Analysis of expression characteristics and identification of interaction proteins of transcription factor BnaABI5 in Brassica napus.

Rapeseed is one important oil crop in China. However, its planting benefit is frequently affected by environmental stresses such as drought in the northwest region of China. The abscisic acid(ABA) signaling pathway plays an important role in plant abiotic stress response and tolerance, and ABFs/AREBs(ABA-responsive element binding factors/ABA-responsive element binding proteins) are the core transcription factors that regulate the expression of ABA-responsive genes. To dissect the key transcription factors mediated abiotic stress, we mainly characterized abscisic acid insensitive 5(BnaABI5) in rapeseed, including its subcellular localization, expression pattern in response to various stress and tissue-specific expression analysis, transcriptional activity analysis as well as interaction screening with BnaMPKs(mitogen-activated protein kinases). Our results showed that the BnaABI5-GFP fusion protein was localized in the nucleus, and its transcript level is induced by drought stress and was mainly expressed in the roots of rapeseed. Furthermore, BnaABI5 showed transcriptional activation activity through a yeast transactivation assay and it also activated the promoter activity of EM6 target gene in the transient expression system in tobacco leaves. Moreover, BnaABI5 interacted with BnaMPK6 and BnaMPK13 through BiFC and Y2H analysis. This study preliminarily explored the expression characteristics of transcription factor BnaABI5 and its interaction with BnaMPKs, which might help us for further understanding the function of BnaABI5.

A map of the spatial distribution and tumour-associated macrophage states in glioblastoma and grade 4 IDH-mutant astrocytoma.

Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) abundantly infiltrate high-grade gliomas and orchestrate immune response, but their diversity in isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-differential grade 4 gliomas remains largely unknown. This study aimed to dissect the transcriptional states, spatial distribution, and clinicopathological significance of distinct monocyte-derived TAM (Mo-TAM) and microglia-derived TAM (Mg-TAM) clusters across glioblastoma-IDH-wild type and astrocytoma-IDH-mutant-grade 4 (Astro-IDH-mut-G4). Single-cell RNA sequencing was performed on four cases of human glioblastoma and three cases of Astro-IDH-mut-G4. Cell clustering, single-cell regulatory network inference, and gene set enrichment analysis were performed to characterize the functional states of myeloid clusters. The spatial distribution of TAM subsets was determined in human glioma tissues using multiplex immunostaining. The prognostic value of different TAM-cluster specific gene sets was evaluated in the TCGA glioma cohort. Profiling and unbiased clustering of 24,227 myeloid cells from glioblastoma and Astro-IDH-mut-G4 identified nine myeloid cell clusters including monocytes, six Mo/Mg-TAM subsets, dendritic cells, and proliferative myeloid clusters. Different Mo/Mg-TAM clusters manifest functional and transcriptional diversity controlled by specific regulons. Multiplex immunostaining of subset-specific markers identified spatial enrichment of distinct TAM clusters at peri-vascular/necrotic areas in tumour parenchyma or at the tumour-brain interface. Glioblastoma harboured a substantially higher number of monocytes and Mo-TAM-inflammatory clusters, whereas Astro-IDH-mut-G4 had a higher proportion of TAM subsets mediating antigen presentation. Glioblastomas with a higher proportion of monocytes exhibited a mesenchymal signature, increased angiogenesis, and worse patient outcome. Our findings provide insight into myeloid cell diversity and its clinical relevance in IDH-differential grade 4 gliomas, and may serve as a resource for immunotherapy development. © 2022 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Indomethacin Disrupts the Formation of ß-Amyloid Plaques via an α2-Macroglobulin-Activating lrp1-Dependent Mechanism.

