Bioactivities and Action Mechanisms of Ellipticine Derivatives Reported Prior to 2023.

Currently, natural products are one of the priceless options for finding novel chemical pharmaceutical entities. Ellipticine is a naturally occurring alkaloid isolated from the leaves of Ochrosia elliptica Labill. Ellipticine and its derivatives are characterized by multiple biological activities. The purpose of this review was to provide a critical and systematic assessment of ellipticine and its derivatives as bioactive molecules over the last 60 years. Publications focused mainly on the total synthesis of alkaloids of this type without any evaluation of bioactivity have been excluded. We have reviewed papers dealing with the synthesis, bioactivity evaluation and mechanism of action of ellipticine and its derivatives. It was found that ellipticine and its derivatives showed cytotoxicity, antimicrobial ability, and anti-inflammatory activity, among which cytotoxicity toward cancer cell lines was the most investigated aspect. The inhibition of DNA topoisomerase II was the most relevant mechanism for cytotoxicity. The PI3K/AKT pathway, p53 pathway, and MAPK pathway were also closely related to the antiproliferative ability of these compounds. In addition, the structure-activity relationship was deduced, and future prospects were outlined. We are confident that these findings will lay a scientific foundation for ellipticine-based drug development, especially for anticancer agents.

Bioactivity and mechanism of action of sanguinarine and its derivatives in the past 10 years.

Sanguinarine is a quaternary ammonium benzophenanthine alkaloid found in traditional herbs such as Chelidonium, Corydalis, Sanguinarum, and Borovula. It has been proven to possess broad-spectrum biological activities, such as antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antiosteoporosis, neuroprotective, and antipathogenic microorganism activities. In this paper, recent progress on the biological activity and mechanism of action of sanguinarine and its derivatives over the past ten years is reviewed. The results showed that the biological activities of hematarginine and its derivatives are related mainly to the JAK/STAT, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, NF-κB, TGF-ß, MAPK and Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathways. The limitations of using sanguinarine in clinical application are also discussed, and the research prospects of this subject are outlined. In general, sanguinarine, a natural medicine, has many pharmacological effects, but its toxicity and safety in clinical application still need to be further studied. This review provides useful information for the development of sanguinarine-based bioactive agents.

Different contents of B2O3 affect mechanical properties and bioactivity of bioactive glass scaffolds / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Bioactive glass bone repair material has bone-bonding ability,bone induction ability and bone conduction characteristics.However,the performance of bioactive glass does not meet the requirements of clinical application,and the addition of boron is expected to improve the performance of bioactive glass. OBJECTIVE:To study the effect of different contents of B2O3 replacing SiO2 on the mechanical properties and bioactivity of bioactive glass. METHODS:Based on bioactive glass containing phosphorus nitrogen and oxygen(composition:SiO2-CaO-ZnO-Na2O-Si3N4-P2O5),B2O3 was used to partially replace the SiO2.The basic glass containing B2O3 with a mass fraction of 0%(group A),5%(group B),10%(group C),and 15%(group D)was fired using the high-temperature melting method(the total mass fraction of SiO2 and B2O3 in the basic broken glass was 41%).Porous bioactive glass scaffolds were fabricated by the organic foam impregnation method.Uniaxial compression and three-point bending method of universal mechanical testing machine were used to test mechanical properties.Four groups of scaffolds were immersed in simulated body fluids to detect the degradation performance of scaffolds.Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the morphological changes of scaffolds before and after soaking.X-ray diffraction was used to analyze the phase composition of scaffolds before and after soaking. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)With the increase of the mass fraction of B2O3,the compressive strength and bending strength of the porous bioactive glass scaffold increased,and there was a significant difference between the compressive strength and bending strength of the four groups(P≤0.05).(2)After soaking in simulated body fluids,the porous bioactive glass scaffolds degraded gradually with the extension of time.At the same soaking time point,the degradation rate of the scaffolds was accelerated with the increase of the mass fraction of B2O3,and the compressive strength and bending strength of the scaffolds in the four groups were significantly different(P≤0.05).(3)Scanning electron microscopy after soaking in simulated body fluids showed that a large number of granular materials were deposited on the surface of group A and group B after soaking for 1 day.After 3 days,the granular materials on the surface fused with each other to form film-like deposits.After 7 days,the films on the surface fused with each other to form pieces,basically covering the entire surface of the specimen.After soaking for 1 day,film-like material deposition was formed on the surface of group C,and after 3 days,the films on the surface were fused into pieces,basically covering the whole surface of the specimen.After soaking for 1 day in group D,flake material covering the whole surface of the specimen could be seen.(4)X-ray diffraction analysis after 1 day of immersion in simulated body fluids showed that the deposits on the surface of the four groups of scaffolds were crystallized hydroxyapatite.(5)B2O3 replacement of SiO2 can enhance the mechanical properties,degradation properties and in vitro mineralization activity of porous bioactive glass scaffolds.

