The five-flavor theory of traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) and the flavor efficacy generation mechanism has long been focuses and difficulties in studies on traditional Chinese medicinal properties. In this paper, by using the pharmacophore-based virtual screening technique, the authors discussed the relations between the pungent property and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) by studying the TCM components' role in regulating TRPV1 ion channel. The results showed that the matching relationship between TRPV1 agonist pharmacophore model and TCM chemical components could identify the active ingredients from pungent herbs. Therefore, the authors proposed that TRPV1 is one of the potential targets for efficient pungent herbs. The pungent property of TCMs is decided by its chemical components, and consistent with the inherited and additive characteristics.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Smell ; TRPV Cation Channels ; antagonists & inhibitors ; metabolism ; Taste

Dalbergiae Odoriferae Lignum as a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely used for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis. Flavonoid compounds are main chemical constituents of Dalbergiae Odoriferae Lignum, which exert anti-inflammatory property. However, the underlying anti-inflammatory mechanisms of flavonoid compounds are incompletely understood. It has been reported that isoliquiritigenin, liquiritigenin, naringenin and butein possess anti-inflammatory property. The purpose of this study is to illuminate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of flavonoid compounds based on the protein interaction network (PIN) analysis on molecular network level. 130 targets of the main medicinal ingredients of flavonoid compounds were gained though database retrieval. A protein interaction network of flavonoid compounds was constructed with 589 nodes and 216 interactions. By a graph theoretic clustering algorithm Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE), 26 modules were identified and analyzed by Gene ontology (GO) enrichment. Two modules were associated with anti-inflammatory actions. The most interesting finding of this study was that the anti-inflammatory effect of flavonoid compounds may be partly attributable to inhibite FOS, PTGS2 expression, inhibite of IL-1beta release, and block the MAPK pathway and toll-like receptor pathway.
Anti-Inflammatory Agents ; pharmacology ; Dalbergia ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Flavonoids ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Protein Binding ; drug effects ; Protein Interaction Maps ; drug effects ; Proteins ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Qianliean Pill (QP) on inflammatory factors such as IL-1β, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (CNP) model rats, and to explore its therapeutic mechanism.

METHODSCNP rat model was established by castration and estradiol benzoate injection. Totally 50 rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, i.e., the model group, the positive medicine group, the high dose QP group, the medium dose QP group, and the low dose QP group, 10 in each group. Besides, 10 normal rats were recruited as a normal control group. Since the 8th day of castration, Pulean Tablet (PT) at 10. 80 g/kg was administered to rats in the positive medicine group by gastrogavage. QP at 11.00, 5.50, and 2.75 g/kg was administered to rats in high, medium, and low dose QP groups by gastrogavage. Distilled water at 2 mL/100 g was administered to rats in the model group and the normal control group by gastrogavage, once daily for 30 successive days. After 30 days of medication all rats were sacrificed and their prostate tissues were extracted. The prostatic index was calculated. Pathological changes of rat prostate were observed under light microscope. Meanwhile, levels of IL-1β, IL-10, and TNF-α were detected using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTSCompared with the normal control group, the prostate index obviously decreased, levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-10 in the prostate tissue significantly increased in the model group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the prostate index obviously decreased in high and medium dose QP groups, and the positive medicine group (P < 0.01); levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-10 obviously decreased in each QP group and the positive medicine group (P < 0.01). Compared with the positive medicine group, the TNF-α level decreased more obviously in the high dose QP group (P < 0.05). Compared with the normal control group, inflammatory reactions occurred obviously in rats' prostate of the model group. Compared with the model group, inflammatory reactions were milder in rats' prostate of each QP group and the positive medicine group, and their degrees were improved to some extent.

CONCLUSIONQP could treat CNP, which might be achieved by regulating local immune state of the prostate, relieving inflammatory reactions of the prostate, and lowering levels of IL-β, TNF-α, and IL-10 in the prostate tissue.

Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Interleukin-10 ; metabolism ; Interleukin-1beta ; metabolism ; Male ; Prostatitis ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Rats ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) local infections in Zhejiang Province during the period between March and May, 2022, so as to provide the evidence for COVID-19 control. Methods: The individual investigation data and field epidemiological investigation data of local COVID-19 cases in Zhejiang Province from March to May 2022 were extracted from the National Diseases Prevention and Control Information System of China. The temporal, spatial and population distribution, identification and booster vaccination of local COVID-19 cases were analyzed using a descriptive epidemiological method. Factors affecting the severity of clinical symptoms were identified among local COVID-19 cases using a multivariable logistic regression model. Results: A total of 289 local COVID-19 epidemics occurred in Zhejiang Province from March to May 2022, and all infections were caused by the Omicron variant. A total of 1 598 local COVID-19 infections were reported, including 672 confirmed cases (42.05%) and 926 asymptomatic cases (57.95%), and the 672 confirmed case included 614 mild cases (91.37%), 58 normal cases (8.63%), while no severe, critically ill or dead cases were reported. The mean duration of COVID-zero community, mean duration of COVID-19 epidemics and mean length to COVID-19 peak calculated according to 7 epidemics with 50 and more cases were (6.14±1.07), (13.43±4.39), (3.00±1.63) d, respectively. COVID-19 infection was predominantly detected in centralized quarantine sites (1 105 cases, 69.15%), and 843 cases completed booster immunization of COVID-19 vaccines (52.75%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that age (with ages of 60 years and older as the reference, age of 6 to 17 years, OR=0.111, 95%CI: 0.024-0.508; age of 18 to 44 years, OR=0.341, 95%CI: 0.163-0.713) and booster COVID-19 vaccination (OR=0.219, 95%CI: 0.117-0.410) were protective factors for developing more severe clinical symptoms following COVID-19 infections. Conclusions All local COVID-19 infections were caused by Omicron variant in Zhejiang Province during the period between March and May 2022, and all cases had mild clinical symptoms. Preschool children, middle-aged and elderly residents and individuals that did not complete booster COVID-19 vaccination may had relatively more severe clinical symptoms following COVID-19 infections.

Panax notoginseng (PN) is one of the commonly used clinical medicines for cardiovascular diseases and possesses a variety of pharmacological effects. P. notoginseng saponins (PNS) are the most important bioactive components in PN. The purpose of this study was to explain the mechanism of PNS on molecular network level. 18 targets of the main medicinal ingredients of PNS were gained by virtual screening based on pharmacophores and data mining. A protein interaction network of PNS was constructed with 189 nodes and 721 interactions. By a graph theoretic clustering algorithm Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE), 14 modules were detected. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of the modules demonstrated that the roles of PNS played in cardiovascular disease related to multiple biological processes, which could represent the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a whole to regulate the disease. The results showed that the blood circulation and hemostasis efficacy of PN related with the biological processes such as positive regulation of cAMP metabolic and biosynthetic process, platelet activation and regulation of blood vessel size, regulation of T cell proliferation and differentiation and so on. Therefore, the module-based network analysis will be an effective method for better understanding TCM.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Humans ; Panax notoginseng ; chemistry ; Protein Interaction Maps ; drug effects ; Proteins ; chemistry ; Saponins ; chemistry

Medical imaging is an interdisciplinary subject closely related to clinical and pathological subject. Its clinical reading skills' training has become the focus of postgraduate teaching. In the process of clinical teaching, the interactive reading mode of problem-based learning (PBL) combined with multi-disci-plinary team (MDT) was introduced into clinical reading meeting. The tutors chose the reading cases proved by pathology; designed in-depth issues step by step for execution of PBL teaching; guided postgraduates to delineate imaging signs and propose the diagnostic results, evidences and differential diagnoses according to the step from localizing to qualitative and then to pathological diagnosis;then guided postgraduates to attend in-depth case analysis of MDT and analyze the correlation or inconsistency between the imaging diagnosis and clinical and pathological diagnosis; exercise document retrieval and verbalization, multimedia design, and writing level of the records of the reading cases and papers. The interactive reading mode of PBL com-bined with MDT has achieved significant effects, which is worthy of further exploration and promotion.

