ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of Astragali Radix-mediated changes in gut microbiota on treating type 2 diabetes （T2DM）. MethodsA 12-week randomized， placebo-controlled clinical trial enrolled eighty patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes and poor glycemic control in the Qi deficiency type. All patients received insulin therapy. The observation group （40 cases） was administered with Astragali Radix Granules， while the control group （40 cases） received a placebo. Both treamtents were taken orally twice daily. Changes in gut microbiota were assessed by 16s rDNA sequencing. Serum glucagon-like peptide-1 （GLP-1） levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Glucose metabolism indicators including fasting blood glucose （FPG）， 2-hour postprandial blood glucose （2 h PG），glycated albumin（GA）， and glycated hemoglobin （HbA1c） were evaluated. Pancreatic function was evaluated using fasting C-peptide （FCP）， 2-hour postprandial C-peptide （2 h CP）， and C-peptide area under the curve （AUC_cp）. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome scores， clinical efficacy， and safety indicators were also observed. ResultsIn terms of glucose metabolism indicators， compared with the baseline， both groups exhibited significantly lower FPG， 2 h PG， GA and HbA1C （P<0.01），while FCP， 2 h CP and AUC_cp were significantly higher （P<0.01）. Compared with the control group after the treatment， the observation group showed significantly lower FPG， 2 h PG， GA and HbA1C（P<0.05， P<0.01），and significantly higher FCP， 2 h CP and AUC_cp （P<0.05， P<0.01）， indicating that Astragali Radix can improve glucose metabolism. In terms of the diversity of gut microbiota， no significant differences were detected in the Chao1， Shannon and Simpson indexes of the two groups compared with their respective baselines. However， compared with the post-treatment control group， the observation group demonstrated significant increases in the Chao1， Shannon and Simpson indexes （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The β-diversity analysis showed significant separation in gut microbiota composition before and after treatment in both groups， indicating that Astragali Radix can significantly alter the structure and improve the diversity of gut microbiota. At the phylum level， compared with the baseline， both groups showed a significant increase in the relative abundance of Bacteroidota（P<0.01）. The relative abundance of the potentially harmful phylum Proteobacteria was significantly lower in the observation Group after treatment （P<0.01）. Compared with the post-treatment control group， the observation group had a significantly higher relative abundance of Bacteroidota（P<0.01）. No significant difference was found in Firmicutes/Bacteroidota （F/B） ratio between the two groups after treatment， and other phyla showed no significant differences. At the genus level， compared with the baseline， the observation group exhibited a significant increase in Bacteroides （P<0.01） and a significant decrease in Escherichia-Shigella （P<0.01）， whereas no significant difference was seen in the control group . Compared with the control group after treatment， the observation group after treatment had a significantly higher relative abundance of Bacteroides （P<0.01）. No significant differences were seen in other genera. Linear discriminant analysis （LDA） identified potential characteristics taxa： in the observation group， Bacteroidota at the phylum level and Bacteroides and Dubosiella at the genus level， in the control group， Proteobacteria at the phylum level as well as Barnesiella and Staphylococcus at the genus level. Correlation analysis based on a heatmap revealed that GLP-1 levels were positively correlated with Firmicutes， F/B ratio and Fusobacterium， and negatively correlated with Bacteroidota， Proteobacteria， Bacteroides and Escherichia-Shigella. In terms of clinical efficacy， compared with the control group， the total effective rate of the observation group was significantly higher （P<0.05）. Compared with the baseline， the scores for shortness of breath， fatigue， weakness， spontaneous sweating and reluctance to speak significantly decreased in both groups （P<0.01）. Compared with the control group after treatment， the score for weakness was significantly lower in the observation group （P<0.01），indicating that Astragali Radix could improve clinical symptoms and alleviate weakness symptoms. In terms of safety， compared with the baseline， alanine aminotransferase （ALT） levels significantly decreased in both groups （P<0.05，P<0.01），indicating that Astragali Radix did not induce any significant abnormalities in liver and kidney functions. ConclusionAstragali Radix demonstrates the potential to significantly improve the gut microbiota environment in patients of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes with Qi deficiency. The therapeutic effect may contribute to glycemic control， possibly mediated by an elevation in GLP-1 level. These findings may support its further clinical investigations and potential applications.

Objective To investigate the effect of Liu-Shen-Wan on transplanted tumors in mice with colon cancer based on the polarization of M2 macrophages in the tumor microenvironment. Methods We established a subcutaneous transplantation tumor model of mice with CT26 colon cancer. Mice were randomly divided into vehicle, oxaliplatin, and oxaliplatin combined with Liu-Shen-Wan groups. Treatment was administered for three weeks, and tumor volume was measured. All mice were weighed during the administration. After the end of the treatment, the mice were dissected and tumors were photographed and weighed. Spleen index was calculated. The expression levels of IFN-γ and IL-12P40 in serum and related blood biochemical indices were measured. The expression levels of M2 macrophage polarization indices, namely, IL-10 and TGF-β, in serum and tumor tissues were detected. The infiltration degree of M2 macrophages in each group was observed by immunohistochemical experiments. Results The tumor volume and mouse weight in the oxaliplatin combined with Liu-Shen-Wan group significantly decreased compared with those in the vehicle group. The spleen index increased, and the expression levels of IFN-γ and IL-12P40 in serum also significantly increased. The mice had no obvious side effects after the drug treatment. In addition, the expression levels of IL-10 and TGF-β in the serum and tissues of mice in the oxaliplatin combined with Liu-Shen-Wan group significantly decreased. The expression levels of CD68 and CD206 in tumor tissues also decreased. Conclusion The anti-tumor effect of Liu-Shen-Wan on the transplanted tumors of mice with colon cancer is related to the inhibition of M2 macrophage polarization in the tumor microenvironment.