Effects of the various herbs and different proportions of the herbs in Huidu Yinhua powder on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus / 中国比较医学杂志

Objective To study the inhibitory effect of Huidu Yinhua powder from the Orthodox Manual of External Medicine on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA),virulence factor α-hemolysin(Hla)activity,and biofilm formation,and to explore the optimal ratios of Huidu Yinhua powder and provide experimental support for its use.Methods The inhibitory effects of Huidu Yinhua powder and the herbs in the formula on USA300 were analyzed by the minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC),minimum bactericidal concentration(MBC),and disk diffusion assay(K-B method).Hemolysis,neutralization,oligomerization,and Western blot assays were used to verify in which form the drug inhibits the activity of virulence factor α-hemolysin(Hla).A biofilm assay was performed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of Huidu Yinhua powder on biofilm.Orthogonal experiments were performed to explore the optimal ratio of Huidu Yinhua powder.Results Huidu Yinhua powder inhibited the MRSA strain with a MIC90 of 64 mg/mL and an MBC of 256 mg/mL with antibacterial circle diameter of(7.50±0.50)mm.Huidu Yinhua powder inhibited Hla activity by inhibiting Hla secretion.The minimum effective concentration(MEC)was 16 mg/mL,and the MEC of biofilm was 8 mg/mL.In Huidu Yinhua powder,honeysuckle and astragalus only affected the hemolytic activity of MRSA and biofilm formation without inhibiting bacterial growth.The hemolytic activity and biofilm of MEC were both 32 mg/mL.Glycyrrhiza had a strong bacterial inhibitory capacity with a MIC90 of 8 mg/mL and biofilm MEC of 1 mg/mL without showing inhibitory hemolytic activity at subinhibitory concentrations.The orthogonal experiment showed that,at a ratio of honeysuckle,astragalus,and glycyrrhiza in Huidu Yinhua powder of 1∶2∶4,the MIC90 was 16 mg/mL,MEC of hemolytic activity was 8 mg/mL and that of biofilm was 4 mg/mL,both of which were the lowest among the nine groups.Conclusions Huidu Yinhua powder affects the hemolytic activity and biofilm formation of MRSA at subinhibitory concentrations with the optimal ratio of honeysuckle,astragalus,and glycyrrhiza being 1∶2∶4.

UPLC-QE-MS combined network pharmacological analysis of the mechanism of ulcerative colitis / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

AIM:To explore the anti-ulcerative colitis mechanism of Buzhongyiqi pills based on the network pharmacology and experimental verification. METHODS: UPLC-QE-MS was used for qualitative analysis of Buzhongyiqi pills. Targets of the chemistry constituents and the disease were retrieved from GeneCards. Then the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed and core targets were screened for GO term enrichment and KEGG pathway enrichment. Ulcerative colitis mouse model was established to verify the key targets. RESULTS: A total of 41 constituents migrating of Buzhongyiqi pills were identified. A total of 123 common targets of the constituents and the disease and 24 core targets were screened out.KEGG enrichment and PPI network analysis showed that Buzhongyiqi pills may play a role in the treatment of ulcerative colitis through Akt, PI3K and other pathways. Furthermore, the results of animal experiments showed that Buzhongyiqi pills could significantly improve the depression behaviors of ulcerative colitis, reduce the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in serum, inhibition Akt/PI3K signaling, and reduce the protein expression of PI3K. CONCLUSION: Buzhongyiqi pills may play a role in the treatment of ulcerative colitis by inhibition Akt / PI3K signaling pathway, and inhibiting PI3K and reduce the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the mice.