Epidemiological studies have implied that the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) indomethacin slows the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the underlying mechanisms are notably understudied. Using a chimeric mouse/human amyloid precursor protein (Mo/HuAPP695swe) and a mutant human presenilin 1 (PS1-dE9) (APP/PS1) expressing transgenic (Tg) mice and neuroblastoma (N) 2a cells as in vivo and in vitro models, we revealed the mechanisms of indomethacin in ameliorating the cognitive decline of AD. By screening AD-associated genes, we observed that a marked increase in the expression of α2-macroglobulin (A2M) was markedly induced after treatment with indomethacin. Mechanistically, upregulation of A2M was caused by the inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase (L-PGDS), which are responsible for the synthesis of prostaglandin (PG)H2 and PGD2, respectively. The reduction in PGD2 levels induced by indomethacin alleviated the suppression of A2M expression through a PGD2 receptor 2 (CRTH2)-dependent mechanism. Highly activated A2M not only disrupted the production and aggregation of ß-amyloid protein (Aß) but also induced Aß efflux from the brain. More interestingly, indomethacin decreased the degradation of the A2M receptor, low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1), which facilitated the brain efflux of Aß. Through the aforementioned mechanisms, indomethacin ameliorated cognitive decline in APP/PS1 Tg mice by decreasing Aß production and clearing Aß from the brains of AD mice.

Survey and analysis of the nutritional status in hospitalized patients with malignant gastric tumors and its influence on the quality of life.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The assessment of nutritional status and the quality of life in patients with gastric cancer has become one of the important goals of current clinical treatment. The purpose of this study was to assess the nutritional status in hospitalized gastric cancer patients by using patient-generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA) and to analyze the influence of nutritional status on the patients' quality of life (QOL). METHODS: We reviewed the pathological diagnosis of gastric cancer for 2322 hospitalized patients using PG-SGA to assess their nutritional status and collected data on clinical symptoms, the anthropometric parameters (height, weight, body mass index (BMI), mid-arm circumference (MAC), triceps skin-fold thickness (TSF), and hand-grip strength (HGS). We also collected laboratory data (prealbumin, albumin, hemoglobin) within 48 h after the patient was admitted to the hospital. The 30-item European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) was used for QOL assessment in all patients. RESULTS: By using PG-SGA, we found 80.4% of the patients were malnourished (score ≥ 4) and 45.1% of the patients required urgent nutritional support (score ≥ 9). In univariate analysis, old age (> 65 years, p < 0.001), female (p = 0.007), residence in a village (p = 0.004), a lower level of education (p < 0.001), and self-paying (p < 0.001) were indicated as risk factors of patients with gastric cancer to be suffering from severe malnutrition. There was a negative correlation between PG-SGA and various nutritional parameters (p < 0.05). The quality of life was significantly different in gastric cancer patients with different nutritional status (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Malnutrition of hospitalized patients with gastric cancer in China is common and seriously affects the patients' quality of life. The nutritional status should be evaluated in a timely manner and reasonable nutritional intervention should be provided as soon as possible. The PG-SGA was fit for using as a clinical nutrition assessment method, being worthy of clinical application.

[A Prospective Study of the Relationship Between Dietary Patterns during the Second Trimester of Pregnancy and Gestational Weight Gain].

OBJECTIVE: To study dietary patterns during the second trimester of pregnancy and to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns and gestational weight gain (GWG). METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted to select healthy singleton pregnant women at 8-14 weeks of gestation in a maternal and child health care institution in Chengdu city. Food items and quantities were collected at 8-14, 24-28, 32-36 weeks of gestation by using the 3-day 24-hour dietary recall and energy intakes were calculated. Dietary patterns during the second trimester were established by factor analysis and factor scores were calculated. The weight of pregnant women was measured at 8-14, 24-28 weeks of gestation and 1 week before delivery, and the total GWG and the GWG rates in the second and third trimesters were calculated. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to analyze the association between dietary patterns and GWG. RESULTS: A total of 1 004 samples were included. Three dietary patterns were identified: Milk-egg-whole grain pattern, Beverage-dessert pattern and Traditional pattern. The average total GWG was (13.2±4.5) kg. The average weight gain rate was (0.4±0.2) kg/week in the second trimester. The average weight gain rate was (0.5±0.3) kg/week in the third trimester. After adjusting for confounding factors including maternal age, body mass index before pregnancy, dietary energy intake, physical activity, multiple linear regression analysis showed that the factor score of Beverage-dessert pattern was positively associated with the total GWG and the weight gain rate in the third trimester ( ß=0.370, 95% confidence interval ( CI): (0.103, 0.636), P=0.007; ß=0.014, 95% CI: (0.000, 0.027), P=0.049, respectively), and the factor score of Traditional pattern was negatively associated with the total GWG ( ß=-0.285, 95% CI: (-0.555, -0.015), P=0.039). There was no association between the Milk-egg-whole grain pattern and GWG. CONCLUSION: Dietary patterns during the second trimester of pregnancy are associated with GWG. The Beverage-dessert pattern may increase the total GWG and weight gain rate in the third trimester. The traditional pattern may help control the total GWG.

