Research of the mechanism of Huganning tablet in the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease based on network pharmacology and computer-aided drug design / 药学学报

In this study, we explored the mechanism of Huganning tablet (HGNP) in the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) based on network pharmacology and computer-aided drug design. Firstly, the potential ingredients and targets of HGNP were identified from TCMSP database, Swiss Target Prediction database, Chinese pharmacopoeia (2015) and literatures, and then the targets of HGNP intersected with NAFLD disease targets that obtained in GeneCards database to acquired potential targets. The bioconductor bioinformatics package of R software was used for gene ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. The network of “potential ingredient-key target-pathway” was formed in Cytoscape software to study the interactions between potential ingredients of HGNP, key targets, pathways and NAFLD. Based on the results of network pharmacology, the molecular docking analysis of the key targets and potential active ingredients in HGNP tablets with top degree in the network was conducted using Discovery Studio 2020 software, followed by molecular dynamics simulations, binding free energy calculation, drug-likeness properties analysis and ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity) properties prediction. In vitro, HepG2 cells were used to establish steatosis model, and the effects of five key compounds on hepatocyte steatosis were analyzed by oil red O staining and triglyceride (TG) content determination. The results showed that 141 ingredients and 151 potential targets were obtained. A total of 2 526 items and 151 pathways were identified by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. The molecular docking suggested that five components, isorhamnetin, salvianolic acid B, emodin, resveratrol and rhein, exhibited strong binding ability with key targets [retinoic acid receptor RXR-alpha (RXRA), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK3B), serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (AKT1)]. It was further verified that isorhamnetin and salvianolic acid B bind to key targets with good structural stability and binding affinity based on molecular dynamics simulations and binding free energy calculations. The drug-likeness properties, pharmacokinetic properties and toxicity of five key compounds were more comprehensively analyzed through drug-likeness properties analysis and ADMET properties prediction. In vitro, all five compounds, isorhamnetin, salvianolic acid B, emodin, resveratrol, and rhein, improved hepatocyte steatosis of HepG2 cells, confirming the reliability of the present study. In conclusion, based on network pharmacology, computer-aided drug design and in vitro validation, this study investigated the mechanism of HGNP for the treatment of NAFLD at multiple levels and provided a basis for its clinical application.

Effect of resveratrol on PTEN expression and fibrosis of renal tubular epithelial cells in a high-glucose environment / 中国中药杂志

This study explored the effects of resveratrol(Res) on the expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten(PTEN) and the fibrosis of rat renal tubular epithelial cells in a high-glucose environment and the possible mechanism underlying the fibrosis reduction. After the pretreatment of rat renal tubular epithelial cells(NRK-52 E) cultured in a high-glucose condition with Res or PTEN inhibitor SF1670, they were divided into several groups, i.e., normal glucose(NG), normal glucose + SF1670(NS), high glucose(HG), high glucose + SF1670(HS), high glucose + Res at different concentrations(5, 10, 25 μmol·L~(-1)). The expression and distribution of E-cadherin and α-SMA in renal tubular epithelial cells were observed by immunofluorescence cytochemistry. The protein expression levels of PTEN, E-cadherin, α-SMA, p-Akt~((Thr308)) and collagen Ⅳ were determined by Western blot. Real-time PCR was employed to detect the expression of PTEN mRNA. Compared with the NG group, the HG group witnessed the reduced expression of PTEN mRNA, PTEN protein and E-cadherin protein, but saw the increased expression of α-SMA, p-Akt~((Thr308)) and collagen Ⅳ proteins. Besides, with the increase in Res concentration, the expression levels of PTEN mRNA, PTEN protein and E-cadherin protein gradually increased, while those of α-SMA, collagen Ⅳ, p-Akt~((Thr308)) proteins gradually decreased in the Res groups, showing a dose-effect dependence, compared with the HG group. No distinct difference was found between the NS group and the NG group. The expression level of E-cadherin was even lower and those of α-SMA, p-Akt~((Thr308)), and collagen Ⅳ were higher in the HS group than in the HG group, with no marked difference shown in the two groups in terms of PTEN mRNA and protein. Although the PTEN inhibitor did not affect PTEN, the expression changes of the other proteins were opposite to the results after Res treatment and the fibrosis was aggravated, which suggested that SF1670 promoted the fibrosis by inhibiting PTEN, activating Akt and increasing the synthesis of collagen Ⅳ and other extracellular matrix. The results show that Res can antagonize the high glucose-mediated fibrosis of renal tubular epithelial cells. This may be achieved via the up-regulation of PTEN and the inhibition of PI3 K/Akt signaling pathway.

