This study aims to explore the effects and mechanisms of 4'-O-methylbavachalcone(MeBavaC), an active compound from Psoraleae Fructus, in regulating white matter neuroinflammation to improve vascular cognitive impairment. Male Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham group, model group, high-dose MeBavaC group(14 mg·kg~(-1)), and low-dose MeBavaC group(7 mg·kg~(-1)). The rat model of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion(CCH) was established using bilateral common carotid artery occlusion. The Morris water maze test was performed to evaluate the learning and memory abilities of the rats. Luxol fast blue staining, Nissl staining, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy were utilized to observe the morphology and ultrastructure of the white matter myelin sheaths, axon integrity, the morphology and number of hippocampal neurons, and the loss and activation of glial cells in the white matter. Transcriptome analysis was performed to explore the potential mechanisms of white matter injury induced by CCH. Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR) assays were conducted to measure the expression levels of NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3), absent in melanoma 2(AIM2), gasdermin D(GSDMD), cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1(caspase-1), interleukin-18(IL-18), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), erythropoietin(EPO), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2), and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1) in the white matter of rats. The results showed that compared with the model group, MeBavaC significantly improved the learning and memory abilities of rats with CCH, improved the damage of white matter myelin sheath, maintained axonal integrity, reduced the loss of hippocampal neurons and oligodendrocytes in the white matter, inhibited the activation of microglia and the proliferation of astrocytes in the white matter, and suppressed the NLRP3/AIM2/caspase-1/GSDMD pathway. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 were significantly reduced, while EPO expression and the expression of Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway were notably elevated. In conclusion, MeBavaC can alleviate cognitive impairment in rats with CCH and suppress neuroinflammation in cerebral white matter. The mechanism of action may involve activation of EPO activity, promotion of endogenous antioxidant pathways, and inhibition of neuroinflammation in the white matter. This study suggests that MeBavaC exhibits antioxidant and anti-neuroinflammatory effects, showing potential application in improving cognitive dysfunction.
Animals ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/immunology* ; Rats ; Chalcones/administration & dosage* ; Cognitive Dysfunction/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Neuroinflammatory Diseases/drug therapy* ; Heme Oxygenase-1/metabolism* ; Humans ; Heme Oxygenase (Decyclizing)/genetics*

Objective:To assess the ultrasonographic features and potential diseases of fetal abnormal sylvian fissure(SF), and to explore the value of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) in prenatal detection.Methods:A total of 28 fetuses with a sonographic diagnosis of abnormal SF in Shenzhen Maternal and Child Health Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University between October 2018 and October 2020 were prospectively included. The fetal brain was evaluated by neuroultrasound and intrauterine MRI in detail. Amniotic fluid/cord blood obtained by amniocentesis or tissue samples from umbilical cord after birth were collected for WGS. Pregnancy outcomes and postnatal MRI were recorded, and neurodevelopment of live-born infants was followed up for more than 24 months after delivery.Results:During the study period, 28 fetuses with abnormal SF were identified, with a gestational age of 21.3-30.0 (24.8±2.0) weeks. Abnormal SF presented in MCD ( n=15, 53.6%), chromosomal anomalies ( n=3, 10.7%) or single-gene genetic syndromes ( n=3, 10.7%) with the affected fetuses showing developmental delay, hydrocephalus or leukomalacia ( n=4, 14.2%), corpus callosal agenesis with large interhemispheric cysts ( n=1, 3.6%), benign subarachnoid space enlargement with arachnoid cysts ( n=1, 3.6%), and multiple malformations ( n=1, 3.6%). Among the 15 cases with MCD, the most common pathology was lissencephaly/pachygyria, followed by schizencephaly, severe microcephaly, hemimegalencephaly with paraventricular heterotopia, and polymicrogyria. Abnormal SF presented bilaterally in 23 fetuses and unilaterally in 5. All cases were categorized into six types depending on SF morphology in the transthalamic section: no plateau-like or a small insula, linear type, irregular corrugated SF, Z-shaped, and cyst occupying type. In addition to abnormal SF, associated anomalies or mild variations were identified in all fetuses. There were 17 cases underwent intrauterine MRI, and 13 cases underwent postnatal MRI examination.And 25 pregnancies were terminated; 3 were born alive, and 2 had typical syndromic changes with poor neurodevelopmental prognosis. A related pathogenic genetic variant was detected in 57.1% (16/28) fetus, and the incidence of single nucleotide variants(SNVs) was 42.9% (12/28), among which de novo SNVs accounted for 91.7% (11/12). Conclusions:Fetal abnormal SF could be classified based on the ultrasonographic features of transthalamic section. Fetal abnormal SF may indicate MCD, some chromosomal abnormalities or single-gene genetic syndromes that may lead to poor neurodevelopmental outcomes, and may be affected by extra-cortical factors. It is suggested to carry out targeted prenatal genetic diagnosis for fetuses with abnormal SF.