Anthocyanin Consumption and Risk of Colorectal Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.

This meta-analysis aimed to summarize the association between anthocyanin consumption and the risk of colorectal cancer. All relative articles were located on online databases, including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library as of June 11, 2018. Risk ratios (RRs) or odds ratio and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated through the STATA 12.0 software package. A total of seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. A significant inverse association was found between total anthocyanin consumption and colorectal cancer risk (RR = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.64-0.95). Likewise, there was significant evidence of a relationship between anthocyanin intake and colorectal cancer in the colon site (RR = 0.81; 95% CI, 0.71-0.92); men (RR = 0.88; 95% CI, 0.81-0.95), and case-control studies (RR = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.60-0.78). A dose-response relationship was not found in this meta-analysis. The Grades of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation quality in our study was very low. This meta-analysis indicates that anthocyanin consumption is inversely associated with the risk of colorectal cancer. Anthocyanins may play an active role in the prevention of colorectal cancer. Key teaching points: Some epidemiological studies found an inverse correlation between the high consumption of anthocyanins and low risk of colorectal cancer. Because of this structure, anthocyanins/anthocyanidins have a powerful capability of donating electrons, which can be characterized as antioxidant properties. Anthocyanins can also inhibit colon cancer by interfering in the cell cycle and inducing the effect of anti-proliferation and apoptosis. The formation of cytoplasmic vacuoles in cells also indicates that anthocyanins may induce autophagy. From the findings of nonrandomized controlled trials, anthocyanins may play an active role in the prevention of colorectal cancer.

Epidemiological trends and virological traits of hepatitis B virus infection in pregnant women and neonates.

In infants, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections are mainly acquired by mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). Current tests for the presence of HBV markers at birth can neither confirm nor exclude MTCT. The aim of this study was to find an early diagnostic marker of HBV MTCT. From 2011 to 2016, we studied a total of 5999 pregnant women who gave birth at our hospital in Shenzhen City, China. HBsAg-positive mothers and their offspring (n=386 pairs) were tested at birth for HBV markers, and 207 infants were followed up at 7-12 months after birth. The HBsAg-seropositive rate of the pregnant women was 12.5%. Additionally, 28.0%, 36.0%, 98.5% and 6.6% of umbilical cord (UC) blood samples of neonates were found to be positive for HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc and HBV-DNA, respectively, whereas for neonatal femoral venous (FV) blood, the percentages were 16.2%, 38.0%, 98.8% and 2.6%, respectively. Mothers with high HBV DNA loads and those who were HBeAg positive were the most likely to have HBV-positive offspring. Immunoprophylaxis failed in five infants: the difference in median HBV DNA titer between UC blood from infants with and without HBV MTCT was statistically significant, and there was no significant difference in HBV DNA titer between UC blood and in peripheral blood of infants with HBV MTCT. In conclusion, we found that HBeAg positivity and high HBV loads are strong risk factors for MTCT of HBV and that the HBV DNA titer in the UC is a good predictor for HBV MTCT.

Genetic Contribution to Variation in Risk Taking: A Functional MRI Twin Study of the Balloon Analogue Risk Task.

Excessive risk-taking behaviors have been implicated as a potential endophenotype for substance use disorders and psychopathological gambling. However, the genetic and environmental influences on risk taking and the risk-related brain activations remain unclear. This study investigated the heritability of risk taking and the genetic influence on individual variation in risk-related brain activation. The Balloon Analogue Risk Task was used to assess individuals' risk-taking behavior. In a sample of 244 pairs of young adult twins, we found that there was a moderate heritability (41%) of risk taking. Using voxel-level analysis, we found a moderate genetic influence on risk-related brain activation. We also found a moderate genetic correlation between risk-taking behavior and risk-related brain activation in the left insula, right striatum, and right superior parietal lobule in the active-choice condition. The present study provides important evidence for the genetic correlation between risk-taking behavior and risk-related brain activation.

