Search

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a prevalent source for stem cell therapy and play a crucial role in modulating both innate and adaptive immune responses. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by the accumulation of triglycerides in liver cells and involves immune system activation, leading to histological changes, tissue damage, and clinical symptoms. A recent publication by Jiang et al , highlighted the potential of MSCs to mitigate in NAFLD progression by targeting various molecular pathways, including glycolipid metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and fibrosis. In this editorial, we comment on their research and discuss the efficacy of MSC therapy in treating NAFLD., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article., (©The Author(s) 2024. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder in premenopausal women, often linked to abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic issues. With its heterogeneous nature, PCOS treatment should be tailored to individual symptoms and patient preferences. This study examines collaboration networks among countries, institutions, authors, references, and journals related to PCOS treatment., Methods: Web of Science data was analyzed using VOSviewer and CiteSpace for bibliometric visualization. Chinese and Western medicine treatments for PCOS were reviewed, emphasizing symptom-targeted solutions., Results: Data from 4682 records authored by 400 individuals from 515 institutes in 62 countries revealed China as the leading contributor. Notable authors include Monash University and Richard S. Legro. Common research themes include adipocytes, inflammation, insulin sensitivity, oxidative stress, and the gut microbiome. Tailoring treatment to individual needs is essential, focusing on hyperandrogenism, ovulation, and insulin resistance, with lifestyle counseling to address obesity., Conclusion: This bibliometric analysis provides valuable insights into the research status of PCOS treatment. China has made significant contributions, and complementary and alternative therapies, such as traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, have also shown beneficial effects recently. The research on inflammation, oxidative stress, and the gut microbiome may provide new targets and strategies for the treatment of PCOS. The recognition of the metabolic problems in PCOS patients facilitates the formulation of more personalized treatment plans to improve the prognosis of patients.

Although telitacicept is a promising drug for treating systemic lupus erythematosus, there are limited studies on its efficacy and safety in patients with lupus nephritis in China. This lack of research data restricts its potential for broader application and acceptance on a global scale. The present study aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of telitacicept in patients with lupus nephritis (LN) in China. Using a self-controlled before-after comparison method, patients with LN were recruited at Lishui Central Hospital between February 2022 and April 2023, who received telitacicept weekly as part of the standard treatment. Data on the systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K), glucocorticoid dosing and the quantity of immunosuppressive medicines prescribed was collected. Additionally, serum complements, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), urinary protein levels, immunoglobulin concentrations, serum creatinine levels, plasma albumin concentrations, platelet counts and renal function parameters were documented throughout the study. A total of 13 patients were enrolled in the trial, comprising 11 women and two men. Following 12-48 weeks of treatment with telitacicept (80 or 160 mg per week), 84.6% (n=11) of all patients experienced symptom relief and their SLEDAI-2K score was reduced by more than four points. By the observation endpoint, the median glucocorticoid dosage of the 13 patients was decreased from 15 to 2.5 mg/d, and six patients discontinued their glucocorticoids. Furthermore, 46.1% of patients (n=6) reduced their dose and number of immunosuppressive medicines, while 15.4% (n=2) stopped their immunosuppressive medicines. Minimal changes were observed in serum creatinine, platelet count, C3 levels and C4 levels among patients. Immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgA and IgM) remained stable or showed an upward trend. Plasma albumin levels remained within the normal range in three patients and increased in ten patients. It increased to the normal range in three of these ten patients. At the endpoint, ESR levels decreased in all patients. Additionally, three patients displayed varying degrees of renal function improvement, and their estimated glomerular filtration rate (ml/min/l.73 m 2 ) increased from 127.8 to 134.2, 95.1 to 123.1 and 61.5 to 67.3, respectively. Urinary protein levels decreased in all patients. It decreased >0.5 g/l in seven patients and reached the normal levels in three patients. The adverse events of telitacicept were manageable. Among the patients infected with COVID-19, three patients had fever, 10 patients remained asymptomatic and none of them exhibited severe respiratory syndromes. In this study, telitacicept effectively stabilized LN activity and alleviated the clinical symptoms of most patients. Furthermore, it reduced the dose of glucocorticoid and immunosuppressive medicines. Therefore, telitacicept may be a promising treatment option for individuals with lupus nephritis., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright: © 2024 Zhu et al.)

Objective: To establish a Plaque-reduction Neutralization Test (PRNT) for the detection of neutralizing antibody titers of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (HRSV) and optimize the conditions for preliminary application. Methods: The CHO expression system was used to produce palivizumab monoclonal antibody (palivizumab) and the influencing factors such as cell type, cell culture duration, fixation and permeabilization protocols, and blocking agents. The reproducibility of the method was verified and its correlation was verified with conventional PRNT. Finally, the optimized PRNT assay was further used to determine neutralizing antibody titers against HRSV subtypes A and B in BALB/c mouse serum (immunized by intramuscular injection of HRSV fusion proteins). Results: Palivizumab was expressed at approximately 50 mg/L. The optimal working conditions for PRNT were as follows: culturing HEp-2 cells for 2 days, fixing with 4% (V/V) paraformaldehyde at room temperature for 15 min followed by 0.2% (V/V) Triton X-100 permeabilization for 15 minutes as the optimal fixation-permeabilization and removing the blocking step. The overall coefficient of variation (CV) for the reproducibility validation of this method was <15%, showing a good linear relationship with the conventional PRNT. The Spearman correlation coefficient r s was 0.983. This method was used to detect neutralizing antibody titers in mouse sera against HRSV subtype A strain long and subtype B strain 9320, and the fusion proteins combined with AlOH and CpG adjuvant induced the highest neutralizing antibody titers in mice. Conclusion: The HRSV neutralizing antibody assay established in this study is rapid, reproducible, high-throughput, and can be used to detect neutralizing antibodies to HRSV subtypes A and B.

