Ni-Catalyzed Csp2 and Csp3 Coupling for Divergent Bisboronic Ester Synthesis.

Bisboronic esters are critical compounds in various research fields, including drug discovery, chemical biology, and material sciences. Currently, the bisboronic esters with reactive functional groups are difficult to synthesize; this is partially due to the lack of a robust method to produce these products with diverse structures and various functional groups at specific locations. To overcome this issue, this study introduced a Ni-catalysis approach to produce bisboronic esters efficiently via cross-coupling and homocoupling using readily available halogenated boronic esters as the starting material under mild reaction conditions. This newly developed strategy enables Csp2-Csp2, Csp3-Csp3, and Csp2-Csp3 couplings, demonstrating a broad substrate scope and excellent compatibility with various functional groups.

Simultaneous determination of phenols in the four main original plants of the famous traditional Chinese medicine Shihu by pressurized capillary electrochromatography.

A rapid pressurized capillary electrochromatography (pCEC) method has been established for the simultaneous analysis of 11 phenols in the four main original plants of the famous traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Shihu. The effects of wavelength, mobile phase, flow rate, pH value, concentration of buffer, and applied voltage were systematically studied. The investigated 11 phenols could be isolated in 35 min on a reversed-phase EP-100-20/45-3-C18 capillary column using the established method. To apply the established pCEC method, all phenols except tristin (11) were detected in the four Dendrobium plants. A total of 10 components were detected in D. huoshanense, 6 components in D. nobile, 3 components in D. chrysotoxum, and 4 components in D. fimbriatum. The consistent evaluation revealed that the similarities among the four original plants of Shihu were 38.2-86.0% based on the 11 polyphenols and 92.5-97.7% based on the pCEC fingerprints. These further suggested that the components of the four original plants of TCM Shihu might be significantly different. Further investigation should be conducted to confirm and evaluate if the four species could be used as the same medicine with the same amount according to Chinese Pharmacopoeia (ChP).

A novel protein domain is important for photosystem II complex assembly and photoautotrophic growth in angiosperms.

Photosystem II (PSII) is a multi-subunit protein complex of the photosynthetic electron transport chain that is vital to photosynthesis. Although the structure, composition, and function of PSII have been extensively studied, its biogenesis mechanism remains less understood. Thylakoid rhodanese-like (TROL) provides an anchor for leaf-type ferredoxin:NADP+ oxidoreductase. Here, we report the chacterizaton of a second type of TROL protein, TROL2, encoded by seed plant genomes whose function has not previously been reported. We show that TROL2 is a PSII assembly cofactor with essential roles in the establishment of photoautotrophy. TROL2 contains a 45-amino-acid domain, termed the chlorotic lethal seedling (CLS) domain, that is both necessary and sufficient for TROL2 function in PSII assembly and photoautotrophic growth. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that TROL2 may have arisen from ancestral TROL1 via gene duplication before the emergence of seed plants and acquired the CLS domain via evolution of the sequence encoding its N-terminal portion. We further reveal that TROL2 (or CLS) forms an assembly cofactor complex with the intrinsic thylakoid membrane protein LOW PSII ACCUMULATION2 and interacts with small PSII subunits to facilitate PSII complex assembly. Collectively, our study not only shows that TROL2 (CLS) is essential for photoautotrophy in angiosperms but also reveals its mechanistic role in PSII complex assembly, shedding light on the molecular and evolutionary mechanisms of photosynthetic complex assemblyin angiosperms.

Heterogeneity of psychological and behavioral adaptation characteristics of pediatric recipients after liver transplantation based on latent profile analysis / 器官移植

