A high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(HPLC-MS/MS) method was established for simultaneous determination of seven characteristic components from the active fraction of Alpiniae Officinarum Rhizoma in rat plasma, including galangin, kaempferol, kaempferide, pinocembrin, 1,7-diphenyl-4-en-3-heptanone, 5-hydroxy-7-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-3-heptanone(DHPA), and 7-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenyl-4-en-3-heptanone(DPHB). The new developed HPLC-MS/MS method was applied to study the pharmacokinetics of the 7 characteristic components in rats with Helicobacter pylori gastritis. A Waters Sunfire C_(18) column(2.1 mm×150 mm, 3.5 μm) was used. The acetonitrile-aqueous solution(containing 0.1% formic acid) was adopted as the mobile phase for gradient elution. Seven components and internal standard(chlorogenic acid) were separated within 12 min. Mass spectrometric detection was performed in multiple reaction monitoring(MRM) mode using electrospray ionization(ESI) source with fast switching between positive and negative ions. The method was verified by specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, recovery, matrix effect, and stability and met the requirements of pharmacokinetic study on the 7 components in rat plasma. Pharmacokinetic results showed that the average peak time(T_(max)) of the 7 components was 0.31-2.19 h, their elimination half-life(t_(1/2)) was 5.26-16.65 h, and the average residence time(MRT) was 6.29-31.03 h after the oral administration of the active fraction of Alpiniae Officinarum Rhizoma to rats with H. pylori gastritis. The plasma exposure levels of galangin and DHPA were higher than those of the other components. The concentration-time curves of four detected flavonoids showed obvious double peaks. This study elucidated the pharmacokinetic characteristics of 7 characteristic components from the active fraction of Alpiniae Officinarum Rhizoma in rats with H. pylori gastritis, providing a scientific basis for the identification of the pharmacodynamic substances of Alpiniae Officinarum Rhizoma for treatment of H. pylori gastritis and the clinical application of Alpiniae Officinarum Rhizoma in the prevention and treatment of H. pylori gastritis.
Animals ; Rats ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods* ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry/methods* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Male ; Helicobacter pylori/drug effects* ; Alpinia/chemistry* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Gastritis/metabolism* ; Helicobacter Infections/metabolism* ; Flavonoids/blood* ; Rhizome/chemistry* ; Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

OBJECTIVES: To explore the relationship between white matter injury (WMI) and cerebral perfusion in preterm infants using arterial spin labeling (ASL). METHODS: A total of 293 preterm infants (gestational age <34 weeks) hospitalized at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between June 2022 and June 2024 were included. After achieving clinical stability, the infants underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ASL. Based on MRI findings, infants were classified into WMI (n=66) and non-WMI (n=227) groups. Cerebral perfusion parameters were compared between groups, and the association between WMI and perfusion alterations was evaluated. RESULTS: The WMI group showed a higher incidence of mild intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) than the non-WMI group (P<0.05). Significantly lower cerebral perfusion was observed in the WMI group across bilateral frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes, as well as the basal ganglia and thalamus (P<0.05). After adjusting for gestational age, corrected gestational age at ASL scan, and mild IVH, WMI remained significantly associated with reduced regional perfusion (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS WMI in preterm infants correlates with localized cerebral hypoperfusion. ASL-detected perfusion abnormalities may provide novel insights into WMI pathogenesis.
Humans ; White Matter/blood supply* ; Infant, Newborn ; Spin Labels ; Infant, Premature ; Female ; Male ; Cerebrovascular Circulation ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging

In this study, we constructed a GLP-2R-HEK293 cell line and established a method for the determination of the in vitro biological activity of teduglutide based on HTRF, after optimizing experimental conditions and methodological verification. We also carried out relative potency detection of teduglutide pharmaceutical products using this method. The result showed that there was a quantitative-efficient relationship between the teduglutide activity and cAMP contents in GLP-2R-HEK293 cells, which conformed to four-parameter model. Method verification results of five concentrations of teduglutide (64%, 80%, 100%, 125% and 156%) met the requirements of the General Rules of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, 2020 edition, Volume IV (9401). We then analyzed the relative potency of three batches of teduglutide drug substances and three batches of drug products. The linearity, regression and parallelism of the obtained curves all fit the system suitability requirements. The relative potency of six batches of teduglutide was from 83% to 105%. In summary, the biological activity detection method established in this study was accurate, precise, simple and time-saving, which can be used for quality control of teduglutide pharmaceutical products.

