Discovery of Elaphuri Davidiani Cornu-specific peptide biomarkers by peptidomics analysis-based method.

Elaphuri Davidiani Cornu (EDC) is the antler of the male Père David's deer, which has been reported to have multiple biological activities, and its use as a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in China has been known for thousands of years. However, EDC is difficult to distinguish from other related species-derived antlers in powder or extract form in TCM clinic use, such as Cervus elaphus Cornu (CEC) and Cervus nippon Cornu (CNC), both derived from Cervidae and easily confused with EDC. In this study, a strategy using peptidomics combined with mathematics set analysis was used to identify EDC-specific peptide biomarkers, and four specific peptide biomarkers (Pep-E1-E4) were identified and validated. Pep-E1, Pep-E3, and Pep-E4 could be exclusively detected in EDC samples, with relative peak areas of 0.298 ± 0.060, 0.039 ± 0.015, and 0.037 ± 0.008, whereas Pep-E2 showed relative peak area of 0.516 ± 0.101 in EDC, 0.132 ± 0.026 in CEC, and 0.136 ± 0.047 in CNC samples, respectively. These four peptides are applicable to distinguish EDC from CEC and CNC, which is of great significance for the quality control of EDC.

[Textual and information research of classical prescription Mijiao Pills].

Elaphurus davidianus( Milu),a rare animal unique to China,has been used as medicine for more than a thousand years,but the extinction of Milu in modern times resulted in the unavailability of related medical products. Today,the reintroduction of Milu population makes it possible to restore its medicinal usage. The resource reserves of Cervi Cornu,the natural shedding product from Milu,are increasing with the expansion of the population,allowing it to be fully utilized in the medical field. Mijiao Pills,first recorded in Important Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold for Emergency( Bei Ji Qian Jin Yao Fang) by Sun Simiao in the Tang Dynasty,is the first Chinese medicinal prescription with Cervi Cornu as the sovereign medicinal,which is effective in tonifying. Its composition,preparation,efficacy and indications,and administration are described in detail in the Important Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold for Emergency,which however,have changed significantly over the thousands of years,seriously affecting the clinical application of this classical prescription and related product development. Therefore,the key information of this prescription should be systematically collated and summarized. According to the principles of textual research on key information in ancient classical prescriptions promulgated by relevant authorities,this paper reviewed ancient Chinese medical books of the past dynasties,modern literature,as well as the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China( 2020 Version) to figure out such key information as the source,historical evolution,original plants and animals and their processing,dosage,preparation,and usage of Mijiao Pills. This paper aimed to provide a basis for the clinical application of Mijiao Pills and subsequent product development,thus facilitating the development and utilization of this precious medicinal animal resource.

[Regional differences of nucleosides and amino acids in Elaphuri Davidiani Cornu].

In order to reveal the regional characteristics of nucleosides and amino acids in Elaphuri Davidiani Cornu,39 samples of Elaphuri Davidiani Cornu collected from 4 different regions were analyzed by UPLC-QTRAP ~®/MS2 method followed by orthogonal partial least-squares discrimination analysis( OPLS-DA) and cluster analysis( CA). The results showed all the samples contained abundant nucleosides and amino acids,with the total content of 45. 09 µg·g~(-1) and 634. 80 µg·g-1,respectively. The samples presented significant regional differences in the contents of individual components,and the main differential components included Ura,Hpro,Thr,Glu,G5 P,2'-dG,Adeno,Met,Ade,Gln,Orni,Phe,2'-dA,Hit,Lys,and Ile. Among them,Ura,Met,Glu,and Ile had the highest content in the samples from Dafeng in Jiangsu,Qinhu in Jiangsu,Beijing,and Shishou in Hubei,respectively. OPLS-DA and CA demonstrated that all the samples of Elaphuri Davidiani Cornu could be divided into three categories,reflecting the regional characteristics. The results indicated that the accumulation of nucleosides and amino acids in Elaphuri Davidiani Cornu was closely related to its habitat,providing a useful reference for the research on the quality formation,quality evaluation and control,as well as the comprehensive utilization of Elaphuri Davidiani Cornu. The findings suggested that the content factors of Ura,Met,Glu,and Ile could be included into the quality standard system of Elaphuri Davidiani Cornu as the characteristics of medicinal materials from different regions.