Effect of Zhenzhu Tiaozhi Capsule on HbA1c in Patient with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus： A Real-world Study / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To explore the long-term effect of Zhenzhu Tiaozhi capsule（FTZ） on hemoglobin A1c（HbA1c）in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus （T2DM） based on real-world data. Method:T2DM patients who were provided with FTZ （FTZ group） and those receiving conventional hypoglycemic drugs （control group） were extracted from the hospital information system （HIS） of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University， followed by propensity score matching （PSM） for balancing the confounding factors between groups. With HbA1c as the efficacy evaluation index， the difference in efficacy between the two groups was compared using <italic>t</italic>-test and <italic>χ</italic>² test. For repeated measurement data of the same patient， the difference in efficacy and the stability of FTZ against HbA1c were analyzed by generalized estimating equation （GEE）. The factors that might affect the efficacy of FTZ against HbA1c were subjected to multivariate linear regression analysis （MLRA）， and the subgroup analyses were then conducted after the stratification of relevant factors. Result:There were 46 patients included in the FTZ group and 1 208 patients in the control group. PSM yielded 42 pairs of samples with balanced covariates between groups. As revealed by one-year observation， ① HbA1c in the FTZ group after treatment was 6.51%±1.09%. No significant difference was observed either in pre- and post-treatment comparison in the FTZ group or in its comparison with the control group. At the same time， the HbA1c compliance rate in the FTZ group was 73.8% after treatment. No significant difference was observed either in pre- and post-treatment comparison in the FTZ group or in its comparison with the control group. ② The GEE results showed that the post-treatment HbA1c levels in the two groups were not significantly different from each other. Moreover， the HbA1c level remained stable over treatment time. ③ MLRA and subgroup analyses results demonstrated that FTZ was more effective in patients with high baseline HbA1c ［<italic>β</italic>=-0.530，95% confidence interval（CI） -0.850～-0.209，<italic>P</italic><0.01］ or those who were complicated with hypertension （<italic>β</italic>=-0.918，95%CI -1.614～-0.222，<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Conclusion:In the real world， FTZ is able to control the blood sugar， and its effect is similar to those of conventional hypoglycemic drugs. Besides， it is capable of stabilizing the blood sugar for a long time.

A modified method of platelet-rich plasma preparation and level measurement of growth factors / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective:To establish a safe, effective, simple, and more economically feasible method to obtain platelet-rich plasma (PRP).Methods:Whole blood was collected from 24 patients with atrophic acne scars on the face. For the preparation of PRP, a slight modification of Choukroun＇s method was used. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the levels of platelet derived growth factor-β(PDGF-β), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), epidermal growth factor (EGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), isulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in normal plasma and PRP.Results:The average concentration of PDGF-β in PRP was (755.61±418.31) ng/L, which was higher than [(479.93±279.18) ng/L] in normal plasma ( t=3.479, P<0.01). The average concentration of TGF-β1 in PRP was (2267.00±1223.68), which was higher than [(1535.50±910.91) ng/L] in normal plasma ( t=7.082, P<0.01). The average concentration of EGF in PRP was (30.70±12.39) ng/L, which was higher than [(20.77±10.31) ng/L] in normal plasma ( t=6.899, P<0.01). The average concentration of VEGF in PRP was (25.42±17.69) ng/L, which was higher than [(12.01±7.77) ng/L] in normal plasma ( t=5.230, P<0.01). The average concentration of bFGF was (17.85±7.17) ng/L, which was higher than [(10.90±4.73) ng/L] in normal plasma ( t=6.050, P<0.01). The average concentration of IGF-1 was (201.22±36.80) ng/ml, which was higher than [(174.90±33.80) ng/ml] in normal plasma ( t=3.760, P<0.01). Conclusions:Compared to normal plasma, modified PRP contains higher levels of growth factors. The modified method is a reliable option for liquid PRP, especially applicable for invasive cosmetic laser surgery to promote wound repair.

