A new suberin from roots of Ephedra sinica Stapf / 药学学报

Six compounds were isolated from the roots of Ephedra sinica Stapf using various chromatographic techniques such as silica gel column chromatography, thin layer chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC. Their chemical structures were identified by analysis of physicochemical properties and spectral data, and determined as (Z)-docosanylferulate (1), (E)-docosanylferulate (2), bis (2-ethylheptyl) phythalate (3), 2,2′-oxybis (1,4-di-tert-butylbenzene) (4), diisobutyl phthalate (5), bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (6). Among them, compound 1 is a new compound, compounds 2-4 were first isolated from Ephedra. A corticosterone-induced PC-12 cell injury model was used for compound activity screening. The results showed that compounds 1 and 5 significantly improved corticosterone-induced PC-12 cell injury and significantly increased 5-HT7 receptor protein expression in the cells, indicating potential antidepressant activity.

Preparation, characterization and activity evaluation of Spirulina-chitooligosaccharides capable of inhibiting biofilms / 生物工程学报

The biofilms formed by pathogenic microorganisms seriously threaten human health and significantly enhance drug resistance, which urgently call for developing drugs specifically targeting on biofilms. Chitooligosaccharides extracted from shrimp and crab shells are natural alkaline oligosaccharides with excellent antibacterial effects. Nevertheless, their inhibition efficacy on biofilms still needs to be improved. Spirulina (SP) is a microalga with negatively charged surface, and its spiral structure facilitates colonization in the depth of the biofilm. Therefore, the complex of Spirulina and chitooligosaccharides may play a synergistic role in killing pathogens in the depth of biofilm. This research first screened chitooligosaccharides with significant bactericidal effects. Subsequently, Spirulina@Chitooligosaccharides (SP@COS complex was prepared by combining chitooligosaccharides with Spirulina through electrostatic adsorption. The binding of the complex was characterized by zeta potential, z-average size, and fluorescence labeling. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) showed the encapsulation efficiency and the drug loading efficiency reached up to 90% and 16%, respectively. The prepared SP@COS2 exhibited a profound synergistic inhibition effect on bacterial and fungal biofilms, which was mainly achieved by destroying the cell structure of the biofilm. These results demonstrate the potential of Spirulina-chitooligosaccharides complex as a biofilm inhibitor and provide a new idea for addressing the harm of pathogenic microorganisms.

Comparison of Disease Burden Factors of Thyroid Cancer Between China and the World From 1990 to 2019 / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To compare the prevalence and disease burden of thyroid cancer and their trends between China and the globe from 1990 to 2019.Methods With the global disease burden data in 2019,Joinpoint was used to predict the trends of the disease burden of thyroid cancer in China and the globe from 1990 to 2019,and logarithmic linear model was used to test the predicted trends.The R language was used for predictive analysis and graphic plotting of the disease burden from 2020 to 2035.Results From 1990 to 2019,the standardized incidence rate and the standardized mortality rate of thyroid cancer in China were lower than those in the globe.The standardized incidence rate in China and the globe showed an increasing trend(with the increases of 102.65% and 40.65%,respectively),while the standardized mortality rate showed a decreasing trend(with the decreases of 7.63% and 4.91%,respectively).Compared with those of the female population,the standardized incidence and mortality rates of the Chinese male population increased significantly from 1990 to 2019(the rates of change in the male population were 48.65% and 214.60%,respectively;and the rates of change in the female population were -39.01% and 60.44%,respectively).China's overall standardized years of life lost(YLL),years lived with disability(YLD),and disability-adjusted life years(DALY)rates during the 30-year period were lower than the global average.The Chinese and global populations showed the standardized YLL rate decreasing by 16.61% and 6.88% and the standardized DALY rate decreasing by 10.77% and 3.65%,respectively,while the rates of standardized YLD increased by 128.91% and 46.89%,respectively.The magnitude of DALY in China and the world was mainly influenced by YLL.The standardized incidence,mortality,and DALY rates of the Chinese male population were gradually approaching the global levels.From 1990 and 2019,thyroid cancer showed a higher mortality rate in the population with the age ≥ 75 years and a higher incidence rate in the population with the age <75 years.It is projected that from 2020 to 2035,the standardized incidence rates in China and the world will increase by 36.66% and 21.15%,respectively;the standardized mortality rates will decrease by 20.19% and 3.46%,respectively;and the standardized DALY rate is expected to decrease by 7.08% in China and increase by 4.35% in the world.Conclusions From 1990 to 2019,China's standardized incidence rate of thyroid cancer increased and had a higher increase than the global level,and the standardized mortality rate decreased,with a slightly higher decrease than the global level.However,the increases in the standardized incidence rate and mortality rate of this disease in China's ≥75 years male population were severe.Although China's disease burden of thyroid cancer showed a decreasing trend in line with the global trend as a whole,the disease burden in the Chinese males was higher than that in the females.Specifically,the disease burden due to premature death was predominant,and the burden in specific populations requires policy attention.

