Clinical application of single breath-holding left ventricle artificial intelligence assisted compression sensing T 2-weighted dark blood imaging sequence / 中华放射学杂志

Objective:To explore the feasibility of cardiac T 2 weighted dark blood sequence (T 2W-DB) based on artificial intelligence assisted compression-sensing(ACS) in clinical cardiac MR examination, compared with the conventional cardiac fast spin-echo T 2W-DB sequence. Methods:A total of 38 patients referred for cardiac MR examination in Tongji Hospital were enrolled prospectively from August to December 2021. The conventional T 2W-DB scan and the single-shot ACS T 2W-DB scan were acquired at continuous short-axial slices covering the whole left ventricle in all patients, and the acquisition time of each scan was recorded. The image quality of the two sequences was evaluated by the objective quantitative parameters and the subjective scoring methods, respectively. The signal to noise ratio (SNR), the contrast to noise ratio of the interventricular septum to blood pool (CNR), and the sharpness of the images were calculated. The subjective scoring was to evaluate the overall image quality, the effect of blood pool suppression, the visibility of right ventricular free wall, left ventricular free wall, and interventricular septum with a 5-point Likert scale. The intraclass correlation coefficient and Kendall W were calculated to evaluate the interobserver agreement of the objective quantitative parameters and subjective scoring. The paired t-test or Wilcoxon test was used to compare the difference in acquisition time, objective quantitative parameters and subjective scoring between the conventional T 2W-DB and the single-shot ACS T 2W-DB. Results:The inter-observer agreement between the single-shot ACS T 2W-DB and conventional T 2W-DB was good in all the objective quantitative parameters and subjective scoring of image quality ( P<0.05 for all). Compared with conventional T 2W-DB, acquisition time of single-shot ACS T 2W-DB was remarkably shortened [(85.8±14.7) s vs. (16.9±3.0) s, t=35.42, P<0.001]. Compared with SNR (66.4±29.0) and CNR(61.8±28.6) of conventional T 2W-DB, single-shot ACS T 2W-DB had significantly higher SNR(110.8±36.8, t=-8.13, P?0.001) and CNR(88.2±31.1, t=-5.89, P?0.001). Compared with conventional T 2W-DB, single-shot ACS T 2W-DB had better blood pool inhibition effect (4.6±0.6 vs. 4.7±0.5, Z=-2.64, P=0.008). There was no significant difference in overall image quality, visibility of right ventricular free wall, left ventricular free wall, and interventricular septum between the two sequences( P>0.05 for all). Conclusions:In cardiac MR examination, compared with the conventional T 2W-DB sequence, the single-shot ACS T 2W-DB sequence can significantly shorten the acquisition time and obtain better image quality.

Melanogenesis of quality markers in Vernonia anthelmintica Injection based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS combined network pharmacology / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to evaluate the biological effect and mechanism of Vernonia anthelmintica Injection(VAI) on melanin accumulation. The in vivo depigmentation model was induced by propylthiouracil(PTU) in zebrafish, and the effect of VAI on melanin accumulation was evaluated based on the in vitro B16F10 cell model. The chemical composition of VAI was identified according to the high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). Network pharmaco-logy was applied to predict potential targets and pathways of VAI. A "VAI component-target-pathway" network was established, and the pharmacodynamic molecules were screened out based on the topological characteristics of the network. The binding of active molecules to key targets was verified by molecular docking. The results showed that VAI promoted tyrosinase activity and melanin production in B16F10 cells in a dose-and time-dependent manner and could restore the melanin in the body of the zebrafish model. Fifty-six compounds were identified from VAI, including flavonoids(15/56), terpenoids(10/56), phenolic acids(9/56), fatty acids(9/56), steroids(6/56), and others(7/56). Network pharmacological analysis screened four potential quality markers, including apigenin, chrysoeriol, syringaresinol, and butein, involving 61 targets and 65 pathways, and molecular docking verified their binding to TYR, NFE2L2, CASP3, MAPK1, MAPK8, and MAPK14. It was found that the mRNA expression of MITF, TYR, TYRP1, and DCT in B16F10 cells was promoted. By UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and network pharmacology, this study determined the material basis of VAI against vitiligo, screened apigenin, chrysoeriol, syringaresinol, and butein as the quality markers of VAI, and verified the efficacy and internal mechanism of melanogenesis, providing a basis for quality control and further clinical research.

