Advancements in heparosan production through metabolic engineering and improved fermentation.

Heparin is one of the most widely used natural drugs, and has been the preferred anticoagulant and antithrombotic agent in the clinical setting for nearly a century. Heparin also shows increasing therapeutic potential for treating inflammation, cancer, and microbial and viral diseases, including COVID-19. With advancements in synthetic biology, heparin production through microbial engineering of heparosan offers a cost-effective and scalable alternative to traditional extraction from animal tissues. Heparosan serves as the starting carbon backbone for the chemoenzymatic synthesis of bioengineered heparin, possessing a chain length that is critically important for the production of heparin-based therapeutics with specific molecular weight (MW) distributions. Recent advancements in metabolic engineering of microbial cell factories have resulted in high-yield heparosan production. This review systematically analyzes the key modules involved in microbial heparosan biosynthesis and the latest metabolic engineering strategies for enhancing production, regulating MW, and optimizing the fermentation scale-up of heparosan. It also discusses future studies, remaining challenges, and prospects in the field.

[Comparative study on short and long-term intervention impacts of six Chinese herbs with cold or heat property on lipid and energy metabolism in mice].

This study selected three typical Chinese herbs with cold property(Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, Scutellariae Radix, and Coptidis Rhizoma) and another three with heat property(Cinnamomi Cortex, Zingiberris Rhizoma, and Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) to observe their regulatory effects on metabolism in animal organism, especially on lipid and energy metabolism in mice after a short-(7 d) and long-term(35 d) intervention. The mRNA expression levels of lipid metabolism genes in epididymal adipose tissue and liver were determined by real-time PCR. The oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, and energy consumption were detected by metabolic system. After the short-term intervention, the Chinese herbs with heat property significantly reduced epididymal adipose tissue index and elevated the expression levels of acetyl-CoA carboxylase(ACC), lipoprotein lipase(LPL), and carnitine-palmityl transferase 1(CPT-1) in liver and epididymal adipose tissues. However, those with cold property promoted the expression of above-mentioned genes in epididymal adipose tissue. After the long-term intervention, cold and heat Chinese herbs had no significant effect on epididymal adipose tissue index of animals, while cold Chinese herbs could increase carbon dioxide production and energy consumption and reduce activity. These findings demonstrated that the short-term intervention effects of cold and heat Chinese herbs on animal metabolism were significantly stronger than the long-term intervention effects. Specifically, the short-term intervention with cold Chinese herbs enhanced the lipid metabolism in epididymal adipose tissue, while the heat Chinese herbs promoted lipid metabolism in epididymal adipose tissue and liver. The long-term intervention with cold and heat Chinese herbs resulted in no obvious change in lipid level, but long-term intervention with cold Chinese herbs accelerated energy consumption of the body. This study preliminarily observed the effects of cold and heat Chinese herbs on normal animal physiology from lipid and energy metabolism, which would provide reference for explaining the biological basis of Chinese herbs with cold or heat property based on biological response.

[Investigation of modulating effect of Qingfei Paidu Decoction on host metabolism and gut microbiome in rats].

This study is to explore the effect of Qingfei Paidu Decoction(QPD) on the host metabolism and gut microbiome of rats with metabolomics and 16 S rDNA sequencing. Based on 16 S rDNA sequencing of gut microbiome and metabolomics(GC-MS and LC-MS/MS), we systematically studied the serum metabolites profile and gut microbiota composition of rats treated with QPD for continued 5 days by oral gavage. A total of 23 and 43 differential metabolites were identified based on QPD with GC-MS and LC-MS/MS, respectively. The involved metabolic pathways of these differential metabolites included glycerophospholipid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, TCA cycle and pyruvate metabolism. Meanwhile, we found that QPD significantly regulated the composition of gut microbiota in rats, such as enriched Romboutsia, Turicibacter, and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, and decreased norank_f_Lachnospiraceae. Our current study indicated that short-term intervention of QPD could significantly regulate the host metabolism and gut microbiota composition of rats dose-dependently, suggesting that the clinical efficacy of QPD may be related with the regulation on host metabolism and gut microbiome.

Loss of ARID1A expression is associated with poor prognosis in patients with gastric cancer.

