Atherosclerosis is usually the underlying cause of cardiovascular diseases. With the change in diet structure and living environment, it has become an increasingly serious global health problem, posing a huge challenge to public health. Berberine, also known as flavonidol, is an isoquinoline-type quaternary alkaloid with purgative and detoxifying effects. Berberine and its derivatives have antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and atherosclerosis prevention effects, etc. Recent research results showed that berberine and its derivatives can play an important role in atherosclerosis prevention through a hypolipidemic effect, anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory activity, improvement of vascular endothelial dysfunction, and regulation of intestinal microbiota. In this review paper, the research progress on the mechanism of action of berberine and its derivatives in the prevention of atherosclerosis was reviewed from the perspectives of a lipid-regulating effect, inhibition of oxidative stress and the inflammatory response, improvement of vascular endothelial dysfunction, and regulation of intestinal microbiota. The aim of this paper is to provide a theoretical basis for reducing the occurrence of atherosclerosis, improving the clinical symptoms of patients, and further developing berberine-based drugs.

β-glucosidase has important applications in food, pharmaceutics, biomass conversion and other fields, exploring β-glucosidase with strong adaptability and excellent properties thus has received extensive interest. In this study, a novel glucosidase from the GH1 family derived from Cuniculiplasma divulgatum was cloned, expressed, and characterized, aiming to find a better β-glucosidase. The amino acid sequences of GH1 family glucosidase derived from C. divulgatum were obtained from the NCBI database, and a recombinant plasmid pET-30a(+)-CdBglA was constructed. The recombinant protein was induced to express in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). The enzymatic properties of the purified CdBglA were studied. The molecular weight of the recombinant CdBglA was 56.0 kDa. The optimum pH and temperature were 5.5 and 55 ℃, respectively. The enzyme showed good pH stability, 92.33% of the initial activity could be retained when treated under pH 5.5-11.0 for 1 h. When pNPG was used as a substrate, the kinetic parameters K_m, V_max and K_cat/K_m were 0.81 mmol, 291.99 μmol/(mg·min), and 387.50 s^-1 mmol^-1, respectively. 90.33% of the initial enzyme activity could be retained when CdBglA was placed with various heavy metal ions at a final concentration of 5 mmol/L. The enzyme activity was increased by 28.67% under 15% ethanol solution, remained unchanged under 20% ethanol, and 43.68% of the enzyme activity could still be retained under 30% ethanol. The enzyme has an obvious activation effect at 0-1.5 mol/L NaCl and can tolerate 0.8 mol/L glucose. In conclusion, CdBglA is an acidic and mesophilic enzyme with broad pH stability and strong tolerance to most metal ions, organic solvents, NaCl and glucose. These characteristics may facilitate future theoretical research and industrial production.
beta-Glucosidase ; Sodium Chloride ; Temperature ; Glucose ; Ethanol/chemistry* ; Ions ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Enzyme Stability ; Substrate Specificity

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on a rat model of ulcerative colitis (UC) induced by Escherichia coli. Methods:Each rat was administered 1 ml of 1×10 9 enteric invasive E. coli to establish an UC model. Thirty-six Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into control, model, low-dose LD 4-PDT, medium-dose LD 4-PDT, high-dose LD 4-PDT (60, 120, 240 μg/kg), and levofloxacin (LEV) (100 mg/kg) groups, with six rats in each group. The UC model was established in all groups except the control group, which received 0.9% sodium chloride injection once. The first day of E. coli administration was recorded as day 0, and treatment was initiated on day 7 with LD 4 enema, levofloxacin gavage, and alternating enema/gavage for a total of four times. After a 30-minute exposure to each dose, the colon was irradiated using a 650 nm laser PDT system with an energy density of 25 J/cm 2, while the LEV group was not irradiated. The levels of body mass, colon length, intestinal pathological tissue, inflammatory factors interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidative stress factors myeloperoxidase (MPO), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were compared among all groups. Results:The body mass and colon length of the model group were lower than those of the control group. The body mass and colon length of the low, medium, and high -dose LD 4-PDT groups and LEV group were higher than those of the model group. Compared to the control group, the model group exhibited more epithelial cell loss, multiple ulcers, infiltration of inflammatory cells into the mucosa and submucosa, and decreased goblet cells. In contrast, the surface mucosa of colon tissue recovered, goblet cells increased, and ulcer healing was good in the low, medium, and high-dose LD 4-PDT groups and LEV group compared to the model group. Compared to the control group, the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and MPO inflammatory factors were significantly increased in the model group ( all P < 0.001). Compared to the model group, the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and MPO inflammatory factors in colon tissue from the low, medium, and high -dose LD 4-PDT groups and LEV group were significantly decreased ( P < 0.05, P < 0.001). Compared to the control group, MDA levels were increased, while GSH and SOD levels were decreased in the model group. In contrast, MDA levels in the low, medium, and high-dose LD 4-PDT groups were decreased ( P < 0.05, P < 0.001), while GSH and SOD levels were increased compared to the model group. Conclusions:Low-dose LD 4-PDT promotes the healing of colon mucosa, alleviates inflammation, regulates oxidative stress, and improves symptoms of UC.