Bioactivities and Mechanisms of Action of Diphyllin and Its Derivatives: A Comprehensive Systematic Review.

Natural products are treasure houses for modern drug discovery. Diphyllin is a natural arylnaphthalene lignan lactone isolated from the leaf of Astilboides tabularis. Studies have found that it possesses plenty of bioactivity characteristics. In this paper, we reviewed the structure, bioactivity, and mechanism of action of diphyllin and its derivatives. The references were obtained from PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct databases up to August 2023. Papers without a bio-evaluation were excluded. Diphyllin and its derivatives have demonstrated V-ATPase inhibition, anti-tumor, anti-virus, anti-biofilm, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant activities. The most studied activities of diphyllin and its derivatives are V-ATPase inhibition, anti-tumor activities, and anti-virus activities. Furthermore, V-ATPase inhibition activity is the mechanism of many bioactivities, including anti-tumor, anti-virus, and anti-inflammatory activities. We also found that the galactosylated modification of diphyllin is a common phenomenon in plants, and therefore, galactosylated modification is applied by researchers in the laboratory to obtain more excellent diphyllin derivatives. This review will provide useful information for the development of diphyllin-based anti-tumor and anti-virus compounds.

Characteristics of SPECT/CT-derived pulmonary perfusion imaging in chronic pulmonary vascular stenosis with different etiologies / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To explore the characteristics of pulmonary blood flow perfusion imaging of single photo emission computer tomography/computer tomography (SPECT/CT) in chronic pulmonary vascular Stenosis (CPVS) caused by different etiological factors. Methods: This is a retropective study. Present study screened 50 consecutive cases diagnosed with chronic pulmonary vascular stenosis from January 2019 to January 2020 in the department of cardiology of Gansu Provincial Hospital and underwent SPECT/CT pulmonary blood flow perfusion examination. Thirteen patients were excluded because of pulmonary vascular lesions with a disease course of less than 3 months and poor image quality. According to the etiology, patients were divided into fibrosing mediastinitis (FM) group, Takyasu's arteritis (PTA) group, and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension/chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease (CTEPH/CTED) group. The severity of pulmonary blood flow perfusion was evaluated in accordance with the Begic scoring principle in the three groups. The overall Begic score, lung lobe scores among three groups were compared. CT signs of lung SPECT/CT, such as enlargement of hilar lymph node, atelectasis, bronchial stenosis, were also analyzed in three groups. Results: A total of 37 patients with chronic pulmonary vascular stenosis were finally enrolled (18 in the FM group, 5 in the PTA group, and 14 in the CTEPH/CTED group). The total Begic score of pulmonary perfusions was similar among the three groups (F=0.657,P>0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the left upper lobe Begic score among the three groups (H=4.081, P<0.05). The left upper lobe Begic score was higher in the FM group than in the PTA group (3.44±2.50 vs. 1.60±0.55, P<0.05). As compared to other two groups, patients in FM group were featured with CT signs of higher percent of hilar enlargement (FM group vs. PTA group: 16/18 vs. 1/5, P=0.008; FM group vs. CTEPH/CTED group: 16/18 vs. 3/14, P=0.000 2), enlargement of the pulmonary hilum lymph nodes (FM group vs. PTA group: 14/18 vs. 1/5, P=0.033; FM group vs. CTEPH/CTED group: 14/18 vs. 2/14, P=0.001), and calcification of mediastinal soft tissue (FM group vs. PTA group: 11/18 to 0/5, P=0.037; FM group vs. CTEPH/CTED group: 11/18 vs. 1/14, P=0.003). The proportion of CT signs of bronchial stenosis (9/18 vs. 0/14, P=0.002) and atelectasis (9/18 vs. 1/14, P=0.002) was also higher in the FM group than in the CTEPH/CTED group. In case of abnormal pulmonary blood flow perfusion, the diagnostic accuracy of CT signs hilar enlargement, hilar lymph node enlargement, mediastinal soft tissue calcification, bronchial stenosis, and atelectasis for the diagnosis of FM were 81.1%, 83.8%, 78.4%, 75.7%, and 73.0%, respectively. Conclusion: There is no significant difference in the Begic score of SPECT/CT pulmonary blood flow perfusion imagines among the three groups of patients. Impaired pulmonary blood flow perfusion combined with typical CT signs is useful for identifying patients with FM.

