Optimization of ethanol extraction process for Yihuang powder by orthogonal experiment combined with AHP and GA-BP neural network / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To optimize ethanol extraction process of Yihuang powder. METHODS An orthogonal experiment was designed by reflux extraction with ethanol volume fraction， liquid-to-material ratio， and extraction time as investigation factors. The parameters used were the contents of hesperidin， nobiletin， tangeretin， gallic acid， chebulagic acid， chebulinic acid， liquiritin， glycyrrhizin， eugenol， and the paste-forming rate. The analytic hierarchy process （AHP） was used to calculate the comprehensive score. The optimal ethanol extraction process parameters of Yihuang powder were determined by verifying the results predicted by orthogonal experiment and genetic algorithm （GA）-back propagation neural network （BP neural network）. RESULTS The optimal ethanol extraction process parameters， as optimized by orthogonal experiment， were as follows: ethanol volume fraction of 60%， liquid-solid ratio of 14∶1 （mL/g)， extraction time of 90 min， and extraction for 2 times. The comprehensive score obtained by verification was 79.19. Meanwhile， the optimal ethanol extraction process parameters， optimized by GA-BP neural network， were ethanol volume fraction of 65%， liquid-solid ratio of 14∶1 （mL/g )， extraction time of 60 min， and extraction for 2 times. The comprehensive score obtained by verification was 85.30， higher than the results obtained from orthogonal experiment. CONCLUSIONS The optimization method of orthogonal experiment combined with GA-BP neural network is superior to the traditional orthogonal experiment optimization method. The optimized ethanol extraction process of Yihuang powder is stable and reliable.

Phenolic constituents of Sanguisorba officinalis and their Nrf2 agonistic effect / 药学学报

Thirty-one phenolic constituents were isolated and purified from the 95% ethanol extract of Sanguisorbae Radix by using various chromatographic techniques, including macroporous resin, silica gel, ODS, Sephadex LH-20 and semi-preparative HPLC. Their structures were elucidated by physicochemical properties, spectroscopic data (MS and NMR) and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra, and identified as 3-methoxyl-2S,3S-epoxyflavanone (1a), 3-methoxyl-2R,3R-epoxyflavanone (1b), longifoin B (2), longifoin C (3), eriodictyol (4), naringenin (5), liquiritigenin (6), 5,3ʹ-dihydroxy-7,4ʹ-dimethoxyflavanone (7), naringenin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (8), dihydroquercetin (9), dihydrokaempferol (10), (-)-garbanzol (11), (2R,3R)-4-methoxyl-distylin (12), kaempferol (13), quercetin (14), α,4,2′,4′-tetrahydroxydihydrochalcone (15), phloretin (16), (+)-catechin (17), ethyl (+)-cyanidan-3-ol-8-carboxylate (18), phyllocoumarin (19), methyl 3-methoxy-4,5-dihydroxybenzoate (20), 4,5-dimethoxy-3-hydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester (21), 3,4′-di-O-methylellagic acid (22), 3,4,3′-O-trimethylellagic acid (23), 3,3ʹ,4ʹ-O-trimethylellagic acid-4-O-β-D-xyloside (24), (3R)-thunberginol C (25), resveratrol (26), 1-hydroxypinoresinol (27), (7S,8S)-3-methoxy-3′,7-epoxy-8,4′-oxyneoligna-4,9,9′-triol (28), emodin-8-O-β-D-glucoside (29), phloracetophenone (30) and 4-(4′-hydroxyphenyl)-butan-2-one (31). Among them, compound 1a and 1b is a pair of new flavonoid enantiomers, compounds 2 and 3 are a pair of new epimers, while compounds 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 13, 16 and 26 were obtained from S. officinalis for the first time, compounds 7, 8, 27, 30 and 31 were isolated for the first time from the S. officinalis genus, and compounds 11, 12, 15, 18, 19, 25, 28 and 29 were isolated for the first time from the Rosaceae. The antioxidant activities of compounds 1-24 were evaluated by activating the Nrf2 transcriptional pathway, which were measured by the dual-luciferase reporter gene assay in 293T cells. Compounds 4, 6-10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 20 and 22-24 showed significant Nrf2 agonistic effect compared with the control group at 25 μmol·L-1, which provided reference for the research of their antioxidant activity.

