Efficient Inhibition of Deep Conversion of Partial Oxidation Products in C-H Bonds' Functionalization Utilizing O2 via Relay Catalysis of Dual Metalloporphyrins on Surface of Hybrid Silica Possessing Capacity for Product Exclusion.

To inhibit the deep conversion of partial oxidation products (POX-products) in C-H bonds' functionalization utilizing O2, 5-(4-(chloromethyl)phenyl)-10,15,20-tris(perfluorophenyl)porphyrin cobalt(II) and 5-(4-(chloromethyl)phenyl)-10,15,20-tris(perfluorophenyl)porphyrin copper(II) were immobilized on the surface of hybrid silica to conduct relay catalysis on the surface. Fluorocarbons with low polarity and heterogeneous catalysis were devised to decrease the convenient accessibility of polar POX-products to catalytic centers on the lower polar surface. Relay catalysis between Co and Cu was designed to utilize the oxidation intermediates alkyl hydroperoxides to transform more C-H bonds. Systematic characterizations were conducted to investigate the structure of catalytic materials and confirm their successful syntheses. Applied to C-H bond oxidation, not only deep conversion of POX-products was inhibited but also substrate conversion and POX-product selectivity were improved simultaneously. For cyclohexane oxidation, conversion was improved from 3.87% to 5.27% with selectivity from 84.8% to 92.3%, which was mainly attributed to the relay catalysis on the surface excluding products. The effects of the catalytic materials, product exclusion, relay catalysis, kinetic study, substrate scope, and reaction mechanism were also investigated. To our knowledge, a practical and novel strategy was presented to inhibit the deep conversion of POX-products and to achieve efficient and accurate oxidative functionalization of hydrocarbons. Also, a valuable protocol was provided to avoid over-reaction in other chemical transformations requiring high selectivity.

Modes of Nanodroplet Formation and Growth on an Ultrathin Water Film.

Using nanobubbles as geometrical confinements, we create a thin water film (∼10 nm) in a graphene liquid cell and investigate the evolution of its instability at the nanoscale under transmission electron microscopy. The breakdown of the water films, resulting in the subsequent formation and growth of nanodroplets, is visualized and generalized into different modes. We identified distinct droplet formation and growth modes by analyzing the dynamic processes involving 61 droplets and 110 liquid bridges within 31 Graphene Liquid Cells (GLCs). Droplet formation is influenced by their positions in GLCs, taking on a semicircular shape at the edge and a circular shape in the middle. Growth modes include liquid mass transfer driven by Plateau-Rayleigh instability and merging processes in and out-of-plane of the graphene interface. Droplet growth can lead to the formation of liquid bridges for which we obtain multiview projections. Data analysis reveals the general dynamics of liquid bridges, including drawing liquids from neighboring residual water films, merging with surrounding droplets, and merging with other liquid bridges. Our experimental observations provide insights into fluid transport at the nanoscale.

Characterization of an imported HIV-1 A1/A7/G recombinant in China.

BACKGROUND: International migration has accelerated the HIV-1 spread across national borders, gradually reducing the restrictions on the geographical distribution of HIV-1 subtypes. Subtypes A and G are globally recognized as the third and sixth most dominant HIV-1 genotypes, mainly prevalent in Africa, but rarely detected in China. Here we reported an imported HIV-1 recombinant which was composed of sub-subtypes A1 and A7 of subtype A and subtype G genes in a Chinese female. This virus was the first HIV-1 recombinant including A7 genes reported in the world. CASE PRESENTATION: The near full-length genome (NFLG) was obtained from the plasma sample of the female in an HIV-1 molecular epidemiological survey with 853 participants in China. Phylogenetic analyses showed that this NFLG sequence contains three A7 segments, four G segments and one A1 segment with seven breakpoints, and all these segments were closely related to HIV-1 references circulating in Africa. The evidence from epidemiological investigation indicated that this female participant had a more-than-two-years heterosexual contact history with a fixed partner from Nigeria, a country in west Africa, which further supported the results of phylogenetic analyses. By the Bayesian phylogenetic analyses, the times of most recent common ancestors (tMRCA) of the partial pol gene (nt2308-3284, A7 region) and full-length vpr-vpu plus partial env gene (nt5534-6858, G region) were estimated around 1989 and 1984, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, by using the NFLG sequencing, we identified an imported HIV-1 A1/A7/G recombinant which was estimated to originate around 1980s in Africa and introduced into China with international migration. This study highlighted the complexity of the global HIV-1 epidemic, the necessity of using genome sequences to determine HIV-1 genotypes and the importance of real-time monitoring of HIV-1 infection among international migrants and travelers.