Objective To investigate the prevalence of iron deficiency(ID)and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in pregnant women in urban areas of China. Methods The study was a national cross-sectional survey conducted from September 19th, 2016 to November 20th, 2016. According to the classification of the National Bureau of Statistics, all survey sites were set up in 6 regions of the country. Pregnant women were continuously selected using multistage stratified sampling. A total of 12 403 pregnant women were collected and examined for serum ferritin and hemoglobin levels. Results The median serum ferritin level during pregnancy was 20.60 μg/L(11.78-36.98 μg/L), the hemoglobin level was(118±12)g/L. With the progress of pregnancy, the levels of serum ferritin and hemoglobin decreased gradually. The median serum ferritin levels in the first, second trimester and third trimester were 54.30 μg/L(34.48-94.01 μg/L), 28.60 μg/L(16.40-50.52 μg/L), and 16.70 μg/L(10.20-27.00 μg/L)respectively(P<0.01). The mean hemoglobin levels were(127 ± 10)g/L,(119 ± 11)g/L and(117 ± 11)g/L respectively(P<0.01). The prevalence of ID in urban pregnant women was 48.16%(5 973/12 403), and IDA prevalence was 13.87% (1 720/12 403). The prevalence of IDA in the first, second trimester and third trimester were 1.96% (20/1 019), 8.40%(293/3 487)and 17.82%(1 407/7 897), respectively(P<0.01). The prevalence of standardized ID and IDA were significantly different in various regions of China(P<0.01). The standardized prevalence of ID were relatively higher in East China and Northeast China, 57.37% and 53.41% respectively, while it was the lowest in Southwest China, 30.51%. The standardized prevalence of IDA in South Central, Northwest, and East China were relatively high, 21.30%, 16.97% and 17.53% respectively, and the standardized prevalence of IDA in Southwest China was the lowest, 5.44%,the differents in various regions were significant(all P<0.01). Conclusion The current phenomenon of ID and IDA in pregnant women is still very common,and nutrition and health care during pregnancy should be strengthened.

This study aimed at the molecular mechanism of Cordyceps sinensis polysaccharide-A(CPS-A) on angiotensin (Ang Ⅱ)-induced injury of L02 cells.The effect of AngⅡ and CPS-A on the proliferation of L02 cells was analyzed by MTT assay.PCR,Real-Time PCR and Western blot were also employed to determine the expression of IL-1β,AT1R,AT2R,NF-κB p65,TNFα and other inflammatory factors at mRNA and protein levels.The results showed that Ang Ⅱ and CPS-A could inhibit the proliferation of L02 cells by 1 × 10-5 mol/L and 200 μg/ mL,respectively.PCR,Real-Time PCR and Western blot showed that CPS-A could significantly down-regulate IL-1 β,TNF-α,NF-κB and AT1R.CPS-A has a good protective effect on AngⅡ-induced L02 cell injury.

Objective To improve the safety of surgery,the application of indocyanine green fluorescein(ICG)angiography in intracranial aneurysm surgery was investigated.Methods Fifty cases of intracranial aneurysms were retrospectively analyzed.All the patients were received ICG angiography before and after intracranial aneurysm clipping.The efficiency of the surgery was evalu-ated with CT angiography(CTA)and(or)digital subtraction angiography(DSA).The postoperative follow-up was conducted using Glasow outcomes score(GOS).Results Of the 50 patients,3 cases of aneurysmal neck remnant,one case of parent arteries steno-sis,one case of nearby branch stenosis and two cases of “false-negative”were observed after ICG angiography.The clips were adjus-ted until the satisfactory blood flew was restored.Postoperative CTA and(or)DSA confirmed the results of intraoperative ICG an-giography.Of the 40 patients underwent follow-up,GOS score was 5 in 30 cases,4 in 7 case,3 in 2 case and 2 in 1 case.Conclusion ICG angiography is a useful way to assess the clipping of aneurysms,blood flew of parent arteries and nearby branches during the aneurysm surgery.It could raise the safety of surgery and further improve the clinical outcomes of intracranial aneurysms.

