OBJECTIVE To investigate the improvement mechanism of hyperoside （HYP） on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease （NAFLD）. METHODS Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal （NFD） group， model （HFD） group and HYP group， with 8 mice in each group. Except for NFD group， the mice in other groups were fed with HF60 high-fat diet to establish NAFLD model； HYP group was simultaneously given HYP 100 mg/kg intragastrically every day， for 16 consecutive weeks. The body weight and liver weight of mice in each group were recorded 16 h after the last medication； the histopathological changes and lipid accumulation in the liver were observed， and the contents of triglyceride （TAG） in liver tissue and serum contents of TAG， aspartate transaminase （AST） and alanine transaminase （ALT） were measured； LC-MS/MS method was adopted to detect lipid changes in the liver tissue of mice for lipidomics analysis， and protein expressions of lipid synthesis-associated proteins peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α （PPARα） were also tested. Human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2 was divided into normal control group， model group， HYP low-concentration group （50 μmol/L）， HYP high-concentration group （100 μmol/L）， HYP low-concentration+GW6471 （PPARαinhibitor） group， and HYP high-concentration+GW6471 group. Except for normal control group， the remaining cells were induced with oleic acid and palmitic acid to establish a high-fat cell model. The accumulation of lipid droplets in each group of cells was observed， and the TAG content was detected. RESULTS Compared with HFD group， HYP group exhibited significant reductions in liver fat vacuoles， lipid accumulation， liver weight， and TAG content in liver tissue， as well as serum contents of ALT， AST and TAG （P＜0.05）. Additionally， the expression of PPARα protein in liver tissue was significantly increased （P＜0.05）， and the pathological morphological changes associated with NAFLD were alleviated. Lipidomic analysis revealed that HYP significantly reduced the levels of TAG， diacylglycerol and other lipids in the liver. Compared with model group， cellular lipid droplet accumulation and TAG content decreased significantly in HYP low- and high-concentration groups （P＜0.05）； GW6471 could significantly reverse the improvement effect of HYP on above indicators （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS HYP can effectively ameliorate NAFLD induced by a high-fat diet in mice， and the mechanism may be related to the activation of PPARα to regulate hepatic lipid synthesis.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the contents of characteristic components in Hugan qingzhi formula （HGQZ） decoction and formulated granules and the pharmacodynamic consistency of them on high-fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease （NAFLD） model mice， and explore their potential underlying mechanisms of action. METHODS Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to analyze and compare the contents of six characteristic components in HGQZ decoction and formulated granules. Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal control group， model group， HGQZ decoction low- dose and high-dose groups （13， 26 g/kg， calculated by crude drugs）， and HGQZ formulated granules low-dose and high-dose groups （13， 26 g/kg， calculated by crude drugs）， with 6 mice in each group. Except for the normal control group， which was fed a regular diet， the mice in the other groups were fed a high-fat diet for 20 weeks to establish the NAFLD model； at the same time， the mice in each group were gavaged with the corresponding drugs/water once. The fasting blood glucose （FBG） levels， glucose and insulin tolerance， body weight， liver index， white adipose Δ 基金项目 国家自然科学基金项目（No.82074078）；广东省基础 tissue index， brown adipose tissue index， as well as lipid levels （total cholesterol， triglycerides） and liver function indicators （aspartate transaminase， alanine transaminase） were measured. Additionally， histopathological changes and lipid accumulation in liver tissues were observed. The serum samples of mice in the model group， HGQZ decoction high-dose group and HGQZ formulated granules high-dose group were taken for metabolomics analysis， and validation of the underlying mechanisms was conducted. RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences in the contents of ginsenoside Rb1， typhaneoside， isorhamnetin-3-O-neohesperidoside， hyperoside， nuciferine， and 23-acetylalismol B between HGQZ decoction and HGQZ formulated granules （P＞0.05）. Compared with the model group， the hepatic histopathological changes in mice were alleviated in both the HGQZ decoction group and all dose groups of HGQZ formulated granules. Inflammatory cell infiltration and lipid vacuoles were reduced. Additionally， there was a general improvement in FBG levels， glucose tolerance， insulin tolerance， body weight， liver index， white/brown adipose tissue index， lipid levels， and liver function indicators （P＜0.05）. However， no statistically significant differences were observed between these treatment groups （P＞0.05）. There were 234 and 136 differentially expressed serum metabolites identified in the model group versus HGQZ decoction high-dose group， and model group versus HGQZ formulated granules high-dose group， respectively. After taking the intersection， 65 common differentially expressed metabolites were obtained， which were enriched in metabolic pathways such as purine metabolism and tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolism. Among these， the content of citrate in the model group was significantly lower than that in both the HGQZ decoction group and HGQZ formulated granules high-dose group （P＜0.05）. Both high-dose HGQZ decoction and formulated granules could significantly elevate the phosphorylation levels of AMP-activated protein kinase （AMPK） （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS HGQZ decoction and formulated granules contain comparable amounts of characteristic components， and both exhibit equivalent efficacy on NAFLD model mice. The anti-NAFLD effects of HGQZ are associated with the activation of the AMPK energy metabolism pathway.

