The development of animal early embryos commences with the reprogramming of terminally differentiated gametes into totipotent zygotes following fertilization. During the initial stages of embryonic development, the transcriptional levels of zygotic genome remain silent and maternal gene products dominate the regulation of development. As embryonic development progresses, the maternal gene products undergo phased degradation while the zygotic genome gradually activates transcription, marking the transition from the maternal regulation to the zygotic genome regulation in early embryonic development, which is also referred to as the maternal-zygotic transition (MZT). Zygotic genome activation (ZGA) is a critical turning process in this transition, and its accurate occurrence is crucial for early embryonic development and cell fate decisions. However, the regulatory factors and molecular mechanisms of ZGA remain poorly understood. Studies have shown that ZGA varies greatly among different species and may be affected by a variety of regulatory factors such as DNA methylation, histone modification, non-coding RNA, chromatin remodeling and ZGA related factors. Here, we review the research progress of the above regulatory factors affecting ZGA, which can provide valuable insights for further investigations into the ZGA related mechanisms of early embryos.

To assess the reliability, validity and responsiveness of the Chinese version of the atopic dermatitis control tool (ADCT). After this study obtained authorization for the Chinese version of the ADCT scale. 114 patients with atopic dermatitis were enrolled from the Department of Dermatology, Peking University First Hospital using convenience sampling from October 2022. Patients were surveyed using the General Information Questionnaire, Chinese version of ADCT, patient-oriented eczema measure (POEM),peak pruritus numerical rating scale (PP-NRS),dermatology life quality index (DLQI) and the global patient self-assessment for disease severity. Mann-Whitney rank sum test and Spearman correlation analysis were used for item analysis; content validity was assessed using content validity index (CVI); exploratory factor analysis was used to assess structural validity; Cronbach' alpha coefficient was used to assess internal consistency; Spearman correlation analysis was used to assess the correlation of ADCT with other scales to assess external responsiveness. The results showed that all items were retained by item analysis. I-CVI was 0.9-1, and S-CVI/Average was 0.983; the scale extracted one common factor by factor analysis, the cumulative variance explanation rate was 77.927%; the Cronbach' alpha coefficient of the scale was 0.937; the correlation coefficients of the Chinese version of ADCT with POEM, PP-NRS, and DLQI were 0.805, 0.861, and 0.709 respectively. In conclusion, the Chinese version of the ADCT has adequate reliability, validity and responsiveness, and is suitable for measuring disease control in Chinese patients with atopic dermatitis.
Humans ; Dermatitis, Atopic ; Quality of Life ; Reproducibility of Results ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Objective:To construct a health education program for enterostomy patients based on the guideline of Facilitating Client Centered Learning. Methods:From July to October 2022, based on the adaptability survey and literature research of the previous guidelines, the first draft of the health education program for enterostomy patients was formed. A total of 13 experts were selected using purposive sampling method, and two rounds of expert consultation were conducted through the Delphi method on the first draft of the program to build the final health education program for enterostomy patients. We calculated the authority, enthusiasm, coordination, and concentration of experts.Results:The health education program for enterostomy patients included 3 first-level indicators, 9 second-level indicators, and 31 third-level indicators. The effective response rates of the first and second rounds of consultation questionnaires were both 100.0%, and the authority coefficients of experts were both greater than 0.7. In the second round of consultation, the Kendal coordination coefficients of the importance of the first, second and third level indicators were 0.231, 0.154 and 0.182 ( P<0.05), and the Kendal coordination coefficients of the feasibility of the first, second and third level indicators were 0.216, 0.154 and 0.129 ( P<0.05), with coefficients of variation < 0.25. Conclusions:The health education program for enterostomy patients based on the guideline of Facilitating Client Centered Learning is practical and scientific, and can provide guidance for clinical practice.