Humans ; Carcinoma, Mucoepidermoid/pathology* ; Breast/pathology*

The UHPLC-LTQ-orbitrap-MS metabolomics technique was used to determine the effect of deapio-platycodin D (DPD) on endogenous metabolites in lung tissues of mice with ammonia-induced cough, and to identify the metabolic regulatory pathways of DPD in its antitussive and expectorant activities. This work was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine (Approval No. JZLLSC-20190235). Metabolites were identified by UHPLC-LTQ-orbitrap-MS method and the metabolic pathways related to differentially-expressed metabolites were analyzed by the MetaboAnalyst platform. DPD significantly prolonged (P < 0.05) cough latency, reduced the number of coughs, and significantly increased (P < 0.05) phenol red excretion in ammonia-induced cough mice. Twenty-five metabolites related to cough and 38 metabolites related to sputum excretion were identified by UHPLC-LTQ-orbitrap-MS. Changes in the metabolism of linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, glycerophospholipid, alanine, aspartic acid and glutamic acid, pentose and glucuronate interconversions, and lysine degradation were evident with DPD treatment of ammonia-induced cough mice. Changes in the metabolism of linoleic acid, taurine and hypotaurine, glycerophospholipid, purines and pyrimidines, arachidonic acid and the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids after DPD treatment were related to phenol red excretion. Linoleic acid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism are common regulatory pathways by which DPD appears to exert its antitussive and expectorant activity. These metabolic pathways are closely related to anti-inflammatory pathways, immune function regulation, neurotransmitter release, cell signal transduction, energy metabolism and apoptosis. This study clarifies the antitussive and expectorant activity and mechanism of DPD.

Objective:To observe the morphological changes of the sylvian fissure on the transthalamic section of fetal brain at 20-32 weeks, and grade the fetal sylvian fissure development by means of a simple scoring system and explore its clinical feasibility.Methods:From September 2018 to June 2020, 487 normal single fetuses of 20-32 weeks were examined in Shenzhen Maternal and Child Health Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University. The sylvian fissure maturation was analyzed on the transthalamic section of fetal brain at 20-32 weeks and was graded from 0 to 5: un-visualized (grade 0), shallow arc (grade 1), obtuse-angled platform (grade 2), right-angled platform (grade 3), acute-angled platform (grade 4), and closed operculum (grade 5). The pregnancy outcomes and gestational age were recorded.Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 20.0 software using box plot, Mann-Whitney U test, Weighted Kappa coefficient. Results:Left sylvian fissuer grades were obtained in 280 fetuses and right sylvian fissure grades were obtained in 247 fetuses. The fetal sylvian fissure maturation at 20-32 weeks was graded from 0 to 5, which increased with advancing gestation. Grade 0 only appeared in 3 fetuses at 20 weeks, and 99.4% fetuses at 20 weeks had grade ≥1. Grade 1 appeared in 20-22 weeks, grade 2 in 20-25 weeks, grade 3 in 22-26 weeks, grade 4 in 25-32 weeks, and grade 5 in 27-32 weeks. Box-plot and Mann-Whitney U test showed that gestational week distribution of sylvian fissure at all grades was symmetric on both sides ( P>0.05). The Weighted Kappa coefficients were 0.857(95% CI=0.750-0.957) and 0.939 (95% CI=0.859-1.000), respectively, with strong consistency regarding inter- and intra-observer agreements. Conclusions:Fetal sylvian fissure maturation at 20-32 weeks can be evaluated by means of a simple scoring system with symmetrical grading of both sides.

