Characterization of distinct microbiota associated with androgenetic alopecia patients treated and untreated with platelet-rich plasma (PRP).

BACKGROUND: Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss in men, and there are many studies on the treatment of hair loss by platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The human scalp contains a huge microbiome, but its role in the process of hair loss remains unclear, and the relationship between PRP and the microbiome needs further study. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of PRP treatment on scalp microbiota composition. METHODS: We performed PRP treatment on 14 patients with AGA, observed their clinical efficacy, and collected scalp swab samples before and after treatment. The scalp microflora of AGA patients before and after treatment was characterized by amplifying the V3-V4 region of the 16 s RNA gene and sequencing for bacterial identification. RESULTS: The results showed that PRP was effective in the treatment of AGA patients, and the hair growth increased significantly. The results of relative abundance analysis of microbiota showed that after treatment, g_Cutibacterium increased and g_Staphylococcus decreased, which played a stable role in scalp microbiota. In addition, g_Lawsonella decreased, indicating that the scalp oil production decreased after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that PRP may play a role in treating AGA through scalp microbiome rebalancing.

Chromosomal polymorphisms and susceptibility to menstrual disorders: a retrospective analysis of 24,578 women.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the association between the polymorphic variants of chromosomes and menstrual disorders. METHODS: The data from our previous retrospective, single-center cohort study were re-analyzed. Women with regular menstruation were included as controls. Women with menstrual cycle abnormalities were subgrouped according to reproductive causes. The frequency of chromosomal polymorphisms was compared between groups. Regression analysis was used to adjust for potential confounding variables. RESULT: A total of 24,578 women composed of 8062 women with regular cycles as the control group and 16,516 women as the menstrual cycle irregularity group were included. When compared with the control group, the incidence of chromosomal polymorphisms in the total menstrual cycle irregularity group, Polycystic ovary syndrome group, and Primary ovarian insufficiency group were significantly higher (4.49% versus 5.34%, P = 0.004, 4.49% versus 5.35%, P = 0.018 and 4.49% versus 5.94%, P = 0.002, respectively). The incidences of inv(9) in the Primary ovarian insufficiency group were significantly higher than that in the control individuals (1.0% versus 1.6%, P = 0.024). Logistic regression analysis showed an effect of chromosomal polymorphisms on menstrual cycle irregularity (OR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.234-2.187, P = 0.007; adjusted OR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.153-1.819, P < 0.001). The result demonstrated an effect of chromosomal polymorphisms on the Primary ovarian insufficiency group (OR: 2.52, 95% CI: 1.307-5.177, P < 0.001; adjusted OR: 2.61, 95% CI: 1.371-4.605, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The study suggests chromosomal polymorphisms adversely affect female menstrual cycle irregularity.

Anti-inflammatory effects of amarogentin on 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis-like mice and in HaCat cells.

BACKGROUND: Amarogentin (AMA) is a secoiridoid glycoside extracted from Swertia and Gentiana roots and exhibits many biological effects such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease caused by disorders in the regulation of multiple inflammatory cytokines. No effective cure has been found for AD now. METHODS: We constructed the HaCat and splenocyte model and tested the inhibitory effect of AMA on IL-4, IL-6, and IL-13 secretions using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The AD mouse model was constructed and treated with AMA, the severity of skin lesions was observed, epidermal tissue was collected, and epidermal thickness and mast cell infiltration were observed using hematoxylin and eosin and toluidine blue staining, respectively. The expression of kallikrein-related peptidase 7 (KLK7) and filaggrin (FLG) was detected using immunostaining and Western blot analysis. The mRNA expression of KLK7 and FLG was detected using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Blood immunoglobulin E (IgE) secretion was detected. RESULTS: AMA inhibited IL-6 secreted by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced HaCaT cells and reduced IL-4 and IL-13 secreted by phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced primary cells in the mice spleen. It was found that the treatment of AMA with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced AD-like mice could promote the recovery of dermatitis, reduce the score of dermatitis severity and the scratching frequency, treat the skin lesions, reduce the epidermal thickness, decrease the infiltration of mast cells, reduce the IgE level in serum, decrease the expression levels of AD-related cytokines, increase protein and mRNA expression of FLG, and reduce the protein and mRNA expression of KLK7 in the skin tissues of AD-like mice. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, AMA inhibits inflammatory response at the cellular level, and AMA reduces the validation response of specific dermatitis mice, relieves pruritus, and repairs the damaged skin barrier.