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was applied to determine the concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) in Lindera aggregata (Sims) Kosterm. The physiologically based extraction test (PBET) digestion in vitro/Caco-2 cell model was established to investigate the bioaccessible contents of Pb, Cd and As in decoction of Lindera aggregata (Sims) Kosterm. The target-organ toxicity dose modification of HI method (TTD) was used to evaluate the cumulative risk caused by the combined exposure of the total levels of Pb, Cd and As in Lindera aggregata (Sims) Kosterm. and the bioaccessible contents in the decoction. The results showed that the total contents of Pb, Cd and As in 4 batches of samples were in the range of 2.901-3.872, 1.299-1.800 and 0.062-0.216 mg·kg^-1, respectively. After transportation by Cacco-2 cells, the bioaccessible contents of Pb, Cd, and As in the decoction were in the range of 0.045-0.080, 0.070-0.112 and 0.004-0.018 mg·kg^-1. The results of risk assessment showed that calculated by the total amounts of heavy metals in the Lindera aggregata (Sims) Kosterm., for the end points of nervous system, the cumulative risks of co-exposure of heavy metals in 3 batches of samples were of concern. After decoction and transportation by Caco-2 cells, for the end points of cardiovascular system, blood, nervous system, kidney and testis, the TTD modification of HI values of all batches of samples were less than 1, and the health risks were acceptable. The study provided methodology basis for a more objective assessment of the health risks of heavy metals and harmful elements in traditional Chinese medicine and for a more scientific limit standard of heavy metals and harmful elements.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the global, regional, and national disease burden of neonatal jaundice. METHODS: The 2019 Global Burden of Disease database was searched to collect incident cases/incidence and deaths/mortality of neonatal jaundice, as well as global socio-demographic index (SDI) and universal health coverage index (UHCI). The epidemiological trend of neonatal jaundice from 1990 to 2019 was analyzed. The correlations between incidence/mortality of neonatal jaundice and SDI and UHCI were evaluated. RESULTS: From 601 681 in 1990 to 626 005 in 2019, with a 4.04% increase in global incident cases of neonatal jaundice. The overall age-standardized incidence rate exhibited an increase [estimated annual percent change=0.13 (95%CI: 0.03 to 0.23)] during this period. Additionally, deaths due to neonatal jaundice decreased by 58.83%, from 128 119 in 1990 to 52 742 in 2019. The overall age-standardized mortality rate showed a decrease [estimated annual percent change=-2.78 (95%CI: -3.00 to -2.57)] over the same period. Countries with lower SDI, such as India, Pakistan, and Nigeria, reported a higher proportion of neonatal morbidity and mortality. In 2019, a negative correlation was observed between estimated annual percent change in age-standardized mortality rate and SDI (ρ=-0.320, P<0.05) or UHCI (ρ=-0.252, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The global incidence of neonatal jaundice is on the rise, while the mortality rate is declining. The burden of neonatal jaundice is influenced by social development, economic factors, and the level of medical care.
Infant, Newborn ; Humans ; Global Burden of Disease ; Jaundice, Neonatal/epidemiology* ; Incidence

In order to establish the probabilistic risk assessment method for heavy metals and harmful elements in line with the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and provide guidance for the safe use of TCM, the contents of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (as), mercury (Hg) and copper (Cu) in 21 batches of Plantago asiatica L. were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). By the comprehensive use of investigation of TCM consumption pattern and Monte Carlo simulation technology, the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks of heavy metals and harmful elements in TCM were assessed by hazard quotient (HQ) and cancer risk (CR), respectively. The greatest risk contributors were screened through sensitivity analysis. The results revealed that the mean contents of Pb, Cd, As, Hg and Cu in Plantago asiatica L. were 9.01, 0.28, 3.83, 0.01 and 12.82 mg·kg^-1, respectively. The P95, P99 and maximum values of HQ for males were 1.41, 2.83 and 10.97 mg·kg^-1, respectively. The P95, P99 and maximum values of HQ for females were 1.27, 2.63 and 9.80 mg·kg^-1, respectively. The P95, P99 and maximum values of HI for males were 1.44, 2.85 and 11.0 mg·kg^-1, respectively. The P95, P99 and maximum values of HI for females were 1.29, 2.66 and 10.0 mg·kg^-1, respectively. The P99 and maximum values for CR_As and total carcinogenic risk (TCR) were greater than 10^-4 for both men and women. The risk assessment results indicated that the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks of high exposure population caused by arsenic exposure are needed to be concern. The results of sensitivity analysis showed that the exposure frequency of TCM and the arsenic concentrations in Plantago asiatica L. were the main risk contributors. Based on Monte Carlo simulation technology and considering the characteristics of TCM, this study puts forward the first example of probabilistic risk assessment of heavy metals and harmful elements in Chinese herbal medicine, which provides a novel perspective for health risk assessment of heavy metals in TCM.