The economic impact of international travel measures used during the COVID-19 pandemic: a scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: Assessment of the use of travel measures during COVID-19 has focused on their effectiveness in achieving public health objectives. However, the prolonged use of highly varied and frequently changing measures by governments, and their unintended consequences caused, has been controversial. This has led to a call for coordinated decision-making focused on risk-based approaches, which requires better understanding of the broader impacts of international travel measures (ITMs) on individuals and societies. METHODS: Our scoping review investigates the literature on the economic impact of COVID-19 ITMs. We searched health, social science and COVID-19-specific databases for empirical studies preprinted or published between 1 January 2020 and 31 October 2023. Evidence was charted using a narrative approach and included jurisdiction of study, ITMs studied, study design, outcome categories, and main findings. RESULTS: Twenty-six studies met the inclusion criteria and were included for data extraction. Twelve of them focused on the international travel restrictions implemented in early 2020. Limited attention was given to measures such as entry/exit screening and vaccination requirements. Eight studies focused on high-income countries, 6 on low-income and middle-income countries and 10 studies were comparative although did not select countries by income. Economic outcomes assessed included financial markets (n=13), economic growth (n=4), economic activities (n=1), performance of industries central to international travel (n=9), household-level economic status (n=3) and consumer behaviour (n=1). Empirical methods employed included linear regression (n=17), mathematical modelling (n=3) and mixed strategies (n=6). CONCLUSION: Existing studies have begun to provide evidence of the wide-ranging economic impacts resulting from ITMs. However, the small body of research combined with difficulties in isolating the effects of such measures and limitations in available data mean that it is challenging to draw general and robust conclusions. Future research using rigorous empirical methods and high-quality data is needed on this topic.

COVID-19 Omicron variant infection has minimal impact on maternal and neonatal outcomes: A cross-sectional cohort study.

AIM: To explore the impact of the Omicron variant on maternal and neonatal outcomes. DESIGN: Cross-sectional cohort study of women giving live birth in a single hospital in Shanghai in December 2022. METHODS: Demographic characteristics, maternal and neonatal outcomes and laboratory testing results were retrieved from medical records. Propensity score matching was used to match COVID-19-positive and -negative women. Differential analysis was used to assess associations between COVID-19 and in-hospital maternal and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 1508 women were included, comprising 729 natural births, 741 caesarean sections and 38 forceps deliveries. After 1:1 matching, 310 clients were included for analysis with each 155 in COVID-19-positive and -negative groups. Higher maternal fever was found in all modes of delivery, and higher preterm birth and lower pH value of blood gas of the umbilical artery in the vaginal delivery subgroup (p < 0.05). Other maternal and neonatal outcomes showed no significant difference between COVID-19-positive and -negative clients.

Mechanism studies underlying the alleviatory effects of isoliquiritigenin on abnormal glucolipid metabolism triggered by type 2 diabetes / 药学学报

Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) is an active chalcone compound isolated from licorice. It possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities. In our previous study, we uncovered a great potential of ISL in treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Therefore, this study aims to reveal the mechanism underlying the alleviatory effects of ISL on T2DM-induced glycolipid metabolism disorder. High-fat-high-sugar diet (HFD) combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) were used to establish T2DM mice model. All animal experiments were carried out with approval of the Committee of Ethics at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. HepG2 cells were used in in vitro experiments, and sodium palmitate (SP) was applied to establish insulin resistance (IR) model cells. The effects of ISL on body weight, fasting blood glucose levels, and pathological changes in the livers of mice were examined. Enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) were applied to detect the regulatory effects of ISL on key targets involved in glucolipid metabolism. Additionally, molecular docking and analytical dynamics simulation methods were used to analyze the interaction between ISL and key target protein. The results indicate that ISL significantly downregulates the transcriptional levels and inhibits the activities of key enzymes involved in gluconeogenesis, including pyruvate carboxylase (PC), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), and fructose-1, 6-bisphosphatase (FBP). It also downregulates the transcriptional and protein levels of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), the two transcriptional factors involved in gluconeogenesis. Thus, ISL inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis in T2DM mice. In addition, ISL reduces total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels in the livers of T2DM mice. Moreover, ISL downregulates the mRNA levels of lipogenesis genes and upregulates those of genes involved in fatty acid oxidation, lipid uptake, and lipid export. In conclusion, ISL suppresses hepatic gluconeogenesis, promotes lipolysis, and restrains lipogenesis in T2DM mice, thereby improving the abnormal glycolipid metabolism caused by T2DM.

