Evaluating the Frequency of Mole Checks by a Dermatologist and Correlated Variables in a Global Survey across 17 Countries: HELIOS Project.

Secondary prevention of skin cancer consists in early detection of malignant lesions through patients' mole self-examination and medical examination. The objective of this study was to assess the self-reported  frequency of mole examination in a large, representative sample of the adult general population of 17 countries from all continents. Of a total of 17,001 participants, 4.8% had their moles checked by a dermatologist more than once a year, 11.3% once a year, 8.4% every 2-3 years, 12.4% once in a while, 10.3% once in lifetime, and 52.6% of participants had never performed a mole examination. Egypt was the country with the highest prevalence of people who performed a moles check more than once a year (15.9%), followed by Brazil and the USA. A higher frequency of mole checks was associated with sex (man vs woman), higher education, higher income, fair phototype, history of skin cancer, medical insurance, and sun-protective behaviours. Despite recommendations by health providers, it appears that the frequency of mole checks in the general population is still low. It is necessary for dermatologists to keep informing at-risk populations about the importance of moles check, with particular care regarding categories that less frequently adhere to secondary prevention measures.

Nanoflower Microreactor Based Versatile Enhancer for Recognition Cofactor-Dependent Enzyme Biocatalysis toward Saxitoxin Detection.

Investigating organic carriers' utilization efficiency and bioactivity within organic-inorganic hybrid nanoflowers is critical to constructing sensitive immunosensors. Nevertheless, the sensitivity of immunosensors is interactively regulated by different classes of biomolecules such as antibodies and enzymes. In this work, we introduced a new alkaline phosphatase-antibody-CaHPO4 hybrid nanoflowers (AAHNFs) microreactor based colorimetric immunoprobe. This system integrates a biometric unit (antibody) with a signal amplification element (enzyme) through the biomineralization process. Specifically, the critical factors affecting antibody recognition activity in the formation mechanism of AAHNFs are investigated. The designed AAHNFs retain antibody recognition ability with enhanced protection for encapsulated proteins against high temperature, organic solvents, and long-term storage, facilitating the selective construction of lock structures against antigens. Additionally, a colorimetric immunosensor based on AAHNFs was developed. After ascorbic acid 2-phosphate hydrolysis by alkaline phosphatase (ALP), the generated ascorbic acid decomposes I2 to I-, inducing the localized surface plasmon resonance in the silver nanoplate, which is effectively tuned through shape conversion to develop the sensor. Further, a 3D-printed portable device is fabricated, integrated with a smartphone sensing platform, and applied to the data of collection and analysis. Notably, the immunosensor exhibits improved analytical performance with a 0.1-6.25 ng·mL-1 detection range and a 0.06 ng·mL-1 detection limit for quantitative saxitoxin (STX) analysis. The average recoveries of STX in real samples ranged from 85.9% to 105.9%. This study presents a more in-depth investigation of the recognition element performance, providing insights for improved antibody performance in practical applications.

Discovering New Metallo-Deubiquitinase CSN5 Inhibitors by a Non-Catalytic Activity Assay Platform.

COP9 signalosome catalytic subunit CSN5 plays a key role in tumorigenesis and tumor immunity, showing potential as an anticancer target. Currently, only a few CSN5 inhibitors have been reported, at least partially, due to the challenges in establishing assays for CSN5 deubiquitinase activity. Here, we present the establishment and validation of a simple and reliable non-catalytic activity assay platform for identifying CSN5 inhibitors utilizing a new fluorescent probe, CFP-1, that exhibits enhanced fluorescence and fluorescence polarization features upon binding to CSN5. By using this platform, we identified 2-aminothiazole-4-carboxylic acids as new CSN5 inhibitors, which inhibited CSN5 but slightly downregulated PD-L1 in cancer cells. Furthermore, through the integration of deep learning-enabled virtual screening, we discovered that shikonins are nanomolar CSN5 inhibitors, which can upregulate PD-L1 in HCT116 cells. The binding modes of these structurally distinct inhibitors with CSN5 were explored by using microsecond-scale molecular dynamics simulations and tryptophan quenching assays.

