Efficacy of hysteroscopic levonorgestrel­releasing intrauterine device fixation in the treatment of adenomyosis: A cohort study.

The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of hysteroscopic levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) fixation surgery in the treatment of adenomyosis through a cohort study. The cohort study was performed at the Affiliated Jinhua Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (Jinhua, China). A total of 31 women with adenomyosis were initially recruited from June 2020 to June 2022 and divided into an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group underwent hysteroscopic LNG-IUD fixation surgery and the control group underwent conventional implantation of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system. The assessed efficacy outcomes included the time of LNG-IUD expulsion, postoperative vaginal bleeding time, dysmenorrhea, and the menstrual blood loss score (MBLS). A total of 31 participants completed the research. The LNG-IUD expulsion rate was 6.25 and 60% (P<0.05) in the experimental and control group, respectively. The LNG-IUD in place time was 20.50 months (Q1, 15.75; Q3, 24.00) in the experimental group and 10.00 months (Q1, 6.50; Q3, 15.00) in the control group (P<0.05); the time of vaginal bleeding after surgery in the experimental and control groups were 12.50 days (9.25, 16.25) and 120.00 days (75.00, 120.00), respectively (P<0.05). Multiple-factor Cox regression analysis revealed that the LNG-IUD expulsion in patients with adenomyosis is associated with the hysteroscopic LNG-IUD fixation surgery [hazard ratio (HR), 1954.09], uterine cavity depth (HR, 16.63), MBLS (HR, 1.14), history of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist treatment in the previous 6 months (HR, 2.10), history of vaginal delivery (HR, 1.79) and history of cervical laceration (HR, 3.69). In conclusion, hysteroscopic LNG-IUD fixation reduces the rate of LNG-IUD expulsion, prolongs the time of LNG-IUD in the uterine cavity, reduces the time of postoperative vaginal bleeding, relieves the symptoms of dysmenorrhea and reduces the menstrual volume in the patients with adenomyosis. The present trial was retrospectively registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on 28th December 2023 (registration no. ChiCTR2300079233).

Pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma of the vagina: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) of the vagina in postmenopausal women is an extremely rare malignant tumor that was originally described as a unique group of soft tissue sarcomas originating from primitive mesenchymal cells. It was first reported in postmenopausal women in 1970, and fewer than 50 postmenopausal patients have been reported to date. CASE SUMMARY: A 68-year-old multiparous female was admitted to the hospital on October 11, 2023, with the chief complaint of a mass causing vaginal prolapse with incomplete urination that had persisted for 4 months. The vaginal mass was approximately the size of a pigeon egg; after lying down, the vaginal mass retracted. Complete resection was performed, and vaginal pleomorphic RMS was diagnosed based on pathology and immunohistochemical staining features. The patient is currently undergoing chemotherapy. The present study also reviewed the clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical features and latest treatment recommendations for vaginal RMS. Any abnormal vaginal mass should be promptly investigated through pelvic examination and appropriate imaging. The current initial treatment for vaginal RMS is biopsy and primary chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: When surgery is planned for vaginal RMS, an organ-preserving approach should be considered.

Reproductive outcomes following copper­containing intrauterine device after hysteroscopic lysis for intrauterine adhesions.

The present study aimed to investigate the reproductive outcomes of copper-containing intrauterine devices (IUDs) after hysteroscopic lysis in patients with mild to severe intrauterine adhesions (IUAs), according to the American Fertility Society (AFS) classification. Therefore, a prospective randomized controlled study was conducted at the Affiliated Jinhua Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (Jinhua, China). A total of 173 women with IUAs were initially recruited between January 2020 and June 2021 and were then randomized to the copper-containing IUD group or the no barrier device group. Following hysteroscopic procedure, the fertility and obstetric outcomes were analyzed. Among the 173 patients enrolled, a total of 109 participants completed the study protocol. The results showed that AFS scores were not significantly different between the two groups prior to hysteroscopy. In addition, no statistically significant differences were recorded in pregnancy and live birth rates between the copper-containing IUD and no barrier device groups. Overall, the results of the current study indicated that the copper-containing IUDs had no positive effect on pregnancy and live birth rates in patients with mild to severe IUAs after hysteroscopic adhesiolysis. The present trial was retrospectively registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on 28th December 2023 (registration no. ChiCTR2300079233).