Leonurine inhibits ferroptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells by activating p62/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway / 中国中药杂志

To investigate the protective effect and the potential mechanism of leonurine(Leo) against erastin-induced ferroptosis in human renal tubular epithelial cells(HK-2 cells), an in vitro erastin-induced ferroptosis model was constructed to detect the cell viability as well as the expressions of ferroptosis-related indexes and signaling pathway-related proteins. HK-2 cells were cultured in vitro, and the effects of Leo on the viability of HK-2 cells at 10, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 μmol·L~(-1) were examined by CCK-8 assay to determine the safe dose range of Leo administration. A ferroptosis cell model was induced by erastin, a common ferroptosis inducer, and the appropriate concentrations were screened. CCK-8 assay was used to detect the effects of Leo(20, 40, 80 μmol·L~(-1)) and positive drug ferrostatin-1(Fer-1, 1, 2 μmol·L~(-1)) on the viability of ferroptosis model cells, and the changes of cell morphology were observed by phase contrast microscopy. Then, the optimal concentration of Leo was obtained by Western blot for nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2) activation, and transmission electron microscope was further used to detect the characteristic microscopic morphological changes during ferroptosis. Flow cytometry was performed to detect reactive oxygen species(ROS), and the level of glutathione(GSH) was measured using a GSH assay kit. The expressions of glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4), p62, and heme oxygenase 1(HO-1) in each group were quantified by Western blot. RESULTS:: showed that Leo had no side effects on the viability of normal HK-2 cells in the concentration range of 10-100 μmol·L~(-1). The viability of HK-2 cells decreased as the concentration of erastin increased, and 5 μmol·L~(-1) erastin significantly induced ferroptosis in the cells. Compared with the model group, Leo dose-dependently increased cell via-bility and improved cell morphology, and 80 μmol·L~(-1) Leo promoted the translocation of Nrf2 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Further studies revealed that Leo remarkably alleviated the characteristic microstructural damage of ferroptosis cells caused by erastin, inhibited the release of intracellular ROS, elevated GSH and GPX4, promoted the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, and significantly upregulated the expression of p62 and HO-1 proteins. In conclusion, Leo exerted a protective effect on erastin-induced ferroptosis in HK-2 cells, which might be associated with its anti-oxidative stress by activating p62/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Application of body surface markers localization in totally implantable venous access port implantation via internal jugular vein approach / 国际外科学杂志