The ergodicity question when imaging DNA conformation using liquid cell electron microscopy.

Assessing the ergodicity of graphene liquid cell electron microscope measurements, we report that loop states of circular DNA interconvert reversibly and that loop numbers follow the Boltzmann distribution expected for this molecule in bulk solution, provided that the electron dose is low (80-keV electron energy and electron dose rate 1-20 e- Å-2 s-1). This imaging technique appears to act as a "slow motion" camera that reveals equilibrated distributions by imaging the time average of a few molecules without the need to image a spatial ensemble.

Normal sperm head morphometric reference values in fertile Asian males.

ABSTRACT: Sperm head morphology is crucial for male factor infertility diagnosis and assessment of male reproductive potential. Several criteria are available to analyze sperm head morphology, but they are limited by poor methodology comparability and population applicability. This study aimed to explore comprehensive and new normal morphometric reference values for spermatozoa heads in fertile Asian males. An automated sperm morphology analysis system captured 23 152 stained spermatozoa from confirmed fertile males. Of these samples, 1856 sperm head images were annotated by three experienced laboratory technicians as "normal". We employed 14 novel morphometric features to describe sperm head size (head length, head width, length/width ratio, and girth), shape (ellipse intersection over union, girth intersection over union, short-axis symmetry, and long-axis symmetry), area (head, acrosome, postacrosomal areas, and acrosome area ratio), and degrees of acrosome and nuclear uniformity. This straight-forward method for the morphometric analysis of sperm by accurate visual measurements is clinically applicable. The measured parameters present valuable information to establish morphometric reference intervals for normal sperm heads in fertile Asian males. The presented detailed measurement data will be valuable for interlaboratory comparisons and technician training. In vitro fertilization and andrology laboratory technicians can use these parameters to perform objective morphology evaluation when assessing male fertilization potential.

External quality assessment scheme for sperm DNA fragmentation: a pilot study in China.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this article is to establish an external quality assessment (EQA) scheme for sperm Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragmentation (SDF) detection, and to assess the feasibility of the scheme. In addition, this article provides some case analysis of abnormal results in order to really help improve the performance of the laboratory. RESULTS: In 2021 and 2022, 10 and 28 laboratories in China volunteered to participate in the EQA program respectively. Two samples were selected for EQA each year, a large spread of results was obtained for the four samples, and the highest values were 13.7, 4.2, 8.0 and 4.0 times the lowest respectively. The coefficients of variation (CVs) were very high for the four samples, at 46.6%, 30.1%, 26.7% and 30.3%, respectively. The CVs of the samples with high SDF values were lower than those of the samples with low SDF values. There was no significant difference between the results of sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) and sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD). For the 10 laboratories that participated in EQA in 2021 and 2022, the CVs of low SDF value samples and high SDF value samples decreased from 46.6% and 30.1% in 2021 to 32.5% and 22.7% in 2022, respectively. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to evaluate the EQA program on SDF, which involved a number of laboratories and was demonstrated to be feasible. It is recommended that all laboratories participate in the EQA of SDF to ensure the accuracy of the results.

RéSUMé: CONTEXTES: L'objectif de cet article est d'établir un système externe d'évaluation de la qualité (EEQ) pour la détection de la fragmentation de l'ADN des spermatozoïdes (SDF) et d'évaluer la faisabilité de ce système. En outre, cet article fournit une analyse de cas de résultats anormaux afin d'aider réellement à améliorer les performances du laboratoire. RéSULTATS: En 2021 et 2022, respectivement 10 et 28 laboratoires en Chine se sont portés volontaires pour participer au programme EEQ. Deux échantillons ont été sélectionnés chaque année pour l'EEQ ; un large éventail de résultats a été obtenu pour les quatre échantillons, et les valeurs les plus élevées étaient respectivement de 13,7, 4,2, 8,0 et 4,0 fois les plus faibles. Les coefficients de variation (CV) étaient très élevés pour les quatre échantillons, soit respectivement 46,6 %, 30,1 %, 26,7 % et 30,3 %. Les CV des échantillons avec des valeurs de SDF élevées étaient inférieurs à ceux des échantillons avec de faibles valeurs de SDF. Il n'y avait pas de différence significative entre les résultats du test de structure de la chromatine des spermatozoïdes (SCSA) et ceux de la dispersion de la chromatine des spermatozoïdes (SCD). Pour les 10 laboratoires qui ont participé à l'EEQ en 2021 et 2022, les CV des échantillons à faible valeur de SDF et ceux des échantillons à valeur élevée de SDF ont diminué, passant respectivement de 46,6 % et 30,1 % en 2021 à 32,5 % et 22,7 % en 2022. CONCLUSIONS: Il s'agit de la première étude à évaluer le programme externe d'évaluation de la qualité (EEQ) de l'analyse de la SDF, qui a impliqué un certain nombre de laboratoires, et qui s'est avéré réalisable. Il est recommandé que tous les laboratoires participent à l'EEQ de la SDF afin d'en assurer l'exactitude des résultats.

