Grounded in the theory of "all marrows dominated by brain", this study explored the therapeutic mechanism of Zuogui Pills in modulating the oxytocin(OXT)/oxytocin receptor(OXTR) feed-forward loop in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis(PMOP). A PMOP rat model was established using ovariectomy, and 70 Sprague-Dawley female rats were randomly divided into the following groups: sham operation group, model group, estradiol group(17β-estradiol, 0.05 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), Zuogui Pills low, medium, and high dose groups(0.2, 0.4, 0.8 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1), respectively), and an antagonist group(atosiban 0.9 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1) + 17β-estradiol 0.05 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1) + Zuogui Pills 0.4 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)). After 12 weeks of model establishment, treatment was administered by gavage once daily for another 12 weeks, followed by sample collection. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to measure serum levels of estrogen(E_2), OXT, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase(TRACP-5b), and bone alkaline phosphatase(BALP). Histopathological changes in the left distal femur were observed through hematoxylin and eosin(HE) staining. Micro-computed tomography(micro-CT) was used to analyze the microstructure of the right distal femur. Western blot was employed to detect the expression levels of OXTR, small GTP-binding protein Ras, Raf1 proto-oncogene(Raf1), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/2(MEK1/2), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2(ERK1/2), and their phosphorylated forms in tibial tissues. Compared with the model group, the Zuogui Pills medium and high dose groups showed significantly increased levels of E_2, OXT, and BALP, with a notable decrease in TRACP-5b levels. Morphologically, the trabeculae in the left distal femur were more tightly arranged. The fibrous structure in the right distal femur was significantly improved in the Zuogui Pills high dose group. Additionally, the expression of OXTR, Ras, p-Raf1, p-MEK1/2, and p-ERK1/2 proteins in tibial tissues was significantly increased. The therapeutic effect of the Zuogui Pills high dose group was partially inhibited when an OXTR antagonist was administered. These findings suggest that Zuogui Pills can regulate the OXT/OXTR feed-forward loop, activate the phosphorylation of the downstream Ras/Raf1/MEK/ERK signaling pathway, and ultimately improve bone mineral density, thereby exerting therapeutic effects in PMOP.
Animals ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Female ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Oxytocin/genetics* ; Receptors, Oxytocin/genetics* ; Humans ; Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal/genetics* ; Bone and Bones/drug effects* ; Brain/drug effects* ; Bone Marrow/drug effects*

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.11909/j.issn.1671-5411.2017.08.005.].

Objective To evaluate the regulatory effect of Diwu Yanggan(DWYG)Decoction on lysoglycerophospholipids(Lyso-GPLs)in circulating exosomes in a mouse model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).Methods Circulating exosomes isolated from mouse serum by size exclusion chromatography were morphologically characterized using transmission electron microscope and examined for surface markers CD9,CD63 and TSG101 using Western blotting.Twenty-four male Kunming mice were randomized into 3 groups for normal feeding(control,n=8)or high-fat diet feeding for 1 week to induce NAFLD,after which the latter mice were given DWYG decoction(treatment group,n=8)or normal saline(model group,n=8)by gavage for 4 weeks.After the last treatment,blood samples were collected from the mice for testing serum TC,HDL-C,LDL-C,ALT and AST levels and isolating circulating exosomes.Using multivariate statistical analysis based on targeted metabolomics strategy,the potential biomarkers for Lyso-GPLs in the exosomes were screened.Results The isolated exosomes about 100 nm in size had a typical saucer-like structure with distinct double-layer membranes and a mean particle size of 137.5 nm and expressed the specific surface marker proteins CD9,CD63 and TSG101.The mouse models of NAFLD had significantly increased serum levels of TC,HDL-C,LDL-C and AST and lowered serum ALT level.A total of 43 Lyso-GPLs with significant reduction after DWYG Decoction treatment were identified in NAFLD mice.Conclusion DWYG Decoction can regulate Lyso-GPLs in circulating exosomes in NAFLD mice,which provides a new clue for studying the therapeutic mechanism of DWYG Decoction for liver disease.