High-throughput sequencing and characterization of potentially pathogenic fungi from the vaginal mycobiome of giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) in estrus and non-estrus.

Introduction: The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) reproduction is of worldwide attention, and the vaginal microbiome is one of the most important factors affecting the reproductive rate of giant pandas. The aim of this study is to investigate the diversity of vaginal mycobiota structure, and potential pathogenic fungi in female giant pandas during estrus and non-estrus. Methods: This study combined with high-throughput sequencing and laboratory testing to compare the diversity of the vaginal mycobiota in giant pandas during estrus and non-estrus, and to investigate the presence of potentially pathogenic fungi. Potentially pathogenic fungi were studied in mice to explore their pathogenicity. Results and discussion: The results revealed that during estrus, the vaginal secretions of giant pandas play a crucial role in fungal colonization. Moreover, the diversity of the vaginal mycobiota is reduced and specificity is enhanced. The abundance of Trichosporon and Cutaneotrichosporon in the vaginal mycobiota of giant pandas during estrus was significantly higher than that during non-estrus periods. Apiotrichum and Cutaneotrichosporon were considered the most important genera, and they primarily originate from the environment owing to marking behavior exhibited during the estrous period of giant pandas. Trichosporon is considered a resident mycobiota of the vagina and is an important pathogen that causes infection when immune system is suppressed. Potentially pathogenic fungi were further isolated and identified from the vaginal secretions of giant pandas during estrus, and seven strains of Apiotrichum (A. brassicae), one strain of Cutaneotrichosporon (C. moniliiforme), and nine strains of Trichosporon (two strains of T. asteroides, one strain of T. inkin, one strain of T. insectorum, and five strains of T. japonicum) were identified. Pathogenicity results showed that T. asteroides was the most pathogenic strain, as it is associated with extensive connective tissue replacement and inflammatory cell infiltration in both liver and kidney tissues. The results of this study improve our understanding of the diversity of the vaginal fungi present in giant pandas and will significantly contribute to improving the reproductive health of giant pandas in the future.

Metabolome and Transcriptome Combinatory Profiling Reveals Fluconazole Resistance Mechanisms of Trichosporon asahii and the Role of Farnesol in Fluconazole Tolerance.

Trichosporon asahii is a basidiomycete yeast that is pathogenic to humans and animals, and fluconazole-resistant strains have recently increased. Farnesol secreted by fungi is a factor that causes variations in fluconazole resistance; however, few studies have explored the underlying mechanisms. Therefore, this study aims to delineate the fluconazole resistance mechanisms of T. asahii and explore farnesol's effects on these processes. A comparative metabolome-transcriptome analysis of untreated fluconazole-sensitive (YAN), fluconazole-resistant (PB) T. asahii strains, and 25 µM farnesol-treated strains (YAN-25 and PB-25, respectively) was performed. The membrane lipid-related genes and metabolites were upregulated in the PB vs. YAN and PB-25 vs. PB comparisons. Farnesol demonstrated strain-dependent mechanisms underlying fluconazole tolerance between the YAN and PB strains, and upregulated and downregulated efflux pumps in PB-25 and YAN-25 strains, respectively. Membrane lipid-related metabolites were highly correlated with transporter-coding genes. Fluconazole resistance in T. asahii was induced by membrane lipid bio-synthesis activation. Farnesol inhibited fluconazole resistance in the sensitive strain, but enhanced resistance in the resistant strain by upregulating efflux pump genes and membrane lipids. This study offers valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying fungal drug resistance and provides guidance for future research aimed at developing more potent antifungal drugs for clinical use.