Objective To explore heterogeneous subtypes of psychological and behavioral adaptation characteristics of pediatric recipients after liver transplantation and the characteristics differences of different types of children after liver transplantation. Methods Seven hundred and forty-one children who underwent living-related liver transplantation were enrolled. The self-designed general information questionnaire, Chinese version of 5-Item World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5) and the parent-report version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) were filled out by their guardians. The scores of five dimensions of SDQ were used as the manifest variables of the model. The classification model of psychological and behavioral adaptation characteristics of pediatric recipients after liver transplantation was constructed by latent profile analysis. The latent categories of psychological and behavioral adaptation characteristics of pediatric recipients after liver transplantation were analyzed. The influencing factors of latent categories were analyzed by univariate analysis and logistic regression model. Results There were three latent categories of psychological and behavioral adaptation characteristics of pediatric recipients after liver transplantation, including peer communication problem group (n=302), psychological and behavioral adaptation group (n=145) and psychological and behavioral adjustment difficulty group (n=294). The first two groups were merged into the psychological and behavioral health group (n=447), which had significant differences in the five dimensions and the total score of difficulties of SDQ compared with the psychological and behavioral adjustment difficulty group (n=294) (all P<0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that age≤5 years old, primary disease of non-cholestatic liver disease, stem family were the risk factors for psychological and behavioral adjustment difficulties in pediatric recipients after liver transplantation. Female gender, high education levels of parents and high WHO-5 score of guardians were the protective factors for psychological and behavioral adjustment difficulties in pediatric recipients after liver transplantation (all P<0.05). Conclusions The psychological and behavioral adaptation characteristics of pediatric recipients after liver transplantation are heterogeneous. Medical staff should pay extensive attention to different characteristics of pediatric recipients after liver transplantation with different psychological and behavioral adaptation categories and adopt targeted screening and intervention strategies, aiming to improve psychological and behavioral adaptation outcomes of pediatric recipients after liver transplantation.

The Effect of SP1 on the Progression of T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the transcriptional regulation of SP1 on the scaffold protein ARRB1 and its influence on the progression of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL).@*METHODS@#pGL3-ARRB1-luc, pCDNA3.1-SP1 and other transcription factor plasmids that might be combined were constructed, and the binding of transcription factors to the promoter of ARRB1 was identified by dual luciferase reporter gene assay. Stable cell lines with over-expressed SP1 (JK-SP1) was constructed by lentiviral transfection, and the expression correlation of SP1 with ARRB1 was demonstrated by RT-PCR and Western blot. Further, the apoptosis, cell cycle and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected by flow cytometry. The effect of SP1 on propagation of leukemic cells was observed on NCG leukemic mice.@*RESULTS@#The expression of fluorescein were enhanced by co-transfection with pCDNA3.1-SP1 and pGL3-ARRB1-luc plasmids in HEK293T cell line (P<0.001), meanwhile, compared with the control group, the expression of ARRB1 mRNA and protein were increased in JK-SP1 cells (both P<0.01). Further in vitro experiments showed that, compared with the control group, the apoptosis rate was higher (x=22.78%) , the cell cycle was mostly blocked in G1 phase (63.00%), and the content of reactive oxygen species increased in JK-SP1 cells. And in vivo experiments showed that the mice injected with JK-SP1 cells through tail vein had a favorable overall survival time (average 33.8 days), less infiltration in liver and spleen tissue.@*CONCLUSION@#Transcription factor SP1 promotes the transcription and expression of ARRB1 by binding the the promoter of ARRB1 directly, thus delays the progress of T-ALL in vitro and in vivo. The study improves the pathogenesis of ARRB1 regulating the initiation and development of T-ALL, and provides theoretical basis for the development of new possible targeted drugs.

Study on feasibility of the partial meniscal allograft transplantation.

Since the meniscus is an important stabilizing structure of the knee joint and has a significant role in load-bearing and shock absorption, so the complete structural and functional reconstructions of the teared menisci should be done not only after partial meniscectomy but also post total meniscectomy. So far, animal experiments and good clinical practice have showed that TMAT after total meniscectomy has partially solved the problem of structural and functional reconstructions after total meniscectomy. However, partial meniscectomy will also lead to accelerated knee degeneration, and its proportion is much higher than that of patients with total meniscectomy. Herein, the feasibility of PMAT after partial meniscectomy was investigated for the first time by using the 40% posterior horn meniscectomy model of the medial meniscus in Beagle dogs, and also for the first time, TMAT group and the total meniscectomy group were used as control groups. Compared with the TMAT, the transcriptomics evaluation, scanning electron microscope observation, histological regeneration and structure, biomechanical property, inflammation environment, and the knee function post PMAT were more similar to that of normal meniscus was first reported. This study provides a PMAT scheme with clinical translational value for the complete structural and functional reconstruction of the patients with partial meniscectomy and fills the gap in the field of teared meniscus therapy on the basis of quite well clinical applications of the meniscus repair and the TMAT.