Risk factors for ruptured intracranial aneurysms.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: The treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (IAs) remains controversial; the ability to predict the risk of rupture for an aneurysm would be of clinical value. The aim of this study was to determine and evaluate the predictive value of the risk factors of IA rupture. METHODS: This retrospective study involved 379 consecutive patients with 441 aneurysms between August 2011 and July 2014. Based on clinical data and computed tomography angiography findings, the potential of risk factors to predict the aneurysmal rupture was assessed using statistical methods. RESULTS: Age, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, cerebral atherosclerosis, aneurysms located at the internal carotid artery (ICA) and neck width (N) correlated negatively with rupture risk. Aneurysms located at the anterior communicating artery, bifurcation, irregularity, with a daughter sac, aneurysm height, maximum size, aspect ratio (AR), height-to-width ratio and bottleneck factor were significantly and positively correlated with rupture risk. The multivariate logistic regression model revealed that bifurcation aneurysm, irregular aneurysm and high AR increased the rupture risk, while cerebral atherosclerosis, aneurysm located on the ICA and greater N decreased the risk. Receiver operating characteristic analysis of AR curve values differed according to circumstances. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: Cerebral atherosclerosis, location in the ICA and larger N were the protective factors against aneurysm rupture, and IAs located at bifurcations, irregular shape and increased AR indicated a greater rupture risk.

[Moderate-to-vigorous Physical Activities and Gestational Weight Gains during the Second and Last Trimesters of Pregnancy].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the level of moderate-to-vigorous physical activities (MVPA) and its relationship with gestational weight gains (GWG) in the second and the last trimesters of pregnancy. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in Chengdu on 362 healthy pregnant women at the 24-28 gestation weeks who delivered a singleton. Demographic data and pre-pregnancy body mass were collected using a questionnaire. Weight gains at the gestation weeks of 24-28 and 32-36 were measured for the first two trimesters and the last trimester of pregnancy. The Denmark self-reported physical activity scale was used for measuring the duration and intensity of physical activities. Multiple linear regression models were established to determine the relationship between MVPA and GWG. RESULTS: The last trimester had lower average daily MVPA 〔(0.76±0.93) h〕 compared with the second trimester 〔(1.61±1.61) h, t=9.056, P<0.001〕. About 74.6% of the participants met the PA recommendations for the second trimester, compared with 60.5% for the last trimester (χ2=16.387, P<0.001). The participants experienced an average GWG of (7.36±3.78) kg during the first two trimesters, and (5.80±2.57) kg during the last trimester, corresponding to a growth rate of (0.30±0.15) kg/week for the first two trimesters and (0.51±0.22) kg/week for the last trimester. Compared with the most inactive group, the participants with medium PA experienced less GWG 〔(5.34±2.91) kg vs.(6.26±2.54) kg, P<0.05〕 and a lower GWG rate 〔(0.48±0.26) kg/week vs.(0.56±0.20) kg/week, P<0.05〕 during the last trimester. Age, gestational week, ethnicity, pre-pregnant BMI, GDM, pre-pregnant smoking and employment were associated with GWG and the GWG rates during the first two trimesters and the third trimester (P<0.05). Compared with the most inactive group, low 〔-0.358(-0.691--0.026)〕 and medium 〔-0.762(-1.486- -0.037)〕 PA were associated with lower GWG during the last trimester. Moderate PA was associated with a lower GWG rate 〔-0.071(-0.133--0.008)〕 after adjustment for gestational age, energy intake, pre-pregnancy BMI and other potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS: Insufficient physical activities are a serious problem in the pregnant women of Chengdu over the last two trimesters. Appropriate MVPA in the last trimester of pregnancy may reduce GWG and GWG rates.

[Effect of Dangua Recipe on Hepatic Adiponectin Receptor 2 Expression in Diabetic Apolipoprotein E Knockout Mice].