Removal of typical PFAS from water by covalent organic frameworks with different pore sizes.

Adsorption is highly effective and desirable for the removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from water, and suitable pore size of porous adsorbents is important for efficient removal of PFAS, but the relationship between adsorbent pore size and PFAS adsorption remains unclear. In this study, five regular covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with distinct pore sizes were successfully synthesized, and the correlation between the pore size of COFs and PFAS length for efficient PFAS adsorption was investigated. Both excessively small and large pore sizes of COFs are not conducive to the efficient adsorption of PFAS due to the diffusion hindrance and weak binding forces. The COFs with a pore size ranging from 2.5 to 4.0 times of the PFAS molecular size demonstrated the most suitable for PFAS adsorption. This study also investigated the potential impact of nanobubbles on PFAS adsorption on orderly porous COFs through aeration and degassing treatment of the adsorption system. The bubbles on hydrophobic COFs were verified to be responsible for PFAS adsorption, another important adsorption mechanism of PFAS on COFs. The long-chain PFAS have stronger enrichment at the gas-liquid interface than the short-chain PFAS, resulting in higher adsorption capacity for long-chain PFAS.

Visualizing the multi-level assembly structures of conjugated molecular systems with chain-length dependent behavior.

It remains challenging to understand the structural evolution of conjugated polymers from single chains to solvated aggregates and film microstructures, although it underpins the performance of optoelectrical devices fabricated via the mainstream solution processing method. With several ensemble visual measurements, here we unravel the morphological evolution process of a model system of isoindigo-based conjugated molecules, including the hidden molecular assembly pathways, the mesoscale network formation, and their unorthodox chain dependence. Short chains show rigid chain conformations forming discrete aggregates in solution, which further grow to form a highly ordered film that exhibits poor electrical performance. In contrast, long chains exhibit flexible chain conformations, creating interlinked aggregates networks in solution, which are directly imprinted into films, forming interconnective solid-state microstructure with excellent electrical performance. Visualizing multi-level assembly structures of conjugated molecules provides a deep understanding of the inheritance of assemblies from solution to solid-state, accelerating the optimization of device fabrication.

Shengxian decoction protects against chronic heart failure in a rat model via energy regulation mechanisms.

BACKGROUND: Chronic heart failure (CHF) is actually a disease caused by an imbalanced energy metabolism between myocardial energy demand and supply, ultimately resulting in abnormal myocardial cell structure and function. Energy metabolism imbalance plays an important role in the pathological process of chronic heart failure (CHF). Improving myocardial energy metabolism is a new strategy for the treatment of CHF. Shengxian decoction (SXT), a well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, has good therapeutic effects on the cardiovascular system. However, the effects of SXT on the energy metabolism of CHF is unclear. In this study, we probed the regulating effects of SXT on energy metabolism in CHF rats using various research methods. METHODS: High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was used to perform quality control of SXT preparations. Then, SD rats were randomly assigned into 6 groups: sham, model, positive control (trimetazidine) and high-, middle-, and low-dose SXT groups. Specific reagent kits were used to detect the expression levels of ALT and AST in rats' serum. Echocardiography was used to evaluate cardiac function. H&E, Masson and TUNEL staining were performed to examine myocardial structure and myocardial apoptosis. Colorimetry was used to determine myocardial ATP levels in experimental rats. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of myocardial mitochondria. ELISA was used to estimate CK, cTnI, and NT-proBNP levels, and LA、FFA、MDA、SOD levels. Finally, Western blotting was used to examine the protein expression of CPT-1, GLUT4, AMPK, p-AMPK, PGC-1α, NRF1, mtTFA and ATP5D in the myocardium. RESULTS: HPLC showed that our SXT preparation method was feasible. The results of ALT and AST tests indicate that SXT has no side effect on the liver function of rats. Treatment with SXT improved cardiac function and ventricular remodelling and inhibited cardiomyocyte apoptosis and oxidative stress levels induced by CHF. Moreover, CHF caused decrease ATP synthesis, which was accompanied by a reduction in ATP 5D protein levels, damage to mitochondrial structure, abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism, and changes in the expression of PGC-1α related signal pathway proteins, all of which were significantly alleviated by treatment with SXT. CONCLUSION: SXT reverses CHF-induced cardiac dysfunction and maintains the integrity of myocardial structure by regulating energy metabolism. The beneficial effect of SXT on energy metabolism may be related to regulating the expression of the PGC-1α signalling pathway.