Objective:To investigate the feasibility of using body surface marker localization method to determine the correct position of catheter tip (lower 1/3 of the superior vena cava or the junction of superior vena cava and right atrium) in totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) implantation via internal jugular vein approach.Methods:The clinical data of 220 patients who underwent TIVAP implantation in Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University from June 2019 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 168 patients used the internal jugular vein approach. According to the method implemented for determining the length of central venous catheter (CVC) during the operation, the patients were divided into two groups: 136 patients using the body surface marker localization method were defined as the study group; and the remaining 32 cases treated by the intraoperative X-ray fluoroscopic localization method were defined as the control group. The difference in the excellent or good rate of CVC tip position immediately after implantation and the time of implantation was compared between the two groups. In addition, the correlation between the length of CVC indwelling, height, age, and the distance between the catheter tip and tracheal carina was analyzed for the patients with right and left internal jugular vein catheterization. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used for statistical distribution of measurement data. Normal distribution of measurement data was expressed as mean ± standard deviation ( ± s), independent sample t-test was used for comparison between groups. Chi-square test was used for comparison between counting data. With TIVAP catheter indenture length as dependent variable and height as independent variable, Pearson correlation analysis was performed, the relationship equation between ideal catheter indenture length and patient height was analyzed by unitary linear regression. Results:When the CVC tip was located at the second intercostal space, the third sternocostal joint and the third intercostal space, the corresponding probability of being in the correct position was 34.8%, 83.3% and 95.0% respectively. The third sternocostal joint or the third intercostal space had a higher probability of correct CVC tip location than the second intercostal space, and the difference were statistically significant ( P<0.001). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the possibility of the CVC tip located in the correct position between the third sternocostal joint and the third intercostal space ( P=0.149). Compared with the control group (before adjusting catheter position), the proportion of excellent or good CVC position in the study group was significantly improved (94.1% vs 46.9%), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=41.99, P<0.001); while the total operation time was significantly shortened [(33.04±6.69) min vs (42.50±5.54) min], and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). There was a linear correlation between the length of CVC insertion and height. Indwelling catheter length via right internal jugular vein approach (cm) =0.159× height (cm)-1.284 ( r=0.597, r2=0.356, P<0.001); length of catheter indwelling through the left approach (cm) =0.097× height (cm) + 12.139 ( r=0.322, r2=0.104, P=0.020). Conclusions:The third sternocostal joint or the third intercostal space would be the corresponding correct surface landmark of the CVC tip when the body surface marker localization method was adopted during the TIVAP implantation via the internal jugular vein approach. Compared with the intraoperative X-ray fluoroscopy localization, the operation time is significantly shortened with the application of the body surface marker localization method. This technique is simple and easy to master and has high reliability in determining the length of catheter and the position of CVC tip.

Effect of different concentrations of foliar iron fertilizer on chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics of iron-deficient rice seedlings under saline sodic conditions.

The effectiveness of iron is reduced in saline conditions, which can easily lead to iron deficiency and inhibit photosynthesis in rice. In this study, 4-week-old Fe-deficient rice seedlings were treated under saline sodic stress (50 mM) to different concentrations (0, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.8%, 1.6%, and 3.2%) of foliar iron fertilizer (FeEDDHA). Differences in prompting fluorescence and the MR820 signal of rice leaves after 7 days of treatment were probed using the JIP-test. The results show that the performances of the two rice varieties were in general agreement. Under iron deficiency and soda salinity stress conditions, rice growth was inhibited, and the pigment content, specific energy flux, quantum yield, performance of the active PSII reaction center (PIABS) and the oxidation (Vox) and reduction rates (Vred) of PSI were reduced. These indicators first increase and then decrease with increasing iron fertiliser concentrations. The best results were obtained with the Fe3 treatment (0.8%). Fluorescence parameters such as the relative variable fluorescence (WK and VJ) and the quantum yield of energy dissipation (φDo) showed opposite trends. This suggests that iron deficiency/excess and soda saline stress disrupt the electron and energy transport in the photosystem. Appropriate iron fertilization concentration can repair the photosynthetic electron transport chain, improve electron transport efficiency and promote balanced energy distribution. Therefore, we suggest that moderate amounts of Fe are beneficial for improving the electron and energy transport properties of the photosystem, while spraying high concentrations of Fe fertilizer has a negative effect on improving salt tolerance in rice.

