Exploration of potential active ingredients and mechanism of action of Xihuang pill-medicated serum against glioma based on HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, network pharmacology and experimental verification / 药学学报

Qualitative analysis of the ingredients absorbed into blood and their metabolites of Xihuang pill (XHP) were conducted using high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) technology. Network pharmacology was used to explore the potential anticancer mechanisms of the ingredients against glioma, and their specific mechanisms were validated through molecular docking and experimental verification. SD rats were intragastrically administered with XHP, and rat serum samples were collected. Ingredients absorbed into blood and their metabolites were identified based on the retention time of chromatographic peaks, accurate molecular mass, characteristic fragment ions, and comparisons with reference substances and literature data. PharmMapper and SwissTarget Prediction databases were used to obtain the targets of the XHP-medicated serum, while GeneCards, OMIM, PharmGKB, TTD, and DrugBank databases were used to obtain glioma disease targets. The "component-target" network relationship diagram was constructed using Cytoscape 3.9.1 software. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network diagram was constructed using the STRING database, and the targets were analyzed using GO and KEGG analyses. Molecular docking was used to verify the binding ability of core targets with their corresponding compounds in XHP-medicated serum. The potential mechanism of the anti-glioma effect of 11-keto-β-boswellic acid (KBA), a representative component of XHP-medicated serum, was verified using CCK-8 and Western blot assays. A total of 40 compounds were identified in the XHP-medicated serum, including 28 prototype components and 12 metabolites. The network pharmacology results showed that elemonic acid, 3-acetyl-β-boswellic acid, KBA, α-boswellic acid, and other 5 compounds might be the active ingredients of XHP-medicated serum in the treatment of glioma. Glutathione reductase (GSR), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY), aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B1 (AKR1B1) and glutaredoxin (GLRX) were identified as key targets, involving pathways such as glutathione metabolism and the pentose phosphate pathway. Further cell experiments showed that KBA significantly inhibited the proliferation of T98G cells with an IC50 of 30.96 μmol·L-1, and KBA (30 μmol·L-1) significantly downregulated the protein expression levels of GSR in T98G cells. In summary, XHP-medicated serum may exert its anti-glioma effect by regulating GSR and G6PD-targeted pathways involved in glutathione metabolism. These results provide valuable evidence for further investigating the mechanism of XHP in treating glioma. The animal welfare and experimental procedures were approved by the Ethical Committee of Laboratory Animals at Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine (approval No. ACU221001).

Expert Consensus on Clinical Diseases Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine：Aural Vertigo / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Aural vertigo frequently encountered in the otolaryngology department of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） mainly involves peripheral vestibular diseases of Western medicine， such as Meniere's disease， benign paroxysmal positional vertigo， vestibular neuritis， and vestibular migraine， being a hot research topic in both TCM and Western medicine. Western medical therapies alone have unsatisfactory effects on recurrent aural vertigo， aural vertigo affecting the quality of life， aural vertigo not relieved after surgery， aural vertigo with complex causes， and children's aural vertigo. The literature records and clinical practice have proven that TCM demonstrates unique advantages in the treatment of aural vertigo. The China Association of Chinese medicine sponsored the "17th youth salon on the diseases responding specifically to TCM： Aural vertigo" and invited vertigo experts of TCM and Western medicine to discuss the difficulties and advantages of TCM diagnosis and treatment of aural vertigo. The experts deeply discussed the achievements and contributions of TCM and Western medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of aural vertigo， the control and mitigation of the symptoms， and the solutions to disease recurrence. The discussion clarified the positioning and advantages of TCM treatment and provided guidance for clinical and basic research on aural vertigo.

Association between telomere length in the DNA of peripheral blood leukocytes and the propofol dose in anesthesia induction: an observational study

Abstract Introduction: Propofol is a widely used anesthetic and its dose is closely related to aging. Telomere length (TL) is a unique heritable trait, and emerging as a biomarker of aging, health and disease. Telomerase RNA component (TERC) plays an important role in maintaining TL. We proposed a hypothesis that propofol dose in general anesthesia can be predicted by measuring TL before operation, which greatly reduced the risk of anesthesia, especially the elderly. Methods: The association between the propofol dose in anesthesia induction and: TL in the DNA of peripheral blood leukocytes; body weight; sex; difference of the Bispectral Index (BIS) before and after anesthesia induction in patients was evaluated by multivariable linear regression analyses. The mutation at the 5'end or 3'end of TERC was detected. We recruited 100 patients of elective surgery. Results: We found that propofol dose in anesthesia induction was clearly correlated significantly with TL (r = 0.78, p < 0.001), body weight (r = 0.84, p = 0.004), sex (r = 0.83, p= 0.84, p = 0.004), sex (r = 0.83, p = 0.004), and difference of BIS before and after anesthesia induction (r = 0.85, p = 0.029). By comparing the absolute values of standardized regression coefficients (0.58, 0.21, 0.19, and 0.12) of the four variables, it can be seen that TL contributes the most to the propofol dose in anesthesia induction. However, the mutation at the 5' end or 3' end of TERC was not found. Conclusions: These findings provide preliminary evidence that the propofol dose in anesthesia induction was clearly correlated with genetically determined TL. TL may be a promising predictor of the propofol dose, which is beneficial to improve the safety of anesthesia and reduce perioperative complications.

