Fuzi is a medicine used for rescuing from collapse by restoring yang as well as a famous toxic traditional Chinese medicine. In order to ensure the efficacy and safe medication, Fuzi has mostly been applied after being processed. There have been different Fuzi processing methods recorded by doctors of previous generations. Besides, there have also been differences in Fuzi processing methods recorded in modern pharmacopeia and ancient medical books. In this study, the authors traced back to medical books between the Han Dynasty and the period of Republic of China, and summarized Fuzi processing methods collected in ancient and modern literatures. According to the results, Fuzi processing methods and using methods have changed along with the evolution of dynasties, with differences in ancient and modern processing methods. Before the Tang Dynasty, Fuzi had been mostly processed and soaked. From Tang to Ming Dynasties, Fuzi had been mostly processed, soaked and stir-fried. During the Qing Dynasty, Fuzi had been mostly soaked and boiled. In the modem times, Fuzi is mostly processed by being boiled and soaked. Before the Tang Dynasty, a whole piece of Fuzi herbs or their fragments had been applied in medicines; Whereas their fragments are primarily used in the modern times. Because different processing methods have great impacts on the toxicity of Fuzi, it is suggested to study Fuzi processing methods.
Chemistry, Pharmaceutical ; history ; methods ; China ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; History, 15th Century ; History, 16th Century ; History, 17th Century ; History, 18th Century ; History, 19th Century ; History, Ancient ; History, Medieval ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; history ; methods ; Plant Extracts ; chemistry

ObjectiveTo study the imaging characteristics of SPN of adenocarcinoma (ASPNs) on 18F-FDG PET/CT.MethodsThe morphological and metabolic features of 35 ASPNs on FDG PET/CT were retrospectively reviewed.SUVmax (SUV) was measured and ΔSUVmax was calculated according to ΔSUVmax =(SUVmax on delay imaging - SUVmax on early imaging)/SUVmax on early imaging × 100％.Statistical analysis was performed by software SPSS 11.5 using t-test,analysis of variance and Fisher exact test.Results( 1 ) Fifteen ASPNs (42.86％,15/35) presented as nodular pattern on FDG PET imaging,while 20 (57.14％,20/35) as lamellar,cloudy or ill-defined patterns.The SUVmax of these ASPNs followed a descending order of nodular,lamellar,cloudy and ill:defined on both early and delay imaging (F =30.696 and 24.758,both P＜0.001).(2)There were 54.29％ (19/35) ASPNs with SUVmax ≥2.5 and 45.71％ (16/35) ASPNs with SUVmax ＜2.5.(3) Of 35 ASPNs,24(68.57％ ) were solid nodules and 11(31.43％) were ground glass nodules with SUVmax =4.54 ±2.69 and 1.30±0.87,respectively (t =-5.234,P ＜O.001 ).(4) The SUVmax of ASPNs on delay FDG imaging (4.22 ±3.52) was significantly higher than that on early imaging (3.49 ±2.72) (t =-4.021,P ＜0.001 ).However,SUVmax was dependent on SUVmax on the early imaging:when SUVmax ≥2.5,ΔSUVmax was positive in 94.74％ (18/19) of ASPNs; while SUVmax ＜2.5,ΔSUVmax was positive in 56.25％ (9/16) of ASPNs (P =0.013).(5) Of 31 ASPNs with cell differentiation data,there were 10/17 well-differentiated ASPNs and 13/14 poorly-differentiated ASPNs with positive ΔSUVmax ( P =0.045 ).The average SUVmax of well-differentiated ASPNs was significantly lower than that of poorly-differentiated ASPNs ( 1.70 ± 1.51 vs 4.91 ± 2.69,t =- 3.951,P ＜ 0.001 ).Conclusions The morphological and metabolic features of ASPNs are diversified.It is common for ASPN to present with SUVmax ＜ 2.5.ΔSUVmax may be helpful for differentiating malignant from benign SPNs.