Analysis of clinical phenotype and genotype of Chinese children with disorders of sex development / 中华儿科杂志

Objective: To explore the heterogeneity and correlation of clinical phenotypes and genotypes in children with disorders of sex development (DSD). Methods: A retrospective study of 1 235 patients with clinically proposed DSD in 36 pediatric medical institutions across the country from January 2017 to May 2021. After capturing 277 DSD-related candidate genes, second-generation sequencing was performed to analyzed the heterogeneity and correlation combined with clinical phenotypes. Results: Among 1 235 children with clinically proposed DSD, 980 were males and 255 were females of social gender at the time of initial diagnosis with the age ranged from 1 day of age to 17.92 years. A total of 443 children with pathogenic variants were detected through molecular genetic studies, with a positive detection rate of 35.9%. The most common clinical phenotypes were micropenis (455 cases), hypospadias (321 cases), and cryptorchidism (172 cases) and common mutations detected were in SRD5A2 gene (80 cases), AR gene (53 cases) and CYP21A2 gene (44 cases). Among them, the SRD5A2 mutation is the most common in children with simple micropenis and simple hypospadias, while the AMH mutation is the most common in children with simple cryptorchidism. Conclusions: The SRD5A2 mutation is the most common genetic variant in Chinese children with DSD, and micropenis, cryptorchidism, and hypospadias are the most common clinical phenotypes. Molecular diagnosis can provide clues about the biological basis of DSD, and can also guide clinicians to perform specific clinical examinations. Target sequence capture probes and next-generation sequencing technology can provide effective and economical genetic diagnosis for children with DSD.

Surgical management of nipple areola complex in central breast cancer / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To explore the surgical strategy of nipple areola complex (NAC) management in central breast cancer. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 164 cases of central breast cancer who underwent surgery treatment from December 2017 to December 2020 in the Breast Center of Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University. Prior to the surgery, the tumor-nipple distance (TND) and the maximum diameter of the tumor were measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The presence of nipple invagination, nipple discharge, and nipple ulceration (including nipple Paget's disease) were recorded accordingly. NAC was preserved in patients with TND≥0.5 cm, no signs of NAC invasion (nipple invagination, nipple ulceration) and negative intraoperative frozen pathological margin. All patients with signs of NAC involvement, TND<0.5 cm or positive NAC basal resection margin confirmed by intraoperative frozen pathology underwent NAC removal. χ(2) test or Fisher exact test was used to analyze the influencing factors. Results: Of the 164 cases of central breast cancer, 73 cases underwent breast-conserving surgery, 43 cases underwent nipple-areola complex sparing mastectomy (NSM), 34 cases underwent total mastectomy, and the remaining 14 cases underwent skin sparing mastectomy (SSM). Among the 58 cases of NAC resection (including 34 cases of total mastectomy, 14 cases of SSM, and 10 cases of breast-conserving surgery), 25 cases were confirmed tumor involving NAC (total mastectomy in 12 cases, SSM in 9 cases, and breast-conserving surgery in 4 cases). The related factors of NAC involvement included TND (P=0.040) and nipple invagination (P=0.031). There were no correlations between tumor size (P=0.519), lymph node metastasis (P=0.847), bloody nipple discharge (P=0.742) and NAC involvement. During the follow-up period of 12 to 48 months, there was 1 case of local recurrence and 3 cases of distant metastasis. Conclusions: For central breast cancer, data suggest that patients with TND≥0.5cm, no signs of NAC invasion (nipple invagination, nipple ulceration) and negative NAC margin in intraoperative frozen pathology should be treated with NAC preservation surgery, whereas for those with TND<0.5 cm or accompanied by signs of NAC invasion, NAC should be removed. In addition, nipple reconstruction can be selected to further improve the postoperative appearance of patients with central breast cancer.

Dahuang zhechong pills regulate ASICla/VEGF pathway and alleviate hepatic fibrosis / 中国药理学通报