Characteristics of SPECT/CT-derived pulmonary perfusion imaging in chronic pulmonary vascular stenosis with different etiologies / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To explore the characteristics of pulmonary blood flow perfusion imaging of single photo emission computer tomography/computer tomography (SPECT/CT) in chronic pulmonary vascular Stenosis (CPVS) caused by different etiological factors. Methods: This is a retropective study. Present study screened 50 consecutive cases diagnosed with chronic pulmonary vascular stenosis from January 2019 to January 2020 in the department of cardiology of Gansu Provincial Hospital and underwent SPECT/CT pulmonary blood flow perfusion examination. Thirteen patients were excluded because of pulmonary vascular lesions with a disease course of less than 3 months and poor image quality. According to the etiology, patients were divided into fibrosing mediastinitis (FM) group, Takyasu's arteritis (PTA) group, and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension/chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease (CTEPH/CTED) group. The severity of pulmonary blood flow perfusion was evaluated in accordance with the Begic scoring principle in the three groups. The overall Begic score, lung lobe scores among three groups were compared. CT signs of lung SPECT/CT, such as enlargement of hilar lymph node, atelectasis, bronchial stenosis, were also analyzed in three groups. Results: A total of 37 patients with chronic pulmonary vascular stenosis were finally enrolled (18 in the FM group, 5 in the PTA group, and 14 in the CTEPH/CTED group). The total Begic score of pulmonary perfusions was similar among the three groups (F=0.657,P>0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the left upper lobe Begic score among the three groups (H=4.081, P<0.05). The left upper lobe Begic score was higher in the FM group than in the PTA group (3.44±2.50 vs. 1.60±0.55, P<0.05). As compared to other two groups, patients in FM group were featured with CT signs of higher percent of hilar enlargement (FM group vs. PTA group: 16/18 vs. 1/5, P=0.008; FM group vs. CTEPH/CTED group: 16/18 vs. 3/14, P=0.000 2), enlargement of the pulmonary hilum lymph nodes (FM group vs. PTA group: 14/18 vs. 1/5, P=0.033; FM group vs. CTEPH/CTED group: 14/18 vs. 2/14, P=0.001), and calcification of mediastinal soft tissue (FM group vs. PTA group: 11/18 to 0/5, P=0.037; FM group vs. CTEPH/CTED group: 11/18 vs. 1/14, P=0.003). The proportion of CT signs of bronchial stenosis (9/18 vs. 0/14, P=0.002) and atelectasis (9/18 vs. 1/14, P=0.002) was also higher in the FM group than in the CTEPH/CTED group. In case of abnormal pulmonary blood flow perfusion, the diagnostic accuracy of CT signs hilar enlargement, hilar lymph node enlargement, mediastinal soft tissue calcification, bronchial stenosis, and atelectasis for the diagnosis of FM were 81.1%, 83.8%, 78.4%, 75.7%, and 73.0%, respectively. Conclusion: There is no significant difference in the Begic score of SPECT/CT pulmonary blood flow perfusion imagines among the three groups of patients. Impaired pulmonary blood flow perfusion combined with typical CT signs is useful for identifying patients with FM.

The timing of pericardial drainage catheter removal and restart of the anticoagulation in patients suffered from perioperative pericardial tamponade during atrial fibrillation catheter ablation and uninterrupted dabigatran: Experiences from 20 cases / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To investigate the timing of pericardial drainage catheter removal and restart of the anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) suffered from perioperative pericardial tamponade during atrial fibrillation catheter ablation and uninterrupted dabigatran. Methods: A total of 20 patients with pericardial tamponade, who underwent AF catheter ablation with uninterrupted dabigatran in Beijing Anzhen Hospital from January 2019 to August 2021, were included in this retrospective analysis. The clinical characteristics of enrolled patients, information of catheter ablation procedures, pericardial tamponade management, perioperative complications, the timing of pericardial drainage catheter removal and restart of anticoagulation were analyzed. Results: All patients underwent pericardiocentesis and pericardial effusion drainage was successful in all patients. The average drainage volume was (427.8±527.4) ml. Seven cases were treated with idarucizumab, of which 1 patient received surgical repair. The average timing of pericardial drainage catheter removal and restart of anticoagulation in 19 patients without surgical repair was (1.4±0.7) and (0.8±0.4) days, respectively. No new bleeding, embolism and death were reported during hospitalization and within 30 days following hospital discharge. Time of removal of pericardial drainage catheter, restart of anticoagulation and hospital stay were similar between patients treated with idarucizumab or not. Conclusion: It is safe and reasonable to remove pericardial drainage catheter and restart anticoagulation as soon as possible during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation with uninterrupted dabigatran independent of the idarucizumab use or not in case of confirmed hemostasis.