Hybrids of ß-triketone and monoterpenoids from the peels of Callistemon viminalis.

Phytoconstituents of the peels of Callistemon viminalis has been investigated for the first time. As a result, two pair of diastereomers of hybrids of ß-triketone and α-phellandrene, named viminalisones A-B (1-2) and viminalisones CD (3-4), and three known analogues were obtained. Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated through a combination of the analysis of their MS data, NMR spectra, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and their experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. All isolates were evaluated for their antimicrobial activities against Botrytis cinerea and Cutibacterium acnes. Meroterpenoid 7 exhibited antibacterial activity against Botrytis cinerea with a MIC value of 0.256 mg/mL.

Effects of lufenuron treatments on the growth and development of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Lufenuron is an effective benzoylurea insecticide that inhibits the synthesis of chitin and regulates the growth of insects. However, little is known about the effects of lufenuron treatment on the development of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith). In this study, we assessed the toxicity of lufenuron on S. frugiperda and evaluated the effects of lufenuron treatment on the growth and development of S. frugiperda. The results showed that lufenuron exhibits high insecticidal activity against S. frugiperda, with the LC50 value of 0.99 mg L-1. Lufenuron treatments can significantly prolong the larval developmental duration and reduce the rates of pupation and emergence. To further explore the underlying mechanism of this observation, the expression profiles of the chitin synthase gene (SfCHS) and chitinase gene (SfCHT), two key enzyme genes involved in the molting of S. frugiperda, were determined after exposure to lufenuron for 96 h. The results of qRT-PCR demonstrated that lufenuron treatments can significantly reduce the expression of SfCHT, while the expression of SfCHS remained relatively stable. Furthermore, we found that lufenuron strongly interacted with chitinase (SfCHT) (-10.8 kcal/mol) and chitin synthase (SfCHS) (R1: -9.7 kcal/mol; R2: -10.2 kcal/mol). Our results indicated that lufenuron has significant effects on the development of S. frugiperda that might be attributed to the differential expression of SfCHT and SfCHS.

Microsporum gypseum Isolated from Ailuropoda melanoleuca Provokes Inflammation and Triggers Th17 Adaptive Immunity Response.

Microsporum gypseum causes dermatomycoses in giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). This study aimed to investigate the immune response of M. gypseum following deep infection. The degree of damage to the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys was evaluated using tissue fungal load, organ index, and histopathological methods. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) detected the mRNA expression of receptors and cytokines in the lung, and immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry, were used to assess immune cells in the lung. The results indicated that conidia mainly colonized the lungs and caused serious injury with M. gypseum infection. Furthermore, dectin-1, TLR-2, and TLR-4 played a role in recognizing M. gypseum cells. Numerous inflammatory cells, mainly macrophages, dendritic cells, polymorphonuclear neutrophils, and inflammatory cytokines (TGF-ß, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, and IL-23), were activated in the early stages of infection. With the high expression of IL-22, IL-17A, and IL-17F, the Th17 pathway exerted an adaptive immune response to M. gypseum infection. These results can potentially aid in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases caused by M. gypseum in giant pandas.

Whole genome bisulfite sequencing reveals DNA methylation roles in the adaptive response of wildness training giant pandas to wild environment.