Efficacy evaluation of novel oral anticoagulants in patients with cirrhosis accompanied with portal vein thrombosis: a meta-analysis / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective: To analyze the safety and efficacy of using novel oral anticoagulants (rivaroxaban and others) in patients with cirrhosis accompanied with portal vein thrombosis (PVT). Methods: Clinical research literature published from the establishment of the database to June 20, 2021, was retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, and Weipu databases by combining subject terms and free words. RevMan software was used for the random group meta-analysis model. Results: In terms of PVT recanalization, the novel oral anticoagulants (such as low molecular weight heparin and others) had a higher recanalization rate than traditional anticoagulants (OR = 13.75, 95%CI 3.58-52.9, P = 0.000 1). In terms of bleeding, the novel oral anticoagulants did not increase the risk of bleeding compared with traditional anticoagulants (OR = 2.42, 95%CI 0.62-9.41, P = 0.20). Conclusion: The novel oral anticoagulant drugs are superior to traditional anticoagulants in terms of the occurrence of PVT recanalization; however, there is no statistically significant difference in terms of the occurrence of bleeding between the two groups.

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 gene polymorphism and its correlation with the occurrence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary stenosis in the elderly: a retrospective study / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To investigate the allele distribution of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) gene polymorphism in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to analyze its correlation with the presence and severity of coronary stenosis.Methods:A total of 94 elderly patients with T2DM who were admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University from March 2020 to March 2022 were selected as the observation group, and 50 age- gender-matched healthy subjects were selected as the control group. The observation group was further divided into stenosis group and non-stenosis group based on the presence of coronary stenosis. Clinical data were collected from all participants, and blood samples were taken for analysis. The ALDH2 gene polymorphism (rs671 locus) was detected using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technology. The distribution of ALDH2 genotypes was observed in elderly patients with T2DM, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent factors associated with the development of coronary stenosis in elderly patients with T2DM. The degree of coronary stenosis was compared between patients with different genotypes.Results:The allele A frequency of ALDH2 gene (rs671 locus) was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group ( P<0.05). The proportion of patients with diabetes duration≥5 years and smoking history in the stenosis group was significantly higher than that in the non-stenosis group (all P<0.05). Serum levels of glucose (GLU), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly higher in the stenosis group than in the non-stenosis group, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level was significantly lower in the stenosis group than in the non-stenosis group (all P<0.05). The proportion of ALDH2 genotypes AA and allele A frequency were significantly higher in the stenosis group than in the non-stenosis group (all P<0.05). Long duration of diabetes, low HDL-C level, and ALDH2 genotypes AA were independent risk factors for the development of coronary stenosis in elderly patients with T2DM (all P<0.05). The proportion of patients with three or more coronary artery lesions in the stenosis group with genotype AA was significantly higher than that in the stenosis group with genotypes GG and GA (all P<0.05). Conclusions:ALDH2 gene polymorphism is associated with the development of T2DM in elderly patients, and allele A carriers may have a higher risk of developing coronary stenosis and more severe disease severity.

Experience in the treatment of upper urinary tract stones secondary to urinary diversion / 中华泌尿外科杂志

There are few clinical reports on the diagnosis and treatment of upper urinary tract stones secondary to urinary diversion. This study included 30 patients with upper urinary tract stones secondary to urinary diversion, and all of which were successfully managed. The individualized treatment with the ureteroscopy and/or percutaneous nephrolithotripsy with antegrade, retrograde, or a combination of antegrade and retrograde is safe and feasible.

