ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate and evaluate the staged efficacy and safety of the representative empirical prescription of the “Zhu Ke Jiao” theory， Qijia Rougan prescription， combined with entecavir in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B. MethodsA multicenter randomized controlled clinical study was conducted， and 101 patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B-related hepatic fibrosis （CHB-HF） who met the diagnosis and inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to an observation group （Qijia Rougan prescription + entecavir） and a control group （entecavir）. The treatment duration was 24 weeks. Liver stiffness measurement （LSM）， fibrosis-4 index （FIB-4）， portal vein diameter， hepatitis B serology， biochemical indicators， hepatic fibrosis markers in serum ［hyaluronic acid （HA）， laminin （LN）， procollagen Ⅲ peptide （PⅢP）， and type Ⅳ collagen （Ⅳ-C）］， and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores were used as efficacy evaluation indicators. Efficacy assessments and explorations of different staged subgroups of Qijia Rougan prescription were conducted according to LSM values based on the Metavir pathological staging standard. ResultsA total of 98 cases were included for statistical analysis， with 49 cases in the observation group and 49 in the control group. The general data of the patients in both groups were comparable. Compared with the same group before treatment， the observation group showed a significant reduction in LSM and FIB-4 （P<0.01）， as well as notable improvements in LN， Ⅳ-C， and various TCM syndrome scores （P<0.05， P<0.01）. When compared to the control group after treatment， the observation group demonstrated significant improvements in LSM， FIB-4， and various TCM syndrome score indicators （P<0.05， P<0.01）， indicating that the observation group performed better than the control group. Subgroup analysis of the regression of hepatic fibrosis stages showed that compared to the same group before treatment， the observation group had better improvement in regression of stages F2 and F3 （P<0.05）. When compared to the control group after treatment， the observation group exhibited superior improvement in regression of stage F3 （P<0.05）. No adverse events occurred in either group during the treatment period. ConclusionCompared with entecavir alone， the combination of Qijia Rougan prescription and entecavir significantly improves the degree of hepatic fibrosis and clinical TCM symptoms in patients. The optimal intervention period is primarily during stage F3， which is a potential “interception” point of the “Zhu Ke Jiao” theory.

Objective To develop an erythrocyte-based delivery system for butyrylcholinesterase(BChE)that is capable of prophylaxis against organophosphorus nerve agents.Methods Recombinant BChE was produced and analyzed for oligomerization via polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis(PAGE)and Western blotting.A modified hypotonic preswelling method was employed to prepare BChE-loaded erythrocytes.The drug loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Catalytic activity was assessed in vitro with an activity detection kit.The system was characterized via scanning electron microscopy(SEM),flow cytometry and a hematology analyzer.Results Recombinant BChE predominantly existed as dimers(85％dimer,15％monomer).The optimized volume ratio of erythrocytes to hypotonic solution was determined as 1:7.Compared with native and empty erythrocytes,BChE-loaded erythrocytes exhibited significantly higher catalytic activity(P＜0.001).The mean corpuscular volume of BChE-loaded erythrocytes increased(P＜0.001),while the mean content of corpuscular hemoglobin and hemoglobin in erythrocytes per 100 mL decreased(P＜0.001).SEM revealed no morphological differences(biconcave disc shape).Hypotonic preswelling moderately increased erythrocyte apoptosis(P＜0.001),but no statistical difference was observed between BChE-loaded and hypotonic-treated erythrocytes(P＞0.05).CD47 expression remained unchanged compared to native erythrocytes(P＞0.05).Conclusion The modified hypotonic preswelling method can generate BChE-loaded erythrocytes that retain the characteristics of native erythrocytes while conferring catalytic activity,offering a novel strategy for clinical intervention against organophosphorus poisoning.

Soil cadmium pollution can adversely affect the cultivation of the ornamental plant, Coleus scutellarioides. Upon cadmium contamination of the soil, the growth of C. scutellarioides is impeded, and it may even succumb to the toxic accumulation of cadmium. In this study, we investigated the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the adaptation of C. scutellarioides to cadmium stress, by measuring the physiological metabolism and the degree of root damage of C. scutellarioides, with Aspergillus oryzae as the test fungi. The results indicated that cadmium stress increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline (Pro) within the cells of C. scutellarioides, but inhibited mycorrhizal infestation rate, root vigour and growth rate to a great degree. With the same cadmium concentration, the inoculation of AMF significantly improved the physiological indexes of C. scutellarioides. The maximum decrease of MDA content was 42.16%, and the content of secondary metabolites rosemarinic acid and anthocyanosides could be increased by up to 27.43% and 25.72%, respectively. Meanwhile, the increase of root vigour was as high as 35.35%, and the DNA damage of the root system was obviously repaired. In conclusion, the inoculation of AMF can promote the accumulation of secondary metabolites, alleviate root damage, and enhance the tolerance to cadmium stress in C. scutellarioides.
Cadmium/toxicity* ; Mycorrhizae/physiology* ; Plant Roots/drug effects* ; Soil Pollutants/toxicity* ; Stress, Physiological ; Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism*