Quantitative Determination of Quercitrin Levels in Rat Plasma Using UHPLC-MS/MS and its Application in a Pharmacokinetic Study after the Oral Administration of Polygoni cuspidati Folium Capsules.

BACKGROUND: Quercitrin is widely found in herbal medicines, and it is particularly important in the design of new therapeutic agents. Because of its wide range of biological activities, methods for detecting quercitrin and its pharmacokinetics in biological samples must be investigated. OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate a sensitive and reliable ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method for the quantitative determination of quercitrin levels in rat plasma, and test its application in a pharmacokinetic investigation after the oral administration of Polygoni cuspidati folium capsules (HC). METHODS: First, a rapid analytical method implementing UHPLC-MS/MS for the quantification of quercitrin levels in rat plasma was developed and validated. The analyte and internal standard (IS) tinidazole were extracted from rat plasma via protein precipitation with 800 µL of methanol and 50 µL of 1% formic acid solution. Chromatographic separation was performed using an Agilent ZORBAX C18 column within 4 min. Mass spectrometry was performed for quantification using a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer employing electrospray ionization in the negative ion mode. The MRM transitions for quercitrin and IS were m/z 447.2→229.9 and m/z 246.0→125.8, respectively. The UHPLC-MS/MS method for the quantitative determination of quercitrin levels in rat plasma was then applied to investigate its pharmacokinetics after the oral administration of HC in rats. RESULTS: The developed UHPLC-MS/MS method for detecting quercitrin in rat plasma was linear over the range of 0.1-160 ng/mL. The linear regression equation was Y = (0.7373 ± 0.0023)X - (0.0087 ± 0.0021) (r2 = 0.9978). The intra- and interday precision values were within 7.8%, and the recoveries of quercitrin and IS exceeding 67.3%. The UHPLC-MS/MS method was successfully applied to characterize the pharmacokinetic profile of quercitrin in eight rats after the oral administration of HC. The experimentally obtained values were fit to a one-compartment, first-order pharmacokinetic model, and they appeared to fit the concentration-time curve. CONCLUSION: Quercitrin was proven to be stable during sample storage, preparation, and the analytical procedures. The pharmacokinetic parameters suggested that quercitrin may be present in the peripheral tissues of rats.

A co-word cluster analysis on hot-spots of foreign nursing research on liver transplantation / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To analyze the research hotspots of foreign liver transplantation nursing, and explore the current research trends in this field.Methods:The subject words of liver transplantation nursing literature included in Web of Science were used as the research object, the retrieval time was from the establishment of the database to November 24, 2021, and Bicomb software was used for word frequency analysis, and SPSS software was used carry out systematic clustering analysis on high-frequency keywords.Results:Two hundred and ninety-four articles were finally included and published in 169 journals. Thirty high-frequency subject words were extracted, accounting for 47.60% of the total frequency. Through co-word cluster analysis, it is found that research hotspots include 7 categories: pediatric liver transplantation and family, quality of life and transitional care, postoperative complications and psychology, organ donation and ethics, treatment compliance, intensive care and psychiatry, nutrition and symptoms management.Conclusions:It is suggested that the future nursing research of liver transplantation in China should focus on pediatric living donor liver transplantation and family management, symptom management of liver transplantation recipients, nutrition management of pediatric liver transplantation recipients, psychiatric complications after transplantation in ICU, nursing ethics of liver transplantation, etc. So as to improve the nursing development level of liver transplantation in China.

