Eucommiae Cortex, the dried bark of Eucommia ulmoides( Eucommiaceae), has both medicinal and edible values.Modern research has shown that Eucommiae Cortex contains various components such as flavonoids, lignans, iridoids, phenolic acids,terpenoids, and steroids, which have anti-osteoporosis, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, blood glucose-lowering, and gastrointestinal tract-protecting effects. Eucommiae Cortex has applications in multiple fields such as healthcare, industry, and animal husbandry,demonstrating broad development prospects. This article reviews the chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, and quality control status of Eucommiae Cortex. Furthermore, according to the concept of quality marker(Q-marker), this article predicts the Q-markers of Eucommiae Cortex from traditional medicinal properties, traditional medicinal effects, new medicinal effects, measurability of chemical components, compatibility, harvesting periods, and geographical origins. The components such as pinoresinol diglucoside,chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin, baicalein, baicalin, olivil, coniferyl ferulate, and kaempferol can be used as Q-markers for Eucommiae Cortex, which provide reference for establishing a systematic quality control system for Eucommiae Cortex.
Eucommiaceae/chemistry* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Quality Control ; Humans ; Animals

Objective To investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine(Dex)on the rat model of perioperative stroke and its mechanism.Methods One hundred male rats were randomly divided into sham group,middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)group,low dose Dex[Dex-L,0.5 μg/(kg·h)]group,medium dose Dex[Dex-M,2 μg/(kg·h)]group,high dose Dex[Dex-H,10 μg/(kg·h)]group,20 rats in each group.A rat model of perioperative stroke was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion.Dex was injected intravenously at different doses during ischemia.After 24 h,the neurological function of the rats was evaluated.Then,the rats were sacrificed and the peripheral blood and whole brain tissue were collected,ischemic core area tissue was separated from some brain tissues and the cerebral infarction area was observed by TTC staining.The inflammatory cytokine contents in serum and ischemic core area were measured by ELISA.In addition,the expressions of formyl peptide receptor 1(FPR1),transmembrane protein 119(TMEM119),CD31 and VE-cadherin proteins were assayed by immunofluorescence,and the expressions of FPR1,nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)and NLRP3 proteins by Western blotting in the ischemic core area.Results Compared with sham group,the proportion of cerebral infarction area and neurological scores in the MCAO group were significantly increased,and the contents of interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α in the serum and the ischemic core area were significantly increased,the expressions of FPR1,TMEM119,p-NF-κB,NLRP3,CD31 and VE-cadherin in the ischemic core were significantly increased(P<0.001),and there was obvious co-expression of FPR1 and TMEM119.Compared with MCAO group,the proportion of cerebral infarction area and neurological scores in the Dex-M and Dex-H groups were significantly decreased,and the contents of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α in serum and brain ischemic core area were significantly decreased,the expressions of FPR1,TMEM119,p-NF-κB,NLRP3,CD31 and VE-cadherin in the ischemic core were significantly decreased(P<0.001).Conclusions Dex can significantly alleviate perioperative stroke injury.The mechanism may be due to inhibiting the expression of FPR1 protein,activation of microglia cells and cerebral collateral circulation angiogenesis.

Bridging study in vaccine clinical trials means a series of small-scale additional tests on the basis that the original safety and effectiveness of a vaccine have been confirmed in clinical trials, to prove that the characteristics of safety, immunogenicity and effectiveness of a vaccine are similar or consistent after component, population and immunization procedure change to other types which can extrapolate data from existing clinical trials. Compared with traditional vaccine clinical trials, bridging trials can promote the approval of vaccines to the market, accelerate the expansion of vaccine application, and promote the use of vaccines across regions and populations. In recent years, the application of bridge study design in vaccine clinical research has become more and more common. In order to better guide and promote the application of bridging trial design in the field of vaccine clinical research, we reviewed the design characteristics and application examples of bridging study design in vaccine clinical trials, and systematically elaborated the design ideas, key points and statistical evaluation methods of bridging study.
Humans ; Research Design ; Biomedical Research ; Immunization ; Vaccines/therapeutic use*