The combination of berberine and cinnamon polyphenol can improve glucose metabolism in T2DM rats through Bas-TGR5-GLP-1 / 药学学报

Berberine (BBR) is the main pharmacological active ingredient of Coptidis, which has hypoglycemic effect, but its clinical application is limited due to its poor oral bioavailability. Polyphenols, derived from cinnamon, are beneficial for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The combination of both may have an additive effect. The aim of this study was to investigate the hypoglycemic effect and mechanism of combined medication in diabetic rats. The modeling rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (berberine group, cinnamon group, combined group, metformin group, diabetic control group) and normal control group. The animal experiments were approved by the Animal Ethics Committee (approval number: HMUIRB2022003). The subjects were given orally, and the control group was given equal volume solvent and body weight was measured weekly. Thirty days after administration, oral glucose tolerance test and insulin sensitivity test were performed, and fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated serum protein (GSP), and serum insulin (INS) levels were detected; high-throughput sequencing technology was used to detect intestinal microbiota structure; real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot were used to detect G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) expression levels. The results showed that, compared with the diabetic control group, the levels of FBG (P < 0.01) and GSP (P < 0.01) in the combined group were lower, and the insulin resistance was improved, which was better than that in the berberine group. Combined treatment increased the relative abundance of Bacteroides, Prevotella and Lactobacillus, reversed the decrease in Lactobacillus in the berberine alone induction group, and the combination of the two could promote the expression of TGR5 and GLP-1. In summary, the combined application of cinnamon and berberine can regulate glucose metabolism better than the application of berberine alone. Berberine combined with cinnamon can improve the function of pancreatic islet β cells in diabetes mellitus type 2 rats by changing the intestinal microbiota, increasing the expression of TGR5 and GLP-1 proteins, and thereby better regulating glucose metabolism.

Comparison of clinical efficacy and stability of Toric implantable collamer lens implantation in different orientations / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To compare the clinical efficacy, vault, and rotational stability of horizontal, oblique, and vertical implantation of Toric implantable collamer lens(TICL).METHODS: Retrospective cohort study. A total of 92 cases(120 eyes)who underwent TICL implantation from July 2018 to March 2022 and had regular follow-up for at least 1 a postoperatively(1 d, 1 wk, 1, 3, 6 mo, and 1 a)at Wuhan Bright Eye Hospital were collected. The patients were divided into three groups, with 34 cases(45 eyes)in horizontal implantation group, 25 cases(29 eyes)in oblique implantation group(29 cases), and 33 cases(46 eyes)in vertical implantation group. Uncorrected distance visual acuity(UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity(CDVA), diopters, vault, and rotation angle(deviation of the actual axis of TICL from the expected axis).RESULTS: All surgeries were uneventful, and there were no complications such as infection, secondary glaucoma, or cataract opacity. Safety and efficacy of the surgery: the CDVA of the three groups of patients was better than or equal to the preoperative CDVA at 1 a postoperatively, and there was no statistically significant differences in postoperative UDVA and CDVA of the three groups(P&#x0026;#x003E;0.05). The safety index at 1a postoperatively was 1.34±0.21, 1.34±0.17, and 1.31±0.18 for the horizontal, oblique, and vertical groups, respectively. The efficacy index was 1.26±0.21, 1.33±0.18, and 1.27±0.16 for the three groups, respectively, both with no statistically significant differences(P&#x0026;#x003E;0.05). Vault: there was a significant difference in postoperative vault among the three groups(P=0.003), with the vertical group having the lowest vault, followed by the horizontal group and the oblique group. The vaults at different follow-up time points within each group showed significant differences(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.001), and all decreased over time. Residual astigmatism: there was no significant difference in residual astigmatism among the three groups(P=0.130), but there were differences at different follow-up time points within each group(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.001). Rotation angle: no significant differences in rotation angle were observed among the three groups(P=0.135), but there were differences at different follow-up time points within each group(P&#x0026;#x003C;0.001).CONCLUSION: The implantation of TICL in different orientations has good safety and efficacy, the postoperative rotational stability is good, and the appropriate angle can be selected to implant TICL according to the clinical situation.

