Betulinic Acid Improves Cardiac Function in Septic Rats Through AKT / mTOR and AKT / AMPK -modulated Autophagy / 中国生物化学与分子生物学报

Betulinic acid (BA) exerts protective effects on organs in septic animals. However, whether BA can improve cardiac function in sepsis and the underlying mechanism remain unclear. Here, male Sprague-Dawley rats were pretreated with BA (25 mg/ kg/ d, i. g.) for 5 days and then intraperitoneally injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 mg/ kg). The rats were anesthetized to determine transthoracic echocardiography using a high-resolution imaging system for small animals after they were treated with LPS for 6 h. Histopathologic alterations were examined by HE staining. Myocardial injury markers (cTnI and CK-MB) and inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) in the serum were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Autophagy-related proteins (p62 and LC3 Ⅱ) and AKT-modulated autophagy pathways in the myocardium were determined by Western blotting. Pretreatment with BA markedly improved left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) and fraction shortening (FS) (P<0. 05), improved myocardial histomorphology, and significantly inhibited cTnI, CK-MB, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 (P<0. 05) in the septic rat serum. BA markedly decreased p62 (P<0. 01), increased LC3 Ⅱ (P< 0. 001), and significantly down-regulated p-AKT (Thr308), p-AMPKα (Ser485/ 491), p-mTOR (Ser2448) and p-S6K (Thr389) (P<0. 05), while markedly up-regulated p-AMPKα (Thr172) and pULK1 (Ser317) (P<0. 01) in septic rat hearts. The findings indicate that BA can attenuate sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunctions associated with down-regulating autophagy inhibiting pathways mediated by AKT/ mTOR and AKT/ AMPK pathways.

Research on rapid detection technology of airborne pathogenic organisms based on up-conversion phosphor technology / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective: To explore the application of up-conversing phosphor technology (UPT) to detect pathogenic organisms in the air. Methods: The performance of UPT was verified with Staphylococcus aureus, Yersinia pestis and Escherichia coli O157 as simulated strains, including stability, specificity, sensitivity and response time tests; Air particle sampler is used to collect air samples in the field microenvironment test chamber, and UPT is used for detection. At the same time, compared with the traditional culture method, the practicability of UPT is verified. Results: The coefficient of variation in laboratory was 9.62% and 8.02% when the concentration of 107 CFU/ml and 108 CFU/ml were detected by UPT. The results were less than the allowable target, and the detection system had good stability. The specificity of UPT was verified by Staphylococcus aureus. The results showed that no non-Staphylococcus aureus was detected, and the positive detection rate of different kinds of Staphylococcus aureus was 100%. The specificity of the detection system was good. The sensitivity of UPT for detecting Staphylococcus aureus was 104 CFU/ml. Detection sensitivity of Yersinia pestis ≥103 CFU/ml; The detection sensitivity of Escherichia coli O157 is ≥103 CFU/ml, and the response time of UPT to bacteria is within 15 min (all 10 min 15 s). The detection results of bacteria contentration in the air of the on-site microenvironment test cabin by UPT showed that when the concentration of Escherichia coli O157 in the air reached above 104 CFU/m3, the detection results of UPT were positive, and with the increase of air concentration, the numerical concentration measured by UPT showed an upward trend, which was positively correlated with the concentration of bacteria in the air. Conclusion: UPT may be feasible as a rapid method to evaluate the species and contentration of pathogenic organisms in the air.

Application of precision-cut lung slice technology to study the role of DDR2 in pulmonary fibrosis / 生理学报

Pulmonary fibrosis is a severe lung interstitial disease characterized by the destruction of lung tissue structure, excessive activation and proliferation of fibroblasts, secretion and accumulation of a large amount of extracellular matrix (ECM), and impaired lung function. Due to the complexity of the disease, a suitable animal model to mimic human pulmonary fibrosis has not yet been established. Precision-cut lung slice (PCLS) has been a widely used in vitro method to study lung physiology and pathogenesis in recent years. This method is an in vitro culture technology at the level between organs and cells, because it can preserve the lung tissue structure and various types of airway cells in the lung tissue, simulate the in vivo lung environment, and conduct the observation of various interactions between cells and ECM. Therefore, PCLS can compensate for the limitations of other models such as cell culture. In order to explore the role of discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2) in pulmonary fibrosis, Ddr2flox/flox mice were successfully constructed. The Cre-LoxP system and PCLS technology were used to verify the deletion or knockdown of DDR2 in mouse PCLS. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) can induce fibrosis of mouse PCLS in vitro, which can simulate the in vivo environment of pulmonary fibrosis. In the DDR2 knock down-PCLS in vitro model, the expression of various fibrosis-related factors induced by TGF-β1 was significantly reduced, suggesting that knocking down DDR2 can inhibit the formation of pulmonary fibrosis. The results provide a new perspective for the clinical study of DDR2 as a therapeutic target in pulmonary fibrosis.