Adolescent ; Child ; Cord Blood Stem Cell Transplantation ; Female ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Leukocyte Count ; Male ; Siblings ; Transplantation, Homologous ; immunology ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To investigate the expression level and clinical significance of long non-coding RNA(LncRNA) growth arrest specific gene-antisense 1(GAS8-AS1) in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma(PTMC) patients. Methods We investigated the expression profile of GAS8-AS1 in tissue samples of patients with PTMC as well as nodular goiter(NG) by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR). Results GAS8-AS1 in cancer tissue was down-regulated in PTMC patients compared with adjacent thyroid tissue and NG samples(P<0.05). Lower level of GAS8-AS1 was also correlated with central cervical lymph node metastasis(CLNM, P<0.05). The area under the ROC curve for GAS8-AS1 was up to 0.717 3 in CLNM prediction(P<0.05). Conclusion GAS8-AS1 may act as a potential biomarker for PTC diagnosis and CLNM prediction.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the influence of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP-2) on the infiltrative patterns of human monocytic leukemic cell line SHI-1 in nude mice.

METHODS1) 1 x 10(7) TIMP-2 gene transduced SHI-1 (SHI-1-TIMP-2) and SHI-1 transduced MSCV gene (SHI-1-MSCV) cells were inoculated via tail vein into 6-week nude mice, which pretreated by splenectomy, cytoxan intraperitoneal injection, and sublethal irradiation(referred as SCI nude mice). 30 days after inoculation, half of the mice were sacrificed, and the infiltration patterns were investigated by histological exam and human CD45 immunohistochemistry, other mice were observed for survival time. 2) Leukemic cells inoculated subcutaneously into the axillary area of mice without any pre-treatment. On day 23 and 30, mice were sacrificed to measure the volume of neoplasm. TIMP-2 protein expression and the micro vein density were detected by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSIn SCI nude mice inoculated via caudal vein with SHI-1-TIMP-2 cells, the survival time was shorter and infiltration (including in central nervous system) was higher than that in those inoculated with SHI-1-MSCV cells. However, in inoculated subcutaneously group, the neoplasm though grew rapidly at first, over expression of TIMP-2 limited the tumor growth and angiogenesis.

CONCLUSIONThe functions of TIMP-2 are diversity; the role of TIMP-2 in tumor infiltration and metastasis was worthy of further investigation.

Animals ; Cell Line, Tumor ; DNA, Complementary ; genetics ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; Leukemia, Experimental ; genetics ; pathology ; Leukemic Infiltration ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2 ; genetics ; Transfection

Objective To analyze the characteristics of proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after total joint arthroplasty.Methods 40 cases of proximal DVT were collected from May 2007 to October 2016 which were all diagnosed by lower limb venography or sonography.There were 9 males and 31 females aged from 38 to 86 years,average 67 years,and body mass index was from 16.94 to 31.25kg/m2,with an average of 24.3 kg/m2.29 cases of THA patients and 11 cases of TKA patients.The anatomical distribution,size,radiological performance,local physical findings were recorded and multivariable analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between distribution of proximal DVT and related parameters including age,gender (male/female),side of leg(left/right),surgery type(knee and hip),preoperative diagnosis(femoral neck fracture/other disease),time of diagnosis with DVT (during hospitalization/after discharge).Results Among 40 proximal DVT cases,31 cases diagnosed by phlebography and 9 cases were diagnosed by ultrasound.2 cases were isolated proximal DVT while 38 cases connected with distal DVTs.9 cases of blood clots in the proximal and distal thrombosis connected discontinuously.There was no isolated proximal DVT in TKA group and 10 cases (90.9％) of blood clots in the proximal and distal thrombosis connected continuously while there were 2 cases (6.9％) isolated proximal DVTs in THA group and 21 (77.8％) of blood clots in the proximal and distal thrombosis connected discontinuously,and there was no statistic significant difference between the two groups.The average length of proximal was 8.85±9.3 1cm (range from 2-35cm) with 5.0±2.05 cm in TKA group and 10.31 ± 10.55 cmin THA group.A significant difference was found between the 2 groups (P=0.014).13 cases located in femoral veins and upper venous region which were all from THA group.There was a significant difference in the distribution between surgery type and preoperative diagnosis.However,there was no significant difference between other potential factors and distribution of proximal DVT.25 cases accepted the evaluation of symptom of DVT before scanning.However,no significant difference were found in edema,VAS score,Homans sign,Neuof sign between 9 TKA and 16 THA cases.Conclusion Proximal DVTs after knee and hip arthroplasty are more preferred to connect with distal DVT continuously.Surgery type and preoperative diagnosis have a significant effect on the distribution of proximal DVT.Proximal DVTs in THA and patients with preoperative femoral neck fracture could be more easily involving femoral veins and upper parts.