Identification of a novel HIV-1 second-generation circulating recombinant form (CRF136_0107) among MSM in China.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 in Heilongjiang, China, and try to spot signs of new circulating recombinant form (CRF) in this region. DESIGN: A molecular epidemiological study was conducted in Heilongjiang, China during 2011-2020. METHODS: Plasma samples were collected from three HIV-1-positive patients (two MSM and one man lacking risk factor information). The near full-length genome sequences (NFLGs) of a novel CRF were then obtained and subjected to phylogenetic analysis using Mega 7.0.26. Recombination analysis was performed by the jumping profile Hidden Markov Model (jpHMM). Finally, the origin time of this novel CRF was inferred using the Bayesian phylogenetic analysis in Beast v1.10.4. RESULTS: The three NFLGs formed a distinct monophyletic cluster in the neighbor-joining (NJ) tree. Recombination analysis revealed that the recombinant genome was composed of five segments derived from CRF01_AE, subtypes B, and C, but further confirmed to be a second-generation recombinant form of CRF01_AE/CRF07_BC by a comparison of genome maps and subregion phylogenetic analysis and, therefore, designated as CRF136_0107. With Bayesian phylogenetic analysis, CRF136_0107 was estimated to originate around 2010-2011. CONCLUSION: A novel HIV-1 CRF01_AE/CRF07_BC second-generation CRF called CRF136_0107 was identified among MSM in Heilongjiang, a northeast province of China.

[Effects of different acupuncture and moxibustion methods on articular cartilage morphology and NF-κB p65/NLRP3 pathway in rats with knee osteoarthritis].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of filiform needling, electroacupuncture (EA) and moxibustion on articular cartilage morphology and nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) p65/ Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) pathway in rats with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS: Wistar rats were randomly divided into blank control， model, filiform needling, EA and moxibustion groups, with 8 rats in each group. The KOA model was established by injecting sodium iodoacetate into the right knee cavity. Filiform needling, EA and moxibustion groups were treated with the right side of "Dubi" (ST35) and "Neixiyan" (EX-LE5), and were given filiform needling, EA and mild moxibustion therapies for 15 min respectively, once every other day, for a total of 4 weeks. The diameter of the right knee joint was observed. The ultrastructure of knee chondrocytes was observed by transmission electron microscope. The contents of serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-18 were determined by ELISA. The expression levels of NF-κB p65, NLRP3, apoptosis-related speckle like protein (ASC) and TNF-α in knee cartilage were dectected by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the blank control group, the right knee joint cavity was narrowed, chondrocytes were constricted significantly, mitochondria were moderately swollen, the diameter of the right knee was increased, and the contents of serum TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-18 were increased (P<0.01), the expressions of NF-κB p65, NLRP3 and TNF-α in knee cartilage were increased (P<0.01) while the expression of ASC was decreased (P<0.01) in the model group.Compared with model group, the narrowed knee joint cavity and chondrocyte injury were improved， knee diameter decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the content of serum TNF-α and the expression of NLRP3 in knee cartilage were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01) in 3 treatment groups; the contents of serum IL-1ß and IL-18, and the expression of TNF-α in knee cartilage were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), while the expression of ASC in knee cartilage was increased (P<0.01) in EA and moxibustion groups; the expression of NF-κB p65 in knee cartilage was decreased (P<0.01) in moxibustion group. Compared with EA group, the content of serum IL-18 was decreased (P<0.05) in moxibustion group. CONCLUSION: Filiform needling, EA and moxibustion can all reduce the formation of knee osteophytosis in KOA rats, alleviate joint cavity narrowing, improve the ultrastructure of articular cartilage, reduce the level of inflammatory factors, regulate the NF-κB p65/NLRP3 pathway. Moxibustion has the most obvious regulatory effect among the 3 treatment methods.

