OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of Chinese medicine (CM) Lianhua Qingwen Granule (LHQW) and Jingyin Gubiao Prescription (JYGB) in asymptomatic or mild patients with Omicron infection in the shelter hospital. METHODS: This single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted in the largest shelter hospital in Shanghai, China, from April 10, 2022 to May 30, 2022. A total of 56,244 asymptomatic and mild Omicron cases were included and divided into 4 groups, i.e., non-administration group (23,702 cases), LHQW group (11,576 cases), JYGB group (12,112 cases), and dual combination of LHQW and JYGB group (8,854 cases). The length of stay (LOS) in the hospital was used to assess the effectiveness of LHQW and JYGB treatment on Omicron infection. RESULTS: Patients aged 41-60 years, with nadir threshold cycle (C_T) value of N gene <25, or those fully vaccinated preferred to receive CM therapy. Before or after propensity score matching (PSM), the multiple linear regression showed that LHQW and JYGB treatment were independent influence factors of LOS (both P<0.001). After PSM, there were significant differences in LOS between the LHQW/JYGB combination and the other groups (P<0.01). The results of factorial design ANOVA proved that the LHQW/JYGB combination therapy synergistically shortened LOS (P=0.032). CONCLUSIONS Patients with a nadir C_T value <25 were more likely to accept CM. The LHQW/JYGB combination therapy could shorten the LOS of Omicron-infected individuals in an isolated environment.
Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; China/epidemiology* ; Hospitalization ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Length of Stay ; Young Adult ; Aged

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of zedoarondiol on neovascularization of atherosclerotic (AS) plaque by exosomes experiment. METHODS: ApoE^-/- mice were fed with high-fat diet to establish AS model and treated with high- and low-dose (10, 5 mg/kg daily) of zedoarondiol, respectively. After 14 weeks, the expressions of anti-angiogenic protein thrombospondin 1 (THBS-1) and its receptor CD36 in plaques, as well as platelet activation rate and exosome-derived miR-let-7a were detected. Then, zedoarondiol was used to intervene in platelets in vitro, and miR-let-7a was detected in platelet-derived exosomes (Pexo). Finally, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were transfected with miR-let-7a mimics and treated with Pexo to observe the effect of miR-let-7a in Pexo on tube formation. RESULTS: Animal experiments showed that after treating with zedoarondiol, the neovascularization density in plaques of AS mice was significantly reduced, THBS-1 and CD36 increased, the platelet activation rate was markedly reduced, and the miR-let-7a level in Pexo was reduced (P<0.01). In vitro experiments, the platelet activation rate and miR-let-7a levels in Pexo were significantly reduced after zedoarondiol's intervention. Cell experiments showed that after Pexo's intervention, the tube length increased, and the transfection of miR-let-7a minics further increased the tube length of cells, while reducing the expressions of THBS-1 and CD36. CONCLUSION Zedoarondiol has the effect of inhibiting neovascularization within plaque in AS mice, and its mechanism may be potentially related to inhibiting platelet activation and reducing the Pexo-derived miRNA-let-7a level.
Animals ; MicroRNAs/genetics* ; Exosomes/drug effects* ; Plaque, Atherosclerotic/genetics* ; Neovascularization, Pathologic/genetics* ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/metabolism* ; Humans ; Blood Platelets/drug effects* ; Apolipoproteins E/deficiency* ; Thrombospondin 1/metabolism* ; CD36 Antigens/metabolism* ; Platelet Activation/drug effects* ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL

AIM To study the chemical constituents from Vespa basalis(Smith)and their anti-inflammatory activity.METHODS Sephadex LH-20 gel and silica gel column chromatography were used for separation and purification,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.The RAW264.7 cell model was utilized to assess its anti-inflammatory activity in vitro.RESULTS Eleven compounds were isolated and identified as pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid(1),3-indolecarboxylic acid(2),p-hydroxybenzoic acid(3),phenylacetic acid(4),5α,8α-epidioxy-cholest-6-en-3β-ol(5),(2R,3S)-2-(3′,4′-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-acetylamino-7-(N-acetyl-2″-aminethylene)-1,4-benzodioxane(6),(2R,3S)-2-(3′,4′-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-acetylamino-6-(N-acetyl-2″-aminoethyl)-1,4-benzodioxane(7),N-acetyldopamine(8),p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid(9),(R)-N-[2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-methoxyethyl]acetamide(10),(±)-cryptamide A(11).Compounds 3,5-6 and 10 inhibited the release of nitric oxide(NO)from RAW264.7 cell in a dose-dependent manner.CONCLUSION Compounds 1,2,and 5 are isolated from insects for the first time,while 6,7,10,and 11 are first isolated from the insects of Vespa genus.Compounds 3,5,6 and 10 have anti-inflammatory activity.

