OBJECTIVE To evaluate the ameliorative effect of Juanbi Tongluo Oral Liquid on sciatic neuronal apoptosis in Type 2 diabetic model mice.METHODS The Type 2 diabetes mouse model was established by feeding with high-fat and high-sugar diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin(STZ).The mice were treated with metformin(200 mg·kg-1·d-1),low dose(3.9 g·kg-1·d-1)and high dose(7.8 g·kg-1·d-1)Juanbi Tongluo Oral Liquid for 35 days.The latency of response to thermal stimu-lation was detected by hot plate,and the values of blood glucose insulin and glycosylated hemoglobin were determined.Biochemical kits were used to detect the expression of serum total cholesterol(T-CHO),triglyceride(TG),high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT),glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)and oxidation product malondialdehyde(MDA).The expression of tumor cytokine α(TNF-α),interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6 and IL-10 in serum of mice were detected by ELISA method;the injury of sciatic nerve of model mice was detected by HE staining;the apoptosis of sciatic nerve was detected by TUNEL method;and the expression of neurofilament protein NF-L,apoptosis(cleaved Caspase-3,Caspase-3)and oxidative stress(Nrf2,HO-1)signal pathway proteins in sciatic nerve of model mice were detected by Western blot method.RESULTS High-dose Juanbi Tongluo Oral Liquid shortened the latent period of heat pain response in model mice(P<0.01);downregulated fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin(P<0.01),and upregulated fasting plasma insulin in model mice(P<0.01);downregulated serum T-CHO,TG,and LDL-C levels(P<0.01),upregulated HDL-C levels(P<0.01);downregulated serum pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 levels(P<0.05),upregulated the anti-inflammatory cyto-kine IL-10 level(P<0.01);inhibited sciatic nerve structural damage and apoptosis(P<0.05);downregulated the ratio of cleaved Caspase-3 to Caspase-3 in the apoptosis pathway(P<0.01);upregulated the expression of neurofilament proteins NF-L and NF-H in sciatic nerve tissue(P<0.05,P<0.01);and upregulated the expression of antioxidant stress proteins Nrf2 and HO-1(P<0.01).CONCLUSION Juanbi Tongluo Oral Liquid can improve sciatic neuronal apoptosis of Type 2 diabetic mice,which may be related to its effect on improving oxidative stress and inflammatory stress.

Objective:To explore the diagnosis and treatment of adolescence-onset methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) deficiency.Methods:This was a retrospective case study. Nine patients with adolescence-onset MTHFR deficiency were diagnosed at Peking University First Hospital from January 2016 to December 2022, and followed up for more than 1 year. Their general information, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, cranial images, MTHFR gene variants, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome were analyzed retrospectively.Results:The 9 patients came from 8 families. They had symptoms at age of 8.0 years to 17.0 years and diagnosed at 9.0 years to 17.5 years. Eight were male and 1 was female. Two patients were brothers, the elder brother developed abnormal gait at 17.0 years; and the younger brother was then diagnosed at 15.0 years of age and treated at the asymptomatic stage, who was 18.0 years old with normal condition during this study. The main manifestations of the 8 symptomatic patients included progressive dyskinesia and spastic paralysis of the lower limbs, with or without intellectual decline, cognitive impairment and behavioral abnormalities. Totally, 15 variants of MTHFR gene were identified in the 9 patients, including 8 novel variants. Five patients had brain image abnormalities. Increased plasma total homocysteine level (65-221 μmol/L) was found in all patients, and decreased to 20-70 μmol/L after treatment with betaine and calcium folinate. Besides, the 8 symptomatic patients had their behavior and cognitive problems significantly improved, with a legacy of lower limb motor disorders.Conclusions:Late-onset MTHFR deficiency can occur in adolescence. The diagnosis is usually delayed because of non-specific clinical symptoms. The test of blood total homocysteine could be used as a selective screening test. Eight novel varients of MTHFR gene were identified. Timely treatment can improve clinical condition significantly, and pre-symptomatic treatment may prevent brain damage.