Objective:To investigate the expression and phosphorylation level change of adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK) in skeletal muscle of severely scald rats and its roles in skeletal muscle atrophy in severely scalded rats.Methods:The experimental research method was applied. Totally 100 6-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into sham injury group and scald group according to the random number table, with 50 rats in each group. After weighing the body weight, rats in scald group were inflicted with full-thickness scald of 30% total body surface area on the back, and rats in sham injury group were simulated with scald. At 6 h and on 1, 3, 5, and 7 d post injury, 10 rats in each group were taken to measure their body weights and weights of extensor digitorum longus and soleus muscle. At 6 h and on 1, 3, 5, and 7 d post injury, the tibialis anterior muscles were collected, the mRNA expressions of muscle atrophy F-box protein (MAFbx) and muscle-specific RING finger protein 1 (MuRF1) were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction; the content of adenosine monophosphate (AMP), adenosine diphosphate, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were detected by high performance liquid chromatography, and AMP/ATP ratio and energy charge were calculated; the protein expressions of AMPK-α and phosphorylated AMPK-α (p-AMPK-α) were detected by Western blotting, and the p-AMPK-α/AMPK-α ratio was calculated, with sample number of 4 in each time point of each group. Data were statistically analyzed with analysis of variance for factorial design and least significant difference test.Results:The body weights of rats in 2 groups before injury and at each time point post injury were close ( P>0.05). At 6 h post injury, the weight of extensor digitorum longus of rats in scald group was (0.107±0.007) g, which was significantly heavier than (0.086±0.0607) g of sham injury group ( P<0.01). On 3 d post injury, the weight of extensor digitorum longus of rats in scald group was (0.083±0.016) g, which was significantly lighter than (0.102±0.005) g of sham injury group ( P<0.01). The weight of soleus of rats in 2 groups were close at each time point post injury ( P>0.05). Compared with those of sham injury group, the mRNA expression of MAFbx in tibialis anterior muscle of rats in scald group was significantly up-regulated at 6 h post injury ( P<0.01), and the mRNA expressions of MuRF1 in tibial anterior muscle of rats in scald group were significantly up-regulated at 6 h and on 1 d post injury ( P<0.01). At 6 h and on 7 d post injury, compared with those of false injury group, the AMP/ATP ratios of the tibial anterior muscle of rats in scald group were significantly increased ( P<0.05 or P<0.01), and energy charges of the tibial anterior muscle of rats in scald group were significantly decreased ( P<0.01). At each time point post injury, the protein expressions of AMPK-α of the tibial anterior muscle of rats in 2 groups were close ( P>0.05). The p-AMPK-α/AMPK-α ratios of the tibial anterior muscle of rats in scald group at 6 h and on 7 d post injury were significantly higher than those in sham injury group ( P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusions:The decrease in energy charge and increase in AMP/ATP ratio of skeletal muscle of rats after severe scald activate AMPK. The activation of AMPK in the early stage of injury is consistent with the up-regulation of MAFbx and MuRF1 expressions and down-regulation of skeletal muscle weight. The above-mentioned changes may be one of the molecular mechanisms of skeletal muscle atrophy in rats with severe scald

