant stress via Nrf2 pathway.

Relationship between screw numbers and severity of tibial bone defect in primary total knee arthroplasty / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To summarize experience of using screws and cement to rebuild tibial bone defect in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and to discuss the relationship between the number of required screws and the severity of tibial bone defects.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From July 2009 to May 2015, 34 patients (40 knees) with varus knees underwent TKA, and the screw and cement technique was used to rebuild medial tibia plateau during operation. There were 8 males (8 knees) and 26 females (32 knees), and the average age was (65.00 +/- 7.25) years old (ranged,55 to 82 years old). One to 6 screws were used in each case. Extension stems were used in 2 cases (4 and 5 screws was used respectively). The area percentages of the bone defects measured as defect area/tibia plateau area, depth of each defect, the number of screws needed in each case, were all used to determine the relationship between the number of screws and the area percentage in certain depth of bone defect by statistic methods, as well as the relationship between screw number and defect depth.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the patients were followed up and the average duration was 24 months (ranged, 1 to 72 months). The average preoperative HSS score was 43.33 +/- 6.11 (ranged, 32 to 51 scores). Whereas the average postoperative HSS score was 92.15 +/- 4.64 (ranged,83 to 96 scores). The preoperative individual scores including pain, function, activity, nuscle strength, flexion deformity and stability were all improved compared with preoperation,and the differences were statistically significant. All the patients received normal alignment postoperatively, femoraltibial angle was improved from (167.00 +/- 6.39) degrees preoperatively to (175.00 +/- 2.69) degrees postoperatively, the tibial angle was improved from (78.09 +/- 4.51) degrees preoperatively to (88.75 +/- 1.24) degrees postoperatively. Both area percentage and depth of bone defect in a fitting Ologistic model had a significant statistical relationship with the screw number, and a rectangular coordinate system could be formed according to the relationship.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Screws and cement technique is a simple, safe and convenient method to rebuild tibial bone defects in primary TKA and its short-term and midterm effect are both reliable. During opera- tion, according to the rectangular coordinate system, the screw number needed in the operation can be inferred form th area and depth of tibia defect, which could have a guiding function in surgery.</p>

Clinical research on acupoint application on pulmonary function and quality of life in patients with pneumoconiosis / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of acupoint application on pulmonary function and quality of life in patients with pneumoconiosis. METHODS: By random number table method,74 pneumoconiosis patients were randomly divided into two groups: acupoint application group and control group,37 cases in each one. The control group was given conventional treatment. Based onconventional treatment,the acupoint application group was given acupoint application with Chinese herbal medicine on the first day of Chu Fu,Zhong Fu,Mo Fu every year for three years. The changes of pulmonary function was observed in each group. The quality of life of patients was investigated by the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF. RESULTS: Before treatment,the pulmonary function indicators such as vital capacity,forced vital capacity(FVC),forced expiratory volume in first second(FEV1),FEV1/ FVC% 、peak expiratory flow( PEF),maximal voluntary ventilation and quality of life score between the two groups had no statistical significance( P > 0. 05). Compared with the same group before treatment,all indexes of pulmonary function,except FEV1/ FVC% and PEF,and life quality score were improved in patients in the control group after treatment( P < 0. 05). After treatment,all indexes of pulmonary function and life quality score were improved in patients in acupoint application group( P < 0. 01). The remaining 5 lung function indexes,except PEF,and the quality of life of the patients in acupoint application group were higher than those in the control group( P < 0. 05). CONCLUSION: Acupoint application therapy can improve lung ventilation function and improve quality of life in patients with pneumoconiosis.

Genetical study of mutation in maternal-fetal ABO incompatibility / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

This study looked into a family involving a rare mother-child ABO blood type inconsistency and explored its genetic and molecular basis. In the family, the mother had type AB blood and the father was blood type B and they gave birth to a baby of blood type O. Their blood types were phenotypically identified by using different techniques, including micro-column gel test, immune inhibition test, absorption and elution tests. The sequences of all 7 exons of ABO allele from the core family members were determined by using PCR and clone-based sequencing. The loci of mutated gene were compared against normal human genes. The result showed that the mother's erythrocytes were agglutinable with monoclonal anti-A antibody (2+) and had agglutination reaction with anti-B antibody (4+). The mother's serum registered agglutination action with standard blood type A cells. The findings showed an ABO inconsistency. When domestic antibodies were used, the mother's erythrocytes yielded agglutination reaction with humanized anti-B serum (4+) and anti-B monoclonal antibody but were non-agglutinable with humanized anti-A serum and anti-A monoclonal antibody. Upon absorption and elution, the titer of anit-A antibody was 128 both before and after the absorption test, with no significant difference found between pre- and post-absorption values. Our results confirmed that the mother's allelic gene was type B and contained type A. The father's blood type was type B, and son's blood type was type O. Clone-based sequencing revealed that the mother carried a heterozygous gene of B101.01 (ntA640→G)/O01, which contained an M214→V mutation that could express a weak expression of antigen A, resulting in blood type AB. However, their son did not have the M214→V mutation, which yielded a false ABO-inconsistency between him and his mother. We were led to conclude that type B gene with a M214→V mutation can encode both antigen B and weak antigen B that can lead to false ABO-inconsistencies.