Objective:To investigate the clinical features and outcomes of adolescence-onset methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) and explore preventive strategies.Methods:This was a retrospective case analysis of the phenotypes, genotypes and prognoses of adolescence-onset MMA patients. There were 55 patients diagnosed in Peking University First Hospital from January 2002 to June 2023, the data of symptoms, signs, laboratory results, gene variations, and outcomes was collected. The follow-ups were done through WeChat, telephone, or clinic visits every 3 to 6 months.Results:Among the 55 patients, 31 were males and 24 were females. The age of onset was 12 years old (range 10-18 years old). They visited clinics at Tanner stages 2 to 5 with typical secondary sexual characteristics. Nine cases (16%) were trigged by infection and 5 cases (9%) were triggered by insidious exercises. The period from onset to diagnosis was between 2 months and 6 years. Forty-five cases (82%) had neuropsychiatric symptoms as the main symptoms, followed by cardiovascular symptoms in 12 cases (22%), kidney damage in 7 cases (13%), and eye disease in 12 cases (22%). Fifty-four cases (98%) had the biochemical characteristics of methylmalonic acidemia combined with homocysteinemia, and 1 case (2%) had the isolated methylmalonic acidemia. Genetic diagnosis was obtained in 54 cases, with 20 variants identified in MMACHC gene and 2 in MMUT gene. In 53 children with MMACHC gene mutation,1 case had dual gene variants of PRDX1 and MMACHC, with 105 alleles. The top 5 frequent variants in MMACHC were c.482G>A in 39 alleles (37%), c.609G>A in 17 alleles (16%), c.658_660delAAG in 11 alleles (10%), c.80A>G in 10 alleles (10%), c.567dupT and c.394C>T both are 4 alleles (4%). All patients recovered using cobalamin, L-carnitine, betaine, and symptomatic therapy, and 54 patients (98%) returned to school or work.Conclusions:Patients with adolescence-onset MMA may triggered by fatigue or infection. The diagnosis is often delayed due to non-specific symptoms. Metabolic and genetic tests are crucial for a definite diagnosis. Treatment with cobalamin, L-carnitine, and betaine can effectively reverse the prognosis of MMA in adolescence-onset patients.

Objective:To analyze the efficacy of laparoscopic radical surgery, compared to open surgery, for incidental gallbladder cancer following cholecystectomy.Methods:Clinical data of 106 patients with incidental gallbladder cancer treated at the Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine from April 2010 to February 2018 were retrospectively analyzed, including 66 males and 40 females, aged (64.7±7.9) years old. According to surgical approach, patients were divided into the laparoscopic group ( n=45) and open group ( n=61). Perioperative data, including intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative complications, were compared between the groups. Follow-ups were conducted via outpatient visits or telephone reviews. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and the survival rates were compared using the log-rank test. Results:All 45 patients in the laparoscopic group successfully underwent the surgery without conversion to open surgery. Compared to the open group, the laparoscopic group had a reduced intraoperative blood loss [(100±25) ml vs. (200±46) ml] and a shortened postoperative hospital stay [3(2, 5) d vs. 5(4, 7) d] (both P<0.05). The postoperative complication rates were 6.7% (3/45) in the laparoscopic group and 13.1% (8/61) in the open group ( χ2=4.16, P=0.041). The cumulative survival rate after radical surgery for incidental gallbladder cancer was better in the laparoscopic group ( χ2=4.58, P=0.032). Conclusion:Compared to open surgery, laparoscopic radical surgery for incidental gallbladder cancer showed benefits in intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, complication rates, and cumulative survival.

BACKGROUND: Although intensively studied in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the prognostic value of diastolic blood pressure (DBP) has little been elucidated in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). This study aimed to reveal the prognostic value of DBP in AECOPD patients. METHODS: Inpatients with AECOPD were prospectively enrolled from 10 medical centers in China between September 2017 and July 2021. DBP was measured on admission. The primary outcome was all-cause in-hospital mortality; invasive mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit (ICU) admission were secondary outcomes. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariable Cox regressions were used to identify independent prognostic factors and calculate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for adverse outcomes. RESULTS: Among 13,633 included patients with AECOPD, 197 (1.45%) died during their hospital stay. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that low DBP on admission (<70 mmHg) was associated with increased risk of in-hospital mortality (HR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.53-3.05, Z = 4.37, P <0.01), invasive mechanical ventilation (HR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.32-2.05, Z = 19.67, P <0.01), and ICU admission (HR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.24-1.69, Z = 22.08, P <0.01) in the overall cohort. Similar findings were observed in subgroups with or without CVDs, except for invasive mechanical ventilation in the subgroup with CVDs. When DBP was further categorized in 5-mmHg increments from <50 mmHg to ≥100 mmHg, and 75 to <80 mmHg was taken as reference, HRs for in-hospital mortality increased almost linearly with decreased DBP in the overall cohort and subgroups of patients with CVDs; higher DBP was not associated with the risk of in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: Low on-admission DBP, particularly <70 mmHg, was associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes among inpatients with AECOPD, with or without CVDs, which may serve as a convenient predictor of poor prognosis in these patients. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trail Registry, No. ChiCTR2100044625.
Humans ; Blood Pressure ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/therapy* ; Cohort Studies ; Respiration, Artificial ; Inpatients ; Hospital Mortality

