Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) poses a significant risk of neural damage during pregnancy. As the most prevalent intrauterine infectious agent in low- and middle-income countries, HCMV disrupts the development of neural stem cells, leading to fetal malformations and abnormal structural and physiological functions in the fetal brain. This review summarizes the current understanding of how HCMV infection dysregulates the Wnt signaling pathway to induce fetal malformations and discusses current management strategies.
Humans ; Cytomegalovirus Infections/virology* ; Wnt Signaling Pathway ; Pregnancy ; Female ; Cytomegalovirus/physiology* ; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/virology* ; Congenital Abnormalities/virology* ; Animals

Objective To analyze the changing trends of the burden of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)in China from 1990 to 2021 and provide a basis for formulating prevention and treatment strategies.Methods The standardized incidence rate,prevalence,mortality,and disability-adjusted life year(DALY)rate of NAFLD in China from 1990 to 2021 were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.The average annual percentage change of rate data was calculated by Joinpoint 4.2 and the age,period,and birth cohort effects of the prevalence and DALY rate were analyzed by the age-period-cohort model.Results Compared to 1990,the incidence rate and prevalence of NAFLD have been on the rise,while the mortality and DALY rate have been declining.The age effect curves of prevalence and DALY rate showed an upward trend followed by a downward trend for both males and females.With the period from 1992 to 1996 as the reference group,the period effect curve of prevalence showed a downward trend followed by an upward trend,being the lowest in the period from 2002 to 2006(RR=0.93).The period effect curve of DALY rate showed a downward trend from 1992 to 2011 and then tended to flatten out.With the period from 1972 to 1981 as the reference group,the birth cohort effect curve of prevalence showed a steady upward trend in the general population and both male and female populations.The birth cohort effect curve of DALY rate showed an overall upward trend followed by a downward trend,with the peak occurring in the birth cohort group between 1922 and 1931.The DALY rate of NAFLD caused by smoking and high fasting blood glucose has shown a downward trend since 2014,and fasting blood glucose gradually became the dominant factor as age increased.Conclusions From 1990 to 2021,NAFLD in China has shown a rising prevalence but a significantly declining DALY rate.This suggests that current prevention and control strategies are effective,and further efforts should be made to raise residents' health awareness in controlling the occurrence and development of NAFLD.
Humans ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/epidemiology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Prevalence ; Female ; Male ; Incidence ; Disability-Adjusted Life Years ; Middle Aged ; Adult

This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Daotan Xixin Decoction on APP/PS1 mice. Twelve APP/PS1 male mice were randomized into four groups: APP/PS1 and low-, medium-, and high-dose Daotan Xixin Decoction. Three C57BL/6 wild-type mice were used as the control group. The learning and memory abilities of mice in each group were examined by the Morris water maze test. The pathological changes of hippocampal nerve cells were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and Nissl staining. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression of β-amyloid(Aβ)_(1-42) in the hippocampal tissue. The high-dose Daotan Xixin Decoction group with significant therapeutic effects and the model group were selected for high-throughput sequencing. The differentially expressed gene(DEG) analysis, Gene Ontology(GO) analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, and Gene Set Variation Analysis(GSVA) were performed on the sequencing results. RT-qPCR and Western blot were conducted to determine the mRNA and protein levels, respectively, of some DEGs. Compared with the APP/PS1 group, Daotan Xixin Decoction at different doses significantly improved the learning and memory abilities of APP/PS1 mice, ameliorated the neuropathological damage in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, increased the number of neurons, and decreased the deposition of Aβ_(1-42) in the brain. A total of 1 240 DEGs were screened out, including 634 genes with up-regulated expression and 606 genes with down-regulated expression. The GO analysis predicted the biological processes including RNA splicing and protein folding, the cellular components including spliceosome complexes and nuclear spots, and the molecular functions including unfolded protein binding and heat shock protein binding. The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed the involvement of neurodegenerative disease pathways, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and splicing complexes. Further GSVA pathway enrichment analysis showed that the down-regulated pathways involved nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)-mediated tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) signaling pathway, UV response, and unfolded protein response, while the up-regulated pathways involved the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. The results of RT-qPCR and Western blot showed that compared with the APP/PS1 group, Daotan Xixin Decoction at different doses down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), NF-κB, and interleukin-6(IL-6) in the hippocampus. In conclusion, Daotan Xixin Decoction can improve the learning and memory abilities of APP/PS1 mice by regulating the STAT3/NF-κB/IL-6 signaling pathway.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Mice ; Male ; Alzheimer Disease/metabolism* ; Computational Biology ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor/metabolism* ; Hippocampus/metabolism* ; Mice, Transgenic ; Presenilin-1/metabolism* ; Humans ; Memory/drug effects* ; Maze Learning/drug effects* ; Amyloid beta-Peptides/genetics* ; Disease Models, Animal