Case report: the first case of unilateral retinal pigment epithelium dysgenesis in China.

BACKGROUND: Unilateral retinal pigment epithelium dysgenesis (URPED) is a rare condition and is characterized by a unilateral and solitary lesion in the peripapillary region. The lesion presents with central atrophy, peripheral fibrosis, and hyperplastic changes in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Herein, we report the first case of URPED in a Chinese individual using multimodal imaging techniques such as en-face optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). CASE PRESENTATION: A 10-year-old girl presented with 20/40 vision in her left eye. Presented as a solitary, unilateral, large and yellowish-white lesion, with fringe-like margins was observed in the posterior pole and lower middle periphery of the left eye continuous with the optic nerve, indicated URPED. Infrared fundal (IR) images showed that the fringe-like contour of the lesion was visible, with diffuse hyperreflective signals specifically in the fovea, while with peripheral dark spots, having a typical leopard-spot like appearance. Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) revealed a markedly scalloped lesion containing a hypoautofluorescence area mixed with an isoautofluorescence area. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) revealed the outer segments of photoreceptors presented with an inhomogeneous signal in the fovea, with a weak local signal. The ellipsoid and interdigitation zones were thinner than normal, while the RPE/Bruch's complex was not flat, with locally visible protrusions. En-face OCT image at the level of the RPE zone showed a mottled hyperreflective signal with peripheral hyporeflective spots, fringe-like margin lesions. OCTA of the avascular area of the fovea in the superficial, deep, and outer retinal layers appeared to be oval in shape, the choroid capillary layer revealed an increase in the density of the choroidal vasculature in the fovea. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report on URPED in China. Both en-face OCT and OCTA were essential in observing and studying the disease. Further investigation is required to better define the en-face OCT and OCTA features of URPED and clarify the disease characteristics and prognosis.

Multiple factors in the prediction of risk of recurrent vitreous haemorrhage after sutureless vitrectomy for non-clearing vitreous haemorrhage in patients with diabetic retinopathy.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to analyse multiple factors in the prediction of risk of postoperative recurrent vitreous haemorrhage (RVH) for non-clearing vitreous haemorrhage in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) who underwent sutureless vitrectomy with 23- (23G) or 25-gauge (25G) narrow-gauge systems. METHODS: A retrospective consecutive case series design was used. DR patients who underwent sutureless vitrectomy for non-clearing vitreous haemorrhage between June 2017 and October 2019 were enrolled. All operations were performed at a tertiary hospital. Patient demographics and risk factors, including age, gender, duration of diabetes, preoperative fasting blood sugar levels (FBSL), systolic blood pressure (SBP), serum creatinine (Cr), urea, triamcinolone acetonide (TA), electrical coagulation, air-fluid exchange, pan-retinal photocoagulation status (PRP), anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drug (anti-VEGF), and other factors, were recorded. Patients were divided into two groups based on the timing of their postoperative RVH: immediate postoperative RVH (within 2 weeks after operation) and delayed postoperative RVH (beyond 2 weeks after operation). RESULTS: Overall, 167 eyes (167patients) were enrolled. Seventy eyes were underwent 23G and 25G sutureless vitrectomy performed in 97 eyes, respectively. Postoperative RVH developed in 18 eyes (25.7%) in Group 23G and in 20 eyes (21.6%) in Group 25G (P = 0.540). Of these, 3 eyes (4.3%) had severed RVH in Group 23G compared with 5 eyes (5.2%) in Group 25G (P = 0.584). Delayed postoperative RVH occurred in 6 eyes (8.6%) in Group 23G and 8 eyes (8.2%) in Group 25G (P = 0.789). A binomial logistic regression analysis revealed that age, duration of diabetes, and Cr level were significantly associated with RVH in both Group 23G (P < 0.05) and Group 25G (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence and severity of RVH were 25.7 and 4.3%, respectively, in Group 23G and 21.6 and 5.2%, respectively, in Group 25G. Thus, the 23G sutureless vitrectomy approach was as safe as the 25G sutureless vitrectomy approach for treating vitreous haemorrhage in patients with DR. A younger age, shorter duration of diabetes, and higher Cr levels were risk factors for postoperative RVH in sutureless vitrectomy.