Objective: To analyze the fluctuations of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and their relationships with cytokines in the peripheral blood of patients undergoing chemotherapy for ovarian cancer (OC)., Methods: PROs burden was prospectively measured by the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory-Ovarian Cancer (MDASI-OC) at baseline before chemotherapy, on a daily basis during and post-chemotherapy days (PCD) 7, 14, and 20. Cytokines were collected at baseline, days prior to hospital discharge and PCD 20. Pearson correlation was used to explore the associations between PROs and cytokines levels in peripheral blood., Results: The top 8 rated symptoms were compared between the neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) group (n=20) and the postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy (PAC) group (n=7). Before chemotherapy, the mean scores of fatigue and lack of appetite in the NACT group were higher than those in the PAC group. After chemotherapy, pain, nausea, vomiting, disturbed sleep, lack of appetite, and constipation increased to peak during PCD 2-6; while, fatigue and numbness or tingling remained at high levels over PCD 2-13. By PCD 20, disturbed sleep and fatigue showed a significant increase in mean scores, particularly in the NACT group; while, other symptom scores decreased and returned to baseline levels. Additionally, the longitudinal fluctuations in pain, fatigue, and lack of appetite were positively associated with circulating levels of interleukin-6 and interferon gamma (p<0.05)., Conclusion: MDASI-OC was feasible and adaptable for demonstrating the fluctuations of symptom burden throughout chemotherapy course. Moreover, symptoms changing along with cytokines levels could provide clues for exploring mechanism underlying biochemical etiology., Competing Interests: No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported., (© 2025. Asian Society of Gynecologic Oncology, Korean Society of Gynecologic Oncology, and Japan Society of Gynecologic Oncology.)

In recent years, the application of numerical simulation in the research and development(R&D) as well as the pharmaceutical processes of new drugs has expanded considerably. The discrete element method(DEM), an important approach among numerical simulation methods, offers an effective tool for the simulation of discontinuous media. Referring to the research progress of DEM and the formulation of solid traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) preparations in recent years, this paper summarizes and analyzes the application of DEM in the pharmaceutical processes of solid TCM preparations, and discusses the challenges of its application in these processes, in order to provide new methods and ideas for promoting the high-quality production of TCM preparations.

This study investigated the effects and mechanisms of total saponins of Panax japonicus(TSPJ) against liver injury induced by acetaminophen(APAP). Male Kunming mice were randomly divided into a blank control group, TSPJ group(200 mg·kg~(-1), ig), model group, APAP+ TSPJ low-dose group(50 mg·kg~(-1), ig), APAP+ TSPJ medium-dose group(100 mg·kg~(-1), ig), APAP+ TSPJ high-dose group(200 mg·kg~(-1), ig), and APAP+ N-acetyl-L-cysteine group(200 mg·kg~(-1), ip). The administration group received the corresponding medications via ig or ip once a day for 14 consecutive days. After the last administration for one hour, except for the blank control group and TSPJ group, all groups of mice were given 500 mg·kg~(-1) APAP by gavage. After 24 hours, mouse serum and liver tissue were collected for serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST), reactive oxygen species(ROS), tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta(IL-1β), cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2), IL-6, IL-4, IL-10, as well as lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), glutathione(GSH), superoxide dismutase(SOD), catalase(CAT), total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC), malondialdehyde(MDA), and myeloperoxidase(MPO) liver tissue. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the morphological changes of liver tissue. The mRNA expression levels of lymphocyte antigen 6G(Ly6G), galectin 3(Mac-2), TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2, IL-6, IL-4, and IL-10 in liver tissue were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR). Western blot was utilized to detect the protein expression levels of Ly6G, Mac-2, extracellular regulated protein kinases(ERK), phosphorylated extracellular regulated protein kinases(p-ERK), COX-2, inhibitor of nuclear factor κB protein α(IκBα), phosphorylated inhibitor of nuclear factor κB protein α(p-IκBα), and nuclear factor-κB subunit p65(NF-κB p65) in cytosol and nucleus in liver tissue. The results manifested that TSPJ dramatically reduced liver coefficient, serum ALT, AST, ROS, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and COX-2 levels, LDH, MPO, and MDA contents in liver tissue, and mRNA expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in APAP-induced liver injury mice. It prominently elevated serum IL-4 and IL-10 levels, GSH, CAT, SOD, and T-AOC contents, and mRNA expressions of IL-4 and IL-10 in liver tissue, improved the degree of liver pathological damage, and suppressed neutrophil infiltration and macrophage recruitment in liver tissue. In addition, TSPJ lessened the mRNA and protein expressions of neutrophil marker Ly6G, macrophage marker Mac-2, and COX-2 in liver tissue, protein expressions of p-ERK, p-IκBα, and NF-κB p65 in nuclear, and p-ERK/ERK and p-IκBα/p-IκBα ratios and hoisted protein expression of NF-κB p65 in cytosol. These results suggest that TSPJ has a significant protective effect on APAP-induced liver injury in mice, and it can alleviate APAP-induced oxidative damage and inflammatory response. Its mechanism may be related to suppressing ERK/NF-κB/COX-2 signaling pathway activation, thus inhibiting inflammatory cell infiltration, cytokine production, and liver cell damage.

Background: A referenced MRI-based classification associated with focused ultrasound ablation surgery (FUAS) outcomes is lacking in adenomyosis., Purpose: To identify an MRI-based classification system for informing the FUAS outcomes., Study Type: Retrospective., Population: Patients with FUAS for adenomyosis, were divided into a training set (N = 643; 355 with post-FUAS gonadotropin-releasing hormone/levonorgestrel, 288 without post-FUAS therapy) and an external validation set (N = 135; all without post-FUAS therapy)., Field Strength/sequence: 1.5 T, turbo spin-echo T2-weighted imaging and single-shot echo-planar diffusion-weighted imaging sequences., Assessment: Five MRI-based adenomyosis classifications: classification 1 (C1) (diffuse, focal, and mild), C2 (intrinsic, extrinsic, intramural, and indeterminate), C3 (internal, adenomyomas, and external), C4 (six subtypes on areas [internal or external] and volumes [<1/3 or ≥2/3]), and C5 (internal [asymmetric or symmetric], external, intramural, full thickness [asymmetric or symmetric]) for FUAS outcomes (symptom relief and recurrence)., Statistical Tests: The optimal classification was significantly associated with the most subtypes of FUAS outcomes. Relating to the timing of recurrence was measured using Cox regression analysis and median recurrence time was estimated by a Kaplan-Meier curve. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant., Results: Dysmenorrhea relief and recurrence were only associated with C2 in training patients undergoing FUAS alone. Compared with other subtypes, the extrinsic subtype of C2 was significantly associated with dysmenorrhea recurrence in the FUAS group. Besides, the median dysmenorrhea recurrence time of extrinsic subtype was significantly shorter than that of other subtypes (42.0 months vs. 50.3 months). In the validation cohort, C2 was confirmed as the optimal system and its extrinsic subtype was confirmed to have a significantly shorter dysmenorrhea recurrence time than other subtypes., Data Conclusion: Classification 2 can inform dysmenorrhea relief and recurrence in patients with adenomyosis undergoing FAUS only. Itsextrinsic subtype was associated with an earlier onset of dysmenorrhea recurrence after treatment., Evidence Level: 3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 5., (© 2023 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.)