Incidence of neonatal asphyxia and contributing factors for the develpment of severe asphyxia in Hubei Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture: a multicenter study / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the incidence of neonatal asphyxia and possible contributing factors for the development of severe asphyxia in Hubei Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, China.@*METHODS@#A total of 16 hospitals in Hubei Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture were selected as research centers. A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 22 294 live births in these 16 hospitals from January to December, 2016 to investigate the incidence rate of neonatal asphyxia and possible contributing factors for the development of severe asphyxia.@*RESULTS@#Of the 22 294 neonates born alive, 733 (3.29%) were diagnosed with neonatal asphyxia, among whom 627 had mild asphyxia and 106 had severe asphyxia. The neonates with low maternal education level, maternal anemia during pregnancy, chorioamnionitis, abnormal amniotic fluid, abnormal umbilical cord, placenta previa, placental abruption, Tujia Minority, preterm birth, and low birth weight had a higher incidence of severe asphyxia (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The incidence rate of neonatal asphyxia in Hubei Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture is higher. Low maternal education level, maternal anemia during pregnancy, chorioamnionitis, abnormal amniotic fluid, abnormal umbilical cord, placenta previa, placental abruption, Tujia Minority, preterm birth, and low birth weight may be related to the development of severe neonatal asphyxia.

Epidemiology and perinatal risk factors of neonatal asphyxia in Hubei Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective To investigate the incidence and risk factors of neonatal asphyxia in Hubei Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture. Methods Live born infants, including those diagnosed with neonatal asphyxia, were recruited from 16 different hospitals in Hubei Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture from January to December of 2016. The 16 hospitals included four grade A tertiary hospitals (three general hospitals and one traditional Chinese medicine hospital) and 12 grade A secondary hospitals (eight general hospitals, one maternal and child health hospital and three traditional Chinese medicine hospitals). A retrospective investigation was conducted using questionnaire to analyze the basic information, perinatal risk factors and prognosis of those infants. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Results Among 22 294 recruited live born infants, 733 (3.29%) were diagnosed with neonatal asphyxia on discharge, including 627 (85.54%) mild cases and 106 (14.46%) severe cases. And neonatal asphyxia resulted in deaths of 27 cases (3.68%). The risk factors for neonatal asphyxia included multiple pregnancy, pregnancy conceived with assisted reproductive technology, premature infant, low birth weight infant, fetal malposition, congenital malformation, male infant, born during transfer, mother of Tujia nationality, low educational level (primary school or lower), living in rural area, the number of antenatal visits ≤3, history of early threatened abortion, anemia in pregnancy, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, chorioamnionitis, abnormal pregnancy history and abnormality of umbilical cord, amniotic fluid or placenta. Conclusions The incidence of neonatal asphyxia in Enshi area is obviously higher than the national average. The main risk factors for neonatal asphyxia in this area are related to maternal background and the living condition of the mother during pregnancy, delivery as well as the newborn at birth.

A survey on sun protection behavior among middle-aged and elderly women in two districts in Beijing / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To investigate sun protection behavior among middle-aged and elderly women in Beijing.Methods The central (Xuanwumen district) and peripheral areas (Yanqing district) of Beijing city were selected for investigation from May to June in 2016.By random sampling and field investigation,interviewees completed questionnaires with the help of dermatologists.Results A total of 400 females aged 40-90 years were investigated,including 190 in the Xuanwumen district and 210 in the Yanqing district.Among all the subjects,the average duration of outdoor activities was 2 hours.Moreover,117 (29.2％) of the 400 interviewees had the active sun exposure habit,including 38 (18.1％) in the Yanqing district and 79 (41.6％) in the Xuanwumen district,and the proportion of subjects with the active sun exposure habit significantly differed between the two districts (x2 =26.582,P ＜ 0.001).In addition,67 (16.8％) interviewees had a sunburn history,and 130 (32.5％) were used to applying sunscreen.The proportion of sunscreen users was significantly higher in moderately or highly educated women (103 [45.2％]) than in lowly educated women (28/172 [16.3％],P ＜ 0.001).The proportion of sunscreen users in women with skin type Ⅲ (41.2％ [70/170]) was significantly higher than that in those with skin type Ⅳ (26.5％ [61/230],P =0.002).The scores for facial skin aging and dorsal hand skin aging were both significantly lower in sunscreen users than in non-users (Z =18.536,10.731,P =0.002,0.026,respectively).Conclusion The active sun exposure habit in the middle-aged and elderly women differs between the central and peripheral areas of Beijing,and the use of sunscreen is associated with education level.