Objective:To study the predictive value of Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) staging system combined with albumin-indocyanine green (ALICE) score (ALICE-BCLC) in hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma, and compare it with BCLC staging system combined with Child-Pugh score (CP-BCLC).Methods:The clinical data of 311 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent hepatectomy at Jinhua Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang University from April 2012 to June 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 271 males and 40 females, with a median age of 59 years old (range 26 to 92 years old). These patients were divided into two groups based on the ALICE-BCLC: the ALICE-BCLC grade 0 group ( n=63) and the ALICE-BCLC grade A group ( n=248); and another two groups based on the CP-BCLC: the CP-BCLC grade 0 group ( n=58) and the CP-BCLC grade A group ( n=253). The clinical data, including indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min, and albumin were collected and the scores were calculated. Follow-up was conducted by combining outpatient visits with telephone calls. The survival rate was calculated by the life method, and survival curves were drawn by the Kaplan-Meier method. The multivariate Cox regression model was used to determine the main factors affecting prognosis. Weighted Kappa was used to compare consistency of the two staging systems. Results:Multivariate analysis showed that a maximum tumor diameter >5 cm, total bilirubin >18 μmol/L, major hepatectomy, CP-BCLC grade A and ALICE-BCLC grade A to be independent risk factors affecting overall survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after liver resection with curative intent (all P<0.05). The median survival of patients in the CP-BCLC grade 0 group and the CP-BCLC grade A group were 43.0 and 28.0 months, respectively. There was a significant difference between the two groups ( P=0.017). The median survival of patients in the ALICE-BCLC grade 0 group and the ALICE-BCLC grade A group were 41.4 and 28.1 months, respectively. There was a significant difference between the two groups ( P=0.035). The weighted Kappa coefficient of ALICE-BCLC and CP-BCLC was 0.949, showing a strong consistency ( P<0.001). Conclusion:ALICE-BCLC showed a good predictive value for prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma after liver resection, and it had a similar overall prognostic discrimination ability as CP-BCLC.

As a sensor of cytosolic DNA, the role of cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) in innate immune response is well established, yet how its functions in different biological conditions remain to be elucidated. Here, we identify cGAS as an essential regulator in inhibiting mitotic DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair and protecting short telomeres from end-to-end fusion independent of the canonical cGAS-STING pathway. cGAS associates with telomeric/subtelomeric DNA during mitosis when TRF1/TRF2/POT1 are deficient on telomeres. Depletion of cGAS leads to mitotic chromosome end-to-end fusions predominantly occurring between short telomeres. Mechanistically, cGAS interacts with CDK1 and positions them to chromosome ends. Thus, CDK1 inhibits mitotic non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) by blocking the recruitment of RNF8. cGAS-deficient human primary cells are defective in entering replicative senescence and display chromosome end-to-end fusions, genome instability and prolonged growth arrest. Altogether, cGAS safeguards genome stability by controlling mitotic DSB repair to inhibit mitotic chromosome end-to-end fusions, thus facilitating replicative senescence.