Yang-deficiency constitution (YADC) is linked to a higher vulnerability to various diseases, such as cold coagulation and blood stasis (CCBS) syndrome and infertility. Endometrial hyperplastic processes (EHPs) are a leading cause of infertility in women and are characterized by CCBS. However, it remains unclear whether YADC is related to the development of EHPs., Methods: We recruited 202 EHPs patients including 147 with YADC (YEH group) and 55 with non-YADC (NYEH group). Fecal samples were collected from 8 YEH patients and 3 NYEH patients and analyzed using 16S rRNA V3-V4 sequencing for gut microbiota analysis. We obtained constitution survey data and a differential gut microbiota dataset from the literature for further analysis. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted using gut microbiota-related genes from public databases., Results: YADC was significantly more prevalent in EHPs than non-YADC (P < 0.001), suggesting it as a potential risk factor for EHPs occurrence (OR population survey = 13.471; OR healthy women = 5.173). The YEH group had higher levels of inflammation, estrogen, and tamoxifen-related flora compared to NYEH and healthy YADC groups. There was an interaction between inflammation, estrogen, differential flora, and EHPs-related genes, particularly the TNF gene (related to inflammation) and the EGFR gene (related to estrogen), which may play a crucial role in EHPs development., Conclusion: YEH individuals exhibit significant changes in their gut microbiota compared to NYEH and healthy YADC. The interaction between specific microbiota and host genes is believed to play a critical role in the progression of EHPs., Competing Interests: None., (IJCEP Copyright © 2024.)

To investigate the effect of chelating agents on plant uptake of heavy metals, castor ( Ricinus communis L.) was used as the test plant. Soil culture and pot experiments were conducted to study the effects of different concentrations of ethylenediamine disuccinic acid (EDDS) on the forms of Cu and Cd in soil and their absorption and transport by castor. The results showed that the application of EDDS significantly increased the content of available Cu and Cd. After 15 days of cultivation, the available Cu and Cd concentrations in the soil increased by 43.01%-103.55% and 51.78%-69.43%, respectively. EDDS promoted the conversion of reducible Cu to weak acid extractable and increased the mobility of Cu. Meanwhile, the application of EDDS promoted the absorption, transport, and enrichment of Cu in castor. Under the application of 2.5 mmol·kg -1 EDDS and 5.0 mmol·kg -1 EDDS, the Cu concentrations in the shoots were 4.88 times and 16.65 times higher than that of the control ( P < 0.05), and the Cu concentrations in the roots were 2.89 times and 3.60 times higher than that of the control ( P < 0.05), respectively. The Cu transport coefficient significantly increased by 72.73% and 381.82% when treated with EDDS 2.5 and EDDS 5.0. Simultaneously, the phytoextraction of Cu in shoots, roots, and their sum were 14.08, 2.16, and 4.70 times higher than that of the control ( P <0.05), respectively, when treated with EDDS 5.0. Furthermore, EDDS significantly increased the Cd concentrations in castor. When treated with EDDS 2.5 the shoots and roots increased by 15.15% and 57.42%, respectively, and the phytoextraction of total Cd significantly increased by 13.44%. Generally, the EDDS treatment could increase the available Cu and Cd in soil, promote the uptake of Cu and Cd, and improve the phytoremediation efficiency of castor. Among them, the addition of 5.0 mmol·kg -1 EDDS had the best effect for Cu, whereas the addition of 2.5 mmol kg -1 EDDS had a higher increase in the phytoextraction of Cd.

Objective: To estimate the rate and risk factors of re-intervention for patients with uterine fibroids (UFs) undergoing high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) at different age distributions., Method: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in Nanchong Central Hospital, recruiting a total of 672 patients with UFs undergoing HIFU from June 2017 to December 2019. Using univariate and multivariate logistic regression, risk factors for re-intervention were assessed., Results: Among 401 patients with UFs who completed the follow-up visits (median 47 months, range 34-61), 50 (12.46%) patients underwent re-intervention (such as high-intensity focused ultrasound, uterine artery embolization, myomectomy and hysterectomy). In the different age distributions, the re-intervention rate was 17.5% (34/194) in patients aged <45 years and 7.7% (16/207) in those aged ≥45 years. Regarding the younger patient group (aged <45 years), hypo- or iso-intensive fibroids in T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (T2WI) intensity may elevate the risk of re-intervention for UFs (odds ratio [OR] 2.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.37-6.62; P = 0.007). Among the older patient group (aged ≥45 years), preoperative anemic patients had an increased risk of re-intervention compared with those without anemia (OR 3.30, 95% CI 1.01-10.37; P = 0.041)., Conclusion: The re-intervention rate of HIFU decreased with increasing age. Among those aged <45 years, T2WI intensity was the independent risk factor for re-intervention, and among those aged ≥45 years, preoperative anemic status may be related to re-intervention outcome., (© 2023 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.)