Effects of adriamycin resistance cell-derived exosomes on the proliferation and migration of osteosarcoma cells through drug resistance transmission / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To explore the relationship and underlying mechanism between exosomes derived from doxorubicin-resistant osteosarcoma cells and MDR1 and miRNAs. Methods:MG63 and U2OS cell lines were selected to construct doxorubicin-resistant strains, and the 50% inhibitory concentration (half maximal inhibitory concentration, IC 50) of drug-resistant and sensitive strains was detected by MTT, and fluorescence staining was performed at intervals of 15 min between 15 and 120 min to detect the change of fluorescence intensity. RT-PCR and Western Blot were used to detect the expression levels of MDR1 P-gp to verify the drug resistance of osteosarcoma cells. Exosomes were identified by particle size analysis and Western Bolt detection. The endocytosis of PKH26-labeled exosomes from doxorubicin-resistant cells was observed, and the proliferation level and migration of exosomes from doxorubicin-resistant cells co-cultured with osteosarcoma cells were detected by MTT assay and cell scratch assay. The differential expression levels of miRNAs in osteosarcoma-sensitive and drug-resistant cells were verified by sequencing and bioinformatics analysis and RT-PCR assay. Tumor growth, serum exosome identification and mRNA expression level of miR-21-5p in tumor-bearing nude mice between normal osteosarcoma cell group and drug-resistant group, drug-resistant+normal exosome group, drug-resistant+drug-resistant+drug-resistant exosome group were observed. MDR1 expression level in tumor tissue was detected by RT-PCR, Western Blot and immunohistochemistry. Results:The IC 50 of two adriamycin resistant strains were 2.21 vs. 11.81 μg/ml and 0.93 vs. 11.81 μg/ml, respectively, and the fluorescence intensity decreased faster than that of normal strains. The relative mRNA expression levels of MDR1 in two cell lines were normal 1.12±0.16, 1.02±0.11 and drug-resistant 2.15±0.10, 2.127±0.12, respectively. The relative protein expression of P-gp was normal 0.92±0.11, 0.73±0.10 and drug-resistant 0.46±0.03, 0.30±0.04, the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Drug-resistant exosomes can enter osteosarcoma cells through endocytosis and concentrate in the cytoplasm when co-cultured with normal strains. Osteosarcoma cells were co-cultured with drug-resistant exosomes at 2, 4, 6, and 8 μg/ml adriamycin, respectively. Compared with normal group, the proliferation level in drug-resistant group was significantly increased. Compared with the normal cell group 35.95±3.92, 6.72±3.55 and the normal exosome group 51.22±5.55, 19.31±1.93, the drug-resistant cell group 54.20±9.32, 19.24±2.88 and drug-resistant exosome group 76.40±5.41, 30.26±4.87, all had significantly higher cell mobility, the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). Exosome sequencing and biogenic analysis of 10 highly upregated miRNAs to validate mRNA expression differences between normal and drug-resistant strains by RT-PCR, showing a significant increase in miR-21-5p expression level of drug-resistant strains (5.89±0.26 vs. 0.99±0.06; 1.05±0.07 vs. 8.80±0.93, P<0.05), the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). In MG63 and U2OS, the normal cell group and drug-resistant cell group, and the normal exosome group and drug-resistant exosome group were compared, the tumor volume and the terminal tumor weight of nude mice were increased to varying degrees. MRNA relative expression levels of miR-21-5p in serum exosomes of nude mice after drug intervention were 0.86±0.07 and 0.86±0.05 in normal cell group, respectively. The values were 1.13±0.12, 1.14±0.12 in drug-resistant cell group, 0.71±0.05, 0.75±0.03 in normal exosome group, and 0.90±0.07, 0.93±0.04 in drug-resistant exosome group. Compared with normal and drug-resistant strains, the expression levels of normal and drug-resistant exosome groups were increased, with statistical significance ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The exosomes of drug-resistant cells in osteosarcoma could enhance the proliferation level and migration ability of cells through intercellular transfer of MDR1 and miRNAs. The expression of MDR1 and miR-21-5p in drug-resistant cells and tumor-forming nude mouse serum and tumor tissues were up-regulated which suggested that it might be involved in regulating the drug resistance process of osteosarcoma.

