AIM To prepare the chrysin-phospholipid complex and to investigate its pharmacokinetic behaviors.METHODS Solvent evaporation method was used for preparing the complex.With preparation temperature,preparation time,chrysin concentration and drug-lipid ratio (chrysin-phospholipid) as influencing factors,together with recombination rate as an evaluation index,the preparation was optimized by orthogonal test.The obtained complex was analyzed by X-ray diffraction,differential scanning calorimetry,1H-NMR and 31P-NMR,whose solubility was examined as well.SD rats were intragastrically administered with chrysin and its phospholipid complex,respectively.The blood concentration of chrysin was detected by HPLC,after which the pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated.RESULTS The optimal conditions were determined to be 40 ℃ for preparation temperature,2 h for preparation time,20 mg/mL for chrysin concentration,and 1 ∶ 2 for drug-lipid ratio,the recombination rate was close to 100％.Chrysin existed in an amorphous state in the phospholipid complex,which was a new phase rather than physical mixture (chrysin-phosphatidylcholine),and no new chemical bond was generated.Phospholipid complex could significantly increase chrysin's apparent solubility in water and n-octanol,the Cmax,AUC0-t and AUC0-∞ were also obviously increased as compared with raw medicine.CONCLUSION Phospholipid complex can improve both the solubility of chrysin and its oral bioavailability.

Objective To establish a scientific and comprehensive quality of life ( QOL ) evaluation index system for the elderly living alone. Methods Based on the literature review, we organized theoretical analysis, in-depth interview with the old people living alone, experts group discussion;according to the principle of constructing index system, the QOL evaluation index system framework of the elderly living alone was initially constructed. Then 15 experts were consulted by two-round Delphi method. Each of the index was weighed by matrix dual comparison method. Results The QOL evaluation index system of the elderly living alone was established including 4 primary indexes, 9 secondary indexes and 32 tertiary indexes. Conclusions The index system can provide reference for the research of the QOL scale of the elderly living alone and the guidance for evaluation and enhancement of the QOL of the elderly living alone.

To identify SJCHGC01743 gene of Schistosoma japonicum and evaluate the potential of the recombinant protein as a new vaccine candidate for schistosomiasis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was used to amplify the cDNA of the gene and real-time RT-PCR was used to analyze the transcription profiles of SJCHGC01743 at different development stages. Recombinant plasmid was successfully constructed and transformed into competent Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). Then the recombinant protein was expressed, purified and emulsified with ISA206 adjuvant to immunize BALB/c mice for three times. The immunogenicity was confirmed by Western blotting and tissue localization was detected by indirect immunofluorescent assay. The specific antibody level was detected by ELISA. The immunoprotection of rSjOST48 was evaluated by the reduction in worm and egg counts in mice. A cDNA with 1 248 nucleotides was isolated from 28-day-old schistosomes cDNAs by PCR. Sequence analysis revealed that SJCHGC01743 was a 48-kDa subunit of the oligosaccharyltransferase complex (OST48) and named as SjOST48. Real-time PCR analysis indicated that this gene was expressed in all investigated stages and had the highest expression level in 28 d worms, the level of gene transcription in female worms was significantly higher than that of male worms. Then recombinant plasmid pET28a(+)-SjOST48 was successfully constructed and expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3). Western blotting analysis showed that rSjOST48 had good immunogenicity. Indirect immunofluorescent analysis revealed that SjOST48 was mainly distributed on the tegument of the worms. The result of ELISA indicated that the rSjOST48 vaccinated group could induce a significant increase in the level of specific IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a. An immunoprotection experiment showed that the vaccination of rSjOST48 in mice induced 32.62% (P < 0.05) reduction in the numbers of worms and 57.61% (P < 0.01) in eggs in liver, compared with that of the control group. This study provides the foundation for proceeding further research on the biological function of SjOST48 and screening new vaccine candidates for schistosomiasis.
Animals ; Antibodies, Helminth ; blood ; Cloning, Molecular ; DNA, Complementary ; Escherichia coli ; Female ; Genes, Helminth ; Helminth Proteins ; genetics ; immunology ; Immunoglobulin G ; blood ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Recombinant Proteins ; immunology ; Schistosoma japonicum ; genetics ; Schistosomiasis japonica ; prevention & control ; Vaccination