Megakaryocytic leukemia 1 (MKL1) mediates high glucose induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition by activating LOX transcription.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most devastating complications of diabetes mellitus. When exposed to high glucose (HG), retinal epithelial cells undergo profound alterations both morphologically and functionally in a well-conserved process known as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The mechanism governing HG-induced EMT in retinal epithelial cells is not completely understood. Here we report that treatment with 25 mM glucose led to EMT in retinal pigmented epithelial cells (RPE) characterized by a simultaneous down-regulation of E-Cadherin (encoded by CDH1) and up-regulation of alpha smooth muscle actin (encoded by ACTA2). HG-induced EMT in RPEs was accompanied by augmented expression and enhanced nuclear enrichment of MKL1, a transcriptional modulator. In contrast, MKL1 knockdown by siRNA or inhibition by CCG-1423 abrogated HG-induced EMT in RPEs. Of interest, MKL1 mediated the transcriptional activation of LOX, a mesenchymal marker, in RPEs in response to HG stimulation. Mechanistically, MKL1 interacted with and was recruited by AP-1 to the proximal LOX promoter to promote LOX trans-activation likely through altering the chromatin structure. Finally, LOX depletion by siRNA or inhibition by aminopropionitrile in RPEs abolished HG-induced EMT. In conclusion, our data support a role for MKL1 in mediating HG-induced EMT in retinal epithelial cells via epigenetic activation of LOX transcription.

Multimodal imaging of torpedo maculopathy in a Chinese woman: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Torpedo maculopathy is a rare, benign, and congenital macular lesion that typically appears in a 'torpedo-shape' and is located at the temporal macula region. This study aimed to describe in detail regarding torpedo maculopathy in a Chinese woman using multimodal imaging. CASE PRESENTATION: A 30-year-old Chinese woman with occasional yellowish-white macular lesions in her right eye during a routine examination was presented to our hospital. She had no other symptoms, and the best-corrected visual acuity of both eyes was 6/6. Funduscopic examination revealed a torpedo-shaped and mild hypopigmented lesion in the temporal macular area of her right eye. Infrared fundal (IR) images showed visible lesion contour, transverse elliptical, and with a tip pointing towards the central fovea of the macula. Microperimetry visual field appeared normal. The spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) showed a normal inner retina, with mild thinner outer retina and retinal pigment epithelium in the temporal macular area, and correspondingly increased choroidal reflectivity. Other OCT findings included outer retinal loss/attenuation with significant atrophy of an intact ellipsoid zone. OCT angiography (OCTA) of choroid capillary layer revealed increased density of choroidal vasculature in corresponding to the area of the lesion, while the superficial and deep layers revealed normal vasculature. Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) revealed normal signal with slight hyperautofluorescence at the nasal lesion margin. Fundus fluorescence angiography (FFA) of the lesion showed variegated fluorescence and no leakage and change in the morphology during the whole imaging process. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report to include a thorough and detailed description of torpedo maculopathy by using fundal photograph, IR, microperimetry visual field, OCT, OCTA, FAF, and FFA. Multimodal imaging provides precious and detailed information to further clarify the characteristics and development of this rare disease.

Characterization of Collagen Peptides in Elaphuri Davidiani Cornu Aqueous Extract with Proliferative Activity on Osteoblasts Using Nano-Liquid Chromatography in Tandem with Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry.