Preparation of tripterygium glycoside nanoparticles and therapeutic effect on arthritis rats / 中国药理学通报

Aim To prepare tripterygium glycoside nanoparticles and probe into their therapeutic effect on collagen-induced arthritis ( CIA) rats. Methods Tripterygium glycosides polyglycoside nanoparticles were prepared by thin film dispersion method and their quality was assessed. The CIA model was established and drug intervention performed. The body weight, toe swelling degree and arthritis index were measured. The pathological changes of the organs, knee and ankle synovium were observed. The serum levels of kidney function and inflammatory cytokine expression were detected in rats. Results The prepared tripterygium wil-fordii polyglycoside nanoparticles were round particles with uniform distribution and stable properties under electron microscope. Compared with the model group, the swelling of the left and right toes of medication group significantly decreased (P < 0. 01), and the ar-thritis index markedly decreased ( P < 0. 01). Among them, the efficacy of the TG-NPs group was better than that of the TG group. Compared with the normal group, the indexes of heart, spleen, kidney and testis all significantly decreased (P <0. 05, P<0.01). TG-NPs group had a significantly reduced pathological ankle-joint injury in knee cartilage and increased apoptotic synovial cells. Compared with the model group, the serum levels of ALT and BUN and CRE in TG-NPs group were significantly lower (P < 0. 05 ), and IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 levels decreased significantly (P <0. 05). Conclusions TG-NPs have good therapeutic effect on CIA through induction of synovial cell apoptosis and decrease of the expression of inflammatory cytokines. By intravenous injection of blood circula-tion, slow and controlled release of drugs can be achieved, the first pass effect caused by oral drug can be avoided, the viscera toxicity can be reduced, which provides an experimental basis for the development of new nanoagents for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Psychological resilience characteristics of visually impaired adolescents: a qualitative study / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo analyze the psychological resilience characteristics of visually impaired adolescents. MethodsFrom February to May, 2023, 13 visually impaired adolescents (average age of 16.5 years) from Nanjing Normal University of Special Education, Yangzhou Special Education School and Nanjing School for the Blind in Jiangsu, China were selected for semi-structured interviews with phenomenological method, and the interview data were sorted by theme analysis method. ResultsFour themes and twelve sub-themes were obtained; namely multiple sources of difficulties, including travel difficulties, learning difficulties, social difficulties and difficulties in daily life; need for external support, including insufficient family support, school support needs to be improved, need for peer support and insufficient social support; negative and positive adaptation coexist, including negative adaptation and positive adaptation; and negative coping and positive coping coexist, including positive coping and negative coping. ConclusionThe psychological resilience of visually impaired adolescents is characterized by multiple sources of difficulties, insufficient external support, coexistence of positive and negative adaptation, and coexistence of positive and negative coping. A joint family-school-society support system should be formed to reduce the source of their difficulties, and help them establish positive adaptation and positive coping methods, to enhance their psychological resilience.

Boosting synergism of chemo- and immuno-therapies via switching paclitaxel-induced apoptosis to mevalonate metabolism-triggered ferroptosis by bisphosphonate coordination lipid nanogranules

Conventional chemotherapy based on cytotoxic drugs is facing tough challenges recently following the advances of monoclonal antibodies and molecularly targeted drugs. It is critical to inspire new potential to remodel the value of this classical therapeutic strategy. Here, we fabricate bisphosphonate coordination lipid nanogranules (BC-LNPs) and load paclitaxel (PTX) to boost the chemo- and immuno-therapeutic synergism of cytotoxic drugs. Alendronate in BC-LNPs@PTX, a bisphosphonate to block mevalonate metabolism, works as both the structure and drug constituent in nanogranules, where alendronate coordinated with calcium ions to form the particle core. The synergy of alendronate enhances the efficacy of paclitaxel, suppresses tumor metastasis, and alters the cytotoxic mechanism. Differing from the paclitaxel-induced apoptosis, the involvement of alendronate inhibits the mevalonate metabolism, changes the mitochondrial morphology, disturbs the redox homeostasis, and causes the accumulation of mitochondrial ROS and lethal lipid peroxides (LPO). These factors finally trigger the ferroptosis of tumor cells, an immunogenic cell death mode, which remodels the suppressive tumor immune microenvironment and synergizes with immunotherapy. Therefore, by switching paclitaxel-induced apoptosis to mevalonate metabolism-triggered ferroptosis, BC-LNPs@PTX provides new insight into the development of cytotoxic drugs and highlights the potential of metabolism regulation in cancer therapy.