Research Progress on Compatibility Mechanism of Coptidis Rhizoma-Euodiae Fructus： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Herb pair， a common form of compounding in Chinese medicinal prescriptions， reflects the experience of pharmacists in clinical medication in the past. It is characterized by simple composition while has the basic characteristics of Chinese medicine compounding. The combination of two medicinal herbs can enhance effect or reduce toxicity. Coptidis Rhizoma （CR） has the effects of clearing heat， drying dampness， purging fire， and removing toxin. Euodiae Fructus （EF） is acrid， bitter， and hot-natured， which can not only warm the Yang Qi in spleen and stomach to dissipate cold and relieve pain， but also descend stomach Qi and prevent vomiting. Furthermore， it can warm the liver and kidney. CR and EF form a typical cold-heat herb pair， which oppose and yet also complement each other. Specifically， their cold and heat natures interact with each other to clear liver fire， harmonize stomach for descending adverse Qi， relieve depression， and dissipate mass. CR clears the intestine and stops dysentery， while EF warms the middle and promotes the circulation of Qi. The combination of them can thus clear heat， dry dampness， and relieve pain. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that CR-EF has not only significant efficacy against digestive system diseases but also good anti-cancer， anti-inflammatory， anti-ulcer， and lipid-lowering activities. Therefore， the article summarized the effect enhancement and toxicity reduction of the herb pair at the levels of cellular molecule， isolated organ， and whole animal， and clarified the mechanism of its pharmacological action. It will provide a theoretical basis for further development and clinical use of the herb pair.

Post-COVID-19 condition in children / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Post-COVID-19 condition in children refers to the presence of physical symptoms or syndromes lasting more than 12 weeks after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, which can be manifested as a combination of various signs and symptoms.Girls, school-aged, adolescents, and children with severe illness in the acute phase of COVID-19, with underlying allergic diseases and poor baseline physical and mental health are high-risk factors for post-COVID-19 condition in children.Pathogenesis may be related to viral persistence, autoimmunity, chronic inflammatory responses, chronic inflammation of vascular endothelial cells, and microthrombosis.A comprehensive treatment scheme including symptoms relieving treatment, rehabilitation, and psychological support.This article reviews the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and management of the post-COVID-19 condition in children to improve clinicians′ comprehension of the disease.

Selective column arthrodesis based on three-column theory for malunion of Lisfranc injury / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the mid-term clinical outcomes of selective column arthrodesis based on the three-column theory in the treatment of malunion of Lisfranc injury.Methods:The 28 patients with malunion of Lisfranc injury were analyzed retrospectively who had been treated by selective column arthrodesis at Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January 2011 to January 2020.They were 18 males and 10 females, with an average age of 37.2 years(from 18 to 65 years). Twelve left and 16 right sides were affected. According to Myerson's three-column classification, one case was medial column injury (type A), 4 ones middle column injury (type B), 7 ones medial plus middle columns injury and 16 ones three-column injury. Medial column arthrodesis was conducted in 7, middle column arthrodesis in 4 and medial plus middle columns arthrodesis in 17. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot score and visual analogue scale (VAS) were compared between preoperation and the last follow-up to evaluate the improvements in foot function and pain. The operation-related complications were recorded.Results:All patients were followed up for an average of 35.6 months (from 18 to 60 months). The AOFAS midfoot score increased from 43.1±4.1 at pre-operation to 84.1± 7.4 at the last follow-up and the VAS score decreased from 5.7±1.3 at pre-operation to 2.0±0.9 at the last follow-up (both P<0.001). The wounds healed in 28 patients, 3 of whom had postoperative wound exudation but responded to dressing change. There were no such complications as injury to the deep peroneal nerve or deep venous thrombosis. The internal fixation was removed in 5 patients at about one year after arthrodesis. Conclusion:Selective column arthrodesis based on the three-column theory can result in satisfactory med-term clinical outcomes in the treatment of malunion of Lisfranc injury.

Research on Q-markers of Polygoni Perfoliati Herba based on analytic hierarchy process-entropy weight method and fingerprints / 中国中药杂志

The potential quality markers(Q-markers) of Polygoni Perfoliati Herba were studied based on analytic hierarchy process(AHP)-entropy weight method(EWM), network pharmacology, and spectrum-effect relationship analysis. The AHP-EWM was used for quantitative identification of the Q-markers. To be specific, AHP was applied for the weight analysis of the validity, testability, and specificity of the first-level indexes, and EWM for the analysis of the second-level indexes supported by literature and experimental data. Based on literature and network pharmacology, the validity analysis was to study the component-target-disease-efficacy network, and select the components with the strongest correlation with the efficacy of clearing heat and removing toxin, diuresis and alleviating edema, and relieving cough. For the testability analysis, the high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) and literature research were used to determine the 10 components in Polygoni Perfoliati Herba, and the fingerprints of Polygoni Perfoliati Herba were established at the same time. The specificity analysis was based on the statistics of the number of plants in which the components existed. Thereby, the 11 compounds: quercetin, oleanolic acid, ellagic acid, gallic acid, kaempferol, rutin, esculetin, quercetin-3-O-glucuronide, ursolic acid, protocatechuic acid, and ferulic acid, were identified as potential Q-markers. The 11 compounds were identified to have high anti-inflammatory activity, indicating that the 11 Q-markers may be the functional material basis. The result in this study is expected to serve as a reference for the quality control of Polygoni Perfoliati Herba.