Rice (Oryza sativa L.), as a thermophilic crop, is highly susceptible to cold stress during its growth process. Chilling injury at the plumule stage and seedling stage often affects the morphological development and leads to yield reduction of rice. The exploration and utilization of cold tolerance genes are among the most direct and effective approaches to address cold stress in rice. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with cold tolerance at plumule and seedling stages, in this study, we measured the seedling rates and survived seedling rates of the indica rice cultivar 'HZ', the japonica cultivar 'Nekken2', and their 120 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) under cold stress. A previously constructed high-density genetic linkage map was used for the mapping of the QTLs conferring cold tolerance at the plumule and seedling stages. A total of 4 QTLs for plumule-stage cold tolerance and 9 QTLs for seedling-stage cold tolerance were detected, with the maximum limit of detection reaching 5.20. Notably, a genetically overlapping QTL for both plumule and seedling stages was identified on chromosome 8, spanning a physical interval of 24 432 953-25 295 129 bp. Candidate genes within the detected QTL intervals were screened, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to analyze the gene expression during the plumule and seedling stages. The results revealed that LOC_Os03g06570, LOC_Os03g07100, LOC_Os06g08280, LOC_Os08g38440, LOC_Os08g39100, and LOC_Os08g39540 exhibited significantly differential expression between the parental lines. These genes were either significantly downregulated or upregulated under cold stress. Among them, the first three gene (LOC_Os03g06570, LOC_Os03g07100, and LOC_Os06g08280) were hypothesized to be key candidates regulating the cold tolerance of rice seedlings, while the latter three genes (LOC_Os08g38440, LOC_Os08g39100, and LOC_Os08g39540) were identified as comprehensive regulators of cold tolerance during both plumule and seedling stages. These findings lay a foundation for the fine mapping and cloning of cold tolerance genes at the plumule and seedling stages, providing valuable insights for breeding cold-tolerant rice varieties.
Quantitative Trait Loci/genetics* ; Oryza/growth & development* ; Seedlings/growth & development* ; Cold Temperature ; Chromosome Mapping ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant

Objective:To analyze the association between remnant cholesterol (RC) and the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in community population in Shanghai.Methods:Using baseline and follow-up data from the Shanghai Suburban Adult Cohort and Biobank, individuals with ASCVD (including coronary heart disease, stroke, myocardial infarction, and peripheral artery disease) at baseline were excluded. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was employed to analyze the relationship between RC and ASCVD risk and the association under different LDL-C levels.Results:A total of 57 281 participants were included, with a median follow-up of 5.61 person-years. During the follow-up, 1 436 ASCVD events (2.51%) were recorded. After adjusting for potential confounders, individuals with moderate ( HR=1.18, 95% CI: 1.03-1.36) or high RC levels ( HR=1.32, 95% CI: 1.15-1.51) had an increased risk of ASCVD. The association was stronger in participants younger than 60 years-old (interaction P=0.048). Participants with RC ≥0.97 mmol/L and LDL-C <3.40 mmol/L demonstrated a 19% ( HR=1.19, 95% CI: 1.06-1.35) increased risk of ASCVD. When RC ≥0.97 mmol/L and LDL-C ≥3.40 mmol/L, ASCVD risk increased by 42% ( HR=1.42, 95% CI: 1.21-1.67). Conclusions:Elevated RC increases ASCVD risk, regardless of LDL-C levels. RC can serve as a valuable predictor and intervention target for ASCVD.

This consensus will introduce the characteristics of fillers used in the surgical cavities of domestic nasal surgery patients based on relevant literature and expert opinions. It will also provide recommendations for the selection of cavity fillers for different nasal diseases, with chronic sinusitis as a representative example.
Humans ; Nasal Cavity/surgery* ; Nasal Surgical Procedures ; China ; Consensus ; Sinusitis/surgery* ; Dermal Fillers

Cerebral edema is characterized by fluid accumulation, and the glymphatic system (GS) plays a pivotal role in regulating fluid transport. Using the Tenecteplase system, magnesium salt of salvianolic acid B/ginsenoside Rg1 (SalB/Rg1) was injected intravenously into mice 4.5 h after middle cerebral artery occlusion and once every 24 h for the following 72 h. GS function was assessed by Evans blue imaging, near-infrared fluorescence region II (NIR-II) imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). SalB/Rg1 had significant effects on reducing the infarct volume and hemorrhagic transformation score, improving neurobehavioral function, and protecting tissue structure, especially inhibiting cerebral edema. Meanwhile, the influx/efflux drainage of GS was enhanced by SalB/Rg1 according to NIR-II imaging and MRI. SalB/Rg1 inhibited matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activity, reduced cleaved β-dystroglycan (β-DG), and stabilized aquaporin-4 (AQP4) polarity, which was verified by colocalization with CD31. Our findings indicated that SalB/Rg1 treatment enhances GS function and attenuates cerebral edema, accompanying the regulation of the MMP9/β-DG/AQP4 pathway.
Animals ; Ginsenosides/administration & dosage* ; Brain Edema/etiology* ; Male ; Benzofurans/administration & dosage* ; Glymphatic System/diagnostic imaging* ; Mice ; Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery/drug therapy* ; Aquaporin 4/metabolism* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/metabolism* ; Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology* ; Depsides