Liver transplantation for mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome caused by MPV17 deficiency: a case report and literature review.

Objective: To study the effectiveness of liver transplantation (LT) in treating mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome (MDS) caused by the MPV17 gene variant. Case presentation: A boy aged 2.8 years presented with edema of the lower limbs and abdomen, which persisted for over 10 days and was of unknown origin; this was accompanied by abnormal liver function, intractable hypoglycemia, and hyperlactatemia. During the second week of onset, he developed acute-on-chronic liver failure and was diagnosed with MDS due to homozygous variant c.293C>T in the MPV17 gene. Subsequently, he underwent LT from a cadaveric donor. At follow-up after 15 months, his liver function was found to be normal, without any symptoms. Additionally, a literature review was performed that included MDS patients with the MPV17 variant who underwent LT. The results demonstrated that the survival rates for MDS patients who underwent LT were 69.5%, 38.6%, 38.6%, and 38.6% at 1-year, 5-year, 10-year, and 20-year intervals, respectively. Sub-group analyses revealed the survival rate of MDS patients with isolated liver disease (83.33%, 5/6) was higher than that of hepatocerebral MDS patients (44.44%, 8/18). Fifteen variants were identified in the MPV17 gene, and patients with the c.293C>T (p.P98l) variant exhibited the highest survival rate. Conclusion: Hepatocerebral MDS patients without neurological symptoms may benefit from LT.

Enhanced response over wavelength range of 7-12 µm for quantum wells in asymmetric micro-pillars.

Efficient coupling in broad wavelength range is desirable for wide-spectrum infrared light detection, yet this is a challenge for intersubband transition in semiconductor quantum wells (QWs). High-Q cavities mostly intensify the absorption at peak wavelengths but with shrinking bandwidth. Here, we propose a novel approach to expand the operating spectral range of the Quantum Well Infrared Photodetectors (QWIPs). By processing the QWs into asymmetric micro-pillar array structure, the device demonstrates a substantial enhancement in spectral response across the wavelength from 7.1 µm to 12.3 µm with guided mode resonance (GMR) effects. The blackbody responsivity is then increased by 3 times compared to that of the 45° polished edge-coupled counterpart. Meanwhile, the dark current density remains unchanged after the deep etching process, which will benefit the electrical performance of the detector with reduced volume duty ratio. In contrast to the symmetric micro-pillar array that contains simple resonance mode, the detectivity of QWIP in asymmetric pillar structure is found to be improved by 2-4 times within the range of 9.5 µm to 15 µm.

Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals the redirection of metabolic flux from cell growth to astaxanthin biosynthesis in Yarrowia lipolytica.

Engineering Yarrowia lipolytica to produce astaxanthin provides a promising route. Here, Y. lipolytica M2 producing a titer of 181 mg/L astaxanthin was isolated by iterative atmospheric and room-temperature plasma mutagenesis and diphenylamine-mediated screening. Interestingly, a negative correlation was observed between cell biomass and astaxanthin production. To reveal the underlying mechanism, RNA-seq analysis of transcriptional changes was performed in high producer M2 and reference strain M1, and a total of 1379 differentially expressed genes were obtained. Data analysis revealed that carbon flux was elevated through lipid metabolism, acetyl-CoA and mevalonate supply, but restrained through central carbon metabolism in strain M2. Moreover, upregulation of other pathways such as ATP-binding cassette transporter and thiamine pyrophosphate possibly provided more cofactors for carotenoid hydroxylase and relieved cell membrane stress caused by astaxanthin insertion. These results suggest that balancing cell growth and astaxanthin production may be important to promote efficient biosynthesis of astaxanthin in Y. lipolytica.

International Consensus on Anti-Aging Dermocosmetics and Skin Care for Clinical Practice Using the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method.