Objective To investigate the relationship of Maternal-fetal interface local cytokine GM-CSF and its receptor with the occurrence of early spontaneous abortion. Methods From August 2009 to December 2011,we collected 30 villi tissue samples with artificial abortion and 30 villi tissue samples with spontaneous abortion. At the same time, we collected 30 villi tissue samples with artificial abortion and 30 decidua tissue samples with spontaneous abortion,and 30 decidua tissue samples with spontaneous abortion. The human chorionic gonadotropin ( HCG) was detected by radioimmunoassay in every group. The expressions of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor (GM-CSFR ) were detected by Immunohistochemical staining and Western Blot in the villi tissue and decidua tissue in every group. Results The concentration of HCG in the spontaneous abortion group was lower than that in the artificial abortion group ( <0.05) . The protein expressions of GM-CSF and GM-CSFR were found in villus and deciduas tissues in both groups. The protein expression levels of GM-CSFR in the villus tissues were higher in spontaneous abortion group than those in artificial abortion group ( <0.05), the protein expression of GM-CSF was upregulated, but there was no statistically significant difference between two groups. In deciduas tissues, the protein expressions of GM-CSF and GM-CSFR were upregualted in spontaneous abortion group ( <0.05) . Conclusions The suitable concentrations of GM-CSF and GM-CSFR in decidua tissue maintain the pregnancy continued. However,the higher concentrations of GM-CSF and GM-CSFR in the decidua tissue may be one of reasons of spontaneous abortion.

We in the present study observed the effect of N-fructose modified chitosan quaternary ammonium derivatives on on rat skin wound healing through animal experiments. Forty rats were randomly divided into eight groups (5 in each group). Four groups among the all 8 groups were the experimental groups, while the other 4 groups were the control groups. Next to the skin along the back of the spine, 1.50 cm x 2.00 cm x 0.16 cm full-thickness skin was cut to make an excision wound model for every rat. Those in the experimental groups were treated with the N-fructose-modified chitosan quaternary ammonium derivatives ointment dressing the wound, while those in the control groups with sterile medical vaseline processing. We dressed the wounds twice a day to observe the wound healing of all rats in different groups. We then observed the wound healing and wound pathology after 3, 7, 10, 15 days re spectively in different groups. Results showed significant differences of the time of wound healing, area of wound healing and volume of wound healing between the experimental groups and control groups (P < 0.05). It can be well concluded that N-fructose-modified chitosan quaternary ammonium derivatives does not harm the skin, but could promote skin healing, so that they could be suitable skin repair materials and ideal raw materials for medical dressing.
Animals ; Bandages ; Chitosan ; therapeutic use ; Polymers ; therapeutic use ; Quaternary Ammonium Compounds ; therapeutic use ; Rats ; Skin ; pathology ; Wound Healing

Objective To investigate the status of life quality in the elderly in Shanxi Province Changzhi City, and to analyze its influencing factors. Methods The quality of life, activities of daily living and status of community services were measured simultaneously by 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Activities of Daily Living Scale, Community Healthy Needs Scale and survey results were used and analyzed using t-test, correlation and stepwise regression analysis. Results According to the criterion of life quality in the elderly which were proposed by Zhang Lei, the quality of life in the elderly scored 72. 1-117.0, reached 98.5%. The quality of life in the elderly was impacted by the ability of caring oneself, marital status, degree of culture, economic situation and so on. The demand rate for health guidance and periodic physical examination was higher. Conclusions The quality of life in the elderly is at a medium level. There is a wide gap between the demand of community healthy services and the utilization of community healthy services.

Objective To investigate the quality of life of elderly caregivers and its factors. Methods Elderly caregivers living in Changzhi City were enrolled in this study. 36-item short-form (SF-36) health survey and Activity of Daily Living Scale ( ADL) were used as study tools. The data was analyzed by statistical description,t test or multiple regression. Results Those with score of quality of life reaching 72. 1 to 117. 0 accounted for 98. 8%. The total score and score of eight dimensions of SF-36 showed statistically significant difference between different daily living activity groups ( P < 0.05) . The state of health and self-care ability of the elderly imposed a major impact on eight dimensions of SF-36. Age, sex, level of education, marital status and wage had different impact on each dimension of SF-36. Conclusion The quality of life of elderly caregivers is at a medium level. The main factors of quality of live of elderly caregiver are their state of health and self-care ability of the elderly.

Aim: To elucidate the structure of an acidic polysaccharide from Cordyceps sinensis and to study its protective effect on renal cell injury by cisplatin. Methods: After Cordyceps sinensis acidic polysaccharide( CAPS) was isolated and purified, the purity and molecule weight were detected by high performance gel permeation chro-matography( HPGPC). Based on the UV spectrum, FT-IR spectrum, monosaccharide composition and GC-MS, the structures were elucidated. Cisplatin-induced injury of Madin-Darby canine kidney( MDCK) cell line was protec-ted by the blood serum with CAPS. Results: The purity of CAPS, with a molecule weight of 2. 7×10~4, was about 99%. It consisted mainly of mannose, glucose and galactose. When the serum with CAPS reached 2.5%, it showed difference compared with the cisplatin group (P <0. 05) on the protective effect of renal cell injury. It showed significant difference( P <0.01) when the serum with CAPS exceeded 5%. Conclusion: CAPS has a pro-tective effect on the renal cell injury in vitro.