Cervical spinal cord injury without fracture-dislocation (CSCIWFD) is referred to as a special type of cervical spinal cord injury characterized by traumatic spinal cord dysfunction and no significant bony structural abnormalities on imagines. Duo to the high risk of missed diagnosis during the initial consultation, CSCIWFD may lead to progressive neurological deterioration or even complete paralysis, severely impacting patients′ prognosis. Currently, there are no established consensuses over the diagnosis and treatment of CSCIWFD, such as the lack of evidence-based standards for indications of non-surgical treatment and risk of secondary neurological injury, as well as debates over the optimal timing for surgical intervention and indications for different surgical approaches. To address these issues, the Spine Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts in the relevant fields to formulate Diagnosis and treatment guideline for acute cervical spinal cord injury without fracture- dislocation in adults ( version 2025) . Based on evidence-based medicine and the principles of scientific rigor and clinical applicability, the guidelines proposed 11 recommendations covering terminology, diagnosis, evaluation treatment, and rehabilitation, etc., aiming to standardize the management of CSCIWFD.

Objective:To explore the biological efficacy and molecular mechanism of the new 6449Da active peptide against gastric adenocarcinoma.Methods:Effect 6449Da active peptides on SGC-7901 gastric adenocarcinoma cells line was studied and mRNA and protein expression levels of key factors relating to apoptosis, proliferation and notch signaling pathway was detcted.Results:The 6449Da functional fragment WSGC peptide located on the cell membrane relatively specifically inhibited the growth of gastric adenocarcinoma cells, but had a weak effect on normal gastric mucosal cells [cell doubling time , SGC-7901, 1.2 μmol/ml: (38.22±6.80) h vs. 0 μmol/ml: (25.65±1.82) h, P<0.05; GES-1, 1.2 μmol/ml: (33.37±3.15) h vs. 0 μmol/ml: (29.25±1.26) h, P>0.05].After treatment of SGC-7901 cells by IC80 (48 h),the cell apoptosis rate was higher than that in the control group (IC80: 0.421±0.036 vs. control group: 0.028±0.004, P<0.001), while the cell proliferation coefficient,number of transmembrane invasive cells and relative migration rate were all lower than those of the control group (all P<0.01).Compared with the control group, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Bax and Caspase-3 were higher than those in the control group(all P<0.01).Compared with the control group, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Ki67, PCNA, NOTCH1,Jagged 1, MAML3, CSL and HES1 were significantly lower than those in the control group (all P<0.01).After treatment with WSGC bioactive peptides, tumor weight was significantly lower than that of the control group [40 nmol/g: (0.463±0.031) g, 80 nmol/g: (0.340±0.040) g vs. control group: (1.667±0.373) g, all P<0.01]. Conclusion:6449Da functional fragment WSGC active peptide relatively specifically interferes with the growth of gastric adenocarcinoma cells by inhibiting the Notch signaling pathway, and has the biological effects of promoting apoptosis,inhibiting proliferation, transmembrane invasion and migration.

AIM To study the chemical constituents from Vespa basalis(Smith)and their anti-inflammatory activity.METHODS Sephadex LH-20 gel and silica gel column chromatography were used for separation and purification,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.The RAW264.7 cell model was utilized to assess its anti-inflammatory activity in vitro.RESULTS Eleven compounds were isolated and identified as pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid(1),3-indolecarboxylic acid(2),p-hydroxybenzoic acid(3),phenylacetic acid(4),5α,8α-epidioxy-cholest-6-en-3β-ol(5),(2R,3S)-2-(3′,4′-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-acetylamino-7-(N-acetyl-2″-aminethylene)-1,4-benzodioxane(6),(2R,3S)-2-(3′,4′-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-acetylamino-6-(N-acetyl-2″-aminoethyl)-1,4-benzodioxane(7),N-acetyldopamine(8),p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid(9),(R)-N-[2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-methoxyethyl]acetamide(10),(±)-cryptamide A(11).Compounds 3,5-6 and 10 inhibited the release of nitric oxide(NO)from RAW264.7 cell in a dose-dependent manner.CONCLUSION Compounds 1,2,and 5 are isolated from insects for the first time,while 6,7,10,and 11 are first isolated from the insects of Vespa genus.Compounds 3,5,6 and 10 have anti-inflammatory activity.