Electroacupuncture at acupoints of yangming meridians for sarcopenia: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical effect of electroacupuncture at acupoints of yangming meridians for sarcopenia.@*METHODS@#A total of 60 patients with sarcopenia were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each group. In the control group, conventional nutrition intervention for sarcopenia was adopted. In the observation group, on the basis of the treatment in the control group, acupuncture was applied at bilateral Binao (LI 14), Quchi (LI 11), Zusanli (ST 36), Yanglingquan (GB 34), etc.,ipsilateral Quchi (LI 11) and Zusanli (ST 36) were connected to electroacupuncture, with discontinuous wave, 2 Hz in frequency, 1-10 mA in intensity, 2 times a week, with a interval of 3 days. A total of 12-week treatment was required in the two groups. Before and after treatment, the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), grip strength, 6 m-walking time, body fat percentage and body moisture percentage were observed in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#Compared with those before treatment, after treatment, ASMI and grip strength were increased while 6 m-walking time was shortened in the two groups (P<0.05); body fat percentage was decreased while body moisture percentage was increased in the observation group (P<0.05). After treatment, in the observation group, ASMI, grip strength and body moisture percentage were increased (P<0.05), 6 m-walking time was shortened and body fat percentage was decreased (P<0.05) compared with those in the control group.@*CONCLUSION@#Electroacupuncture at acupoints of yangming meridians can effectively improve the skeletal muscle mass, muscle function, body fat percentage and body moisture percentage in patients with sarcopenia, and make the distribution of muscle and fat more reasonable.

An overview of disease treatment strategies targeting the alternative splicing of pre-mRNA / 药学学报

Alternative splicing of pre-messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) is a crucial mechanism for the diversity of the human transcriptome and proteome. Alternative splicing is a complex gene regulation process. Whole-transcriptome analysis shows that 95% of human exonic genes are alternatively spliced, involving various cis-acting elements and trans-acting factors. Any changes in any component or step may cause erroneous splicing events and lead to the occurrence of various related diseases. In addition to gene replacement therapy that directly changes the splicing results, RNA splicing modification is expected to become a new therapeutic strategy to alleviate or treat diseases by targeting and correcting abnormal pre-mRNA splicing. Splicing modification tools currently developed including RNA trans-splicing, antisense oligonucleotides, small interfering RNA, and small molecule drugs can correct abnormal splicing through different ways. This article reviews the resent progress of epigenetic regulation of pre-mRNA alternative splicing in recent years, and discusses the occurrence and regulation of alternative splicing, the types of diseases caused by related splicing defects, and the current-used tools for targeting and altering splicing. The importance of splicing modification strategies in the future treatment of human diseases is envisioned.