Aim To examine the therapeutic effects of DHZCP on carbon tetrachloride(CCl4)-induced chemical hepatic fibrosis model in rats and the mechanism of acid-sensitive ion channels 1a(ASIC1a)and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)-related mechanisms.Methods The rats were injected intraperitoneally with CCl4 vegetable oil mixture to establish hepatic fibrosis model,and randomly divided into six groups:control group,hepatic fibrosis model group,DHZCP low dose group,DHZCP medium dose group,DHZCP high dose group and colchicine(Col)positive control group.HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of hepatic structures in each group,Masson staining to view the production of collagen fibers in each group,and immunohistochemistry,Western blot,q-PCR to investigate the expression level of ASIC1a,CaMKKβ,VEGF,α-SMA,Collagen-I proteins.Results In model group,serum ALT and AST levels were obviously up-regulated,liver tissue structure was severely damaged,and ASIC1a,CaMKKβ,VEGF,α-SMA,Collagen-I gene and protein expression levels were significantly elevated.Compared with model group,each treatment group of DHZCP could markedly alleviate the pathological changes of liver fibrosis caused by CCl4,significantly reduce the serum ALT and AST levels,and dose-dependently down-regulate the gene and protein expression levels of ASIC1a,CaMKKβ,VEGF,α-SMA,Collagen-I,etc.Conclusions DHZCP ameliorates hepatic fibrosis in rats,and its mechanism of action may be associated with the regulation of ASIC1a/VEGF.

Efficacy and safety of programmed death-1/programmed death-ligand 1 inhibitors in treatment of hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma / 临床肝胆病杂志

Combined immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), especially programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors, has achieved a remarkable clinical effect in clinical research and practice. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is considered a major risk factor in the process of HCC. Studies are being conducted to investigate the efficacy and safety of PD-1/PD-L1 ICIs used alone or in combination in the treatment of patients with HBV-associated HCC, and some studies have shown that the patients with HBV-associated HCC receiving PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors have achieved a similar treatment outcome to those without HBV infection; however, no consensus has been reached on the safety issues related to HBV activation. This article reviews the clinical trials of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade immunotherapy for HCC, so as to clarify the safety and efficacy of this new treatment regimen in the particular circumstances of HBV infection.

The role of Serpina3n in the reversal effect of ATRA on dexamethasone-inhibited osteogenic differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells.

BACKGROUND: Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) is the most common secondary osteoporosis. Patients with GIOP are susceptible to fractures and the subsequent delayed bone union or nonunion. Thus, effective drugs and targets need to be explored. In this regard, the present study aims to reveal the possible mechanism of the anti-GIOP effect of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). METHODS: Bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9)-transfected mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were used as an in vitro osteogenic model to deduce the relationship between ATRA and dexamethasone (DEX). The osteogenic markers runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and osteopontin were detected using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunofluorescent staining assay. ALP activities and matrix mineralization were evaluated using ALP staining and Alizarin Red S staining assay, respectively. The novel genes associated with ATRA and DEX were detected using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). The binding of the protein-DNA complex was validated using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. Rat GIOP models were constructed using intraperitoneal injection of dexamethasone at a dose of 1 mg/kg, while ATRA intragastric administration was applied to prevent and treat GIOP. These effects were evaluated based on the serum detection of the osteogenic markers osteocalcin and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b, histological staining, and micro-computed tomography analysis. RESULTS: ATRA enhanced BMP9-induced ALP, RUNX2 expressions, ALP activities, and matrix mineralization in mouse embryonic fibroblasts as well as C3H10T1/2 and C2C12 cells, while a high concentration of DEX attenuated these markers. When DEX was combined with ATRA, the latter reversed DEX-inhibited ALP activities and osteogenic markers. In vivo analysis showed that ATRA reversed DEX-inhibited bone volume, bone trabecular number, and thickness. During the reversal process of ATRA, the expression of retinoic acid receptor beta (RARß) was elevated. RARß inhibitor Le135 partly blocked the reversal effect of ATRA. Meanwhile, RNA-seq demonstrated that serine protease inhibitor, clade A, member 3N (Serpina3n) was remarkably upregulated by DEX but downregulated when combined with ATRA. Overexpression of Serpina3n attenuated ATRA-promoted osteogenic differentiation, whereas knockdown of Serpina3n blocked DEX-inhibited osteogenic differentiation. Furthermore, ChIP assay revealed that RARß can regulate the expression of Serpina3n. CONCLUSION: ATRA can reverse DEX-inhibited osteogenic differentiation both in vitro and in vivo, which may be closely related to the downregulation of DEX-promoted Serpina3n. Hence, ATRA may be viewed as a novel therapeutic agent, and Serpina3n may act as a new target for GIOP.