Cervical spinal cord injury without fracture-dislocation (CSCIWFD) is referred to as a special type of cervical spinal cord injury characterized by traumatic spinal cord dysfunction and no significant bony structural abnormalities on imagines. Duo to the high risk of missed diagnosis during the initial consultation, CSCIWFD may lead to progressive neurological deterioration or even complete paralysis, severely impacting patients′ prognosis. Currently, there are no established consensuses over the diagnosis and treatment of CSCIWFD, such as the lack of evidence-based standards for indications of non-surgical treatment and risk of secondary neurological injury, as well as debates over the optimal timing for surgical intervention and indications for different surgical approaches. To address these issues, the Spine Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts in the relevant fields to formulate Diagnosis and treatment guideline for acute cervical spinal cord injury without fracture- dislocation in adults ( version 2025) . Based on evidence-based medicine and the principles of scientific rigor and clinical applicability, the guidelines proposed 11 recommendations covering terminology, diagnosis, evaluation treatment, and rehabilitation, etc., aiming to standardize the management of CSCIWFD.

Objective:To explore the biological efficacy and molecular mechanism of the new 6449Da active peptide against gastric adenocarcinoma.Methods:Effect 6449Da active peptides on SGC-7901 gastric adenocarcinoma cells line was studied and mRNA and protein expression levels of key factors relating to apoptosis, proliferation and notch signaling pathway was detcted.Results:The 6449Da functional fragment WSGC peptide located on the cell membrane relatively specifically inhibited the growth of gastric adenocarcinoma cells, but had a weak effect on normal gastric mucosal cells [cell doubling time , SGC-7901, 1.2 μmol/ml: (38.22±6.80) h vs. 0 μmol/ml: (25.65±1.82) h, P<0.05; GES-1, 1.2 μmol/ml: (33.37±3.15) h vs. 0 μmol/ml: (29.25±1.26) h, P>0.05].After treatment of SGC-7901 cells by IC80 (48 h),the cell apoptosis rate was higher than that in the control group (IC80: 0.421±0.036 vs. control group: 0.028±0.004, P<0.001), while the cell proliferation coefficient,number of transmembrane invasive cells and relative migration rate were all lower than those of the control group (all P<0.01).Compared with the control group, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Bax and Caspase-3 were higher than those in the control group(all P<0.01).Compared with the control group, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Ki67, PCNA, NOTCH1,Jagged 1, MAML3, CSL and HES1 were significantly lower than those in the control group (all P<0.01).After treatment with WSGC bioactive peptides, tumor weight was significantly lower than that of the control group [40 nmol/g: (0.463±0.031) g, 80 nmol/g: (0.340±0.040) g vs. control group: (1.667±0.373) g, all P<0.01]. Conclusion:6449Da functional fragment WSGC active peptide relatively specifically interferes with the growth of gastric adenocarcinoma cells by inhibiting the Notch signaling pathway, and has the biological effects of promoting apoptosis,inhibiting proliferation, transmembrane invasion and migration.