Objective To establish and improve the quality standard of ginkgo semen decoction pieces. Methods The morphological character for 29 batches of ginkgo gemen and 12 batches of stir-fried ginkgo gemen were observed, and the moisture contents were assayed using the method in Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2015 edition, the first supplement. Results The character of ginkgo gemen and stir-fried ginkgo gemen were consistent in different batches. The moisture content of ginkgo gemen was 8.8% to 12.2%, with an average of 10.5%. The moisture content of stir-fried ginkgo gemen was from 5.4% to 12.3%, with an average of 8.9%. Considering that ginkgo semen decoction pieces are stored for a long time, they are prone to the attack of mildew and insects, and the moisture limit is set to be no more than 10.0% in ginkgo gemen and stir-fried ginkgo. Conclusion Compared with the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2015 edition, the first supplement, the character identification for ginkgo semen decoction pieces was added and the quality standards were improved. The moisture content of ginkgo semen decoction pieces needs to be strictly controlled under 10.0% to prevent mildew and insects.

Objective:To investiagte the ability of albumin-indocyanine green (ALICE) score, albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score and Child-Pugh score in predicting postoperative liver failure (PHLF) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, and to determine the clinical value of ALICE score.Methods:The clinical data of 397 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent hepatectomy in the Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Jinhua Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang University from June 2015 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, including 350 males and 47 females, aged (58.9±11.2) years. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factors of PHLF. The predictive ability of ALICE score for PHLF was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and compared with ALBI score and Child-Pugh score.Results:There were 74 patients with PHLF and 323 patients without PHLF. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that Child-Pugh score ( OR=1.630, 95% CI: 1.251-2.486, P=0.034), ALBI score ( OR=1.863, 95% CI: 1.028-3.119, P=0.049) and ALICE score ( OR=1.759, 95% CI: 1.216-3.078, P=0.038) were independent risk factors for PHLF in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, and the risk of PHLF increased with the increase of grade. The area under the ROC curve of ALICE score predicting PHLF in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma was 0.613 (95% CI: 0.564-0.662), the area under the ALBI score was 0.612 (95% CI: 0.563-0.661), and the area under the Child-Pugh score was 0.555 (95% CI: 0.505-0.605). The ALICE score was better than the Child-Pugh score, and the difference was statistically significant ( z=2.04, P=0.041). In small liver resection patients, ALICE score was better than Child-Pugh score ( z=2.61, P=0.009). There was no significant difference betwenn ALICE score and ALBI score ( z=0.06, P=0.954). Conclusion:ALICE score can predict the occurrence of PHLF in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, especially in patients with small liver resection, its value is similar to ALBI score, but better than Child-Pugh score.

Objective:To investigate the factors affecting phenotypes in the patients of methylmalonic acidemia combined with homocysteinemia cblC type with MMACHC c. 609G>A homologous variant. Methods:A retrospective study on the clinical manifestations, complications, treatment, and outcome in 164patients of cblC type with MMACHC c. 609G>A homologous variant was conducted.The patients were diagnosed by biochemical and genetic analysisfrom January 1998 to December 2020. Results:Among the 164 patients, 2 cases were prenatally diagnosed and began treatment after birth. They are 3 and 12 years old with normal physical and mental development. Twenty-one cases were diagnosed by newborn screening. Among them, 15 cases had with normal development. They were treated fromthe age of two weeks at the asymptomatic period. Six cases began treatment aged 1 to 3 months after onset. Their development was delayed. One hundred and forty-one cases were clinically diagnosed. Their onset age ranges from a few minutes after birth to 6 years old. 110 cases had early-onset (78.0%). 31 cases had late-onset (22.0%). Five of them died. 24 patients lost to follow-up. Of the 141 clinically diagnosed patients, 130 (92.2%) with psychomotor retardation, 69 (48.9%) with epilepsy, 39 (27.7%) with anemia, 30 (21.3%) had visual impairment, 27 (19.1%) had hydrocephalus, 26 (18.4%) had feeding difficulties, 7 (5.0%) with liver damage, and 5 (3.5%) with metabolic syndrome. The frequency of hydrocephalus and seizures was significantly higher in the early-onset group. The urinary methylmalonic acid increased significantly in the patients with epilepsy. During the long-term follow-up, the level of plasma total homocysteine in the seizure-uncontrolled group was significantly higher than that in the seizure-controlled group, the difference had a statistical significance ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Most of the patients with MMACHC c. 609G>A homozygous variant had early-onset disease, with a high mortality and disability rate. If not treated in time, it will lead to neurological damage, resulting in epilepsy, mental retardation, hydrocephalus, and multiple organ damage. Pre-symptomatic diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent irreversible neurological damage. Neonatal screening and prenatal diagnosis are important to improve the outcome of the patients.