Deletion of the frequently mutated AT-rich interacting domain-containing protein 1A (ARID1A), an SWI/SNF subunit, is associated with poor prognosis in various tumors. This study observed and analyzed ARID1A expression and its correlation with prognosis in gastric carcinoma. Postoperative sections of 98 patients with primary gastric cancer and 40 patients with gastric benign lesions were examined by immunohistochemistry. ARID1A deficiency was observed in 19.39% of gastric cancer tissues, 4.08% of matched paracancerous tissues, and 2.5% of normal gastric mucosa tissues. ARID1A expression was significantly down-regulated in gastric cancer tissues compared with paracancerous tissues (P = .001) and normal gastric mucosa tissues (P = .011). ARID1A deletion significantly correlated with tumor size (P = .022), lymph node metastasis (P = .030), and tumor differentiation (P = .009). In the 90 gastric cancer tissues with tumor stages II and III, the clinical outcome of the ARID1A-negative patients was significantly poorer than that of the ARID1A-positive patients (P = .005). Univariate analysis revealed that tumor invasion depth (P = .025), stage (P = .032), poor differentiation (P = .046), lymph node metastasis (P = .038), and ARID1A expression (P = .023) were significantly related to the overall survival of gastric cancer patients. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that tumor invasion depth (P = .029) and ARID1A expression (P = .031) were independent factors that indicate poor prognosis. In conclusion, the loss of ARID1A expression in gastric cancer patients significantly correlated with poor survival.

Clinical Value of Extravascular Lung Water Monitoring for Rapid Recovery in Pediatric Patients After Complete Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot / 中国循环杂志

Objective: To explore the clinical value of extravascular lung water monitoring for rapid recovery in pediatric patients after complete repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). Methods: A total of 43 pediatric patients received complete repair of TOF were studied. The pulse contour cardiac index (PCCI), global end diastolic volume index (GEDI), stroke volume variation (SVV), systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), global ejection fraction (GEF), maximum of pressure increase in aorta (dPmax), extravascular lung water index (EVWI) and pulmonary vascular permeability index (PVPI) were recorded by pulse-indicated continuous cardiac output (PICCO) monitoring at immediately enter pediatric ICU (PICU) and 6h, 12h, 18h, 24h post-operation. Meanwhile, the heart rate, blood pressure, central venous pressure (CVP), left atrium pressure (LAP) and balance of liquid were monitored; mechanical ventilation time, PICU stay time, re-intubation,re-occlusion of major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs) and other complications were recorded. Based on post-operative mechanical ventilation time, the patients were divided into 2 groups: Rapid recovery (R) group, patients with mechanical ventilation≤24h, n=29 and Delayed recovery (D) group, patients with mechanical ventilation>24h, n=14. Results: Compared with group D, group R had the shorter mechanical ventilation time (14.2±8.0) h vs (86.3±44.5) h and PICU stay time (2.5±1.7) days vs (5.3±3.6) days, both P<0.05; decreased PVPI at immediately enter PICU and 6h, 12h, 18h, 24h post-operation as (4.9±1.3 vs 6.4±1.5),(5.1±1.8 vs 6.5±1.3),(4.8±2.0 vs 6.5±1.6),(4.4±1.1vs 6.9±1.8), (4.4±2.5 vs 6.5±2.2) respectively, all P<0.05; Lower ELWI at 12h and 18h post-operation as(20.9±6.1) ml/kg vs (26.8±5.7) ml/kg and(19.1±5.5) ml/kg vs (26.7±5.5)ml/kg, both P<0.05. Group R had no patient received re-occlusion of MAPCAs after operation, while Group D had 3. No death, no catheter-related complication occurred in either group. Conclusion: MAPCAs may increase extravascular lung water, pulmonary vascular permeability and cause lung perfusion, therefore affect the early recovery of complete repair of pediatric TOF. PICCO monitoring may conduct bedside quantitative observation of lung perfusion, combining with ELWI and PVPI, clinicians may identify and manage MAPCAs as necessity for rapid recovery in relevant patients.