Objective To clone cDNA encoding troponin T of Schistosoma japonicum(SjTnT),and evaluate the protective efficacy induced by recombinant SjTnT in BALB/c mice against S. japonicum challenge infection. Methods The SjTnT gene was amplified from 28-day-schistosome cDNAs by PCR and then subcloned into pET28a(+). The recombinant SjTnT protein (rSjTnT)was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3)cells. The serum specific to rSjTnT was prepared by immunized BALB/c mice with the recombinant antigen,and the immunogenicity of rSjTnT was detected by Western blotting and ELISA. The immuno-protective efficacy induced by rSjTnT in BALB/c mice was evaluated according to the reduction in worm and egg counts. Results The cDNA encoding SjTnT was successfully cloned and expressed in E. coli. Western blotting showed that rSjTnT had a good immunogenicity. The high level of specific IgG antibodies was detected,and 33.89% worm reduction and 43.94% liver egg reduction were obtained in mice vaccinated with rSjTnT combined with Seppic 206 adjuvant compared with those in the adjuvant control group. Conclusions rSjTnT could induce partial immuno-protection against S. japonicum infec-tion in BALB/c mice. This study provided a basic for understanding the biological function of SjTnT.

Radiation sensitive protein 23 (RAD23) is a nucleotide excision repair (NER) protein that plays an important role in Ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP). Schistosoma japonicum radiation sensitive protein23 (SjRAD23) cDNA sequences were amplified by PCR and cloned into pET28a (+) vector to construct recombinant expression plasmid pET28a(+)-SjRAD23. The recombinant protein was expressed as both inclusion bodies and the supernatant in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) cell. Immunofluorescence observation shows that SjRAD23 was mainly distributed on the tegument surface of the worms. ELISA assay reveals that specific IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies could be detected in the sera of rSjRAD23 immunized mice. Western blotting analysis shows that the recombinant SjRAD23 could be recognized by serum specific to soluble adult worm antigen of S. japonicum. BALB/c mice vaccinated with rSjRAD23 combined with 206 adjuvant revealed 35.94% worm reduction and 40.59% liver egg reduction when compared with that of the adjuvant control
Animals ; Antibodies, Helminth ; blood ; Blotting, Western ; Cloning, Molecular ; DNA Repair Enzymes ; genetics ; metabolism ; DNA, Complementary ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Escherichia coli ; Genetic Vectors ; Helminth Proteins ; genetics ; immunology ; Immunoglobulin G ; blood ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Recombinant Proteins ; genetics ; immunology ; Schistosoma japonicum ; genetics ; metabolism ; Schistosomiasis japonica ; prevention & control ; Vaccines ; immunology

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for the elderly patients (80 years or older) with choledocholithiasis.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 742 cases of choledocholithiasis who underwent ERCP at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School from January 2014 to December 2017. The patients were divided into two groups: 196 patients aged 80 or above (the very elderly group) and 546 patients aged 60 or below (the non-elderly group). The baseline data including gender, number and size of stones of the two groups were matched using the 1∶1 propensity score matching, and the covariate equalization samples between the two groups were obtained and 196 pairs of patients were successfully matched. The treatment success rate, complication incidence, hospitalization time and cost were analyzed.Results:Comorbidities in patients of the elderly group were significantly more than those in the non-elderly group [93.4% (183/196) VS 76.5% (150/196), P<0.001]. The success rates of treatment were 96.4% (189/196) and 96.9% (190/196), respectively ( P=0.778). The incidence of postoperative complications were 8.7% (17/196) in the elderly group and 6.6% (13/196) in the non-elderly group ( P=0.447). The mean hospitalization time and the mean hospitalization cost of the elderly group and the non-elderly group were 8.20 days, 23 624.06 Yuan and 8.03 days, 22 249.64 Yuan, respectively (all P>0.05). Conclusion:ERCP is effective and safe, and can be used as the first choice for senile patients with choledocholithiasis.