First documented in Shennong Bencao Jing (about 200 B.C.-200 A.D.), Elaphuri Davidiani Cornu (EDC) has been recorded for its effects in strengthening bones and balancing other aspects of overall health for approximately 2000 years. In the present study, our aim was to investigate which are the components of the active EDC fraction by a peptidomic strategy. We explored the extent to which EDC increases the proliferation of osteoblasts by measuring the elevations in osteonectin and type I collagen mRNA levels and characterized it using nano-flow liquid chromatography in tandem with orbitrap mass spectrometry. In total, 272 peptide sequences from collagens were determined. "Hot regions" in parent proteins determined by peptide heat maps which indicated that amino acid sequences in the regions might undergo proteolysis easily and generate peptides. Among the identified peptides, 90.2% were hydrophilic, and the molecular weight of 97.1% of identified peptides was lower than 2000 Da. According to these results, EDC collagen-derived peptides were easily analyzed and identified. Moreover, this methodology is feasible to characterize the active peptides matrices originated from collagen hydrolysates or some other animal horn- derived TCMs.

Etiological Factors and Visual Outcomes of Dense Vitreous Hemorrhage in Patients Aged 80 years and above over the Past Decade in a Tertiary General Hospital.

This study aimed to investigate the main etiological factors and visual outcomes in patients with dense vitreous hemorrhage (DVH) aged ≥80 years. We retrospectively included patients with DVH aged ≥80 years who were admitted to our ophthalmology department between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2019. All patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Data regarding demographic characteristics; preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and ophthalmic B-scan ultrasonography findings; intraoperative conditions; and postoperative complications were collected and analyzed. A total of 44 patients (44 eyes) were enrolled, with a median age of 82 years; among them, 25 patients (56.82%) were men. The median preoperative BCVA was 2.3 (1.1-3.0). The main etiological factors included retinal vein occlusion (RVO) (20 eyes, 45.45%), polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) (15 eyes, 34.09%), proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) (7 eyes, 15.90%), retinal arterial macroaneurysm (RAM) (1 eye, 2.27%), and posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) (1 eye, 2.27%). The median final BCVA was 1.92 (0.5-2.6). There was a significant postoperative improvement in the BCVA; moreover, branch RVO (BRVO) had a better postoperative visual prognosis than central RVO (CRVO), PCV, and PDR (P < 0.05). The final postoperative BCVA was significantly better when the initial BCVA was above hand motion (HM) than when it was HM or lower (P < 0.05). Our findings indicate that RVO, PCV, and PDR were the main causes of DVH. Microinvasive PPV is a safe and effective method that can clarify diagnosis and improve BCVA. Patients with BRVO and preoperative BCVA > HM may have a relatively good visual prognosis. For patients aged ≥80 years who have an appropriate general condition, PPV can be timely performed to treat DVH.

[Nourishing-yin effect and mechanism of different parts of Cornu Elaphuri Davidiani in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate nourishing-yin effect and mechanism of different parts of Cornu Elaphuri Davidiani in rats. METHOD: The model of yin asthenia rats was built by thy roxine. The substance metabolism, pain threshold, hormone levels and biochemical indicators in serum were measured. RESULTS: The ethanol extract of Cornu Elaphuri Davidiani could regulate the substance metabolism and raise the pain threshold in yin asthenia model rats. Furthermore, it could regulate the hormone levels, biochemical indicators in serum and it could improvte the antioxidant ability. CONCLUSION: The ethanol extract of Cornu Elaphuri Davidiani showed significant nourishing-yin effect in rats and the possible mechanism is correlated with regulating the neuroendocrine network.

Hypaphorine exerts anti-inflammatory effects in sepsis induced acute lung injury via modulating DUSP1/p38/JNK pathway.