Objective:To analyze the mediating effect of cardiovascular health status (CVH) on the association between educational level and cardiovascular disease (CVD).Methods:The participants were from Shanghai Suburban Adult Cohort and Biobank, and questionnaire survey, physical examination, blood biochemistry were conducted from 2016 to 2020 for baseline information collection, and follow up was conducted until March 31, 2024 based on the medical data, CVD incidence data and death surveillance data at different levels. The associations of educational level, CVH and time to CVD onset of the study population were analyzed using the accelerated failure time model to analyze the mediating effects of CVH, health behaviors, and health factors in the association of educational level and time to CVD onset. The mediating effects of educational level, gender, and age moderated associations were also analyzed.Results:A total of 57 312 participants were included, with 2 780 new cases of CVD during a median follow-up of 6.71 (6.71-6.72) years, and a mean incidence density of 7.77/1 000 person-years (95% CI: 7.48/1 000 person-years -8.06/1 000 person-years). In total, the less educational level and the lower CVH, the higher CVD incidence density ( P<0.05). The results of accelerated failure time models showed that the time ratio for CVD-free survival was 1.15 (95% CI: 1.06-1.24) and 1.33 (95% CI: 1.10-1.60) for moderate and high educational level, respectively. The results of the mediation effect analysis showed that the association between moderate and high educational level and time to CVD onset was 29.60% (20.50%-50.00%) and 36.10% (23.80%-59.00%), 9.97% (5.07%-20.00%) and 13.84% (6.84%-29.00%), 15.24% (9.64%-27.00%) and 17.55% (11.58%-33.00%) of mediators mediated by CVH, health behaviors, health factors, respectively. Among them, there was an exposure-mediated interaction of educational level and a positive moderating effect of age. Conclusion:CVH, health behaviors and health factors had a proportionate mediating effect in the association between educational level and risk of CVD development.

Objective:To adapt the Mindful Breastfeeding Scale (MINDF-BFS) into Chinese and assess its reliability and validity among breastfeeding mothers in China.Methods:Following the Beaton cross-cultural adaptation guideline, the original scale was translated, back-translated, discussed by experts, pre-tested, culturally adapted, and revised to develop the Chinese version of the MINDF-BFS. A convenience sampling method was used to select 305 postpartum women from Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, who visited between March and June 2024, as the study participants. The reliability and validity of the Chinese version of MINDF-BFS were evaluated.Results:The Chinese version of MINDF-BFS consisted of nine items, with the item-level content validity index ranged from 0.900 to 1.000, and the average scale-level content validity index was 0.990. Exploratory factor analysis extracted one common factor, with a variance contribution of 73.290%. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a good model fit. The Cronbach's α coefficient for the scale was 0.923, the split-half reliability coefficient was 0.915, and the test-retest reliability coefficient was 0.926.Conclusions:The Chinese version of MINDF-BFS has good psychometric properties and is suitable for assessing the mindful breastfeeding levels of Chinese postpartum women.

Objective To obtain the recombinant Argonaute protein(TtAgo)from Thermus thermophilus using gene cloning and pro-tein purification techniques and detect its endonuclease activity against the KRAS 12D mutation in vitro,thereby to provide experimental evidence for its subsequent application in the detection of gene mutations.Methods The TtAgo gene sequence was amplified from the genome of Thermus thermophilus by the PCR technology.Then,the amplified sequence was inserted into the prokaryotic expression vec-tor pET-28a to construct the recombinant vector pET-28a-TtAgo.After the recombinant TtAgo protein was induced to be expressed,it was purified sequentially by the nickel ion affinity chromatography(Ni-NTA),heparin affinity chromatography,and size-exclusion chromatography.The high-specificity nuclease activity of the recombinant TtAgo protein mediated by a short DNA guide strand(gDNA)was verified in vitro.Results The prokaryotic expression vector pET-28a-TtAgo was successfully constructed by the gene cloning tech-nique,and the soluble expression of the recombinant TtAgo protein was achieved.With the help of protein purification technology,the high-purity recombinant TtAgo protein was obtained.Under the mediation of gDNA,the recombinant TtAgo protein could specifically cleave wild-type single-stranded DNA(ssDNA),double-stranded DNA(dsDNA),and RNA molecules,while had no cleavage activi-ty for tumor KRAS 12D mutant molecules.Conclusion The high-purity recombinant TtAgo protein with nuclease activity is successful-ly obtained,and its targeted cleavage activity towards the KRAS 12D mutation site is detected in vitro.