INTRODUCTION: Vaccination remains a key strategy to living endemically with COVID-19. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine was first granted interim authorisation for use in Singapore in December 2020. With overseas studies published about the safety and side effect profiles of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines focusing mainly on non-Asian populations, we described the side effects of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination experienced by the healthcare workers (HCWs) in a tertiary hospital in Singapore. METHODS: Data were obtained from the Occupational Health Clinic (OHC) at the National University Hospital in Singapore, which monitored staff for any adverse effects within 30 minutes post vaccination on-site and any adverse effects after that. A cross-sectional study among the vaccinated HCWs was conducted using an online survey, which established basic demographics, histories of allergies or atopic disorders, and adverse events encountered after dose 1 and dose 2 of vaccination. RESULTS: No anaphylaxis was reported. Most common symptom was giddiness (32.7%) experienced by HCWs within 30 minutes. Adverse events attended post-vaccination by OHC were generally mild and self-limiting. From the survey, odds of experiencing an adverse event after dose 2 was significantly higher than after the first dose, especially for fever/chills (odds ratio [OR] 22.5). Fever/chills, injection site reactions, headache, aches and pains, and feeling unwell were significantly more common in HCWs below 60 years compared to those ≥60 years. An allergy to food (adjusted OR 2.7) and a history of eczema/sensitive skin (adjusted OR 2.6) were associated with a skin reaction not at injection site. CONCLUSION The side effects experienced after Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines are generally self-limiting and mild, with no anaphylaxis reported.
COVID-19 ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Health Personnel ; Humans ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Singapore/epidemiology* ; Tertiary Care Centers ; Vaccination

Based on the duck plague virus (DPV) UL35 gene sequence that our laboratory obtained (GenBank accession number EF643558), a pair of primers was designed using Oligo6.0 and primer5.0, then the UL35 gene was amplified from DPV CHv strain genomic DNA and cloned into the pMD18-T to construct a clone plasmid pMD18-T-UL35. After identification of the pMD18-T-UL35 by PCR amplification and restriction digestion, the fragment of the UL35 gene was subcloned into the prokaryotic expression vector pET-32a(+). The resultant recombinant plasmid pET-32a(+)-UL35 was then transformed into E. coli BL21 (DE3) strain and optimally-expressed under the induction of 1.0 mmol/L IPTG at 34 degrees C for 5 hours. SDS-PAGE analysis showed the recombinant protein (VP26) had a molecular weight of about 33KDa and accounted for 32.3% of total bacterial protein by gel scanning. The protein was then purified by Ni(2+)-affinity chromatography and used to immunize rabbit for producing the VP26 anti-serum and its antibody titer was up to 1:32 detected by agar diffusion reaction. After the IgG of the polyclonal antibodies was purified by High-Q anion-exchange chromatography, Western blot analysis indicated that the IgG had specific reaction with the VP26. Moreover, the subcellular localization detection was observed using immunofluorescence technique. The results showed that the specific fluorescences appeared relatively few in nucleus in 2 to 8 hours and increased gradually in 12 to 36 hours and eventually reached to the maximum, which aggregated in the spot region of the nucleus after the duck embryo fibroblast (DEF) were infected by DPV. However, there were only a small amount of specific fluorescences in the cytoplasm in 12 hours and increased with the extension of infection time in 24 to 48 hours. The specific fluorescences finally reached to the maximum in the cytoplasm in 72 hours. The results provided significant data for furthering the study on the function of DPV UL35 gene.
Animals ; Blotting, Western ; Capsid Proteins ; chemistry ; genetics ; metabolism ; Cell Nucleus ; metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Cloning, Molecular ; Ducks ; virology ; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; Fibroblasts ; cytology ; metabolism ; virology ; Herpesviridae ; genetics ; metabolism ; Microscopy, Fluorescence ; Molecular Weight ; Plasmids ; genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Rabbits ; Recombinant Proteins ; genetics ; immunology ; metabolism

A gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS)method was established for the analysis of volatile components in Mentha haplocalyx, and seven principal components were quantified by gas chromatography(GC). Based on these analyses, the differences of volatile components in M. haplocalyx from Jiangsu, Anhui and other regions were compared. The results showed that the volatile oil of M. haplocalyx was divided into four chemical types：menthol-menthone type, pulegone-menthone type, piperitone-menthol type, piperitone epoxide type, and menthol-menthone type was the principal type. Menthol was the highest and pulegone was the lowest. The differences of M. haplocalyx from Anhui and other regions were obvious. The major volatile components and the differences of M. haplocalyx from different regions were confirmed and a quantitative method was established for the determination of volatile components, which provided the basis for improving the quality standard of M. haplocalyx.