Regulation of Wenjingtang on HIF-1α Expression and Mitochondrial Function of Ectopic Endometrial Stromal Cells in Patients with Endometriosis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveThis study investigated the mechanism of Wenjingtang in the prevention and treatment of endometriosis （EMT） from the perspective of regulating hypoxia stress and mitochondrial function. MethodPrimary human endometrial stromal cells （ESCs） form ectopic endometrial tissues were isolated and cultured， the cells were divided into control group （Control）， 5% control serum group （5% KBXQ）， 10% control serum group （10% KBXQ）， 5% Wenjingtang serum group （5% WJTXQ） and 10% Wenjingtang serum group （10% WJTXQ）. ESCs in different groups were detected for proliferation by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT） assay， mRNA and protein expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α （HIF-1α） by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） and Western blot analysis， mitochondrial ultrastructure by transmission electron microscope， mitochondrial function ［mitochondrial membrane potential， mitochondrial membrane potential（MMP） and cytochrome C（Cyt C） content］ and apoptosis （cell membrane permeability， nuclear fluorescence intensity， nuclear size and cell counts） by high content screening （HCS） assay， apoptosis rate by flow cytometry， and proteins of B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2） associated X （Bax）， Bcl-2 and cleaved cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-3 （cleaved Caspase-3） by Western blot. ResultCompared with Control group， the 5% KBXQ and 10% KBXQ groups showed increased cell viability （P<0.01）， there was no significant change in HIF-1α mRNA and protein expression， transmission electron microscopy showed that the mitochondrial cristae were obvious and the inner and outer membranes of mitochondria were clear， HCS multichannel fluorescence staining showed that there were no significant changes in the expression of MMP， Cyt C and cell membrane permeability， and the nuclei showed uniform light staining， there were no significant changes in apoptosis rate， cleaved Caspase-3 protein expression and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Compared with Control group and corresponding concentration KBXQ group， the 5% WJTXQ and 10% WJTXQ group showed decreased cell viability （P<0.01） and HIF-1α mRNA and protein levels （P<0.05，P<0.01）， the ultrastructure of mitochondria was destroyed， some mitochondria were swollen and the cristae were blurred， moreover， decreased MMP and up-regulated Cyt C release （P<0.05，P<0.01）， increased cell membrane permeability （P<0.01）， and apoptosis characteristics included nuclear pyknosis， DNA agglutination in nucleus and decrease of cell numbers were observed （P<0.05，P<0.01）， increased apoptosis rate （P<0.01）， which was consistent with the results of HCS analysis， and up-regulated expression levels of cleaved Caspase-3 protein and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio （P<0.05，P<0.01）. ConclusionIn conclusion， the results suggest that Wenjingtang can improve hypoxia stress via down-regulating HIF-1α expression in ectopic ESCs， and inhibit cell proliferation， reduce mitochondrial biological activity and induce apoptosis， which might be the internal mechanism of Wenjingtang in preventing and treating EMT.

Erianin inhibits oral cancer cell growth, migration, and invasion via the Nrf2/HO-1/ GPX4 pathway

Objective: To evaluate the effect of erianin on the viability, migration, and invasion of KB cells and elucidate its underlying mechanisms. Methods: Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, wound healing, and Transwell assays were used to determine the proliferation, migration, and invasion of oral cancer KB cells. Furthermore, malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels were determined. Fluorescent probes were used to detect changes in intracellular reactive oxygen species and iron ions. Additionally, the expressions of ferroptosis-related proteins, NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) were analyzed by Western blotting assays. Results: Erianin induced ferroptosis and inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of KB cells. Moreover, erianin decreased GSH level, increased MDA level, elevated intracellular ROS and Fe

Comparative Analysis of Thromboelastogram and Coagulation Items in Mongolian Patients with Thrombosis / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the age distribution of Mongolian patients with cerebral infarction caused by thrombosis and the correlation and consistency between thromboelastography (TEG) and four parameters of coagulation.@*METHODS@#The age distribution of 298 Mongolian patients with cerebral infarction treated in Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Minzu University from January 2020 to December 2021 and their TEG, four items of routin coagulation and platelet count were analyzed retrospectively. The correlation and consistency of above-mentioned two detection methods were statistically analyzed.@*RESULTS@#The onset age of 298 Mongolian patients with cerebral infarction was mainly 61-70 years old, accounting for 38.3%, followed by 51-60 years old, accounting for 26.8%. The R time detected by TEG was linearly correlated with PT and APTT（r=0.186，r=0.152）. K value, MA value and α-Angle measured by TEG was linearly correlated with Fib (r=-0.364，r=0.616，r=0.359), K value, MA value and α-Angle measured by TEG was linearly correlated with Plt (r=0.318，r=0.519，r=0.301). The R time detected by TEG was consistent with PT and APTT, and the Kappa values were 0.252 (P<0.001), 0.336 (P<0.001). K, MA, and α-Angle measured by TEG was consistent with Fib, the Kappa values were 0.265 (P<0.001), 0.289 (P<0.001) and 0.290 (P<0.001), respectively; K、MA and α-Angle measured by TEG was consistent with Plt, the Kappa values were 0.276 (P<0.001), 0.285 (P<0.001) and 0.302 (P<0.001), respectively.@*CONCLUSION@#The onset age of Mongolian patients with cerebral infarction caused by thrombosis is mainly 61-70 years old, followed by 51-60 years old. The onset age shows a younger trend. There is a significant correlation between TEG and coagulation, but the consistency is weak, therefore, the two methods can not be replaced each other.