Clinical comprehensive evaluation of Xiangju Capsules in treatment of rhinosinusitis / 中国中药杂志

The articles involving Xiangju Capsules were retrieved, and qualitative research and quantitative research methods were combined to evaluate the evidence of the safety, effectiveness, economy, innovation, suitability, accessibility, and characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine( "6+1" dimensions) of this drug. Multi-criteria decision analysis(MCDA) model and CSC v2.0 software were used to comprehensively evaluate the clinical value of Xiangju Capsules in the treatment of rhinosinusitis and clarify the precise clinical positioning. The dimensions are graded A, B, C, or D. Multi-source safety evidence showed that the main adverse reactions were gastrointestinal reactions, rash, itching, dizziness, and headache. Based on the available studies, the risk is controllable and the safety is grade A. Meta-analysis showed that Xiangju Capsules + conventional western medicine could recover the Lund-Kennedy score, Lund-Mackay score, and CT score, relieve headache, nasal congestion, olfactory disturbance, and facial pain, with the effectiveness is grade B. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of Xiangju Capsules + conventional western medicine compared with conventional western medicine alone in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis was 263.71 yuan, about 0.82% of the per capita disposable income. The results of sensitivity analysis showed that the research results were relatively robust. Based on the assumption that the per capita disposable income in 2020 will be the threshold of patients' willingness to pay, it is more economical to use Xiangju Capsules + conventional western medicine. The drug belongs to grade A of the national medical insurance, with an average daily cost of 3.06 yuan, and the economy is grade B. This formula is modified from classic formulas and characteristic empirical formulas, be capable of improving immunity and preventing repeated attacks. It can be used for acute and chronic rhinitis-rhinosinusitis. It had a wide range of applicability, especially for the patients with head and face tenderness. Service innovation was reflected in the measures to guarantee supply, capacity, scalability, and coverage of grass-roots sales channels. The industrial innovation was improved through the management of medicinal resources, pharmaceutical industry, production technology, quality control, scientific research and development, and this formula won three national invention patents. Comprehensively, the innovation of Xiangju Capsules is grade B. According to the survey of 188 medical practitioners and 196 patients in 20 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions of China, the drug was characterized by easy preparation and administration, individualized medication, simple technology and management, convenient use, storage, and transport, and controllable adverse reactions, with the suitability is grade B. Xiangju Capsules showed the cost of 45.9 and 275.4 yuan for treatment of acute and chronic rhinitis-rhinosinusitis, respectively, being well affordable. It was sold in 35 000 medical institutions in China. The dosage form was suitable for transportation, storage, and grass-root application. With rich, sustainable, and available medicinal resources, the accessibility of Xiangju Capsules is grade A. This drug can be used for both acute and chronic rhinitis-rhinosinusitis, clearing heat and expelling pus, and strengthening the exterior to prevent relapse. After this drug was available on the market, over 4 000 cases were studied, with rich experience in human use accumulated, and characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine is grade B. Overall, the clinical value of Xiangju Capsules is class B. It is suggested that Xiangju Capsules should be used in accordance with the relevant policies of basic clinical drug administration to play its role.

Manufacturing classification system for oral solid dosage forms of traditional Chinese medicines(Ⅲ): classification of granule dissolving behaviors / 中国中药杂志

