1.Effects of Jiaohong Pills and Its Prescription on Scopolamine-induced Alzheimer's Disease Mice
Lijinchan DONG ; Weiyan CAI ; Li FENG ; Qing YANG ; Mengting LI ; Yanli WANG ; Hong ZHANG ; Qi LI ; Xiaogang WENG ; Yajie WANG ; Xiaoxin ZHU ; Xiaoru HU ; Ying CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(2):37-45
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Jiaohong pills (JHP) and its prescription, Pericarpium Zanthoxyli (PZ) and Rehmanniae Radix (RR) cognitive dysfunction in scopolamine-induced Alzheimer's disease (AD) mice and its mechanism through pharmacodynamic and metabolomics study. MethodThe animal model of AD induced by scopolamine was established and treated with PZ, RG and JHP, respectively. The effects of JHP and its formulations were investigated by open field test, water maze test, object recognition test, avoidance test, cholinergic system and oxidative stress related biochemical test. Untargeted metabolomics analysis of cerebral cortex was performed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-Quadrupole/Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS). ResultThe behavioral data showed that, compared with the model group, the discrimination indexes of the high dose of JHP, PZ and RR groups was significantly increased (P<0.05). The staging rate of Morris water maze test in the PZ, RR, high and low dose groups of JHP was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), the crossing numbers in the PZ, JHP high and low dose groups were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01); the number of errors in the avoidance test were significantly reduced in the PZ and high-dose JHP groups (P<0.01), and the error latencies were significantly increased in the JHP and its prescription drug groups (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the activities of acetylcholinesterase in the cerebral cortex of the two doses of JHP group and the PZ group were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the activity of acetylcholinesterase in the high-dose JHP group was significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the level of acetylcholine was significantly increased (P<0.01). At the same time, the contents of malondialdehyde in the serum of the two dose groups of JHP decreased significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01). The results of metabolomics study of cerebral cortex showed that 149 differential metabolites were identified between the JHP group and the model group, which were involved in neurotransmitter metabolism, energy metabolism, oxidative stress and amino acid metabolism. ConclusionJHP and its prescription can antagonize scopolamine-induced cognitive dysfunction, regulate cholinergic system, and reduce oxidative stress damage. The mechanism of its therapeutic effect on AD is related to the regulation of neurotransmitter, energy, amino acid metabolism, and improvement of oxidative stress.
2.Results of scoliosis screening among primary and middle school students in Chuzhou City
LIANG Wei ; REN Mengting ; ZHANG Wenke ; YANG Lin ; WANG Hongyu
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(7):607-610
Objective:
To investigate the screening results of adolescent scoliosis in Chuzhou City, Anhui Province, and analyze the influencing factors for scoliosis, so as to provide insights into the prevention and control of scoliosis among adolescents.
Methods:
Students were selected from six primary and middle schools in Chuzhou City using the stratified random cluster sampling method from April to June 2023. Demographic information, daily behaviors and postures, and exercise status were collected through questionnaire surveys. Scoliosis was screened and diagnosed according to the Screening for Abnormal Spinal Curvature in Children and Adolescents. Influencing factors for scoliosis among primary and middle school students were identified using a multivariable logistic regression model.
Results:
A total of 1 823 questionnaires were allocated, and 1 768 effective questionnaires were recovered, with an effective response rate of 96.98%. There were 537 primary school students, 1 000 junior high school students and 231 senior high school students, with an average age of (13.40±1.92) years. There were 948 male students (53.62%) and 820 female students (46.38%). A total of 131 cases of scoliosis were screened positive, with a positive rate of 7.41%. The results of multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that gender (female, OR=1.759, 95%CI: 1.135-2.727), body mass index (OR=0.593, 95%CI: 0.538-0.654), sleeping position (side lying, OR=0.598, 95%CI: 0.377-0.951; prone lying, OR=2.336, 95%CI: 1.201-4.545), frequency of reading in bed (often, OR=2.099, 95%CI: 1.201-3.670), way of carrying backpack (shoulders, OR=0.580, 95%CI: 0.370-0.908), and exercise level (OR=0.428, 95%CI: 0.296-0.618) were influencing factors of scoliosis among primary and middle school students.
Conclusion
The positive rate of scoliosis screening among primary and middle school students in Chuzhou City was 7.41%, which was influenced by gender, age, body mass index, sleeping posture, reading in bed, way of carrying backpack and exercise level.