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Xingnao Kaiqiao (regaining consciousness and opening orifices) acupuncture therapy on the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion rats, and to explore the mechanism of acupuncture against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS: Seventy-two male SD rats were randomly divided into a sham-operation group, a model group, an acupuncture group and a non-point acupuncture group, with 18 rats in each one. Using modified Longa thread embolization method, the rat model of acute focal cerebral ischemia was prepared; and after 2 h ischemia, the reperfusion was performed to prepared the model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. Immediately after reperfusion, Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture method was applied to bilateral "Neiguan" (PC 6) and "Shuigou" (GV 26) in the acupuncture group, while in the non-point acupuncture group, acupuncture was delivered at non-points and all of the needles were retained for 30 min in these two groups. The samples were collected 24 h after reperfusion in the rats of each group. Zea-Longa neurological deficit score was used to evaluate the degree of cerebral neurological impairment, TTC staining was adopted to observe the volume percentage of cerebral infarction, HE staining was provided to observe the morphological changes of brain, and Western blot was applied for detecting the expression of HIF-1α and NLRP3 proteins in the cerebral cortex on the right side. RESULTS: Compared with the sham-operation group, neurological deficit score and volume percentage of cerebral infarction were increased in the model group (P<0.01), and HIF-1α and NLRP3 protein expression was elevated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, neurological deficit score and volume percentage of cerebral infarction were decreased (P<0.01), and HIF-1α and NLRP3 protein expression was lower (P<0.01) in the acupuncture group. There was no significant difference in above indexes in the non-point acupuncture group compared with the model group (P>0.05). Compared with the sham-operation group, the brain tissue of the rats in the model group and the non-point acupuncture group was loose and edema, and the nuclei were shriveled. The brain tissue morphology in the acupuncture group was similar to that of the sham-operation group. CONCLUSION Acupuncture can alleviate cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of HIF-1α/NLRP3 signaling pathway to attenuate inflammatory response.
Male ; Animals ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/genetics* ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Reperfusion Injury/therapy* ; Brain Ischemia/therapy* ; Cerebral Infarction/therapy* ; NLR Proteins

Bridging study in vaccine clinical trials means a series of small-scale additional tests on the basis that the original safety and effectiveness of a vaccine have been confirmed in clinical trials, to prove that the characteristics of safety, immunogenicity and effectiveness of a vaccine are similar or consistent after component, population and immunization procedure change to other types which can extrapolate data from existing clinical trials. Compared with traditional vaccine clinical trials, bridging trials can promote the approval of vaccines to the market, accelerate the expansion of vaccine application, and promote the use of vaccines across regions and populations. In recent years, the application of bridge study design in vaccine clinical research has become more and more common. In order to better guide and promote the application of bridging trial design in the field of vaccine clinical research, we reviewed the design characteristics and application examples of bridging study design in vaccine clinical trials, and systematically elaborated the design ideas, key points and statistical evaluation methods of bridging study.
Humans ; Research Design ; Biomedical Research ; Immunization ; Vaccines/therapeutic use*