GAO Shu-zhong's clinical experience in "seeking yin from yang needling method" based on "qi street" and "four seas" theories / 中国针灸

The paper introduces professor GAO Shu-zhong's understanding on "seeking yin from yang needling method" and its clinical application on the basis of "qi street" and "four seas" theories. Through professor GAO's clinical practice for years, he integrates and extendes the theories of "seeking yin from yang", "qi street" and "four seas" in Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic). In this specific acupuncture method, in reference with the theories of "qi street" and "four seas", acupuncture is exerted on yang part of body, e.g. the back and lumber region to treat the diseases of yin parts, e.g. the chest and abdomen, which is differentiated as yin-yang imbalance in pathogenesis. In order to fully explain the clinical curative effect of "seeking yin from yang needling method", the common diseases in clinic, e.g. the disorders of heart, spleen and stomach systems, as well as the gynecology are taken as examples in the paper.

Cloning and function analysis of chalcone isomerase gene and chalcone synthase gene in Lonicera macranthoides / 中国中药杂志

In order to explore the functions of genes of key rate-limiting enzymes chalcone isomerase(CHI) and chalcone synthase(CHS) in the biosynthesis of flavonoids in Lonicera macranthoides, this study screened and cloned the cDNA sequences of CHI and CHS genes from the transcriptome data of conventional variety and 'Xianglei' of L. macranthoides. Online bioinformatics analysis software was used to analyze the characteristics of the encoded proteins, and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR) to detect the expression of CHI and CHS in different parts of the varieties at different flowering stages. The content of luteo-loside was determined by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) and the correlation with the expression of the two genes was analyzed. The results showed that the CHI and CHS of the two varieties contained a 627 bp and 1170 bp open reading frame(ORF), respectively, and the CHI protein and CHS protein were stable, hydrophilic, and non-secretory. qRT-PCR results demonstrated that CHI and CHS of the two varieties were differentially expressed in stems and leaves at different flowering stages, particularly the key stages. Based on HPLC data, luteoloside content was in negative correlation with the relative expression of the genes. Thus, CHI and CHS might regulate the accumulation of flavonoids in L. macranthoides, and the specific functions should be further studied. This study cloned CHI and CHS in L. macranthoides and analyzed their expression for the first time, which laid a basis for investigating the molecular mechanism of the differences in flavonoids such as luteoloside in L. macranthoides and variety breeding.

Research progress in mechanism of curcumin in treatment of Parkinson disease / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

Curcumin (Cur) is an important bioactive component of polyphenols in the rhizomes of Curcuma longa L., Tulipa gesneriana L. and other Curcuma plants. It has a wide range of pharmacological effects such as anti-tumor, anti-atherosclerosis, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotection. Parkinson disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease that often occurs in the elderly. Its main pathological characteristics are the characteristic loss of substantia nigra dopaminer?gic neurons, the decrease of dopamine content in the striatum, and the formation of Lewy bodies. At present, the main methods of clinical treatment of PD include drug therapy and surgical operation, but due to its complicated pathogene?sis, they can only play a role in relieving, but cannot be completely cured. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that Cur has certain effects in the treatment of PD. ① Anti-oxidative stress: oxidative stress is closely related to the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. Studies have found that Cur can increase the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), reduce malondialdehyde (MDA) content, thereby reducing oxidative stress damage and protecting dopaminergic neuron.②Reduce inflammation in brain tissue:neuroinflammation plays an impor?tant role in the development of PD. Reducing the level of inflammatory factors can have a certain therapeutic effect on PD. Studies have shown that high-dose Cur can reduce the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and tumor necrosis fac?tor-α (TNF-α) in brain tissue, reduce inflammation, inhibit further neuronal damage, improve learning and memory, and exert neuroprotective effects. ③ Activation of autophagy: the abnormal accumulation of α-Synuclein (α-Syn) in Lewy bodies is closely related to PD, and autophagy dysfunction leads to α-Syn clearance obstacles and an important factor of abnormal aggregation. Cur can increase the expression of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3-Ⅱ) and lysosome-associated membrane protein 2A (LAMP2A), and reduce the protein and mRNA expression of α-Syn. It can be seen that Cur promotes the elimination ofα-Syn and protects neurons from damage by activating autophagy.④Inhi?bition of mitochondrial dysfunction:mitochondria plays a central regulatory role in the process of cell apoptosis, and mito?chondrial dysfunction is related to reactive oxygen species, energy and mitochondrial membrane potential, which may cause substantia nigra striatal neuropathy. Experiments have shown that Cur can reduce the active oxygen content in PC12 cells induced by MPP+, maintain the normal membrane potential of mitochondria, thereby stabilizing mitochondrial function and inhibiting PC12 cell apoptosis. This study summarized the action mechanism of Cur in the treatment of PD, and clarified the basis of its pharmacodynamics, providing a reference for the clinical research and new drug develop?ment research of Cur in the treatment of PD.