Solubility is an important sensory quality attribute of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) granules. In this paper, 90 batches of granules(30 batches of TCM formula granules, 30 batches of Chinese patent medicine granules and 30 batches of Japanese Kampo granules) were used as the research objects. The turbidity sensor was used to characterize the turbidity curve of the granule dissolution process. The classification system of granule dissolution behaviors was constructed from three dimensions: dissolution degree, equilibrium time, and dissolution mechanism. According to the equilibrium time, the granule dissolution rates were divided into three categories : faster(<100 s), general(101-300 s) and slow(>301 s). According to the turbidity curve profile, the granule dissolution mechanisms were classified into dissolution-controlled type(α-type), dispersion-controlled type(β-type), and dispersion-controlled type followed by dissolution-controlled type(γ-type). The proportion of TCM formula granules, Chinese patent medicine granules and Japanese Kampo granules with complete dissolution or slight turbidity at the end of dissolution was 46.7%, 96.7%, and 10.0%. The proportion of TCM formula granules, Chinese patent medicine granules, and Japanese Kampo granules with faster dissolution rates(<100 s) was 23.3%, 26.7%, and 40.0%. The average dissolution rate of Japanese Kampo granules was faster than that of TCM formula granules, and it was slightly faster than the average dissolution rate of Chinese patent medicine granules. The dissolution mechanism of Chinese patent medicine granules was mainly α-type, while that of Japanese Kampo granules was mainly β-type, and the three types of dissolution mechanisms of TCM formula granules accounted for a relatively average. The purpose of improving the solubility and dispersion of granules can be achieved by combining the comprehensive application of various functional excipients with the small dosage of Japanese Kampo granules and the wide addition scope of excipients. In the process of transforming TCM compound prescriptions into formulas, there is still much room for innovation in formula excipients and process optimization.

Intelligent co-design of material, process, and equipment for manufacturing high-quality traditional Chinese medicine preparations / 中国中药杂志

In the context of Pharma 4.0, the design tools that support the pharmaceutical Quality by Design(QbD) are iterating fast toward intelligent or smart design. The conventional development methods for traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) preparations have the limitations such as over dependence on experience, low dimensions for the designed experiment parameters, poor compatibility between the process and equipment, and high trial-and-error cost during process scale-up. Therefore, this paper innovatively proposed the intelligent co-design involving material, process, and equipment for manufacturing high-quality TCM preparations, and introduced the design philosophy, targets, tools, and applications with TCM oral solid dosage(OSD) as an example. In terms of design philosophy, the pharmaceutical design tetrahedron composed of critical material attributes, critical process parameters, critical equipment attributes, and critical quality attributes was developed. The design targets were put forward based on the product performance classification system. The design tools involve a design platform that contains several modules, such a as the iTCM material database, the processing route classification system, the system modeling and simulation, and reliability-based optimization. The roles of different modules in obtaining essential and universal design knowledge of the key common manufacturing units were introduced. At last, the applications of the co-design methodology involving material, process, and equipment in the high shear wet granulation process development and the improvement of the dissolving or dispersion capability of TCM formula granules are illustrated. The research on advanced pharmaceutical design theory and methodology will help enhance the efficiency and reliability of drug development, improve the product quality, and promote the innovation of high-end TCM products across the industry.

A Prediction Model for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection and Mother-to-Child Transmission Based on the Expression Levels of Selenoprotein Genes / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To study the expression of selenoprotein genes in human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)infection and its mother-to-child transmission,so as to provide a theoretical basis for the prevention,diagnosis,and treatment of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.Methods The dataset GSE4124 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO).Two groups of HIV-positive mothers(n=25)and HIV-negative mothers(n=20)were designed.HIV-positive mothers included a subset of transmitter(TR)mothers(n=11)and non-transmitter(NTR)mothers(n=14).Then,t-test was carried out to compare the expression levels of selenoprotein genes between the four groups(HIV-positive vs. HIV-negative,NTR vs. HIV-negative,TR vs. HIV-negative,TR vs. NTR).Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression were adopted to analyze the effects of differentially expressed genes on HIV infection and mother-to-child transmission.R software was used to establish a nomogram prediction model and evaluate the model performance.Results Compared with the HIV-negative group,HIV-positive,NTR,and TR groups had 8,5 and 8 down-regulated selenoprotein genes,respectively.Compared with the NTR group,the TR group had 4 down-regulated selenoprotein genes.Univariate Logistic regression analysis showed that abnormally high expression of GPX1,GPX3,GPX4,TXNRD1,TXNRD3,and SEPHS2 affected HIV infection and had no effect on mother-to-child transmission.The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the abnormally high expression of TXNRD3(OR=0.032,95%CI=0.002-0.607,P=0.022)was positively correlated with HIV infection.As for the nomogram prediction model,the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for 1-year survival of HIV-infected patients was 0.840(95%CI=0.690-1.000),and that for 3-year survival of HIV-infected patients was 0.870(95%CI=0.730-1.000).Conclusions Multiple selenoprotein genes with down-regulated expression levels were involved in the regulation of HIV infection and mother-to-child transmission.The abnormal high expression of TXNRD3 was positively correlated with HIV infection.The findings provide new ideas for the prevention,diagnosis,and treatment of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Basic research of meridian-tendon based on fascia: review and prospects / 中国针灸