This study assessed the role and mechanism of the recombinant Bacillus Calmette-Gue?rin vaccine(rBCG)with c-di-AMP adjuvant in regulating metabolism and immunity in epididymal white adipose(eWAT)in mice.Male C57BL/6 mice were intravenously immunized with BCG and rBCG,and their body weights were monitored.eWAT was isolated from the mice,and the stromal vascular fractions(SVFs)cell number was counted with a hemocytometer.Sections of mouse adipose tissue were prepared,and the size,number,and morphology of eWAT adipocytes and crown-like structure(CLS)formation were compared under a microscope after HE staining.The transcription levels of lipid metabolism-associated factors,cytokines and aging-associated genes in each group were determined with qRT-PCR.The body weights of mice gradually increased after immunization with BCG and rBCG.The proportions of eWAT increased,and the SVFs cell number decreased,in rBCG immunized mice.HE staining indicated that BCG immunization promoted hyperplasia,whereas rBCG immunization promoted hypertrophy of eWAT adipocytes;moreover,both BCG and rBCG immunization induced CLS formation in eWAT.The qRT-PCR results indicated that rBCG immunization inhibited the expression of genes associated with lipolysis and energy expenditure in eWAT.BCG immunization had little effect on cytokine transcription,whereas rBCG significantly induced the transcription of IFN-γ and IL-1Ra,and inhibited that of IL-15 and IL-2,but did not induce the expression of aging-associated genes.Thus,rBCG immunization induced eWAT adipocyte hypertrophy,which was associated with the inhibition of eWAT lipolysis and the regulation of cytokine expression.

This study assessed the role and mechanism of the recombinant Bacillus Calmette-Gue?rin vaccine(rBCG)with c-di-AMP adjuvant in regulating metabolism and immunity in epididymal white adipose(eWAT)in mice.Male C57BL/6 mice were intravenously immunized with BCG and rBCG,and their body weights were monitored.eWAT was isolated from the mice,and the stromal vascular fractions(SVFs)cell number was counted with a hemocytometer.Sections of mouse adipose tissue were prepared,and the size,number,and morphology of eWAT adipocytes and crown-like structure(CLS)formation were compared under a microscope after HE staining.The transcription levels of lipid metabolism-associated factors,cytokines and aging-associated genes in each group were determined with qRT-PCR.The body weights of mice gradually increased after immunization with BCG and rBCG.The proportions of eWAT increased,and the SVFs cell number decreased,in rBCG immunized mice.HE staining indicated that BCG immunization promoted hyperplasia,whereas rBCG immunization promoted hypertrophy of eWAT adipocytes;moreover,both BCG and rBCG immunization induced CLS formation in eWAT.The qRT-PCR results indicated that rBCG immunization inhibited the expression of genes associated with lipolysis and energy expenditure in eWAT.BCG immunization had little effect on cytokine transcription,whereas rBCG significantly induced the transcription of IFN-γ and IL-1Ra,and inhibited that of IL-15 and IL-2,but did not induce the expression of aging-associated genes.Thus,rBCG immunization induced eWAT adipocyte hypertrophy,which was associated with the inhibition of eWAT lipolysis and the regulation of cytokine expression.

