ObjectiveTo explore the possible action mechanism of Qingshi Anti-itch Ointment （青石止痒软膏， QAO） in the treatment of psoriasis. MethodsForty mice were randomly divided into four groups， blank group， model group， calcipotriol group and QAO group， with 10 mice in each group. Except for the blank group， psoriasis was induced by applying imiquimod cream to the dorsal skin. After modeling for 6 hours daily， the calcipotriol group and QAO group were treated with 0.5 g of calcipotriol ointment or 0.5 g of QAO， respectively， applied to the treated dorsal skin. The blank group and the model group received no treatment. The skin lesions were observed， and the psoriasis area and severity index （PASI） score was assessed every other day. After 7 days， Hematoxylin and Eosin （HE） staining was performed on dorsal skin tissue to observe pathological changes. The levels of interleukin 1β （IL-1β） and interleukin 18 （IL-18） were determined by enzym-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The protein levels of Caspase-1，Pro-Caspase-1， gasdermin D （GSDMD） and gasdermin-D-N （GSDMD-N） were detected by Western Blot （WB）. The protein levels of GSDMD were observed by immunohistochemistry. ResultsCompared with the blank group， the model group mice showed redness， erythema， and white scales on their skin， with histological observations indicating epidermal thickening， elongated spines， and infiltration of inflammatory cells. The PASI scores of the skin tissue on days 1， 3， 5， and 7 were elevated； the IOD and AOD values of GSDMD protein increased； the protein levels of Caspase-1， Pro-Caspase-1，GSDMD， GSDMD-N， and IL-1β and IL-18 were significantly elevated （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with the model group， the QAO group and calcipotriol group showed lighter skin lesions； the PASI scores on day 5 and day 7 in the QAO group， and on day 3， 5， and 7 in the calcipotriol group， were reduced； the IOD and AOD values of GSDMD protein， and the protein level of Caspase-1， GSDMD， and GSDMD-N， as well as level of IL-18 and IL-1β decreased in both groups； in the calcipotriol group， Pro-Caspase-1 protein level also decreased （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with the calcipotriol group， the QAO group showed slightly redder skin， more obvious thickening of the stratum corneum， and less capillary dilation； the PASI scores on day 3 and day 7 increased， while the score on day 5 was reduced； the protein level of Pro-Caspase-1， GSDMD， GSDMD-N， and the level of IL-18 and IL-1β were increased in the QAO group （P＜0.05）. ConclusionQAO can effectively relieve psoriasis dermatitis in mice. Its potential mechanism may be related to the regulation of the Caspase-1/GSDMD protein pathway， down-regulation of IL-18 and IL-1β levels， and alleviation of pyroptosis.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Huaban Jiedu Formulation （化斑解毒方， HJF） in treating psoriasis vulgaris with blood-heat syndrome. MethodsA randomized， double-blind， placebo-controlled study was conducted with 60 patients diagnosed with psoriasis vulgaris of blood-heat syndrome. Patients were randomly assigned to either a treatment group or a control group， with 30 cases in each. The treatment group received HJF granules orally， one dose a day， combined with topical Qingshi Zhiyang Ointment （青石止痒软膏）， while the control group received placebo granules， one dose a day， combined with the same topical ointment. Both groups were topically treated twice daily of 28 days treatment cours. Psoriasis area and severity index （PASI）， visual analogue scale for pruritus （VAS）， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome scores， dermatology life quality index （DLQI）， and psoriasis life stress inventory （PLSI） were assessed before treatment and on day 14 and day 28. Response rates for PASI 50 （≥50% reduction） and PASI 75 （≥75% reduction）， as well as overall clinical efficacy， were compared between groups. Serum levels of interleukin-6 （IL-6） and interleukin-17 （IL-17） were measured before and after 28 days of treatment. Adverse reactions during treatment were recorded. ResultsAfter 28 days of treatment， both groups showed significant reductions in PASI total score， lesion area score， erythema， scaling， and infiltration scores， pruritus VAS score， TCM syndrome score， DLQI， PLSI， and serum IL-6 and IL-17 levels （P＜0.05）. Compared to the control group， the treatment group had significantly greater improvements in PASI total score and erythema score， TCM syndrome score， serum IL-6 and IL-17 levels， and PASI 50 response rate after 28 days （P＜0.05）. Between-group comparisons of score differences before and after 28-day treatment revealed that the treatment group showed significantly better improvements in PASI total， lesion area score， erythema score， TCM syndrome score， DLQI， PLSI， and inflammatory markers （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. The total effective rate on day 14 and day 28 was 40.00% （12/30） and 83.33% （25/30） in the treatment group， versus 6.90% （2/29） and 41.38% （12/29） in the control group， respectively. The clinical efficacy in the treatment group was significantly superior to that in the control group （P＜0.05）. Mild gastric discomfort occurred in 3 patients in the treatment group and 1 in the control group. ConclusionHJF can effectively improve skin lesions and TCM symptoms relieve pruritus， enhance quality of life， and reduce inflammatory markers IL-6 and IL-17， in patients with blood-heat syndrome of psoriasis vulgaris， with a good safety profile.