ObjectiveTo evaluate a third-generation applicator template for intracavitary combined with interstitial brachytherapy （IC-ISBT） suitable for locally advanced cervical cancer， aiming to improve therapeutic outcomes. MethodsA retrospective study was conducted on patients with stage IB3-ⅣB cervical cancer treated at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from January 2023 to October 2023. Magnetic resonance imaging data before and after external beam radiation therapy were collected and analyzed. According to the residual tumor after external beam radiation， high-risk clinical target volumes （HR-CTV） were delineated， based on which a third-generation IC-ISBT applicator template was designed. The dosimetric and therapeutic differences between using this applicator template （template implantation group） and traditional freehand interstitial implantation （freehand implantation group） were further compared. Statistical methods were used to analyze the data from both groups to test the efficacy and safety of the two approaches. ResultsThe third-generation applicator template could accommodate different cervical structures and optimize needle path layout. The tumor volume in the template implantation group was significantly larger than in the freehand implantation group， showing statistical differences. In terms of dosimetric coverage （V_100%）， the template implantation group exhibited significant statistical differences compared with the freehand implantation group， demonstrating superior dose coverage. Additionally， the third-generation template showed advantages in protecting the rectum and sigmoid colon by potentially reducing high-dose points， while there were no significant differences in bladder dosimetry between the two methods. The primary cervical lesion remission rates were similar between the two groups. ConclusionThe third-generation IC-ISBT applicator template is scientifically and rationally designed， especially for patients with larger tumor volumes and later stages. It is easy to operate， highly reproducible， and shows significant advantages in dose distribution and protection of surrounding critical organs. The template has the potential to be widely applied as a routine treatment option.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect and safety of Chinese medicine (CM) Fuzheng Huazhuo Decoction (FHD) in treating patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) who persistently tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at Shanghai New International Expo Center shelter hospital in China between April 1 and May 30, 2022. Patients diagnosed as COVID-19 with persistently positive SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results for ⩾8 days after diagnosis were enrolled. Patients in the control group received conventional Western medicine (WM) treatment, while those in the FHD group received conventional WM plus FHD for at least 3 days. The primary outcome was viral clearance time. Secondary outcomes included negative conversion rate within 14 days, length of hospital stay, cycle threshold (Ct) values of the open reading frame 1ab (ORF1ab) and nucleocapsid protein (N) genes, and incidence of new-onset symptoms during hospitalization. Adverse events (AEs) that occurred during the study period were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 1,765 eligible patients were enrolled in this study (546 in the FHD group and 1,219 in the control group). Compared with the control group, patients receiving FHD treatment showed shorter viral clearance time for nucleic acids [hazard ratio (HR): 1.500, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.353-1.664, P<0.001] and hospital stays (HR: 1.371, 95% CI: 1.238-1.519, P<0.001), and a higher negative conversion rate within 14 days (96.2% vs. 82.6%, P<0.001). The incidence of new-onset symptoms was 59.5% in the FHD group, similar to 57.8% in the control group (P>0.05). The Ct values of ORF1ab and N genes increased more rapidly over time in the FHD group than those in the control group post-randomization (ORF1ab gene: β =0.436±0.053, P<0.001; N gene: β =0.415 ±0.053, P<0.001). The incidence of AEs in the FHD group was lower than that in the control group (24.2% vs. 35.4%, P<0.001). No serious AEs were observed. CONCLUSION FHD was effective and safe for patients with persistently positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests. (Registration No. ChiCTR2200063956).
Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects* ; Retrospective Studies ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; SARS-CoV-2/drug effects* ; COVID-19/virology* ; Adult ; Aged ; Treatment Outcome

One of the basic questions in the aging field is whether there is a fundamental difference between the aging of lower invertebrates and mammals. A major difference between the lower invertebrates and mammals is the abundancy of noncoding RNAs, most of which are not conserved. We have previously identified a noncoding RNA Terc-53 that is derived from the RNA component of telomerase Terc. To study its physiological functions, we generated two transgenic mouse models overexpressing the RNA in wild-type and early-aging Terc-/- backgrounds. Terc-53 mice showed age-related cognition decline and shortened life span, even though no developmental defects or physiological abnormality at an early age was observed, indicating its involvement in normal aging of mammals. Subsequent mechanistic study identified hyaluronan-mediated motility receptor (Hmmr) as the main effector of Terc-53. Terc-53 mediates the degradation of Hmmr, leading to an increase of inflammation in the affected tissues, accelerating organismal aging. adeno-associated virus delivered supplementation of Hmmr in the hippocampus reversed the cognition decline in Terc-53 transgenic mice. Neither Terc-53 nor Hmmr has homologs in C. elegans. Neither do arthropods express hyaluronan. These findings demonstrate the complexity of aging in mammals and open new paths for exploring noncoding RNA and Hmmr as means of treating age-related physical debilities and improving healthspan.
Animals ; Mice ; RNA, Untranslated/metabolism* ; Aging/genetics* ; Mice, Transgenic ; Telomerase/metabolism* ; RNA/genetics* ; Hippocampus/metabolism* ; Humans ; Mice, Inbred C57BL

Objective: To analyze the results of national external quality assessment (EQA) for transfusion compatibility test from 2018 to 2023, with the aim of providing references for improving laboratory testing quality and ensuring the safety of clinical blood transfusion. Methods: Three EQA programs were conducted annually, each distributing 22 quality assessment samples. Participating transfusion laboratories were required to complete testing within specified deadlines and to submit results along with documentation of testing methodologies, reagents, and equipment used. National Center for Clinical Laboratories (NCCL) conducted statistical analysis of laboratory results, evaluated testing outcomes and related circumstances, and provided feedback to participating laboratories. EQA data from transfusion laboratories across China from 2018 to 2023 were collected and systematically analyzed. Results: From 2018 to 2023, the qualification rates for all five items (ABO forward typing, ABO reverse typing, Rh blood group typing, antibody screening, and cross-matching) were 67.59%, 77.11%, 77.38%, 72.78%, 79.96%, and 85.16%, respectively. The mean qualification rates for ABO forward typing, ABO reverse typing, RhD blood group typing, antibody screening, and cross-matching over the past six years were 96.25%±0.59%, 90.45%±4.52%, 96.05%±0.71%, 90.88%±2.86%, and 88.34%±3.48%, respectively. The qualification rates in 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023 all showed a stable trend of "blood stations>tertiary hospitals>secondary hospitals". The mean qualification rate of laboratories in secondary hospitals from 2018 to 2023 was significantly lower than those of laboratories in tertiary hospitals and blood stations (P<0.05), while no significant difference was observed between laboratories in tertiary hospitals and blood stations (P>0.05). The micro column agglutination method was the most widely used in all five tests. In the four test items, namely ABO forward typing, ABO reverse typing, antibody screening, and cross-matching, there was a statistically significant difference in the qualification rate of micro column agglutination method compared to other methods (P<0.05). There was a statistical difference in the qualification rate between manual and automated detection using micro column agglutination method in the cross-matching tests (P<0.05), whereas no significant difference was noted for the other test items (P>0.05). Conclusion: From 2018 to 2023, the number of laboratories participating in EQA activities has been increasing year by year, and the qualification rate has shown an overall upward trend. The type of laboratory is a key factor affecting the qualification rate, and the testing capabilities of some laboratories still need to be improved. The micro column agglutination method is widely used in transfusion compatibility tests. The established EQA program effectively monitors quality issues in laboratories, drives continuous improvement, and ensures sustained enhancement of testing standards to safeguard clinical blood safety.