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Baidu Jieduan Granules (BDJDG) to treat common type coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective, and observational clinical trial included 230 common COVID-19 patients in Leishenshan, Huangshi, and Laohekou Hospitals in Wuhan from January 21 to March 26, 2020. The included patients were further divided into two subgroups according to the use of supplemental oxygen, mild and moderate groups. During the first 14 d of hospitalization, all patients were administered BDJDG combined with conventional Western medicine, and observed for continuous 28 d. Primary outcomes were disease progression rate and discharge rate. Secondary outcomes included negative conversion time of nucleic acid, hospitalization duration, clinical symptom subsidence time, and symptom regression rate. RESULTS: A total of 230 common COVID-19 patients were analyzed (138 in moderate group and 92 in mild group). By day 28, the disease progression rate was 4.3% and the discharge rate was 95.7%. All mild cases recovered and were discharged from hospital. The median negative conversion time of nucleic acid of all 230 COVID-19 patients was 12 d [inter-quartile range (IQR) 3.5-17], the median hospitalization duration was 15 d (IQR 12-20). The median time to fever, cough, and fatigue recovery was 4 d (IQR 2-6), 8 d (IQR 5-12), and 8 d (IQR 5-11). The recovery rate of fever, cough, and fatigue was 94.6%, 90.5%, and 93.5%. The median time to clinical improvement was 12 d (IQR 10-17). Compared with the baseline, total leukocyte counts, neutrophil counts, lymphocyte counts, and platelet counts were increased significantly on days 7 and 14 (P<0.01). C-reactive protein markedly increased on day 3 and significantly decreased on days 7 and 14 (P<0.01). No serious adverse events occurred during treatment. CONCLUSION BDJDG may be effective and safe for treatment of common type COVID-19. (Registration No. ChiCTR2000030836).
C-Reactive Protein ; China ; Cough/drug therapy* ; Disease Progression ; Fatigue ; Fever ; Humans ; Nucleic Acids ; Oxygen ; Retrospective Studies ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Treatment Outcome ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment

Objective:To establish ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry （UPLC-MS/MS） for simultaneous determination of six hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Verbenae Herba， and to carry out preliminary risk assessment according to the research results. Method:An ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 column （2.1 mm×100 mm， 1.8 μm） was used for analysis with 0.05% formic acid and 2.5 mmol·L^-1 ammonium formate in water （A）-0.05% formic acid and 2.5 mmol·L^-1 ammonium formate in acetonitrile （B） as mobile phase for gradient elution （0-12 min， 3%-8%B； 12-25 min， 8%-15%B； 25-26 min， 15%-3%B； 26-30 min， 3%B）， the flow rate was 0.3 mL·min^-1， the column temperature was 40 ℃， and the injection volume was 1 μL. MS system was operated by electrospray ionization （ESI） in the positive ion mode with multiple reaction monitoring mode. MS parameters of triple quadrupole and six analytes were optimized for qualitative and quantitative analysis. According to the determination results， the risk assessment was carried out by using margin of exposure （MOE） combined with transfer rate of hot water extraction. Result:Based on the instrument precision， linear range， repeatability， stability， recovery and other methodological validations， the results were in conformity with relevant standards of quantitative analysis. The linear ranges of intermedine， lycopsamine， intermedine N-oxide， lycopsamine N-oxide， echimidine N-oxide and echimidine were good （r≥0.999 0） between peak area and mass concentration in the ranges of 0.984-49.20， 0.994-49.70， 1.012-50.60， 1.032-51.60， 1.004-50.20， 1.016-50.80 µg·L^-1， respectively. The average recoveries of these six analytes were 87.2%-94.2% with relative standard deviation （RSD）<4.0%. Their MOE values were >10 000. Conclusion:The UPLC-MS/MS established in this study is stable and feasible， which can provide scientific basis for the quality control and safety evaluation of hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Verbenae Herba.