We wished to establish an expert consensus on late stage of critical care (CC) management. The panel comprised 13 experts in CC medicine. Each statement was assessed based on the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) principle. Then, the Delphi method was adopted by 17 experts to reassess the following 28 statements. (1) ESCAPE has evolved from a strategy of delirium management to a strategy of late stage of CC management. (2) The new version of ESCAPE is a strategy for optimizing treatment and comprehensive care of critically ill patients (CIPs) after the rescue period, including early mobilization, early rehabilitation, nutritional support, sleep management, mental assessment, cognitive-function training, emotional support, and optimizing sedation and analgesia. (3) Disease assessment to determine the starting point of early mobilization, early rehabilitation, and early enteral nutrition. (4) Early mobilization has synergistic effects upon the recovery of organ function. (5) Early functional exercise and rehabilitation are important means to promote CIP recovery, and gives them a sense of future prospects. (6) Timely start of enteral nutrition is conducive to early mobilization and early rehabilitation. (7) The spontaneous breathing test should be started as soon as possible, and a weaning plan should be selected step-by-step. (8) The waking process of CIPs should be realized in a planned and purposeful way. (9) Establishment of a sleep-wake rhythm is the key to sleep management in post-CC management. (10) The spontaneous awakening trial, spontaneous breathing trial, and sleep management should be carried out together. (11) The depth of sedation should be adjusted dynamically in the late stage of CC period. (12) Standardized sedation assessment is the premise of rational sedation. (13) Appropriate sedative drugs should be selected according to the objectives of sedation and drug characteristics. (14) A goal-directed minimization strategy for sedation should be implemented. (15) The principle of analgesia must be mastered first. (16) Subjective assessment is preferred for analgesia assessment. (17) Opioid-based analgesic strategies should be selected step-by-step according to the characteristics of different drugs. (18) There must be rational use of non-opioid analgesics and non-drug-based analgesic measures. (19) Pay attention to evaluation of the psychological status of CIPs. (20) Cognitive function in CIPs cannot be ignored. (21) Delirium management should be based on non-drug-based measures and rational use of drugs. (22) Reset treatment can be considered for severe delirium. (23) Psychological assessment should be conducted as early as possible to screen-out high-risk groups with post-traumatic stress disorder. (24) Emotional support, flexible visiting, and environment management are important components of humanistic management in the intensive care unit (ICU). (25) Emotional support from medical teams and families should be promoted through"ICU diaries"and other forms. (26) Environmental management should be carried out by enriching environmental content, limiting environmental interference, and optimizing the environmental atmosphere. (27) Reasonable promotion of flexible visitation should be done on the basis of prevention of nosocomial infection. (28) ESCAPE is an excellent project for late stage of CC management.
Humans ; Consensus ; Critical Care/methods* ; Intensive Care Units ; Pain/drug therapy* ; Analgesics/therapeutic use* ; Delirium/therapy* ; Critical Illness

Objective:To establish mesenchymal cell bicaudal-C (Bicc1) gene conditional knockout mice models and analyze their phenotypes.Methods:Bicc1 f/+ mice were crossed with Pdgfra promoter-driven Cre mice to obtain the offspring mice. Genomic DNA was extracted from the toe and tail tissues from 1-2 weeks old mice, amplified by PCR and detected at the DNA level by agarose gel electrophoresis. Three Bicc1 gene conditional knockout mice (experimental group) and three wild-type mice (control group) were selected after identification and grew to 3 weeks of age for follow-up experiments. The Bicc1 gene was knocked out by the induction of tamoxifen intraperitoneal injection. After 1 week, the kidney, skeletal muscle, skin and adipose tissue samples were collected. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was performed to determine the expression levels of Bicc1 mRNA in the collected tissue samples. HE and Masson staining were performed with tissue samples fixed in 10% paraformaldehyde, and observed with a light microscope. The SPSS 28.0 software was used to analyze the data, t-test was used for comparison between groups, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:Mesenchymal cell Bicc1 gene conditional knockout mice models were obtained by breeding, and the genotype was Bicc1 f/fCre +/-. The genotype of the wild-type mice was Bicc1 f/fCre -/-. RT-qPCR showed that the expression levels of Bicc1 mRNA in kidney, skeletal muscle, skin and adipose tissue of the experimental mice were significantly lower than those of the control group (all P<0.01). HE staining and Masson staining showed that compared with the control group, glomerular atrophy could be observed in the experimental group, renal capsules were irregular in shape, and some renal capsules disappeared. The arrangement of skeletal muscle fibers were loose and scattered, and the accumulation of muscle fibers was not dense. There were no significant differences between the skin and adipose tissue. Conclusion:Mesenchymal cell Bicc1 gene conditional knockout mice models were successfully established, which could provide models for studying the mechanisms of action of Bicc1 gene in different tissues and organs. Mesenchymal cell conditional Bicc1 gene knockout affected the phenotypes of kidney and skeletal muscle in mice.