Commonalities and differences in myopia prevention and control beliefs among primary school teachers and students in Hangzhou / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To explore the commonalities and differences between primary school students and teachers in beliefs of myopia prevention and control, in order to provide a theoretical basis for the education programs of myopia prevention and control.@*Methods@#Convenient sampling method was used to select 14 students and 16 teachers from grades 3 and 4 in two elementary schools in Hangzhou for one to one in depth interviews, and the results were coded and analyzed by using Nvivo 11.0 software.@*Results@#There were commonalities in the perceived severity, benefits and barriers of myopia prevention and control beliefs among students and teachers, and the common keywords had been mentioned for 114 times, the commonalities of perceived severity, benefits and barriers were more obvious among them; there were differences in the specific attributions of perceived susceptibility, severity and barriers among students and teachers，the difference keywords had been mentioned for 63 times, the differences of perceived susceptibility, severity and barriers were more obvious among them.@*Conclusion@#There were commonalities in the perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits and barriers of myopia prevention and control beliefs between students and teachers; there were differences in the aspects of perceived susceptibility, severity and barriers between students and teachers. Adverse health outcomes of myopia and associated prevention knowledge should be enhanced among students. schools should carry out health education activities to improve the ability of teachers and students to prevent and control myopia; the government should implement the "double reduction" policy and improve the safety insurance system for outdoor activities.

Self-resetting Molecular Probes for Nucleic Acids Enabled by Fuel Dissipative Systems

Withdraw disclaimer statementThe authors have withdrawn this manuscript because lots of additional experiments which are not discussed in this version have been performed to further support the conclusion. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as reference for the project. If you have any questions, please contact the corresponding author.

High Expression of GADD45B Induced by Acid and Bile Acid is A Potential Prognostic Marker for Barrett's Esophagus-associated Adenocarcinoma / 胃肠病学

Background: Esophageal mucosal injury induced by gastroesophageal reflux is a key link to the development of Barrett's esophagus-associated adenocarcinoma. However, the molecular mechanism is still not elucidated. Aims: To investigate the role of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) after stimulating esophageal cells with acid and bile acid in the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Methods: The DEGs were obtained through bioinformatics methods after stimulating esophageal cells with low pH and deoxycholic acid, and GO, KEGG enrichment analysis were performed. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was performed to screen the hub genes, and their relationships with prognosis and tumor stage of EAC patients were analyzed. The role of co-expressed genes of GADD45B in EAC was also analyzed. Results: Thirty-one overlapping DEGs were obtained after stimulating esophageal cells with low pH and deoxycholic acid, which mainly enriched in the cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, transcription factors activity, and regulation of cell proliferation and apoptotic process. High expression of GADD45B was correlated with the survival prognosis and tumor stage of EAC patients. GADD45B and its co-expressed genes were involved in the production of tumor necrosis factor. Conclusions: The high expression of GADD45B induced by acid and bile acid is correlated with the prognosis and tumor stage of EAC patients, and is a potential diagnosis and treatment target for Barrett's esophagus-associated adenocarcinoma.