Establishment of an animal model of Sparganum mansoni infection and study on therapeutic methods II Establishment of a mouse model of sparganosis mansoni via oral administration of procercoids / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To establish an animal model of sparganosis mansoni through oral administration of Cyclops infected with procercoids. Methods Domestic cats were infected with Sparganum mansoni under laboratory conditions, and fresh cat stool samples were collected, washed in dechlorinated water, and filtered. Spirometra mansoni eggs were collected and prepared into suspensions. Twenty C57BL/6j mice were randomly divided into the experimental group (n = 15) and the control group (n = 5). Wild Cyclops were infected with Spirometra mansoni coracidia to allow 3 to 5 procercoids in each Cyclop. Then, each mouse in the experimental group was given 15 Cyclops infected with procercoids by gavage, while mice in the control group were orally administered with the same volume of dechlorinated water. All mice were sacrificed after 5 months, and dissected, and suspicious Sparganum mansoni worms were collected. The serum specific IgG antibody against Sparganum mansoni was measured in mice using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Genomic DNA was isolated from suspicious Sparganum mansoni worms, and the specific Sparganum mansoni cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene was amplified using PCR assay. Results Among the 15 mice in the experimental group, six were positive for the serum specific IgG antibody against Sparganum mansoni, and milky white worms were found and collected from the subcutaneous regions of 4 out of 6 mice. Only one worm was detected in each mouse, and the worm morphology was similar to Sparganum mansoni. Capillary electrophoresis of the PCR amplification products of COI gene presented a specific band with 151 bp in size, and sequencing analysis revealed 100% homology with Sparganum mansoni. Conclusions A mouse model of sparganosis mansoni is successfully created through oral administration of Cyclops infected with Spirometra mansoni procercoids.

Analysis of the status quo of self-perception and its influencing factors in Changsha elderly / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To investigate the self-perceived aging status of the elderly in Changsha and analyze its influencing factors.Methods:From July to August in 2020, the convenient sampling method was used to select 402 elderly people in Changsha as the research object, the general data questionnaire, the elderly self-perceived aging questionnaire, the family care questionnaire and the positive psychological capital questionnaire were used to investigate them. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of self-perceived aging after logarithmic transformation.Results:The total score of self-perceived aging of the elderly was 109.00(102.00, 112.00), the total score of family care was 5.00(3.00, 8.00) and the total score of psychological capital was 80.00(66.00, 87.25). Regression analysis showed that the gender, educational level, age, the forms of health care, quarrels in family relationships, children visit frequency and the degree of family care were the important factors affecting the self-perceived aging of the elderly( P<0.05). Conclusions:The self-perceived aging level of the elderly is at a medium level, it is suggested that relevant departments take comprehensive measures to create positive self-aging environment.

A Network Pharmacology Approach for Exploring the Mechanisms of Panax notoginseng Saponins in Ischaemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) have been deemed effective herb compounds for treating ischaemic stroke (IS) and improving the quality of life of IS patients. This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of PNS in the treatment of IS based on network pharmacology. METHODS: PNS were identified from the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology (TCMSP) database, and their possible targets were predicted using the PharmMapper database. IS-related targets were identified from the GeneCards database, OMIM database, and DisGeNET database. A herb-compound-target-disease network was constructed using Cytoscape, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were established with STRING. GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis were performed using DAVID. The binding of the compounds and key targets was validated by molecular docking studies using AutoDock Vina. The neuroprotective effect of TFCJ was substantiated in terms of oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and malondialdehyde) and the levels of IGF1/PI3K/Akt pathway proteins. RESULTS: A total of 375 PNS targets and 5111 IS-related targets were identified. Among these targets, 241 were common to PNS, and IS network analysis showed that MAPK1, AKT1, PIK3R1, SRC, MAPK8, EGFR, IGF1, HRAS, RHOA, and HSP90AA1 are key targets of PNS against IS. Furthermore, GO and KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that PNS probably exert therapeutic effects against IS by regulating many pathways, such as the Ras, oestrogen, FoxO, prolactin, Rap1, PI3K-Akt, insulin, PPAR, and thyroid hormone signalling pathways. Molecular docking studies further corroborated the experimental results.The network pharmacology results were further verified by molecular docking and in vivo experiments. CONCLUSIONS: The ameliorative effects of PNS against IS were predicted to be associated with the regulation of the IGF1-PI3K-Akt signalling pathway. Ginsenoside Re and ginsenoside Rb1 may play an important role in the treatment of IS.

Iodide-promoted transformations of imidazopyridines into sulfur-bridged imidazopyridines or 1,2,4-thiadiazoles.