Objective:To establish mesenchymal cell bicaudal-C (Bicc1) gene conditional knockout mice models and analyze their phenotypes.Methods:Bicc1 f/+ mice were crossed with Pdgfra promoter-driven Cre mice to obtain the offspring mice. Genomic DNA was extracted from the toe and tail tissues from 1-2 weeks old mice, amplified by PCR and detected at the DNA level by agarose gel electrophoresis. Three Bicc1 gene conditional knockout mice (experimental group) and three wild-type mice (control group) were selected after identification and grew to 3 weeks of age for follow-up experiments. The Bicc1 gene was knocked out by the induction of tamoxifen intraperitoneal injection. After 1 week, the kidney, skeletal muscle, skin and adipose tissue samples were collected. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was performed to determine the expression levels of Bicc1 mRNA in the collected tissue samples. HE and Masson staining were performed with tissue samples fixed in 10% paraformaldehyde, and observed with a light microscope. The SPSS 28.0 software was used to analyze the data, t-test was used for comparison between groups, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:Mesenchymal cell Bicc1 gene conditional knockout mice models were obtained by breeding, and the genotype was Bicc1 f/fCre +/-. The genotype of the wild-type mice was Bicc1 f/fCre -/-. RT-qPCR showed that the expression levels of Bicc1 mRNA in kidney, skeletal muscle, skin and adipose tissue of the experimental mice were significantly lower than those of the control group (all P<0.01). HE staining and Masson staining showed that compared with the control group, glomerular atrophy could be observed in the experimental group, renal capsules were irregular in shape, and some renal capsules disappeared. The arrangement of skeletal muscle fibers were loose and scattered, and the accumulation of muscle fibers was not dense. There were no significant differences between the skin and adipose tissue. Conclusion:Mesenchymal cell Bicc1 gene conditional knockout mice models were successfully established, which could provide models for studying the mechanisms of action of Bicc1 gene in different tissues and organs. Mesenchymal cell conditional Bicc1 gene knockout affected the phenotypes of kidney and skeletal muscle in mice.

The paper introduces professor GAO Shu-zhong's understanding on "seeking yin from yang needling method" and its clinical application on the basis of "qi street" and "four seas" theories. Through professor GAO's clinical practice for years, he integrates and extendes the theories of "seeking yin from yang", "qi street" and "four seas" in Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic). In this specific acupuncture method, in reference with the theories of "qi street" and "four seas", acupuncture is exerted on yang part of body, e.g. the back and lumber region to treat the diseases of yin parts, e.g. the chest and abdomen, which is differentiated as yin-yang imbalance in pathogenesis. In order to fully explain the clinical curative effect of "seeking yin from yang needling method", the common diseases in clinic, e.g. the disorders of heart, spleen and stomach systems, as well as the gynecology are taken as examples in the paper.
Acupuncture ; Acupuncture Therapy/history* ; Humans ; Male ; Qi ; Vascular Surgical Procedures ; Yin-Yang

Brucea javanica oil emulsion (BJOE) has been used to treat tumor in China for more than 40 years. However, its components and effectiveness in the treatment of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and its mechanism of anti-cancer activity remain unknown. In the current study, high-performance liquid chromatography-evaporative light scattering detector (HPLC-ELSD) was used to analyze the components of BJOE. Then, the anti-leukemia effects of BJOE were examined both in vitro and in vivo using ALL Jurkat cells and the p388 mouse leukemia transplant model, respectively. The primary ALL leukemia cells were also used to confirm the anti-leukemia effects of BJOE. The apoptotic-related results indicated that BJOE induced apoptosis in Jurkat cells and were suggestive of intrinsic apoptotic induction. Moreover, BJOE inhibited Akt (protein kinase B) activation and upregulated its downstream targets p53 and FoxO1 (forkhead box gene, group O-1) to initiate apoptosis. The activation of GSK3β was also involved. Our findings demonstrate that BJOE has anti-leukemia effects on ALL cells and can induce apoptosis in Jurkat cells through the phosphoinositide3-kinase (PI3K) /Akt signaling pathway.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; Brucea/chemistry* ; Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 ; Humans ; Jurkat Cells ; Mice ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics* ; Plant Oils/pharmacology* ; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/drug therapy* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics* ; Seeds/chemistry* ; Signal Transduction