Current status and influencing factors of osteoporosis risk among residents in typical hot spring areas in Guizhou Province / 上海预防医学

Objective To understand the current status of osteoporosis risk and influencing factors for residents from 30 to 65 years old in typical hot spring areas in Guizhou province, and to provide a theoretical basis for reducing the risk of osteoporosis and the prevention of osteoporosis in the population. Methods A health questionnaire for residents in typical hot spring areas in Guizhou, osteoporosis risk test questions, Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI), etc were used. A face-to-face survey of 3 708 residents was conducted, and logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of osteoporosis risk in hot spring areas. Results 2 403(64.81%)residents of 3 708 people surveyed were at risk of osteoporosis, of whom 1 434(87.4%)males and 969 females(47.1%)had a higher risk of osteoporosis (χ2=652.4, P < 0.001). As age increased, more residents were at risk of osteoporosis(χ2=273.4, P < 0.001), and numbers of residents of 30-39 years old, 40-59 years old, and above 60 years of age at risk of osteoporosis were 319(49.2%), 1 572(62.9%), and 512(93.6%). Male osteoporosis risk was negatively correlated with an education level of undergraduate and above(OR=0.37, 95%CI: 0.19-0.73). Age 40-59(OR=1.54, 95%CI: 1.07-2.22), 60 and above(OR=6.39, 95%CI: 2.76-14.79), and sleep disorders(OR=1.59, 95%CI: 1.08-2.35)may increase the risk of osteoporosis in male residents in hot spring areas. Less oil in daily diet may increase the risk of osteoporosis in women(OR=1.70, 95%CI: 1.23-2.36). Age 40-59(OR=1.54, 95%CI: 1.17-2.03), over 60 and above(OR=16.24, 95%CI: 10.10-26.12), and sleep disorders(OR=1.84, 95%CI: 1.48-2.28)were positively correlated with risk of osteoporosis in women. Women with junior high school degree(OR=0.61, 95%CI: 0.47-0.80), high school degree(OR=0.57, 95%CI: 0.37-0.89)and undergraduate degree and above(OR=0.59, 95%CI: 0.39-0.98)had a lower risk of osteoporosis than women who were illiterate or semi-illiterate. The osteoporosis risk test questions showed that smoking, heavy drinking, and erectile dysfunction and reduced sexual desire were the main sources of osteoporosis risk in men. Menopause before the age of 60, ≤45 years old, no milk and no calcium supplements, parents with osteoporosis or bone fractures were the major risk sources of osteoporosis in women. Conclusion The risk of osteoporosis among male residents from 30 to 65 years old in typical hot spring areas in Guizhou province is higher than that among women. Education of osteoporosis prevention should be strengthened among local residents to promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles.

Prevalence of osteoarthrosis and its association with hot spring bathing among local adults in typical hot spring areas of Guizhou Province / 上海预防医学