Meridian-tendon is a central concept in meridian theory of TCM, and its basic research has been increasingly emphasized. While there is no unified understanding of the essence of meridian-tendon, the concept that function of fascia could partially reflect the functions of meridian-tendons has reached consensus in the academic community. This article suggests that under the guidance of meridian-tendon theory, based on previous research foundation of fascia, focusing on adopting fascia research methods, the mechanisms of tender point hyperalgesia and abnormal proliferation related to meridian lesions should be adopted to explain yitong weishu (taking the worst painful sites of muscle spasm as the points), and the mechanisms of meridian intervention efficacy should be adopted to explain yizhi weishu (feelings from patients and acupuncture operators). Furthermore, this article provides an analysis of the future trends in basic research of meridian tendons.

Combination of acupuncture and medication for dry eye complicated with computer vision syndrome: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical efficacy of acupuncture, Chinese medication and combination of acupuncture and medication in the treatment of dry eye complicated with computer vision syndrome (CVS).@*METHODS@#A total of 152 patients with dry eye complicated with CVS were randomly divided into an acupuncture-medication group (38 cases, 1 case was removed), an acupuncture group (38 cases, 1 case dropped off), a Chinese medication group (38 cases, 1 case was removed), and a western medication group (38 cases, 1 case dropped off). In the western medication group, sodium hyaluronate eye drop combined with esculin and digitalis glycosides eye drop were used. In the acupuncture group, acupuncture was applied at bilateral Taiyang (EX-HN 5)， Cuanzhu (BL 2), Fengchi (GB 20), Qimen (LR 14) , and Hegu (LI 4) etc., once a day. In the Chinese medication group, Yiqi Congming decoction formula ganule was given orally, one dose a day. In the acupuncture-medication group, acupuncture combined with Yiqi Congming decoction formula granule were used. All groups were treated for 14 d. The non-invasive first tear film break-up time (NIBUT f), non-invasive average tear film break-up time (NIBUT av), tear meniscus height (TMH), ocular surface disease index (OSDI) score, and CVS symptom score were compared between the patients of each group before and after treatment.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the NIBUT f, NIBUT av, and TMH were increased compared with those before treatment in the patients of the 4 groups (P<0.01); the NIBUT f and NIBUT av in the acupuncture-medication group and the acupuncture group were higher than those in the Chinese medication group and the western medication group (P<0.05), and the TMH in the acupuncture-medication group and the Chinese medication group were higher than those in the acupuncture group and the western medication group (P<0.05). After treatment, the OSDI scores, the various scores and total scores of CVS (except for head symptom score in the western medication group) were decreased compared with those before treatment in the patients of the 4 groups (P<0.01). The OSDI score, total score, eye symptom score, and body symptom score of CVS in the acupuncture-medication group were lower than those in the acupuncture group, the Chinese medication group, and the western medication group (P<0.01, P<0.05), the head symptom score of the acupuncture-medication group was lower than that in the western medication group (P<0.05), and the CVS physical symptom scores and mental cognitive symptom scores of the acupuncture-medication group and the acupuncture group were lower than those in the Chinese medication group and the western medication group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture has advantages in improving NIBUT f, NIBUT av, and CVS physical symptoms and cognitive symptoms, and the Chinese medication has advantage in improving TMH. The combination of acupuncture and Chinese medication has better effects compared with monotherapy.