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of monosialotetrahexosyl ganglioside in the treatment of neonatal intracranial hemorrhage.Methods From January 2016 to December 2018,142 neonates with intracranial hemorrhage admitted to the Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Zhoushan were randomly divided into observation group (71 cases) and control group (71 cases) according to the digital table.The control group was treated with routine treatment,while the observation group was treated with ganglioside needle on the basis of the control group.Both two groups were treated for 14 days.The therapeutic effects,muscle tone recovery time,reflex recovery time and consciousness recovery time were compared.The changes of neurobehavioral assessment score (NABA score),TNF-αt,IL-1β,MMP-2,T IMP-1 and NSE levels before and after treatment were compared.Results The total effective rate of the observation group (92.96％) was higher than that of the control group (77.47％) (x2 =6.762,P ＜ 0.05).The recovery time of muscle tension,reflex and consciousness in the observation group [(7.68 ± 1.29) d,(6.83 ± 1.20) d and (8.34 ± 1.54) d] were shorter than those in the control group [(10.25 ± 2.31) d,(9.17 ±1.86) d and (10.53 ± 1.08) d] (t =8.185,8.908,9.811,all P ＜ 0.05).After treatment,the NABA score of the observation group [(40.37 ± 0.65) points] was higher than that of the control group [(37.16 ± 0.93) points] (t =23.838,P ＜ 0.05).The serum levels of TNF-α [(26.37 ± 4.25) pg/L],IL-1β [(16.74 ± 3.24) ng/L],MMP-2 [(78.39 ± 16.57)g/L],TIMP-1 [(179.32 ± 17.65) ng/mL] and NSE [(13.52 ± 2.19) g/L] in the observation group were lower than those in the control group [(53.21 ± 7.39) pg/L,(28.93 ± 5.64) ng/L,(97.42 ±12.63) g/L,(238.63 ± 28) ng/mL and (21.43 ± 2.89) μg/L] (t =26.529,15.792,7.696,14.938,1 8.381,all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Ganglioside has good therapeutic effect on neonatal intracranial hemorrhage.It can reduce the serum levels of TNF-α,IL-1β,MMP-2,TIMP-1 and NSE,and improve the neurobehavioral function of neonates.

Objective:To investigate and analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 46 patients with corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Beijing City.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the data of 46 patients with COVID-19 in Beijing from 20th January 2020 to 8th February 2020 at the Fifth Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital in Beijing City. Twelve, 23 and 11 patients were assigned to the mild group, common group and severe group, respectively. The epidemiological history, clinical characteristics, laboratory tests and imaging inspections were analyzed. Statistical analysis used Fisher exact test. If P<0.05, post- hoc test was used for pairwise comparison, and the statistics were corrected by Bonferroni test. Results:Among the 46 patients included in this study, 27 were male and 19 were female. The age range was between 3-79 years old, and the age was (41.8±16.3) years old. The average incubation period was (4.85±3.00) days. A total of 26 cases (56.5%) were clustered patients, and 26 cases had a history of staying in Wuhan, 10 cases had contact with Wuhan personnel. Fever (39 cases, 84.8%), cough (27 cases, 58.7%), and fatigue (25 cases, 54.3%) were the main clinical symptoms for these patients. The decrease in white blood cell counts occurred in 12 patients, four had the decrease in T lymphocyte percentage, 17 had the decrease in CD4 + T lymphocyte counts, seven had the decrease in CD8 + T lymphocyte counts, 21 had the increase level of C reactive protein (45.7%), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) level increased in 32 cases (69.6%), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) increased in 23 cases (50.0%), serum ferritin level increased in 26 cases (56.5%), and blood lactic acid level increased in nine cases. There were statistically significant differences in the proportion of cases with decreased absolute value of CD8 + T lymphocytes and T lymphocytes counts among the mild, common and severe groups (all P<0.05). Comparing the proportion of cases in the three groups with elevated C reactive protein, IL-6, ESR, serum ferritin and blood lactic acid levels, the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The proportion of cases with elevated C reactive protein levels in severe group was higher than those in mild and common groups. The proportion of cases with elevated IL-6, ESR, and serum ferritin levels in severe and common group were higher than those in mild group. The proportion of cases with elevated blood lactic acid levels in severe group was higher than those in mild group. The differences between the above groups were statistically significant (all adjusted P<0.017). Analysis of chest X-rays results showed that 34 patients (73.9%) had inflammation in the lungs. Conclusions:The epidemiological characteristics of patients with COVID-19 in Beijing City are mainly imported cases and clustered cases. The clinical manifestations are mainly fever, fatigue and cough. C reactive protein, IL-6, ESR, serum ferritin and blood lactic acid levels are higher in severe patients.