Analysis of failure patterns and survival after SBRT for 147 cases of T 1-2N 0M 0 stage non-small cell lung cancer / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To analyze the failure patterns and survival after stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in patients with T 1-2N 0M 0 non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Methods:Clinical data of early-stage NSCLC patients who received SBRT at Zhejiang Cancer Hospital from January 2012 to September 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The primary observed endpoint was the pattern of disease progression, which was divided into intra-field recurrence, regional lymph node recurrence and distant metastasis. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were calculated by Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate analysis was conducted by log-rank test, and multivariate analysis was performed by Cox's model.Results:A total of 147 patients with 156 lesions were included. The median follow-up time was 44.0 months (16.5-95.5 months). A total of 57 patients (38.8%) progressed: 14 patients (24.5%) had recurrence with the 1-, 3-, and 5-year local recurrence rates of 2.0%, 10.9%, and 14.3%, respectively; 36 patients (63.2%) had Distant metastasis with the 1-, 3- and 5-year distant metastasis rates of 12.2%, 22.4% and 28.6%, respectively; and 7 patients (12.3%) had recurrence complicated with distant metastasis. The 3-, 5- and 7-year OS rates were 80.5%, 64.2% and 49.9% for all patients, respectively. The median OS was 78.4 months. The 3-, 5- and 7-year PFS rates were 64.8%,49.5% and 41.5%, with a median PFS of 57.9 months (95% CI: 42.3-73.5 months). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that biologically equivalent dose and age were the factors affecting the efficacy of SBRT (both P<0.05). Conclusion:Distant metastasis is the main failure pattern in patients with T 1-2N 0M 0 NSCLC after SBRT. High-risk population should be selected for further systematic treatment to improve the efficacy.

Failure mode and long-term survival after neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To analyze the fail mode of neoadjuvant therapy combined with surgery for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after long-term follow-up.Methods:Clinical data of consecutive 238 patients with locally advanced resectable ESCC who underwent neoadjuvant therapy combined with surgery in Zhejiang Cancer Hospital from September 2012 to October 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The failure mode in the whole cohort was analyzed after long-term follow-up. The overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) rates were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method. Survival differences were determined by log-rank test.Results:The pathological complete response (pCR) rate was 42.0% in 238 patients. After a median follow-up of 46.1 months, tumor progression occurred in 96 patients (40.3%), including 25 patients (10.5%) with local recurrence, 61 patients (25.6%) with distant metastases, and 10 patients (4.2%) with simultaneous local recurrence and distant metastases. The median OS and DFS were 64.7 months and 49.9 months. And the 3-, 5-, and 7-year OS and DFS rates were 70.0%, 52.8%, 36.4% and 63.5%, 42.5%, and 30.0%, respectively. The 3-, 5-, and 7-year locoregional recurrence-free survival rates and distant metastasis-free survival rates were 86.0%, 71.4%, 61.2% and 70.6%, 55.9%, 43.0%. Compared with non-pCR patients, the overall progression rate and distant metastasis rate of pCR patients were lower (26.0% vs. 50.7%, 16.0% vs. 32.6%, both P<0.05). And the 3-, 5-, and 7-year OS (83.0% vs. 60.2%, 69.7% vs. 41.7%, 50.4% vs. 27.7%, all P<0.001) and DFS rates (80.4% vs. 51.4%, 63.9% vs. 31.2%, 45.9% vs. 20.3%, all P<0.001) were significantly better in pCR patients. Conclusions:Distant metastasis is the main failure mode of patients with locally advanced ESCC after neoadjuvant therapy. Patients with postoperative pCR can achieve better long-term survival.