Physiology teaching in English for foreign students / 基础医学与临床

With the continuous promotion of educational level and international exchange, more and more foreign students come to China to learn medicine. The Ministry of education has set up more advanced and higher educa-tional aims for foreign students.As one of the most important fundamental courses in medicine,physiology is a high-theoretical,specialty -practical and strong-abstract course. Therefore, combined with the characteristics and lan-guage abilities of foreign students,the most urgent task is to develop a more feasible teaching plan by carefully se-lecting and writing textbooks, setting up multiple teaching methods, and inviting objective evaluation and assessment systems.

Physiology teaching in English for foreign students / 基础医学与临床

With the continuous promotion of educational level and international exchange, more and more foreign students come to China to learn medicine. The Ministry of education has set up more advanced and higher educa-tional aims for foreign students.As one of the most important fundamental courses in medicine,physiology is a high-theoretical,specialty -practical and strong-abstract course. Therefore, combined with the characteristics and lan-guage abilities of foreign students,the most urgent task is to develop a more feasible teaching plan by carefully se-lecting and writing textbooks, setting up multiple teaching methods, and inviting objective evaluation and assessment systems.

Ultrasonographic Characteristics of Cortical Sulcus Development in the Human Fetus between 18 and 41 Weeks of Gestation / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Fetal brain development is a complicated process that continues throughout pregnancy. Fetal sulcus development has typical morphological features. Assessment of fetal sulcus development to understand the cortical maturation and development by prenatal ultrasound has become widespread. This study aimed to explore a reliable method to assess cortical sulcus and to describe the normal sonographic features of cortical sulcus development in the human fetus between 18 and 41 weeks of gestation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A cross-sectional study was designed to examine the fetal cortical sulcus development at 18-41 weeks of gestation. Ultrasound was used to examine the insula, sylvian fissure (SF), parieto-occipital fissure (POF), and calcarine fissure (CF). Bland-Altman plots were used for assessing the concordance, and the intraclass correlation coefficient was used for assessing the reliability.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>SF images were successfully obtained in 100% of participants at 22 weeks of gestation, while the POF images and CF images could be obtained in 100% at 23 weeks of gestation and 24 weeks of gestation, respectively. The SF width, temporal lobe depth, POF depth, and the CF depth increased with the developed gestation. The width of uncovered insula and the POF angle decreased with the developed gestation. By 23 weeks of gestation, the insula was beginning to be covered. Moreover, it completed at 35 weeks of gestation. The intra- and inter-observer agreements showed consistent reproducibility.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>This study defined standard views of the fetal sulcus as well as the normal reference ranges of these sulcus measurements between 18 and 41 weeks of gestation. Such ultrasonographic measurements could be used to identify fetuses at risk of fetal neurological structural disorders.</p>

A prenatal ultrasound study of cerebral sulci and gyrus development in fetuses with tetralogy of Fallot / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the development of the cerebral sulci and gyrus and cerebral blood flow in fetuses with tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) in the second and third trimesters using ultrasound imaging.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty fetuses (23-33weeks) with ToF diagnosed using ultrasound imaging between December, 2015 and September, 2016 were analyzed in this study. The development of the cerebral sulci and gyrus was evaluated by measuring the parietal-occipital fissure (POF) depth, POF angle, sylvian fissure (SF) depth, SF width, uncovered insular width, calcarine fissure (CF) depth, hemisphere depth on the views of POF, SF and CF, uncovered insular ratio, biparietal diameter (BPD), and head circumference (HC). Cerebral hemodynamics were assessed by measuring the umbilical artery resistance index, umbilical artery pulsation index, middle cerebral artery pulsation index (MCA-PI), middle cerebral artery resistance index, the cerebral-to-placental resistance ratio, and the cerebroplacental ratio.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In ToF fetuses, the POF depth, SF depth, CF depth, BPD, HC and hemisphere depth on the views of parietal-occipital sulcus and calcarine sulcus were significantly smaller than those in the control group (P<0.05). The middle cerebral artery resistance index, middle cerebral artery pulsation index, the cerebral-to-placental resistance ratio and the cerebroplacental ratio were also significantly lower in ToF fetuses than in the control group (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The cerebral sulci and gyrus in ToF fetuses in second and third trimesters show underdevelopment compared with those in normal fetuses, and the changes in hemodynamics caused by abnormal cardiac structure might be one of the reasons for cerebral sulci and gyrus underdevelopment in fetuses with ToF.</p>