ObjectiveProtein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) play pivotal roles in numerous cellular biological processes. However, the precise regulatory effects of PRMTs on the fate determination of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) remain elusive. Our previous studies have shed light on the regulatory role and molecular mechanism of PRMT5 in MSC osteogenic differentiation. This study aims to clarify the role and corresponding regulatory mechanism of PRMT7 during the adipogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Methods(1) Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) were cultured in a medium that induces adipogenesis. We used qRT-PCR and Western blot to monitor changes in PRMT7 expression during adipogenic differentiation. (2) We created a cell line with PRMT7 knocked down and assessed changes in PRMT7 expression and adipogenic capacity using Oil Red O staining, qRT-PCR and Western blot. (3) We implanted hBMSCs cell lines mixed with a collagen membrane subcutaneously into nude mice and performed Oil Red O staining to observe ectopic lipogenesis in vivo. (4) A cell line overexpressing PRMT7 was generated, and we examined changes in PRMT7 expression using qRT-PCR and Western blot. We also performed Oil Red O staining and quantitative analysis after inducing the cells in lipogenic medium. Additionally, we assessed changes in PPARγ expression. (5) We investigated changes in insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) expression in both PRMT7 knockdown and overexpressing cell lines using qRT-PCR and Western blot, to understand PRMT7’s regulatory effect on IGF-1 expression. siIGF-1 was transfected into the PRMT7 knockdown cell line to inhibit IGF-1 expression, and knockdown efficiency was confirmed. Then, we induced cells from the control and knockdown groups transfected with siIGF-1 in lipogenic medium and performed Oil Red O staining and quantitative analysis. Finally, we assessed PPARγ expression to explore IGF-1’s involvement in PRMT7’s regulation of adipogenic differentiation in hBMSCs. Results(1) During the adipogenesis process of hBMSCs, the expression level of PRMT7 was significantly reduced (P<0.01). (2) The adipogenic differentiation ability of PRMT7 knockdown group was significantly stronger than that of control group (P<0.001). (3) The ectopic adipogenic differentiation ability of PRMT7 knockdown group was significantly stronger than that of control group. (4) The adipogenic differentiation ability of the PRMT7 overexpression group was significantly weaker than that of the control group (P<0.01). (5) The expression level of IGF-1 increased after PRMT7 knockdown (P<0.000 1). The expression level of IGF-1 decreased after PRMT7 overexpression (P<0.000 1), indicating that PRMT7 regulates the expression of IGF-1. After siIGF-1 transfection, the expression level of IGF-1 in all cell lines decreased significantly (P<0.001). The ability of adipogenic differentiation of knockdown group transfected with siIGF-1 was significantly reduced (P<0.01), indicating that IGF-1 affects the regulation of PRMT7 on adipogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. ConclusionIn this investigation, our findings elucidate the inhibitory role of PRMT7 in the adipogenic differentiation of hBMSCs, as demonstrated through both in vitro cell-level experiments and in vivo subcutaneous transplantation experiments conducted in nude mice. Mechanistic exploration revealed that PRMT7’s regulatory effect on the adipogenic differentiation of hBMSCs operates via modulation of IGF-1 signaling pathway. These collective findings underscore PRMT7 as a potential therapeutic target for fatty metabolic disorders, thereby offering a novel avenue for leveraging PRMT7 and hBMSCs in the therapeutic landscape of relevant diseases.

OBJECTIVE: To improve the understanding of the virome and bacterial microbiome in the wildlife rescue station of Poyang Lake, China. METHODS: Ten smear samples were collected in March 2019. Metagenomic sequencing was performed to delineate bacterial and viral diversity. Taxonomic analysis was performed using the Kraken2 and Bracken methods. A maximum-likelihood tree was constructed based on the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) region of picornavirus. RESULTS: We identified 363 bacterial and 6 viral families. A significant difference in microbial and viral abundance was found between samples S01-S09 and S10. In S01-S09, members of Flavobacteriia and Gammaproteobacteria were the most prevalent, while in S10, the most prevalent bacteria class was Actinomycetia. Among S01-S09, members of Myoviridae and Herelleviridae were the most prevalent, while the dominant virus family of S10 was Picornaviridae. The full genome of the pigeon mesivirus-like virus (NC-BM-233) was recovered from S10 and contained an open reading frame of 8,124 nt. It showed the best hit to the pigeon mesivirus 2 polyprotein, with 84.10% amino acid identity. Phylogenetic analysis showed that RdRp clustered into Megrivirus B. CONCLUSION This study provides an initial assessment of the bacteria and viruses in the cage-smeared samples, broadens our knowledge of viral and bacterial diversity, and is a way to discover potential pathogens in wild birds.
Animals ; Animals, Wild/genetics* ; Lakes ; Phylogeny ; Picornaviridae/genetics* ; Viruses/genetics* ; China ; Metagenomics ; Genome, Viral