Objective Dexmedetomidine(Dex)is a highly selective α2 adrenoceptor agonist that reduces blood pressure and heart rate.However,its ability to provide stable hemodynamics and a clinically significant reduction in blood loss in spine surgery is still a matter of debate.This study aimed to investigate the effects of Dex on intraoperative hemodynamics and blood loss in patients undergoing spine surgery. Methods The Web of Science,MEDLINE,EMBASE,and the Cochrane Library were searched up to February 2023 for randomized controlled trials(RCTs)including patients undergoing spine surgeries under general anaesthesia and comparing Dex and saline.A fixed-or random-effect model was used depending on heterogeneity. Results Twenty-one RCTs,including 1388 patients,were identified.Dex added the overall risk of intraoperative hypotension(odds ratio[OR]:2.11;95％confidence interval[CI]:1.24-3.58;P=0.006)and bradycardia(OR:2.48;95％CI:1.57-3.93;P=0.0001).The use of a loading dose of Dex led to significantly increased risks of intraoperative hypotension(OR:2.00;95％CI:1.06-3.79;P=0.03)and bradycardia(OR:2.28;95％CI:1.42-3.66;P=0.0007).For patients receiving total intravenous anesthesia,there was an increased risk of hypotension(OR:2.90;95％CI:1.24-6.82;P=0.01)and bradycardia(OR:2.66;95％CI:1.53-4.61;P=0.0005).For patients in the inhalation anesthesia group,only an increased risk of bradycardia(OR:4.95;95％CI:1.41-17.37;P=0.01)was observed.No significant increase in the risk of hypotension and bradycardia was found in the combined intravenous-inhalation anesthesia group.The incidence of severe hypotension(OR:2.57;95％CI:1.05-6.32;P=0.04),but not mild hypotension,was increased.Both mild(OR:2.55;95％CI:1.06-6.15;P=0.04)and severe(OR:2.45;95％CI:1.43-4.20;P=0.001)bradycardia were associated with a higher risk.The overall analyses did not reveal significant reduction in intraoperative blood loss.However,a significant decrease in blood loss was observed in total inhalation anesthesia subgroup(mean difference[MD]:-82.97;95％CI:-109.04--56.90;P＜0.001). Conclusions Dex increases the risks of intraoperative hypotension and bradycardia in major spine surgery.The administration of a loading dose of Dex and the utilization of various anesthesia maintenance methods may potentially impact hemodynamic stability and intraoperative blood loss.

Objective To evaluate the regulatory effect of Diwu Yanggan(DWYG)Decoction on lysoglycerophospholipids(Lyso-GPLs)in circulating exosomes in a mouse model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).Methods Circulating exosomes isolated from mouse serum by size exclusion chromatography were morphologically characterized using transmission electron microscope and examined for surface markers CD9,CD63 and TSG101 using Western blotting.Twenty-four male Kunming mice were randomized into 3 groups for normal feeding(control,n=8)or high-fat diet feeding for 1 week to induce NAFLD,after which the latter mice were given DWYG decoction(treatment group,n=8)or normal saline(model group,n=8)by gavage for 4 weeks.After the last treatment,blood samples were collected from the mice for testing serum TC,HDL-C,LDL-C,ALT and AST levels and isolating circulating exosomes.Using multivariate statistical analysis based on targeted metabolomics strategy,the potential biomarkers for Lyso-GPLs in the exosomes were screened.Results The isolated exosomes about 100 nm in size had a typical saucer-like structure with distinct double-layer membranes and a mean particle size of 137.5 nm and expressed the specific surface marker proteins CD9,CD63 and TSG101.The mouse models of NAFLD had significantly increased serum levels of TC,HDL-C,LDL-C and AST and lowered serum ALT level.A total of 43 Lyso-GPLs with significant reduction after DWYG Decoction treatment were identified in NAFLD mice.Conclusion DWYG Decoction can regulate Lyso-GPLs in circulating exosomes in NAFLD mice,which provides a new clue for studying the therapeutic mechanism of DWYG Decoction for liver disease.