A NaI-promoted sequential double carbon-sulfur bond formation was developed to afford sulfur-bridged imidazopyridines, using Deoxofluor as the sulfur source and requiring only 15 min at room temperature. Using this process, imidazo[1,5-a]pyridines could also be transformed to 1,2,4-thiadiazoles in the presence of ammonium salt with the formation of both carbon-sulfur and nitrogen-sulfur bonds. This mechanistically unique method is distinguished by its wide substrate scope, lack of requirement for transition metals and mild conditions.

Unraveling the Action Mechanism of Buyang Huanwu Tang (BYHWT) for Cerebral Ischemia by Systematic Pharmacological Methodology.

BACKGROUND: Buyang Huanwu Tang (BYHWT) and relevant Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has its unique advantages in the treatment of cerebral ischemia. However, its pharmacological mechanism has not been fully explained. OBJECTIVE: Base on the multi-component, also the entire disease network targets, the present study sets out to identify major bioactive ingredients, key disease targets, and pathways of BYHWT against cerebral ischemia disease by systematic pharmacological methodology. METHODS: Both the bioactive compounds from the BYHWT and the positive drugs against cerebral ischemia were fully investigated. The binding targets of the positive drugs were then obtained. A virtual screening protocol was then used to highlight the compound-target interaction and network was constructed to visualize the compound-target binding effect after docking analysis. Moreover, the targets enrichment analysis for biological processes and pathways were performed to further explore the function of bio-targets protein gene and its role in the signal pathway. RESULTS: A total of 382 active ingredients of the BYHWT and 23 candidate disease targets were identified. Virtual screening results indicated that multiple bioactive compounds targeted multiple proteins. Each compound acts on one or more targets. The mechanisms were linked to 20 signaling pathways, and the key mechanism was related to serotonergic synapse, calcium signaling pathway and camp signaling pathways. CONCLUSION: The present study explored the bioactive ingredients and mechanisms of BYHWT against cerebral ischemia by systematic pharmacological methodology. The novel methodology would provide a reference for the lead discovery of precursors, disease mechanism and material base for TCM.

Application evaluation of Rain Classroom in the clinical training of children's diabetes mellitus ketoacidosis for standardized residency training / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Objective:To explore the application effect of the Rain Classroom on the clinical training of children's diabetes mellitus ketoacidosis (DKA) for the standardized residency training.Methods:A total of 148 residents in the department of pediatric endocrinology in Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University from January 1st, 2016 to December 31st, 2019 were randomly divided into two groups: the control group ( n=74) and the experimental group ( n=74). The experimental group was taught by Rain Classroom, and the control group was taught by traditional teaching method. The theory test and questionnaire survey were accomplished in the two groups to evaluate the teaching effect. SPSS 17.0 was performed for t test. Results:Compared with the control group, the Rain Classroom significantly improved the test scores [(9.6±0.6) points vs. (7.6 ± 1.3) points, P < 0.05]. The students in the experimental group improved the evaluation of teaching effect. In the experimental group, 82.4% residents liked the Rain Classroom. Conclusion:The application of the Rain Classroom in the clinical training of children's DKA for standardized residency training has achieved positive results.

AIDS， syphilis and gonorrhea testing results among 385 men who have sex with men in Dehong Prefecture in 2018 / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo understand the infection of AIDS， syphilis， and gonorrhea in men who have sex with men （MSM）， and the factors influencing the acceptance of gonorrhea testing in Dehong Dai Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture （Dehong Prefecture）， Yunnan Province. MethodsAcross-sectional survey was conducted to describe and analyze the acceptance of AIDS， syphilis， and gonorrhea testing among MSM tracked in Dehong Prefecture in 2018. ResultsA total of 385 MSM were included in the analysis， with a 100.0% HIV and syphilis testing rate. The HIV antibody positivity rate was 10.6% （41/385） and the positivity rate of syphilis antibody was 14.8%（57/385）. Only 30.4% of the subjects were willing to test for gonorrhea， and 13.7%（16/117）of them were test positive. Further multifactorial analysis revealed that local MSM and syphilis co-infected individuals were more likely to be tested for gonorrhea （aOR=2.48， 95%CI=1.33-4.65， P=0.004； aOR=2.59， 95%CI=1.43-4.71， P=0.002）. ConclusionThe positive rates of AIDS， syphilis and gonorrhea in MSM population in Dehong Prefecture are relatively high. Integrated interventions of STD/AIDS and gonorrhoea detection should be strengthened.