Establishing a rat model of preeclampsia in early pregnancy and observing its behavior and cognitive effects on the offspring / 安徽医科大学学报

Objective@#To establish a rat model of preeclampsia (PE) in early pregnancy and to observe the changes in phenotype，pregnancy outcome and cognitive ability of offspring．@*Methods @#The pregnant rats were randomly divided into model group and control group．Ultra-low dose lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (0. 5 μg / kg) and an equal volume of normal saline were injected into the tail vein of pregnant rats on the fifth day of pregnancy．The levels of blood pressure ，12-hour urinary protein ，peripheral blood coagulation factors and placental cytokines in the two groups were measured．Furthermore，placental pathology，pregnancy outcomes，and cognitive abilities of offspring were observed. @*Results@#Blood pressure and urinary protein levels of model group were significantly higher than those of control group levels．Compared with the control group，the levels of platelet and antithrombin Ⅲ (AT Ⅲ) in the peripheral blood of pregnant rats in the model group were lower than those in the control group，while D-dimer was higher than that in the control group，the weight of the fetus and placenta in the model group decreased (P ＜0. 001) ，the expression levels of interleukin ( IL) -6，tumor necrosis factor α ( TNF-α) and interferon gamma (INF-γ) in peripheral blood increased，while the expression level of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) decreased(P＜0. 001) ．The water maze test showed that the latency of the offspring of the model group to the plat- form was longer than that of the control group (P＜0. 05) ，while the frequency of crossing the platform quadrant and the time of staying in the platform quadrant of the model group were lower than those of the control group (P < 0. 05 ) ．HE and PAS staining showed that there were infiltration of inflammatory cells in the basal layer of placenta， obvious decrease of blood vessels in labyrinthine area，slight edema of renal interstitium and degeneration of local renal tubular epithelial cells in the model group，while there were no above pathological changes in placenta and kidney in the control group．@*Conclusion@#A single injection of LPS in early pregnancy can successfully induce PE- related symptoms and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as fetal growth restriction and lead to the decline of cogni- tive ability of offspring.

Urban-rural disparities of depression symptoms and its influencing factors among the elderly aged ≥65 years old in Anhui Province from 2019 to 2020 / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective: To analyze the difference in depression symptoms and influencing factors between urban and rural elderly people aged ≥65 years old in Anhui Province. Methods: Based on the data from a survey of 68 communities in Anhui Province that implemented the National Elderly Psychological Care Project from 2019 to 2020, the current status of depression symptoms in the elderly was evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). The difference in the detection rate of depression symptoms between urban and rural elderly people with different characteristics was compared by using the χ2 test. The logistic regression model was used to analyze the relevant factors of depression symptoms in urban and rural elderly people. Results: A total of 15 532 elderly people aged≥65 years old were included in the survey. The detection rate of depressive symptoms was 7.12%, which was higher in rural areas (9.08%) than in urban areas (6.48%). Logistic regression showed that chronic diseases were risk factors for depressive symptoms in elderly people from both urban and rural areas. Positive attitudes towards aging and good mental resilience were protective factors for depressive symptoms in elderly people. Having hobby (OR=0.64, 95%CI: 0.45-0.91), good relationship with children (OR=0.56, 95%CI: 0.41-0.76), good relationship with spouse (OR=0.51, 95%CI: 0.37-0.71), and having at least 6 friends (OR=0.48, 95%CI: 0.32-0.71) were the protective factors for depressive symptoms in urban elderly people. A good relationship with neighbors (OR=0.58, 95%CI: 0.41-0.82) and having 1-2 friends (OR=0.40, 95%CI: 0.25-0.64) were the protective factors for depressive symptoms in rural elderly people. Women (OR=1.49, 95%CI: 1.06-2.10) and higher education level (OR=1.81, 95%CI: 1.19-2.74, compared with illiterate/semi-illiterate in primary school; OR=2.94, 95%CI: 1.82-4.76, compared with illiterate/semi-illiterate in junior high school and above) were the risk factors for depressive symptoms in rural elderly people. Conclusion: There are differences between urban and rural areas in depressive symptoms among elderly people in Anhui Province. The detection rate of depression symptoms among rural elderly people is higher, and the influencing factors of depressive symptoms between urban and rural elderly people are also different, which should be treated specifically in the implementation of intervention measures.