Regulatory effect of CCN3 on proliferation of mouse embryonic fibroblasts and its mechanism / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the role of NOV/CCN3 in regulating the proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and its regulatory mechanism and assess the value of CCN3 as a proliferative factor in bone tissue engineering.@*METHODS@#Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) were used as the MSC model, in which CCN3 expression was up-regulated and downregulated by transfection with the recombinant adenovirus vectors Ad-CCN3 and Ad-siCCN3, respectively. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the changes in cell cycle and apoptosis of the transfected cells. Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of the proliferation indicators (PCNA, cyclin E, and cyclin B1) and the apoptosis indicators (Bax and Bcl-2) to assess the effect of modulation of CCN3 expression on MEF proliferation and apoptosis. CCN3 protein secretion by the cells was detected using ELISA. RT-qPCR and Western blotting were employed to analyze the changes in the expressions of Notch1, ligand DLL1, the downstream key proteins or genes (Hey1, P300, H3K9) and MAPK pathway-related proteins ERK1+2 and p-ERK1+2.@*RESULTS@#Flow cytometry showed that compared with the control cells, MEFs transfected with Ad-CCN3 exhibited significantly increased cell proliferation index (@*CONCLUSIONS@#CCN3 over-expression promotes the proliferation and inhibits apoptosis of MEFs possibly by inhibiting the classical Notch signaling pathway and activating the MAPK pathway

Chinese Medicine Involving Triple Rehabilitation Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis in 696 Outpatients: A Multi-Center, Randomized Controlled Trial / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To determine the effects of Chinese medicine (CM) involving triple rehabilitation therapy on the progression of knee osteoarthritis (KOA).@*METHODS@#A total of 722 patients recruited from 38 community health service centers located in China from March 2013 to March 2017 were randomly divided into treatment and control groups equally, using a cluster randomization design. Health education combined with CM involving triple rehabilitation therapy for KOA (electro-acupuncture, Chinese medicinal herb fumigating-washing, and traditional exercises) was administered in the treatment group while conventional rehabilitation therapy (physical factor therapy, joint movement training, and muscle strength training) was administered in the control group. Patients with a visual analog scale (VAS) scores ≽4 were treated with dispersible meloxicam tablets (7.5 mg, once daily). The Lequesne index scores, VAS scores, range of motion (ROM), lower limb muscle strength, knee joint circumference, quantitative scores of KOA symptoms, and the short-form 36 item health survey questionnaire (SF-36) scores were measured for each patient at 5 checkpoints (before treatment, at the 2nd week and the 4th week during the 4-week treatment period, at 1 month and 3 months after end of treatment), and adverse reactions were observed also.@*RESULTS@#A total of 696 patients completed the entire process, with 351 in the treatment group and 345 in the control group. At all treatment checkpoints, the treatment group demonstrated better outcomes than the control group with regard to the total Lequesne index scores, effective rate and improvement rate of the total Lequesne index scores, VAS scores, lower limb muscle strength, knee circumference, quantitative scores of KOA symptoms, and SF-36 scores as well (P<0.05 or P<0.01). No adverse reactions were encountered in this study.@*CONCLUSIONS@#CM involving triple rehabilitation therapy can alleviate KOA-related pain and swelling, improve lower limb muscle strength, promote flexion and activity of the knee and improve the quality of life in patients undergoing KOA. It is suitable for patients with early or mid-stage KOA. (Registration No. ChiCTR-TRC-12002538).

Efficacy and safety of catheter ablation in patients with new-onset atrial arrhythmia after surgical excision of left atrial myxoma / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of catheter ablation in patients with new-onset atrial arrhythmia after surgical excision of left atrial myxoma. Methods: Nine patients with new onset atrial arrhythmia and a prior history of left atrial myxoma, who received surgical myxoma excision and catheter ablation between September 2014 and November 2019, were included in the present study. Baseline characteristics, procedural parameters during catheter ablation, severe perioperative adverse events, recurrence rate of arrhythmia and clinical prognosis were analyzed. Kaplan Meier survival analysis was used to define the maintenance rate of sinus rhythm after catheter ablation in this patient cohort. Results: Nine patients were included. The average age was (55.8 ± 9.1) years old (3 male), there were 3 patients (3/9) with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) and 6 patients (6/9) with atrial flutter or atrial tachycardia (AFL or AT). Ablation was successful in all patients, there were no perioperative complications such as stroke, pericardial effusion, cardiac tamponade, vascular complications or massive hemorrhage. During a mean follow-up time of 40.0 (27.5, 55.5) months, sinus rhythm was maintained in six patients (6/9) after the initial catheter ablation. The overall sinus rhythm maintenance rate was 2/3. In addition, 1 out of the 3 AF patients (1/3) developed recurrence of AF at 3 month after ablation, and 2 out of the 6 AFL or AT patients (2/6) developed late recurrence of AF or AFL (19 months and 29 months after ablation), two out of three patients with recurrent AFs or AFL received repeated catheter ablation and one patient remained sinus rhythm post repeat ablation. Meanwhile, there was no recurrence of atrial myxoma, no death, stroke, acute myocardial infarction and other events during the entire follow-up period. Conclusions: Catheter ablation is a safe and feasible therapeutic option for patients with new-onset atrial arrhythmia after surgical excision of left atrial myxoma.