3.COVID-19 related autoimmune myopathy: 5 cases report
Mengting YANG ; Yawen ZHAO ; Yikang WANG ; Jingchu YUAN ; Jianwen DENG ; Jing LIU ; Yiming ZHENG ; Wei ZHANG ; Zhaoxia WANG ; Yun YUAN
Chinese Journal of Neurology 2024;57(1):40-46
Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics, imaging, myopathology and outcomes of patients with COVID-19 related autoimmune myopathy.Methods:The clinical features, serum creatine kinase (CK), myositis antibodies, muscle magnetic resonance imaging, myopathology and therapy of 5 patients with COVID-19 related autoimmune myopathy diagnosed in Peking University First Hospital from December 2022 to April 2023 were collected. The effects of the therapy after a short term follow up were analyzed.Results:Among the 5 patients, there were 3 males and 2 females, with onset age of 42-86 years. All patients presented with proximal muscle weakness in the recovery term of COVID-19. Myalgia was noted in 3 cases, dysphagia in 1, skin damage in 2, interstitial lung disease in 1. The serum CK of the 5 patients was 1 663-16 000 IU/L, 1 patient had anti-3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase autoantibodies and 1 patient had anti-signal recognition particle autoantibodies. The electromyography showed myogenic lesions in all patients. Muscle magnetic resonance imaging showed diffuse muscle edema in all patients, myofascial edema in 3 and subcutaneous-tissue edema in 3. The muscle biopsies in 4 patients revealed necrotic myopathy,with high P62 expression in muscle fibers. The electromicroscopy of 2 patients revealed vacuolated mitochondria and intranuclear tubulofilamentous inclusions in muscle fibers. Four patients were treated with glucocorticoids, of whom 2 patients combined with intravenous immunoglobulin, tacrolimus or cyclophosphamide. One case had close monitoring without drug therapy. They showed significant improvement, but the CK was still abnormal in 4 patients.Conclusions:COVID-19 leads to immune mediated myopathy. The manifestation of patients is characterized by proximal predominant weakness and high creatine kinase level. Muscle magnetic resonance imaging shows diffuse muscle edema. The muscle biopsies reveal necrotic myopathy. The effectiveness of immunosuppression needs to be further studied.
4.Development of the Suicide Outcomes Scale for Undergraduates with Suicidal Ideation
Mengting YING ; Guangrong JIANG ; Lixia YU ; Ting LU ; Lei WANG
Chinese Mental Health Journal 2024;38(2):164-171
Objective:To develop the Suicide Outcomes Scale for Undergraduates with Suicidal Ideation(SO-SUSI)and test its validity and reliability.Methods:Based on semi-structured interview,literature review and expert discussion,main aspects and indicator system were defined.The initial version of SOSUSI was formed,and items were either modified from existing scales targeting the relevant constructs,or compiled according to previous inter-view results.A total of 607 undergraduates with suicidal ideation were enrolled.The sample was randomly divided in half,one half(n=317)was used for item analysis and exploratory factor analysis,and another half(n=290)for confirmatory factor analysis.All data were used for reliability analysis.The Self-rating Depression Scale(SDS)and Suicidal Intent(SI)were used for criterion validity.Results:The SOSUSI included 39 items in 4 dimensions(nega-tive reinforcement of suicide,negative consequences of suicide,loss of suicide,and positive reinforcement of sui-cide)which explained 50.10%of the total variance.Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the four-factor struc-ture model fitted well(x2/df=3.27,CFI=0.92,TLI=0.91,IFI=0.92,SRMR=0.09).The scores of negative re-inforcement and positive reinforcement of suicide were positively correlated with the SDS and SI scores(ICC=0.15-0.33,Ps<0.05),while the scores of negative consequences and loss of suicide were negatively correlated with the SI scores(ICC=-0.42--0.56,Ps<0.05).The Cronbach's α coefficients of each dimension ranged from 0.79 to 0.91.Conclusion:The Suicide Outcomes Scale for Undergraduates with Suicidal Ideation(SOSUSI)has good validity and internal consistency reliability.