Correlation study between quantitative characteristics of CT lung opacification based on machine learning and clinical subtypes and severity of lung injury of COVID-19 / 中华放射学杂志

Objective:To investigate the value of chest CT quantitative index in clinical classification and lung injury severity evaluation of COVID-19.Methods:The current study retrospectively analyzed the clinical and CT data of 438 patients with COVID-19 between January 2020 and March 2020 in Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology. The clinical types included common type ( n=146), severe type ( n=247) and critical type ( n=45). The chest CT indexes of all patients were quantitatively analyzed by artificial intelligence (AI) deep learning, including whole lung volume, CT lung opacification, ground glass opacification volume (GGO volume; CT value<-300 HU), solid opacification volume (SO volume; CT value ≥-300 HU) and the ratio of volume to the whole lung volume, the ratio of SO volume to GGO volume (SO volume/GGO volume). Kruskal-Wallis test was used to conduct statistical analysis of the differences in quantitative parameters among clinical types, and multiple ordered logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation between quantitative parameters and clinical types. Results:Among the 438 patients diagnosed with COVID-19, severe and critical patients were older ( P<0.05), and most of the critical patients were male ( P<0.05). The main clinical manifestations of all clinical types were fever, followed by cough, fatigue, chest tightness, dyspnea, gastrointestinal symptoms and so on. GGO volume was the main CT manifestation of all the three clinical subtypes. The whole-lung opacification volume, GGO volume, SO volume and their proportions in whole-lung volume significantly increased from common, severe to critical types (all P<0.05). SO volume/GGO volume increased with the severity of clinical type [common type 0.12 (0.03, 0.34), severe type 0.29 (0.11, 0.59), critical type 0.61 (0.39, 0.97)]. Multiple ordered logistic regression analysis showed that whole-lung opacification volume (OR=1.009), SO volume/GGO volume (OR=1.866), GGO volume (OR=1.008) and SO volume (OR=1.016) had a significant positive effect on the severity of clinical typing ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Quantitative indicators of chest CT based on deep learning algorithm (SO volume, GGO volume, SO volume/GGO volume) are closely related to the clinical severity of COVID-19.

Effects of perioperative whole course thermal insulation strategy on extubation, recovery time, coagulation index and the incidence of complications in patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the effects of perioperative whole course thermal insulation strategy on extubation, recovery time, coagulation index and the incidence of complications in patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery.Methods:A total of 121 patients who underwent thoracoscopic surgery who received treatment in Zhoushan Hospital from October 2016 to February 2018 were included in this study. Among them, 59 patients who underwent thoracoscopic surgery from October 2016 to February 2017 were included in the simple thermal insulation group, and 62 patients who underwent thoracoscopic surgery from October 2017 to February 2018 were included in the whole process thermal insulation group. Before and 24 hours and 72 hours after surgery, platelet count, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and thrombin time were compared between the two groups. Postoperative extubation time and recovery time were recorded. The incidence of shivering, restlessness and other complications was analyzed.Results:Postoperative extubation time and recovery time in the whole process thermal insulation group were significantly shorter than those in the simple thermal insulation group [(8.06 ± 4.60) min vs. (13.98 ± 7.22) min, (47.19 ± 12.97) min vs. (56.84 ± 17.49) min, t = 5.40, 3.47, both P < 0.05). At 24 and 72 hours after surgery, platelet count and activated partial prothrombin time in the whole process thermal insulation group were significantly shorter than those in the simple thermal insulation group [(12.55 ± 0.88) s vs. (13.11 ± 0.97) s, (27.44 ± 2.43) s vs. (29.03 ± 2.14) s, (11.42 ± 0.73) s vs. (11.87 ± 0.74) s, (27.44 ± 1.96) s vs. (28.80 ± 2.22) s, t = 3.32, 3.81, all P < 0.05). The incidence of postoperative shivering and restlessness in the whole process thermal insulation group was significantly lower than that in the simple insulation Group (7 cases vs. 27 cases, 5 cases vs. 22 cases, χ2 = 17.782, 14.894, 3.33, 3.57, all P < 0.05). Conclusion:Perioperative whole course thermal insulation strategy can shorten extubation and recovery time, inhibit perioperative coagulation dysfunction, and decrease the incidence of perioperative restlessness, shivering and other complications caused by hypothermia. The effect of perioperative whole course thermal insulation is superior to that of simple thermal insulation.