AIDS， syphilis and gonorrhea testing results among 385 men who have sex with men in Dehong Prefecture in 2018 / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo understand the infection of AIDS， syphilis， and gonorrhea in men who have sex with men （MSM）， and the factors influencing the acceptance of gonorrhea testing in Dehong Dai Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture （Dehong Prefecture）， Yunnan Province. MethodsAcross-sectional survey was conducted to describe and analyze the acceptance of AIDS， syphilis， and gonorrhea testing among MSM tracked in Dehong Prefecture in 2018. ResultsA total of 385 MSM were included in the analysis， with a 100.0% HIV and syphilis testing rate. The HIV antibody positivity rate was 10.6% （41/385） and the positivity rate of syphilis antibody was 14.8%（57/385）. Only 30.4% of the subjects were willing to test for gonorrhea， and 13.7%（16/117）of them were test positive. Further multifactorial analysis revealed that local MSM and syphilis co-infected individuals were more likely to be tested for gonorrhea （aOR=2.48， 95%CI=1.33-4.65， P=0.004； aOR=2.59， 95%CI=1.43-4.71， P=0.002）. ConclusionThe positive rates of AIDS， syphilis and gonorrhea in MSM population in Dehong Prefecture are relatively high. Integrated interventions of STD/AIDS and gonorrhoea detection should be strengthened.

Prevalence of Spirometra mansoni infections in hosts in Jiangsu Province / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To investigate the prevalence of Spirometra mansoni infections in hosts in Jiangsu Province, so as to provide the scientific basis for the management of sparganosis mansoni. Methods From 2018 to 2019, nine counties (cities, districts) were randomly selected from Jiangsu Province as the survey sites, and 100 healthy individuals were randomly selected to perform the serological test of S. mansoni infections and the detection of S. mansoni eggs. The procercoids were detected in the intermediate host Cyclops, and the S. mansoni eggs were identified in the stool samples of the definitive hosts cats and dogs. Results The prevalence of S. mansoni human infections was 0 (0/900) in the 9 survey sites of Jiangsu Province, and the sero-prevalence of the specific IgG antibody against S. mansoni was 1.22% (11/900). The positive rate of procercoids was 0.33% (3/900) in Cyclops. In addition, the S. mansoni egg-positive rate was 1.48% (2/135) in cats and dogs. Conclusions Sparganosis mansoni is prevalent in Jiangsu Province. Health education pertaining to the damages of sparganosis mansoni and the route of S. mansoni infections should be improved.

Catechins from oolong tea improve uterine defects by inhibiting STAT3 signaling in polycystic ovary syndrome mice.

BACKGROUND: It is showed that inflammation is causative factor for PCOS, leading to a decline in ovarian fertility. Previous studies have reported that tea consumption can reduce the incidence of ovarian cancer. We speculate that catechins from oolong tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) may have a potential therapeutic effect on PCOS. This study aims to investigate the effects of oolong tea catechins on the uterus of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) mice induced by insulin combined with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). METHODS: Sixty female mice were divided into 6 groups (n = 10): model, model + Metformin 200 mg/kg, model + catechins 25 mg/kg, model + catechins 50 mg/kg, and model + catechins 100 mg/kg. Another forty female mice were divided into 4 groups (n = 10): control, control + catechins 100 mg/kg, model, and model + catechins 100 mg/kg. Ovarian and uterine weight coefficients, sex hormone levels, glucose metabolism and insulin resistance, and ovarian and uterine pathology were examined. Changes in NF-κB-mediated inflammation, MMP2 and MMP9 expressions, and STAT3 signaling were evaluated in the uterus of mice. RESULTS: Catechins could effectively reduce the ovarian and uterine organ coefficients, reduce the levels of E2, FSH and LH in the blood and the ratio of LH/FSH, and improve glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in PCOS mice induced by insulin combined with hCG. In addition, catechins could significantly down-regulated the expression of p-NF-κB p65 in the uterus and the protein expressions of the pro-inflammatory factors (IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α). The expressions of mmp2 and mmp9 associated with matrix degradation in uterine tissue were also significantly down-regulated by catechins. Further, catechins significantly reduced the expression of p-STAT3 and increased the expression of p-IRS1 and p-PI3K in the uterus of PCOS mice. CONCLUSION: Catechins from oolong tea can alleviate ovarian dysfunction and insulin resistance in PCOS mice by inhibiting uterine inflammation and matrix degradation via inhibiting p-STAT3 signaling.