Ultrasound measurement of fetal posterior fossa at 11 to 13⁺⁶ gestational weeks for screening open spina bifida / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish the normal reference ranges of transabdominal ultrasound measurements of the posterior fossa structure in fetuses at 11 to 13⁺⁶ gestational weeks and explore their clinical value in screening open spina bifida (OSB).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Between January, 2013 and September, 541 randomly selected normal fetuses underwent nuchal translucency at the gestational age 11 to 13⁺⁶ weeks. The parameters of the posterior fossa were measured in mid-sagittal view of the fetal face and the axial view of the transverse cerebellum insonated through the anterior fontanel by transabdominal ultrasound to establish the normal reference ranges. The measurements were obtained from 3 fetuses with OSB for comparison with the reference ranges.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In normal fetuses, the parameters of the posterior fossa measured in the two views showed no significant differences (P>0.05). Two high echogenic lines were observed in normal fetuses, as compared with one in fetuses with OSB representing the posterior border of the brain stem and the anterior border of the fourth ventricle. The line between the posterior border of the fourth ventricle and the anterior border of the cisterna magna was not displayed in fetuses with OSB. The anteroposterior diameters of the brain stem, the fourth ventricle, and cisterna magna all increased in positive correlation with the crown-lump length in normal fetuses. In the 3 OSB fetuses, the anteroposterior diameter of the brain stem exceeded the 95th percentile and the anteroposterior diameter of fourth ventrical-cisterner magena was below the 5th percentile of the reference range for CRL; the brain stem to fourth ventrical-cisterner magena anteroposterior diameter ratio was increased to above 1.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The established normal reference ranges of the parameters of fetal posterior fossa may provide assistance in early OSB detection. The absence of the posterior border of the fourth ventricle and the anterior border of the cisterna magna and a brainstem to fourth ventrical-cisterner magena anteroposterior diameter ratio greater than 1 can be indicative of OSB at 11 to 13⁺⁶ gestational weeks.</p>

DS147 improves pregnancy in mice with embryo implantation dysfunction induced by controlled ovarian stimulation.

The study examined the effect of DS147, the bioactive component of the traditional herbal recipe Bangdeyun, on pregnancy in mice with embryo implantation dysfunction induced by controlled ovarian stimulation (COS), and the underlying mechanisms. Female mice were superovulated by intraperitoneal injection of 7.5 IU of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) followed by an additional injection of 7.5 IU hCG 48 h later to establish embryo implantation dysfunction (EID) model. Pregnant mice were randomly divided into normal control group, COS group and DS147-treated groups. The pregnancy rate and the average implantation site were obtained on pregnancy day 8 (PD8). The side effect of 200 mg/kg of DS147 on naturally pregnant mice was also observed. Further, the uterine and ovarian tissue samples were collected on PD5 for measuring their weights, observing the development of the endometrium and ovary, and detecting the endometrial expression of MMP-2, TIMP-2, CD34 and angiogenin (ANG). The female mice treated with DS147 at doses of 100 to 800 mg/kg showed a higher pregnancy rate than those in COS group, and the highest pregnancy rate of 83.3% occurred in the 200 mg/kg DS147-treated group. Moreover, no obvious side effect was found in mice treated with 200 mg/kg DS147 on PD8 and PD16. The ovarian and uterine weights, and the expression levels of MMP-2, ANG and CD34 were significantly increased in DS147-treated groups when compared with COS group. The TIMP-2 expression level was much lower in DS147-treated mice than in COS mice and the ratio of MMP-2/TIMP-2 was much higher in DS147-treated group than in COS group, and even higher than normal control group. In all, these findings suggest that DS147 may improve pregnancy in mice with COS-induced EID by promoting matrix degradation and angiogenesis, and improving the development of corpus luteum and endometrial decidualization around the implantation window.