Efficacy and Safety of Long-Term Intravenous Tranexamic Acid Administration for Blood Management in Revision Surgery for Femoral Shaft Nonunion: A Retrospective Case-Control Study.

Femoral shaft nonunion is a complication that seriously affects physiological functions. We aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of short- and long-term intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA) administration in the perioperative period of revision surgery for femoral shaft nonunion. In this retrospective study, 53 patients undergoing double-locking plates with channel bone grafting technology for the treatment of femoral shaft nonunion were divided into 3 groups: the patients in group A without use TXA during hospitalization, the patients in group B received intravenous (IV) 1-g TXA at 30 min before the surgery and deep soaked 1-g TXA for 5 min before closing the incision, and then 1-g TXA IV again 6 h after surgery, and the patients in group C received 1-g TXA IV before the operation, 1-g TXA topically during the operation, and subsequent long-term 1-g TXA IV until discharged. The primary outcomes were total blood loss (TBL) and hidden blood loss (HBL). The secondary outcomes included actual hemoglobin (Hb) loss values, transfusion requirement, number of units transfused, postoperative laboratory values (Hb, hematocrit, fibrinogen, and D-dimer), visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, and hospitalization time. The mean TBL was lower in group C than in group A (1168 mL vs. 2714 mL, P < 0.001) and group B (1168 mL vs. 1557 mL, P = 0.008). The differences in HBL volumes were also significant between groups A and C (P < 0.001) and between groups A and B (P < 0.01). The actual Hb loss in the 3 groups showed a consistent trend with TBL, but no significant differences between groups B and C (P = 0.23). On postoperative day (POD) 3, the Hb level was higher in group C than in group A (111.1 g/L vs. 94.6 g/L, P = 0.02). No significant differences were found in VAS, hospital stay, thromboembolic complications, incision-related complications, and TXA adverse reactions among groups. Long-term intravenous TXA during hospitalization can effectively reduce perioperative blood loss, Hb drop, and postoperative hyperfibrinolysis, but is associated with an increased incidence of adverse reactions.

Screening results and genetic features of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in 54 025 preterm infants in Chengdu, China / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the screening results of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency and gene mutation distribution of G6PD deficiency in preterm infants in Chengdu, China, in order to provide a basis for the improvement of G6PD screening process in preterm infants.@*METHODS@#Fluorescent spot test for G6PD deficiency using dried blood spots was used for G6PD screening of 54 025 preterm infants born from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2019 in Chengdu, and G6PD enzymology and gene detection were used for the diagnosis of 213 infants with positive screening results.@*RESULTS@#Among the 54 025 preterm infants, 192 were diagnosed with G6PD deficiency, with an incidence rate of 3.55‰. The incidence rate of G6PD deficiency in preterm infants was higher than that in full-term infants in the same period of time and tended to increase year by year. Birth in summer, gestational age T mutation tend to have mild conditions.