Analysis of three-dimensional visualization imaging of severe portal vein stenosis after liver transplantation and clinical efficacy of portal vein stent implantation / 器官移植

Objective To analyze three-dimensional imaging characteristics and advantages for severe portal vein stenosis after liver transplantation, and to evaluate clinical efficacy of portal vein stent implantation. Methods Clinical data of 10 patients who received portal vein stent implantation for severe portal vein stenosis after liver transplantation were retrospectively analyzed. Imaging characteristics of severe portal vein stenosis, and advantages of three-dimensional reconstruction imaging and interventional treatment efficacy for severe portal vein stenosis were analyzed. Results Among 10 patients, 3 cases were diagnosed with centripetal stenosis, tortuosity angulation-induced stenosis in 2 cases, compression-induced stenosis in 2 cases, long-segment stenosis and/or vascular occlusion in 3 cases. Three-dimensional reconstruction images possessed advantages in accurate identification of stenosis, identification of stenosis types and measurement of stenosis length. All patients were successfully implanted with portal vein stents. After stent implantation, the diameter of the minimum diameter of portal vein was increased [(6.2±0.9) mm vs. (2.6±1.7) mm, P<0.05], the flow velocity at anastomotic site was decreased [(57±19) cm/s vs. (128±27) cm/s, P<0.05], and the flow velocity at the portal vein adjacent to the liver was increased [(41±6) cm/s vs. (18±6) cm/s, P<0.05]. One patient suffered from intrahepatic hematoma caused by interventional puncture, which was mitigated after conservative observation and treatment. The remaining patients did not experience relevant complications. Conclusions Three-dimensional visualization technique may visually display the location, characteristics and severity of stenosis, which is beneficial for clinicians to make treatment decisions and assist interventional procedures. Timely implantation of portal vein stent may effectively reverse pathological process and improve portal vein blood flow.

Methodological Evaluation of Advantages of Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment of Sjögren's Syndrome / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Screening and evaluating the diseases responding specifically to traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） will help to highlight the advantages of TCM treatment， and the evaluation method should be standardized with consideration to the unique characteristics of the diseases. The incidence of Sjögren's Syndrome （SS） is increasing year by year， while the pathogenesis of this disease remains unclear. Modern therapies for this disease include biological agents and immunosuppressants， which generally have unsatisfactory efficacy. The TCM treatment of SS focuses on the harmony of the physical and mental health. The Rheumatology Branch of the China Association of Chinese Medicine organizes experts in TCM， Western medicine， and evidence-based medicine to form working groups. Delphi method and bibliometric method were used for analysis， and SS was selected as a disease responding specifically to TCM. Furthermore， the evaluation system was established for this disease， and the consensus regarding this disease was reached after seminar discussion. This paper summarized the whole process of the evaluation of the advantages of TCM treatment of SS. First， because TCM atomization is widely used in clinical practice and enriches TCM administration methods， this therapy is included after other non-drug therapies were taken as characteristic therapies. Second， the evaluation indicators of therapeutic effect should be determined with consideration to international acceptance and the current research status. Third， the expression method should be accurate， standardized， and objective， highlight the natural advantages of TCM， and avoid arbitrary extension. This paper provides a reference for clinicians to explore other diseases responding specifically to TCM.

Prognostic significance of positive lymph node regression grade to neoadjuvant chemoradiation for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To assess the relationship between metastatic lymph node (LN) responder status and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 304 patients with local advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma received NCRT followed by esophagectomy. For 112 patients with positive node, according to the proportion of residual viable tumor cells area within the whole tumor beds of all metastatic LNs, we classified LN-tumor regression grade (LN-TRG) into four categories: grade 1, 0%; 2, <10%; 3, 10%-50%; 4, >50%. Patients with grade 1-2 LN-TRG of were considered LN responders, and those with grades 3-4, as LN nonresponders. Univariate and multivariate analyses of RFS were estimated by a Cox regression model, Kaplan-Meier curve, and log-rank test. RESULTS: The median follow-up time of a total of 112 patients was 29.6 months. Fifty-two (46.4%) patients have experienced recurrence. In Cox univariate analysis, differentiation, AJCC stage LN responder status, nerve invasion, and lymphovascular invasion significantly correlated with RFS. Multivariate analysis for RFS revealed that LN responder status and AJCC stage (p < 0.05) were independent prognostic factor. The 3-year RFS rates for patients with LN-TRG of 1-4 grades were 72.7%, 76.5%, 37.4%, and 28.5%, respectively, and the median RFS times were not reach, 43.56, 28.09, and 22.77, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: LN responder status is an independent prognostic factor for RFS in esophageal cancer patients who received NCRT.