The Use of Peripheral Blood-Derived Stem Cells for Cartilage Repair and Regeneration In Vivo: A Review.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral blood (PB) is a potential source of chondrogenic progenitor cells that can be used for cartilage repair and regeneration. However, the cell types, isolation and implantation methods, seeding dosage, ultimate therapeutic effect, and in vivo safety remain unclear. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and the Web of Science databases were systematically searched for relevant reports published from January 1990 to December 2019. Original articles that used PB as a source of stem cells to repair cartilage in vivo were selected for analysis. RESULTS: A total of 18 studies were included. Eight human studies used autologous nonculture-expanded PB-derived stem cells (PBSCs) as seed cells with the blood cell separation isolation method, and 10 animal studies used autologous, allogenic or xenogeneic culture-expanded PB-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PB-MSCs), or nonculture-expanded PBSCs as seed cells. Four human and three animal studies surgically implanted cells, while the remaining studies implanted cells by single or repeated intra-articular injections. 121 of 130 patients (in 8 human clinical studies), and 230 of 278 animals (in 6 veterinary clinical studies) using PBSCs for cartilage repair achieved significant clinical improvement. All reviewed articles indicated that using PB as a source of seed cells enhances cartilage repair in vivo without serious adverse events. CONCLUSION: Autologous nonculture-expanded PBSCs are currently the most commonly used cells among all stem cell types derived from PB. Allogeneic, autologous, and xenogeneic PB-MSCs are more widely used in animal studies and are potential seed cell types for future applications. Improving the mobilization and purification technology, and shortening the culture cycle of culture-expanded PB-MSCs will obviously promote the researchers' interest. The use of PBSCs for cartilage repair and regeneration in vivo are safe. PBSCs considerably warrant further investigations due to their superiority and safety in clinical settings and positive effects despite limited evidence in humans.

Evaluation of Nucleocapsid and Spike Protein-based ELISAs for detecting antibodies against SARS-CoV-2

BackgroundAt present, PCR-based nucleic acid detection cannot meet the demands for coronavirus infectious disease (COVID-19) diagnosis. Methods214 confirmed COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized in the General Hospital of Central Theater Command of the Peoples Liberation Army between January 18 and February 26, 2020, were recruited. Two Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kits based on recombinant SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (rN) and spike protein (rS) were used for detecting IgM and IgG antibodies, and their diagnostic feasibility was evaluated. ResultsAmong the 214 patients, 146 (68.2%) and 150 (70.1%) were successfully diagnosed with the rN-based IgM and IgG ELISAs, respectively; 165 (77.1%) and 159 (74.3%) were successfully diagnosed with the rS-based IgM and IgG ELISAs, respectively. The positive rates of the rN-based and rS-based ELISAs for antibody (IgM and/or IgG) detection were 80.4% and 82.2%, respectively. The sensitivity of the rS-based ELISA for IgM detection was significantly higher than that of the rN-based ELISA. We observed an increase in the positive rate for IgM and IgG with an increasing number of days post-disease onset (d.p.o.), but the positive rate of IgM dropped after 35 d.p.o. The positive rate of rN-based and rS-based IgM and IgG ELISAs was less than 60% during the early stage of the illness 0-10 d.p.o., and that of IgM and IgG was obviously increased after 10 d.p.o. ConclusionsELISA has a high sensitivity, especially for the detection of serum samples from patients after 10 d.p.o, it can be an important supplementary method for COVID-19 diagnosis.