Clinical analysis of infantile laryngopharyngeal reflux disease with cyanosis / 中国小儿急救医学

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of infantile laryngopharyngeal reflux diseases(LPRD) with cyanosis as the main manifestation, improve diagnosis of the disease and avoid missed diagnosis.Methods:Clinical data of children diagnosed with LPRD at Shenzhen Children′s Hospital from September 2015 to October 2018 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:Cyanosis was the predominant symptom in all 5 cases.The course ranged from 3 days to 4 months.Laryngomalacia was observed in 4 cases.Two patients were treated with esophageal atresia, 1 with esophageal stenosis and 1 with severe tracheomalacia.All 5 cases had vocal cord and arytenoid mucosa edema.The Ryan index was 65.92-1 444.5 in the upright position and 3.73-431.44 in the supine position.Three cases were treated with erythromycin and ceftriaxone according to the etiology.Two cases were treated with motilium at the same time, and 3 cases were with omeprazole oral.One case was recovered after 8 weeks and the Ryan index became normal.Symptoms were alleviated in 3 patients after 4 weeks, drugs were stopped by parents.One case still had cyanosis during medication, the symptoms were significantly relieved after tracheal stent implantation.Conclusion:LPRD is closely related to children′s respiratory and digestive system diseases.LPRD should be taken into account when children show unexplained clinical symptoms of respiratory and digestive system, and laryngoscopy and DX-pH detection should be performed as soon as possible to avoid missed diagnosis.

Determination method of deamidation impurities in cobratide using mass spectrometry technique / 药学学报

Deamidation is one of the most common degradation impurities in protein and peptide drugs. The deamidation of glutamine and asparagine in the protein sequence can lead to changes in the chemical and biological properties of the protein. However, the rutine trypsin-based pretreatment process can significantly increase the artificial deamidation impurities during the digestion process, resulting in high determination level. In this study, after optimizing the conditions of Glu-C enzymatic hydrolysis, we obtained the best enzymatic conditions under acidic condition and the artificial deamidation impurities significantly reduced in digestion process, identified the deamidation site (N48). Through the methodological investigation and comparison of the measurement results of different methods, the specificity, reproducibility and accuracy of the method are verified. The method established in this research has laid a solid foundation for the accurate determination of deamidation impurities in cobratide and its similar protein peptide biochemical drugs.

Chinese Medicine Involving Triple Rehabilitation Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis in 696 Outpatients: A Multi-Center, Randomized Controlled Trial / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To determine the effects of Chinese medicine (CM) involving triple rehabilitation therapy on the progression of knee osteoarthritis (KOA).@*METHODS@#A total of 722 patients recruited from 38 community health service centers located in China from March 2013 to March 2017 were randomly divided into treatment and control groups equally, using a cluster randomization design. Health education combined with CM involving triple rehabilitation therapy for KOA (electro-acupuncture, Chinese medicinal herb fumigating-washing, and traditional exercises) was administered in the treatment group while conventional rehabilitation therapy (physical factor therapy, joint movement training, and muscle strength training) was administered in the control group. Patients with a visual analog scale (VAS) scores ≽4 were treated with dispersible meloxicam tablets (7.5 mg, once daily). The Lequesne index scores, VAS scores, range of motion (ROM), lower limb muscle strength, knee joint circumference, quantitative scores of KOA symptoms, and the short-form 36 item health survey questionnaire (SF-36) scores were measured for each patient at 5 checkpoints (before treatment, at the 2nd week and the 4th week during the 4-week treatment period, at 1 month and 3 months after end of treatment), and adverse reactions were observed also.@*RESULTS@#A total of 696 patients completed the entire process, with 351 in the treatment group and 345 in the control group. At all treatment checkpoints, the treatment group demonstrated better outcomes than the control group with regard to the total Lequesne index scores, effective rate and improvement rate of the total Lequesne index scores, VAS scores, lower limb muscle strength, knee circumference, quantitative scores of KOA symptoms, and SF-36 scores as well (P<0.05 or P<0.01). No adverse reactions were encountered in this study.@*CONCLUSIONS@#CM involving triple rehabilitation therapy can alleviate KOA-related pain and swelling, improve lower limb muscle strength, promote flexion and activity of the knee and improve the quality of life in patients undergoing KOA. It is suitable for patients with early or mid-stage KOA. (Registration No. ChiCTR-TRC-12002538).