Objective To explore the influence of extracellular matrix protein ABI-interactor 3-binding protein(ABI3BP)on vesicular stomatitis virus(VSV)genome replication and innate immune signaling pathway. Methods The small interfering RNA(siRNA)was transfected to knock down ABI3BP gene in human skin fibroblast BJ-5ta cells.VSV-green fluorescent protein(VSV-GFP)-infected cell model was established.The morphological changes and F-actin stress fiber formation were detected on ABI3BP knockdown cells by phalloidin immunofluorescence staining.The mRNA level of virus replication was detected by RT-qPCR in BJ-5ta cells after VSV-GFP infection;western blotting was performed to detect the changes in interferon regulatory factor 3(IRF3)andTANK-binding kinase 1(TBK1)phosphorylation levels. Results The VSV-GFP-infected BJ-5ta cell model was successfully established.Efficient knockdown of ABI3BP in BJ-5ta cells was achieved.Phalloidin immunofluorescence staining revealed structural rearrangement of intracellular F-actin after ABI3BP gene knockdown.Compared with the control group,the gene copy number of VSV-GFP in ABI3BP knockdown cells increased by 2.2-3.5 times(P＜0.01)and 2.2-4.0 times(P＜0.01)respectively when infected with VSV of multiplicity of infection 0.1 and 1.The expression of viral protein significantly increased in ABI3BP knockdown cells after virus infection.The activation of type-Ⅰ interferon pathway,as determined by phosphorylated IRF3 and phosphorylated TBK1,was significantly decreased in ABI3BP knockdown cells after VSV-GFP infection. Conclusions Extracellular matrix protein ABI3BP plays an important role in maintaining the formation and rearrangement of actin structure.ABI3BP gene deletion promotes RNA virus replication,and ABI3BP is an important molecule that maintains the integrity of type Ⅰ interferon pathway.

Background::Genetic variants of dopaminergic transcription factor-encoding genes are suggested to be Parkinson’s disease (PD) risk factors; however, no comprehensive analyses of these genes in patients with PD have been undertaken. Therefore, we aimed to genetically analyze 16 dopaminergic transcription factor genes in Chinese patients with PD.Methods::Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed using a Chinese cohort comprising 1917 unrelated patients with familial or sporadic early-onset PD and 1652 controls. Additionally, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed using another Chinese cohort comprising 1962 unrelated patients with sporadic late-onset PD and 1279 controls.Results::We detected 308 rare and 208 rare protein-altering variants in the WES and WGS cohorts, respectively. Gene-based association analyses of rare variants suggested that MSX1 is enriched in sporadic late-onset PD. However, the significance did not pass the Bonferroni correction. Meanwhile, 72 and 1730 common variants were found in the WES and WGS cohorts, respectively. Unfortunately, single-variant logistic association analyses did not identify significant associations between common variants and PD. Conclusions::Variants of 16 typical dopaminergic transcription factors might not be major genetic risk factors for PD in Chinese patients. However, we highlight the complexity of PD and the need for extensive research elucidating its etiology.

Background::The goal of the assisted reproductive treatment is to transfer one euploid blastocyst and to help infertile women giving birth one healthy neonate. Some algorithms have been used to assess the ploidy status of embryos derived from couples with normal chromosome, who subjected to preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) treatment. However, it is currently unknown whether artificial intelligence model can be used to assess the euploidy status of blastocyst derived from populations with chromosomal rearrangement.Methods::From February 2020 to May 2021, we collected the whole raw time-lapse videos at multiple focal planes from in vitro cultured embryos, the clinical information of couples, and the comprehensive chromosome screening results of those blastocysts that had received PGT treatment. Initially, we developed a novel deep learning model called the Attentive Multi-Focus Selection Network (AMSNet) to analyze time-lapse videos in real time and predict blastocyst formation. Building upon AMSNet, we integrated additional clinically predictive variables and created a second deep learning model, the Attentive Multi-Focus Video and Clinical Information Fusion Network (AMCFNet), to assess the euploidy status of embryos. The efficacy of the AMCFNet was further tested in embryos with parental chromosomal rearrangements. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the superiority of the model. Results::A total of 4112 embryos with complete time-lapse videos were enrolled for the blastocyst formation prediction task, and 1422 qualified blastocysts received PGT-A ( n = 589) or PGT for chromosomal structural rearrangement (PGT-SR, n = 833) were enrolled for the euploidy assessment task in this study. The AMSNet model using seven focal raw time-lapse videos has the best real-time accuracy. The real-time accuracy for AMSNet to predict blastocyst formation reached above 70% on the day 2 of embryo culture, and then increased to 80% on the day 4 of embryo culture. Combing with 4 clinical features of couples, the AUC of AMCFNet with 7 focal points increased to 0.729 in blastocysts derived from couples with chromosomal rearrangement. Conclusion::Integrating seven focal raw time-lapse images of embryos and parental clinical information, AMCFNet model have the capability of assessing euploidy status in blastocysts derived from couples with chromosomal rearrangement.