Urban-rural disparities of depression symptoms and its influencing factors among the elderly aged ≥65 years old in Anhui Province from 2019 to 2020 / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective: To analyze the difference in depression symptoms and influencing factors between urban and rural elderly people aged ≥65 years old in Anhui Province. Methods: Based on the data from a survey of 68 communities in Anhui Province that implemented the National Elderly Psychological Care Project from 2019 to 2020, the current status of depression symptoms in the elderly was evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). The difference in the detection rate of depression symptoms between urban and rural elderly people with different characteristics was compared by using the χ2 test. The logistic regression model was used to analyze the relevant factors of depression symptoms in urban and rural elderly people. Results: A total of 15 532 elderly people aged≥65 years old were included in the survey. The detection rate of depressive symptoms was 7.12%, which was higher in rural areas (9.08%) than in urban areas (6.48%). Logistic regression showed that chronic diseases were risk factors for depressive symptoms in elderly people from both urban and rural areas. Positive attitudes towards aging and good mental resilience were protective factors for depressive symptoms in elderly people. Having hobby (OR=0.64, 95%CI: 0.45-0.91), good relationship with children (OR=0.56, 95%CI: 0.41-0.76), good relationship with spouse (OR=0.51, 95%CI: 0.37-0.71), and having at least 6 friends (OR=0.48, 95%CI: 0.32-0.71) were the protective factors for depressive symptoms in urban elderly people. A good relationship with neighbors (OR=0.58, 95%CI: 0.41-0.82) and having 1-2 friends (OR=0.40, 95%CI: 0.25-0.64) were the protective factors for depressive symptoms in rural elderly people. Women (OR=1.49, 95%CI: 1.06-2.10) and higher education level (OR=1.81, 95%CI: 1.19-2.74, compared with illiterate/semi-illiterate in primary school; OR=2.94, 95%CI: 1.82-4.76, compared with illiterate/semi-illiterate in junior high school and above) were the risk factors for depressive symptoms in rural elderly people. Conclusion: There are differences between urban and rural areas in depressive symptoms among elderly people in Anhui Province. The detection rate of depression symptoms among rural elderly people is higher, and the influencing factors of depressive symptoms between urban and rural elderly people are also different, which should be treated specifically in the implementation of intervention measures.

Research advancements of two-dimensional black phosphorus in dentistry / 中华口腔医学杂志

Two-dimensional black phosphorus (BP) has unique layered structure, excellent photothermal properties, good biocompatibility and high biodegradability. In recent years, it has been found that BP has stable drug loading and light controlled sustained-release drug functions, excellent antibacterial properties and the ability to promote vascular and nerve regeneration in the medicine field, which has a broad application prospect in dentistry. This review elaborates the biological properties of two-dimensional BP and its application progress in dentistry, so as to provide new ideas for the further research and application of two-dimensional BP.