BACKGROUNDContinuous negative pressure drainage (CNPD) is widely used after lower lumbar internal fixation; however, it may cause tremendous blood loss and lead to postoperative hemorrhagic anemia. The present study explored the efficacy and safety of improved intermittent-clamped drainage (ICD) for lower lumbar internal fixation.

METHODSThis was a prospective study that included 156 patients with decompression of the spinal canal and internal fixation for the first time from January 2012 to December 2014. The patients were randomly divided into ICD group and CNPD group, and each group had 78 cases. A drainage tube was placed under the deep fascia in all patients within 10 min after the commencement of wound closure. The postoperative drainage amount at different time points, the hemoglobin level, and postoperative complications were recorded and compared between the two groups. Shapiro-Wilk test, independent samples t-test, and Mann-Whitney U-test were used in this study.

RESULTSThe drainage amount was significantly reduced in the ICD group, as compared with the CNPD group (Z = 10.74, P < 0.01). The mean total drainage amount (in ml) of the single-segment and two-segment procedures was significantly greater in the CNPD group than the ICD group (Z = 10.63 and 10.75, respectively; P < 0.01). For the adverse events, there was no significant difference in postoperative temperature, wound problem, and complications between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONSThe present study showed a statistically significant reduction in postoperative drainage amount between ICD and CNPD groups, and ICD is an effective, convenient, and safe method for routine use in lower lumbar surgery. It is essential to focus on the effect of clamping drainage with long-segment surgical procedure and complex lumbar disease in the further investigation, as well as the effect of clamping on long-term functional outcomes.

Blood Loss, Surgical ; prevention & control ; Drainage ; methods ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration ; surgery ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Spinal Fusion ; methods ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVEThis report aims to investigate the Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathways and induced antiviral activity in hepatocytes.

METHODSWe isolated primary hepatocytes from wild-type C57BL/6 mice and examined the expression of TLR by realtime RT-PCR. Hepatocytes were stimulated with TLR 1-9 agonists and the supernatants were harvested. The secretion of cytokines were tested by ELISA. The antiviral effectors in supernatants were assayed via virus protection assay (in EMCV system) and the control of HBV replication were assessed via Southern blotting (in HBV system).

RESULTSWe demonstrated that hepatocytes expressed TLR1-9. In accordance with these TLR expression profiles, hepatocytes responded to all TLR ligands by producing inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α or IL-6), to TLR -1,-3,-7 and -9 ligands by producing type I IFN (IFN-α or IFN-β). Only TLR 3 and TLR 7 agonists could stimulate the production of high amounts of antiviral mediators by hepatocytes in virus protection assay. By contrast, supernatants from TLR1, -3 and -4 directly stimulated hepatocytes and TLR 3, -7 and -9 transfected hepatocytes were able to potently suppress HBV replication.

CONCLUSIONPrimary hepatocytes display a unique TLR signaling pathway and can control HBV replication after stimulation by TLR agonists in mice. It may be helpful for the development of TLR-based therapeutic approaches against hepatotropic virus.

Animals ; Cells, Cultured ; Hepatitis B virus ; immunology ; physiology ; Hepatocytes ; immunology ; metabolism ; Immunity, Innate ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Signal Transduction ; Toll-Like Receptors ; immunology ; metabolism ; Virus Replication