Plant-plant interactions vary greatly along a flooding gradient in a dam-induced riparian habitat.

Plant-plant interactions under extreme environmental stress are still controversial. The stress gradient hypothesis (SGH) proposes that facilitation prevails under extreme environmental stresses, while an alternative view states that facilitation collapses or even switches back to competition at the extreme end of stress gradients. However, how the relationship between plant-plant interaction and periodic extreme flooding stress varies and its underlying mechanism are still unclear in a dam-regulated riparian ecosystem. We established a controlled experiment using two dominant species pairs (Cynodon dactylon-Cyperus rotundus and C. dactylon-Xanthium sibiricum) in the water level fluctuating zone of the Three Gorges Dam to examine their growth responses to the periodic extreme flooding stress. The results showed that as flooding stress increased, the competitive effect of C. dactylon on X. sibiricum shifted to facilitation, whereas the effect of X. sibiricum on C. dactylon maintained a strong inhibition. The plant height of X. sibiricum was the most important driver of the interaction between X. sibiricum and C. dactylon along the flooding gradient. The net effect of C. dactylon on C. rotundus shifted from neutral to negative, and the inhibitory effect of C. rotundus on C. dactylon became stronger at the extreme end of flooding stress. The root biomass of the two species was the key trait regulating their interaction with increasing flooding stress. Overall, the SGH was partially supported along our periodic extreme flooding stress gradient. Aboveground resource (light) might be the dominant factor driving the response of the interaction between annual plants and perennial clonal plants to periodic flooding stress, whereas belowground resource (water and nutrients) was probably the dominant factor for perennial clonal plants. Our study will help to further understand the environmental responses of plant-plant relationships and their regulatory mechanism, and the succession of riparian plant communities under extreme environmental changes, providing a basic theoretical basis and data support for the ecological restoration and management of riparian wetland vegetation.

The changes and causes of asthenopia after ICL implantation.

OBJECTIVE: To detect the presence of asthenopia after implantation of Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL). METHOD: Design: prospective observational case series. Patients with myopia and/or astigmatism who underwent ICL surgeries and completed 3-month follow-up were enrolled. Asthenopia scores, amplitude of accommodation (AA), positive/negative relative accommodation (PRA/NRA), accommodative facility (AF), the ratio of accommodative convergence and accommodation (AC/A), Schirmer test, noninvasive breakup time (NBUT), and HOA were examined before surgeries and at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months postoperatively then statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Symptoms of asthenopia were significantly decreased at 1 week after ICL surgeries than those before surgeries, but increased gradually as time went by, eventually recovered at 3 months postoperatively. AA, AF, AC/A decreased 1 week postoperatively, returned to the baseline at 1 month and were improved at 3 months after surgeries. NBUT at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months after surgeries were significantly decreased and was the lowest at 1 week postoperatively. PRA, NRA, Schiermer values and HOA had no significant change. Correlation analysis showed that the lower AF and NBUT after ICL surgeries, the more severe the asthenopia symptoms. CONCLUSION: The symptoms of asthenopia aggravated transiently after ICL implantation surgeries, but improved gradually with time. AF and NBUT were important factors affecting the changes of asthenopia.

Protective effects and mechanism of curcumin in animal models of pulmonary fibrosis: a preclinical systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: At present, there is a lack of effective treatment for pulmonary fibrosis (PF), and a number of studies have confirmed that curcumin (CUR) has a good effect on PF. Research Qusetion: Is CUR effective in preclinical trials for PF and what is its mechanism of action? Methods: Animal reports of PF treated with CUR were searched from Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library from 1 January 2000 to 19 April 2023 to compare CUR treatment of PF with a no-intervention model group. A previous registration (nsply registration number: INPLASY202360084) of this review protocol was undertaken. Results: The meta-analysis included 27 publications and 29 studies involving 396 animals. CUR significantly improved the degree of fibrosis, levels of inflammation, and oxidative imbalances in lung tissue in animal models of PF. In terms fibrosis, such as HYP content (SMD = -4.96; 95% CI = -6.05 to -3.87; p = 0.000).In terms of inflammatory indicators, such as MPO activity (SMD = -2.12; 95% CI = -4.93 to 0.69; p = 0.000). In terms of oxidation index, such as MDA (SMD = -5.63; 95% CI = -9.66 to -1.6; p = 0.000). Conclusion: CUR significantly improved the degree of fibrosis, levels of inflammation, and oxidative imbalances in lung tissue in animal models of PF. Due to the quantitative and qualitative limitations of current research, more high-quality studies are needed to verify the above conclusion.