Objective To observe the effect of Dangua Recipe (DR) on adiponectin receptor 2 (AdipoR2) expression in liver of apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE⁻¹â») diabetic mice. Methods Eight- week-old ApoE⁻¹â» mice were randomly divided into the model control group, the DR group, the pioglitazone group, and the combined treatment group. Besides, a C57 group was set up consisting of same age C57BL/ 6J mice. Streptozotocin (STZ) was injected to ApoE⁻¹â» mice in the four groups to induce diabetic model, and they were intervened by corresponding drugs. After 12 weeks the effect of DF on glucose-lipid metabolism was observed. mRNA and protein expressions of AdipoR2 in liver were detected. Histomorphological changes of the liver were observed by hematoxylineosin ( HE) staining, red Ο fat dyeing, and Masson staining, respectively. Results Contents of fasting blood glucose (FBG) , total cholesterol (TC) , and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were reduced more significantly in the DR group than in the model group. DR could promote liver expression of AdipoR2 mRNA and protein expressions in ApoE⁻¹â» mice, which was significantly higher than that of the model group (P <0. 01) , and better than that of pioglitazone (P <0. 05, P <0. 01). DR could improve ectopic fat deposition and fibrosis of liver cells in diabet- ic ApoE⁻¹â» mice significantly, which was better than that of the pioglitazone group and the combined treatment group. Conclusion DR could significantly improve liver lipid metabolism , and reduce liver fat deposition and fibrosis, which might possibly be associated with promoting AdipoR2 expression in liver.

[Effect of Sleep in Early Pregnancy on Gestational Diabetes: a Prospective Study.]

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the influence of sleep status in early pregnant women on the occurrence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). METHODS: In this prospective study,542 pregnant women in early pregnancy were selected as subjects.The sleep time,insomnia,pre-gestational body mass and basic information of the subjects were collected by the trained investigators through questionnaire.At the 24th to 28th pregnant week,the body mass of each subject was measured and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was conducted.The diagnosis of GDM was followed the guidelines of diagnose and treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus in China (2014).A non-conditional logistic regression method was adopted to analyze the correlation between sleep status of early pregnant women and the occurrence of GDM. RESULTS: The numbers of subjects in sleep deficiency group,sleep sufficiency group and sleep excessive group were 16 (2.95%),268 (49.45%) and 258 (47.60%),respectively.The incidences of GDM for sleep deficiency group,sleep sufficient group,and sleep excessive group were 62.50%(10/16),25.75%(69/268) and 22.09% (57/258),respectively,the difference was statistically significant (χ2=11.280,P<0.05).Compared with either sleep sufficiency or sleep excessive group,sleep deficiency group had higher GDM occurrence rate with statistically significant (χ2=8.410,11.218,P<0.017).Insomnia subjects in early pregnancy were 137 (25.28%).The incidences of GDM in insomnia group and normal group were 32.12% and 22.72% respectively,the difference was statistically significant (χ2=4.813, P<0.05).After adjusting the confounding factors [age,education,pre-pregnant body mass index (BMI),gained body mass in early and medium pregnancy,family history of type-2 diabetes,gravidity,parity,smoke,drink,exercise and occupation],non-conditional logistic regression results show that sleep deficiency for early pregnant women was an independent risk factor for the occurrence of GDM [odds ratio (OR)=7.38,95% confidence interval (CI): 2.25-24.17].However,the association between insomnia and the occurrence of GDM was not found. CONCLUSIONS: Sleep deficiency in early pregnancy may be a risk factor for the occurrence of GDM.

[The New Idea about Early Intervention for Type 2 Diabetes Based on Gan Disease Transferring to Pi in Metabolic Diseases].

Excess energy has become a main reason for increasingly serious human health hazards. Excess energy, mainly ectopically deposits in the liver, pancreas and other organs in the form of triglycerides, and produces chronic oxidative, nitrosative stress (ONS) , and fat toxicity, resulting in insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion, and further impaired glucose regulation (Pidan). By combining Chinese medical pathogeneses and symptoms analyses, authors found this process has features of Gan disease transferring to Pi. Based on a number of related guidelines and clinical practice, we demonstrated treating sputum and stasis by the same method was one treatment method for intervening liver disease transferring to spleen in metabolic diseases. This idea helps to organic integrating prevention and treatment of major metabolic diseases including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus, which can improve clinical effectiveness and efficiency of Chinese medicine.