Myocardial fibrosis is a serious cause of heart failure and even sudden cardiac death. However, the mechanisms underlying myocardial ischemia-induced cardiac fibrosis remain unclear. Here, we identified that the expression of sterile alpha and TIR motif containing 1 (SARM1), was increased significantly in the ischemic cardiomyopathy patients, dilated cardiomyopathy patients (GSE116250) and fibrotic heart tissues of mice. Additionally, inhibition or knockdown of SARM1 can improve myocardial fibrosis and cardiac function of myocardial infarction (MI) mice. Moreover, SARM1 fibroblasts-specific knock-in mice had increased deposition of extracellular matrix and impaired cardiac function. Mechanically, elevated expression of SARM1 promotes the deposition of extracellular matrix by directly modulating P4HA1. Notably, by using the Click-iT reaction, we identified that the increased expression of ZDHHC17 promotes the palmitoylation levels of SARM1, thereby accelerating the fibrosis process. Based on the fibrosis-promoting effect of SARM1, we screened several drugs with anti-myocardial fibrosis activity. In conclusion, we have unveiled that palmitoylated SARM1 targeting P4HA1 promotes collagen deposition and myocardial fibrosis. Inhibition of SARM1 is a potential strategy for the treatment of myocardial fibrosis. The sites where SARM1 interacts with P4HA1 and the palmitoylation modification sites of SARM1 may be the active targets for anti-fibrosis drugs.

L-citrulline is a nonprotein amino acid that plays an important role in human health and has great market demand. Although microbial cell factories have been widely used for biosynthesis, there are still challenges such as genetic instability and low efficiency in the biosynthesis of L-citrulline. In this study, an efficient, plasmid-free, non-inducible L-citrulline-producing strain of Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) was engineered by combined strategies. Firstly, a chassis strain capable of synthesizing L-citrulline was constructed by block of L-citrulline degradation and removal of feedback inhibition, with the L-citrulline titer of 0.43 g/L. Secondly, a push-pull-restrain strategy was employed to enhance the L-citrulline biosynthesis, which realized the L-citrulline titer of 6.0 g/L. Thirdly, the NADPH synthesis and L-citrulline transport were strengthened to promote the synthesis efficiency, which achieved the L-citrulline titer of 11.6 g/L. Finally, fed-batch fermentation was performed with the engineered strain in a 3 L fermenter, in which the L-citrulline titer reached 44.9 g/L. This study lays the foundation for the industrial production of L-citrulline and provides insights for the modification of other amino acid metabolic networks.
Citrulline/biosynthesis* ; Escherichia coli/genetics* ; Metabolic Engineering/methods* ; Fermentation ; NADP/biosynthesis*

Objective:To evaluate the epidemiological characteristics and explore the associated factors of breakthrough cases (BC) from Public Health Emergency Events (PHEEs) of varicella in Zhejiang Province from 2019 to 2022.Methods:Data on cases were obtained from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention and the PHEEs Reporting Information Database of Varicella in Zhejiang Province. History records were matched through the Zhejiang Provincial Immunization Information System. Descriptive analysis and multiple logistic regression model with a bidirectional stepwise selection method were performed to explore associated factors for BC during 2019-2022.Results:A total of 144 276 varicella cases were reported from 2019 to 2022, with the annual reported incidence of 47.35-82.80 cases per 100 000 population. Among these cases, 109 172 were non-breakthrough cases (NBC, accounting for 75.67%), 34 517 were BC (23.92%), and the rest 587 cases had unclear vaccination history on varicella (0.41%). A total of 214 PHEEs of varicella were reported, of which 99.07% occurred in school settings. The proportion of PHEEs that occurred in high school increased significantly as time went on ( χ2trend=5.742, P=0.017). Multiple logistic regression model which focused on "BC vs. NBC (as the reference)" indicated that the year of onset ( OR=1.585, 95% CI:1.343-1.878), the month of onset (taking January as the reference, OR=2.311-15.652), city (taking Hangzhou as the reference, Jiaxing OR=2.370, Jinhua OR=2.197, Lishui OR=0.134), age ( OR=0.887, 95% CI: 0.826-0.944), PHEEs setting (taking "primary school and below" as the reference, "high school and above" OR=0.516, 95% CI: 0.305-0.897), and the number of rashes ( OR=0.569, 95% CI: 0.458-0.703) were associated factors. Multiple logistic regression model which focused on "two-dose BC vs. one-dose BC (as the reference)" showed that the age of initial vaccination ( OR=0.045, 95% CI: 0.014-0.107), the time interval from onset to the last dose ( OR=0.037, 95% CI: 0.011-0.087) and the age of onset ( OR=20.724, 95% CI: 8.383-72.485) were associated factors. Conclusion:During 2019-2022, the reported high-risk group of varicella in Zhejiang Province has shifted to adolescents and young adults. Although vaccination could not completely prevent the onset of VZV, it could relieve clinical symptoms and delay the age of onset.