Three-dimensional finite element analysis of cement flow in abutment margin-crown platform switching / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the cement flow in the abutment margin-crown platform switching structure by using the three-dimensional finite element analysis, in order to prove that whether the abutment margin-crown platform switching structure can reduce the inflow depth of cement in the implantation adhesive retention.@*METHODS@#By using ANSYS 19.0 software, two models were created, including the one with regular margin and crown (Model one, the traditional group), and the other one with abutment margin-crown platform switching structure (Model two, the platform switching group). Both abutments of the two models were wrapped by gingiva, and the depth of the abutment margins was 1.5 mm submucosal. Two-way fluid structure coupling calculations were produced in two models by using ANSYS 19.0 software. In the two models, the same amount of cement were put between the inner side of the crowns and the abutments. The process of cementing the crown to the abutment was simulated when the crown was 0.6 mm above the abutment. The crown was falling at a constant speed in the whole process spending 0.1 s. Then we observed the cement flow outside the crowns at the time of 0.025 s, 0.05 s, 0.075 s, 0.1 s, and measured the depth of cement over the margins at the time of 0.1 s.@*RESULTS@#At the time of 0 s, 0.025 s, 0.05 s, the cements in the two models were all above the abutment margins. At the time of 0.075 s, in Model one, the gingiva was squeezed by the cement and became deformed, and then a gap was formed between the gingiva and the abutment into which the cement started to flow. In Model two, because of the narrow neck of the crown, the cement flowed out from the gingival as it was pressed by the upward counterforce from the gingival and the abutment margin. At the time of 0.1 s, in Model one, the cement continued to flow deep inside with the gravity force and pressure, and the depth of the cement over the margin was 1 mm. In Model two, the cement continued to flow out from the gingival at the time of 0.075 s, and the depth of the cement over the margin was 0 mm.@*CONCLUSION@#When the abutment was wrapped by the gingiva, the inflow depth of cement in the implantation adhesive retention can be reduced in the abutment margin-crown platform switching structure.

Effect of posture on total hip arthroplasty through direct anterior approach / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of different postures on direct anterior approach(DAA) total hip arthroplasty.@*METHODS@#Total of 94 patients who underwent DAA total hip arthroplasty from July 2016 to June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into two groups according to different positions during the operation, including 45 cases in lateral position and 49 cases in supine position (with the aid of stent). The general data such as gender, affected limb, body mass index(BMI), incision length, operation time, intraoperative bleeding volume, drainage volume 24 hours after operation, hemoglobin difference before and after operation, first landing time after operation, postoperative hospitalization time, postoperative complications, visual analogue scale(VAS) at 1 day, 1, 2 weeks, 1, 3 and 6 months after operation, Harris score at 1, 2 weeks, 1, 3 and 6 months after operation were observed and compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#Patients in both groups were followed up for 6 to 12 months with an average of (8.31±2.22) months. There was no significant difference between two groups in gender, affected limb, age, height, weight, body mass index(BMI), preoperative VAS score and preoperative Harris score(P>0.05). The incision length, operation time, intraoperative bleeding volume, 24-hour drainage volume, hemoglobin difference before and after operation, first time to the ground and postoperative hospitalization time of patients in supine position (assisted by stent) group were all better than those in lateral position group(P<0.05);There was no significant difference in the number of blood transfusions during and after operation(P=0.550). There was no significant difference in anteversion angle and abduction angle in the supine position(with the aid of stent) group during and after operation (P=0.825, P=0.066);There was significant difference in anteversion angle and abduction angle in the lateral position group during and after operation(P<0.05). VAS of patients in supine position (assisted by stent) group were lower than those in lateral position group at 1 day, 1, 2 weeks and 1 month after operation(P<0.05), and there was no statistical difference between two groups at 3 and 6 months after operation(P>0.05). Harris scores of patients in supine position(assisted by stent) group were higher than those in lateral position group at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months after operation(P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between two groups at 6 months after operation(P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Compared with the lateral position, the supine position DAA total hip arthroplasty has the advantages of small incision, short operation time, less bleeding, early landing time, short hospitalization time, and small intraoperative acetabular cup position judgment error. It has the advantage of fast postoperative recovery, but the recovery of hip joint function is the same after 6 months.