Efficacy and Mechanism of Yishen Shengjing Prescription in Treatment of Oligoasthenospermia / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate the efficacy and mechanism of Yishen Shengjing Prescription （YSP） in the treatment of oligoasthenospermia in rats. MethodThe oligoasthenospermia rat model was established by injection with cyclophosphamide （35 mg·kg-1·d-1） for 5 consecutive days. Rats were randomly assigned into control group （without treating with cyclophosphamide）， model group， low- （YSP-L）， medium- （YSP-M）， and high- （YSP-H） dose （2.91， 5.83， and 11.66 g·kg-1， respectively） groups， Wuzi Yanzongwan （WYW， 1.03 g·kg-1） group， and L-carnitine （0.17 g·kg-1） group， with 8 rats in each group. After 28 days of drug intervention， the body weight， testicular weight， and testicular index of rats were recorded. The sperm quality in epididymis was detected by computer-assisted sperm analysis （CASA） system. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was employed for observation of testicular tissue morphology. The levels of malondialdehyde （MDA） and superoxide dismutase （SOD） in testicular tissue were detected by colorimetry. The levels of follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）， luteinizing hormone （LH）， and testosterone （T） in serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA）. TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling （TUNEL） was employed to detect the apoptosis of testicular cells. The protein levels of B cell lymphoma-2（Bcl-2）， Bax， and cleaved Caspase-3 in testicular tissue were detected by Western blot. ResultCompared with the control group， the model group showed decreased body weight， testicular weight and index， sperm concentration and motility （P<0.01） and increased testicular pathological score （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the YSP-M， YSP-H， WYW， and L-carnitine groups showed increased body weight， testicular weight， testicular index， sperm concentration and motility and decreased testicular pathological score. After modeling， the SOD level decreased （P<0.01） while the MDA content increased （P<0.01） in the testicular tissue. YSP-H， WYW， and L-carnitine reversed the SOD and MDA level changes caused by modeling. Compared with the control group， the model group exhibited declined T level （P<0.01） and increased FSH and LH levels （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， YSP， WYW， and L-carnitine increased the T level （P<0.01） and decreased the LH level （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The apoptosis rate of spermatogenic cells in the model group was higher than that in the control group （P<0.01）， whereas YSP-M， WYW， and L-carnitine reversed such changes （P<0.01）. The model group rats showed decreased expression of Bcl-2（P<0.05） and increased expression of Bax and cleaved Caspase-3 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared the model group， YSP-M， YSP-H， WYW， and L-carnitine up-regulated the Bcl-2 expression and down-regulated the cleaved Caspase-3 expression （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionYSP improved the sperm quality of oligoasthenospermia model rats by regulating the antioxidant system and sex hormone levels and inhibiting the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells.

Mechanism of intestinal flora in process of knee osteoarthritis in mice alleviated by Jiawei Duhuo Jisheng Mixture / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the potential mechanism of Jiawei Duhuo Jisheng Mixture regulating intestinal flora in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis(KOA)by 16S rRNA sequencing.Methods Eight-week-old male C57 mice were randomly divided into three groups:sham group,DMM group,and model+Jiawei Duhuo Jisheng Mixture group(Mixture group),6 mice per group.KOA model was induced by destabilization of medial meniscus surgery.16.25 mL·kg-1 dose mixture was given daily to the mixture group,and normal saline was given to the sham and DMM group.After eight weeks,the knee joints and colons of mice were collected,and the knee joints were prepared into paraffin sections,and the cartilage changes were observed with Safranin O-Fast Green and immunohistochemistry staining.16S rRNA sequencing of intestinal contents was performed to observe the changes of intestinal flora.Results Compared with model group,Jiawei Duhuo Jisheng Mixture could significantly reduce cartilage wear and OARSI score(P=0.033 5,P=0.029 5).16S rRNA sequencing showed that Jiawei Duhuo Jisheng Mixtrue could change the intestinal flora richness of KOA model mice,and improve the Alpha diversity(Chao1,Simpson)and Beta diversity(PCoA,NMDS).LefSe analysis showed that there were species with significant difference in abundance among the three groups(P=0.001),mainly including Lactobacillus,Firmicutes,Proteobacteria and other species.MetaCyc analysis indicated that Jiawei Duhuo Jisheng Mixture had effects on various metabolic pathways such as fatty acid,sugar and amino acid of intestinal flora(P<0.05).Conclusions Jiawei Duhuo Jisheng Mixtrue can effectively protect the articular cartilage and delay the progression of KOA.The mechanism may be through regulating the intestinal flora structure,protecting the intestinal barrier and reducing the inflammatory response.