This study aims to develop a UPLC-MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of six pyrrolizidine alkaloids(PAs)--intermedine N-oxide(ImNO), lycopsamine N-oxide(LyNO), seneciphylline(Sp), seneciphylline N-oxide(SpNO), senecionine N-oxide(SnNO), and senkirkine(Sk) in different parts of Emilia sonchifolia. UPLC conditions are as follows: ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 column(2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.8 μm), mobile phase consisting of 0.05% formic acid and 2.5 mmol·L~(-1) ammonium formate in water(A)-0.05% formic acid and 2.5 mmol·L~(-1) ammonium formate in acetonitrile(B) for gradient elution. MS conditions are as below: electrospray ionization(ESI) in the positive ion mode, multiple reaction monitoring(MRM), and the content of the six PAs was calculated with the external standard method. The results suggested the differences in the six PAs among different parts of E. sonchifolia. Sk was detected in all the four parts, with similar content. SnNO also existed in all the four parts, but the content in roots was significantly higher than that in other parts. Sp and SpNO were found in both roots and flowers, with the content higher in the former than in the later. ImNO and LyNO were only found in leaves, and the content was low. Among the six components detected, ImNO, LyNO, and SpNO were found and determined for the first time, which enriched the toxic components and laid a scientific basis for the quality and safety evaluation of E. sonchifolia.
Asteraceae ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Chromatography, Liquid ; Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP) and Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine(BATMAN-TCM) were searched for the effective components and targets of Shaofu Zhuyu Decoction. The relevant targets for endometriosis(EMT) and dysmenorrhea were retrieved from the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database(CTD), Therapeutic Target Database(TTD), GeneCards, and DisGeNET with the terms of "endometriosis" and "dysmenorrhea". Cytoscape 3.8.0 was employed to construct the drug-active component-therapeutic target network. A protein-protein interaction(PPI) network was established by STRING 11.0. Analyze Network, the plug-in in the Cytoscape 3.8.0, was used to calculate the topological parameters of the nodes and screen out the critical proteins in the network. The potential therapeutic targets were imported into RStudio and subjected to Gene Ontology(GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) enrichment analyses with clusterProfiler package. Finally, the AutoDock Vina(Vina) platform was used for molecular docking to predict the binding degree of the main active components of Shaofu Zhuyu Decoction to key targets. As revealed by the screening results, 136 active components and 380 targets of Shaofu Zhuyu Decoction were obtained. Additionally, there were 1 627 targets related to EMT and 142 targets related to dysmenorrhea with 107 common targets, and 42 potential therapeutic targets of Shaofu Zhuyu Decoction for the treatment of EMT-induced dysmenorrhea. The targets such as interleukin 6(IL6) and prostaglandi-nendoperoxide synthase-2(PTGS2) were pivotal in the biological network of Shaofu Zhuyu Decoction intervention in EMT-induced dysmenorrhea, which involved multiple signaling pathways, including inflammation, hormones, and those promoted cell proliferation [e.g., mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase(PI3 K)-protein kinase B(AKT)]. The results of molecular docking showed that the active components of Shaofu Zhuyu Decoction had good binding capacities to key targets such as IL6 and PTGS2. The findings of this study demonstrated that Shaofu Zhuyu Decoction could treat EMT-induced dysmenorrhea through multiple targets and multiple pathways, which could provide new ideas for investigating the underlying mechanism of Shaofu Zhuyu Decoction in the treatment of EMT-induced dysmenorrhea.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Dysmenorrhea/genetics* ; Female ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Network Pharmacology