5.Ganmai Dazao Tang Treats Breast Cancer-related Depression via MAPK/NF-κB Signling Pathway
Jieyuan LIU ; Yanli WANG ; Delian NIU ; Mengting LI ; Lijinchuan DONG ; Xinmin LIU ; Hongping HOU ; Guangping ZHANG ; Ying CHEN ; Bo PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(23):170-178
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of Ganmai Dazao Tang on breast cancer-related depression and explore the mechanism of the decoction in regulating immune inflammation and neurotransmitters via the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway. MethodBALB/c mice were randomized into control, model, fluoxetine (5 mg·kg-1·d-1), and low- and high-dose (crude drug 20 and 40 g·kg-1, respectively) Ganmai Dazao Tang groups (n=10). The mouse model of 4T1 orthotopic transplantation-induced breast cancer-related depression-like behavior was established. The depression-like behavior of mice was assessed by the tail suspension test and the forced swimming test. RT-qPCR was employed to determine the mRNA levels of interleukin (IL)-17A, forkhead box P3 (FoxP3),IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the cerebral cortex. Flow cytometry was employed to measure the proportions of immune cell subsets in the spleen and thymus. HPLC-MS/MS was employed to measure neurotransmitter levels in the cerebral cortex. Western blotting was employed to detect the activation of the MAPK/NF-κB pathway. ResultCompared with the model group, administration of Ganmai Dazao Tang at a dose of 40 g crude drug·kg-1 continuously for 4 weeks shortened the immobility time of modeled mice in the tail suspension and forced swimming tests (P<0.05), down-regulated the mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-17A, and TNF-α (P<0.05), increased the proportions of T cells, CD4+ T cells, B cells, helper T 17 (Th17) cells, and regulatory T (Treg) cells, and reduced the proportion of CD8+ T cells (P<0.05). Furthermore, it lowered the levels of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and kynurenine (Kyn), decreased the kynurenine/tryptophan (Kyn/Trp) ratio (P<0.05), increased the content of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and down-regulated the protein levels of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK), phosphorylated p38 MAPK, and phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB p65 (P<0.05). ConclusionGanmai Dazao Tang can down-regulate the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-17A, and TNF-α, restore 5-HT metabolism and Kyn/Trp balance, increase the 5-HT content, and reduce the activation of p38 MAPK, ERK, and the MAPK-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway to reduce neuroinflammation in the treatment of cancer-related depression.
6.Mediating effect of social capital between health distress and depression and anxiety among the middle-aged and elderly hearing-impaired people in Shanghai
Mengting LIU ; Jingfeng ZHOU ; Jiwei WANG ; Xiaomin WEI
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2024;36(9):907-913
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of health distress on depression and anxiety among the middle-aged and elderly hearing-impaired people, and to explore the mediating effect of social capital, so as to provide an evidence for the implementation of appropriate interventions. MethodsA face-to-face self-designed questionnaire survey was conducted on 271 middle-aged and elderly hearing-impaired people aged 50 years and above in Shanghai from September 2021 to February 2022, including the general information of the subjects, social capital scale, hospital anxiety and depression scale, and health distress scale. The higher the total scores of the social capital scale, the higher level of social capital. Higher scores on the hospital anxiety and depression scale indicate more severe anxiety and depression, and scores >7 points were used to define an anxiety or depression status. The higher scores of the health distress scale, the worse the health condition of the respondents. Univariate and multivariate linear regression models were used to investigate the effects of health distress on depression and anxiety, and the mediating effects were used to test the mediating role of social capital between health distress and depression and anxiety. ResultsThe mean scores of depression, anxiety, social capital and health distress among the middle-aged and elderly hearing-impaired people aged 50 years and above were (11.063±5.892), (58.391±15.273) and (6.384±4.787) points, respectively. Health distress scores were positively correlated with social capital scores, health distress was positively correlated with depression and anxiety, while social capital was negatively correlated with depression and anxiety (all P<0.05). Social capital had masking effects on the relationship between health distress, depression and anxiety (all P<0.05), which accounted for 24.11% and 18.93% in the effects of depression and anxiety, respectively. ConclusionThe levels of depression and anxiety are higher among the middle-aged and elderly hearing-impaired people aged 50 years and above, and health distress can affect the levels of depression and anxiety through social capital. Health workers should take measures to reduce health distress and improve social capital among the middle-aged and elderly hearing-impaired people, so as to further alleviate the occurrence and development of depression and anxiety.