Identification of QTLs and their candidate genes for the number of maize tassel branches in F2 from two higher generation sister lines using QTL mapping and RNA-seq analysis.

Tassel branch number is an important agronomic trait that is closely associated with maize kernels and yield. The regulation of genes associated with tassel branch development can provide a theoretical basis for analyzing tassel branch growth and improving maize yield. In this study. we used two high-generation sister maize lines, PCU (unbranched) and PCM (multiple-branched), to construct an F2 population comprising 190 individuals, which were genotyped and mapped using the Maize6H-60K single-nucleotide polymorphism array. Candidate genes associated with tassel development were subsequently identified by analyzing samples collected at three stages of tassel growth via RNA-seq. A total of 13 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and 22 quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) associated with tassel branch number (TBN) were identified, among which, two major QTLs, qTBN6.06-1 and qTBN6.06-2, on chromosome 6 were identified in two progeny populations, accounting for 15.07% to 37.64% of the phenotypic variation. Moreover, we identified 613 genes that were differentially expressed between PCU and PCM, which, according to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis, were enriched in amino acid metabolism and plant signal transduction pathways. Additionally, we established that the phytohormone content of Stage I tassels and the levels of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and IAA-glucose were higher in PCU than in PCM plants, whereas contrastingly, the levels of 5-deoxymonopolyl alcohol in PCM were higher than those in PCU. On the basis of these findings, we speculate that differences in TBN may be related to hormone content. Collectively, by combining QTL mapping and RNA-seq analysis, we identified five candidate genes associated with TBN. This study provides theoretical insights into the mechanism of tassel branch development in maize.

Rapid detection of Heterobasidion annosum using a loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay.

Heterobasidion annosum is one of the most aggressive pathogens of Pinus forests in Europe, causing considerable economic losses. To detect H. annosum for disease diagnosis and control, we developed a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) reaction with a primer set designed from the glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) DNA sequences of H. annosum. In our study, this LAMP assay was found to be capable of efficiently amplifying the target gene within 60 min at 63°C. In specificity tests, H. annosum was positively detected, and other species were negative. The detection limit of this assay was found to be 100 pg·µL-1, and the assay was also successfully tested for use with basidiospore suspensions and wood samples. This study provides a rapid method for diagnosing root and butt rot caused by H. annosum, which will be of use in port surveillance of logs imported from Europe.

Can precancerous stem cells be risk markers for malignant transformation in the oral mucosa?

Accurate assessment of the carcinogenic potential of oral mucosal diseases can significantly reduce the prevalence of oral cancer. We speculate that precancerous stem cells (pCSCs) arise during the evolution of carcinomas based on long-term experimental findings, published literature, and the cancer stem cell (CSC) theory, wherein pCSCs exist in precancerous lesions and have characteristics of both CSCs and normal stem cells. This apparently contradictory feature may be the foundation of the reversible transformation of precancerous lesions. Predicting malignant transformation in potentially malignant oral illnesses would allow for focused treatment, prognosis, and secondary prevention. Currently available clinical assays for chromosomal instability and DNA aneuploidy have several deficiencies. We hope that our study will increase attention to pCSC research and lead to the development of novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of oral cancer by identifying pCSC markers.

Prevention of skin damages related to personal protective equipment among healthcare workers: Summary of best-evidence practiced strategies.