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome attributed to infection, while sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI) has high morbidity and mortality. Here, we aimed to explore the specific mechanism of hypaphorine's anti-inflammatory effects in ALI. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was adopted to construct ALI model both in vivo and in vitro. BEAS-2B cell viability and apoptosis was testified by the MTT assay and flow cytometry. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were performed to examine the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-18), and Western blot was adopted to examine the expression of the apoptosis-related proteins (Bax, Bcl2, and Caspase3) and the DUSP1/p38/JNK signaling pathway. At the same time, lung injury score, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were monitored. The dry/wet weight method was used to examine lung edema, and the total protein content in BALF was determined to test pulmonary vascular permeability. As the data suggested, hypaphorine inhibited the LPS-mediated apoptosis of alveolar epithelial cells. What is more, hypaphorine attenuated the expression of inflammatory factors (IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-18) and inactivated the p38/JNK signaling pathway through upregulating DUSP1 in a dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, DUSP1 knockdown weakened the anti-inflammatory effect of hypaphorine on LPS-mediated lung injury. Furthermore, hypaphorine also relieved LPS induced ALI in rats with anti-inflammatory effects. Taken together, hypaphorine prevented LPS-mediated ALI and proinflammatory response via inactivating the p38/JNK signaling pathway by upregulating DUSP1.

Effect of a Topical Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (0.1% Pranoprofen) on VEGF and COX-2 Expression in Primary Pterygium.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (0.1% pranoprofen) on the expression of VEGF and Cox-2 in primary pterygium. Methods: This was a prospective, randomized study. Between January 2019 and April 2020, 120 patients diagnosed with primary pterygium were enrolled and randomly divided into three groups before operation: 1) 40 patients in group 1 received topical pranoprofen 0.1% four times daily for 4 weeks, 2) 40 patients in group 2 received topical fluorometholone 0.1% four times daily for 4 weeks, and 3) patients in group 3 did not receive treatment. For each group, the age, sex, eye type, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), duration of onset, combined systemic diseases, and the results regarding vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cyclo-oxygen-ase-2 (COX-2) in postoperative pterygial tissues were evaluated in detail. Results: There were no significant differences regarding age, sex, eye type, combined systemic diseases, duration of onset, IOP, and BCVA within the three groups (p > 0.05). The reduction of VEGF and CoX-2 expression of pterygial vascular endothelial cells in group 1 were statistically significant compared to group 2 and group 3 (p < 0.05). There were significant correlations between COX-2 and VEGF expression of pterygial tissues within the three groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The present findings suggested that the topical pranoprofen 0.1% could reduce the expression of VEGF and COX-2 in primary pterygium. We confirmed that treatment with pranoprofen offers advantages in early intervention and has therapeutic potential in reducing the postoperative recurrence of primary pterygium patients. Clinical Trial registration: The study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. (http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx, Registration Number: ChiCTR2100047726).

Optical coherence tomography angiography findings of choroidal neovascularization secondary to decalcified choroidal osteoma treated with intravitreal aflibercept: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Choroidal osteoma (CO) is a rare benign ocular tumor characterized by ossifying choroid lesions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first detailed report to describe the optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) findings of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) complicated by a rare decalcified CO following intravitreal aflibercept injection. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 26-year-old woman presented with a spontaneous but painless reduction in visual acuity in her left eye that had commenced 5 days prior. DIAGNOSIS: Clinical manifestations and multimodal imaging, including OCTA, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, fundus fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography, indicated decalcified CO with CNV. INTERVENTIONS: After receiving an appropriately detailed explanation of the procedure, the patient was treated via intravitreal aflibercept(2.0 mg) injection once. OUTCOMES: One month after the therapy, OCTA revealed that the flow areas of CNV were narrowed, the best-corrected visual acuity was improved to 20/30, however, 2 months follow-up OCTA revealed that the CNV reoccurred, the best-corrected visual acuity was dropped to 20/50. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal aflibercept injection was an effective treatment for CO with CNV, but the effects may not last long. The OCTA findings provide a better appreciation of evaluating the effects of intravitreal aflibercept injection for CO complicating CNV.

Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis of Adult Orbital Cellulitis in a Tertiary General Hospital.

PURPOSE: Adult orbital cellulitis (OC) occurs relatively rarely, and comprehensive studies that retrospectively evaluate OC are lacking. Here, we aimed to examine the clinical characteristics and prognosis of OC in a tertiary general hospital. METHODS: Between October 2010 and May 2019, patients presenting with clinical symptoms of OC in a tertiary general hospital were analyzed in this retrospective study. Twenty-six cases were identified for a detailed review. In these cases, 16 males and 10 females were diagnosed with orbital cellulitis by clinical characteristics and multimodal examinations. We divided patients into three groups: (1) patients secondary to rhinosinusitis, (2) patients secondary to endogenous infection(s) without endophthalmitis, and (3) patients secondary to endophthalmitis. For each group, age, gender, eye type, combined systemic diseases, clinical presentation, leukocyte count, blood culture, diagnostic imaging, therapeutic methods, length of stay, time of postoperation, and patient prognosis were analyzed in detail. RESULTS: There were no significant differences regarding age, gender, preoperative leukocyte count, exophthalmia, blood culture, treatment, or visual changes within the three groups (P < 0.05). There were significant differences, however, in postoperative leukocyte count and ophthalmoplegia between the three groups (P < 0.05). The preoperative and postoperative logarithms of the minimum resolution angle scored by the best-corrected visual acuity (LogMAR BCVA) of group 3 were statistically significant compared to group 1 and group 2 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We confirmed that the prognosis of OC patients combined with systemic diseases was poor. Patients with OC secondary to endophthalmitis infrequently experience ophthalmoplegia; however, these patients still have poor visual outcomes. Patients cultured positive for Klebsiella pneumoniae infection may not be associated with liver abscess. The level of leukocytes may indicate the condition of the disease.

Refractory adult Coats disease treated with dexamethasone intravitreal implant: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Coats disease is a sporadic, retinal vascular abnormality, causing blindness. Several interventional methods, including laser photocoagulation, have been proposed; however, the use of intravitreal dexamethasone in refractory Coats disease is not well described. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 38-year-old man presented with a painless reduction in visual acuity in his right eye, commencing 15 days prior to initial assessment. DIAGNOSIS: Clinical manifestations and multimodal imaging indicated Coats disease. INTERVENTIONS: Retinal laser photocoagulation was performed in the nonperfused areas, 15 months later, the exudative retinal detachment, and macular edema remained, the patient was then treated with an intravitreal slow-release dexamethasone implant. OUTCOMES: The exudative retinal detachment and macular edema had resolved, and the BCVA had also improved. CONCLUSION: Dexamethasone intravitreal implantation was effective in treating refractory Coats disease.

Elaphuri Davidiani Cornu Improves Depressive-Like Behavior in Mice and Increases Neurotrophic Factor Expression in Mouse Primary Astrocytes via cAMP and ERK-Dependent Pathways.

Elaphuri Davidiani Cornu (EDC) is the natural shedding horn of Elaphurus davidiauus Millne-Edwards that was used by people in ancient China for maintaining physical and mental health. We evaluated the antidepressant effect of EDC using depression-like animal models and explored possible mechanisms in mouse primary astrocyte cultures. We found that aqueous extracts of EDC significantly improved depression-like behavior in a mouse model of depression. The extracts enhanced expression of nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor neurotrophic factors in mouse prefrontal cortex and hippocampus tissues. In the mouse primary astrocyte cultures, the EDC aqueous extracts significantly increased the neurotrophic factor expression both at the transcriptional and protein levels. EDC extracts might exhibit these functions by regulating matrix metalloprotein-9 of the nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor metabolic pathways and might enhance expression of neurotrophic factors via the cAMP- and ERK-dependent pathways. We confirmed this possibility by showing the effects of related inhibitors, providing scientific evidence that supports the utility of EDC in the development of drugs to treat major depressive disorders.