Expression profile of long non-coding RNA in newborn mice with oxygen-induced retinopathy / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective To investigate the differences in expression profile of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in retina between normal newborn mice and those with oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) to lay a foundation for further study of regulatory mechanisms of lncRNA in retinal neovascularization, and to provide a new theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Methods A total of 48 cleaning grade C57BL/6J neonatal mice were randomly divided into two groups with 24 in each: OIR group and control group. Those in the OIR group were exposed to hyperoxia [(75±2)％ O2] from 7th to 12th day after birth, and then re-exposed to normoxia (room air) for five days to establish a OIR mouse model. Mice in the control group were raised in room air all the time. Retinal tissues were collected from each mouse on the 17th day after birth. Retinal angiography and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining were performed to confirm the establishment of OIR mouse model. Expression profiles of lncRNAs were analyzed by lncRNA high-throughput sequencing and the results were verified by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Based on the expression of lncRNAs and mRNA and the relationship between their genomic locations, potential target genes of lncRNAs were obtained. Gene ontology analysis (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Gnomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were used for bioinformatics analysis of lncRNA expression profile in OIR. T test and Graphpad prism were used for statistical analysis and spreadsheet. Results Retinal angiography and HE staining identified serious retinal damage in the OIR group. In total, 1118 differentially expressed lncRNAs ( ≥ 2.0-fold difference in expression, P<0.05) relating to OIR between the two groups were identified by lncRNA high-throughput sequencing. Results of real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR confirmed that XLOC_150632 and XLOC_150636 were upregulated in the OIR group as compared with those in the control, while XLOC_122045,XLOC_100454, XLOC_170009 and XLOC_122042 were downregulated. GO analysis showed that 852, 1148 and 2100 target genes of differentially expressed lncRNAs were relating to biological process, cellular component and molecular function, respectively. KEGG analysis showed that the target genes were associated with 36 biological pathways, mainly relating to retinal development, chemotaxis, migration and energy metabolism of vascular endothelial cells. Conclusions lncRNAs are differentially expressed in healthy newborn mice and newborn mice with OIR. Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), the potential target gene of XLOC_150632 and XLOC_150636, is related to phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway and may be involved in retinal neovascularization. This might be a potential target for ROP prevention and treatment.

Effects of fine particulate matter PM2.5 in ambient air on the proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis of a human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To evaluate effects of fine particulate matter PM2.5 in ambient air on the proliferation,cell cycle and apoptosis of a human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT.Methods PM2.5 in hazefog episodes during the heating season was collected in Beijing from 2015 to 2016,and processed into PM2.5 suspensions.HaCaT cells were divided into several groups to be treated with culture medium alone (control group),PM2.5 suspensions at different concentrations of 100-400 mg/L (experiment groups,50-800 mg/L for observation of cellular morphology and analysis of cell proliferation) for 24 hours,or cell culture medium without cells or PM2.5 suspensions (blank group).Cellular morphological changes were observed under an inverted microscope.Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was performed to determine cell survival rate,flow cytometry to determine the cell cycle distribution and detect cell apoptosis,and Western blot analysis to determine the protein expression of cyclin A2 and cyclin-dependent kinase1 (CDK1).Results Along with the increase of PM2.5 concentration,HaCaT cells lost their normal shape gradually,and the number of viable cells gradually decreased.Compared with the control group (100％ ± 4.95％),the 50-mg/L PM2.5 group showed no changes in cell survival rates (P ＞ 0.05),while the 100-,200-,400-and 800-mg/L PM2.5 group showed significantly lower survival rates (91.77％ ± 2.04％,80.01％ ± 1.57％,57.80％ ± 1.56％,21.98％ ± 0.86％,respectively,all P ＜ 0.05).Flow cytometry revealed that the 100-,200-and 400-mg/L PM2.5 groups showed gradually increased proportion of cells at S phase,but gradually decreased proportion of cells at G2/M phase compared with the control group (all P ＜ 0.05).As Western blot analysis showed,the protein expression of cyclin A2 and CDK1 significantly decreased in the 100-,200-and 400-mg/L PM2.5 groups compared with the control group,which was lowest in the 200-mg/L PM2.5 group(all P ＜ 0.05).In addition,the 100-,200-and 400-mg/L PM2.5 groups showed significantly higher total apoptosis rates (9.98％ ± 0.21％,12.56％ ± 0.74％,16.74％ ± 1.48％,respectively) compared with the control group (6.24％ ± 0.17％,all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion PM2.5 can inhibit cell proliferation and promote apoptosis of HaCaT cells,likely by downregulating the expression of cyclin A2 and CDK1 and arresting HaCaT cells at S phase.