Preliminary application of recombinase -aided amplification in detection of Clonorchis sinensis metacercariae in freshwater fish / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To evaluate the performance of recombinase-aided amplification (RAA) assay in detection of Clonorchis sinensis metacercariae in freshwater fish samples, so as to provide insights into standardization and field application of this assay. Methods Wild freshwater fish samples were collected in the rivers of administrative villages where C. sinensis-infected residents lived in Jiangyan District, Xinghua County and Taixing County of Taizhou City, Jiangsu Province from June to September 2022. Genomic DNA was extracted from six freshwater fish specimens (5 g each) containing 0, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 C. sinensis metacercariae for fluorescent RAA assay, and the diagnostic sensitivity was evaluated. Fluorescent RAA assay was performed with genomic DNA from C. sinensis, Metorchis orientalis, Haplorchis pumilio and Centrocestus formosanus metacercariae as templates to evaluate its cross-reactions. In addition, the detection of fluorescent RAA assay and direct compression method for C. sinensis metacercariae was compared in field-collected freshwater fish samples. Results Positive amplification was found in fresh-water fish specimens containing different numbers of C. sinensis metacercariae, and fluorescent RAA assay was effective to detect one C. sinensis metacercaria in 5 g freshwater fish specimens within 20 min. Fluorescent RAA assay tested negative for DNA from M. orientalis, H. pumilio and C. formosanus metacercariae. Fluorescent RAA assay and direct compression method showed 5.36% (93/1 735) and 2.88% (50/1 735) detection rates for C. sinensis metacercariae in 1 735 field-collected freshwater fish samples, with a statistically significant difference seen (χ2 = 478.150, P < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the detection of C. sinensis metacercariae in different species of freshwater fish by both the direct compression method (χ2 = 11.20, P < 0.05) and fluorescent RAA assay (χ2 = 20.26, P < 0.001), and the detection of C. sinensis metacercariae was higher in Pseudorasbora parva than in other fish species by both the direct compression method and fluorescent RAA assay (both P values < 0.05). Conclusions Fluorescent RAA assay has a high sensitivity for detection of C. sinensis metacercariae in freshwater fish samples, and has no cross-reactions with M. orientalis, H. pumilio or C. formosanus metacercariae. Fluorescent RAA assay shows a higher accuracy for detection of C. sinensis infections in field-collected freshwater fish than the direct compression method.

Research progress in biomimetic nano formulations of biofilms / 中国药科大学学报

@#Biomimetic nano formulations of biofilms have low immunogenicity, high targeting, and good biocompatibility, and can avoid being cleared by the endothelial reticular system, thus with in longer blood circulation time in the body.This article mainly reviews the main types as well as advantages and disadvantages of biomimetic nano formulations of biofilms, including tumor cell membranes, red blood cell membranes, platelet membranes, white blood cell membranes, stem cell membranes, extracellular vesicles (exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies), endoplasmic reticulum membranes, and composite biofilms, with also a prospect of the challenges facing biomimetic nano formulations of biofilms and their future development based on their current research status, aiming to provide some insight for further research on biomimetic nano formulations of biofilms.

Research progress in the reprogramming of retinal Müller glia cells / 解剖学报

[Abstract] Blinding eye diseases caused by retinal degeneration have a detrimental effect on human health. Mammalian retina exhibits very limited capacity for self-repair after degenerative disease or injury. In contrast, zebrafish retina possesses a robust regenerative response that regenerates all types of retinal neurons and restores vision. Retina regeneration in zebrafish depends on a type of glia cells called Müller glia. Following retinal injury, zebrafish Müller glia undergo a reprogramming process and proliferate into multipotent progenitor cells that further differentiate into newborn retinal neurons. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the field of Müller glia-based retina regeneration. Here we summarize the mechanisms governing zebrafish retina regeneration and the recent advances in mammalian Müller glia reprogramming.

Research progress on the treatment of autism spectrum disorders based on gut microbiota intervention / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

Autism spectrum disorder is a set of neurodevelopmental disorders with unclear etiology and pathogenesis and no cure. Studies have found that the gut microbiota plays a vital role in the occurrence and development of autism spectrum disorder. By supplementing with probiotics, diet management or fecal microbial transplantation, the balance of gut microbiota can be adjusted to improve the behaviors and symptoms of patients with autism spectrum disorder. This article reviews from the perspective of regulating the balance of gut microbiota to treat autism spectrum disorder, and aims to provide assistance for the research and treatment of autism spectrum disorder.