Objective To investigate the prevalence of osteoarthrosis and the association between hot spring bathing and osteoarthrosis among local adults in typical hot spring areas of Guizhou Province. Methods A face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted among residents aged from 30 to 65 in five typical hot spring areas, including Xifeng(Xifeng County, Guiyang), Jianhe(Jianhe County, Qiandongnan), Fodingshan(Shiqian County, Tongren), Guiyu(Wudang District, Guiyang)and Huishangu(Suiyang County, Zunyi). Residents' basic information, bone and joint diseases prevalence, hot spring bathing, and other health-related behaviors were investigated in this study. The prevalence of local bone and joint diseases was analyzed, and binary logistic regression was used to calculate OR(95%CI)to analyze the association between hot spring bathing and bone and joint diseases. Results A total of 3 708 adults(1 648 males and 2 060 females)were included as the statistical analysis survey subjects, and 794 people reported bone and joint diseases, accounting for a prevalence rate of 21.41%, 95% CI: 0.201-0.227. The prevalence of females(24.56%)was higher than that of males(17.48%)(P < 0.001). The prevalence rates of diseases increased with age(χtrend2=130.265, P < 0.001). There were also statistically significant differences in the prevalence rate of bone and joint diseases among different genders, age groups, occupations, education levels, and smoking behaviors(P < 0.05). After gender, age, occupation, education and smoking were adjusted for, compared with the group who never took hot spring baths, participants who took hot spring baths occasionally(OR=0.793, 95%CI: 0.631-0.996)and frequently(OR=0.713, 95%CI: 0.536-0.948)were associated with a lower risk of bone and joint diseases. Conclusion The prevalence of osteoarthrosis is 21.41% in the typical hot spring areas of Guizhou Province. Older or females have a higher risk of prevalence of bone and joint diseases. Hot spring bathing may be associated with a lower risk of bone and joint diseases.

Association between hot spring bathing behavior and hypertension and the mediating effect of sleep quality problems in typical hot spring areas of Guizhou Province / 上海预防医学

Objective To investigate the association between hot spring bathing behavior and hypertension and understand the mediation effect of sleep quality problems on the association. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among adults aged 30 to 65 living and working around five hot springs in Guizhou Province, employing a self-designed questionnaire on the health status and hot spring bathing, and 3 708 qualified questionnaires were collected. Participants were divided into three groups according to their frequency of hot spring bathing: never, occasionally, and frequently. Stratified via sex and sleep quality, the binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between different hot spring bathing frequencies and self-reported hypertension. Results Significant difference was detected in the self-reported hypertension between groups who never bathe(13.7%), who occasional bathe(9.4%)and who frequently bathe(8.5%)among female participants(χ2=10.460, P=0.005). However, no significant difference was found among different bathing groups in males. Furthermore, multivariate analysis showed that compared with no bathing, occasional(OR=0.692)and frequent (OR=0.594)hot spring bathing were associated with lower hypertension prevalence among female population, and female groups of occasional and frequent bathing with sleep quality problems had smaller OR(OR=0.571 and 0.406, respectively). After sleep quality problems were included, hot spring bathing was still associated with lower hypertension risk, and the OR values of occasional bathing and frequent bathing groups were 0.723 and 0.611, respectively. The sleep quality problems of female population played a partial mediating role in the association between hot spring bathing and hypertension, and the relative mediating effects of occasional bathing and frequent bathing with hypertension were both statistically significant(Zm=-2.022 and -1.995, P < 0.05), which accounted for 34.34% and 30.15% of the total effects, respectively. Conclusion Regular hot spring bathing may play an auxiliary role in the prevention of hypertension, and it may provide a stronger protection for women, and especially those with sleep quality problems. Sleep quality problems may explain part of the association between hot spring bathing and hypertension in female population.

Association between hot spring bathing and quality of life of smokers in typical hot spring areas of Guizhou Province / 上海预防医学

Objective To analyze the association between hot spring bathing and the quality of life of smokers living in typical hot spring areas of Guizhou to make suggestions on improving their quality of life. Methods The study is a cross-sectional study whose data was collected by questionnaires. The WHO Quality of Life Scale(WHO QOL-BREEF)was used to measure quality of life. Results The quality of life in the psychological domain(14.09±1.83 vs 13.79±1.82, P < 0.05)and the environmental domain(12.70±1.84 vs 12.37±1.67, P < 0.05)among smokers who took hot spring baths was significantly higher than that among those who did not. After adopting ordinary logistic regression model to adjust for other factors, for the physical domain, the odd of scoring"good"in the WHO scale in group of smokers who took hot spring baths less that once a month was 0.70 lower than that in those who took baths at least once a month(OR=0.70, 95%CI: 0.54-0.91). In psychological domain, the odd of the group of smokers who did not take hot spring baths was 0.65 lower than that in those who took baths at least once a month(OR=0.65, 95%CI: 0.47-0.90). And the odd of the group of smokers who bathed less than once in a month was 0.71 lower than those who bathed at least once a month(OR=0.71, 95%CI: 0.54-0.92). Conclusion There is a positive relationship between hot spring bathing and quality of life, which prompts that people who smoke take hot spring baths to improve their quality of life.