Objective:To investigate the effect of ear acupoint bean pressing on gastrointestinal motility and related hormones after laparoscopic surgery in patients with hysteromyoma,and to explore the therapeutic mechanism of ear acupoint bean pressing.Methods:Patients undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy in the Department of Gynecology of The People's Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Univer-sity of Traditional Chinese Medicine from May 2022 to December 2023 were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group,with 57 patients in each group.The experimental group was treated with postoperative routine nursing and ear acupoint bean pressing(targeting the spleen,stomach,and sympathetic),and the control group was treated with postoperative routine nursing and sham ear acupoint bean pressing(containing no Vaccaria seed,targeting the spleen,stomach,and sympathetic).After the intervention,the time to first postoperative passing of flatus and defecation,clinical efficacy,and changes in gastrointestinal hormone levels were compared between the two groups.Results:The time to first postoperative passing of flatus[20.31(17.52,22.38)h vs.21.51(18.53,28.15)h]and defecation[35.32(31.47,39.17)h vs.38.12(33.44,42.78)h]in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group(P<0.05),and the clinical efficacy was better than that in the control group(P<0.05).There were no significant differ-ences in motilin(MTL),gastrin(GAS),somatostatin(SS),and substance P(SP)levels between the two groups before operation(P>0.05).The MTL and GAS levels were increased and the SS and SP levels were decreased after operation.The MTL[(451.52±54.33)pg/mL vs.(476.24±56.35)pg/mL]and GAS[150.50(133.93,164.52)pg/mL vs.173.44(154.45,184.63)pg/mL]levels at 24 h after operation in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05),and the SS[38.34(33.24,40.23)pg/mL vs.33.36(29.13,38.76)pg/mL]level at 24 h after operation was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05),with no significant change in the SP level(P>0.05).The results of repeated measures analysis of variance and generalized estimation equation showed that there were significant differences in the time effect and interaction effect of MTL(P<0.05),a significant difference in the time effect of SP(P<0.05),and significant differences in the time effect,intergroup effect,and interaction effect of GAS and SS(P<0.05).Conclusion:Ear acupoint bean pressing has significant effect on abdominal distension after laparoscopic surgery in patients with hysteromyoma,ef-fectively regulates the level of gastrointestinal motility related hormones,and promotes the recovery of gastrointestinal function.

As a new generation of time-of-flight mass spectrometry,multiple-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometry(MR-TOF-MS)has been increasingly applied in the fields such as nuclear physics,chemistry,and biology due to its ultra-high resolution and rapid analysis capabilities.However,the analytical performance of MR-TOF-MS largely depends on the ion bunch state entering the mass analyzer.In this study,a rectangular ion trap(RIT)was developed,designed and processed using printed circuit board technology,as an ion accumulating and focusing device for MR-TOF mass analyzer.Compared to traditional ion traps composed of two sets of planar electrodes,this RIT had higher voltage utilization efficiency,resulting in more efficient ion collection and focusing.The ions were cooled to a sufficiently small bunch for precise mass measurement with MR-TOF-MS mass spectrometry in only 1 ms of cooling time in the RIT,then orthogonally ejected to the MR-TOF mass spectrometer for mass analysis.Experimental results indicated that the working cycle,ion flux,and ion focusing state of the RIT fully met the requirements of the MR-TOF mass analyzer.When coupled with the MR-TOF mass analyzer,the RIT enabled MR-TOF-MS to achieve a mass resolution of 1.5×105.