Efficacy and safety of human chorionic gonadotropin combined with human menopausal gonadotropin and a gonadotropin-releasing hormone pump for male adolescents with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Compared to adult studies, studies which involve the treatment of pediatric congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) are limited and no universal treatment regimen is available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)/human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) therapy for treating male adolescents with CHH.@*METHODS@#Male adolescent CHH patients were treated with hCG/hMG (n = 20) or a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pump (n = 21). The treatment was divided into a study phase (0-3 months) and a follow-up phase (3-12 months). The testicular volume (TV), penile length (PL), penis diameter (PD), and sex hormone levels were compared between the two groups. The TV and other indicators between the groups were analyzed using a t-test (equal variance) or a rank sum test (unequal variance).@*RESULTS@#Before treatment, there was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of the biochemistry, hormones, and other demographic indicators. After 3 months of treatment, the TV of the hCG/hMG and GnRH groups increased to 5.1 ± 2.3 mL and 4.1 ± 1.8 mL, respectively; however, the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05, t = 1.394). The PL reached 6.9 ± 1.8 cm and 5.1 ± 1.6 cm (P  0.05, t = 0.314). After 9 to 12 months of treatment, the T level was higher in the hCG/hMG group. Other parameters did not exhibit a statistical difference.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The hCG/hMG regimen is feasible and effective for treating male adolescents with CHH. The initial 3 months of treatment may be a window to optimally observe the strongest effects of therapy. Furthermore, results from the extended time-period showed positive outcomes at the 1-year mark; however, the long-term effectiveness, strengths, and weaknesses of the hCG/hMG regimen require further research.@*TRIAL REGISTRATION@#ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02880280; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02880280.

Features of liver injury in adolescents and adults with infectious mononucleosis: A single-center retrospective clinical study of 274 cases / 临床肝胆病杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the features of liver injury and related influencing factors in adolescents and adults with infectious mononucleosis (IM). MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed to investigate the features of liver injury in adolescents and adults with IM who were hospitalized in Peking University First Hospital from January 2005 to December 31 2018, and the patients were divided into subgroups based on age, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA level, and presence or absence of jaundice or infection with cytomegalovirus or hepatitis E virus (HEV). The t-test was used for comparison of continuous data meeting analytical conditions between two groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data which did not meet analytical conditions between two groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups, and the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data which did not meet the analytical conditions of the chi-square test. A logistic regression analysis was used for multivariate analysis. ResultsA total of 274 patients were enrolled, with 154 male patients (56.2%) and 120 female patients (43.8%), and the mean age of onset was 22.3±67 years. The incidence rate of liver injury ［defined as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ＞50 U/L and/or aspartate aminotransferase (AST)＞40 U/L］ was 97.4% (267/274), and that of jaundice was 27.6% (74/268). The patients, aged ≥20 years, tended to have a higher level of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) (Z=2.070, P=0.038). Serum EBV DNA was measured for 167 patients, among whom 90 had positive results and 77 had negative results. The positive serum EBV DNA group had significantly higher levels of GGT (Z=3.005, P=0.003) and lactate dehydrogenase (Z=2.162, P=0.031) than the negative serum EBV DNA group. The patients with cytomegalovirus infection tended to have a higher level of alkaline phosphatase (Z=2.351, P=0.019), and the patients with HEV infection presented with a higher level of GGT (Z=1.988, P=0.047). AST (odds ratio ［OR］=1.006, 95% confidence interval ［CI］: 1.002-1.010, P=0.005) and ALP (OR=1.012, 95%CI: 1.005-1.020, P=0.001) were independent risk factors for jaundice. ConclusionThere is a high incidence rate of liver injury in adolescents and adults with IM, and the patients with an older age or positive serum EBV DNA tend to have more severe liver injury.