Objective To evaluate the performance of two molecular point-of-care testing(POCT)prod-ucts in the diagnosis of influenza A virus(Flu A)and influenza B virus(Flu B)of clinical samples,and pre-liminarily evaluate the clinical diagnostic value of the changes of infection-related indicators in peripheral blood.Methods A total of 491 oropharyngeal swabs from patients with influenza-like symptoms who were treated in the hospital were recruited into this study from November 1,2019 to June 30,2023.These swabs were collected using reverse transcription real-time quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR),and two POCT molecular products,XpertTM Xpress Flu/RSV and EasyNAT? Flu Assay,respectively.The diagnostic performance of two POCT molecular products was analyzed using RT-qPCR reaction as a standard.According to the results of RT-qPCR method,the subjects were divided into Flu A positive group,Flu B positive group and negative group(both Flu A and Flu B were negative).The levels of indicators in pe-ripheral blood of the three groups were compared to evaluate the value of these indicators in the clinical diag-nosis of Flu A and Flu B.Results Among the 491 patient specimens,the XpertTM Xpress Flu/RSV assay showed the sensitivity for Flu A was 96.88%,and the specificity was 99.75%,and the sensitivity for Flu B was 100.00%,and the specificity was 100.00%.EasyNAT? Flu Assay assay showed the sensitivity for Flu A was 94.79%,and the specificity was 96.81%,and the sensitivity for Flu B was 100.00%,and the specificity was 100.00%.And two POCT molecular methods performed well consistency(Kappa value was 0.974).There was no significant difference in the levels of C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A among the negative group,Flu A positive group,and Flu B positive group(P>0.05).But the levels of white blood cell count in the negative group were higher than those in the Flu A positive group and Flu B positive group(P<0.01).Conclusion In this paper,two typical molecular POCT products are studied.Their sensitivity and specificity are highly consistent with the results of RT-qPCR.Molecular POCT products have the advantages of flexibil-ity and rapidity,which are of great value for the improvement of clinical diagnosis and treatment.Molecular detection combined with peripheral blood infection related indicators is helpful for the early diagnosis of influ-enza virus infectious diseases.

Objective:To evaluate the surgery combined chemotherapy and radiation in locally advanced neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix (NECC) .Methods:This is a single-center retrospective cohort study. Locally advanced NECC patients admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Acadmy of Medical Sciences from January 2011 to April 2022 were enrolled. They were divided into concurrent chemoradiotherapy group, and surgery combined with chemotherapy and radiation group. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), recurrence rate, and mortality rate.Results:(1) Forty-six cases were included, 22 in concurrent chemoradiotherapy group, 24 in surgery combined chemotherapy and radiation group. With 16 patients (35%, 16/46) received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT), the NACT effective rate was 15/16. (2) The median follow-up time was 27.5 months (range: 10-106 months), with 26 (57%, 26/46) experienced recurrences. There were 4 (9%, 4/46) pelvic recurrences and 25 (54%, 25/46) distant recurrences, and 3 (7%, 3/46) both pelvic and distant recurrences. Compared with concurrent chemoradiotherapy group, surgery combined chemotherapy and radiation group had lower pelvic recurrence rate [14% (3/22) vs 4% (1/24); χ2=1.296, P=0.255] but without statistic difference. Both groups had similar distant recurrence rate [55% (12/22) vs 54% (13/24); χ2=0.001, P=0.979] and overall recurrence rate [59% (13/22) vs 54% (13/24); χ2=0.113, P=0.736]. (3) During the follow-up period, 22 cases (48%, 22/46) died, with 11 cases (50%, 11/22) in concurrent chemoradiotherapy group and 11 cases (46%, 11/24) in surgery combined chemotherapy and radiation group, without significant difference ( χ2=0.080, P=0.777). The postoperative 3-year and 5-year OS rates were 62.3% and 36.9%. Compared with concurrent chemoradiotherapy group, the patients in surgery combined chemotherapy and radiation group showed an extended trend in PFS (17.0 vs 32.0 months) and OS (37.0 vs 50.0 months) but without statistic differences ( P=0.287, P=0.125). Both groups had similar 3-year OS rate (54.2% vs 69.9%; P=0.138) and 5-year OS rate (36.1% vs 38.8%; P=0.217). Conclusions:Our study supports the multi-modality treatment strategy (including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation) as an important component in the treatment of locally advanced NECC. The combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation seems to have advantages in the treatment of locally advanced NECC, but needs to be confirmed by further multicenter studies.