7.Clinical Effectiveness and Safety of Bairui Granules (百蕊颗粒) in Treating Patients with Acute Pharyngitis with Wind-Heat Syndrome: A Multi-Center, Double-Blind, Double-Simulation, Randomized Controlled Trial
Siming LIU ; Hui ZHOU ; Qiang LI ; Min ZHOU ; Qixiang WU ; Shanjun YANG ; Jun WANG ; Jingjing YUAN ; Ying ZHANG ; Ziqi ZHU ; Jingyi HU ; Shuang WU ; Mengting LI ; Zhanfeng YAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(11):1139-1145
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of Bairui Granules (百蕊颗粒) in the treatment of acute pharyngitis with wind-heat syndrome. MethodsA multicenter, double-blind, double-simulation, randomised controlled trial was conducted, in which 162 patients with acute pharyngitis and wind-heat syndrome from 7 centers were recruited, and each center was divided into trial group and control group on the ratio of 2∶1. In the trial group, 108 cases were orally administered with Bairui Granules plus Reyanning Granules (热炎宁颗粒) simulant, and in the control group, 54 cases were orally administered with Reyanning Granules plus Bairui Granules simulant for 5 days, with a follow-up visit on the 6th day. Full analysis set (FAS) analysis and per protocol set (PPS) were used for analysis, respectively. The primary efficacy index was the disappearance rate of sore throat after 5-day treatment; the secondary efficacy indexes were the disappearance rate of sore throat after 3-day treatment, as well as the visual analogue score (VAS) of sore throat before treatment, every day during the treatment, and follow-up on day 6, and the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score was performed before treatment and at the follow-up on day 6. The effectiveness on TCM syndrome was evaluated at the follow-up on day 6, and the changes of vital signs, blood routine, urine routine, liver functions, kidney function, the adverse events before and after the treatment were recorded, and safety analysis set (SS) was analysed. Results162 patients entered the FAS and SS analyses, and 158 cases (105 cases in the trial group and 53 cases in the control group) entered the PPS analysis. FAS analysis showed that the disappearance rate of sore throat after 5-day treatment was 80.56% (87/108) in the trial group and 64.81% (35/54) in the control group, and the difference between groups was statistically significant (χ2 = 5.10, P = 0.0239). PPS analysis showed that the disappearance rate of sore throat after 5-day treatment was 80.00% (84/105) in the trial group and 64.15% (34/53) in the control group, and the difference between groups was statistically significant (χ2 =4.85, P = 0.0277). FAS and SS analyses both showed that the difference in disappearance rate of sore throat between groups on 3-day treatment was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Compared with those before treatment, the VAS scores of sore throat were lower in both groups during treatment on day 2, 3, 4, 5, and follow-up on day 6 (P<0.01), but the difference between groups at each time point was not statistically significant (P>0.05). TCM syndrome scores of both groups at the follow-up were lower than that before treatment, and those of the trial group were lower than those of the control group (P<0.01). The cure rate and effective rate of TCM syndrome of the trial group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in blood routine, urine routine, liver function, kidney function between groups before and after treatment (P>0.05), and no serious adverse events occured in both groups. ConclusionBairui Granules showed clinical effectiveness in the treatment of acute pharyngitis of wind-heat syndrome, and it could significantly improve the clinical symptoms, accelerate the disappearance time of sore throat with good safety.
8.2023 Report on satisfaction with graduate education of recent medical graduates in China
Jinzhong JIA ; Peiyao SHI ; Wei JIANG ; Jingrui LI ; Mengting ZHANG ; Zhiqiang WANG ; Rui ZHU ; Quanrong ZHU ; Mengquan LIU ; Ming XU
Chinese Journal of Medical Education Research 2024;23(2):145-150
Objective:To investigate the current situation of satisfaction with graduate education among recent medical graduates in China, and analyze the differences between different populations, and to propose countermeasures and suggestions.Methods:From June to July 2023, a self-made questionnaire was used to survey 16 903 medical graduates who had recently earned a post-graduate degree from 78 institutions about their satisfaction with curriculum sessions, practical sessions, research training, tutoring, and institutional management. The degrees of satisfaction with education among different populations were compared through the t test and analysis of variance with the use of SPSS 26.0. Results:The scores of satisfaction of the graduates with tutoring, curriculum sessions, practical sessions, institutional management, and research training were 4.44, 4.03, 4.02, 3.90, and 3.82, respectively. Satisfaction scores for individual dimensions were significantly higher for males, doctors, non-transfers, comprehensive universities, non-agricultural household registration, moderate-to-high annual household income per capita, parents with high educational levels, and parents with mid- or senior-level occupations ( P<0.05). Conclusions:There is room for improvement in students' satisfaction with medical graduate education. To improve the quality of medical graduate education, attention should be paid to key populations, education policies, school management, and tutoring to provide appropriate education for different students.