[Gallbladder Stone Types in Patients with Cholelithiasis and Clonorchis sinensis Infection in the Endemic Area of Clonorchiasis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between Clonorchis sinensis infection and the gallbladder stone type in patients with cholelithiasis in the endemic area of clonorchiasis. METHODS: Gallbladder stones were collected from 598 patients with cholelithiasis through minimally invasive gallbladder-preserving cholelithotomy in the Sixth People's Hospital of Nansha District from May 2009 to October 2012. The stone samples were analyzed for composition by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to identify their types. The Clonorchis sinensis eggs were detected in the stones by microscopic examination, and the detection rates of eggs were calculated for different stone types. Then the clinical characteristics and biochemical indicators were compared among patients with different types of stones, as well as between Clonorchis sinensis egg-positive and -negative patients with the calcium-carbonate type of stones. Some calcium-carbonate stones positive for Clonorchis sinensis eggs were randomly selected for further scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examination. RESULTS: Of the stones from 598 patients, 234 (39.1%) were cholesterol type, 133 (22.2%) bile pigment type, 112(18.7%) calcium-carbonate type, 86 (14.4%) mixed types and 33(5.5%) were others. The detection rate of Clonorchis sinensis eggs in these types was 6% (15/234), 44% (59/133), 60% (67/112), 36% (31/ 86) and 30% (10/33), respectively, being highest in calcium-carbonate stones while lowest in cholesterol stones. The Co2-combining power of the plasma was higher in patients with calcium-carbonate and mixed stones than in those with cholesterol stones (P < 0.05), and the CO2-combining power of the bile and biliary pH were both higher in patients with calcium-carbonate types than in those with other types (P < 0.05). In addition, in patients with calcium-carbonate stones, the CO2-combining powers of the plasma and the bile, as well as biliary pH were all higher in the egg-positives than in the egg-negatives. Further, both light microscopy and SEM revealed adherence of the Clonorchis sinensis eggs to calcium-carbonate crystals. CONCLUSION: The infection rate of Clonorchis sinensis is higher in patients with calcium-carbonate gallbladder stones than in those with other types of stones.

[Effect of dangua recipe on glycolipid metabolism and VCAM-1 and its mRNA expression level in Apo E(-/-) mice with diabetes mellitus].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of Dangua Recipe (DGR) on glycolipid metabolism, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and its mRNA expression level of transgenic Apo E(-/-) mouse with spontaneous atherosclerosis, thus revealing its partial mechanism for curing diabetes mellitus (DM) with angiopathy. METHODS: Diabetic model was prepared by peritoneally injecting streptozotocin (STZ) to Apo E(-/-) mouse. Totally 32 modeled mice were stratified by body weight, and then divided into 4 groups referring to blood glucose levels from low to high by random digit table, i.e., the model group (MOD, fed with sterile water, at the daily dose of 15 mL/kg), the DGR group (fed with DGR at the daily dose of 15 mL/kg), the combination group (COM, fed with DGR at the daily dose of 15 mL/kg and pioglitazone at the daily dose of 4.3 mg/kg), and the pioglitazone group (PIO, at the daily dose of 4.3 mg/kg), 8 in each group. Another 8 normal glucose C57 mouse of the same age and strain were recruited as the control group. All interventions lasted for 12 weeks by gastrogavage. The fasting blood glucose (FBG), body weight, food intake, water intake, skin temperature, the length of tail, and the degree of fatty liver were monitored. The hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC), and LDL-C were determined. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) was determined by radioimmunoassay. Nitrogen monoxidum (NO) was determined by nitrate reductase. The kidney tissue VCAM-1 level was analyzed with ELISA. The expression of VCAM-1 mRNA in the kidney tissue was detected with real time quantitative PCR. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the body weight and food intake decreased, water intake increased in all the other model groups (P < 0.05). Besides, the curve of blood glucose was higher in all the other model groups than in the control group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the body weight increased; levels of HbAlc, TC, LDL-C, ET-1, and VCAM-1 were significantly lower; and skin temperature was higher in the DGR group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with the PIO group, body weight, the increment of body weight, FBG, TC, and LDL-C were lower (P < 0.05, P < 0.01); food intake and water intake increased more and the tail length was longer in the DRG group (P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference in the level of NO among groups. The degree of fatty liver in the model group was significantly severer than that in the control group (P < 0.05). It was obviously alleviated in the DGR group (P < 0.05) when compared with the model group and the PIO group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). But it was severer in the PIO group than in the model group (P < 0.01). The degree of fatty liver in the combination group ranged between that of the DGR group and the PIO group (P < 0.05). The level of VCAM-1 mRNA expression was significantly lower in the DGR group than in the model group, the PIO group, and the combination group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: DGR had effect in lowering blood glucose and blood lipids, and fighting against fatty liver of transgenic Apo E(-/-) mouse with spontaneous atherosclerosis. DGR played an effective role in preventing and treating DM with angiopathy by comprehensively regulating glycolipid metabolism and promoting the vascular function.