Objective:To investigate the effect of Qideng Mingmu capsule on the formation and remodeling of retinal neovascularization in mice with oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR).Methods:Thirty-six postnatal day 7 (P7)SPF grade C57BL/6J pups were divided into normal group, OIR group, Qideng Mingmu capsule group and apatinib group by random number table method, with 9 mice in each group.The mice in the normal group were raised in normal environment.The mice in the other three groups were fed in hyperoxic environment of (75±2)% oxygen concentration for 5 days from P7 to P12 and then were fed in normal environment for 5 days from P12 to P17 to establish the OIR model.From P12, mice in Qideng Mingmu capsule group and apatinib group were given intragastric administration of Qideng Mingmu capsule (900 mg/kg) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 inhibitor apatinib (70 mg/kg) respectively, once a day for 5 consecutive days.On P17, paraffin sections of mouse eyeballs were made and stained with hematoxylin-eosin to count the number of vascular endothelial cells that broke through the internal limiting membrane.The retinal slices were prepared and stained with FITC-dextran to quantify the retinal non-perfusion area, neovascularization density and total vascular density.The distribution and fluorescence intensity of retinal vascular endothelial cell marker CD31 and pericyte marker α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were observed by double immunofluorescence staining.Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression and distribution of retinal hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin).The use and care of animals were in accordance with the Regulations on the Management of Laboratory Animals issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology.This study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (No.2019-30).Results:The number of vascular endothelial cells breaking through the internal limiting membrane in normal group, OIR group, Qideng Mingmu capsule group and apatinib group were (2.83±4.40), (37.33±5.43), (23.83±6.79) and (14.00±9.34), respectively, with a statistically significant overall difference ( F=28.313, P<0.001).There were more vascular endothelial cells breaking through internal limiting membrane in OIR group than in normal group, Qideng Mingmu capsule group and apatinib group, showing statistically significant differences (all at P<0.05).In the observation of mouse retinal slices, there were large non-perfusion areas, neovascularization buds and disordered distribution of blood vessels in OIR group.The distribution of blood vessels was more uniform and the areas of non-perfusion and neovascularization were smaller in Qideng Mingmu capsule group and apatinib group than in OIR group.The relative area of central retinal non-perfusion area and neovascularization density were significantly lower in normal group, Qideng Mingmu capsule group and apatinib group than in OIR group (all at P<0.05).The immunofluorescence intensity of CD31 and the absorbance value of HIF-1α were significantly lower, and the immunofluorescence intensity of α-SMA and the absorbance value of VE-cadherin were significantly higher in normal group, Qideng Mingmu capsule group and apatinib group than in OIR group (all at P<0.05). Conclusions:Qideng Mingmu capsule can inhibit retinal neovascularization formation, increase vascular pericyte coverage, relieve retinal hypoxia and increase vascular integrity in OIR mice.It can protect the retinal vessels of OIR mice.

Objective To investigate the correlation between coronary heart disease(CHD)and osteoporosis(OP)based on coronary computed tomography angiography(CTA).Methods Data of patients with coronary CT A were prospectively collected.A total of 130 patients with CHD were included in the experimental group,and 61 patients without CHD were included in the control group matched by age and gender.General information and blood biochemical indexes of patients were collected.Coronary CTA data was transmitted to Shukun Technology software to obtain coronary assessment indicators;Bone mineral density(BMD)of the T9-T11 was measured using quantitative computed tomography(QCT)software.The correlation between CHD and OP was analyzed with the obtained data.Results BMD in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group(P＜0.01),and the fat attenuation index(FAI)was higher than that in the control group(P＜0.001).BMD in the experimental group was highly negatively correlated with calcification score(r,=-0.35,P=0.001);The BMD of the extremely low risk group was higher than that of the other three groups(P＜0.01);The degree of coronary stenosis was lower in the extremely low and low risk groups than in the other two groups(P＜0.001).BMD in the experimental group was highly negatively correlated with the degree of coronary stenosis(r=-0.29,P＜0.001);The FAI in the occlusion group was the highest.There was no correlation between BMD and FAI in the experimental group;The degree of coronary stenosis and calcification score in FAI＞-70 HU group were higher than FAI≤-70 HU group(P＜0.01).Conclusion CHD is closely related to OP.Coronary plaque calcification accelerates bone loss and aggravates coronary stenosis.When the calcification score is more than 100,the effect on coronary stenosis and bone loss is more significant.

Combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CC) is a special type of primary liver cancer, which is characterized by dual phenotypic differentiation of hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Due to the lack of specific diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets, the preoperative diagnosis is difficult, the treatment is not easy, and the prognosis is poor. Routine serology, imaging examination and histological biopsy are the main methods of preliminary screening and diagnosis of cHCC-CC. Patients with resectable cHCC-CC should be treated with surgical treatment if possible, but whether they should receive liver transplantation remains a careful choice. There is still no unified standard for local treatment and systemic treatment for advanced patients, and its efficacy is still controversial. Systemic treatment including platinum drugs can benefit some patients. The potential value of targeted therapy and immunotherapy in the treatment of advanced cHCC-CC patients has been highlighted. The introduction of multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment model has provided a strong guarantee for the comprehensive treatment of patients, and the development of xenogenetic model and multi-omics technology has provided a considerable prospect for the realization of individualized treatment for patients. The present situation and progress of diagnosis and treatment of cHCC-CC are discussed in order to provide reference for clinical practice.

Objective:To evaluate the epidemiological characteristics and explore the associated factors of breakthrough cases (BC) from Public Health Emergency Events (PHEEs) of varicella in Zhejiang Province from 2019 to 2022.Methods:Data on cases were obtained from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention and the PHEEs Reporting Information Database of Varicella in Zhejiang Province. History records were matched through the Zhejiang Provincial Immunization Information System. Descriptive analysis and multiple logistic regression model with a bidirectional stepwise selection method were performed to explore associated factors for BC during 2019-2022.Results:A total of 144 276 varicella cases were reported from 2019 to 2022, with the annual reported incidence of 47.35-82.80 cases per 100 000 population. Among these cases, 109 172 were non-breakthrough cases (NBC, accounting for 75.67%), 34 517 were BC (23.92%), and the rest 587 cases had unclear vaccination history on varicella (0.41%). A total of 214 PHEEs of varicella were reported, of which 99.07% occurred in school settings. The proportion of PHEEs that occurred in high school increased significantly as time went on ( χ2trend=5.742, P=0.017). Multiple logistic regression model which focused on "BC vs. NBC (as the reference)" indicated that the year of onset ( OR=1.585, 95% CI:1.343-1.878), the month of onset (taking January as the reference, OR=2.311-15.652), city (taking Hangzhou as the reference, Jiaxing OR=2.370, Jinhua OR=2.197, Lishui OR=0.134), age ( OR=0.887, 95% CI: 0.826-0.944), PHEEs setting (taking "primary school and below" as the reference, "high school and above" OR=0.516, 95% CI: 0.305-0.897), and the number of rashes ( OR=0.569, 95% CI: 0.458-0.703) were associated factors. Multiple logistic regression model which focused on "two-dose BC vs. one-dose BC (as the reference)" showed that the age of initial vaccination ( OR=0.045, 95% CI: 0.014-0.107), the time interval from onset to the last dose ( OR=0.037, 95% CI: 0.011-0.087) and the age of onset ( OR=20.724, 95% CI: 8.383-72.485) were associated factors. Conclusion:During 2019-2022, the reported high-risk group of varicella in Zhejiang Province has shifted to adolescents and young adults. Although vaccination could not completely prevent the onset of VZV, it could relieve clinical symptoms and delay the age of onset.

LINGO-1，a Nogo receptor-interacting protein-1 rich in leucine repeat sequences and immunoglobulin structural domains，which is specifically expressed in neurological diseases. In recent years，more and more evidences indicate that LINGO-1 plays an important role in glial scar formation，cell death and inflammatory reaction. LINGO-1 inhibits oligodendrocyte activation，and prevents axon and myelin formation and functional recovery，and is therefore considered to be a negative regulator of neuronal survival，neurite extension and axon myelination. The change of LINGO-1 level is related to the occurrence and development of many neurological diseases. This article reviews the physiological function of LINGO-1 and summarizes the latest research progress of LINGO-1 in multiple sclerosis，spinal cord injury，neonatal brain injury and epilepsy，so as to explore new strategies for the treatment of neurological diseases.