Purpose: This study aimed to establish a nomogram to predict the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), identifying potential risk factors, and providing theoretical basis for prevention of VTE after spinal surgery., Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 2754 patients who underwent spinal surgery. The general characteristics of the training group were initially screened using univariate logistic analysis, and the LASSO method was used for optimal prediction. Subsequently, multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for postoperative VTE in the training group, and a nomogram for predict risk of VTE was established. The discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness of the nomogram were separately evaluated using the C-index, receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration plot and clinical decision curve, and was validated using data from the validation group finally., Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified 10 independent risk factors for VTE after spinal surgery. A nomogram was established based on these independent risk factors. The C-index for the training and validation groups indicating high accuracy and stability of the model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve indicating excellent discrimination ability; the calibration curves showed outstanding calibration for both the training and validation groups. Decision curve analysis showed the clinical net benefit of using the nomogram could be maximized in the probability threshold range of 0.01-1., Conclusion: Patients undergoing spinal surgery with elevated D-dimer levels, prolonger surgical, and cervical surgery have higher risk of VTE. The nomogram can provide a theoretical basis for clinicians to prevent VTE., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Bushen Tiaoxue Granules (BTG) is an empirical Chinese herbal formula that has been used for the treatment of subfertility. The protective effect of BTG on controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH)-induced impaired endometrial receptivity has been reported in our previous study. This study aims to explore the mechanisms of BTG on ameliorating abnormal morphology of endometrium based on network pharmacology. Active compounds of BTG were identified via the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology and UPLC-MS technology. The SwissTargetPrediction platform and HERB database were used to screen out the putative targets of BTG. Potential targets of endometrial dysfunction caused by COH were obtained from three GEO databases. Through the STRING database, the protein-protein interaction was carried out according to the cross-common targets of diseases and drugs. GO terms and KEGG pathways enrichment analyses were conducted via the Metascape database. AutoDock Vina was used for docking validation of the affinity between active compounds and potential targets. Finally, in vivo experiments were used to verify the potential mechanisms derived from network pharmacology study. A total of 141 effective ingredients were obtained from TCMSP and nine of which were verified in UPLC-MS. Six genes were selected through the intersection of 534 disease related genes and 165 drug potential targets. Enrichment analyses showed that BTG might reverse endometrial dysfunction by regulating adherens junction and arachidonic acid metabolism. Hematoxylin-eosin staining revealed that BTG ameliorated the loose and edematous status of endometrial epithelium caused by COH. The protein expression of FOXO1A, β-Catenin and COX-2 was decreased in the COH group, and was up-regulated by BTG. BTG significantly alleviates the edema of endometrial epithelium caused by COH. The mechanisms may be related to adheren junctions and activation of arachidonic acid metabolism. The potential active compounds quercetin, taxifolin, kaempferol, eriodictyol, and isorhamnetin identified from the BTG exhibit marginal cytotoxicity. Both high and low concentrations of kaempferol, eriodictyol, and taxifolin are capable of effectively ameliorating impaired hESC cellular activity., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Objectives: The aim of the study was to identify an optimal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based classification for the severity of adenomyosis and explore the factors associated with disease severity (dysmenorrhea or menorrhagia)., Design: and Participants: Several classifications based on MRI have been proposed, and their phenotypes are reported to be associated with the severity of adenomyosis. However, a consensus classification based on MRI findings has not yet been reached. Our study was designed to retrospectively analyze data from a cohort of patients in the Affiliated Nanchong Central Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College from June 2017 to December 2021 before focused ultrasound ablation surgery (FUAS), identify the optimal classification of adenomyosis severity from different classification criteria, and explore factors associated with the presence of symptoms., Methods: The proportions of disease severity among different classification groups were compared to obtain the one generating the most considerable χ2 value, which was identified as the optimal classification for informing disease severity. A logistic regression model was constructed to explore factors associated with disease severity., Results: Classification of Kobayashi H (classification 4) concerning the affected areas and size (volumes of lesions) was recognized as the optimal one, which identified dysmenorrhea (χ2 = 18.550, p value = 0.002) and menorrhagia (χ2 = 15.060, p value = 0.010) secondary to adenomyosis. For volumes of the uterine wall &lt;2/3, the dysmenorrhea rate in subtype 4 was higher than that in subtype 1 (χ2 = 4.114, p value = 0.043), and the dysmenorrhea rate in subtype 5 was higher than that in subtype 2 (χ2 = 4.357, p value = 0.037). Age (odds ratio [OR] = 0.899, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.810∼0.997, p value = 0.044) and external phenotype (OR = 3.588, 95% CI = 1.018∼12.643, p value = 0.047) were associated with dysmenorrhea. Concerning volumes of the uterine wall ≥2/3, the menorrhagia rate in subtype 3 remarkably increased compared with that in subtype 6 (χ2 = 9.776, p value = 0.002), and internal phenotype was identified as an independent factor associated with menorrhagia (OR = 1.706, 95% CI = 1.131∼2.573, p value = 0.011)., Limitations: Patients in our study were all included before FUAS, which limited our result interpretation for the general patient population., Conclusions: MRI-based classification 4 is identified as an optimal classification for informing the severity of adenomyosis. The phenotype of classification is the main characteristic associated with disease severity., (© 2024 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is one of the most prevalent metabolic syndromes worldwide. However, no approved pharmacological treatments are available for MAFLD. Chenpi, one kind of dried peel of citrus fruits, has traditionally been utilized as a medicinal herb for liver diseases. Didymin is a newly identified oral bioactive dietary flavonoid glycoside derived from Chenpi. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of Didymin as an anti-MAFLD drug and elucidated its underlying mechanisms., Methods: High-fat diet (HFD)-induced MAFLD mice and alpha mouse liver 12 (AML12) cells were utilized to evaluate the effects and mechanisms of Didymin in the treatment of MAFLD. Liver weight, serum biochemical parameters, and liver morphology were examined to demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of Didymin in MAFLD treatment. RNA-seq analysis was performed to identify potential pathways that could be affected by Didymin. The impact of Didymin on Sirt1 was corroborated through western blot, molecular docking analysis, microscale thermophoresis (MST), and deacetylase activity assay. Then, a Sirt1 inhibitor (EX-527) was utilized to confirm that Didymin alleviates MAFLD via Sirt1. Western blot and additional assays were used to investigate the underlying mechanisms., Results: Our results suggested that Didymin may possess therapeutic potential against MAFLD in vitro and in vivo. By promoting Sirt1 expression as well as directly binding to and activating Sirt1, Didymin triggers downstream pathways that enhance mitochondrial biogenesis and function while reducing apoptosis and enhancing lipophagy., Conclusions: These suggest that Didymin could be a promising medication for MAFLD treatment. Furthermore, its therapeutic effects are mediated by Sirt1., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Objective: To explore the association between CA125 and dysmenorrhea in adenomyosis, and the factors affecting CA125 in adenomyosis., Methods: Patients were grouped a the presence of dysmenorrhea. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was applied to assess the utility of CA125 for dysmenorrhea. Binary logistic regression was employed to identify the factors associating dysmenorrhea and CA125 level., Results: Patients in the dysmenorrhea group had higher CA125 levels than those in the non-dysmenorrhea group. For those with dysmenorrhea, CA125 levels of diffuse subtype group were higher than those of the focal subtype group. The CA125 level of 35 U/mL was validated as the optimal cut-point for dysmenorrhea in ROC curves. Compared with patients whose CA125 was 35 U/mL or less, those with CA125 levels greater than 35 U/mL were more likely to have dysmenorrhea. Thereafter, the multiple regression analysis showed that adenomyotic lesion volume was positively correlated with CA125 level in the total cohort and subtype groups, while age was negatively correlated with CA125 level in the total cohort and diffuse subtype., Conclusions: The pathogenesis of adenomyosis is not clear. CA125 was associated with dysmenorrhea in adenomyosis, and, furthermore, CA125 level is positively correlated with the severity of the disease., (© 2023 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.)