Effect of dietary with Zhibai dihuang pills and gonadotropin-releasing-hormone-analogue on girls with precocious and rapidly progressive puberty.

BACKGROUND: At present, the clinical mechanisms underlying precocious puberty remain unclear, making effective intervention for children experiencing this condition and rapidly progressive puberty essential. AIM: To explore the effects of Zhibai dihuang pills and gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (GnRHa) on growth and ovarian function in girls with precocious puberty. METHODS: The clinical data of 84 adolescent girls with precocious puberty and rapidly progressive puberty from February 2017 to August 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Girls were divided into a control group and an observation group, with 42 cases in each group. The control group received diet intervention combined with GnRHa treatment, while the observation group received diet intervention combined with Zhibai dihuang pills + GnRHa treatment. Outcomes such as clinical efficacy, growth indicators, ovarian function, and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The observation group showed superior clinical efficacy compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Prior to the intervention, no significant differences were found in growth or ovarian function between the groups (P > 0.05). Post-intervention, the observation group exhibited significantly lower rates in growth, height, and bone age, along with reduced levels of progesterone, testosterone, estradiol, prolactin, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions was similar across both groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Combining Zhibai dihuang pills with GnRHa and dietary intervention effectively improves growth, enhances ovarian function, and minimizes adverse reactions in adolescent girls with precocious and rapidly progressive puberty.

Relationship between autoimmune thyroid antibodies and anti-nuclear antibodies in general patients.

Background: There is no doubt that both Hashimoto thyroiditis and Graves' disease are autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs), but the relationship between anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) and AITDs is poorly studied. The association between thyroid autoantibody levels and ANA positivity was evaluated to assess the role of ANA in AITDs. Methods: We conducted an analysis using data from 1,149,893 patients registered at our hospital and 53,021 patients registered in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey databases. We focused on patients with data for thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb)/ANA, TPOAb/immunoglobulin G (IgG), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor antibody (TRAb)/ANA, TRAb/IgG, TSH/ANA, or TSH/IgG. Results: ANA positivity rates were 12.88% and 21.22% in TPOAb/ANA and TSH/ANA patients, respectively. In TPOAb/IgG and TSH/IgG data, high IgG levels (≥15 g/L) were detected in 2.23% and 4.06% of patients, respectively. There were significant differences in ANA positivity rates and high IgG proportions among patients with different TPOAb and TSH levels. TPOAb level was correlated with ANA positivity rate and high IgG proportion, and TSH level was correlated with ANA positivity rate. Regression analysis showed positive correlations between TPOAb levels and ANA positivity risk or high IgG risk, TSH levels and high IgG risk, and elevated TSH and ANA positivity risk. Of patients with TRAb/ANA data, 35.99% were ANA-positive, and 13.93% had TRAb levels ≥1.75IU/L; 18.96% of patients with TRAb/IgG data had high IgG levels, and 16.51% had TRAb levels ≥1.75IU/L. ANA positivity rate and high IgG proportion were not significantly different among different TRAb levels. TRAb levels, ANA positivity risk and high IgG risk were not correlated. Conclusion: ANA positivity and high IgG are related to Hashimoto thyroiditis but not Graves' disease, which implies distinct pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the AITDs.

Dietary therapy of the herbal porridge improves the symptoms of functional dyspepsia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial.