The curative effect of suture anchor in the treatment of ankle joint fracture with distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injury / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the curative effect of suture anchor in the treatment of ankle joint fracture complicated with distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injury.Methods:From January 2017 to August 2019, data of 65 patients with Weber C type ankle fracture combined with posterior malleolus fracture in our hospital who underwent surgical treatment were retrospectively analyzed and were divided into two groups according to the treatment method of injury: suture-anchor repair group (suture-anchor was used to repair the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament) and screw fixation group (cortical bone screw was used to fix the tibiofibular syndesmosis). Among them, 17 cases were treated with suture-anchors to repair the anterior inferior tibiafibular ligament, including 7 males, 10 females, 11 left and 6 right. In the Lauge-Hanson subgroup, there were 10 cases of pronation external rotation (PER), and 7 cases of pronation abduction (PA). The mean age was 43.76±15.83 years old. Forty-eight patients were treated with cortical screw fixation, including 33 males, 15 females, 34 left and 14 right. In the Lauge-Hanson subgroup, there were 30 cases of PER, and 18 cases of PA. The mean age was 39.90±13.57 years old. The differences in operation time, number of fluoroscopy, quality of reduction and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. The ankle joint function was compared at 16 weeks postoperatively and at the last follow-up. The ankle joint function score was based on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score.Results:All the 65 patients were followed up and the average follow-up time of 65 cases was 16.88±4.46 months. All the fractures were clinically healed 12-16 weeks after operation. The operative time of screw fixation group was 123.71±41.36 min, and the number of fluoroscopy was 25.17±16.29 times, while the operative time of suture-anchor repair group was 99.94±24.16 min and the number of fluoroscopy was 16.26±10.58 times. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( t=2.048, 2.175; P=0.045, 0.033). In the screw fixation group, the mean anterior and posterior distance of the tibiofibular syndesmosis was 3.15±1.35 mm, and 6.48±1.43 mm, respectively. In the suture-anchor repair group, the mean anterior distance of the syndesmosis was 2.06±1.47 mm, and the mean posterior distance of the syndesmosis was 6.76±1.78 mm. There was statistically significant difference in the distance of anterior distance of the syndesmosis ( t=3.328, P=0.002), while there was no statistically significant difference in the posterior distance of the syndesmosis ( t=0.701, P=0.486). The incidence of postoperative complications was 16.67% (8/48) in the screw fixation group and 5.88% (1/17) in the suture-anchor repair group, which was no statistically different ( χ2=1.282, P=0.258). The excellent and good rates of AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scores were 91.67% (44/48) in the screw fixation group and 88.24% (15/17) in the suture-anchor repair group at 16 weeks; 95.83% (46/48) in the screw fixation group and 94.12% (16/17) in the suture-anchor repair group at the last follow-up. There was no significant difference ( P >0.05). Conclusion:Compare with screw fixation in the treatment of acute distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injury, suture-anchor repair of anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament is a safe and effective method. It can increase the anatomical reduction rate of anterior distance of the syndesmosis, and reduce the operation time without increasing the incidence of complications.

Association between liver fibrosis progression and endothelin-1/nitric oxide in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease / 临床肝胆病杂志

Objective To investigate whether the progression of liver fibrosis affects endothelial function in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and to early identify the warning of cardiovascular diseases caused by endothelial dysfunction by liver fibrosis progression. Methods A total of 280 patients who attended the outpatient service or were hospitalized in Department of Liver Disease, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, from April 2019 to October 2020 were enrolled, and they were diagnosed with fatty liver disease by ultrasound and met the diagnostic criteria for NAFLD. General information and related serological markers were collected and recorded. FibroTouch technique was performed for the NAFLD patients diagnosed by ultrasound to record their fat attenuation parameter (FAP) and liver stiffness measurement (LSM), and according to LSM, the patients were divided into non-progressive fibrosis group (239 patients with LSM 0.05). Further analysis of the correlation of ET-1 and NO with each index showed that ET-1 was not correlated with age, NO, ALT, AST, GGT, total cholesterol, TG, HDL-C, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), FAP, and BMI ( r s =-0.017, 0.054, -0.067, -0.016, -0.031, 0.004, 0.051, -0.084, -0.030, 0.080, and 0.044, all P > 0.05), and NO was not correlated with age, ET-1, ALT, AST, GGT, total cholesterol, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, FAP, and BMI ( r s =0.004, 0.054, 0.011, 0.052, 0.004, -0.051, -0.052, -0.012, -0.076, -0.013, and -0.021, all P > 0.05). Conclusion This study shows that liver fibrosis progression in NAFLD has no impact on ET-1 and NO, suggesting that fibrosis progression may have no influence on endothelial function.