BACKGROUND: The objective was to provide international recommendations on anti-aging dermocosmetics for clinical practice starting with essential ingredients for protection and repair before working up to advanced products for specific concerns.  Methods: Seven international experts reviewed 8 hypothetical case scenarios covering different ages, skin issues (eg, sensitivity, acne, melasma), and exposure to exposome factors for both sexes and all Fitzpatrick skin types (FST). The RAND/UCLA appropriateness method was used to obtain consensus. Seventeen key ingredients were rated on a scale from 1 (totally inappropriate) to 9 (totally appropriate). Statistical analysis, 2 meetings, and email discussions refined the recommendations. RESULTS: High-factor broad-spectrum sunscreen (ie, protects against ultraviolet [UV] A and B rays), niacinamide, and other topical antioxidants were recommended for all scenarios. Further discussions were required for other ingredients. Tinted sunscreen/iron oxide were recommended for all FST, although compliance may be sub-optimal for darker skin phototypes (IV-VI), if not cosmetically acceptable. Combining a facial foundation with broad-spectrum sunscreen was recommended for darker phototypes to obtain visible light protection closely matching diverse color tones. Retinols were not recommended as a first-line treatment for sensitive skin, especially FST V and VI, due to the risk of irritation. After ablative laser treatment, alpha hydroxy acids should be avoided or used with caution in FST IV to VI due to the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. CONCLUSION: We describe a simple, practical tool for use in daily dermatology consultations for providing recommendations on anti-aging dermocosmetics to cover diverse and inclusive populations of patients, addressing all skin types and international needs.  J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(1):1337-1343.     doi:10.36849/JDD.7798.

The structural characteristic of acidic-degraded polysaccharides from seeds of Plantago ovata Forssk and its biological activity.

In this study, a response surface methodology (RSM) was used to determine the best combination for acid degradation parameters to reduce the viscosity of Plantago ovata Forssk seed polysaccharide (POFP). Then, the two major homogeneous polysaccharides (AH-POFP1 and AH-POFP3) were obtained by DEAE-650 M and Sephadex G-100 column chromatography. The apparent structure of the main fraction AH-POFP1 was characterized by SEM, TG and XRD, and the linkage of AH-POFP1 was determined by a combination of partial acidolysis, Smith's degradation, methylation analysis and 2D NMR analysis. Structural analysis showed that AH-POFP1 was mainly composed of xylose, with a molecular weight of 618.1 kDa, and had a backbone of 1 â†’ 4-linked Xylp, as well as branches of T-linked Xylp, 1 â†’ 4-linked Xylp attached to the O-2 position. The antioxidant activity assays showed that the both AH-POFP1 and AH-POFP3 possess strong scavenging radical ability. Moreover, AH-POFP1 inhibits the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors, and promotes the secretion of anti-inflammatory factors, thereby exerting anti-inflammatory effects. These findings may help to guide future applications of Plantago ovata Forssk in the fields of food, health care, and pharmacy.

Awareness of sun exposure risks and photoprotection for preventing pigmentary disorders in Asian populations: Survey results from three Asian countries and expert panel recommendations.

BACKGROUND: In this article, we review and discuss the photoprotection behavior of Asians based on the literature, along with a subanalysis of an original online survey, and make recommendations to optimize photoprotection for Asian populations to prevent photoaging and pigmentary disorders. METHODS: An international panel of eight dermatologists from Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam) met to discuss sunscreen photoprotection for Asian patients. Additionally, a subanalysis of an online survey by 3000 respondents from three Asian countries (China, Indonesia, and Japan) investigated general public awareness and attitudes to sun exposure. RESULTS: A pre-meeting survey of the eight experts from Asia showed key concerns of Asian patients consulting dermatologists are pigmentary disorders, especially actinic/senile lentigo, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, vitiligo, and Hori's nevus. The survey subanalysis of participants from China, Indonesia, and Japan with predominantly Fitzpatrick skin types (FST) II to IV revealed that they are particularly concerned about sun exposure causing photoaging and pigmentary disorders. Most of the respondents indicated they have limited knowledge on sunlight radiation and appropriate sunscreen protection factors. Only 22%, 13%, and 3% for China, Indonesia, and Japan, respectively, systematically use multiple protective measures (using sunscreen, avoiding midday sun, staying in the shade, wearing a hat, protective clothing, and sunglasses) when exposed to the sun. CONCLUSIONS: Further education is needed for Asian populations on the importance of comprehensive daily photoprotection, including broad-spectrum sunscreen, with high UVA and visible light protection, to reduce and prevent photoaging and pigmentary disorders.