DNA methylation modification can regulate gene expression without changing the genome sequence, which helps organisms to rapidly adapt to new environments. However, few studies have been reported in non-model mammals. Giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a flagship species for global biodiversity conservation. Wildness and reintroduction of giant pandas are the important content of giant pandas' protection. However, it is unclear how wildness training affects the epigenetics of giant pandas, and we lack the means to assess the adaptive capacity of wildness training giant pandas. We comparatively analyzed genome-level methylation differences in captive giant pandas with and without wildness training to determine whether methylation modification played a role in the adaptive response of wildness training pandas. The whole genome DNA methylation sequencing results showed that genomic cytosine methylation ratio of all samples was 5.35%-5.49%, and the methylation ratio of the CpG site was the highest. Differential methylation analysis identified 544 differentially methylated genes (DMGs). The results of KEGG pathway enrichment of DMGs showed that VAV3, PLCG2, TEC and PTPRC participated in multiple immune-related pathways, and may participate in the immune response of wildness training giant pandas by regulating adaptive immune cells. A large number of DMGs enriched in GO terms may also be related to the regulation of immune activation during wildness training of giant pandas. Promoter differentially methylation analysis identified 1,199 genes with differential methylation at promoter regions. Genes with low methylation level at promoter regions and high expression such as, CCL5, P2Y13, GZMA, ANP32A, VWF, MYOZ1, NME7, MRPS31 and TPM1 were important in environmental adaptation for wildness training giant pandas. The methylation and expression patterns of these genes indicated that wildness training giant pandas have strong immunity, blood coagulation, athletic abilities and disease resistance. The adaptive response of giant pandas undergoing wildness training may be regulated by their negatively related promoter methylation. We are the first to describe the DNA methylation profile of giant panda blood tissue and our results indicated methylation modification is involved in the adaptation of captive giant pandas when undergoing wildness training. Our study also provided potential monitoring indicators for the successful reintroduction of valuable and threatened animals to the wild.

Ruyi Zhenbao Pills for Patients with Motor and Sensory Dysfunction after Stroke: A Double-Blinded, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tibetan medicine Ruyi Zhenbao Pills (RZPs) in the treatment of patients with motor and sensory dysfunction after stroke. METHODS: A total of 120 convalescent stroke patients hospitalized in the Rehabilitation Department of Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine from June 2017 to December 2019 were enrolled in this trial. Patients were assigned to control (60 cases) and research (60 cases) groups by computer random assignment. All patients received internal treatment and modern rehabilitation training. On this basis, the research group was given oral RZPs for 4 weeks, while the control group was given oral placebo. The primary outcome was motor function of the affected side evaluated by simplified Fugl-Meyer Motion Assessment Scale (FMA-M). The secondary outcomes included sensory function, activity of daily living (ADL), quality of life, balance function, and pain, which were assessed by Fugl-Meyer Sensory Assessment Scale (FMA-S), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), Special Scale of the Quality of Life (SS-QOL), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), respectively. All of the assessments were performed before treatment, and 4 and 8 weeks after treatment. Vital signs, liver and kidney functions, routine blood test, blood coagulation profile, and routine urinalysis of patients were monitored. RESULTS: After 4-week treatment, the FMA-M, BBS and FMA-S scores in the research group significantly increased compared with the control group (P<0.05). At 8-week follow-up, the BBS and MBI scores in the research group were higher than the control group (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference between the 2 groups in the SS-QOL and VAS scores at 4 and 8 weeks (P>0.05). Moreover, after treatment, there was no significant difference in vital signs, liver and kidney functions, blood coagulation function, blood routine and urinalysis between the 2 groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: RZPs improved limb motor, balance, and sensory functions of stroke patients during recovery period with good safety. (Trial registration No. NCT04029701).

Parisfargosides A-E, five new cholestane glycosides from the rhizomes of Paris fargesii.

Five new cholestane glycosides, named parisfargosides A-E (1-5), were isolated from the rhizomes of Paris fargesii. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of UV, HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR data as well as chemical methods. The structures of all compounds contained α, ß-unsaturated ketone unit. Compounds 3-5 possessed a 16,23-cyclocholest skeleton with 6/6/6/5/5 condensed ring, and the absolute configurations of C-16 and C-23 were confirmed according to ROESY spectra with pyridine­d5 and DMSO­d6 as solvents. In addition, the platelet aggregation activity and cytotoxic activity against five human cancer cell lines (HL-60, A549, SMMC-7721, MDA-MB-231, and SW480) of compounds 1-5 were evaluated.

Innate and mild Th17 cutaneous immune responses elicited by subcutaneous infection of immunocompetent mice with Cladosporium cladosporioides.