Virological response to direct-acting antiviral therapy and changes in liver fibrosis indices in chronic hepatitis C patients with different alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels in a real-world setting / 临床肝胆病杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the virologic response to direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy and the changes in liver stiffness measurement (LSM), fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) after treatment in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients with different alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels at baseline in a real-world setting. MethodsCHC patients who attended the outpatient service of Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, from December 2017 to May 2020 were enrolled, and virologic response rate was calculated. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare LSM, FIB-4, and APRI between groups at baseline and at 12 weeks after treatment, and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. ResultsA total of 48 CHC patients were enrolled, among whom 33.3% had abnormal ALT or AST at baseline. Among these patients, the virologic response rate was 85.4% at week 4 of treatment and 100% at the end of treatment and at 12, 24, and 48 weeks after treatment, and there were significant changes from baseline to 12 weeks after treatment in LSM ［6.1 (51-12.4) kPa vs 8.6 (5.7-16.9) kPa, Z=-1.676, P=0.043］ and APRI ［0.24(0.19-0.48) vs 0.42(0.23-1.17), Z=-2.050, P=0027］. From baseline to 12 weeks after treatment, the patients with abnormal ALT or AST at baseline had significant changes in LSM ［89(5.6-13.1) kPa vs 14.4(8.0-28.2) kPa, Z=-1.679, P=0.047］ and APRI ［0.44(0.25-0.50) vs 1.29(0.99-2.09), Z=-3.427, P=0.001］. ConclusionCHC patients achieve a high sustained virologic response rate after DAA therapy, and the patients with abnormal ALT or AST at baseline tend to have more significant improvements in LSM and APRI than those without such abnormality.

Role of connexin 43 in odontoblastic differentiation and structural maintenance in pulp damage repair / 国际口腔科学杂志·英文版

Dental pulp can initiate its damage repair after an injury of the pulp-dentin complex by rearrangement of odontoblasts and formation of newly differentiated odontoblast-like cells. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is one of the gap junction proteins that participates in multiple tissue repair processes. However, the role of Cx43 in the repair of the dental pulp remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the function of Cx43 in the odontoblast arrangement patterns and odontoblastic differentiation. Human teeth for in vitro experiments were acquired, and a pulp injury model in Sprague-Dawley rats was used for in vivo analysis. The odontoblast arrangement pattern and the expression of Cx43 and dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) were assessed. To investigate the function of Cx43 in odontoblastic differentiation, we overexpressed or inhibited Cx43. The results indicated that polarized odontoblasts were arranged along the pulp-dentin interface and had high levels of Cx43 expression in the healthy teeth; however, the odontoblast arrangement pattern was slightly changed concomitant to an increase in the Cx43 expression in the carious teeth. Regularly arranged odontoblast-like cells had high levels of the Cx43 expression during the formation of mature dentin, but the odontoblast-like cells were not regularly arranged beneath immature osteodentin in the pulp injury models. Subsequent in vitro experiments demonstrated that Cx43 is upregulated during odontoblastic differentiation of the dental pulp cells, and inhibition or overexpression of Cx43 influence the odontoblastic differentiation. Thus, Cx43 may be involved in the maintenance of odontoblast arrangement patterns, and influence the pulp repair outcomes by the regulation of odontoblastic differentiation.

Proposal for detecting ring current via electron vortices.

In an intense circularly polarized laser field, the excitation of the atoms shows a strong dependence on the orbital helicity. The resonant excitation starting from the ground state with $ m = - 1 $m=-1 occurs much more easily in the left-handed circularly polarized (LCP with $ m = + 1 $m=+1) pulse than in the right-handed circularly polarized (RCP with $ m = - 1 $m=-1) pulse. In this Letter, we numerically demonstrate that the orbital-helicity-dependent two-photon-resonant excitation leads to the photoelectron vortex pattern in the polarization plane being sensitive to the sequence of the two counter-rotating circularly polarized pulses in xenon, which enables the detection of the ring currents associated with different quantum states. These results also provide an effective way for controlling the rotational symmetry of the electron vortex.

Interleukin-1β is a potential therapeutic target for periodontitis: a narrative review / 国际口腔科学杂志·英文版

Interleukin(IL)-1β, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, was elevated and participates in periodontitis. Not only the link between IL-1β and periodontitis was proved by clinical evidence, but also the increased IL-1β triggers a series of inflammatory reactions and promotes bone resorption. Currently, IL-1β blockage has been therapeutic strategies for autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes, gout and type II diabetes mellitus. It is speculated that IL-1β be a potential therapeutic target for periodontitis. The review focuses on the production, mechanism, present treatments and future potential strategies for IL-1β in periodontitis.