The Application of the Mosoteach-based Mobile Interactive Teaching Modein Literature Reading and Discussion of the Molecular Biology Course / 中国生物化学与分子生物学报

Graduate education emphasizes the development of students’ scientific research andinnovation abilities. Literature reading and discussion (LRD) plays an active role in the development ofinnovative thinking and critical thinking for graduate students. However, in traditional, large molecularbiology classes, the effective implementation of large-scale, collective LRD presents a great challenge. Mosoteach is a cloud-based free app designed specifically for education with powerful human-computerinteraction and human-human interaction functions. In the present study, LRD was introduced into amolecular biology course for graduate students and was conducted via the Mosoteach app. The onlinediscussion board in the Mosoteach cloud class was restricted to enrolled students and was designated theprivate online discussion board (PODB). The PODB built a sense of community for students and was aneffective approach for organizing and facilitating discussion in large classes. Small-group learning in LRDwas helpful to understand the literature and foster collaboration and discussion. Overall, we demonstratedthat Mosoteach-based LRD was helpful in improving student learning outcomes. The relationship betweenstudent learning style and engagement, satisfaction and academic performance in cloud classes meritsfurther investigation.

Research progress of chimeric antigen receptor T cells therapy in hematological malignancies / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

From the first time that lymphokine active killer(LAK) cell , were induced in 1982, to the first chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) immunotherapy was used by Dr. Rosenberg in 2010 to successfully treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and Novartis′ CAR-T therapy Kymriah is approved by the FDA for B-lineage acute lymphoblastie leukemia (B-ALL) in 2017, CAR-T immunotherapy has entered a new era. The pipeline of CAR-T therapy is rapidly expanding, including the exploration of new targets. In addition to the research focus on CD19, CD20, CD22 and B cell maturation antigen(BCMA), new research directions such as dual targets, gene edited CAR-T are also constantly advancing. Compared with solid tumors that are limited by factors such as tumors microenvironment, CAR-T immunotherapy has more obvious effects in the field of hematological malignancies, such as the FDA approved CAR-T therapy Yescarta, Kymriah, Tecartus, Breyanzi and Abecma. This article will review the recent research progress of clinical treatment in hematological malignancies.

Research and development strategies of new Chinese medicines based on new regulations / 中国中药杂志

In recent years, only a small number of new Chinese medicines have been approved for marketing, which has embodied the bottleneck in the development of the Chinese medicine industry. To tackle this problem, the National Medical Products Administration has issued a series of regulations and technical requirements. In the context of new regulations, this study deeply explored the research and development strategies of new Chinese medicines under the guidance of the new classification of drug registration, and discussed the key technical issues in the research and development.

Systematical quantitative evaluation of left ventricular mechanical dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis using ultrasonic layer-specific strain imaging / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To assess the left ventricular (LV) myocardial mechanical dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis using ultrasonic layer-specific strain imaging and to explore its value in clinical application.Methods:A total of 80 consecutive cirrhosis patients without cardiovascular diseases were prospectively enrolled from October 2020 to March 2021 in Sichuan Provincial People′s Hospital, 39 of whom were assigned to the compensated group and 41 were assigned to the decompensated group according to the occurrence of portal hypertension. Forty-three healthy volunteers during the same period were randomly recruited as the control group. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed to assess the LV configuration and functional parameters. LV global longitudinal strain in endocardial, middle and epicardial myocardium (GLSendo, GLSmid, GLSepi), and longitudinal strain (LS) in basal, middle and apical segments, and peak strain dispersion (PSD) were obtained using ultrasonic layer-specific strain imaging. ΔLS was calculated by the formula of GLSendo-GLSepi. Then, the differences of related parameters among three groups were compared.Results:①Conventional echocardiography: compared with the control group, the interventricular septum end-diastolic thickness (IVSTd), left ventricular posterior wall end-diastolic thickness (LVPWd), left ventricular mass (LVM) and LVM index (LVMI) were increased in compensated and decompensated groups (all P<0.05), while no significant differences in conventional echocardiographic parameters were identified between the two cirrhosis groups (all P>0.05). ②Global layer-specific strain: compared with the control group, GLSendo, GLSmid, GLSepi and ΔLS were decreased and PSD was increased in compensated and decompensated groups (all P<0.05); Moreover, the decompensated group showed a more impaired GLSendo, GLSmid and GLSepi than compensated group (all P<0.05), whereas there were no significant differences of ΔLS and PSD between the two groups(all P>0.05). ③Segmental layer-specific strain: compared with the control group, LS values of three layers in compensated and decompensated groups were reduced at basal, middle and apical levels (all P<0.05); Compared with the compensated group, LS values of three layers in decompensated group tended to be reduced at above there levels, but only apical segments had significant differences (all P<0.05). Conclusions:There are different degrees of LV mechanical dysfunction in patients with variable severity of cirrhosis. Ultrasonic layer-specific strain imaging has the potential to quantitatively assess the state of cardiac involvement in patients with cirrhosis and to provide visual evidence for the early and accurate diagnosis of myocardial injuries.