Study of hot spring bathing and chronic disease prevalence among residents between 30 and 65 in typical hot spring areas of Guizhou Province / 上海预防医学

Objective To investigate hot spring bathing behavior and chronic disease prevalence of residents aged 30 to 65 in typical hot spring areas of Guizhou Province. Methods Totally 3 708 individuals between 30 and 65 in five typical hot spring areas of Guizhou Province were included in this study. Their hot spring bathing behavior and chronic disease prevalence were recorded. Unconditional logistic regression was used to analyze the association between hot spring bathing and the incidence of chronic diseases. Results 71.3% of the residents in the hot spring areas had bathed in hot springs, with the proportion higher in males than females(χ2=92.856, P < 0.001). 76.3% of people took hot spring baths fewer than or equal to 6 times per year, 30.8% of residents often chose to take hot spring baths in the evening, and 37.6% of the residents took hot spring baths for 21-40 minutes. Bathing was more common in winter. 11.5% and 17.9% of the residents added other substances and used hot spring facilities, and most of them added traditional Chinese medicine and used the sauna. 46.6% and 41.6 % of the residents took hot spring baths to relax and relieve fatigue. The self-reported prevalence rate of chronic diseases was 522.1‰, and the top five single diseases were lumbar intervertebral disc disease(119.7‰), hypertension(118.1‰), urinary calculus(77.7‰), cervical intervertebral disc disease(53.7‰)and osteogenesis(44.5‰). Compared with those who never bathed in hot springs, taking hot spring baths 7-11 times a year was negatively correlated with chronic diseases.(OR=0.551, 95%CI: 0.345-0.879). Conclusion Hot spring bathing is popular in typical hot spring areas of Guizhou Province, but its frequency is not high. The overall prevalence of chronic diseases is relatively high, and the order of most prevalent chronic diseases is different from that in other areas. Proper hot spring bathing is negatively correlated with chronic diseases.

Simplified instructional phrasing in dispatcher-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation - when 'less is more'

INTRODUCTION@#In our national emergency dispatch centre, the standard protocol for dispatcher-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DACPR) in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs) involves the instruction 'push 100 times a minute 5 cm deep'. As part of quality improvement, the instruction was simplified to 'push hard and fast'.@*METHODS@#We analysed all dispatcher-diagnosed OHCAs over four months in 2018: January to February ('push 100 times a minute 5 cm deep') and August to September ('push hard and fast'). We also performed secondary per-protocol analysis based on the protocol used: (a) standard (n = 48); (b) simplified (n = 227); and (c) own words (n = 231).@*RESULTS@#A total of 506 cases were included: 282 in the 'before' group and 224 in the 'after' group. Adherence to the protocol was 15.2% in the 'before' phase and 72.8% in the 'after' phase (p < 0.001). The mean time between instruction and first compression for the 'before' and 'after' groups was 34.36 seconds and 26.83 seconds, respectively (p < 0.001). Time to first compression was 238.62 seconds and 218.83 seconds in the 'before' and 'after' groups, respectively (p = 0.016). In the per-protocol analysis, the interval between instruction and compression was 37.19 seconds, 28.31 seconds and 32.40 seconds in the standard protocol, simplified protocol and 'own words' groups, respectively (p = 0.005). The need for paraphrasing was 60.4% in the standard protocol group and 81.5% in the simplified group (p < 0.001).@*CONCLUSION@#Simplified instructions were associated with a shorter interval between instruction and first compression. Efforts should be directed at simplifying DACPR instructions.