Long-term follow-up of humanized and murine CD19 CAR-T-cell therapy for B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia / 中华血液学杂志

Objective: Murine CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) products have been approved for the treatment of refractory/relapsed (R/R) B-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (B-ALL) ; moreover, humanized products are also undergoing clinical trials. This study aimed to explore the differences in safety and short- and long-term follow-up efficacy between humanized and murine CD19 CAR-T-cells for treating relapsed and refractory B-ALL. Methods: Clinical data of 80 patients with R/R B-ALL treated with CD19-targeted CAR-T-cells at the Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology between May 2016 and March 2023 were analyzed, which included 31 patients with murine CAR-T and 49 with humanized products. Results: The proportion of patients with cytokine-release syndrome (CRS) in the murine and humanized groups was 63.1% and 65.3%, respectively. Moreover, a higher proportion of patients suffered from severe CRS in the murine group than in the humanized CAR-T group (19.4% vs 8.2%, P=0.174). Furthermore, one patient per group died of grade 5 CRS. The incidence of grade 1-2 immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) was 12.9% and 6.1%, respectively; severe ICANS were not observed. Among patients receiving murine CAR-T-cells, an overall response (OR) was observed in 74.2%. Conversely, the OR rate of patients receiving humanized CAR-T-cells was 87.8%. During the median follow-up time of 10.5 months, the median recurrence-free survival (RFS) of patients with murine CAR-T-cells was 12 months, which was as long as that of patients with humanized CAR-T-cells. The median overall survival (OS) were not reached in both groups. Of the 45 patients with a bone marrow burden over 20% at baseline, humanized CAR-T therapy was associated with a significantly improved RFS (43.25% vs 33.33%, P=0.027). Bridging transplantation was an independent factor in prolonging OS (χ(2)=8.017, P=0.005) and PFS (χ(2)=6.584, P=0.010). Common risk factors, such as age, high proportion of bone marrow blasts, and BCR-ABL fusion gene expression, had no significant effect on patients' long-term follow-up outcomes. Three patients reached complete remission after reinfusion of humanized CAR-T-cells. However, one patient relapsed one month after his second infusion of murine CAR-T-cells. Conclusions: The results indicate that humanized CAR-T therapy showed durable efficacy in patients with a higher tumor burden in the bone marrow without any influence on safety. Moreover, it could overcome immunogenicity-induced CAR-T resistance, providing treatment options for patients who were not treated successfully with CAR-T therapies.

Clinical, genetic, and pathological analysis in 165 children with disorders of sex development / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the clinical phenotypes, genetic characteristics, and pathological features of children with disorders of sex development (DSD).@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was conducted on epidemiological, clinical phenotype, chromosomal karyotype, gonadal pathology, and genotype data of 165 hospitalized children with DSD at Children's Hospital of Hebei Province and Tangshan Maternal and Child Health Hospital from August 2008 to December 2022.@*RESULTS@#Among the 165 children with DSD, common presenting symptoms were short stature (62/165, 37.6%), clitoromegaly (33/165, 20.0%), cryptorchidism (28/165, 17.0%), hypospadias (24/165, 14.5%), and skin pigmentation abnormalities/exteriorized pigmented labia majora (19/165, 11.5%). Chromosomal karyotype analysis was performed on 127 cases, revealing 36 cases (28.3%) of 46,XX DSD, 34 cases (26.8%) of 46,XY DSD, and 57 cases (44.9%) of sex chromosome abnormalities. Among the sex chromosome abnormal karyotypes, the 45,X karyotype (11/57, 19%) and 45,X/other karyotype mosaicism (36/57, 63%) were more common. Sixteen children underwent histopathological biopsy of gonadal tissues, resulting in retrieval of 25 gonadal tissues. The gonadal tissue biopsies revealed 3 cases of testes, 3 cases of dysplastic testes, 6 cases of ovaries, 11 cases of ovotestes, and 1 case each of streak gonad and agenesis of gonads. Genetic testing identified pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in 23 cases (23/36, 64%), including 12 cases of 21-hydroxylase deficiency congenital adrenal hyperplasia caused by CYP21A2 pathogenic variants.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Short stature, clitoromegaly, cryptorchidism, hypospadias, and skin pigmentation abnormalities are common phenotypes in children with DSD. 45,X/other karyotype mosaicism and CYP21A2 compound heterozygous variants are major etiological factors in children with DSD. The most commonly observed gonadal histopathology in children with DSD includes ovotestes, ovaries, and testes/dysgenetic testes.