Objective:To understand the knowledge awareness and service acceptance of HIV non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) men who have sex with men (MSM) among college students in three cities of China.Methods:Male college students in 10 universities of Beijing, Shenzhen and Kunming aged 18 and above who had sex with men in the last 3 months were recruited as research objects by cluster stratified sampling from March 15, 2019 to April 14, 2019.Basic information, sexual behavior characteristics, knowledge, and service acceptance of nPEP were collected through online questionnaire survey. Multivariate dichotomy and unconditioned logistic regression model was used to explore related factors about knowledge awareness and service acceptance of nPEP.Results:A total of 293 MSM were surveyed. The average age was (21.0±0.2) years old, and 91.1% (267) were undergraduates. In the last 3 months before the survey, 54.3%(159) used condom each time of sex; 4.4%(13) had intercourse with the HIV infected men, and 9.2% (27)suffered STDs in the past 6 months. The 29.4% (86) had not received HIV testing in the past year. The nPEP knowledge awareness rate was 47.8% (140). The 21.2% (62) counseled nPEP services, and 9.9% (29) received nPEP services. After multiple logistic regression analysis, compared with those who not received HIV testing in the past year, OR(95% CI) value of those who received HIV testing for more than twice in the past year to aware the nPEP knowledge was 3.15 (1.01-9.86). Compared with those who not received HIV testing in the past year, OR(95% CI) value of those who received HIV testing for more than twice in the past year to counsel the nPEP services was 5.29 (1.51-18.51). Compared with those who never used rush in the last 3 months, OR(95% CI) value of those who ever used rush in the last 3 months to receive the nPEP services was 3.86 (0.99-14.98). Compared with those who not sexed with HIV infected in the last 3 months, OR (95% CI) value of those who sexed with HIV infected in the last 3 months to receive the nPEP services was 14.30 (3.35-61.03). Conclusion:The proportions of awareness of nPEP knowledge and acceptance of nPEP services are low. MSM among college students need further health education of the nPEP knowledge to improve the accessibility of services.

Objective:To understand the knowledge awareness and service acceptance of HIV non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) men who have sex with men (MSM) among college students in three cities of China.Methods:Male college students in 10 universities of Beijing, Shenzhen and Kunming aged 18 and above who had sex with men in the last 3 months were recruited as research objects by cluster stratified sampling from March 15, 2019 to April 14, 2019.Basic information, sexual behavior characteristics, knowledge, and service acceptance of nPEP were collected through online questionnaire survey. Multivariate dichotomy and unconditioned logistic regression model was used to explore related factors about knowledge awareness and service acceptance of nPEP.Results:A total of 293 MSM were surveyed. The average age was (21.0±0.2) years old, and 91.1% (267) were undergraduates. In the last 3 months before the survey, 54.3%(159) used condom each time of sex; 4.4%(13) had intercourse with the HIV infected men, and 9.2% (27)suffered STDs in the past 6 months. The 29.4% (86) had not received HIV testing in the past year. The nPEP knowledge awareness rate was 47.8% (140). The 21.2% (62) counseled nPEP services, and 9.9% (29) received nPEP services. After multiple logistic regression analysis, compared with those who not received HIV testing in the past year, OR(95% CI) value of those who received HIV testing for more than twice in the past year to aware the nPEP knowledge was 3.15 (1.01-9.86). Compared with those who not received HIV testing in the past year, OR(95% CI) value of those who received HIV testing for more than twice in the past year to counsel the nPEP services was 5.29 (1.51-18.51). Compared with those who never used rush in the last 3 months, OR(95% CI) value of those who ever used rush in the last 3 months to receive the nPEP services was 3.86 (0.99-14.98). Compared with those who not sexed with HIV infected in the last 3 months, OR (95% CI) value of those who sexed with HIV infected in the last 3 months to receive the nPEP services was 14.30 (3.35-61.03). Conclusion:The proportions of awareness of nPEP knowledge and acceptance of nPEP services are low. MSM among college students need further health education of the nPEP knowledge to improve the accessibility of services.