Poly(lactic-co-glycolide)(PLGA)is a key excipient in long-acting sustained-release preparations,and its degradation properties directly affect the drug release behavior.In this study,PLGA microspheres were prepared by microfluidic techniques,and the morphology changes of the microspheres were observed by scanning electron microscopy(SEM).In alkaline environment,due to the accelerated hydrolysis of ester bonds,the surface of the microspheres was rapidly dissolved and eroded,and the degradation rate was significantly higher than that in acidic environment.High temperature accelerated the degradation of PLGA microspheres.Under neutral and alkaline conditions,the microspheres showed aggregation and adhesion.Under acidic conditions,the microspheres gradually decomposed into irregular fragments.The high ionic strength further promoted the surface corrosion of the microspheres,especially under extreme pH conditions.Simultaneously,PLGA microspheres encapsulating coumarin were prepared to simulate the microsphere formulation.The release rate of coumarin after degradation of the microspheres under different conditions was observed by measuring the absorbance with ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry.The results were consistent with those of the blank microspheres.This study revealed that the degradation of PLGA microspheres was significantly pH-dependent,temperature sensitive and ion strength responsive.These findings not only helped to understand and optimize the long-term stability and controlled release performance of drug-carrying microspheres,but also provided a theoretical basis for further improvement of PLGA-based drug carrier design.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), as a treasure of the Chinese nation, plays a significant role in maintaining public health. In 2019, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council proposed for the first time the establishment of a TCM registration and evaluation evidence system that integrates TCM theory, "personal experience" and clinical trials (referred to as the "Three-in-One" System) to promote the inheritance and innovation of TCM. Subsequently, the National Medical Products Administration issued several guiding principles to advance the improvement and implementation of this system. Owing to the complexity of its implementation, there are still differing understandings within the TCM industry regarding the positioning of the "Three-in-One" Registration and Evaluation Evidence System, as well as the connotation and value orientation of the "personal experience." To address this, Academician WANG Qi, President of the TCM Association, China International Exchange and Promotion Association for Medical and Healthcare and TCM master, led a group of academicians, TCM masters, TCM pharmacology experts and clinical TCM experts to convene a "Seminar on Promoting the Implementation of the ′Three-in-One′ Registration and Evaluation Evidence System for Chinese Medicinals." Through extensive discussions, an expert consensus was formed, clarifying the different roles of the TCM theory, "personal experience" and clinical trials within the system. It was further emphasized that the "personal experience" is the core of this system, and its data should be derived from clinical practice scenarios. In the future, the improvement of this system will require collaborative efforts across multiple fields to promote the high-quality development of the Chinese medicinal industry.

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of FANG's scalp acupuncture combined with timing auricular point pressing therapy in the treatment of insomnia patients with maintenance hemodialysis(MHD).Methods A total of 70 patients with insomnia on MHD were randomly divided into observation group and control group,with 35 patients in each group.Both groups were given conventional treatment,the control group was given oral use of Estazolam Tablets on the basis of conventional treatment,and the observation group was given FANG's scalp acupuncture combined with timing auricular point pressing therapy.Both groups were treated for a total of 4 weeks of treatment.After 1 month of treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated,and the changes in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)score and the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form(KDQOL-SF)score,as well as the scores of the Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD)and the Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA),were observed in the patients of the two groups before and after treatment.The changes in hemoglobin(Hb),serum creatinine(Scr),and blood urea nitrogen(BUN)levels were compared before and after treatment between the two groups,and the safety of the two groups was evaluated.Results(1)After treatment,the PSQI and KDQOL-SF scores of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P＜0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving PSQI and KDQOL-SF scores,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).(2)After treatment,the HAMD and HAMA scores of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P＜0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving HAMD and HAMA scores,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).(3)After treatment,the Hb,Scr,BUN levels of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P＜0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving Hb,Scr,BUN levels,and the differences were all statistically significant(P＜0.05).(4)The total effective rate was 77.14%(27/35)in the observation group and 62.86%(22/35)in the control group.The efficacy of the observation group was superior to that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).(5)Comparison of the incidence of adverse reactions in the two groups of patients,the difference was not statistically significant(P＞0.05).Conclusion FANG's scalp acupuncture combined with timing auricular point pressing therapy in the treatment of insomnia patients with MHD can effectively improve the sleep quality of patients and alleviate anxiety and depression,so as to improve the quality of life of patients,with remarkable efficacy.