Expression levels of gastrointestinal hormones in the progression of liver fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease / 临床肝胆病杂志

Objective To investigate the changes in gastrointestinal hormones during the progression of liver fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and to provide a basis for digestive function impairment. Methods A prospective analysis was performed for 326 patients with NAFLD who attended the outpatient service and were hospitalized and treated in Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine from October 2018 to June 2020, and FibroTouch was used to measure liver stiffness measurement (LSM). According to the presence or absence of liver fibrosis, they were divided into non-liver fibrosis group (group A, 161 patients with LSM < 7.3 kPa) and liver fibrosis group (group B, 165 patients with LSM ≥7.3 kPa). According to the fibrosis degree, the patients were further divided into F0-1 group (LSM < 7.3 kPa), F2 group (7.3 kPa ≤LSM < 9.7 kPa), F2-3 group (9.7 kPa ≤LSM < 12.4 kPa), F3-4 group (12.4 kPa ≤LSM < 17.5 kPa), and F4 group (LSM ≥17.5 kPa). Related data were collected, including age, sex, liver function parameters, and gastrointestinal hormones. The independent samples t -test and the one-way analysis of variance were used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between groups, and the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test and the Kruskal-Wallis H test were used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between groups. A Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation between LSM and liver function parameters. Results Comparison of liver function and gastrointestinal hormones showed that there were significant differences between groups A and B in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ( Z =-3.778, P < 0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) ( Z =-3.320, P =0.001), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) ( Z =-3.040, P =0.002), cholecystokinin (CCK) ( t =-2.944, P =0.003), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) ( Z =-2.317, P =0.020). There were significant differences in ALT ( χ 2 =23.113, P < 0.001), AST ( χ 2 =23.415, P < 0.001), ALP ( χ 2 =15.962, P =0.003), GGT ( χ 2 =20.172, P < 0.001), and CCK ( F =2.687, P =0.031) between the F0-1 group with 161 patients, the F2 group with 89 patients, the F2-3 group with 46 patients, the F3-4 group with 16 patients, and the F4 group with 14 patients. LSM was positively correlated with direct bilirubin, ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, and GGT ( r =0.128, 0.266, 0.225, 0.137, and 0.213, all P < 0.05). Conclusion Liver fibrosis progression in NAFLD can affect gallbladder contraction function and gastrointestinal function, and measurement of the serum levels of CCK and LPS has an important clinical value in the early diagnosis and treatment of digestive diseases related to gallbladder contraction function and gastrointe stinal function in NAFLD patients with liver fibrosis.

Expression levels of gastrointestinal hormones in the progression of liver fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease / 临床肝胆病杂志

Objective To investigate the changes in gastrointestinal hormones during the progression of liver fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and to provide a basis for digestive function impairment. Methods A prospective analysis was performed for 326 patients with NAFLD who attended the outpatient service and were hospitalized and treated in Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine from October 2018 to June 2020, and FibroTouch was used to measure liver stiffness measurement (LSM). According to the presence or absence of liver fibrosis, they were divided into non-liver fibrosis group (group A, 161 patients with LSM < 7.3 kPa) and liver fibrosis group (group B, 165 patients with LSM ≥7.3 kPa). According to the fibrosis degree, the patients were further divided into F0-1 group (LSM < 7.3 kPa), F2 group (7.3 kPa ≤LSM < 9.7 kPa), F2-3 group (9.7 kPa ≤LSM < 12.4 kPa), F3-4 group (12.4 kPa ≤LSM < 17.5 kPa), and F4 group (LSM ≥17.5 kPa). Related data were collected, including age, sex, liver function parameters, and gastrointestinal hormones. The independent samples t -test and the one-way analysis of variance were used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between groups, and the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test and the Kruskal-Wallis H test were used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between groups. A Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation between LSM and liver function parameters. Results Comparison of liver function and gastrointestinal hormones showed that there were significant differences between groups A and B in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ( Z =-3.778, P < 0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) ( Z =-3.320, P =0.001), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) ( Z =-3.040, P =0.002), cholecystokinin (CCK) ( t =-2.944, P =0.003), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) ( Z =-2.317, P =0.020). There were significant differences in ALT ( χ 2 =23.113, P < 0.001), AST ( χ 2 =23.415, P < 0.001), ALP ( χ 2 =15.962, P =0.003), GGT ( χ 2 =20.172, P < 0.001), and CCK ( F =2.687, P =0.031) between the F0-1 group with 161 patients, the F2 group with 89 patients, the F2-3 group with 46 patients, the F3-4 group with 16 patients, and the F4 group with 14 patients. LSM was positively correlated with direct bilirubin, ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, and GGT ( r =0.128, 0.266, 0.225, 0.137, and 0.213, all P < 0.05). Conclusion Liver fibrosis progression in NAFLD can affect gallbladder contraction function and gastrointestinal function, and measurement of the serum levels of CCK and LPS has an important clinical value in the early diagnosis and treatment of digestive diseases related to gallbladder contraction function and gastrointe stinal function in NAFLD patients with liver fibrosis.