Epidemiological characteristics of the notifiable infectious diseases reported in Shanghai in 2020 / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo understand the epidemic characteristics of notifiable infectious diseases （NIDs） other than coronavirus disease 2019 （COVID-19） in Shanghai in 2020， and to provide evidence for formulating infectious disease prevention and control strategies. MethodsData of NIDs reported in Shanghai from 2015 to 2020 were collected through the National Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the incidence and prevalence characteristics of NIDs in Shanghai in 2020， and compared them with the average values of 2015 to 2019. ResultsA total of 45 574 cases of 23 kinds of NIDs were reported in Shanghai in 2020， except for COVID-19， with an incidence of 187.69/105， and a decrease rate of 50.58% compared with the average value of 2015 to 2019. The incidence of category B and C infectious diseases decreased by 38.07% and 57.47%， respectively （All P<0.001）. The top 3 reported infectious diseases with the highest incidence rate were influenza （64.58/105）， syphilis （39.09/105） and tuberculosis （24.90/105）. The incidence of most infectious diseases decreased compared with the average of 2015 to 2019， among which measles （97.15%）， rubella （88.81%）， pertussis （87.43%）， hand foot mouth disease （85.99%） and scarlet fever （79.84%） decreased significantly （all P<0.001）. In general， compared with the average from 2015 to 2019， respiratory infectious diseases declined most， followed by intestinal infectious diseases， insect-borne and natural focal infectious diseases， blood-borne and sexually transmitted diseases. Districts with higher incidence in 2020 were Fengxian District （310.23/105）， Xuhui District （271.93/105） and Hongkou District （254.38/105）. Respiratory infectious diseases in Fengxian District， intestinal infectious diseases in Jinshan District， blood-borne and sexually transmitted infectious diseases in Changning District， and insect-borne and natural focal infectious diseases in Yangpu District showed the highest incidence rate. Incidence of infectious diseases in 16 districts of Shanghai decreased with different degrees （all P<0.001）. Incidence of infectious diseases in males （209.44/105） was higher than that in females （164.89/105） （χ2=624.864， P<0.001）. Children aged 0-9 years had the highest incidence of respiratory and intestinal infectious diseases. People aged 70‒79 years and 20‒29 years had higher incidence of blood-borne and sexually transmitted infectious diseases， and people aged 20‒29 years had the highest incidence of insect-borne and natural focal infectious diseases. Majority of the patients were students （8 327 cases， 18.27%）， retired people （6 393 cases， 14.03%） and unemployed household workers （5 988 cases， 13.14%）. ConclusionUnder the COVID-19 prevention and control policies， the incidence of most NIDs in Shanghai decreased significantly in 2020.

Research progress on mechanism of tyrosine kinase inhibitor-induced liver injury / 中国药理学通报

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are a class of molecular targeted drugs that inhibit the activation of downstream signaling pathways by inhibiting oncogene-related receptor tyrosine kinases to exert anti-cancer effects. TKIs are superior to traditional chemotherapeutics in terms of selectivity, effectiveness and safety, and are widely used in the treatment of cancer. However, TKIs-induced liver injury is one of the difficult problems in its clinical application. In this article, relevant literatures from domestic and abroad are reviewed and the research progress in the classification, clinical application of TKIs and the mechanism of TKIs-induced liver injury are summarized. This review intends to provide a reference for further elucidating the mechanism of TKIs-induced liver injury, and seeking effective prevention and treatment methods.

Radiation-associated sarcomas of bone and soft tissue: a clinicopathological analysis of 46 cases / 中华病理学杂志

Objective: To investigate the clinical, imaging, histological, and molecular features and the differential diagnosis of radiation-associated sarcomas of bone and soft tissue. Methods: Forty-six cases of radiation-associated sarcomas of the bone and soft tissue in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from January 2010 to January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed; and the imaging, histological features and immunophenotype were examined. Results: There were 33 females and 13 males, aged from 18 to 74 years, with a mean of 52 years. The most common site of radiation-associated sarcomas were the limbs and spine (15 cases), followed by the chest (9 cases). The primary diseases included epithelial tumors (15 breast cancer, 6 cervical cancer, and 5 bowel cancer), hematolymphoid tumors, bone and soft tissue tumors and infectious lesions. The latent period of radiation-associated sarcomas ranged from 2-22 years, with an average of 11.6 years. Histopathologically, the morphology was divergent from the primary tumor. The most common malignant tumor type was undifferentiated sarcoma (22 cases), followed by osteosarcoma (16 cases). The immunophenotype of radiation-related sarcoma was almost the same as the corresponding soft tissue sarcoma. Conclusions: Radiation-induced sarcoma has a wide range of primary tumor types and its imaging, morphology and immunohistochemical features are similar to those of the primary sarcoma of bone and soft tissue. Clinical correlation is often recommended for the differential diagnosis.

The Brain Structure Volume Estimation Based on Synthetic MRI in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveCentral nervous system （CNS） infiltration commonly occurs in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia （ALL）. Early subclinical CNS infiltration in pediatric ALL is hard to detect with conventional methods. This study aimed to investigate the changes of brain structure volume parameters based on Synthetic MRI （SyMRI） in pediatric ALL without clinically diagnosed CNS infiltration. MethodsThirty-six ALL and twenty-nine typically developing （TD） children were prospectively collected and all underwent SyMRI. The Synthetic MR software was used to obtain brain volumetric parameters including total white matter volume （WMV）， gray matter volume （GMV）， cerebrospinal fluid （CSF） volume， etc. and their within-group differences were assessed by analysis of covariance. The Spearman correlation analysis was used to examine the correlation between biological characteristics and statistically significant brain volume parameters. ResultsALL children showed increased CSF volume （PFDR-corrected = 0.009） and decreased GMV （PFDR-corrected = 0.027） when compared to TD children. We also found a moderately negative association between GMV/intracranial volume and risk classification in pediatric ALL （rs = -0.380， P = 0.022）. ConclusionsPediatric ALL without clinically diagnosed CNS infiltration presented with accumulation of CSF and reduction of gray matter. The brain volumetric changes in subclinical CNS infiltration of pediatric ALL provides a new attempt for exploring the underlying mechanism and early detection of CNS infiltration in pediatric ALL.