Effects of atmospheric particulates exposure on Nrf2 signaling pathway and inflammatory factors in myocardium of rats fed with high-fat and high-glucose diet / 上海预防医学

Objective To study the effect of atmospheric particulate exposure on the expression of key molecules of Nrf2 signaling pathway involved in oxidative stress and inflammatory response factors in myocardium of rats fed with high-fat and high-glucose diet. Methods A total of 48 SD male rats were randomly divided into control group (CC group), high-fat and high-glucose diet group (HC group), atmospheric particulates group (CP group) and atmospheric particulates plus high-fat and high-glucose diet group (HP group), with 12 rats in each group.Rats were fed in individual ventilated cages (IVC).The CC and HC groups were placed in IVCs equipped with the atmospheric particulate filter, however, the CP and HP groups without the atmospheric particulate filter to make the air composition similar to the outdoor.A total of 24 rats were sacrificed for acquiring myocardial tissue after 3 and 6 months of exposure.The mRNA expression of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, VCAM-1 and MCP-1 were measured using RT-qPCR and the protein expression of VCAM-1, MCP-1 detected using western blot. Results The mRNA expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, VCAM-1 and MCP-1 and the protein expression levels of VCAM-1 and MCP-1 in HC, CP and HP groups were higher than CC group (P < 0.05).The mRNA expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, VCAM-1, MCP-1 and the protein expression levels of VCAM-1, MCP-1 in the HP group were higher than HC and CP groups (P < 0.05).The mRNA expression levels of Nrf2 in CP and HP groups after 6 months of exposure were lower than that at 3 months (P < 0.05). Conclusion The exposure of atmospheric particles, high-fat and high-glucose and their combination diets could cause myocardial tissue inflammatory responses, and activate Nrf2 signaling pathways to protect against myocardial damage.

Chemical variation in Aconti Kusnezoffii Radix before and after processing based on UPLC-Orbitrap-MS / 中国中药杂志

Some Chinese herbal medicine needs to be processed before it can be used as medicine, especially toxic Chinese medicine. Highly toxic Aconti Kusnezoffii Radix(Caowu in Chinese) is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and Mongolian medicine. In traditional Chinese medicine, Caowu is usually processed by boiling with water(CW) until no white part inside and being tasted without tongue-numbing. In Mongolian medicine, it is usually soaked in Chebulae Fructus(Hezi in Chinese) decoction for several days(CH). Both methods could reduce toxicity according to reports. The biggest difference between CW and CH is that CW needs to be heated for 4-6 h, while CH needs Hezi as processing adjuvants. To explore the toxicity reduction mechanism of CW and CH, we studied the contents of various compounds in Caowu processed by two methods by UPLC-Orbitrap-MS. The results indicated that CW had 14 new ingredients, such as 14-O-anisoylneoline and dehydro-mesaconitine, while N-demethyl-mesaconitine and aconitine disappeared. At the same time, it could significantly decrease the content of diester diterpenoid alkaloids and increase the contents of monoester diterpenoid alkaloids and amine-diterpenoid alkaloids. CH had 9 new ingredients from Hezi, like gallic acid, chebulic acid and shikimic acid. Neither the kinds nor the contents of compositions from Caowu in CH changed little. This suggested that the processing mechanism of CW reduced highly toxic components(diester diterpenoid alkaloids) and increased the content of lowly toxic components(monoester diterpenoid alkaloids and amine-diterpenoid alkaloids). Attenuated principle of CH may be related to the components of Hezi. In this experiment, the conclusion shows that the chemical constituents of CW and CH are essentially different, and the two methods have different toxicity reduction principles.

Identification and attribution of chemical constituents of Qingfei Paidu Decoction based on UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS technology / 中国中药杂志

UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS was developed for the identification of chemical constituents in Qingfei Paidu Decoction, which will clarify its material basis. ACQUITY UHPLC HSS T3 chromatography column(2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.8 μm) was used with 0.1% formic acid(B)-acetonitrile(A) as the mobile phase in gradient elution. The decoction was detected by high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry equipped with an ESI ion source in positive and negative mode. Based on the accurate mass measurements, retention time, mass fragmentation patterns combined with comparison of reference and literature reports, a total of 87 major compounds including 43 flavonoids, 9 alkaloids, 4 triterpenoid saponins, 1 sesquiterpene, 2 coumarins, 10 phenolic acids and 18 other compounds were tentatively screened and characterized. UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS was employed to comprehensively elucidate the chemical components in Qingfei Paidu Decoction, which basically covered 20 Chinese medicines except gypsum in Qingfei Paidu Decoction. These collective results provide a scientific basis for further research on the quality control standard of Qingfei Paidu Decoction.