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of polymyxin B in neutropenic patients with hematologic disorders who had refractory gram-negative bacterial bloodstream infection. Methods: From August 2021 to July 2022, we retrospectively analyzed neutropenic patients with refractory gram-negative bacterial bloodstream infection who were treated with polymyxin B in the Department of Hematology of the First Affiliated Hospital of the Soochow University between August 2021 to July 2022. The cumulative response rate was then computed. Results: The study included 27 neutropenic patients with refractory gram-negative bacterial bloodstream infections. Polymyxin B therapy was effective in 22 of 27 patients. The median time between the onset of fever and the delivery of polymyxin B was 3 days [interquartile range (IQR) : 2-5]. The median duration of polymyxin B treatment was 7 days (IQR: 5-11). Polymyxin B therapy had a median antipyretic time of 37 h (IQR: 32-70). The incidence of acute renal dysfunction was 14.8% (four out of 27 cases), all classified as "injury" according to RIFLE criteria. The incidence of hyperpigmentation was 59.3%. Conclusion: Polymyxin B is a viable treatment option for granulocytopenia patients with refractory gram-negative bacterial bloodstream infections.
Humans ; Polymyxin B/adverse effects* ; Retrospective Studies ; Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections/complications* ; Fever/drug therapy* ; Sepsis/drug therapy* ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use* ; Bacteremia/complications*

Humans ; Sarcoma, Alveolar Soft Part/secondary* ; Lung Neoplasms/pathology* ; Soft Tissue Neoplasms/pathology*

Objective: This cross-sectional investigation aimed to determine the incidence, clinical characteristics, prognosis, and related risk factors of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain in mainland China. Methods: Data of patients with SARS-CoV-2 from December 28, 2022, to February 21, 2023, were collected through online and offline questionnaires from 45 tertiary hospitals and one center for disease control and prevention in mainland China. The questionnaire included demographic information, previous health history, smoking and alcohol drinking, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, olfactory and gustatory function before and after infection, other symptoms after infection, as well as the duration and improvement of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction. The self-reported olfactory and gustatory functions of patients were evaluated using the Olfactory VAS scale and Gustatory VAS scale. Results: A total of 35 566 valid questionnaires were obtained, revealing a high incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain (67.75%). Females(χ2=367.013, P<0.001) and young people(χ2=120.210, P<0.001) were more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Gender(OR=1.564, 95%CI: 1.487-1.645), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), oral health status (OR=0.881, 95%CI: 0.839-0.926), smoking history (OR=1.152, 95%CI=1.080-1.229), and drinking history (OR=0.854, 95%CI: 0.785-0.928) were correlated with the occurrence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2(above P<0.001). 44.62% (4 391/9 840) of the patients who had not recovered their sense of smell and taste also suffered from nasal congestion, runny nose, and 32.62% (3 210/9 840) suffered from dry mouth and sore throat. The improvement of olfactory and taste functions was correlated with the persistence of accompanying symptoms(χ2=10.873, P=0.001). The average score of olfactory and taste VAS scale was 8.41 and 8.51 respectively before SARS-CoV-2 infection, but decreased to3.69 and 4.29 respectively after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and recovered to 5.83and 6.55 respectively at the time of the survey. The median duration of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions was 15 days and 12 days, respectively, with 0.5% (121/24 096) of patients experiencing these dysfunctions for more than 28 days. The overall self-reported improvement rate of smell and taste dysfunctions was 59.16% (14 256/24 096). Gender(OR=0.893, 95%CI: 0.839-0.951), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), history of head and facial trauma(OR=1.180, 95%CI: 1.036-1.344, P=0.013), nose (OR=1.104, 95%CI: 1.042-1.171, P=0.001) and oral (OR=1.162, 95%CI: 1.096-1.233) health status, smoking history(OR=0.765, 95%CI: 0.709-0.825), and the persistence of accompanying symptoms (OR=0.359, 95%CI: 0.332-0.388) were correlated with the recovery of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2 (above P<0.001 except for the indicated values). Conclusion: The incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain is high in mainland China, with females and young people more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Active and effective intervention measures may be required for cases that persist for a long time. The recovery of olfactory and taste functions is influenced by several factors, including gender, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status, history of head and facial trauma, nasal and oral health status, smoking history, and persistence of accompanying symptoms.
Female ; Humans ; Adolescent ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Smell ; COVID-19/complications* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; Incidence ; Olfaction Disorders/etiology* ; Taste Disorders/etiology* ; Prognosis