Objective: To establish a method for repairing extremities with extensively deep burn using large piece of fresh allogeneic scalp spliced by Meek glue combined with autologous microskin and observe its effect. Methods: Medical records of two male patients with extremely extensive deep burn admitted to our hospital from May to November in 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Two patients aged 44 and 25 years respectively, with total burn area of 90% and 97% total body surface area (TBSA) and full-thickness burn area of 85% and 70% TBSA, respectively. Preoperatively, the surgical area on the extremities was calculated to estimate the necessary amount of allogeneic scalp and Meek miniature skin. The large piece of fresh allogeneic scalp spliced by Meek glue combined with autologous microskin was prepared according to the methods described as follows. Thin medium-thickness fresh scalps with 3% TBSA and 0.30-0.35 mm in depth were harvested from each donor and spliced into a large piece with epidermis upward by spraying Meek glue. Then the spliced scalp was punched after covered with a single-layer gauze. Autologous microskin was transported onto the dermis of fresh large piece of allogeneic scalp by traditional floating method. Bilateral extremities with full-thickness burn of two patients were selected for self-control. The left upper extremity was denoted as treatment group while the right upper extremity was denoted as control group in Patient 1. The right lower extremity was denoted as treatment group while the left lower extremity was denoted as control group in Patient 2. Wounds in the treatment group were treated with fresh large piece of allogeneic scalp spliced by Meek glue and autologous microskin with expansion ratio of 1∶15 after escharectomy, while wounds in control group received grafting of Meek miniature skin with expansion ratio of 1∶6 and or 1∶9 after escharectomy. The donors of allogeneic scalp were 32 males who were the relatives or friends of the patients, aged 21-50 years, with scalp area of (548±48) cm². The healing conditions of donor sites of scalp were observed on post operation day 10, and were followed up within 3 months after operation to observe whether forming alopecia and hypertrophic scar or not. Wound healing condition was evaluated during follow-up in post operation week (POW) 2-5 and 4 months after operation. Wound coverage rates were calculated in both treatment and control groups in POW 2, 3, 4, and 5. Results: The donor sites of all allogeneic scalp of donors healed completely on post operation day 10. There was no alopecia or hypertrophic scar within 3 months after operation for follow-up. In POW 2, allogeneic scalp grafts basically survived in treatment group without obvious exudation, and most of the Meek miniature skin survived in control group with obvious exudation. Part of allogeneic scalp grafts dissolved and detached in treatment group in POW 3, and the surviving grafts scabbed. The eschar detached and new epithelium was observed in treatment group in POW 4 and 5. In POW 3-5, surviving Meek miniature skin in control group creeped and was incorporated, and the wounds shrank. Hypertrophic scar was observed in both treatment and control groups 4 months after operation, without obvious difference in scar as a whole. The wound coverage rates were respectively 84%-98% and 76%-92% in treatment group of two patients in POW 2-5, close to or higher than those of control group (35%-97% and 28%-81%, respectively). Conclusions The study establishes a novel method for splicing fresh allogeneic scalps into a large piece as the covering of microskin, which has good effect for repairing extensively deep burn wounds. Considering that allogeneic skin is scarce, this method may be a new option in clinical treatment for extensively deep burn patients.

Objective To investigate the effect of early rehabilitation physiotherapy on muscle quality and function in critical patients. Methods A prospective randomized controlled study was performed. Adult critically ill patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) of Anhui Provincial Hospital from October 1st, 2016 to August 31st, 2017 who had been hospitalized for more than 7 days and had acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ(APACHE Ⅱ ) > 8 were enrolled, and they were divided into treatment group and control group according to random number table method. All patients were given routine treatment, and on this basis, the treatment group was given rehabilitation therapy within 24 hours after admission, including limb active / passive activities, respiratory muscle function training and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, etc. Bedside ultrasound was used to measure the area and cross sectional thickness of left rectus femoris muscle and the cross sectional thickness of middle thigh muscle of patients at 1, 4 and 7 days after treatment; at the same time, the muscle strength of sober patients was evaluated by medical research council (MRC) muscle strength evaluation method, and the mechanical ventilation time, ICU hospitalization time and ICU expenses were recorded. Results Forty patients were enrolled in this study, with 20 in each group. Compared with the control group, the difference of left rectus femoris muscle area between 1 day and 4 days, 4 days and 7 days, 1 day and 7 days (cm2: 0.19±0.02 vs. 0.31±0.19, 0.02±0.01 vs. 0.08±0.05, 0.04±0.02 vs. 0.38±0.23), and the difference in left rectus femoris thickness (cm: 0.01±0.01 vs. 0.14±0.13, 0.03±0.03 vs. 0.16±0.14) and the difference in middle thigh muscle thickness (cm: 0.02±0.02 vs. 0.11±0.09, 0.03±0.02 vs. 0.16±0.12) between 1 day and 4 days, 1 day and 7 days in the treatment group were significantly reduced (all P <0.01). The MRC strength score in the treatment group was significantly higher than that of the control group at 7 days (52.06±3.52 vs. 47.94±3.96, P < 0.05). The mechanical ventilation time in the treatment group (n = 15) and the control group (n = 13) were (138.5±34.5) hours and (185.0±40.9) hours, respectively, and the difference between two groups were statistical significance (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the incidence rate of ICU acquired muscle weakness (ICUAW) in the treatment group was significantly decreased [5.0% (1/20) vs. 40.0% (8/20), P < 0.05], the length of ICU stay was significantly shortened (days: 17.67±4.91 vs. 22.06±5.94, P < 0.05), and the ICU expenses were significantly reduced (ten thousand yuan: 7.53±2.09 vs. 9.55±1.73, P < 0.05). Conclusion Early rehabilitation physiotherapy can improve the muscle quality and function in critical patients, and decrease the length of ICU stay.