Objective: To retrospectively analyze the data of Chinese patients with newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) to preliminarily discuss the clinical and cytogenetic characteristics. Methods: From February 2004 to June 2020, patients with newly diagnosed APL aged ≥ 15 years who were admitted to the Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College were chosen. Clinical and laboratory features were retrospectively analyzed. Results: A total of 790 cases were included, with a male to female ratio of 1.22. The median age of the patients was 41 (15-76) years. Patients aged between 20 and 59 predominated, with 632 patients (80%) of 790 patients classified as low and intermediate risk and 158 patients (20%) of 790 patients classified as high risk. The white blood cell, platelet, and hemoglobin levels at diagnosis were 2.3 (0.1-176.1) ×10(9)/L, 29.5 (2.0-1220.8) ×10(9)/L, and 89 (15-169) g/L, respectively, and 4.8% of patients were complicated with psoriasis. The long-form type of PML-RARα was most commonly seen in APL, accounting for 58%. Both APTT extension (10.3%) and creatinine>14 mg/L (1%) are rarely seen in patients at diagnosis. Cytogenetics was performed in 715 patients with newly diagnosed APL. t (15;17) with additional chromosomal abnormalities were found in 155 patients, accounting for 21.7%; among which, +8 was most frequently seen. A complex karyotype was found in 64 (9.0%) patients. Next-generation sequencing was performed in 178 patients, and 113 mutated genes were discovered; 75 genes had an incidence rate>1%. FLT3 was the most frequently seen, which accounted for 44.9%, and 20.8% of the 178 patients present with FLT3-ITD. Conclusions: Patients aged 20-59 years are the most common group with newly diagnosed APL. No obvious difference was found in the ratio of males to females. In terms of risk stratification, patients divided into low and intermediate risk predominate. t (15;17) with additional chromosomal abnormalities accounted for 21% of 715 patients, in which +8 was most commonly seen. The long-form subtype was most frequently seen in PML-RARα-positive patients, and FLT3 was most commonly seen in the mutation spectrum of APL.
Adult ; Aged ; Chromosome Aberrations ; Cytogenetics ; Female ; Humans ; Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute/genetics* ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics* ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult

Objective: To establish a sustainable updated literature data warehouse for global vaccine safety assessment, and provide data support for evidence-based vaccine safety assessment. Methods: Semi-automated construction and updating of a literature data warehouse were achieved through the continuous integration of standard operating steps of evidence-based reviews with artificial intelligence technologies. Following the standard procedure of a systematic literature review, the literatures about vaccine safety assessment published before November 29, 2020 were retrieved from 9 databases including OVID, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrails.org in English and Wanfang, CNKI, VIP, and SinoMed in Chinese. Literatures were screened for two rounds in a semi-automatic manner (by artificial intelligence literature processing system and manual work) according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Furthermore, the literatures were classified according to the types of vaccines and adverse events. The updating strategy was established, and the literature data warehouse was updated regularly. Experts were organized to select specific vaccine safety topics and carry out special demonstration studies. Results: More than 0.41 million articles were retrieved. According to the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 23 304 articles were included after two rounds of screening. At present, we have selected and completed three prior topics as demonstration studies, including the systematic review of "DPT (diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus) vaccine and encephalopathy/encephalitis", and the classified management of literatures about allergic purpura and brachial plexus neuritis. Conclusions: The sustainable updated literature data warehouse of vaccine safety can provide high-quality research data for vaccine safety research, including evidence support for immunization related policy-making and adjustment and vaccine safety-related methodological research or clinical tool development; and further demonstration studies can provide references for building a new methodological framework system for timely and efficient completion of the evidence-based assessment of vaccine safety.
Artificial Intelligence ; Data Warehousing ; Humans ; Tetanus ; Tetanus Toxoid ; Whooping Cough/prevention & control*