Background: The epidemiologic characteristics and attributable risk factors of ischemic stroke in China have changed over the past three decades. An up-to-date analysis on deaths, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), prevalence, incidence, and attributable risk factors of ischemic stroke for China is needed. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of burden and attributable risk factors of ischemic stroke at national level in China by sex from 1990 to 2019., Methods: This is a secondary analysis of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2019. All data used in this study was derived from the 2019 GBD study. Deaths, DALYs, prevalence, incidence, and attributable risk factors of ischemic stroke in China by sex from 1990 to 2019 were analyzed., Results: From 1990 to 2019, the age-standardized deaths rate decreased by 3.3%, age-standardized DALYs rate decreased by 4%, age-standardized prevalence rate increased by 33.5%, and age-standardized incidence rate of ischemic stroke in China increased by 34.7%. In 2019, ambient particulate matter pollution became an important risk factor, whereas household air pollution from solid fuels was no longer a major risk factor for ischemic stroke in China. Burden of ischemic stroke was higher in China compared to other regions. Ambient particulate matter pollution among men, and diet high in sodium, smoking, household air pollution from solid fuels among women account for the increased deaths/DALYs due to ischemic stroke in China., Conclusion: Our study revealed that great changes have occurred in burden and attributable risk factors of ischemic stroke in China in the past three decades. Distinct sex-specific differences are observed in burden and attributable risk factors., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Ye, Zhu, Zhang, Zhang, Fan, Jin, Hu, Xin and Li.)

As a good passivation agent for heavy metals, modified biochar has been widely used in environmental remediation. In order to explore the effects of different modification methods on arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) passivation in soil by biochar, this study used co-precipitation and impregnation pyrolysis to prepare iron-modified biochar. Through adsorption experiments and soil culture experiments, the properties of biochar, adsorption capacity, and the As and Cd passivation ability in soil were analyzed. The results showed that both modification methods could increase the iron (Fe) content and zero charge point of biochar, and the Fe minerals supported by Fe-modified biochar (FeBC-1) prepared by co-precipitation were mainly Fe 3 O 4 , FeO(OH), and γ -Fe 2 O 3 . The Fe-modified biochar (FeBC-2) prepared by impregnation pyrolysis mainly consisted of α -Fe 2 O 3 and γ -Fe 2 O 3 . FeBC-1 showed strong adsorption and removal ability for As and Cd, with a removal rate of 21.40%-34.14%, which could significantly promote the conversion of non-obligate adsorbed As to residual As in soil, whereas FeBC-2 only had a good adsorption effect on As. The adsorption capacity of BC, FeBC-1, and FeBC-2 for Cd were proportional to their CEC. The adsorption and removal effect of BC on Cd was better than that of FeBC-1 and FeBC-2, which could significantly promote the conversion of soil acid-soluble Cd to stable residue Cd.

This study analyzed the anemia status and change trend of 219 835 pregnant women in eight provinces from 2016 to 2020 in the Maternal and Newborn Health Monitoring Program(MNHMP). The results showed that from 2016 to 2020, the anemia rate of pregnant women in eight provinces was 41.27%, and the rates of mild, moderate and severe anemia were 28.56%, 12.59% and 0.12% respectively; the anemia rates in eastern, central and western regions were 41.87%, 36.09% and 44.63% respectively, and the anemia rates in urban and rural areas were 39.87% and 42.23%. From 2016 to 2020, the anemia rate of pregnant women decreased from 44.93% to 38.22%, with an average annual decline of 3.86% (95% CI :-5.84%, -1.85%). The anemia rate among pregnant women of the eastern region (AAPC=-6.16%, 95% CI :-9.79%, -2.38%) fell faster than that among pregnant women of the central region (AAPC=0.71%, 95% CI :-6.59%, 8.57%) and western region (AAPC=-1.53%, 95% CI :-5.19%, 2.28%). From 2016 to 2020, the moderate anemia rate in pregnant women decreased from 14.98% to 10.74%, with an average annual decline of 8.72% (95% CI :-12.90%, -4.34%), with a statistically significant difference ( P <0.05); AAPC for mild and severe anemia in pregnant women was 1.56% (95% CI : 3.44%, 0.36%) and 18.86% (95% CI : 39.88%, 9.52%), respectively, without statistically significant difference ( P >0.05).

Nav1.7, one of tetrodotoxin-sensitive voltage-gated sodium channels, mainly expressed in the small diameter dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. The expression and accumulation on neuronal membrane of Nav1.7 increased following peripheral tissue inflammation or nerve injury. However, the mechanisms for membrane accumulation of Nav1.7 remained unclear. We report that KIF5b, a highly expressed member of the kinesin-1 family in DRGs, promoted the translocation of Nav1.7 to the plasma membrane in DRG neurons of the rat. Following nociceptive behaviors in rats induced by peripheral spared nerve injury (SNI), synchronously increased KIF5b and Nav1.7 expressions were observed in DRGs. Immunohistochemistry staining demonstrated the co-expressions of KIF5b and Nav1.7 in the same DRG neurons. Immunoprecipitation experiments further confirmed the interactions between KIF5b and Nav1.7. Moreover, intrathecal injections of KIF5b shRNA moderated the SNI-induced both mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia. The rescued analgesic effects also alleviated SNI-induced anxiety-like behaviors. In sum, KIF5b was required for the membrane localizations of Nav1.7, which suggests a novel mechanism for the trafficking of Nav1.7 involved in neuropathic pain., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

In recent years, the use of active substances as excipients or as substitutes for other excipients in the design of modern drug delivery systems has received widespread attention, which has promoted the development of the theory of unification of medicines and excipients in the design of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) preparations. Adopting the theory of unification of medicines and excipients to design drug delivery systems can reduce the use of excipients and thus the cost of preparations, reduce drug toxicity, increase drug solubility and biocompatibility, enhance synergistic effect, and realize targeted delivery and simultaneous delivery of multiple components. However, the research on the application of this theory in the modern drug delivery system of TCM preparations is still insufficient, with few relevant articles. In addition, the TCM active substances that can be used as the excipients remain to be catalogued. In this paper, we review the types and applications of the drug delivery systems with TCM active substances as excipients and describe their common construction methods and mechanisms, aiming to provide references for the in-depth research on the modern drug delivery systems for TCM preparations.