Prenatal diagnosis of dural sinus malformation by ultrasound / 中华医学超声杂志（电子版）

Objective To assess the prenatal features of dural sinus malformation (DSM) by ultrasound. Methods The prenatal ultrasonography and MRI examination were applied in three fetuses who were suspected as brain abnormalities and transferred to Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital for detailed antenatal ultrasound examination. Comparative analysis was performed on MRI, autopsy and prenatal ultrasonography. The prenatal characteristics were summarized. Results In the sonograms of all three cases, the torcular Herophili and superior sagittal sinus were dilated. No blood lfow was detected within or around lesions by color Doppler imaging. Posterior intracranial dual sinus thrombosis was detected in one case. MRI examinations were applied in two fetuses. The results of prenatal ultrasonography were consisted with those of MRI, MRI imaging showed dilated torcular Herophili and superior sagittal sinus with short T1 and short T2 signal. The thrombosis was presented as iso-hypointense with focal eccentric hyperintense. One case was undertook autopsy and the result was consisted with the prenatal sonographic findings. Conclusions The typical sonographic features of DSM is dilated torcular Herophili and superior sagittal sinus with no blood lfow in color Doppler imaging. DSM should be excluded when anechoic area was detected at the rear part of midline.

Sonographic lenticulostriate vasculopathy in fetus / 中华医学超声杂志（电子版）

Objective To explore the value of prenatal diagnosis and sonographic features of lenticulostriate vasculopathy (LSV). Methods Prenatal ultrasonographic features of three cases of fetal lenticulostriate vasculopathy were retrospectively analysed associated with maternal TORCH screen, fetal magnetic resonance imaging, neonatal physical examination and TORCH screen. Results Prenatal sonographic diagnosis of case 1 demonstrated fetal LSV as well as fetal growth restriction (FGR), periventricular hemorrhage, mitral and tricuspid regurgitation, hydropericardium and catatact. Prenatal sonographic diagnosis of case 2 demonstrated fetal LSV, FGR, periventricular hemorrhage, mitral and tricuspid regurgitation. Prenatal sonographic diagnosis of case 3 showed fetal LSV and intraventricular hemorrhage. Maternal TORCH screens of case 1 and case 3 was negative, while in case 2 was positive. Neonatal examinations of case 1 showed cataract, hearing impairment and congenital infection. Case 3 showed prompted retinal hemorrhage, sinus bradycardia, hyperbilirubinemia and congenital infection. In case 2, maternal teratogenic pathogen screen was positive and the baby did not survive because the mother decided to stop pregnancy in 34 weeks. Conclusions Fetal LSV could be imaged by prenatal ultrasonography. Fetal LSV might indicate intrauterine infection when other abnormalities were accompanied. Ultrasound might be useful for the cases with negative maternal TORCH screen results.

Clinical application of ultrasound three perpendicular planes plus special planes in diagnosis of fetal cleft lip/palate / 中华医学超声杂志（电子版）

Objective To study the clinical significance of the method of three perpendicular planes plus special planes in diagnosing fetal cleft lip /palate by prenatal ultrasound .Methods The approach of three perpendicular planes and special planes were used in diagnosing 110 cases of cleft lip/palate.The sonogram features in each section were analyzed and the outcomes were recorded during follow-up.Results On prenatal ultrsound ,110 cases were examined with three perpendicular planes method .The coronary section could be displayed at 100%cases (110 cases), sagittal section 76.4%cases (84 cases),transverse section 96.4%cases (106 cases) and parasagittal section 25.5%cases (28 cases).With special planes method,74 cases were examined .The section through pyriform aperture could be displayed in 47 cases,in 45 cases on the section through the lower lip/lower jaw/submandibular triangle ,and in 16 cases on the section through the cheek.Combining the three perpendicular planes and special planes methods ,94.5%(104/110) cases could be diagnosed definitely.Six cases (5.5%,6/110) were missed because of fetal position or oligoamnios . Conclusions The method of three perpendicular planes plus special planes is effective in prenatal ultrasound diagnosing cleft lip/palate,which is of great help in improving prenatal diagnostic accuracy of fetal cleft lip/palate.