Objective: To understand the prevalence of sexual abuse among rural children and its association with family cohesion and adaptability, and to explore factors that may affect household functions of the victims. Methods: A total of 1 666 rural middle school students in Hanchuan and Yunxi, Hubei were recruited with stratified cluster sampling method, multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze associated factors of the household functions of the victims. Results: A total of 175 (10.50%) reported non-contact sexual abuse and 44 (2.64%) reported contact sexual abuse. Compared with control group, sexual abuse victims reported lower scores of family cohesion (F=8.97，P<0.01) and adaptability (F=4.09，P=0.02). Among the victims, maternal absence was a risk factor for poor family cohesion(OR=0.20，P<0.01), higher parental educational level and appropriate parenting methods(P<0.05) were protective factors for family cohesion and family adaptability. Conclusion Household functions of children sexual abuse victims in rural areas are generally poor, especially for victims with mothers absence, low parental education and improper parenting style. More attention should be paid to such children to minimize the impact of negative events such as sexual abuse.

Objective: To understand nutrient intake and dietary structure among migrant children in primary schools in Hongshan District of Wuhan, so as to carry out dietary nutrition intervention and evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. Methods: Stratified random sampling was used to select children in grade 3-6 who were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n=218) and the control group (n=222) from primary schools with a large number of migrant children in Hongshan District of Wuhan. After the baseline survey, the intervention group was given a two month diet intervention with "nutrition class" and knowledge lecture, and the caregivers of the intervention group were also given an intervention. Results: At baseline, both groups had inadequate nutrient intake, with adequate intake rate of calcium, selenium, vitamin B 1 and vitamin B 2 less than 5%; children were lack of dietary diversity with adequate intake of vegitable, milk and milk product less than 5%. After intervention, the intake of energy, three main macronutrients, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C in the intervention group were higher than that of before intervention, as well as than the control group, differences were statistically significant (Z=2.22-8.65，2.62-8.46，P<0.05). In terms of dietary structure, adequate intake rate of cereals and miscellaneous beans increased from 55.5% to 68.8%, livestock and poultry meat increased from 45.9% to 56.4%, which were higher than that of the control group (56.3% and 44.6%) (χ 2=5.29-13.25，4.39-14.13，P<0.05). Conclusion Inadequate nutrient intake and unreasonable dietary structure of migrant children can be improved through short term dietary intervention including nutrition education to both parents and children.

Objective: To investigate the picky eating behavior among school-age children and to analyze its association with their health status, providing scientific basis for health promotion of school-age children in China. Methods: A total of 796 students of grade 3 to grade 6 from two primary schools in Hongshan, Wuhan were selected through cluster sampling. Statistical analysis was conducted according to the results of the 3-day food record and questionnaire survey on children and their caregivers. Results: In the current study, 40.58% of the children had picky eating problems, the incidence of picky eating behaviors of migrant children was higher than that of local children(χ2=3.92, P<0.05). Most of the picky eaters(23.87%) tended to reject vegetables. Compared to the others, picky eaters had lower intake of vitamin B 2 [(0.49±0.01)(0.46±0.01)mg] and vitamin C [(57.35±0.76)(54.32±0.90)mg] (t=2.03, 2.57, P<0.05) and had a higher risk of stunting(OR=1.42, P<0.05). Conclusion Picky eating behaviors are common among school-age children, which is significantly associated with stunting. Nutritional education for children (especially migrant children) are urgently needed to improve their dietary structure and promote healthy growth and development.