AIM To prepare the nanosuspensions of naringenin phospholipids complex,and to investigate their in vivo pharmacokinetics.METHODS High-pressure homogenization method was applied to preparing the nanosuspensions of phospholipids complex.With stabilizer type,stabilizer-phospholipids complex consumption ratio,homogeneous pressure and homogeneous frequency as influencing factors,particle size,PDI and Zeta potential as evaluation indices,the formulation was optimized by single factor test.The morphology was observed under transmission electron microscope,after which X-ray powder diffraction analysis was performed,solubility,oil-water partition coefficient,dissociation rate of phospholipids complex and accumulative release rate were determined.Twenty-four rats were randomly assigned into four groups and given intragastric administration of the 0.5%CMC-Na suspensions of naringenin and its phospholipids complex,nanosuspensions and nanosuspensions of phospholipids complex(30 mg/kg),respectively,after which blood collection was made at 0,0.25,0.5,1,1.5,2,3,4,5,6,8,10,12 h,HPLC was adopted in the plasma concentration determination of naringenin,and main pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated.RESULTS The optimal formulation was determined to be 50 mg for naringenin consumption,PVP K30+TPGS(1 ∶ 1)as stabilizer,3 ∶ 1 for stabilizer-phospholipids complex consumption ratio,100 MPa for homogeneous pressure,and 10 times for homogeneous frequency,respectively.The obtained spherical-like or oval nanosuspensions of phospholipids complex demonstrated the average particle size,PDI and Zeta potential of(260.53±25.86)nm,0.160±0.024 and(-31.08±1.37)mV,respectively.Naringenin existed in the nanosuspensions of phospholipids complex in an anamorphous state,along with increased solubility,oil-water partition coefficient and dissociation rate of phospholipids complex,and the accumulative release rate reached more than 90%within 4 h.Compared with raw medicine and nanosuspensions,the nanosuspensions of phospholipids complex displayed shortened tmax(P<0.05)and increased Cmax,AUC0-t,AUC0-∞(P<0.05,P<0.01),the relative bioavailability was enhanced to 4.38 times.CONCLUSION The nanosuspensions of phospholipids can enhance naringenin's solubility and dissolution rate,and promote its in vivo absorption.

AIM To investigate the effects of Zhuangyao Shuanglu Tongnao Formula on neuronal apoptosis in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury based on the study of oxidative stress and inflammatory response.METHODS The rats were randomly divided into the sham operation group,the model group,the edaravone group(3.0 mg/kg),the low,medium and high dose groups(9.0,18.0,36.0 g/kg)of Zhuangyao Shuanglu Tongnao Formula,with 18 rats in each group.The middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion was conducted by thread embolism method to simulate cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury in rats followed by 6 days corresponding drugs administration.Subsequently,the rats had their neurological function deficit scored by Zeal Longa scoring method;their sizes of cerebral infarction areas measured by TTC staining;their pathological damage and apoptosis of neurons in hippocampal CA1 area of ischemic penumbra of the brain tissue detected by HE staining and TUNEL staining;their SOD activity and levels of GSH,MDA,IL-6,IL-1β,TNF-α in brain tissue detected by kits;and their protein expressions of Bax,Bcl-2,caspase-3,cleaved-capase-3,TLR4,NF-κB p65,Nrf2,HO-1 in rat brain tissue determined by Western blot.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the groups intervened with edaravone,medium and high dose of Zhuangyao Shuanglu Tongnao Formula displayed improvements in the scores of nerve function defects,the rate of cerebral infarction,the rate of neuronal apoptosis,the levels of IL-6,IL-1β,TNF-α and MDA in the ischemic penumbra of brain tissues,the protein expressions of Bax and TLR4,the ratio of cleaved-capase-3/caspase-3 and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65(P＜0.05),the levels of GSH,the activity of SOD and the protein expressions of Bcl-2,Nrf2 and HO-1(P＜0.05).CONCLUSION Being an inhibitor of oxidative stress and inflammatory response,Zhuangyao Shuanglu Tongnao Formula can alleviate brain injury in rats with cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury through the inhibition of neuronal apoptosis and improvement of neural function mediated by the inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB signal pathway and activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signal pathway.