Research on Q-markers of Eupatorium lindleyanum based on analytic hierarchy process-entropy weight method and network pharmacology / 中国中药杂志

The potential quality markers( Q-markers) of Eupatorium lindleyanum were studied with analytic hierarchy process(AHP)-entropy weight method(EWM) and network pharmacological method. Based on the concept of Q-markers of traditional Chinese medicine, AHP-EWM was employed to quantitatively identify the Q-markers of E. lindleyanum. AHP method was applied to the weight analysis of the validity, testability, and specificity of the first-level indexes, and EWM method was used to analyze the secondlevel indexes supported by literature and experimental data. At the same time, based on the theory and method of network pharmacology, the component-target-disease-efficacy network of E. lindleyanum was built, and the components most closely related to the efficacy of resolving phlegm and relieving cough and asthma were screened out. Through the integrated analysis of the results obtained with AHP-EWM and network pharmacological method, 13 compounds including rutin, quercetin, nepetin, cirsiliol, luteolin, hyperoside,isoquercitrin, kaempferol, caffeic acid, eupalinolide K, eupalinolide A, eupalinolide B, and eupalinolide C were comprehensively identified as the potential Q-markers of E. lindleyanum. The results provide a basis for the quality control of E. lindleyanum.

Role of NRF2 signaling pathway in trichloroethylene-induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2(NRF2) signaling pathway in trichloroethylene(TCE) induced oxidative stress in human liver cancer HepG2 cells. METHODS: HepG2 cells in the exponential growth phase were randomly divided into control group and low-, medium-and high-dose groups, and the cells were stimulated with TCE at the final concentrations of 0, 2, 4 or 8 mmol/L respectively for 24 hours. After TCE exposure, the cells were collected. The activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD) was measured by 2-(2-methoxy-4-nitrophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-(2,4-disulphenyl)-2 h-tetrazole monosodium salt method.The activities of catalase(CAT) and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px) were detected by enzymatic method. The level of malondialdehyde(MDA) was detected by thiobarbituric acid method. The level of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine(8-OHDG) was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mRNA expression of NRF2, heme oxygenase(HO1), glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit(GCLC), NAD(P) quinone oxidoreductase 1(NQO1) were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction and the protein expression of NRF2, HO1, GCLC, NQO1 were detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: The activity of CAT in HepG2 cells decreased in the 3 doses drug exposure groups(all P<0.05). The activity of GSH-Px increased(all P<0.05), while the level of MDA in HepG2 cells decreased in low-dose group compared with the control group(P<0.05). There was no statistical significance in SOD activity and 8-OHDG level of HepG2 cells among these 4 groups(all P>0.05). The mRNA and protein relative expression of NRF2 and GCLC in HepG2 cells decreased in the low-and medium-dose groups(all P<0.05) compared with the control group. The mRNA relative expression of HO1 decreased(all P<0.05). The HO1 protein relative expression of HepG2 cells increased in low-dose group compared with the control group(P<0.05). The mRNA and protein relative expression of NQO1 in low-dose group increased(both P<0.05). The protein relative expression of HO1 in HepG2 cells in medium-dose group was lower than that in control group(P<0.05).The mRNA and protein relative expression levels of NRF2 and NQO1 increased in HepG2 cells of high-dose group(all P<0.05) and the mRNA relative expression of HO1 increased in HepG2 cells of high-dose group(all P<0.05) compared with the other 3 groups. CONCLUSION: The low and medium dose TCE stimulation can cause oxidative stress in HepG2 cells and decrease the antioxidant enzyme activity. The high dose TCE stimulation to HepG2 cells can activate NRF2 signaling pathway, thus upregulating the expression of downstream antioxidant enzymes HO1, GCLC and NQO1, and relieving the oxidative damage caused by TCE.