Effect of South African Herb Hoodia gordonii on Liver Glucolipid Metabolism and PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 Signalling Pathway in db/db Mice / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the effects of the South African herb Hoodia gordonii （HG） on glucolipid metabolism in diabetic db/db mice and explore the possible mechanisms of HG on the liver of db/db mice based on the phosphoinositide-3 kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt）/factor forkhead protein O1 （FoxO1） signaling pathway. MethodA total of 30 db/db mice were randomly divided into five groups according to fasting blood glucose： model group， metformin group （0.195 g·kg-1）， and low dose （0.39 g·kg-1）， medium dose （0.78 g·kg-1）， and high dose （1.56 g·kg-1） HG groups， with six m/m mice in each group， and another six m/m mice were set as normal group. The mice in the normal and model groups were given saline of 9 mL·kg-1 by gavage. Body weight， water intake， and fasting blood glucose of the mice in each group were measured weekly. After six weeks of continuous administration， serum insulin （FINS）， low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL）， total cholesterol （TC）， triglyceride （TG）， alanine aminotransferase （ALT）， aspartate aminotransferase （AST）， urea， and creatinine （CREA） were measured， and liver sections were embedded and stained with hematoxylin-eosin （HE）， periodic acid-Schiff （PAS）， and oil red O. Protein expression of PI3K p85， p-Akt， and p-FoxO1 in liver was detected by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA expression of PI3K， Akt， and FoxO1 in liver tissue was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. ResultAfter six weeks of administration intervention， it was found that fasting blood glucose was significantly downregulated in mice in the three HG groups （P<0.05）. The level of islet resistance index was significantly reduced in both the low and medium dose HG groups （P<0.05）. The expression levels of TC， TG， and LDL were reduced in all HG groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Pathologically， HG could alleviate hepatocyte steatosis， reduce the volume and content of lipid droplets in liver， and increase the distribution of glycogen granules in liver to some extent in mice. Immunohistochemical assays revealed that PI3K p85 protein expression was significantly increased in the low， medium， and high dose HG groups compared with the model group （P<0.01）. p-Akt protein expression was significantly increased in the medium and high dose HG groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）. p-FoxO1 protein expression was significantly increased in the low， medium， and high dose HG groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， PI3K mRNA was increased in low dose， medium dose， and high dose HG groups （P<0.05）， and Akt mRNA was increased in high dose HG group （P<0.05）. FoxO1 mRNA was decreased in low dose， medium dose， and high dose HG groups （P<0.05）. ConclusionHG can ameliorate the disorder of glucolipid metabolism in db/db mice， which may be related to its activation of the hepatic PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 signaling pathway.