Objective: To observe the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) combined with electroacupuncture (EA) on rehabilitation after abdominal surgery., Methods: A total of 320 patients undergoing abdominal surgery were randomly divided into a combination group (80 cases), a TEAS group (80 cases, 1 case discontinued), an EA group (80 cases, 1 case discontinued) and a control group (80 cases, 1 case discontinued). The patients in the control group received enhance recovery after surgery (ERAS) standardized perioperative management. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, the TEAS group was treated with TEAS at Liangmen (ST 21) and Daheng (SP 15); the EA group was treated with EA at Neiguan (PC 6), Hegu (LI 4), Zusanli (ST 36), Shangjuxu (ST 37) and Xiajuxu (ST 39); the combination group was treated with TEAS combined with EA, with continuous wave, 2-5 Hz in frequency, and the intensity was tolerable to the patients, 30 min each time, once a day, from the first day after surgery, until the anus resumed spontaneous defecation and the oral intake of solid food was tolerated. The gastrointestinal-2 (GI-2) time, first exhaust time, first defecation time, first tolerance of oral intake of solid food time, time of first get out of bed and hospital stay were observed in all the groups; the pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score and incidence rates of nausea and vomiting 1, 2, 3 days after surgery were compared in all the groups; after treatment, the acceptability of each treatment was evaluated by patients in each group., Results: Compared with the control group, the GI-2 time, first exhaust time, first defecation time, first tolerance of oral intake of solid food time were shortened ( P <0.05), the VAS scores 2, 3 days after surgery were decreased ( P <0.05) in the combination group, the TEAS group and the EA group; those in the combination group were shorter and lower than the TEAS group and the EA group ( P <0.05). Compared with the control group, the time of hospital stay in the combination group, the TEAS group and the EA group were shortened ( P <0.05), and that in the combination group was shorter than the TEAS group ( P <0.05)., Conclusion: TEAS combined with EA can accelerate the recovery of gastrointestinal function in patients after abdominal surgery, relieve postoperative pain, and shorten hospital stay.

The hydrological regime of rivers significantly changes after dam impoundment, which in turn affects the particle composition and heavy metal fractions of the river sediments. From June to July 2019, the sediments from 26 sampling sections were collected along the main stream of the Yangtze River from Panzhihua City in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River to Hukou City in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. The concentrations and fractions of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn were measured using the BCR three-step extraction procedure. The pollution status and potential ecological risk of heavy metals in sediments were evaluated using the geo-accumulation index, the sediment quality guideline, and the risk assessment coding method (RAC). The results showed that the average particle size of sediments in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River (Jinsha River cascade reservoir section and the Three Gorges reservoir section) decreased from upstream to downstream, the total concentrations of As and Zn increased, and the variation trend in the middle reaches was not obvious. The content of clay particles was significantly positively correlated with the acid-soluble fraction concentrations of Cd and Ni. Cd was mainly in the residual fraction (59.26%) and acid-soluble fraction (24.67%). Large parts of Cr and Ni were residual fractions accounting for 92.41% and 83.41%, respectively. As, Co, Cu, Pb, and Zn were mainly in the residual fraction and the reducible fraction. The order of decrease for the pollution degree ( I geo ) of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, and Zn was the Jinsha River, the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, and the Three Gorges Reservoir. The decrease order of bioavailability (RAC) of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn was the Three Gorges Reservoir, the Jinsha River, and the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. The bioavailability of As and Pb decreased in the order of the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, the Three Gorges, and the Jinsha River. According to the classification of the RAC, Cd in the Three Gorges Reservoir area exhibited a high risk with the RAC accounting for 48.44%. Cu, Ni, and Zn showed a low or medium risk.

It has been proved that endomorphin-2 (EM2) produced obvious analgesic effects in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH), which existed in our human bodies with remarkable affinity and selectivity for the μ-opioid receptor (MOR). Our previous study has demonstrated that EM2 made synapses with the spinoparabrachial projection neurons (PNs) in the SDH and inhibited their activities by reducing presynaptic glutamate release. However, the morphological features of EM2 and the spinoparabrachial PNs in the SDH have not been completely investigated. Here, we examined the morphological features of EM2 and the spinoparabrachial PNs by using triple fluorescence and electron microscopic immunohistochemistry. EM2-immunoreactive (-ir) afferents directly contacted with the spinoparabrachial PNs in lamina I of the SDH. Immunoelectron microscopy (IEM) were used to confirm that these contacts were synaptic connections. It was also observed that EM2-ir axon terminals contacting with spinoparabrachial PNs in lamina I contained MOR, substance P (SP) and vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGLUT2). In lamina II, MOR-ir neurons were observed to receive direct contacts from EM2-ir varicosities. The synaptic connections among EM2, MOR, SP, VGLUT2, and the spinoparabrachial PNs were also confirmed by IEM. In sum, our results supply morphological evidences for the analgesic effects of EM2 on the spinoparabrachial PNs in the SDH., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Yin, Lu, Li, Zhang, Ding, Hu, Chen, Guo, Kou, Zhang, Yuan, Chen, Li, Cao, Dong and Li.)

The genetic diversity and population structures of five Chongqing local chicken populations were investigated using by 24 microsatellite markers. Results revealed that the mean number of alleles ( N A ) ranged from 7.08 (Daninghe chicken, DN) to 8.46 (Nanchuan chicken, NC). The highest observed heterozygosity ( H O ) and expected heterozygosity ( H E ) were observed in DN ( H O = 0.7252; H E = 0.7409) and the lowest H O and H E were observed in XS (Xiushan native chicken [XS], H O = 0.5910 and H E = 0.6697). The inbreeding coefficient ( F IS ) within population ranged from 0.022 (DN) to 0.119 (XS). Among the 24 microsatellite markers, four loci ( MCW0111 , MCW0016 , ADL0278 , and MCW0104 ) deviated from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in all the studied populations. The results of population polygenetic analysis based on Nei's genetic distance and STRUCTURE software showed that the clustering of the five populations was incomplete consistent with geographical distribution. Moreover, a large number of gene flows were widespread among different populations, suggesting that genetic material exchanges occurred due to human activities and migration which was also verified by PCoA . In summary, this study preliminarily showed that Chongqing local chicken populations had rich genetic diversity and remarkable genetic divergence, but still high risk in conversion. These findings would be useful to the management of conservation strategies and the utilization of local chicken populations in further.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder among women of reproductive age. Current standard treatment includes lifestyle change, oral pharmacological agents, and surgical modalities. However, the efficacy of current therapies is less than satisfactory. Clinical evidence has shown that acupuncture is effective for regulating hormone levels, promoting ovulation, and attenuating insulin resistance in patients with PCOS. Acupuncture may affect the production of β-endorphin, which may lead to gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion and then affect ovulation, menstrual cycle, and fertility. The mechanism of acupuncture for patients with PCOS has not been comprehensively reviewed so far. Better understanding of the mechanisms of acupuncture would help popularize the use of acupuncture therapy for patients with PCOS. In this narrative review, we aimed to overview the potential mechanisms and evidence-based data of acupuncture on PCOS, and analyze the most frequently used acupoints based on animal and clinical studies. The results of this study will contribute to a better understanding of the current situation in this field., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Ye, Zhou, Hu, Fukuzawa and Zhang.)