Antibacterial and osteogenic properties of biomimetic mineralized iodine-loaded coating with micro-nano topography on bone implants / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the antibacterial and osteogenic properties of biomimetic mineralized iodine-loaded coating with micro-nano topography on the surface of bone implants.Methods:After the fiber network structure of sodium hydrogen titanate was constructed by alkali thermal reaction on the surface of Ti6Al4V (noted as AT), it was biomimetically mineralized in the modified simulated body fluid to form a micro-nano topology with high specific surface area (noted as AT-CaP), and finally loaded with PVPI to construct a novel antibacterial osseointegration coating (noted as AT-CaP-PVPI). The study was conducted in AT, AT-CaP, and AT-CaP-PVPI groups, in each of which 3 parallel experiments were performed. The morphology and colony counting of Staphylococcus aureus on the coating surface were observed to detect the in vitro antibacterial performance of the coating. Fifteen male SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups ( n=5): AT, AT-CaP, and AT-CaP-PVPI. After intramedullary injection of Staphylococcus aureus into the lower end of the femur in the SD rats, titanium rods coated with AT, AT-CaP, and AT-CaP-PVPI were inserted into the marrow cavity. The osteogenesis, volume ratio of new bone mass and number of trabeculae on the surface of the femoral implants were compared between the 3 groups 4 weeks after operation. Results:In AT and AT-CaP groups, a large number of bacteria grew in their inherent elliptical or spherical shape on the implant surface and a large number of colonies were seen on the plate; in AT-CaP-PVPI group, the bacteria on the coating surface exhibited membrane deformation and depression, some of them were completely broken and dissolved, and a large number died. There was almost no new bone formation around the implants in AT group; new bone scattered around the implants with discontinuous distribution in AT-CaP group; a great amount of new bone was seen around the implants with even distribution but no signs of infection in AT-CaP-PVPI group. The volume ratio of new bone mass and the number of trabeculae on the implant surface in AT-CaP-PVPI group were 0.453±0.206 and 6.055±0.536, respectively, significantly higher than those in AT group (0.046±0.028 and 1.667±1.249) and AT-CaP group (0.188±0.052 and 3.804±0.889) ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Biomimetic mineralized iodine-loaded coating with micro-nano topography on the surface of bone implants shows good antibacterial and osteogenic properties.

Geranylated or prenylated flavonoids from Cajanus volubilis / 中国天然药物

Five new flavonoid derivatives, cajavolubones A-E (1-5), along with six known analogues (6-11) were isolated from Cajanus volubilis, and their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis and quantum chemical calculations. Cajavolubones A and B (1 and 2) were identified as two geranylated chalcones. Cajavolubone C (3) was a prenylated flavone, while cajavolubones D and E (4 and 5) were two prenylated isoflavanones. Compounds 3, 8, 9 and 11 displayed cytotoxicity against HCT-116 cancer cell line.

Safety and feasibility of thoracic sympathectomy in the treatment of primary palmar hyperhidrosis based on ambulatory surgery / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To investigate the clinical safety and feasibility of thoracic sympathectomy in the treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis based on ambulatory surgery. Methods    A retrospective analysis of 74 patients who underwent thoracoscopic sympathectomy in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province from January 2017 to April 2021 was performed, including 35 males and 39 females aged 12-38 (21.32±4.13) years. Patients were divided into two groups according to different treatments. There were 34 patients in a control group (adopting traditional surgery), and 40 patients in an observation group (adopting ambulatory surgery). The clinical effects of the two groups were compared. Results    No massive bleeding, conversion to thoracotomy, postoperative pneumo-thorax or severe pneumonia occured in all patients. Univariate analysis of intraoperative indexes showed that the two groups had no statistical difference in total hospitalization cost, operation time, anesthesia time or postoperative waiting time (P>0.05). The amount of intraoperative blood loss in the observation group was less than that in the control group (P<0.05). The time of postoperative out of bed and recovery of walking capacity and the incidence of electrolyte disturbance in the observation group were shorter or lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in white blood count, neutrophils count or postoperative 24 h pulse oxygen saturation fluctuation peak between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion    Based on the optimized diagnosis and treatment model, thoraco-scopic sympathectomy with laryngeal mask airway which is performed during ambulatory surgery, is feasible and worth popularizing in thoracic surgery.