AIM: To conduct a quality evaluation of the literature for the prevention of skin damage caused by personal protective equipment among healthcare workers and to summarise the best-evidence practice strategies to prevent it. DESIGN: Review. METHODS: Two researchers retrieved the literature from Web of Science, Public Medicine, etc., from the establishment of the database until 24 June 2022. Appraisal of Guidelines, Research and Evaluation II was used to assess the methodological quality of the guidelines. Expert consensus was assessed by the 2016 version of the Australian Joanna Briggs Institute Evidence-based Health Care Center corresponding evaluation standards. By tracking the original study, the quality of practice recommendations and best-practice evidence information sheets were evaluated by the 2016 version of the Australian Joanna Briggs Institute Evidence-based Health Care Center corresponding evaluation standards. The classification of evidence and recommendation level adopted the 2014 version of the Australian Joanna Briggs Institute evidence pre-grading and recommending level system. RESULTS: A total of 5476 studies were retrieved after duplications were eliminated. After the quality evaluation, 10 qualified studies were finally included. All consisted of two guidelines, one best practice information sheet, five practice recommendations, and one expert consensus. The evaluation results of the guidelines were both B-level recommendations. The consistency strength of expert consensus was moderate (Cohen's kappa coefficient = .571). Thirty best-evidence practised strategies were compiled for four elements, including cleaning, moisturising, prophylactic dressings and others. CONCLUSION: Our study evaluated the quality of the included studies and summarised the preventive measures of PPE-related skin lesions according to the recommendation level. The main preventive measures were divided into 4 parts and 30 items. However, the associated literature was rare, and the quality was slightly low. More high-quality research is needed to focus on healthcare workers' health and not just skin in the future.

Light-acquisition traits link aboveground biomass and environment in inner saline-alkaline herbaceous marshes.

A functional response-effect approach could predict how environmental changes affect ecosystem functioning. However, few studies have applied this approach to inner saline-alkaline marsh ecosystems where soil saline-alkaline, flooding/drought and nutrients stresses threat ecological functioning. To disentangle the relationships between environmental conditions and ecosystem functioning, a total of 81 plots were investigated across 22 marsh sites dominated by Phragmites australis and Bolboschoenus planiculmis in Western Songnen Plain wetlands, China. For both plant communities combined, deep flooding supported communities with higher specific leaf area (SLA), plant height and leaf nitrogen (N) content but lower leaf thickness. On the contrary, high soil salt content induced low leaf N and phosphorus (P) content, SLA and plant height. Only light acquisition-related trait, plant height and SLA, was the key traits which determined the relationships between ecosystem functioning (aboveground biomass) and saline-alkaline wetland environment. Yet indirect key traits related nutrient and water acquisition such as leaf thickness, N and P content were also found, and mediated the response of aboveground biomass through the allometric relationships with plant height or SLA. For the individual species community, only plant height was the key trait shared by P. australis and B. planiculmis, indicating the universality of plant height as a key trait for grass and sedge plants to explain how ecosystem functioning responds to abiotic factors. Hence, our findings suggest that saltmarsh plants are more inclined to alter light-acquisition traits to mediate the response of ecosystem functioning to environmental changes and that plant height is a particularly useful trait to predict plant productivity in earth system models under future environmental changes in inner saline-alkaline wetlands.

Retinal development and the expression profiles of opsin genes during larval development in Takifugu rubripes.

The light-sensitive capacity of fish larvae is determined by the structure of the retina and the opsins expressed in the retinal and nonretinal photoreceptors. In this study, the retinal structure and expression of opsin genes during the early developmental stage of Takifugu rubripes larvae were investigated. Histological examination showed that at 1 days after hatching (dah), seven layers were observed in the retina of T. rubripes larva, including the pigment epithelial layer [retinal pigment epithelium layer (RPE)], photoreceptor layer (PRos/is), outer nuclear layer (ONL), outer plexiform layer (OPL), inner nuclear layer (INL), inner plexiform layer (IPL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL). At 2 dah, optic fibre layer (OFL) can be observed, and all eight layers were visible in the retina. By measuring the thickness of each layer, opposing developmental trends were found in the thickness of ONL, OPL, INL, IPL, GCL and OFL. The nuclear density of ONL, INL and GCL and the ratios of ONL/INL, ONL/GCL and INL/GCL were also measured and the ratio of ONL/GCL ranged from 1.9 at 2 dah to 3.4 at 8 dah and no significant difference was observed between the different developmental stages (P > 0.05). No significant difference was observed for the INL/GCL ratio between the different developmental stages, which ranged from 1.2 at 2 dah to 2.0 at 18 dah (P > 0.05). The results of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showed that the expression of RH1, LWS, RH2-1, RH2-2, SWS2, rod opsin, opsin3 and opsin5 could be detected from 1 dah. These results suggest that the well-developed retina and early expression of the opsins of T. rubripes during the period of transition from endogenous to mixed feeding might be critical for vision-based survival skills during the early life stages after hatching.