Objective: To compare the return to work (RTW) time between single-port laparoscopic surgery (SPLS) and multiport laparoscopic surgery (MPLS) for benign ovarian tumors., Methods: A cross-sectional cohort study was conducted, which consisted of 335 women of reproductive age with benign ovarian tumors and who were keen on returning to work as early as possible. Surgical outcomes, postoperative pain score, postoperative satisfaction with the cosmesis score (CS), and the RTW time of the SPLS group were compared with those of the MPLS group. Besides, the RTW time and CS were calculated from the questionnaire survey by a single specialized gynecologist., Results: Women who met the inclusion criteria were included in the SPLS ( n  = 106) and MPLS groups ( n  = 229). The RTW time in the SPLS group (22.13 ± 27. 06 days) was significantly shorter than that in the MPLS group (46.08 ± 57.86 days) ( P < 0.001). The multivariate Cox analysis results showed that age (HR = 0.984, 95% CI, 0.971-0.997, P = 0.020), SPLS (HR = 3.491, 95% CI, 2.422-5. 032, P < 0.001), and return to normal activity time (HR = 0.980, 95% CI, 0.961-0.998, P = 0.029) were independent factors of the RTW time., Conclusions: SPLS may be advantageous in terms of shortening the RTW time for women with benign ovarian tumors., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (© 2022 Tang, Wen, Su, Wang, Zheng, Yang, Yin, Xu and Hu.)

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has become epidemic following severely stressful incidents. Previous studies have shown that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has anxiolytic effects on various anxiety or depression disorders including PTSD. However, the detailed mechanisms of BDNF for treating PTSD were rarely investigated. In the current study, single-prolonged stress (SPS) was used as an animal model recapitulating specific aspects for a PTSD-like phenotype. The effects of BDNF on SPS-induced anxiety-like behaviors were investigated. We showed that the levels of BDNF in the cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) were significantly reduced after the rats experienced SPS. The SPS-induced reductions of percentages of time spent in the central area to total time in the open field test, were dose-dependently mitigated after BDNF intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injections. BDNF i.c.v. administration also dose-dependently increased the preference of the light box in the light-dark box test. Both expressions of tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) protein and mRNA in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and amygdala were significantly increased after SPS challenges. BDNF i.c.v. administration attenuated these compensatory increases of TrkB. At last, the anxiolytic effects of BDNF on SPS model were also observed by using other two injection methods. These results inspired us to study that different administrations of BDNF were used in patients with PTSD in the future, in-depthly., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Tuberculosis, caused by mycobacteria, continues to pose a substantial public health threat. Mycobacteria typically use cholesterol from the membranes of host macrophages as a carbon and energy source. Most genes that control cholesterol degradation are regulated by KstR, which is highly conserved in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium smegmatis. Through bioinformatic analysis, we found a typical global nitrogen regulator (GlnR)-binding motif (CCGAC-AACAGT-GACAC) in the promoter region of kstR of M. smegmatis, and we determined its binding activity in vitro using electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Using RT-qPCR, we found that nine genes involved in side-chain or sterol-ring oxidation were upregulated in a ΔglnR M. smegmatis strain compared to the WT strain and glnR-complemented strains under nitrogen limitation. ATP assays in macrophages revealed that coordinated GlnR-KstR regulation significantly reduced the viability of M. smegmatis in macrophages. Thus, we found that various genes involved in cholesterol catabolism are regulated by GlnR via KstR in response to environmental nitrogen, and that they further affect the invasive ability of M. smegmatis. These findings revealed a novel regulatory mechanism of cholesterol catabolism, which may be useful in the development of new strategies for controlling tuberculosis., (© 2021 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.)

Objective: To evaluate the placement feasibility and safety of the newly designed retropharyngeal reduction plate by cadaveric test and to perform morphometric trajectory analysis., Methods: The five cadaveric specimens with intact atlantoaxial joint were enrolled in this study. They were used for simulating the placement process and evaluating the placement feasibility of the retropharyngeal reduction plate. The atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) of five cadaveric specimens were obtained by proper external force after dissecting ligaments. The retropharyngeal reduction plate was placed on atlantoaxial joint of cadaveric specimens. The X-ray and three-dimensional (3D) spiral CT were used for evaluating the placement safety of retropharyngeal reduction plate. The DICOM data was obtained after 3D spiral CT scanning for the morphometric trajectory analysis., Results: The reduction plates were successfully placed on the atlantoaxial joint of five cadaveric specimens through the retropharyngeal approach, respectively. The X-ray and 3D spiral CT showed the accurate screw implantation and satisfying plate placement. The length of the left/right atlas screw trajectory (L/RAT) was, respectively, 1.73 ± 0.01 cm (LAT) and 1.71 ± 0.02 cm (RAT). The length of odontoid screw trajectory (OST) was 1.38 ± 0.02 cm. The length of the left/right axis screw trajectory (L/RAXT) was, respectively, 1.67 ± 0.02 cm (LAXT) and 1.67 ± 0.01 cm (RAXT). There was no statistical significance between left side and right side in terms of AT and AXT (P > 0.05). The angles of atlas screw trajectory angle (ASTA), axis screw trajectory angle (AXSTA), and odontoid screw trajectory angle (OSTA) were 38.04° ± 2.03°, 56.92° ± 2.66°, and 34.78° ± 2.87°, respectively., Conclusion: The cadaveric test showed that the retropharyngeal reduction plate is feasible to place on the atlantoaxial joint, which is also a safe treatment choice for atlantoaxial dislocation. The meticulous preoperative planning of screw trajectory based on individual differences was also vital to using this technique., (© 2022 The Authors. Orthopaedic Surgery published by Chinese Orthopaedic Association and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)