This study (ISRCTN17174559) aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of a kind of herbal porridge (Hou Gu Mi Xi) on the clinical symptoms of functional dyspepsia (FD). This was a single-center, single-dose, prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial involving 64 participants with FD (35 cases and 29 controls) for 2 months of intervention and 1 month of follow-up. The 7-point Global Overall Symptom Scale (GOSS), 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), and other indicators were assessed at baseline (day 0), at days 15, 30, and 60 of treatment, and at follow-up 1 month after the end of the intervention. Many participants with FD achieved remission of their epigastric symptoms at follow-up on the 90th day after treatment with herbal porridge compared to the placebo group (45.71% vs. 20.69%, p = .036). Furthermore, herbal porridge appeared to be effective in improving the quality of life of participants with FD, which was reflected in the rising SF-36 scores for physical role, bodily pain, emotional role, and mental health. Although adverse events were reported, there was no overall difference in the number of adverse events between the two groups (p = .578). Herbal porridge is another effective and safe method for improving the symptoms and quality of life in patients with FD.

Chinese herbal medicine Shufeng Jiedu capsule for mild to moderate COVID-19: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II trial.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound global impact, although the majority of recently infected cases have presented with mild to moderate symptoms. Previous clinical studies have demonstrated that Shufeng Jiedu (SFJD) capsule, a Chinese herbal patent medicine, effectively alleviates symptoms associated with the common cold, H1N1 influenza, and COVID-19. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of SFJD capsules in managing symptoms of mild to moderate COVID-19 infection. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted from May to December 2022 at two hospitals in China. Mild and moderate COVID-19-infected patients presenting respiratory symptoms within 3 days from onset were randomly assigned to either the SFJD or placebo groups in a 1:1 ratio. Individuals received SFJD capsules or a placebo three times daily for five consecutive days. Participants were followed up for more than 14 days after their RT-PCR nucleoid acid test for SARS-CoV-2 turned negative. The primary outcome measure was time to alleviate COVID-19 symptoms from baseline until the end of follow-up. Results: A total of 478 participants were screened; ultimately, 407 completed the trial after randomization (SFJD, n = 203; placebo, n = 204). No statistically significant difference in baseline parameters was observed between the two groups. The median time to alleviate all symptoms was 7 days in the SFJD group compared to 8 days in the placebo group (p = 0.037). Notably, the SFJD group significantly attenuated fever/chills (p = 0.04) and headache (p = 0.016) compared to the placebo group. Furthermore, the median time taken to reach normal body temperature within 24 h was reduced by 7 hours in the SFJD group compared to the placebo group (p = 0.033). No deaths or instances of serious or critical conditions occurred during this trial period; moreover, no serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion: The trial was conducted in a unique controlled hospital setting, and the 5-day treatment with SFJD capsules resulted in a 1-day reduction in overall symptoms, particularly headache and fever/chills, among COVID-19-infected participants with mild or moderate symptoms. Compared to placebo, SFJD capsules were found to be safe with fewer side effects. SFJD capsules could potentially serve as an effective treatment for alleviating mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19. Clinical Trial Registration: https://www.isrctn.com/, identifier ISRCTN14236594.

Microscopic examination of gallbladder stones improves rate of detection of Clonorchis sinensis infection.

To improve the rate of detection of Clonorchis sinensis infection, we compared different specimens from patients with cholecystolithiasis. Feces, gallbladder bile, and gallbladder stones collected from 179 consecutive patients with cholecystolithiasis underwent microscopic examination, and according to the results, 30 egg-positive and 30 egg-negative fecal, gallbladder bile, and gallbladder stone specimens, respectively, underwent real-time fluorescent PCR. The detection rates of eggs in feces, bile, and gallbladder stones were 30.7%, 44.7%, and 69.8%, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.01). The PCR results confirmed that the eggs in the specimens were C. sinensis eggs. Eggs in the feces were "fresh" and in the gallbladder stones were "old." Microscopic examination of gallbladder stones may improve the detection rates of C. sinensis infection, which is important for developing individualized treatments to prevent the recurrence of gallbladder stones and to prevent the occurrence of severe liver damage and cholangiocarcinoma.