[Studies on X-ray diffraction Fourier fingerprint pattern of Cornu Elaphuri Davidiani].

OBJECTIVE: To establish the analytical method for the fingerprint pattern of Cornu Elaphuri Davidiani by X-ray diffraction. METHODS: Cornu Elaphuri Davidiani from different ages and different parts were analyzed and the fingerprint patterns were determined by X-ray diffraction. The degree of different fingerprint patterns was calculated and analyzed. RESULTS: The reference X-ray diffraction Fourier fingerprint pattern and characteristic diffraction peaks of Cornu Elaphuri Davidiani were obtained by fifteen samples of Cornu Elaphuri Davidiani from different ages and different parts. CONCLUSION: This method can be used for identification and evaluation of Cornu Elaphuri Davidiani.

Ophthalmic artery occlusion combined with superior sagittal sinus thrombosis caused by hyaluronic acid injection for facial soft tissue augmentation: A case report.

RATIONALE: Cosmetic hyaluronic acid injections for facial soft tissue augmentation are gaining popularity because of their convenience and favorable outcomes. Several associated complications have been described; however, ophthalmic artery occlusion (OAO) combined with superior sagittal sinus thrombosis (SSST) has been rarely reported. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 21-year-old woman presented with sudden loss of vision and severe pain in the left eye, right upper limb weakness, and headache immediately after hyaluronic acid injection on the left side of her forehead. DIAGNOSIS: Clinical manifestations and multimodal imaging, including spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, fundus fluorescein angiography, and digital subtraction angiography, indicated OAO and SSST. INTERVENTIONS: Various clinical examinations were performed, and the patient was treated by thrombolysis, corticosteroids, oxygen therapy, a formula for the nourishment of the optic nerve, and measures for improving the microcirculation. OUTCOMES: The treatment response was closely observed. The intracerebral hemorrhages were absorbed after 2 weeks of treatment, while the clinical manifestations, including ocular pain, headache, and limb dysfunction, were gradually alleviated. However, the visual acuity in the left eye remained at no light perception. LESSONS: Cosmetic hyaluronic acid injection can result in emergent and catastrophic complications that require immediate treatment. Thus, the development of appropriate prevention and management protocols for such scenarios is considered crucial.

Père David's deer gut microbiome changes across captive and translocated populations: Implications for conservation.

The gut microbial composition and function are shaped by different factors (e.g., host diet and phylogeny). Gut microbes play an important role in host nutrition and development. The gut microbiome may be used to evaluate the host potential environmental adaptation. In this study, we focused on the coevolution of the gut microbiome of captive and translocated Père David's deer populations (Elaphurus davidianus; Chinese: Père David's deer). To address this, we used several different macro- and micro-ecological approaches (landscape ecology, nutritional methods, microscopy, isotopic analysis, and metagenomics). In this long-term study (2011-2014), we observed some dissimilarities in gut microbiome community and function between the captive and wild/translocated Dafeng Père David's deer populations. These differences might link microbiome composition with deer diet within a given season. The proportion of genes coding for putative enzymes (endoglucanase, beta-glucosidase, and cellulose 1,4-beta-cellobiosidase) involved in cellulose digestion in the gut microbiome of the captive populations was higher than that of the translocated population, possibly because of the high proportion of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin in the plants most consumed by the captive populations. However, the two enzymes (natA and natB) involved in sodium transport system were enriched in the gut microbiome in translocated population, possibly because of their high salt diet (e.g., Spartina alterniflora). Thus, our results suggested that Père David's deer gut microorganisms potentially coevolved with host diet, and reflected the local adaptation of translocated population in the new environment (e.g., new dietary plants: Spartina alterniflora). A current problem for Père David's deer conservation is the saturation of captive populations. Given that the putative evolutionary adaptation of Père David's deer gut microbiome and its possible applications in conservation, the large area of wetlands along the Yellow Sea dominated by S. alterniflora might be the major translocation region in the future.