To explore prognostic factors in intermediate-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity (MRD<0.1%,MRD-)receiving autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT).A total of 59 intermediate-risk AML patients with MRD-were treated with auto-HSCT from January 2015 to September 2021 at Affiliated People′s Hospital of Ningbo University. The clinical data and laboratory results were collected retrospectively. Efficacy, clinical outcome and prognostic factors were analyzed. Univariate analysis was conducted by using log-rank test, the multivariate analysis by Cox proportional risk model.Among 59 patients, there were 27 males and 32 females with median age of 55 (31-69) years old.The median follow-up was 761(317-1 861)days. The 2-year overall survival (OS) rate and event-free survival (EFS) rate were 76.1%±11.4% and 73.4%±11.6% respectively.The univariate analysis showed that age older than 50 years, TET2 gene mutation (TET2 +), achieving MRD negativity over 30 days (MRD 30+) were unfavorable factors of OS ( χ2=6.20, 33.20, 7.18; P=0.013,<0.001, 0.007). TET 2+, WT1 gene mutation (WT1 +), CD34 +cells<2×10 6/kg, MRD 30+were negative factors of EFS ( χ2=17.29, 4.47, 3.94, 9.393; P<0.001, 0.035, 0.047, 0.002).Multivariate analysis showed that MRD 30+, TET2 + were independent prognostic factors of OS and EFS (OS: HR=9.251, 25.839, P=0.036, 0.001;EFS: HR=5.851, 9.199, P=0.043, 0.002). Intermediate-risk AML patients with MRD 30+or TET2 + have very poor prognosis after auto-HSCT. Alternative regimens should be investigated.

Objective To explore the effect of radiofrequency heating on type Ⅱ collagen expression in a rabbit model of osteoarthritis.Methods Knee osteoarthritis was induced in the right hind legs of 54 male rabbits using modified Hulth modeling.The rabbits were randomly divided into a model group which was not given any special treatment,a Lugua polypeptide group and a radiofrequency hyperthermia group.The Lugua polypeptide group was injected with Lugua polypeptide;the radiofrequency hyperthermia group was treated with radiofrequency irradiation.Six,12 and 18 days after the treatment,the morphological condition of the rats' right femoral medial condyle cartilages were evaluated using modified Mankins scoring and the type Ⅱ collagen content of the cartilage was detected using a quantitative PCR technique.Results At the same time points after treatment,the average Mankins scores were decreased in all the 3 groups,with that of the model group was significantly higher than those of both of the other groups,and the radiofrequency hyperthermia group's average score was significantly better than that of the Lugua polypeptide group.The average type Ⅱ collagen content was significantly increased in all the 3 groups to various extent (the radiofrequency hyperthermia group ＞ Lugua polypeptide group ＞ model group).For the radiofrequency hyperthermia group,the average Mankins score decreased significantly and the average type Ⅱ collagen content increased significantly as the treatment continued.Conclusion Radiofrequency hyperthermia is superior to Lugua polypeptide for treating knee osteoarthritis,at least in rabbits.Its therapeutic effectiveness may be related to a significant increase of type Ⅱ collagen in the cartilage.

Objective To explore the effect of radiofrequency-induced hyperthermia on the morphology of articular cartilage and any changes in serum-1 interleukin-1 (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the process of knee osteoarthritis in rabbits.Methods Fifty-four male rabbits were selected and knee osteoarthritis was introduced to their right hind limbs using the modified Huhh model.They were then randomly divided into a model group,a cervus and cucumis polypeptide (CCP) group and a radiofrequency thermotherapy (RT) group,each of 18.The CCP group was injected with deer melon peptide intramuscularly.The RT group was given radiofrequency hyperthermia treatment.The model group was not provided with any special treatment.On the 7th,13th and 19th day of the treatment,6 rabbits in each group were sacrificed to resect the right medial femoral condyle cartilage.The morphological characteristics of the cartilage were evaluated using the modified Mankins score,while the content of IL-1βand TNF-α in the serum were detected using enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assays (ELISAs).Results At the same time points,the average Mankins score and the average content of IL-1βand TNF-α in the serum of the model group were significantly higher than in the CCP group,with the values in the latter group significantly higher than in the RT group.In the RT group,the average Mankins score,as well as the IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha levels in the serum,decreased significantly with longer treatment.Conclusion Radiofrequency-induced hyperthermia is superior to deer melon polypeptide in treating knee osteoarthritis,at least in rabbits.Its therapeutic mechanism may be related to the control of serum IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha levels.