Young MSM changed temporal HIV-1 epidemic pattern in Heilongjiang Province, China.

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) epidemic in China is featured by geographical diversity of epidemic patterns. Understanding the characteristics of regional HIV-1 epidemic allows carrying out targeted prevention and controlling measures. This seven-year cross-sectional study was conducted in Heilongjiang, one province of Northeast China, where newly diagnosed infection is fast increasing yearly, but temporal HIV-1 epidemic trend is largely unknown. Methods: Information of 1,006 newly diagnosed HIV-1-infected participants were collected before antiretroviral therapy during 2010-2016 in Heilongjiang province. HIV-1 genotype was identified based on the viral gag and env gene sequences. Recent infection was determined by Limiting-Antigen Avidity assays. Comparison analyses on the median ages, CD4 counts, proportions of stratified age groups and CD4 count groups, and rates of recent HIV-1 infection among different population and sampling times were performed to understand temporal HIV-1 epidemic features. Results: Homosexual contact among men who have sex with men (MSM) was the main transmission route and CRF01_AE was the most dominant HIV-1 genotype. During 2010-2016, the HIV-1 epidemic showed three new changes: the median age continued to decline, the cases with a CD4 count more than 500 cells/µl (CD4hi cases) disproportionally expanded, and the recent HIV-1 infection rate steadily increased. MSM cases determined the temporal trend of HIV-1 epidemic here. Increase of young MSM cases (aged <30 years) made the main contribution to the younger age trend of MSM cases. These young MSM exhibited a higher median CD4 count, a higher proportion of CD4hi cases, and a higher rate of recent HIV-1 infection than cases aged 30 years and more. MSM infected by CRF01_AE virus mostly affected HIV-1 epidemic patterns among MSM population. Conclusion: Young MSM have become a new hotspot and vulnerable group for HIV-1 transmission in Heilongjiang Province, Northeast China. The rapid increase in the number of young MSM cases, mainly those with CRF01_AE infection, changed temporal HIV-1 epidemic pattern here. Measures for prevention and control of HIV-1 infection among this population are urgently needed in the future.

Quantitative anti-HBc combined with quantitative HBsAg can predict HBsAg clearance in sequential combination therapy with PEG-IFN-α in NA-suppressed chronic hepatitis B patients.

Background and aims: Precise predictors are lacking for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance under the combination therapy of nucleos(t)ide analogs (NA) and pegylated interferon-alpha (PEG-IFN-α) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This study aimed to determine the quantitative anti-hepatitis B core antibody (qAnti-HBc) and quantitative hepatitis B core-related antigen (qHBcrAg) as predictors for HBsAg clearance in NA-suppressed patients with CHB receiving PEG-IFN-α add-on therapy. Methods: Seventy-four CHB patients who achieved HBV DNA suppression (HBV DNA < 20 IU/ml) and quantitative HBsAg (qHBsAg) < 1,500 IU/ml after ≥1 year of NA treatment were enrolled. Fifteen patients continued on NA monotherapy, while 59 patients received PEG-IFN-α add-on therapy. Serum qAnti-HBc and qHBcrAg levels were detected every 12 or 24 weeks for add-on and NA-alone groups, respectively. Results: Serum qAnti-HBc but not qHBcrAg levels at baseline were negatively correlated with the duration of prior NA therapy. After 48-week treatment, both qAnti-HBc and qHBcrAg levels declined further, and 17/59 (28.81%) and 0/15 (0%) achieved HBsAg clearance in add-on and NA groups, respectively. In the add-on group, the rate of HBsAg clearance was significantly higher in patients with baseline qAnti-HBc < 0.1 IU/ml (52.63%). Logistic regression analysis identified baseline qAnti-HBc but not qHBcrAg, which was an independent predictor for HBsAg loss. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the combination of qAnti-HBc and qHBsAg had a better predictive value for HBsAg clearance. Conclusions: A combination of qHBsAg and baseline qAnti-HBc levels may be a better prediction strategy for HBsAg clearance in NA-suppressed CHB patients receiving PEG-IFN-α add-on therapy.