Cladosporium cladosporioides is a dematiaceous hyphomycete that is pathogenic in the superficial and deep tissues of both immunodeficient and immunocompetent humans and animals. Our aim was to evaluate the antifungal immune responses elicited by C. cladosporioides in immunocompetent mice. Hence, we subcutaneously injected suspensions of C. cladosporioides spores into immunocompetent mice to investigate the anti-fungal immune responses in the skin. We collected skin tissue samples for histopathological examination, immunofluorescence staining, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. We observed subcutaneous abscesses in mice after subcutaneous injection of C. cladosporioides. A large number of inflammatory cells, including dendritic cells, macrophages, and neutrophils, infiltrated the focal abscess, with comparatively few infiltrating inflammatory cells in the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin. We detected the expression of CD54 in the abscesses and the skin. Gene expression of the pattern recognition receptors Dectin-1 and TLR-2 was higher in infected mice than in controls. Gene expression of the cytokines IL-6, IL-1ß, and IL-17A also increased after infection, suggesting that the Th17 signaling pathway may be involved in the anti-fungal response. Although the pathogenicity of C. cladosporioides in healthy mice was weak after subcutaneous infection, resulting in few serious pathological phenomena, it appears that innate and Th17 immune responses play important roles in the cutaneous host response to C. cladosporioides. These findings lay a foundation for further study of the pathogenic mechanism and treatment of C. cladosporioides infection.

Blood transcriptome analysis revealed the immune changes and immunological adaptation of wildness training giant pandas.

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a global flagship species for biodiversity conservation. As the time for captive giant pandas to be released into the wild matures, wildness training is provided to allow adaptation to their natural environment. It is assumed that changes in the immune system would be integral in this adaptation from captive to wild, where many more pathogens would be encountered in their natural habitats. Therefore, this study aims to determine the expression changes of immune-related genes and their potential as immunoassay markers for adaptation monitoring in wildness training giant pandas, and then to understand the adaptation strategy of wildness training giant pandas to the wild environment, thereby improving the success rate of panda reintroduction. We obtained 300 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by RNA-seq, with 239 up-regulated and 61 down-regulated DEGs in wildness training giant pandas compared to captive pandas. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that up-regulated DEGs were enriched in several immune-related terms and pathways. There were 21 immune-related DEGs, in which most of them were up-regulated in wildness training giant pandas, including several critical innate and cellular immune genes. IL1R2 was the most significantly up-regulated gene and is a signature of homeostasis within the immune system. In the protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, CXCL8, CXCL10, and CCL5 were identified as the hub immune genes. Our results suggested that wildness training giant pandas have stronger innate and cellular immunity than captive giant pandas, and we proposed that a gene set of CXCL8, CXCL10, CCL5, CD3D, NFKBIA, TBX21, IL12RB2, and IL1R2 may serve as potential immunoassay markers to monitor and assess the immune status of wildness training giant pandas. Our study offers the first insight into immune alterations of wildness training giant pandas, paving the way for monitoring and evaluating the immune status of giant pandas when reintroducing them into the wild.

Skin Mycobiota of the Captive Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and the Distribution of Opportunistic Dermatomycosis-Associated Fungi in Different Seasons.

Dermatomycosis is the second major cause of morbidity in giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), and seriously endangers its health. Previous observations indicated that the occurrence of dermatomycosis in the giant panda varies in different seasons. The skin microbiota is a complex ecosystem, but knowledge on the community structure and the pathogenic potentials of fungi on the skin of the giant panda remains limited. In this study, samples from the giant panda skin in different seasons were collected, and the mycobiota were profiled by 18S rRNA gene sequencing. In total, 375 genera in 38 phyla were detected, with Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Streptophyta, and Chlorophyta as the predominant phyla and Trichosporon, Guehomyces, Davidiella, Chlorella, Asterotremella, and Klebsormidium as the predominant genera. The skin mycobiota of the giant panda changed in the seasons, and the diversity and abundance of the skin fungi were significantly higher in spring, autumn, and summer than in the winter. Several dermatomycosis-associated fungi were detected as opportunists in the skin mycobiota of healthy giant pandas. Clinical dermatomycosis in the giant panda is observed more in summer and autumn. In this study, the results indicated that the high diversity and abundance of the skin fungi may have enhanced the occurrence of dermatomycosis in autumn and summer, and that dermatomycosis-associated fungi are the normal components of the skin mycobiota.