The value of transvaginal ultrasound in diagnosing intrauterine adhesions / 中华医学超声杂志（电子版）

Objective To evaluate the value of transvaginal ultrasound in diagnosing intrauterine adhesions.Methods Transvaginal ultrasound was performed in 136 patients with suspicious intrauterine adhesions and compared with hysteroscopy correspondingly .The ultrasonographic features of intrauterine adhesions on transvaginal ultrasound were summarized .Results One hundred and twenty one cases (89.0%, 121/136 ) of intrauterine adhesions were verified by hysteroscopy .The hysteroscopic findings included:(1) Forty seven cases(38.9%,47/121) were minimal intrauterine adhesions , 46 cases(38.0%, 46/121) were moderate intrauterine adhesions , and 28 cases (23.1%,28/121) were severe intrauterine adhesions.(2) Sixty one cases(50.4%,61/121) were central intrauterine adhesions , 24 cases(19.8%, 24/121) were marginal intrauterine adhesions , and 36 cases (29.8%, 36/121) were mixed type of intrauterine adhesions.The transvaginal ultrasound findings included:(1)Nineteen cases(40.4%,19/47) were minimal intrauterine adhesions ,33 cases(71.7%,33/46)were moderate intrauterine adhesions ,and 23 cases(82.1%,23/28) were severe intrauterine adhesions .(2) Thirty nine cases (63.9%,39/61) were central intrauterine adhesions ,9 cases(37.5%,9/24) were marginal intrauterine adhesions ,and 27 cases (75.0%, 27/36 ) were mixed type of intrauterine adhesions .By transvaginal ultrasound, seventy-five (62.0%,75/121) cases of intrauterine adhesions were correctly diagnosed , whereas 46 cases (38.0%, 46/121) were missed.And 3 cases ( 3.8%, 3/78 ) were misdiagnosed as intrauterine adhesions on transvaginal ultrasound,including one endometrial polyp ,one thin endometrium and one septate uterus .The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound in diagnosing intrauterine adhesions were 62.0%(75/121), 80.0%(12/15) and 64.0%(87/136) respectively.There were significant statistical differences in diagnosing different degrees of intrauterine adhesions ( χ2 =15.956,P=0.000) and different parts of intrauterine adhesions( χ2 =8.792,P=0.012) by transvaginal ultrasound.Conclusions Transvaginal ultrasound is an effective, easy to perform and noninvasive technique in screening and diagnosing intrauterine adhesions.Transvaginal ultrasound is an effective way in diagnosing intrauterine adhesions showing a noninvasive and simpler way than hysteroscopy .Transvaginal ultrasound is of great value in screening and diagnosing intrauterine adhesions .

Protective effects of polysaccharides from Dendrobium huoshanense on CCl4-induced acute liver injury in mice / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the protective effects of polysaccharides from Dendrobium huoshanense (DHP) against CCl4-induced liver injury in mice.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Eighty male Kunming mice were randomly divided into normal control group, model control group, dextran control group, starch control group, hydrolyzate control group, three different dose of DPH groups consisting of high-dosage group, middle-dosage group and low-dosage group (200, 100, 50 mg x kg(-1)). Each group contained ten mice. The mice were treated with DHP via intragastric administration for 15 days before treatment of 50% CCl4 in olive oil for consecutive two days. Both alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities in serum and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in liver tissues were determined in all groups. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of TNF-alpha in hepatic tissue. Hepatic histopathological examination was observed.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>DHP effectively decreased the activities of ALT and AST in serum and the contents of hepatic MDA, and restored hepatic SOD activities in acute liver injury mice. Liver tissue damage induced by CCl4 was ameliorated in mice with DHP administration through histopathology examination. Furthermore, the expression of TNF-alpha was greatly decreased in groups treated with polysaccharides.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>DHP has a significantly hepatoprotective effect on CCl4-induced acute liver injury in mice. Protective effect of DHP on the liver may be related to its function of scavenging free radicals and inhibiting lipid peroxidation and TNF-alpha expression.</p>