Semen parameters are seriously affected in acephalic spermatozoa syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported that some patients with headless spermatozoa have poor semen quality, but there has been no published systematic analysis of semen quality in patients with different proportions of headless spermatozoa in semen. We aimed to explore the association of acephalic spermatozoa syndrome and semen quality in men with distinct proportions of headless spermatozoa. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Semen parameter values in patients for whom headless spermatozoa were found in the ejaculates was studied and compared to that of 413 age-matched prenatal examination patients. All semen samples were analyzed following the same methodology in a single laboratory. RESULTS: All semen parameter values except semen volume were negatively (P < 0.05) correlated with the proportion of headless spermatozoa. The semen samples were divided into four groups on the basis of the proportion of headless spermatozoa (PHS) as follows: 0 < PHS ≤ 5% (n = 172, Group A1); 5 < PHS ≤ 10% (n = 76, Group A2); 10 < PHS ≤ 20% (n = 71, Group B); and PHS > 20% (n = 71, Group C). In Group A1, only one semen parameter value (progressive motility) was lower than those of the control group, but in Group A2, this increased to five (sperm vitality, normal sperm morphology, sperm motility, VCL (curvilinear velocity) and ALH (amplitude of lateral head displacement)). Worse still, all semen parameter values were significantly lower in Group B and Group C than in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Semen samples containing headless spermatozoa tend to have lower quality than samples without headless spermatozoa. Increases in the proportion of headless spermatozoa in semen are associated with decreased semen quality. We suggest that headless spermatozoa should be seriously assessed and accurately counted in semen analysis, especially for ejaculate in which the proportion of headless spermatozoa exceeds 5%.

RéSUMé: CONTEXTE: Des études antérieures ont rapporté que certains patients qui avaient des spermatozoïdes sans tête présentaient une mauvaise qualité du sperme, mais il n'y a eu aucune analyse systématique publiée sur la qualité du sperme chez les patients ayant des proportions différentes de spermatozoïdes sans tête dans leur sperme. Nous avons cherché à explorer l'association entre syndrome des spermatozoïdes acéphaliques et qualité du sperme chez les hommes ayant des proportions distinctes de spermatozoïdes sans tête. Les valeurs des paramètres du sperme chez les patients pour lesquels des spermatozoïdes sans tête ont été trouvés dans l'éjaculat ont été étudiées et comparées à celles de 413 patients consultant pour un examen prénatal, appariés sur l'âge. Tous les échantillons de sperme ont été analysés selon la même méthodologie dans un seul laboratoire. RéSULTATS: Toutes les valeurs des paramètres du sperme, à l'exception du volume de sperme, étaient négativement (P < 0,05) corrélées avec la proportion de spermatozoïdes sans tête. Les échantillons de sperme ont été divisés en quatre groupes sur la base de la proportion de spermatozoïdes sans tête (PHS) comme suit: 0 < PHS ≤ 5% (n = 172, groupe A1); 5 < PHS ≤ 10% (n = 76, groupe A2); 10 < PHS ≤ 20% (n = 71, groupe B); et PHS > 20% (n = 71, groupe C). Dans le groupe A1, une seule valeur de paramètre de sperme (motilité progressive) est. inférieure à celle du groupe témoin, mais dans le groupe A2, le nombre s'élève à cinq (vitalité des spermatozoïdes, morphologie normale des spermatozoïdes, mobilité des spermatozoïdes, VCL (vitesse linéaire curviligne) et ALH (amplitude du déplacement latéral de la tête)). Pire encore, toutes les valeurs des paramètres du sperme étaient significativement plus faibles dans les groupes B et C que dans le groupe témoin (P < 0,05). CONCLUSIONS: Les échantillons de sperme contenant des spermatozoïdes sans tête ont tendance à avoir une qualité inférieure à celle des échantillons dépourvus de spermatozoïdes sans tête. L'augmentation de la proportion de spermatozoïdes sans tête dans le sperme est. associée à une réduction de la qualité du sperme. Nous suggérons que les spermatozoïdes sans tête devraient être sérieusement évalués et comptés avec précision dans l'analyse du sperme, en particulier pour l'éjaculat dans lequel la proportion de spermatozoïdes sans tête dépasse 5%.

[Mahuang (herbaceous stem of Ephedra spp.): chemistry, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics].