Skin Microbiota of the Captive Giant Panda (Ailuropoda Melanoleuca) and the Distribution of Opportunistic Skin Disease-Associated Bacteria in Different Seasons.

The giant panda is one of the rarest animals in the world. Skin diseases seriously endanger the health of giant panda and are considered the second major cause of its morbidity. Skin microbiota is a complex ecosystem, and the community structure and the pathogenic potential of bacteria on giant panda skin remain largely unclear. In order to understand the skin bacterial flora of captive giant pandas, the microbiota in giant panda skin samples collected during different seasons was profiled via 16S rRNA gene sequencing. In total, 522 genera from 53 bacterial phyla were detected, with Proteobacteria (40.5%), Actinobacteria (23.1%), Firmicutes (21.1%), Bacteroidetes (9.5%), Cyanobacteria (2.1%), and Thermi (1.2%) as the predominant phyla and Streptococcus (13.9%), Acinetobacter (9.2%), Staphylococcus (2.9%), Pseudomonas (5.9%), Dermacoccus (4.8%), Brachybacterium (2.9%), Escherichia (2.7%), Chryseobacterium (2.1%), Arthrobacter (1.6%), Kocuria (1.5%), Psychrobacter (1.2%), Deinococcus (1.1%), and Flavobacterium (1.1%) as the predominant genera. The results indicated that the diversity was lower in winter than in other seasons and higher in autumn than in other seasons, and the abundance in spring was significantly higher than that in other seasons. Several skin disease-associated bacteria were detected as opportunists in the skin microbiota of healthy giant pandas. In this study, the results indicated that the high diversity and abundance of the skin bacteria may have enhanced the occurrence of skin disease in autumn and spring and that skin disease-associated bacteria are the normal components of the skin microbiota.

Clinical Study of Qingpeng Ointment Treating Shoulder-hand Syndrome After Cerebral Hemorrhage During the Rehabilitation Period.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder-hand syndrome (SHS) refers to a syndrome causing sudden edema, shoulder pain and limited hand function. Qingpeng ointment, a kind of Tibetan medicine, can reduce swelling, relieve pain, tonify stagnation and clear the meridians, which is consistent with the pathological mechanism of SHS after stroke. Therefore, if clinical trials can be used to explore the effectiveness of Qingpeng ointment for the treatment of poststroke SHS and promote its application in clinical medicine, it may prove the specific significance for the treatment of poststroke SHS poststroke SHS. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of Qingpeng ointment in the treatment of poststroke SHS and to provide an objective basis for a better therapeutic treatment for poststroke SHS. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, controlled study was conducted. This study recruited 120 patients with poststroke SHS who met the inclusion criteria. They were randomized into the treatment group and the control group, with 60 patients allocated to each group. The treatment group received routine medical treatment and rehabilitative care after using the Qingpeng ointment, while the patients in the control group received only routine treatment without the ointment. All patients received clinical assessment with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), measurement of the range of motion (ROM) of the upper-limb joints, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Upper Extremity (FMA-U) and the Modified Barthel Index Score (MBI) before and after the whole treatment. RESULTS: After 4 weeks of treatment, the VAS scores of both the groups decreased significantly (P ＜0.05), and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). No statistical significance was observed for the difference between the treatment group and control group in terms of the FMA-U and MBI scores and the forward bend, backward, outstretch, external rotation and pronation angles after treatment. The increases in the values of VAS, FMA-M and MBI in the treatment group were greater than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The increases in the values of the forward bend, outreach and external rotation angles in the treatment group were greater than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The treatment group showed better results than the control group in terms of the relief of pain symptoms, the improvement of motor function and the improvement of the activities of daily living for patients with shoulder-hand syndrome after cerebral hemorrhage. Qingpeng ointment was found to be effective and safe for treating poststroke SHS.