Advances in applications of molecular dynamics simulation techniques to the research of self-assembled nano-drug delivery systems / 药学学报

Molecular dynamics simulation technology relies on Newtonian mechanics to simulate the motion of molecular system of the real system by computer simulation. It has been used in the research of self-assembly processes illustration and macroscopic performance prediction of self-assembly nano-drug delivery systems (NDDS) in recent years, which contributes to the facilitation and accurate design of preparations. In this review, the definitions, catalogues, and the modules of molecular dynamics simulation techniques are introduced, and the current status of their applications are summarized in the acquisition and analysis of microscale information, such as particle size, morphology, the formation of microdomains, and molecule distribution of the self-assembly NDDS and the prediction of their macroscale performances, including stability, drug loading capacity, drug release kinetics and transmembrane properties. Moreover, the existing applications of the molecular dynamic simulation technology in the formulation prediction of self-assembled NDDS were also summarized. It is expected that the new strategies will promote the prediction of NDDS formulation and lay a theoretical foundation for an appropriate approach in NDDS studies and a reference for the wider application of molecular dynamics simulation technology in pharmaceutics.

Preparation and in vitro property evaluation of β-cyclodextrin-daidzein/PEG_(20000)/Carbomer_(940) nanocrystals / 中国中药杂志

This study aims to improve the solubility and bioavailability of daidzein by preparing the β-cyclodextrin-daidzein/PEG_(20000)/Carbomer_(940) nanocrystals. Specifically, the nanocrystals were prepared with daidzein as a model drug, PEG_(20000), Carbomer_(940), and NaOH as a plasticizer, a gelling agent, and a crosslinking agent, respectively. A two-step method was employed to prepare the β-cyclodextrin-daidzein/PEG_(20000)/Carbomer_(940) nanocystals. First, the insoluble drug daidzein was embedded in β-cyclodextrin to form inclusion complexes, which were then encapsulated in the PEG_(20000)/Carbomer_(940) nanocrystals. The optimal mass fraction of NaOH was determined as 0.8% by the drug release rate, redispersability, SEM morphology, encapsulation rate, and drug loading. The inclusion status of daidzein nanocrystals was determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis(TGA), and X-ray diffraction(XRD) analysis to verify the feasibility of the preparation. The prepared nanocrystals showed the average Zeta potential of(-30.77±0.15)mV and(-37.47±0.64)mV and the particle sizes of(333.60±3.81)nm and(544.60±7.66)nm before and after daidzein loading, respectively. The irregular distribution of nanocrystals before and after daidzein loading was observed under SEM. The redispersability experiment showed high dispersion efficiency of the nanocrystals. The in vitro dissolution rate of nanocrystals in intestinal fluid was significantly faster than that of daidzein, and followed the first-order drug release kinetic model. XRD, FTIR, and TGA were employed to determine the polycrystalline properties, drug loading, and thermal stability of the nanocrystals before and after drug loading. The nanocrystals loaded with daidzein demonstrated obvious antibacterial effect. The nanocrystals had more significant inhibitory effects on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa than daidzein because of the improved solubility of daidzein. The prepared nanocrystals can significantly increase the dissolution rate and oral bioavailability of the insoluble drug daidzein.