Research progress of chondrocyte mechanotransduction mediated by TRPV4 and PIEZOs / 生物医学工程学杂志

Mechanical signal transduction are crucial for chondrocyte in response to mechanical cues during the growth, development and osteoarthritis (OA) of articular cartilage. Extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover regulates the matrix mechanical microenvironment of chondrocytes. Thus, understanding the mechanotransduction mechanisms during chondrocyte sensing the matrix mechanical microenvironment can develop effective targeted therapy for OA. In recent decades, growing evidences are rapidly advancing our understanding of the mechanical force-dependent cartilage remodeling and injury responses mediated by TRPV4 and PIEZOs. In this review, we highlighted the mechanosensing mechanism mediated by TRPV4 and PIEZOs during chondrocytes sensing mechanical microenvironment of the ECM. Additionally, the latest progress in the regulation of OA by inflammatory signals mediated by TRPV4 and PIEZOs was also introduced. These recent insights provide the potential mechanotheraputic strategies to target these channels and prevent cartilage degeneration associated with OA. This review will shed light on the pathogenesis of articular cartilage, searching clinical targeted therapies, and designing cell-induced biomaterials.

Electrotaxis of alveolar epithelial cells in direct-current electric fields / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

PURPOSE@#This study aims to elucidate the electrotaxis response of alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) in direct-current electric fields (EFs), explore the impact of EFs on the cell fate of AECs, and lay the foundation for future exploitation of EFs for the treatment of acute lung injury.@*METHODS@#AECs were extracted from rat lung tissues using magnetic-activated cell sorting. To elucidate the electrotaxis responses of AECs, different voltages of EFs (0, 50, 100, and 200 mV/mm) were applied to two types of AECs, respectively. Cell migrations were recorded and trajectories were pooled to better demonstrate cellular activities through graphs. Cell directionality was calculated as the cosine value of the angle formed by the EF vector and cell migration. To further demonstrate the impact of EFs on the pulmonary tissue, the human bronchial epithelial cells transformed with Ad12-SV40 2B (BEAS-2B cells) were obtained and experimented under the same conditions as AECs. To determine the influence on cell fate, cells underwent electric stimulation were collected to perform Western blot analysis.@*RESULTS@#The successful separation and culturing of AECs were confirmed through immunofluorescence staining. Compared with the control, AECs in EFs demonstrated a significant directionality in a voltage-dependent way. In general, type Ⅰ alveolar epithelial cells migrated faster than type Ⅱ alveolar epithelial cells, and under EFs, these two types of cells exhibited different response threshold. For type Ⅱ alveolar epithelial cells, only EFs at 200 mV/mm resulted a significant difference to the velocity, whereas for, EFs at both 100 mV/mm and 200 mV/mm gave rise to a significant difference. Western blotting suggested that EFs led to an increased expression of a AKT and myeloid leukemia 1 and a decreased expression of Bcl-2-associated X protein and Bcl-2-like protein 11.@*CONCLUSION@#EFs could guide and accelerate the directional migration of AECs and exert antiapoptotic effects, which indicated that EFs are important biophysical signals in the re-epithelialization of alveolar epithelium in lung injury.

Exploration and Practice of the "One Combination, Two Highlights, Three Combinations, Four in One" Innovative Talents Training Mode in Forensic Medicine / 法医学杂志

Talent is one of the basic and strategic supports for building a modern socialist country in all aspects. Since the 1980s, the establishment of forensic medicine major and the cultivation of innovative talents in forensic medicine have become hot topics in higher education in forensic medicine. Over the past 43 years, the forensic medicine team of Shanxi Medical University has adhered to the joint education of public security and colleges, and made collaborative innovation, forming a training mode of "One Combination, Two Highlights, Three Combinations, Four in One" for innovative talents in forensic medicine. It has carried out "5+3/X" integrated reform, and formed a relatively complete talent training innovation mode and management system in teaching, scientific research, identification, major, discipline, team, platform and cultural construction. It has made a historic contribution to China's higher forensic education, accumulated valuable experience for the construction of first-class major and first-class discipline of forensic medicine, and provided strong support for the construction of the national new forensic talent training system. The popularization of this training mode is conducive to the rapid and sustainable development of forensic science, and provides more excellent forensic talents for national building, regional social development and the discipline construction of forensic science.