Therapeutic effect of transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells co-cultured with bone marrow M2 macrophages on a rat model of liver cirrhosis / 临床肝胆病杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells （BMSCs） co-cultured with bone marrow-derived M2 macrophages （M2-BMDMs）， named as BMSCM2， on a rat model of liver cirrhosis induced by carbon tetrachloride （CCl4）/2-acetaminofluorene （2-AAF）. MethodsRat BMDMs were isolated and polarized into M2 phenotype， and rat BMSCs were isolated and co-cultured with M2-BMDMs at the third generation to obtain BMSCM2. The rats were given subcutaneous injection of CCl4 for 6 weeks to establish a model of liver cirrhosis， and then they were randomly divided into model group （M group）， BMSC group， and BMSCM2 group， with 6 rats in each group. A normal group （N group） with 6 rats was also established. Since week 7， the model rats were given 2-AAF by gavage in addition to the subcutaneous injection of CCl4. Samples were collected at the end of week 10 to observe liver function， liver histopathology， and hydroxyproline （Hyp） content in liver tissue， as well as changes in the markers for hepatic stellate cells， hepatic progenitor cells， cholangiocytes， and hepatocytes. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups， and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the N group， the M group had significant increases in the activities of serum alanine aminotransferase （ALT） and aspartate aminotransferase （AST） （P<0.01）； compared with the M group， the BMSC and BMSCM2 groups had significant reductions in ALT and AST （P<0.01）， and the BMSCM2 group had significantly better activities than the BMSC group （P<0.05）. Compared with the N group， the M group had significant increases in Hyp content and the mRNA and protein expression levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA） in the liver （P<0.01）； compared with the M group， the BMSC and BMSCM2 groups had significant reductions in Hyp content and the expression of α-SMA （P<0.05）， and the BMSCM2 group had a significantly lower level of α-SMA than the BMSC group （P<0.01）. Compared with the N group， the M group had significant increases in the mRNA expression levels of the hepatic progenitor cell markers EpCam and Sox9 and the cholangiocyte markers CK7 and CK19 （P<0.01） and significant reductions in the expression levels of the hepatocyte markers HNF-4α and Alb （P<0.01）； compared with the M group， the BMSC and BMSCM2 groups had significant reductions in the mRNA expression levels of EpCam， Sox9， CK7， and CK19 （P<0.05） and significant increases in the mRNA expression levels of HNF-4α and Alb （P<0.05）， and compared with the BMSC group， the BMSCM2 group had significant reductions in the mRNA expression levels of EpCam and CK19 （P<0.05） and significant increase in the expression level of HNF-4α （P<0.05）. ConclusionM2-BMDMs can enhance the therapeutic effect of BMSCs on CCl4/2-AAF-induced liver cirrhosis in rats， which provides new ideas for further improving the therapeutic effect of BMSCs on liver cirrhosis.

Current research status of animal models for acute-on-chronic liver failure / 临床肝胆病杂志

Acute-on-chronic liver failure has complex conditions， rapid progression， and a high mortality rate， and further studies are still needed to clarify its pathogenesis and etiology. The establishment of animal models for acute-on-chronic liver failure can not only provide a good basis for exploring the pathogenesis of acute-on-chronic liver failure， but also provide an experimental basis for clinical treatment. Through a literature review， this article summarizes the methods commonly used to establish the animal models of acute-on-chronic liver failure， including carbon tetrachloride combined with LPS/GaIN， thioacetamide combined with LPS， serum albumin， and bile duct ligation. This article analyzes the characteristics of various animal models， so as to provide documentary and experimental bases for further exploration of more ideal animal models.