Analysis of clinical characteristics and warning factors in SARS-CoV-2 variants infection / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective To investigate the influence of the variation of SARS-CoV-2 on the clinical feature, and to provide early warning signs for the variation of SARS-CoV-2 in clinical work. Methods From Jan 2, 2021 to Jun 30, 2021, a total of 105 COVID-19 patients were included in the study using a case-control method. Nasal swab samples were collected from the study subjects, the viral genes were sequenced, and patients were divided into Delta variant group and non-Delta variant group according to their gene sequences. Clinically relevant data were collected from the two groups, and indicators such as days of hospitalization, age distribution, lymphocytes, neutrophils, B lymphocytes, NK cells, IL-4, and IL-10 were compared; subgroup analysis was performed based on the number of days of viral negativity in the study subjects as the basis for grouping, and differences in immunological characteristics were compared, including lymphocytes, neutrophils, B lymphocytes, NK cells, IL-4, IL-10, etc. Results The theoretical hospitalization days of Delta variant group were (22.2±8.33) d, which were significantly longer than (17.6±10.50) d of non-Delta variant group (t=2.396, P<0.05). The total lymphocyte count and IL-4 of Delta variant group were (1.22±0.86) ×109/L and (0.80±0.23) ng/mL, which were significantly lower than corresponding (1.91±0.70) ×109/L and (1.59±0.59) ng/mL of non-Delta variant group (t=4.329, 9.072, P<0.05), while IL-10 was (7.16±7.77) ng/mL, which was significantly higher than (4.26±3.91) ng/mL of non-Delta mutation group (t=1.980, P<0.05). Subgroup analysis showed that the total lymphocyte count and IL-4 concentration in Delta variant group were (1.04±0.60) ×109/L and (0.74±0.25) ng/ml, which were significantly lower than corresponding (1.62±0.56) ×109/L and (1.56±0.52) ng/mL in non-Delta variant group, in patients with delayed discharge (P<0.05). Conclutions SARS-CoV-2 variant has an impact on clinical manifestations. The patient's B cell count and IL-10 concentration increased or IL-2 and IL-4 concentration decreased within 12 hours of admission indicated variant virus infection. The decrease of total lymphocyte count, especially T lymphocyte reduction, strongly suggests discharge delay due to viral clearance disorder.

Comparative study on the treatment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment between foldable capsular body and scleral buckling / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To compare the effectiveness and complications of treating rhegmatogenous retinal detachment(RRD)with foldable capsule body(FCB)and scleral buckling(SB).METHODS: The clinical data of 81 patients(82 eyes)with RRD who underwent surgery at our hospital from March 2019 to April 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The differences in retinal reattachment rate, best-corrected visual acuity, the absorption of subretinal fluid, postoperative discomfort and incidence of complications between the two treatments were compared.RESULTS: The retinal reattachment rate was 96% in the FCB group and 92% in the SB group, with no significant difference between the two groups(P&#x003E;0.05). The best corrected visual acuity of the affected macular eyes was different in the both groups(P&#x003C;0.01). Both groups effectively promoted the absorption of subretinal fluid. The operation time of FCB group was 16.50(12.75, 25.00)min, while it was 38.00(36.25, 41.75)min in the SB group(P&#x003C;0.001). Patients in the FCB group also had significantly lower eyelid swelling and pain symptoms than those in the SB group(P&#x003C;0.001). The visual analogue scale(VAS)score at 1d after operation was 1.00(0.00, 2.00)in the FCB group and 3.00(2.00, 3.00)in the SB group(P&#x003C;0.001).CONCLUSION: FCB is a safe and effective surgical method to treat RRD that can alleviate patient's pain. Furthermore, FCB has a significantly shorter operation time and milder postoperative adverse reactions than SB.

The regulatory role and related mechanisms of macrophages in wound healing / 中华烧伤杂志

Wound healing is a complex process under precise regulation, including multiple stages such as inflammation, anti-inflammatory, and regeneration. Macrophages play an important regulatory role in the differentiated process of wound healing due to their obvious plasticity. If macrophages fail to express specific functions in a timely manner, it will affect the healing function of tissues and lead to pathological tissue healing. Therefore, it is of great significance to understand the different functions of different types of macrophages and to regulate them specifically in different stages of wound healing to promote the healing and regeneration of wound tissue. In this paper, we illustrate the different functions of macrophages in the wound and their basic mechanisms, according to the basic process of wound healing, and emphasize the strategies of macrophage regulation that may be applied to clinical treatment in the future.

Mechanism of active components of "Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma-Drynariae Rhizoma" in treatment of osteoporosis based on network pharmacology and in vitro cell experiment / 中国中药杂志