9.Antioxidant activity of Euryale ferox seed shell extract and its therapeutic effects on oral ulcer in rats
Qiong WANG ; Fengqing XU ; Mengyun DENG ; Mengting REN ; Tongsheng WANG ; Deling WU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2024;44(4):787-794
Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of Euryale ferox seed shell extract on oral ulcer in rats and its underlying mechanism. Methods The contents of polyphenols and flavonoids in Euryale ferox seed shells were determined by Folin-phenol assay and aluminum nitrate colorimetry, respectively. DPPH · , ABTS+· , · OH and · O2- scavenging experiments were performed to evaluate the antioxidant activities of Euryale ferox seed shell extract in vitro. In a rat model of oral ulcer induced by burning with glacial acetic acid, the therapeutic effect of Euryale ferox seed shell extract was assessed by detecting changes in serum levels of oxidative factors by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and observing pathological changes of the ulcerous mucosa using HE staining; the therapeutic mechanism of the extract was explored by detecting the expression levels of Keap1, Nrf2, Nes-Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins in ulcerous mucosa using Western blotting. Results The ethyl acetate extract of Euryale ferox seed shells contained 306.74±1.04 mg/g polyphenols and 23.43±0.61 mg/g flavonoids and had IC50 values for scavenging DPPH · and ABTS+· free radicals of 3.42 ± 0.97 μg/mL and 3.32 ± 0.90 μg/mL, respectively. In the rat models, the ethyl acetate extract significantly ameliorated oral mucosal ulcer, increased serum CAT level, and decreased serum MDA level. The protein expression levels of Nes-Nrf2 and HO-1 were increased and Keap1 protein expression was lowered significantly in the ulcerous mucosa of the rats after treatment with the extract (P<0.05 or 0.01). Conclusion The therapeutic effect of Euryale ferox seed shell extract on oral ulcers in rats is mediated probably by activation of the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
10.The role and mechanism of palmitoleic acid in the pyroptosis of cardiomyocytes after hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced injury
Yunquan LI ; Zonggang DUAN ; Hailong BAO ; Qingteng WANG ; Hongxin AN ; Luanda XIAHOU ; Xu WANG ; Mengting JIANG ; Haiyan ZHOU ; Zhenhua LUO ; Wei LI
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2024;59(6):1006-1012
Objective To investigate the effect of palmitoleic acid(POA)on pyroptosis of cardiomyocytes after hy-poxia/reoxygenation-induced injury in the human myocardium.Methods The experiment comprised a control group(Control,normal culture),a hypoxia/reoxygenation group(HR),a palmitoleic acid-treated group(HR+POA),and an anhydrous ethanol control group(HR+ET).Cardiomyocytes viability was assessed using CCK-8 assay,and the level of pyroptosis of cardiomyocytes was measured through the double staining with Hoechst33342/PI and LDH assay.ELISA was employed to detect the release of inflammatory factors IL-1 β and IL-18 in the cell culture supernatant.qRT-PCR and Western blot were utilized to determine the relative expression levels of mRNA and protein of pyroptosis-related genes,namely NLRP3,ASC,Caspase-1,GSDMD,IL-1 β and IL-18,respective-ly.Results CCK-8 assay showed that the survival of hypoxic/reoxygenated cardiomyocytes increased with the ad-dition of POA at concentrations ranging from 25 to 100 μmol/L,as compared to the HR group;a hypoxia/reoxy-genation model of cardiomyocyte was established.The expression of protein and mRNA increased in NLRP3,ASC,Cleaved caspase-1,GSDMD-N,IL-Iβ and IL-18 vs the control group(P<0.05),the positive percentage of Ho-echst33342/PI staining in cardiomyocytes increased significantly(P<0.05),the release of LDH,IL-Iβ,and IL-18 increased(P<0.05).After intervention with 100 μmol/L POA,the protein and mRNA expression levels of NLRP3,ASC,Cleaved caspase-1,GSDMD-N,IL-Iβ,and IL-18 were significantly reduced in the HR+POA group vs HR+ET group(P<0.05).The positive percentage of Hoechst33342/PI staining in cardiomyocytes de-creased significantly,and the levels of LDH,IL-Iβ and IL-18 significantly decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion Palmitoleic acid may alleviate hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced injury of cardiomyocytes by inhibiting pyroptosis and inflammatory response after hypoxia/reoxygenation in human myocardium.


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