Results analysis of urine cellular components tested by Urit-1500 urine analyzer / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To explore the clinical accuracy of urine cellular components of RBC,WBC,etc.detected by the Urit-1500 urine analyzer.Methods 1 085 urine samples in this hospital from June to October 2013 were selected and detected by the Urit-1500 urine analyzer and the microscope detection respectively.The results of urine cellular components detected by the urine analy-zer were analyzed.Results In 1 085 urine samples,the coincidence rate of two detection methods in detecting RBC and WBC was 93.8%(1 018/1 085)and 94.0%(1 020/1 085)respectively.In 295 RBC positive urine samples tested by the urine analyzer,the number of negative results tested by microscopy was 49,accounting for 16.6%.In 790 RBC negative urine samples tested by the u-rine analyzer,the number of negative results tested by microscopy was 18,accounting for 2.3%.In 197 WBC positive urine samples tested by urine analyzer,the number of negative results tested by microscopy was 28,accounting for 14.2%.In 888 WBC negative urine samples by urine analyzer,the number of negative results tested by microscopy was 37,accounting for 4.2%.Conclusion De-tecting urine RBC and WBC by using the Urit-1500 urine analyzer should combined with the microscopy and other test indexes and even clinical data to conduct the comprehensive analysis for reducing the misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis as far as possible.

Influence of leptin on Th1/Th2 balance in obese children with asthma / 中国免疫学杂志

Objective:To investigate the levels of serum leptin and their effect on Th 1/Th2 balance and the association between serum leptin levels and clinical manifestations in obese children with asthma.Methods: All 56 children with physician-diagnosed moderate-to-severe persistent asthma and 56 healthy controls were included.The children with asthma and without asthma were divided into two groups,obese (n=28) and non-obese (n=28) by body mass index,respectively.Asthma severity was assessed by the asthma symptom score.Peripheral blood samples were collected to determine the levels of leptin , IFN-gamma and IL-4.The results were correlated with the parameters studied.Results:Serum leptin levels were significantly higher in the obese asthma group than in the non -obese asthma group ,as well as being significantly higher in the children with asthma than in the controls ( P<0.01 ) , whereas IFN-gamma levels were significantly higher and IL-4 levels were significantly lower in the obese asthma group than in the non-obese asthma group( P<0.01 ).In addition, the obese asthma group showed higher asthma symptom scores and significantly lower FEV 1 (% of predicted) than did the non-obese asthma group(P<0.01).There was a significantly positive correlation between leptin ,IFN-gamma and IL-4 levels only in the obese asthma group ( P<0.01 ).Conclusion:Leptin is involved in the pathogenesis of asthma in obese and non-obese children ,and its effect is more pronounced in the former.In the presence of high leptin levels , only obese children with asthma exhibited Th1 polarization,with higher IFN-gamma levels and greater asthma severity.