Epidemiological Trends of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in China

BackgroundThe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic broke out in Wuhan, China, and it spread rapidly. Since January 23, 2020, China has launched a series of unusual and strict measures, including the lockdown of Wuhan city to contain this highly contagious disease. We collected the epidemiological data to analyze the trend of this epidemic in China. MethodsWe closely tracked the Chinese and global official websites to collect the epidemiological information about COVID-19. The number of total and daily new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in China was presented to illustrate the trend of this epidemic. ResultsOn January 23, 2020, 835 confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported in China. On February 6, 2020, there were 31211 cases. By February 20, 2020, the number reached as high as 75,993. Most cases were distributed in and around Wuhan, Hubei province. Since January 23, 2020, the number of daily new cases in China except Hubei province reached a peak of 890 on the eleventh day and then it declined to a low level of 34 within two full-length incubation periods (28 days), and the number of daily new cases in Hubei also started to decrease on the twelfth day, from 3156 on February 4, 2020 to 955 on February 15, 2020. ConclusionThe COVID-19 epidemic has been primarily contained in China. The battle against this epidemic in China has provided valuable experiences for the rest of the world. Strict measures need to be taken as earlier as possible to prevent its spread.

Effects of dexamethasone on neutrophil airway inflammation and HMGB1 expression in asthmatic mice / 解放军医学杂志

Objective: To investigate the effect of dexamethasone intervention on neutrophil airway inflammation and high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) expression in asthmatic mice. Methods: Forty healthy SPF grade female Balb/c mice were randomly divided into four groups (n=10): Control group, Asthma group, 1 mg/kg dexamethasone intervention group and 5 mg/kg dexamethasone intervention group. The asthmatic mice model was induced by egg-free ovalbumin. The airway hyper-responsiveness was measured by the invasive pulmonary function instrument; the number and classification of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were detected; lung pathological changes were observed by HE staining; HMGB1 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Results: Compared with Control group, the airway responsiveness of asthmatic mice was significantly enhanced (P0.05). Conclusions: The expression of HMGB1 in airway epithelium and lung tissue of asthmatic mice with neutrophilic airway inflammation was significantly increased. After dexamethasone intervention, asthmatic mice still showed higher neutrophilic airway inflammation and expression of HMGB1 in lung tissue, suggesting that HMGB1 may be associated with neutrophilic airway inflammation and glucocorticoid resistance in asthma.

Effect of percutaneous coronary intervention on sleep quality of coronary heart disease patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome / 中华全科医师杂志

One hundred and nine consecutive coronary heart disease (CHD) patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) during February 2016 to August 2018 were enrolled in the study. After treatment the quality of sleep was improved in 35 cases (observation group) and was not improved in 74 patients (control group). The basic characteristics, coronary lesions of patients were compared between two groups. Compared with the control group, patients in observation group had significant higher proportion of males [80.0%(28/35) vs. 59.5%(44/74), χ2=4.471, P=0.035], smoking history [85.7% (30/35) vs. 63.5% (47/74), χ2=5.647, P=0.018], lower body mass index [(25.8±3.1) kg/m2 vs. (27.4±3.2) kg/m2, t=2.461, P=0.033]. Compared with control group, the observation group had lower coronary Gensini score[(35.4±5.7) vs. (38.7±6.5), t=2.571, P=0.011], less number of stent[ (1.4±0.4) vs. (1.6±0.4), t=2.427, P=0.016]. And the lesions were mostly distributed in the right coronary artery in observation group (61.9%, 26/35) (χ2=11.759, P=0.003).Conclusion@#The improvement of sleep quality by PCI depends on the clinical features and coronary artery lesions of CHD patients with OSA.