Anticoagulation status and adherence in patients with atrial fibrillation hospitalized for ACS and the impact on 1-year prognosis: a multicenter cohort study / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: For patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) complicated with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), both anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy should be applied, but the use of anticoagulation therapy is still poor in these patients in China. The purpose of this study was to explore the status and adherence of antithrombotic therapy in AF patients with ACS and the impact on 1 year clinical outcomes. Methods: Patients with AF hospitalized for ACS were retrospectively included from 6 tertiary hospitals in China between July 2015 and December 2020. According to the use of anticoagulant drugs at discharge, patients were divided into two groups: anticoagulant treatment group and non-anticoagulant treatment group. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the main factors influencing the use of anticoagulant drugs in patients with atrial fibrillation complicated with ACS. Major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) were defined as all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction or coronary revascularization, and ischemic stroke and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) 3 bleeding events were also collected at 1 year after discharge. After propensity score matching, Cox proportional hazards models and Kaplan-Meier analysis were used to evaluate the effect of anticoagulant treatment and non-anticoagulant treatment on 1-year prognosis. The patients were divided into different groups according to whether anticoagulation was performed at discharge and follow-up, and the sensitivity of the results was analyzed. Results: A total of 664 patients were enrolled, and 273 (41.1%) were treated with anticoagulant therapy, of whom 84 (30.8%) received triple antithrombotic therapy, 91 (33.3%) received double antithrombotic therapy (single antiplatelet combined with anticoagulant), and 98 (35.9%) received single anticoagulant therapy. Three hundred and ninety-one (58.9%) patients were treated with antiplatelet therapy, including 253 (64.7%) with dual antiplatelet therapy and 138 (35.3%) with single antiplatelet therapy. After 1∶1 propensity score matching between the anticoagulant group and the non-anticoagulant group, a total of 218 pairs were matched. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that history of diabetes, HAS-BLED score≥3, and percutaneous coronary intervention were predictors of the absence of anticoagulant therapy, while history of ischemic stroke and persistent atrial fibrillation were predictors of anticoagulant therapy. At 1-year follow-up, 218 patients (79.9%) in the anticoagulant group continued to receive anticoagulant therapy, and 333 patients (85.2%) in the antiplatelet group continued to receive antiplatelet therapy. At 1-year follow-up, 36 MACEs events (13.2%) occurred in the anticoagulant group, and 81 MACEs events (20.7%) in the non-anticoagulant group. HR values and confidence intervals were calculated by Cox proportional risk model. Patients in the non-anticoagulant group faced a higher risk of MACEs (HR=1.802, 95%CI 1.112-2.921, P=0.017), and the risk of bleeding events was similar between the two group (HR=0.825,95%CI 0.397-1.715, P=0.607). Conclusions: History of diabetes, HAS-BLED score≥3, and percutaneous coronary intervention are independent factors for the absence of anticoagulant therapy in patients with AF complicated with ACS. The incidence of MACEs, death and myocardial infarction is lower in the anticoagulant group, and the incidence of bleeding events is similar between the two groups. The risk of bleeding and ischemia/thrombosis should be dynamically assessed during follow-up and antithrombotic regiments should be adjusted accordingly.