Adult ; Humans ; Acute Disease ; Leukemia

Objective: To analyze the clinical epidemiological characteristics including composition of pathogens , clinical characteristics, and disease prognosis acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) in Chinese children. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical and laboratory data of 1 610 children <15 years of age with ABM in 33 tertiary hospitals in China from January 2019 to December 2020. Patients were divided into different groups according to age,<28 days group, 28 days to <3 months group, 3 months to <1 year group, 1-<5 years of age group, 5-<15 years of age group; etiology confirmed group and clinically diagnosed group according to etiology diagnosis. Non-numeric variables were analyzed with the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, while non-normal distrituction numeric variables were compared with nonparametric test. Results: Among 1 610 children with ABM, 955 were male and 650 were female (5 cases were not provided with gender information), and the age of onset was 1.5 (0.5, 5.5) months. There were 588 cases age from <28 days, 462 cases age from 28 days to <3 months, 302 cases age from 3 months to <1 year of age group, 156 cases in the 1-<5 years of age and 101 cases in the 5-<15 years of age. The detection rates were 38.8% (95/245) and 31.5% (70/222) of Escherichia coli and 27.8% (68/245) and 35.1% (78/222) of Streptococcus agalactiae in infants younger than 28 days of age and 28 days to 3 months of age; the detection rates of Streptococcus pneumonia, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus agalactiae were 34.3% (61/178), 14.0% (25/178) and 13.5% (24/178) in the 3 months of age to <1 year of age group; the dominant pathogens were Streptococcus pneumoniae and the detection rate were 67.9% (74/109) and 44.4% (16/36) in the 1-<5 years of age and 5-<15 years of age . There were 9.7% (19/195) strains of Escherichia coli producing ultra-broad-spectrum β-lactamases. The positive rates of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture and blood culture were 32.2% (515/1 598) and 25.0% (400/1 598), while 38.2% (126/330)and 25.3% (21/83) in CSF metagenomics next generation sequencing and Streptococcus pneumoniae antigen detection. There were 4.3% (32/790) cases of which CSF white blood cell counts were normal in etiology confirmed group. Among 1 610 children with ABM, main intracranial imaging complications were subdural effusion and (or) empyema in 349 cases (21.7%), hydrocephalus in 233 cases (14.5%), brain abscess in 178 cases (11.1%), and other cerebrovascular diseases, including encephalomalacia, cerebral infarction, and encephalatrophy, in 174 cases (10.8%). Among the 166 cases (10.3%) with unfavorable outcome, 32 cases (2.0%) died among whom 24 cases died before 1 year of age, and 37 cases (2.3%) had recurrence among whom 25 cases had recurrence within 3 weeks. The incidences of subdural effusion and (or) empyema, brain abscess and ependymitis in the etiology confirmed group were significantly higher than those in the clinically diagnosed group (26.2% (207/790) vs. 17.3% (142/820), 13.0% (103/790) vs. 9.1% (75/820), 4.6% (36/790) vs. 2.7% (22/820), χ²=18.71, 6.20, 4.07, all P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the unfavorable outcomes, mortility, and recurrence between these 2 groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions: The onset age of ABM in children is usually within 1 year of age, especially <3 months. The common pathogens in infants <3 months of age are Escherichia coli and Streptococcus agalactiae, and the dominant pathogen in infant ≥3 months is Streptococcus pneumoniae. Subdural effusion and (or) empyema and hydrocephalus are common complications. ABM should not be excluded even if CSF white blood cell counts is within normal range. Standardized bacteriological examination should be paid more attention to increase the pathogenic detection rate. Non-culture CSF detection methods may facilitate the pathogenic diagnosis.
Adolescent ; Brain Abscess ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Escherichia coli ; Female ; Humans ; Hydrocephalus ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Meningitis, Bacterial/epidemiology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Streptococcus agalactiae ; Streptococcus pneumoniae ; Subdural Effusion ; beta-Lactamases