Diltiazem enhances food intake and gastrointestinal function in rats / 生理学报

The present study was to investigate the effects of diltiazem, a ghrelin receptor agonist, on food intake and gastrointestinal functions in rats. Rats were intragastrically administered with diltiazem solution (daily 16 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg or 80 mg/kg, 30 d), and the rats with saline as control. To detect the effects of diltiazem on food intake and body weight, the average daily food intake and body weight were recorded, and the serum metabolic hormones of plasma growth hormone (GH) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) were tested by radioimmunoassay. By means of the spectrophotometer and the modified Mett's method, the effects of diltiazem on rat's gastrointestinal function and pepsin activity were tested, respectively. In addition, the gastric juice's acidity of rats was detected by titration and the secretion amount was calculated. The results showed that the food intake and body weight were maximally promoted by diltiazem at the dose of 30 mg/kg daily (30 d). The average daily food intake and body weight were significantly increased, and the serum concentrations of GH and NPY were also remarkably increased in diltiazem-treated groups compared with those in control group. The results also showed that the gastric emptying rate, gastric acid secretion and the activity of pepsin were significantly increased in diltiazem-treated group compared with those in control group. These results suggest that diltiazem induces enhancement of eating, in the same time, it can also stimulate the gastrointestinal function and regulate growth of rat.

Ultrasonographic features of cornual pregnancy and analysis of misdiagnosed cases / 中华医学超声杂志（电子版）

Objective To summarize the ultrasonographic features and differential diagnosis of uterine cornual pregnancy.Methods Trans-abdominal and trans-vaginal ultrasound were performed in 93 uterine cornual pregnancy patients before surgery,ultrasonographic findings of uterine cornual pregnancy through different two approaches were analyzed and compared with surgical and pathologic findings.ResultsIn contrast with surgical and pathological diagnosis,66 cases(82.5%,66/80) of uterine cornual pregnancy were accurately diagnosed by ultrasonography before surgery,these cases were divided into gestational sac pattern (55 cases) and mixed mass pattern(11 cases); 11 cases were misdiagnosed as interstitial tubal pregnancy,2 cases were misdiagnosed as pregnancy in rudimentary horn,1 case was misdiagnosed as choriocarcinoma,misdiagnosed rate were 17.5%(14/80); uterine cornual pregnancy presented as adnexal mass in ultrasound in 13 cases,while ruptured uterine cornual mass were found in surgery,in which location and type of the masses couldn't be accurately diagnosed by ultrasound.Ultrasonographic features of uterine cornual pregnancy presented as a gestational sac located in extended cornual of uterus,surrounded by thin myometrium,and connected with endometrium.The misdiagnosed causes were: (1) Uterine cornual mass was not connected with endometrium or surrounded by thin myometrium,which were misdiagnosed as interstitial tubal pregnancy.(2) Uterine cornual pregnancy with thick lateral myometrium were misdiagnosed as pregnancy in rudimentary horn.(3)Uterine cornual pregnancy presented as cornual mass with abundant blood flow was misdiagnosed as choriocarcinoma.Conclusions Uterine cornual pregnancy can be accurately diagnosed by trans-abdominal and trans-vaginal ultrasound.Ultrasonographic features are helpful in differential diagnosis of uterine cornual pregnancy.

Perinatal management and outcome of different types of fetal arrhythmia / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the perinatal management and outcome of different types of fetal arrhythmia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A retrospective analysis was conducted among the fetuses with arrhythmia identified by M-mode and pulsed Doppler echocardiography in a single institution between October 2003 and December 2010.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 130 fetuses were found to have fetal arrhythmia. The most common arrhythmia during pregnancy was extrasystole (n=59), followed by bradycardia (n=23), tachycardia (n=16), atrial flutter (AF, n=3), atrioventricular block (AVB, n=12) and other arrhythmia (n=17). The overall incidence of cardiac anomalies (commonly fetal bradycardia) was 9.2% in these cases. The prognosis of arrhythmia differed significantly between cases of different classifications. The type of fetal arrhythmia (P=0.024), presence of congenital heart defect (CHD, P=0.000) and fetal hydrops (P=0.008) were significant risk factors associated with termination of pregnancy.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Fetal arrhythmias without CHD or hydrops under close monitoring often have good clinical outcome, while fetal bradycardia is associated with a high mortality rate. CHD and the presence of fetal hydrops are significant risk factors for pregnancy termination.</p>