Treatment of Exercise-induced Fatigue with Buzhong Yiqitang Through Adipor1/AMPK/PGC-1α to Regualte Lipid Metabolism / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo discuss the impact of Buzhong Yiqitang on lipid metabolism in skeletal muscle of exercise-induced fatigue （EIF） mice through adiponectin receptor 1 （Adipor1）/adenosine 5'-monophosphate（AMP）-activated protein kinase （AMPK）/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α （PGC-1α）. MethodC57BL6J mice were randomly divided into the control group， model group， low， middle， and high dose groups of Buzhong Yiqitang， and vitamin C group. No intervention was given to the control group， while the other groups were subjected to exhaustive swimming training to establish the EIF model. One hour before exhaustion， 0.2 mL distilled water was given to the control group and the model group， while the mice in the low， middle， and high dose groups of Buzhong Yiqitang were given intragastrically Buzhong Yiqitang of 4.1， 8.2， and 16.4 g·kg-1， respectively， and the vitamin C group was given vitamin C of 0.04 g·kg-1 via gavage for a duration of six weeks. After six weeks of the experiment， the growth rate of body weight， organ index， and exhaustive swimming time were calculated. Enzyme colorimetry was utilized to detect the levels of blood urea nitrogen （BUN）， creatine kinase acid （CK）， lactate dehydrogenase acid （LDH）， and lactic acid （LD）. The pathological changes of skeletal muscle were observed using hematoxylin -eosin （HE） staining， while the ultrastructure of skeletal muscle was observed with transmission electron microscope （TEM）. The contents of free fatty acids （NEFA） and triglyceride acid （TG） in serum were also examined by microplate method. The protein expressions of Adipor1， p-AMPK/AMPK， PGC-1α， and HK2 in the skeletal muscle were measured by Western blot. ResultCompared with those of the control group， the growth rate of body weight and thymus index of the model group were decreased， and the serum levels of BUN， CK， LD， and LDH were increased （P<0.01）. The contents of NEFA and TG were decreased （P<0.01）， and the protein expression of Adipor1， p-AMPK/AMPK， PGC-1 α， and HK2 in the skeletal muscle decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with those in the model group， the growth rate of body weight， thymus index， and exhaustive swimming time were significantly increased （P<0.01）， and the levels of BUN， CK， LD， and LDH dropped in the high dose group of Buzhong Yiqitang （P<0.01）. The levels of NEFA and TG were greatly improved （P<0.01）. The protein expressions of Adipor1， p-AMPK/AMPK， PGC-1α， and HK2 in the skeletal muscle were significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with those in the model group， the thymus index and exhaustive swimming time were significantly increased in the vitamin C group， and the levels of BUN， CK， and LD dropped （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The levels of NEFA and TG were improved significantly （P<0.01）， and the protein expression of Adipor1 in skeletal muscle was increased greatly （P<0.01）. ConclusionBuzhong Yiqitang can delay the development of EIF， which may be connected with the regulation of the Adipor1/AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway and the improvement of the utilization rate of skeletal muscle to fat.

Evaluation of the Effects of Tianma Gouteng Decoction Combined with Magnesium Sulfate and Labetalol on Lowering Blood Pressure and Improving Hemorheology in Patients with Gestational Hypertension / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To observe the effects of Tianma Gouteng Decoction combined with magnesium sulfate and Labetalol on lowering blood pressure and improving hemorheology in patients with gestational hypertension.Methods Ninety patients with gestational hypertension of liver-yang hyperactivity type were randomly divided into the combination group and the control group,with 45 cases in each group.The control group was treated with magnesium sulfate combined with Labetalol,and the combination group was treated with Tianma Gouteng Decoction on the basis of treatment for the control group.The course of treatment lasted for 5 days.The changes of systolic blood pressure(SBP),diastolic blood pressure(DBP),urinary protein level,and hemorheological indicators of the two groups were observed before and after the treatment.Moreover,the adverse pregnancy outcomes,adverse reactions,and patients'satisfaction of the two groups were compared.Finally,the influencing factors of patients'adverse pregnancy outcomes were investigated by logistic regression analysis.Results(1)After treatment,the SBP,DBP and urinary protein level of patients in the two groups were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the decrease in the combination group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.01).(2)After treatment,the hemorheological indicators of plasma viscosity,whole blood viscosity and hematocrit of patients in the two groups were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the decrease in the combination group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).(3)The total incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in the combination group was 11.11%(5/45),which was significantly lower and that in the control group(33.33%,15/45),the difference being statistically significant(P＜0.05).(4)The patients'satisfaction of the combination group was 97.78%(44/45),which was significantly higher than that of the control group(84.44%,38/45),and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).(5)The total incidence of adverse reactions in the combination group was 13.33%(6/45)and that in the control group was 8.89%(4/45),but the intergroup comparison showed no significant difference between the two groups(P＞0.05).(6)Logistic regression analysis of influencing factors showed that no medication of Tianma Gouteng Decoction combined with Labetalol and magnesium sulfate,and poor antihypertensive effect were the independent risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with gestational hypertension(all OR＞1,P＜0.05).Conclusion Tianma Gouteng Decoction combined with magnesium sulfate and Labetalol in treating gestational hypertension exerts certain antihypertensive effect,and the therapy can effectively improve the hemorheological indicators and the adverse pregnancy outcomes,and enhance the patients'satisfaction.