Forest fuels are the basis of fire occurrences, while ground dead fuels are an important part of forest fuels. Undestanding the pyrolysis characteristics and gas emissions of forest fuels is of great significance to explore the effects of forest fire on atmospheric environment and carbon balance, as well as to prevent and combat forest fire. In this study, the thermogravimetric analysis and gas emission analysis were conducted on leaf litter of six tree species ( Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica , Picea koraiensis , Fraxinus mandshurica , Juglans mandshurica , Quercus mongolica , Betula platyphylla ) in Heilongjiang Province to explore the pyrolysis process and combustibility of forest fuels, to analyze their pyrolysis characteristics, pyrolysis kinetics characteristics, gas emission characteristics. A four-dimensional evaluation of their combustibility was conducted based on pyrolysis parameters. The results showed that the pyrolysis temperature of holocellulose in the leaves of those six tree species ranged in 143.31-180.48 ℃ at the beginning and 345.04-394.38 ℃ at the end, lignin pyrolysis temperature ranged in 345.04-394.38 ℃ at the beginning and 582.85-609.31 ℃ at the end. The pyrolysis of the six kinds of arbor blades during the pyrolysis process affected fuel ash content, quality and temperature of the total pyrolysis. The activation energies of two main pyrolysis stages of leaves of six tree species were 18.88-27.08 kJ·mol -1 and 13.25-27.54 kJ·mol -1 , respectively, and the pre-exponential factors were 3.13-26.28 min -1 and 1.30-22.55 min -1 . The holocellulose activation energy and pre-exponential factor of the pyrolysis stage for P. koraiensis , F. mandshurica , Q. mongolica , and B. platyphylla were greater than that of the lignin pyrolysis stage, while the opposite was true for P. sylvestris var. mongolica and J. mandshurica . The release amounts of CO and CO 2 at the pyrolysis stage of the holocellulose was 535.16-880.11 mg·m -3 and 7004.97-10302.05 mg·m -3 , and that at the pyrolysis stage of lignin was 240.31-1104.67 mg·m -3 and 20425.60-33946.68 mg·m -3 , respectively. The release of CO and CO 2 at the pyrolysis stage of healdellulose was less, but mass loss was greater than that at the pyrolysis stage of lignin. In the four-dimensional combustibility ranking of the six tree species leaves, B. platyphylla was the best ignitable, P. koraiensis was the most combustible, and P. sylvestris var. mongolica was the most sustainable and consumable. The ignitability was significantly positively correlated with pyrolysis kinetics parameters of the holocellulose, while the sustainability was negatively correlated with that of lignin.

Objectives: To investigate the relationship between preoperative CA125 and symptom recurrence in adenomyosis after ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation surgery (FUAS)., Methods: A total of 502 adenomyosis patients after FUAS in Affiliated Nanchong Central Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College from June 2017 to March 2021 were reviewed. Factors associated with symptom recurrence of adenomyosis were analyzed by binary logistic regression model. ROC was used to determine the optimal cutpoint. Magnitude of preoperative CA125 relating to timing of symptom recurrence was measured by cox regression and Kaplan-Meier (K-M) curves. Besides, multiple liner regression model was used to identify the impacting factors for preoperative CA125., Results: Multiple binary logistic analysis showed preoperative CA125 was related to symptom recurrence (OR = 1.002, 95%: 1.000～1.004, p  = 0.043). The ROC of preoperative CA125 for recurrence validated 35 U/ml had a high sensitivity (82.5%). Preoperative CA125 was related to timing of symptom recurrence (HR = 2.255, 95%: 1.387-3.667, p  = 0.001). K-M curves showed medium recurrence time in preoperative CA125 level >35 U/ml group (38.5 months) was shorter than that in CA125 level ≤35 U/ml group (44.5 months) ( p  = 0.001). Multiple liner regression analyses showed uterus volume and adenomyotic lesions volume positively correlated to preoperative CA125 level, while age negatively correlated to preoperative CA125 level., Conclusion: The higher level of preoperative CA125 was related to an earlier onset of symptom recurrence after FUAS.

Chemical investigation on the deep-sea-derived fungus Chaetomium globosum led to the isolation of nine compounds. By extensive analyses of the 1D and 2D NMR as well as HR-ESI-MS spectra, their structures were elucidated as xylariol A (1), 1,3-dihydro-4,5,6-trihydroxy-7-methylisobenzofuran (2), epicoccone B (3), epicoccolide B (4), chaetoglobosin G (5), chaetoglobosin F ex (6), cochliodone A (7), cochliodone B (8), and chaetoviridin A (9), assorting as four phenolics (1-4), two cytochalosans (5-6), and three azaplilones (7-9). Compounds 1-3 were firstly reported from C. globosum. Under the concentrations of 20 μg/mL, 1, 2, and 3 exhibited potent in vitro anti-HIV activity with the inhibition rates of 70 %, 75 %, and 88 %, respectively., (© 2021 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection is high worldwide, while numerous research has focused on unraveling the relationship between H. pylori infection and extragastric diseases. Although H. pylori infection has been associated with thyroid diseases, including thyroid nodule (TN), the relationship has mainly focused on potential physiological mechanisms and has not been validated by large population epidemiological investigations. Therefore, we thus designed a case-control study comprising participants who received regular health examination between 2017 and 2019. The cases and controls were diagnosed via ultrasound, while TN types were classified according to the guidelines of the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR TI-RADS). Moreover, H. pylori infection was determined by C14 urea breath test, while its relationship with TN type risk and severity was analyzed using binary and ordinal logistic regression analyses. A total of 43,411 participants, including 13,036 TN patients and 30,375 controls, were finally recruited in the study. The crude odds ratio (OR) was 1.07 in Model 1 (95% CI = 1.03-1.14) without adjustment compared to the H. pylori non-infection group. However, it was negative in Model 2 (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.97-1.06) after being adjusted for gender, age, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure and in Model 3 (OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.97-1.06) after being adjusted for total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein on the basis of Model 2. Control variables, including gender, age, BMI, and diastolic pressure, were significantly correlated with the risk of TN types. Additionally, ordinal logistic regression results revealed that H. pylori infection was positively correlated with malignant differentiation of TN (Model 1: OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.02-1.11), while Model 2 and Model 3 showed negative results (Model 2: OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.96-1.06; Model 3: OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.96-1.05). In conclusion, H. pylori infection was not significantly associated with both TN type risk and severity of its malignant differentiation. These findings provide relevant insights for correcting possible misconceptions regarding TN type pathogenesis and will help guide optimization of therapeutic strategies for thyroid diseases., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Wang, Xu, Jiang, Ling, Ye, Zhao, Li, Lei, Hu, Chen and Wang.)

Strengthening the compliance is conductive to the quality improvement of clinical trial of acupuncture and moxibustion. In terms to planning behavior and influencing factors of loyalty, the questionnaire was conducted among 200 participants on the compliance of clinical trial on knee osteoarthritis treated with acupuncture. The results showed that the subjective norms and perceptual behavior control of subjects affected their compliance in the trial. Medical service compensation became the primary factor of the subjects' loyalty, which further affected their compliance in the trial. It is suggested that the compliance should be managed according to the characteristics of different clinical researches, and the feasible medical service compensation scheme should be designed in advance by actively focusing on the subjects' features.