The present study aimed to explore the main active components and potential mechanisms of Panax notoginseng saponins(PNS) and osteopractic total flavone(OTF) in the treatment of osteoporosis(OP) through network pharmacology, molecular docking and in vitro cell experiments, which was expected to provide a theoretical basis for clinical applications. The blood-entering components of PNS and OTF were obtained from literature search and online database, and their potential targets were obtained from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP) and SwissTargetPrediction. The OP targets were obtained by means of searching Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM) and GeneCards. The common targets of the drug and disease were screened by Venn. Cytoscape was used to construct a "drug-component-target-disease" network, and the core components were screened according to the node degree. The protein-protein interaction(PPI) network of the common targets was constructed by STRING and Cytoscape, and the core targets were screened according to the node degree. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of potential therapeutic targets were carried out by R language. Molecular docking was used to determine the binding activity of some active components to key targets by AutoDock Vina. Finally, HIF-1 signaling pathway was selected for in vitro experimental verification according to the results of KEGG pathway analysis. Network pharmacology showed that there were 45 active components such as leachianone A, kurarinone, 20(R)-protopanaxatriol, 20(S)-protopanaxatriol, and kaempferol, and 103 therapeutic targets such as IL6, AKT1, TNF, VEGFA and MAPK3 involved. PI3K-AKT, HIF-1, TNF and other signaling pathways were enriched. Molecular docking revealed that the core components had good binding ability to the core targets. In vitro experiments found that PNS-OTF could up-regulate the mRNA expression levels of HIF-1α, VEGFA and Runx2, indicating that the mechanism of PNS-OTF in treating OP may be related to the activation of HIF-1 signaling pathway, and thus PNS-OTF played a role in promoting angiogenesis and osteogenic differentiation. In conclusion, this study predicted the core targets and pathways of PNS-OTF in treating OP based on network pharmacology and carried out in vitro experimental verification, which reflected the characteristics of multi-component, multi-target and multi-pathway synergy of PNS-OTF, and provided new ideas for the future clinical treatment of OP.

Modern research progress in external application of traditional Chinese medicine to acupoints / 中国中药杂志

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has a long history and abundant experience in external therapy, which marks human wisdom. In the early history of human, people found that fumigation, coating, and sticking of some tree branches and herb stems can help alleviate scabies and remove parasites in productive labor, which indicates the emergence of external therapy. Pathogen usually enters the body through the surface, so external therapy can be used to treat the disease. External therapy is among the major characteristic of surgery of TCM. As one of the external therapies in TCM, external application to acupoints smooths the zang-fu organs through meridians and collaterals, thereby harmonizing yin and yang. This therapy emerged in the early society, formed the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, improved in the Song and Ming dynasties, and matured in the Qing dynasty. With the efforts of experts in history, it has had a mature theory. According to modern research, it can avoid the first-pass effect of liver and the gastrointestinal irritation and improve the bioavailability of Chinese medicine. Based on the effect of Chinese medicine and the theory of meridian and collateral, it can stimulate the acupoints, exert regulatory effect on acupoints, and give full play to the efficacy of TCM and the interaction of the two. Thereby, it can regulate qi and blood and balance yin and yang, thus being widely used in the treatment of diseases. In this paper, the use of external application to acupoints, the effect on skin immunity, the regulation of neuro-inflammatory mechanism, the relationship between acupoint application and human circulation network, and the development of its dosage form were summarized through literature review. On this basis, this study is expected to lay a foundation for further research.

Epidemiological characteristics and secular trend of the HIV/AIDS cases among 15-24 years old population in Hefei from 2004 to 2022 / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To investigate the characteristics of HIV/AIDS cases among 15-24 year old population reported in Hefei from 2004 to 2022, so as to provide insights into AIDS control among adolescents.@*Methods@#The epidemiological data regarding HIV/AIDS cases between 15 and 24 years old reported in Hefei from 2004 to 2022 were captured from the AIDS comprehensive prevention and control information system of Chinese disease prevention and control information system, and data regarding temporal distribution, population distribution, and routes of infections and detection were descriptively analyzed by descriptive epidemiological methods.@*Results@#From 2004 to 2022, 865 cases of HIV/AIDS were reported in Hefei among 15-24 years old youth, accounting for 21.80% of the total reported cases. Among the HIV/AIDS patients, males accounted for 92.60%(801 cases), the unmarried ones accounted for 93.41% (808 cases)，those with college degree or above accounted for 60.12% (520 cases)，and 25.78%(223 cases) of them were students. The proportion of student cases increased annually( χ 2 trends =47.67, P <0.01). Homosexual transmission accounted for 81.39%, both showed an increasing trend( χ 2 trends =51.23, P <0.01)．Totally 55.49% of cases were found through testing and consultation, and the proportion of cases increased by year( χ 2 trends =112.18, P <0.01). In 2004-2022，the number of newly reported cases among people aged 15-24 showed a rising trend at an average rate of 24.46% by year( Z=4.92, P <0.01), which was higher than the average rate of 21.54% for the entire population( Z=12.75, P <0.01).@*Conclusion@#The epidemic of HIV/AIDS among population aged 15-24 years is serious in Hefei. Comprehensive measures for HIV education and prevention intervention are desperately needed to be reinforced among targeted students.