Genetical study of mutation in maternal-fetal ABO incompatibility / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

This study looked into a family involving a rare mother-child ABO blood type inconsistency and explored its genetic and molecular basis. In the family, the mother had type AB blood and the father was blood type B and they gave birth to a baby of blood type O. Their blood types were phenotypically identified by using different techniques, including micro-column gel test, immune inhibition test, absorption and elution tests. The sequences of all 7 exons of ABO allele from the core family members were determined by using PCR and clone-based sequencing. The loci of mutated gene were compared against normal human genes. The result showed that the mother's erythrocytes were agglutinable with monoclonal anti-A antibody (2+) and had agglutination reaction with anti-B antibody (4+). The mother's serum registered agglutination action with standard blood type A cells. The findings showed an ABO inconsistency. When domestic antibodies were used, the mother's erythrocytes yielded agglutination reaction with humanized anti-B serum (4+) and anti-B monoclonal antibody but were non-agglutinable with humanized anti-A serum and anti-A monoclonal antibody. Upon absorption and elution, the titer of anit-A antibody was 128 both before and after the absorption test, with no significant difference found between pre- and post-absorption values. Our results confirmed that the mother's allelic gene was type B and contained type A. The father's blood type was type B, and son's blood type was type O. Clone-based sequencing revealed that the mother carried a heterozygous gene of B101.01 (ntA640→G)/O01, which contained an M214→V mutation that could express a weak expression of antigen A, resulting in blood type AB. However, their son did not have the M214→V mutation, which yielded a false ABO-inconsistency between him and his mother. We were led to conclude that type B gene with a M214→V mutation can encode both antigen B and weak antigen B that can lead to false ABO-inconsistencies.

Effects of puerarin on experimental model of retinal vein occlusion in rats / 中草药·英文版

Objective: To establish a model of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) in rats and to study the effect of puerarin on ischemic retinal disease and the corresponding mechanism. Methods: RVO was induced in 10 adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats by laser photothrombosis. Retinal blood flow was examined before and after 1 h of the operation, and model rats with the retinal vein blood flow decreasing by 50% compared to the basic value were chosen and then puerarins (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg) were given. The levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and nitric oxide (NO) were analyzed. In addition, the histopathology of RVO-eyes was performed. Results: RVO-eyes displayed the signs of retinal damage and ischemia on Doppler Flowmeter and histopathology. Puerarin (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg) increased blood flow by 9.3% (P < 0.05), 33.1% (P < 0.001), and 41.5% (P < 0.001), respectively. On the other hand, the histological changes were less severe at different degrees, relieving the symptoms such as edematous and thick neuroretinal layers, lax, edematous, and disorganized optic fibers layers, swollen and confused inner and outer nuclear layer. Besides, dose-dependent decrease of VEGF and IL-1β and increase of NO in vitreous fluid were observed, with respect to the model group. Conclusion: A rat model of laser photochemical-induced RVO is established and a decrease in the retinal blood flow and histological damage is detected. The puerarin has therapeutic benefit in the rat model of RVO, through the pathway of neovascularization, anti-inflammation, and increase of NO. © 2014 Tianjin Press of Chinese Herbal Medicines.

Effect of Chinese Patent Medicine Naodesheng against Repeated Transient Global Cerebral Ischemia in Mice / 中草药·英文版

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effect and possible mechanisms of Chinese ptent medicine Naodesheng (NDS) on repeated transient global cerebral ischemia (GCI) in mice. Methods: The repeated transient GCI mice were induced by bilateral carotid arteries ligation, and were randomly divided into model group, Sham group without arteries ligation, NDS groups (1.25 and 2.5 g/kg) and positive control (vinpocetine 3.1 mg/kg, VP) group. After oral administration once daily for successive 7 d, the transient GCI was induced. The degree of neurological deficit, histological changes, and neurons loss in the hippocampus were evaluated. In order to investigate the possible mechanisms, the oxidative stress and inflammatory factor were measured after 24 h of GCI. Comparison among multiple groups was performed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: NDS could significantly alleviate the neurological function impairment, histological injury, and neurons loss, increase the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, decrease the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), and reduce inflammatory factor in the ischemic brain tissue. Conclusion: NDS could significantly reduce brain injury induced by global ischemia, and its mechanism is closely associated with anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation.

Upregulation of toll-like receptor 4 on T cells in PBMCs is associated with disease aggravation of HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Immune-mediated inflammatory injury is an important feature of the disease aggravation of hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have been shown previously to play a pivotal role in the activation of innate immunity. The purpose of this study was to characterize the TLR4 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of ACLF patients and its possible role in the disease aggravation. Twelve healthy subjects, 15 chronic HBV-infected (CHB) patients and 15 ACLF patients were enrolled in this study. The TLR4 expression in PBMCs and T cells of all subjects was examined by real-time PCR and flow cytometry. The correlation of TLR4 expression on T cells with the markers of disease aggravation was evaluated in ACLF patients. The ability of TLR4 ligands stimulation to induce inflammatory cytokine production in ACLF patients was analyzed by flow cytometry. The results showed that TLR4 mRNA level was upregulated in PBMCs of ACLF patients compared to that in the healthy subjects and the CHB patients. Specifically, the expression of TLR4 on CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells of PBMCs was significantly increased in ACLF patients. The TLR4 levels on CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells were positively correlated with serum total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), international normalized ratio (INR) levels and white blood cells (WBCs), and negatively correlated with serum albumin (ALB) levels in the HBV-infected patients, indicating TLR4 pathway may play a role in the disease aggravation of ACLF. In vitro TLR4 ligand stimulation on PBMCs of ACLF patients induced a strong TNF-α production by CD4(+) T cells, which was also positively correlated with the serum markers for liver injury severity. It was concluded that TLR4 expression is upregulated on T cells in PBMCs, which is associated with the aggravation of ACLF.