Discussion on the Evolution of the Traditional Preparation Process of Pinelliae Rhizoma Fermentata / 广州中医药大学学报

This article discussed the evolution of the traditional preparation process of Pinelliae Rhizoma Fermentata.The production methods for Pinelliae Rhizoma Fermentata in Song Dynasty include cake-making of Pinelliae Rhizoma together with ginger juice and fermentation after cake-making,and the former method of cake-making was the mainstream.The process technology in Jin and Yuan Dynasties inherited from that in Song Dynasty,and the application of Pinelliae Rhizoma Fermentata had certain limitations.The medical practitioners of Ming Dynasty elucidated the mechanism of processing of Pinelliae Rhizoma Fermentata,and proposed the view of"sliced Pinelliae Rhizoma being potent while fermented Pinelliae Rhizoma being mild".In the Ming Dynasty,LI Shi-Zhen defined the cake-making process and fermentation process for Pinelliae Rhizoma,and HAN Mao's Han Shi Yi Tong(Han's Clear View of Medicine)contained five prescriptions for the processing of Pinelliae Rhizoma Fermentata,which had the epoch-making signficance in the expansion of prescriptions for the processing of Pinelliae Rhizoma Fermentata.In the Qing Dynasty,HAN Fei-Xia's ten methods for making Pinelliae Rhizoma Fermentata were summarized on the basis of the methods recorded in Han Shi Yi Tong,and at that time,the processing of Pinelliae Rhizoma Fermentata and the preparation of Massa Medicata Fermentata interacted with each other.After the founding of the People's Republic of China,the local experience in the preparation of Pinelliae Rhizoma Fermentata was deeply influenced by the methods in the Qing Dynasty,and the local preparation technical standards gradually became the same.Moreover,this article also explored the issues of the importance of"Pinelliae Rhizoma"and"ingredients for fermentation",the pre-treatment of Pinelliae Rhizoma,the distinction between cake-making process and fermentation process for Pinelliae Rhizoma,the amount of flour added as well as the timing of adding,the addition of Massa Medicata Fermentata powder,the role of Alum in Pinelliae Rhizoma Fermentata and so on.

Discussion on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Thyroid Nodules Based on the Theory of"One Qi Peripheral Flow" / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

The concept of"one qi peripheral flow"originates from the ancient Chinese philosophy of"qi monism"and the theory of yin and yang chi chemistry in the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine,and was formally proposed in Huang Yuanyu's The Origin of the Four Sacred Hearts,which elaborates on the theory of one qi circumference in which the earth pivots on four signs and the left rises and the right descends.Based on this theory,this paper discusses the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid nodules,believes that the development of thyroid nodules is closely related to the deficiency of the earth and qi,and the disorder of the liver and lungs,and combines the evidence of modern research to argue that the deficiency of the earth and qi,and the disorder of the liver and lungs are the important pathomechanisms of the thyroid nodules,proposes to refer to the results of ultrasound elasticity imaging of the thyroid gland for staging and typing treatment of thyroid nodules.It also summarizes the clinical use of medicines in different stages and types,aiming at estoring the"one qi peripheral flow"in the body,and provides a new diagnostic and therapeutic idea for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of thyroid nodules.