The Chinese medicinal herb Mahuang is herbaceous stem of Ephedra sinica, E. intermedia, or E. equisetina(Family, Ephedraceae). In China, Mahuang has been used, all the way over a millennium, as a key component herb of many herbal medicines for management of epidemics of acute respiratory illness and is also used in officially recommended herbal medicines for COVID-19. Mahuang is the first-line medicinal herb for cold and wheezing and also an effective diuretic herb for edema. However, Mahuang can also exert significant adverse effects. The key to safety and effectiveness is rational and precise use of the herb. In this review article, we comprehensively summarize chemical composition of Mahuang and associated differences in pharmacognosy, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of Mahuang compounds, along with the adverse effects of Mahuang compounds and products. Based on full understanding of how Mahuang is used in Chinese traditional medicine, systematic research on Mahuang in line with contemporary standards of pharmaceutical sciences will facilitate promoting Chinese herbal medicines to become more efficient in management of epidemic illnesses, such as COVID-19. To this end, we recommend research on Mahuang of two aspects, i.e., pharmacological investigation for its multicompound-involved therapeutic effects and toxicological investigation for clinical manifestation of the adverse effects, chemicals responsible for the adverse effects, and conditions for safe use of the herb and the herb-containing medicines.

Renal amyloidogenic leukocyte chemotactic factor 2 combined with IgA nephropathy: A case report.

RATIONALE: Amyloidogenic leukocyte chemotactic factor 2 (ALECT2) was recently considered as a new clinicopathologic type of amyloid, which frequently affects kidney in adults and results in different degrees of renal insufficiency and failure with or without proteinuria. Here, we present a case of combining LECT2-associated renal amyloidosis with immunoglobulin (Ig)A nephropathy. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 71-year-old Chinese man presented with edema of both lower extremities. DIAGNOSES: There was pale eosinophilic material strongly positive for the Congo red stain in interstitium with demonstrated apple green birefringence under polarized light. Immunofluorescent stain was positive for IgA deposits (4+), IgG deposits (2+), C3 deposits (3+) within the mesangium and capillary wall. Immunohistochemistry was positive for κ (+), λ (2+) in mesangial area, and LECT2 (2+) in the interstitium. On electron microscopy, there were electron-dense deposits within mesangial area and subendothelial and randomly orientated and nonbranching fibrils 10 nm in size found in the interstitium areas. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was performed on peptides extracted from Congo red-positive, microdissected areas of the paraffin-embedded kidney specimen. LECT 2-associated renal amyloidosis with IgA nephropathy was pathologically confirmed by renal biopsy. INTERVENTIONS: Steroids (60 mg/d) were used to treat IgA nephropathy daily. Antihypertensive treatment was switched to an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. OUTCOMES: One year after diagnosis, creatine remained stable in the normal range, and 24-hour proteinuria decreased to 2.9 g. LESSONS: To date, ALECT2 has still not been comprehensively investigated. The findings of this research provide insights for concurrent IgA nephropathy with ALECT2.

The dietary inflammatory index and metabolic health of population-based Chinese elderly.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the relationship between dietary inflammatory index (DII) and metabolic health in the Chinese elderly. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: A total of 6,730 participants from the "Community-based Cardiovascular and Health Promotion Study" (CoCHPS) cohort were included in this study. The DII scores were acquired using a validated 125-item food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) (ranged -5.84 to 3.90). The correlation of DII with metabolic health indexes was evaluated with logistic regression and multivariable cox regression using SPSS and R software. RESULTS: Compared with low DII scores, subjects in the highest DII score quartiles had higher odds of metabolic dysfunction (OR=1.36, 95% CI: 1.07-1.68, p trend=0.023). In the subgroup analyses, the effect of a pro-inflammatory diet on metabolic dysfunction was particularly evident among people with hyperglycaemia (HR=1.58, 95% CI: 1.35-2.14), hypertension (HR=1.48, 95% CI: 1.07-2.09), dyslipidemia (HR=1.45, 95% CI: 1.24-1.87), abdominal obesity (HR=2.16, 95% CI: 1.57-2.96), and ≥60 years old (HR=1.32, 95% CI: 1.04-1.56) or who were women (HR=1.35, 95% CI: 1.08-1.67). CONCLUSIONS: DII score was associated with metabolic health. Further studies are needed to deepen our understanding of dietary parameters and different populations.