Objective:To investigate the current situation of the use of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for portal hypertension, which should aid the development of TIPS in China.Methods:The China Portal Hypertension Alliance (CHESS) initiated this study that comprehensively investigated the basic situation of TIPS for portal hypertension in China through network research. The survey included the following: the number of surgical cases, main indications, the development of Early-TIPS, TIPS for portal vein cavernous transformation, collateral circulation embolization, intraoperative portal pressure gradient measurement, commonly used stent types, conventional anticoagulation and time, postoperative follow-up, obstacles, and the application of domestic instruments.Results:According to the survey, a total of 13 527 TIPS operations were carried out in 545 hospitals participating in the survey in 2021, and 94.1% of the hospital had the habit of routine follow-up after TIPS. Most hospitals believed that the main indications of TIPS were the control of acute bleeding (42.6%) and the prevention of rebleeding (40.7%). 48.1% of the teams carried out early or priority TIPS, 53.0% of the teams carried out TIPS for the cavernous transformation of the portal vein, and 81.0% chose routine embolization of collateral circulation during operation. Most of them used coils and biological glue as embolic materials, and 78.5% of the team routinely performed intraoperative portal pressure gradient measurements. In selecting TIPS stents, 57.1% of the hospitals woulel choose Viator-specific stents, 57.2% woulel choose conventional anticoagulation after TIPS, and the duration of anticoagulation was between 3-6 months (55.4%). The limitation of TIPS surgery was mainly due to cost (72.3%) and insufficient understanding of doctors in related departments (77.4%). Most teams accepted the domestic instruments used in TIPS (92.7%).Conclusions:This survey shows that TIPS treatment is an essential part of treating portal hypertension in China. The total number of TIPS cases is far from that of patients with portal hypertension. In the future, it is still necessary to popularize TIPS technology and further standardize surgical indications, routine operations, and instrument application.

mRNA gene therapy has attracted much attention due to its advantages such as scalability, modification, no need to enter the nucleus and no integration of host genes. In gene therapy, safe and effective delivery of mRNA into cells is critical for the success of gene therapy. In this study, we designed and synthesized an amphiphilic cationic lipopeptide gene vector (dendritic arginine & disulfide bond-containing cationic lipopeptide, RLS) enriched with branched arginine. We achieved a 1.5-fold higher mRNA transfection efficiency in zebrafish compared to the commercial reagent Lipofectamine 2000, and confirmed its good biosafety by in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo biosafety. First, we characterized the chemical composition of the cationic lipid peptides by nuclear magnetic resonance hydrogen spectroscopy (¹H NMR) and time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MS). The results of particle size and potential tested by dynamic light scattering particle size analysis showed that at a nitrogen/phosphorus (N/P) ratio of 20, the RLS/mRNA composite assemblies formed homogeneous nanoparticles with an average particle size of about 220 nm and a surface ζ potential of about +21 mV. In vitro gene transfection, the transfection experiments demonstrated that RLS exhibited 1.2-fold higher transfection efficiency in human embryonic kidney 293 cells (HEK293) and 3-fold higher transfection efficiency in rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) compared to Lipofectamine 2000. In addition, after microinjection of RLS into zebrafish embryos, we evaluated the survival, hatching, and teratogenicity rates, all of which confirmed its favorable in vivo safety profile. Thus, this amphiphilic cationic lipid peptide RLS, enriched with branched arginine, exhibits excellent mRNA delivery properties and safety. These findings highlight its potential as a promising gene therapy tool.

Objective To summarize the application of double valve ring enlargement combined with mitral Chimney technique (Chimney Commando) in the secondary valve replacement and to analyze the efficacy in the near and medium term. Methods Patients who underwent the secondary aortic valve and mitral valve (double valve) replacement by Chimney Commando in Wuhan Asia Heart Hospital from 2019 to 2022 were included, and their clinical data were retrospectively collected to analyze the safety and feasibility of this procedure in secondary valve replacement of small aortic root patients. Results A total of 49 patients (44 females and 5 males) were included. The body surface area was 1.64±0.17 m2. The time from the first operation was 13.10±5.90 years. Except for 4 patients whose first operation was valvuloplasty, the remaining 45 patients were all patients after valve replacement, 41 patients of double valves replacement, including 39 patients with mechanical valve and 2 patients with biological valve. The majority of the aortic valves were St.Jude regent 19 mm or St.Jude regent 21 mm, accounting for 30.61% and 34.69%, respectively. The mitral valves were predominantly St.Jude 25 mm mechanical valves, making up 65.31%. All patients underwent Chimney Commando double valve ring enlargement, and the mean time of aortic occlusion was 154.00±45.40 min. The mean size of the aortic valve was 23.90±1.40 mm and that of the mitral valve was 28.20±1.20 mm, and the transvalvular pressure difference across the aortic valve was 20.16±5.76 mm Hg at 6 months postoperatively. There was one death during hospitalization due to multi-organ failure. The follow-up time ranged from 1 to 24 months with a median time of 8 months. Two patients were implanted with permanent pacemakers during the follow-up period and 1 patient died due to massive stroke and malignant arrhythmia. Conclusion Chimney Commando is safe and effective in patients with secondary double valve replacement, and the postoperative prosthetic valves have good hemodynamics, and can achieve good clinical results in the near and medium term.