Analgesic Effect and Action Mechanisms of Wenjing Zhitong Prescription on Primary Dysmenorrhea / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the analgesic effects of Wenjing Zhitong prescription （WZP） and explore its possible analgesic mechanisms so as to provide experimental basis for research and development of new Chinese medicine. Method:Analgesic effects of WZP were evaluated by observing the writhing latency and number in the writhing models which were induced by oxytocin in rats as well as those induced by acetic acid and prostaglandin E₁ （PGE₁）， respectively in mice. Effect of WZP on uterine contraction frequency， amplitude and activity were evaluated by observing the oxytocin-induced contraction of uterine smooth muscle in rats and rabbits <italic>in vivo</italic>. In the oxytocin-induced rat writhing models， the content of prostaglandin F₂<italic>_α</italic>（PGF₂<italic>_α</italic>） and prostaglandin E₂（PGE₂） in rat uterine tissues and the content of beta-endorphins （<italic>β</italic>-EP） in rat serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Expression of estrogen receptor （ER） and oxytocin receptor （OTR） in rat uterine were tested by Real-time polymerase chain reaction（Real-time PCR） method to investigate the possible molecular mechanism of WZP for its analgesic effect. Result:Results of analgesic effect showed that in oxytocin-induced rat writhing experiment， the number of writhing responses in both the WZP （1.5，3.0 g·kg^-1） group was lower than than in the model group （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. In acetic acid-induced mice writhing experiment， the latency of writhing response in WZP （6.0 g·kg^-1） group was significantly prolonged as compared with that in model group <italic>（P</italic><0.01）， and the number of writhing response was significantly reduced （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. In PGE₁-induced mice writhing model， the writhing number in WZP （1.5，3.0，6.0 g·kg^-1） groups was significantly lower than that in the model group （<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Results of effect on uterine smooth muscle demonstrated that WZP （0.38，0.75，1.50 g·kg^-1） could significantly reduce the frequency of uterine smooth muscle contraction in rabbits （<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）， WZP （0.75，1.50，3.00 g·kg^-1） could significantly reduce the contractile amplitude and activity of smooth muscle in the uterus of rats （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Results of molecular mechanisms of analgesic effects showed that the WZP （0.75，1.50，3.00 g·kg^-1） significantly reduced the content of PGF₂<italic>_α</italic> and the ratio of PGF₂<italic>_α</italic> to PGE₂ in the uterine tissue of rats （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. In the WZP （3.00 g·kg^-1） group， the levels of <italic>β</italic>-EP in the serum of rats were significantly increased （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， and the levels of OTR in uterus of rats in the WZP （1.50，3.00 g·kg^-1） group were significantly decreased （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Conclusion:Pharmacological studies demonstrated potent analgesic effect of WZP， and such analgesic effect were mediated by significantly inhibiting contraction of uterine smooth muscle， decreasing the contents of PGF₂<italic>_α </italic>and ratio of PGF₂<italic>_α</italic>/PGE₂， reducing OTR expression in uterine as well as increasing the amount of <italic>β</italic>-EP in serum.

Porphyromonas gingivalis infection promotes mitochondrial dysfunction through Drp1-dependent mitochondrial fission in endothelial cells / 国际口腔科学杂志·英文版

Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), a key pathogen in periodontitis, has been shown to accelerate the progression of atherosclerosis (AS). However, the definite mechanisms remain elusive. Emerging evidence supports an association between mitochondrial dysfunction and AS. In our study, the impact of P. gingivalis on mitochondrial dysfunction and the potential mechanism were investigated. The mitochondrial morphology of EA.hy926 cells infected with P. gingivalis was assessed by transmission electron microscopy, mitochondrial staining, and quantitative analysis of the mitochondrial network. Fluorescence staining and flow cytometry analysis were performed to determine mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) levels. Cellular ATP production was examined by a luminescence assay kit. The expression of key fusion and fission proteins was evaluated by western blot and immunofluorescence. Mdivi-1, a specific Drp1 inhibitor, was used to elucidate the role of Drp1 in mitochondrial dysfunction. Our findings showed that P. gingivalis infection induced mitochondrial fragmentation, increased the mtROS levels, and decreased the MMP and ATP concentration in vascular endothelial cells. We observed upregulation of Drp1 (Ser616) phosphorylation and translocation of Drp1 to mitochondria. Mdivi-1 blocked the mitochondrial fragmentation and dysfunction induced by P. gingivalis. Collectively, these results revealed that P. gingivalis infection promoted mitochondrial fragmentation and dysfunction, which was dependent on Drp1. Mitochondrial dysfunction may represent the mechanism by which P. gingivalis exacerbates atherosclerotic lesions.

Efficacy and Material Basis of Shuangjin Sanjie Granules in Treatment on Hyperplasia of Mammary Gland / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:The SD rat model of hyperplasia of mammary gland（HMG） and the ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS) technology were used to explore the pharmacological material basis of Shuangjin Sanjie granules (SJSJG) for the treatment on HMG.Method:SD rat models of HMG were administered in groups, and the nipple height and the diameter were measured; the levels of estradiol (E2), progesterone (P) and prolactin (PRL) in serum were detected, pathological examination was conducted for the hyperplasia of breast tissue. Histochemical methods were used to detect the expressions of estrogen receptor α (ERα), androgen receptor (AR), progesterone receptor (PR), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) proteins. Finally, UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS technology was used to detect the main chemical constituents of SJSJG, and the pharmacodynamic substance basis was analyzed based on the pharmacological effect.Result:The results of animal experiments showed that compared with the normal group, nipple height and diameter of the model group increased remarkably (P<0.01), serum E2 significantly increased (P<0.01). Pathological examination showed abnormal hyperplasia of breast tissue， expressions of ERα, AR, PR and TNF-α increased， compared with the model group, the nipple height and diameter of the SJSJG group decreased remarkably (P<0.01), serum E2 was decreased significantly (P<0.01)， pathological examination showed weakened abnormal hyperplasia of breast tissue, ERα, AR, PR and TNF-α protein expressions were significant decreased (P<0.01). The results of basic material study showed that 85 chemical components were identified from SJSJG, including 16 alkaloids, 7 flavonoids, 15 terpenes, 9 phenolic acid compounds, 3 coumarin compounds, 10 esters and lactone compounds, 7 fatty acids compounds, 4 amino acids compounds, and 14 other types of ingredients， among them, alkaloids and terpenoids chemical drug substances were closely related.Conclusion:SJSJG can effectively improve the condition of breast hyperplasia, and its medicinal substance basis may include saikosaponin A, Saikosaponin D, verticinone, peimine.

Effects of gut microbiota on five absorbed components of Berberis kansuensis in rat serum by HPLC-QqQ-MS / 中国中药杂志

To elucidate the absorption and metabolism of alkaloids in Berberis kansuensis in vivo, a high performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry(HPLC-QqQ-MS) method was developed to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze the absorption components in rat serum in multiple-reaction monitoring mode. The mobile phase consisted of 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile with a gradient elution mode. In addition, to investigate the effects of gut microbiota on five absorbed components of B. kansuensis in rat serum, diabetic rat and pseudo germ-free diabetic rat models were established, and partial least squares discriminant analysis and One-way ANOVA were used to study the content differences of five components among different groups. In this study, a HPLC-QqQ-MS method for quantitative analysis of five components in rat serum after oral administration of B. kansuensis was established for the first time. It was found that there were differences in the five constituents in rat serum between different groups. By comparing the normal group with the diabetic model group, we found that the absorption and metabolism capacities of berberine and magnoflorine were different under the health and pathological conditions. It was also found that the serum levels of berberine, magnoflorine and jatrorrhizine in pseudo germ-free diabetic rats were significantly lower than those in diabetic rats, indicating that gut microbiota plays an important role in the metabolism of alkaloids of B. kansuensis in vivo. These results provide a good reference for clarifying the active ingredients of B. kansuensis in the treatment of diabetes.