Effect of lyciumbarbarum polysaccharide on sex hormone and ovarian estrogen receptor in rats exposed to n-hexane / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of n-hexane on the level of sex hormones and expression of estrogen receptor(ER) in rats and the protective effect of Lyciumbarbarum polysaccharide(LBP) on n-hexane-induced reproductive toxicity. METHODS: Based on factorial design model of 4×2, specific pathogen free adult female SD rats were divided into control group and low-, medium-and high-n-hexane exposure groups, and each group was divided into non-LBP intervention and LBP intervention sub-group. There were 8 subgroups with 6 rats in each group. On the first day, the rats in the 4 groups were given intraperitoneal injection of n-hexane at 0, 675, 1 350 and 2 700 mg/kg body weight, respectively. On day 2-4, the rats in the non-LBP intervention subgroup were given intragastric administration of 0.9% sodium chloride solution, and the rats in the LBP intervention subgroup were given intragastric administration of LBP at 50 mg/kg body weight once a day. On the fifth day, all animals were sacrificed, and the levels of follicle stimulating hormone(FSH), luteinizing hormone(LH), estradiol, progesterone were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The mRNA expression of Erα, Erβ and G protein coupled estrogen receptor 1(Gper1) was detected by real time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction, and the expression of ERα, ERβ and GPER1 protein was detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: i) In the absence of LBP intervention(i.e. simple n-hexane exposure), there was no significant difference in the level of serum FSH, LH, estradiol and progesterone in the 4 groups(P>0.05). The relative expression of Erβ mRNA in ovary of low dose group decreased, while the relative expression of proteins of ERα and GPER1 increased(P<0.05) when compared with the control group. The relative expression of Erα mRNA and GPER1 protein in the ovary of medium-and high-dose groups increased(P<0.05), while the relative expression of Erβ, Gper1 mRNA and ERβ protein decreased(P<0.05). The relative expression of ERα protein in ovary of high-dose group increased(P<0.05). ii) At the same dose of n-hexane exposure, the relative expression of Erα mRNA in ovary of rats in low dose group increased(P<0.05), while the relative expression of ERβ and GPER1 protein decreased in LBP intervention group compared with the no LBP intervention group(P<0.05). The relative expression of ERα and GPER1 protein in ovary of medium dose group increased(P<0.05), while the relative expression of Gper1 mRNA and GPER1 protein in ovary of high dose group decreased in LBP intervention group compared with the no LBP intervention group(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: n-Hexane can up-regulate the expression of ERα and GPER1 in rat ovary, but has no significant effect on female endocrine system. LBP may play a protective role in female reproductive system by up-regulating the expression of ERα and GPER1.

A correlation study ofCT and clinical features of different clinical types of 2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia / 中华放射学杂志

Objective@#To investigate the CT and clinical features of 2019 novel coronavirus (NCP) pneumonia.@*Methods@#Chest CT and clinical data of confirmed 103 patients with 2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia in January 2020, retrospectively. According to diagnosis and treatment of NCP infected pneumonia (trial version 5), all the patients were classified into mild(n=58), severe (n=36) and very severe (n=9) type, and their clinical findings, laboratory examination and CT finding were analyzed. CT features included lesions’ distribution, location, size, shape, edge, number, density, percentage of pneumonia lesions of the whole lung and extra-pulmonary manifestations. The CT features of different clinical subtypes were compared using χ2test or Fisher's exact probability. Comparisons between the percentage of pneumonic lesions to total lung volume were computed by using analysis of variance (normal distribution) or Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test (non-normal distribution).@*Results@#In terms of clinical manifestations, the patients with severe NCP were more common in elderly men, with a median age of 65 years. Fever was the first symptom in 49 (84%) of 58 patients with NCP, and fever was the first symptom in both severe and critical NCP patients. The incidence of cough in severe (25 / 36, 69%) and critical (6 /9, 67%) NCP patients was higher than that in general (20 /58, 34%). All critical patients have dyspnea. In terms of CT findings, common NCP showed double lung (40/58,71%) multiple (40 / 58,69%) ground glass (31/58,52%) or mixed (25 / 58,43%) lesions (56 / 58,97%); severe and critical NCP showed double lung lesions, heavy NCP mainly showed multiple (34 / 36,96%) patches (33 / 36,92%) mixed density lesions (26 / 36,72%); 9 severe NCP lesions were more than 3 cm Mixed density lesions. The percentage of pneumonia focus in the whole lung volume: the common type (12.5% ± 6.1%) was significantly lower than the severe type (25.9% ± 10.7%) and the critical type (47.2% ± 19.2%) NCP, the difference was statistically significant (P values were < 0.001 and 0.002 respectively), and the severe type NCP was also significantly lower than the critical type (P = 0.032).@*Conclusions@#CT and clinical features of different clinical types of NCP pneumonia are different. Chest CT findings have unique characteristic, which can not only make early diagnosis, but also evaluate its clinical course and severity.

SWOT analysis of schistosomiasis elimination in Laos / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To analyze the advantages, disadvantages, opportunities and challenges for schistosomiasis elimination in Laos, so as to propose the corresponding healthy policies and suggestions. Methods A SWOT analysis was performed to analyze the strength, weakness, opportunity and threat for the schistosomiasis elimination program in Laos, and the corresponding policy suggestions were proposed. Results The national schistosomiasis elimination program of Laos receives governmental emphases and great supports. A strategy based on mass drug administration was proposed and a sentinel site-bases surveillance system has been built for schistosomiasis elimination in Laos; however, there are several challenges for the national schistosomiasis elimination program in Laos, including insufficient financial supports, inadequate professional capability, weak schistosomiasis control awareness in community populations and difficulty in vector control. Conclusions Persistent governmental leadership, increasing financial supports, strengthening professional team building and improving schistosomiasis control awareness in community populations are required to facilitate the progress towards schistosomiasis elimination in Laos.