Behavior of cartilage-derived microtissue and ability of cartilage formation in three-dimensional dynamic and static culture conditions / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Compared with traditional two-dimensional culture,three-dimensional microtissue culture can show greater advantages.However,more favorable cultivation methods in three-dimensional culture still need to be further explored. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the cell behavior of microtissue and its ability to promote cartilage formation under two three-dimensional culture methods. METHODS:Cartilage-derived microcarriers were prepared by chemical decellularization and tissue crushing.DNA quantification and nuclear staining were used to verify the success of decellularization,and histological staining was used to observe the matrix retention before and after decellularization.The microcarriers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and CCK-8 assay.Cartilage-derived microtissues were constructed by combining cartilage-derived microcarriers with human adipose mesenchymal stem cells through three-dimensional static culture and three-dimensional dynamic culture methods.The cell viability and chondrogenic ability of the two groups of microtissues were detected by scanning electron microscopy,live and dead staining,and RT-qPCR. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Cartilage-derived microcarriers were successfully prepared.Compared with before decellularization,the DNA content significantly decreased after decellularization(P<0.001).Scanning electron microscope observation showed that the surface of the microcarrier was surrounded by collagen,maintaining the characteristics of the natural extracellular matrix of cartilage cells.CCK-8 assay indicated that microcarriers had no cytotoxicity and could promote cell proliferation.(2)Scanning electron microscopy and live and dead staining results showed that compared with the three-dimensional static group,the three-dimensional dynamic group had a more extended morphology of microtissue cells,and extensive connections between cells and cells,between cells and matrix,and between matrix.(3)The results of RT-qPCR showed that the expressions of SOX9,proteoglycan,and type Ⅱ collagen in microtissues of both groups were increased at 7 or 14 days.The relative expression levels of each gene in the three-dimensional dynamic group were significantly higher than those in the three-dimensional static group at 14 days(P<0.05).At 21 days,the three-dimensional static group had significantly higher gene expression compared with the three-diomensional dynamic group(P<0.001).(4)The results showed that compared with three-dimensional static culture microtissue,three-dimensional dynamic culture microtissue could achieve higher expression of chondrogen-related genes in a shorter time,showing better cell viability and chondrogenic ability.

Human osteoarthritic chondrocytes up-regulate the expression of osteoprotegerin in osteoblasts via the Indian hedgehog signaling pathway / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Upregulation of hedgehog protein signaling can increase the expression of osteoarthritis markers,Runx2,a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs,collagen type X alpha 1,and matrix metalloproteinase 13,while inhibition of hedgehog proteins attenuates the severity of osteoarthritis.It is speculated that osteoarthritic chondrocytes can influence bone formation by affecting osteoblasts through the Indian hedgehog protein(IHH)signaling pathway. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of human osteoarthritic chondrocytes on subchondral osteoblasts. METHODS:Tibial plateau specimens from patients with osteoarthritis were collected.Chondrocytes were extracted using enzymatic digestion,and osteoblasts were extracted using enzymatic pre-digestion + bone block method.Chondrocytes were identified by toluidine blue staining and immunofluorescence and osteoblasts were identified by alkaline phosphatase staining and immunofluorescence.Chondrocytes were cultured in sodium alginate beads to maintain chondrocyte phenotype and co-cultured with osteoblasts.The co-culture system was added with IHH signaling pathway inhibitor(cyclopamine,10 nmol/L)and activator(purmorphamine,10 nmol/L)separately.After 48 hours of co-culture,osteoblasts from each group were collected,mRNA expressions of Gli1,osteoprotegerin,Runx2,parathyroid hormone-related peptide,alkaline phosphatase,receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB ligand(RANKL)and osteocalcin were detected by qRT-PCR,and protein expressions of GLi1,oseoprotegerin and RANKL in osteoblasts were detected by western blot. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The mRNA expression levels of GLi1,osteoprotegerin and RUNX2 in osteoblasts were significantly increased,while the mRNA expression levels of parathyroid hormone-related peptide were decreased(P＜0.05)when co-cultured with human osteoarthritic chondrocytes.The mRNA and protein levels of Gli1 were significantly decreased after the addition of IHH signaling pathway inhibitor(cyclopamine)(P＜0.05),and the mRNA and protein levels of Gli1 were significantly increased after the addition of IHH signaling pathway activator(purmorphamine)(P＜0.05).Osteoprotegerin showed the same trend as Gli1 in the experiment.The osteoprotegerin/RANKL ratio followed the same trend as osteoprotegerin.To conclude,human osteoarthritic chondrocytes can promote the expression of Gli1,osteoprotegerin,Runx2 and other proteins in osteoblasts.The upregulation of osteoprotegerin is related to the IHH signaling pathway.Osteoarthritic chondrocytes can up-regulate the expression of osteoprotegerin in osteoblasts through the IHH signaling pathway and thus up-regulate the osteoprotegerin/RANKL ratio,which will contribute to bone formation in subchondral bone.