Mechanism of Polyphyllin Ⅰ Extract in Activating Hippo Signal to Induce Apoptosis and Autophagy of Colorectal Cancer Cells / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo study the inhibitory effect of polyphyllin Ⅰ （PPI） on the growth of colorectal cancer cells and its molecular mechanism. MethodRKO cells were cultured and divided into a blank group and PPI treatment groups with concentrations of 0.6， 0.8， 1.0 μmol·L-1， respectively. HRT18 cells were cultured and divided into a blank group and PPI treatment groups with concentrations of 1.2， 1.4， 1.6 μmol·L-1， respectively. The effects of PPI on the proliferation and morphology of colorectal cancer were detected by cell proliferation toxicity assay， trypan blue exclusion assay， plate clone formation assay， and confocal high-intension cell imaging analysis system. Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis rate of colorectal cancer cells. The pQCXIP-GFP-LC3 plasmid transfection assay was used to detect the formation of autophagosomes in colorectal cancer cells after PPI treatment. Western blot was used to detect the expression of apoptosis-related proteins Caspase-3， Caspase-8， and poly ADP ribose polymerase （PARP）， the expression of autophagy related protein LC3Ⅱ， and the expression and phosphorylation of Hippo signaling pathway proteins LATS1 and YAP. In the plvx-Flag-YAP plasmid transfection assay， YAP was overexpressed and treated with PPI， and the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells was detected by cytotoxicity assay. The expression of LC3Ⅱ and PARP in colorectal cancer cells was detected by Western blot. SwissADME predicted pharmacokinetic parameters of PPI. ResultAs compared with the blank group， the survival rate and clone formation ability of colorectal cancer cells in the PPI group were significantly decreased （P<0.01）， the cell area of colorectal cancer cells in the PPI group was significantly decreased， and the roundness of colorectal cancer cells was significantly increased （P<0.01）. As compared with the blank group， the apoptosis rate of colorectal cancer cells in PPI treatment groupw was significantly increased （P<0.01）， the expression of apoptotic proteins Caspase-3 and Caspase-8 protein precursor in PPI treatment groups was decreased， and the cleavage of PARP was increased （P<0.01）. As compared with the blank group， the expression level of autophagy-related protein LC3Ⅱ in colorectal cancer cells in PPI treatment groups was significantly increased， and the formation of autophagosomes was promoted （P<0.01）. As compared with the blank group， the expression of YAP protein in colorectal cancer cells in PPI treatment groups was significantly decreased， and the expressions of phosphorylated LATS1 and YAP were significantly increased （P<0.01）. As compared with the blank group， overexpression of YAP could significantly antagonize the effect of PPI on apoptosis， autophagy activation， and proliferation inhibition of colorectal cancer cells. SwissADME simulation results showed that PPI had good drug like activity. ConclusionPPI can induce apoptosis and autophagy of colorectal cancer cells through targeted activation of Hippo signaling pathway， thereby inhibiting their proliferation.

Shenling Baizhusan Alleviates Intestinal Inflammation in Rat Model of Crohn's Disease via p38 MAPK Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Shenling Baizhusan on the intestinal inflammatory reaction in the rat model of Crohn's disease （CD） and study its relationship with p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK） signaling pathway， so as to provide an experimental and theoretical basis for the clinical application of this prescription. MethodA total of 72 SD rats （36 males and 36 females） were randomized into a normal group （n=12） and a modeling group （n=60）. The rats in the modeling group were treated with 2，4，6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid （TNBS， 3 mL·kg-1） and then randomized into model， mesalazine （0.21 g·kg-1·d-1）， and low-， medium-， and high-dose （5.88， 11.76， 23.59 g·kg-1·d-1， respectively） Shenling Baizhusan groups. The rats in the drug intervention groups were administrated with corresponding agents by gavage for 14 days， and those in the normal and model groups with an equal volume of distilled water. The disease activity index （DAI） score of inflammatory bowel disease （IBD） and the colon mucosal damage index （CMDI） score of rats in each group were assessed after gavage. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the colon， and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） to measure the levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha （TNF-α）， interleukin-1 （IL-1）， and interleukin-6 （IL-6） in the serum. Western blotting was employed to determine the protein levels of p38 MAPK， phosphorylated p38 MAPK （p-p38 MAPK）， p65 nuclear factor （NF）-κB， and phosphorylated-p65 NF-κB （p-NF-κB p65） in the colon tissue. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was conducted to determine the miRNA levels of p38 MAPK and NF-κB p65 in the colon tissue. ResultThe model group had higher DAI and CMDI scores than the normal group （P<0.01） and showed damaged epithelial cells in the colon mucosa， disarrangement of glands， damaged simple tubular glands， local necrosis， infiltration of a large number of inflammatory cells and lymphocytes in each layer， and presence of ulceration. Compared with the normal group， the model group showed elevated levels of TNF-α， IL-1， and IL-6 in the serum （P<0.01） and up-regulated protein levels of p-p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65 and miRNA level of p38 MAPK in the colon tissue （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， mesalazine and high- and medium-dose Shenling Baizhusan decreased the DAI and CMDI scores （P<0.05， P<0.01）， repaired the mucosal epithelium of the colon tissue， increased the glands and goblet cells， lowered the levels of TNF-α， IL-1， and IL-6 in the serum （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and down-regulated the protein levels of p-p38 MAPK and p-NF-κB p65 and the miRNA level of p38 MAP in the colon mucosa （P<0.01， P<0.05）. ConclusionShenling Baizhusan can reduce intestinal inflammation of CD rats and promote the repair of colon mucosa by down-regulating the protein levels of p-p38 MAPK and pNF-κB p65 and the miRNA level of p38 MAPK to inhibit the p38 MAPK pathway.