The porcine cardiac blood processed Salvia miltiorrhiza (PCB Danshen) is the characteristic processing of Menghe medical school and has been inherited for hundreds of years, commonly used in the treatment of brain ischemia-induced agitation, palpitation and phlegm confusing heart. Ancient and modern physicians believe that porcine cardiac blood is a guiding for heart nourishing drugs, which could enhance the effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza by nourishing and soothing the nerves. However, the material basis and processing mechanism of PCB Danshen are still unclear. This paper investigated the historical evolution and modern research of PCB Danshen, including the clinical application, the intention of clinic processing, the processing technology and recent research of PCB Danshen. In addition, the major problems and significance in research and development of PCB Danshen were further thought and prospected, hoping to provide basic data for material basis and processing mechanism of PCB Danshen, and provide effective support for inheriting and carrying forward the characteristic processing technology of Menghe medical school.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the current status of antibiotic use for very and extremely low birth weight (VLBW/ELBW) infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) of Hunan Province. METHODS: The use of antibiotics was investigated in multiple level 3 NICUs of Hunan Province for VLBW and ELBW infants born between January, 2017 and December, 2017. RESULTS: The clinical data of 1 442 VLBW/ELBW infants were collected from 24 NICUs in 2017. The median antibiotic use duration was 17 days (range: 0-86 days), accounting for 53.0% of the total length of hospital stay. The highest duration of antibiotic use was up to 91.4% of the total length of hospital stay, with the lowest at 14.6%. In 16 out of 24 NICUs, the antibiotic use duration was accounted for more than 50.0% of the hospitalization days. There were 113 cases with positive bacterial culture grown in blood or cerebrospinal fluid, making the positive rate of overall bacterial culture as 7.84%. The positive rate of bacterial culture in different NICUs was significantly different from 0% to 14.9%. The common isolated bacterial pathogens Klebsiella pneumoniae was 29 cases (25.7%); Escherichia coli 12 cases (10.6%); Staphylococcus aureus 3 cases (2.7%). The most commonly used antibiotics were third-generation of cephalosporins, accounting for 41.00% of the total antibiotics, followed by penicillins, accounting for 32.10%, and followed by carbapenems, accounting for 13.15%. The proportion of antibiotic use time was negatively correlated with birth weight Z-score and the change in weight Z-score between birth and hospital discharge (r=-0.095, -0.151 respectively, P<0.01), positively correlated with death/withdrawal of care (r=0.196, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Antibiotics used for VLBW/ELBW infants in NICUs of Hunan Province are obviously prolonged in many NICUs. The proportion of routine use of third-generation of cephalosporins and carbapenems antibiotics is high among the NICUs.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Birth Weight ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Extremely Low Birth Weight ; Infant, Newborn ; Intensive Care Units, Neonatal ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Objective: To compare the chemical components in raw products and characteristic processed products with porcine cardiac blood of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma from Menghe medical school.Method: The ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) was performed on an ACQUITY UPLC^® C₁₈ column (2.1 mm×100 mm,1.7 μm),mobile phase was 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution (A)-0.1% formic acid acetonitrile solution (B) for gradient elution (0-1 min,8% B,1-1.5 min,8%-20% B,1.5-4 min,20% B,4-5 min,20%-60% B,5-9 min,60%-70% B,9-10 min,70%-95% B,10-13 min,95% B).The column temperature was 40℃ and the flow rate was 0.3 mL·min^-1.Q-TOF/MS with electrospray ionization (ESI) and scanning range of m/z 50-1 200 were applied for analysis under positive and negative ion mode,respectively.All ionic peaks were assigned by comparison of reference substances,mass spectra data,database matching and literature reference,changes of chemical components in Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma were investigated by comparing number and area of ionic peaks before and after processing.Result: A total of 59 components were identified from raw products and characteristic processed products,and peak areas of 25 components showed obvious change.However,there were no new compound was found in characteristic processed products.After being processed with porcine cardiac blood,the contents of water-soluble ingredients (protocatechuic aldehyde,salvianolic acid C,F,G),fat-soluble ingredients (tanshinaldehyde,tanshindiol A,tanshinone Ⅰ) and amino acid (L-phenylalanine) in Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma were significantly increased.Conclusion: Changes of contents of chemical components in raw products and processed products of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma are remarkable,part of water-soluble ingredients,fat-soluble ingredients and amino acids have quantitative change,which may be related to promoting treatment of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma on cerebral ischemia after being processed with porcine cardiac blood.