Effect of moxibustion on motility, absorption and content of ATP in small intestine of spleen-deficiency rats / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the mechanism of reinforcing function of moxibustion to spleen-stomach.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty healthy Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: group A (blank group), group B (model group), group C (moxibustion group) and group D (herbs group). The rat model of spleen-deficiency was established by intragastric administration with 200% Dahuang (Rhubarb) infusion. The rats in group A and B, and D served as the blank control, model, and Sijunzi decoction group respectively, while those in group C received moxibustion at "Zusanli" (ST 36), "Zhongwan" (CV 12), "Guanyuan" (CV 4), "Pishu" (BL 20) and "Weishu" (BL 21), etc. The common symptoms and intestinal propulsive rate were observed. The content of I-xylose in serum was detected by phloroglucinol method. Colorimetry method was used to detected content of ATP in jejunum tissues.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with group A, the symptom score in group B was increased significantly (both P < 0.01), while the intestinal propulsive rates, the content of D-xylose in serum and ATP in jejunum tissues were decreased significantly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with group B, the symptom score in group C and D was decreased significantly (both P < 0.01), while the intestinal propulsive rates, the content of D-xylose in serum and ATP in jejunum tissues were increased significantly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). There were no significant difference between group C and D (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Moxibustion at "Zusanli" (ST 36) etc. could relieve symptoms of spleen-deficiency, enhance motility and absorption functions of small intestine and improve metabolism of small intestine. The efficacy is equal to administration of Sijunzi decoction.</p>

Expression of connexin 36 in central nervous system and its role in epileptic seizure / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This review discusses the experimental and clinical studies those show the expression of connexin 36 in the central nervous system and the possible role of connexin 36 in epileptic seizure.</p><p><b>DATA SOURCES</b>All articles used in this review were mainly searched from PubMed published in English from 1996 to 2012.</p><p><b>STUDY SELECTION</b>Original articles and reviews were selected if they were related to the expression of connexin 36 in the central nervous system and its role in epilepsy.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The distribution of connexin 36 is developmentally regulated, cell-specific and region-specific. Connexin 36 is involved in some neuronal functions and epileptic synchronization. Changes in the connexin 36 gene and protein were accompanied by seizures. Selective gap junction blockers have exerted anticonvulsant actions in a variety of experiments examined in both humans and experimental animals.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Connexin 36 plays an important role in both physiological and pathological conditions in the central nervous system. A better understanding of the role of connexin 36 in seizure activity may contribute to the development of new therapeutic approaches to treating epilepsy.</p>

Urinary level of tissue factor and its procoagulant activity in patients with type 2 diabetes / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To examine the urinary level of tissue factor (uTF) and its procoagulant activity (PCA) in patients with diabetes mellitus, and explore the relationship between uTF and renal damage in diabetes mellitus.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighty-six patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were divided into 3 groups according to urine albumin excretion (UACR), namely normal albuminuria group, microalbuminuria group and macroalbuminuria group. The levels of uTF, PCA, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (CRE), serum cystatin C (CYSC), glycohemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured in all the patients and 21 healthy controls.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with normal control, the diabetic patients showed significantly increased levels of uTF and PCA. The urinary TF-PCA was positively correlated to BUN, CYSC, CRE, UACR, fasting glucose and hs-CRP, but not to uTF; only hs-CRP, UACR were positively correlated to uTF.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>uTF is probably implicated in the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy.</p>

Validity and reliability of the Chinese version of Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Version 3.0 Asthma Modul / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the reliability and validity of parent proxyreport scales of Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Version 3.0 (PedsQLTM) Asthma Module (Chinese version).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Two hundred and thirty-three asthmatic children and their parents from the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were enrolled. Health related quality of life was assessed using the above mentioned PedsQLTM Asthma Module. The internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's α coefficient, while its validity was tested through correlation analysis and exploratory factor analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The internal consistency reliability for Total Scale Summary Score (Cronbach's α=0.86), Asthma Score (Cronbach's α=0.80), Treatment Score (Cronbach's α=0.78), Worry Score (Cronbach's α=0.89) and Communication Score (Cronbach's α=0.93) were excellent. Seven major factors were extracted by factor analysis which basically matched the designed structure of the original version accounting for nearly 66% of the variance. Moderate to high correlations between items and the subscales were found, and the correlation coefficients ranged from 0.41 to 0.92(P<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The reliability and validity of the parent proxy-report scales of PedsQLTM 3.0 Asthma Module of the Chinese version are as good as the original version.</p>