Effect of percutaneous coronary intervention on sleep quality of coronary heart disease patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome / 中华全科医师杂志

One hundred and nine consecutive coronary heart disease (CHD) patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) during February 2016 to August 2018 were enrolled in the study. After treatment the quality of sleep was improved in 35 cases (observation group) and was not improved in 74 patients (control group). The basic characteristics, coronary lesions of patients were compared between two groups. Compared with the control group, patients in observation group had significant higher proportion of males [80.0%(28/35) vs. 59.5%(44/74), χ 2=4.471, P=0.035], smoking history [85.7% (30/35) vs. 63.5% (47/74), χ 2=5.647, P=0.018], lower body mass index [(25.8±3.1) kg/m 2vs. (27.4±3.2) kg/m 2, t=2.461, P=0.033]. Compared with control group, the observation group had lower coronary Gensini score[(35.4±5.7) vs. (38.7±6.5), t=2.571, P=0.011], less number of stent[ (1.4±0.4) vs. (1.6±0.4), t=2.427, P=0.016]. And the lesions were mostly distributed in the right coronary artery in observation group (61.9%, 26/35) (χ 2=11.759, P=0.003). Conclusion:The improvement of sleep quality by PCI depends on the clinical features and coronary artery lesions of CHD patients with OSA.

Effect of Tongfengning on Expression of Renal Urate Transporter in Hyperuricemia Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:Study on the mechanism of Tongfengning in promoting uric acid excretion from the perspective of urate transporter and mRNA in renal of hyperuricemia （HUA） model rats. Method:The 80 sprague-dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups， the blank group with 20 rats and the model group with 60 rats. Rats in model group were established as hyperuricemia （HUA） models by intraperitoneal injection of oxonic acid potassium salt （OAPS） and intragastric administration ethambutol hydrochloride （EMB） once a day for 21 days. After successful modeling， rats in the model group were divided into the model group， Tongfengning group and benzbromarone group， with 20 rats per group. Tongfengning solution （15.3 g·kg-1·d-1） was administered to the Tongfengning group by gavage feeding. Rats in benzbromarone group were administered 5.2 mg·kg-1·d-1 benzbromarone suspension， whereas those in the blank group and the model group were administered the equivalent amount of normal saline for 21 days. On days 14th and 21st following intervention， urine， blood， and kidney were collected from rats， serum uric acid （SUA） and urinary uric acid （UUA） levels， blood urea nitrogenand（BUN） and creatinine（CRE） levels and the expression of urate transporter proteins and their mRNAs of all rats were detected by enzyme-colorimetric method， urease method， sarcosine oxidase method， Western blot and Real-time quantitative PCR（Real-time PCR）， respectively. Result:On days 14th and 21th following intervention， compared with blank group， SUA， CRE and BUN levels， and urate transporter 1（URAT1），glucose transporter 9（GLUT9） expression increased（P<0.05，P<0.01）， whereas UUA level， and adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter protein G2（ABCG2）， organic anion 1（OAT1）， organic anion 3（OAT3） expression decreased in the model group（P<0.05，P<0.01）. Compared with model group， SUA， CRE and BUN levels， and URAT1， GLUT9 expression decreased in Tongfengning group and the benzbromarone group（P<0.05）， whereas UUA level， and ABCG2， OAT1， OAT3 expression increased（P<0.05）. Creatinine and BUN levels decreased in the Tongfengning group（P<0.05，P<0.01）， with the trend much better than the benzbromarone group（P<0.05）. On day 21st， except for the BUN level did not change much compared with day 14th， all the rest indicators got improved obviously. Conclusion:Intraperitoneal injection of OAPS and intragastric administration of EMB can cause HUA models with renal dysfunction. Tongfengning reduced URAT1， GLUT9 mRNA and protein expression， and upregulated ABCG2， OAT1， OAT3 mRNA and protein expression in the rat kidney， which may be one of the mechanisms of promoting uric acid excretion. Tongfengning has a certain protective effect on renal function.