The Combination of Astragalus membranaceus and Ligustrazine Protects Against Thrombolysis-Induced Hemorrhagic Transformation Through PKCδ/Marcks Pathway in Cerebral Ischemia Rats.

Astragalus membranaceus (Ast) and ligustrazine (Lig) have a protective effect on lower hemorrhagic transformation induced by pharmaceutical thrombolysis. The cerebral ischemia rat model was induced with autologous blood clot injections. A combination of Ast and Lig, or a protein kinase C delta (PKCδ) inhibitor-rottlerin, or a combination of Ast, Lig, and rottlerin was administered immediately after recombinant tissue plasminogen activator injection. The cerebral infarct area, neurological deficits, cerebral hemorrhage status, neuronal damage and tight junctions' changes in cerebral vessels, and the messenger RNA and protein levels of PKCδ, myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (Marcks), and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9) were determined after 3 h and 24 h of thrombolysis. The ultrastructure of the neuronal damage and tight junctions was examined under a transmission electron microscope. The expression levels of PKCδ, Marcks, and MMP9 were assessed by immunohistochemistry, western blot, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction . Administration of Ast and Lig not only significantly decreased neurological deficit scores, infarct volumes, and cerebral hemorrhage but also inhibited the disruption due to neuronal dysfunction and the tight junction integrity in the cerebral vessel. Treatment with a combination of Ast and Lig effectively protected ischemia-induced microhemorrhage transformation through PKCδ/Marcks pathway suppression.

The combination of Astragalus membranaceus extract and ligustrazine to improve the inflammation in rats with thrombolytic cerebral ischemia.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of Astragalus membranaceus extract and ligustrazine combination on ameliorating inflammation in cerebral ischemic rats that have undergone thrombolysis. Astragalus membranaceus and ligustrazine per se, or a combination of A. membranaceus and ligustrazine was administered by intraperitoneal injection immediately after surgery and sham surgery. After the induction of thrombolysis, the neurological function was measured and cerebral lesion volume was determined. The regulatory T cells in the spleen were measured by flow cytometry. To explore the protective effects of the combination drug on the neurological function and inflammation, the expression of transcription factor Foxp3 and cytokines, including transforming growth factor beta 1, interleukin 10, interleukin 4, interleukin 1 beta, interferon gamma, interleukin 17, in damaged brain was examined using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The cerebral lesion volume was markedly reduced in the combination drug-treated rats compared to the rats treated with either A. membranaceus or ligustrazine alone (P < 0.05). The neurological function, regulatory T cells, transcription factor Foxp3, transforming growth factor beta 1, interleukin 10, and interleukin 4 were markedly elevated in the rats treated with combination drugs (P < 0.05). The expression of interleukin 1 beta, interferon gamma, and interleukin 17 was reduced in the rats treated with combination drug therapy (P < 0.05). Treatment with a combination of A. membranaceus and ligustrazine can ameliorate inflammation after thrombolysis and regulate the related cytokines by elevating the expression of endogenous regulatory T cells.

Sequence analysis of the ATP synthase of subunits (ATP8 and ATP6) genes of mitochondrial DNA genome from Ailuropoda melanoleuca.

To explore the effects of the mutations of ATP6 and ATP8 genes on energy metabolism and genetic structure, we sequenced the ATP6 and ATP8 genes of Ailuropoda melanoleuca. Our results showed that ATP8 is a conserved gene and ATP6 gene is positively selected during the evolution of the giant panda population with a low genetic diversity. Population expansion was observed in the giant panda group. The T179C mutation on Haplotype7 made the production of a potential phosphorylation site. This non-synonymous mutation may occur at the post-translational modification site that have a potential effect on the function of ATP synthase, related to the maintenance of body temperature of pandas at low metabolic rates.