Objective:To investigate the association between serum zinc levels and convulsive brain injury in infants with mild gastroenteritis complicated with benign infantile seizures (BICE) and febrile seizures (FC).Methods:A case-control study method was conducted. 120 children with mild gastroenteritis and convulsion admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University from January 2020 to January 2022 were enrolled as the research subjects. They were divided into BICE group and FC group according to the type of convulsion. The serum zinc level, the frequency and duration of convulsion, and the occurrence of convulsive brain injury in the two groups were recorded. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to screen the risk factors for convulsive brain injury. The Spearman correlation method was used to analyze the association between serum zinc levels, clinical characteristics of convulsion and convulsive brain injury.Results:A total of 120 children were enrolled, of which 81 developed to BICE and 39 developed to FC during hospitalization. The serum zinc level of children in the FC group was significantly lower than that in the BICE group (μmol/L: 39.24±6.50 vs. 48.65±7.21, P < 0.01). In the BICE group and FC group, the serum zinc level in children with more than 2 convulsions was significantly lower than that in the children with one convulsion (μmol/L: 37.65±6.50 vs. 53.17±7.55 in the BICE group, and 30.27±5.58 vs. 44.16±7.57 in the FC group, both P < 0.01). Serum zinc level in children with convulsion duration ≥5 minutes was significantly lower than that in the children with convulsion duration < 5 minutes (μmol/L: 38.75±6.74 vs. 51.21±7.58 in the BICE group, and 31.08±5.46 vs. 45.19±7.25 in the FC group, both P < 0.01). Moreover, the serum zinc level of children with different convulsion frequency and duration in the FC group was significantly lower than that in the BICE group (all P < 0.01). Among the 120 children, 9 cases of convulsive brain injury occurred, and the incidence rate was 7.50%. The incidence of convulsive brain injury in the BICE group was 1.23% (1/81), which was significantly lower than 20.51% in the FC group (8/39, P < 0.01). The serum zinc level of children with convulsive brain injury was significantly lower than that of children with non-brain injury (μmol/L: 28.50±5.00 vs. 60.22±7.31, P < 0.01), and the number of convulsion was significantly higher than that of non-cerebral injury (≥ 2 convulsions: 100.00% vs. 1.80%, P < 0.01), and the duration of convulsion in children with brain injury was significantly longer than that of non-brain-injured children (convulsion duration ≥5 minutes: 100.00% vs. 11.71%, P < 0.01). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that decreased serum zinc level [odds ratio ( OR) = 2.147, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was 1.354-3.403], increased number of convulsion ( OR = 3.452, 95% CI was 1.266-9.417), and prolonged convulsion duration ( OR = 3.117, 95% CI was 1.326-7.327) were independent risk factor for convulsive brain injury in children with mild gastroenteritis and convulsion (all P < 0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that serum zinc level, convulsion ≥2 times, duration of convulsion ≥5 minutes and convulsion ≥2 times + convulsion duration ≥5 minutes were significantly negatively correlated with the occurrence of convulsive brain injury in FC children ( r values were -0.546, -0.517, -0.522, and -0.528, all P < 0.01). There was no significant correlation between serum zinc level, convulsion ≥2 times, convulsion duration ≥5 minutes and convulsion ≥2 times+convulsion duration ≥5 minutes and convulsive brain injury in BICE children ( r values were -0.281, -0.129, -0.201, -0.243, all P > 0.05). Conclusions:Serum zinc level is related to the characteristics of convulsive symptoms in children with mild gastroenteritis complicated with FC, and has a strong negative correlation with the occurrence of convulsive brain injury. Active targeted intervention and treatment may help reduce the incidence of brain injury in children.