Toxoplasma gondii is a single-celled parasite that infects nearly all warm-blooded animals, including humans (Montoya and Liesenfeld, 2004). It occurs worldwide and can persist for a lifetime in mammals. Humans get infected by eating undercooked meat of animals containing the tissue cysts of this parasite. In immune-competent individuals, T. gondii infection usually does not cause significant clinical symptoms, whereas in pregnant or immunocompromised individuals, T. gondii infection (toxoplasmosis) can cause more serious problems like abortion and even death (Dunn et al., 1999; Wang et al., 2017). A combination of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine is usually used to treat toxoplasmosis, although it is generally inefficient and causes side effects (Alday and Doggett, 2017). Worse still, there is a lack of vaccines to prevent T. gondii infection in humans or animals.
Toxoplasma/enzymology* ; Animals ; Humans ; Toxoplasmosis ; Mitochondria/enzymology* ; Protozoan Proteins/metabolism*

Background Osteoclast stimulatory transmembrane protein (OC-STAMP) is involved in silicosis fibrosis induced by silicon oxide (SiO₂) exposure. Its role in silicosis fibrosis by inducing ferroptosis of alveolar type II epithelial cells and its related mechanism remain unclear. Objective To explore the effect and possible mechanism of OC-STAMP on ferroptosis of alveolar type II epithelial cells and silicosis fibrosis in rats under SiO₂ exposure. Methods Twenty male Wistar rats of SPF grade were randomly divided into two groups: control (Sham) group and SiO₂ group, 15 rats in each group. Rats in the SiO₂ group were given 1 mL of 50 mg·L⁻¹ SiO₂ suspension at one time through the non-exposed intratracheal instillation method to establish an animal model of silicosis, and rats in the Sham group were give 1 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride solution in the same way. Rats were sacrificed after 8 weeks. Samples of lung tissue were fixed in glutaraldehyde or paraformaldehyde for observing ultrastructure of mitochondria by transmission electron microscopy; HE, Masson, VG, and Prussian blue were used to observe changes in lung tissue structure and iron deposition. The expression level of OC-STAMP and the degree of lung fibrosis were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The expression level of OC-STAMP in rat lung tissue was detected and the transfection effect of OC-STAMP was verified by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Overexpression (OCS group) and inhibition expression (SI-OC group) models were constructed by OC-STAMP plasmid and OC-STAMP small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection to cultured MLE-12 cells, respectively. The relative expression levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and other proteins in lung tissue and MLE-12 were detected by Western blotting. Results The results of HE, Masson, and VG staining showed that the silicosis modeling was successful after 8 weeks of SiO₂ exposure. The immunofluorescence results showed that OC-STAMP and ATP binding cassette subfamily A member 3 (ABCA3) co-localized in alveolar type II epithelium. The immunohistochemical results showed that the levels of OC-STAMP and collagen I in the SiO₂ group were significantly higher than those in the Sham group (P<0.01). The RT-PCR results showed that the OC-STAMP mRNA in the lung tissue of the SiO₂ group was significantly higher than that of the Sham group (P<0.01). The Prussian blue staining in the lung tissue of the SiO₂ group showed positive brownish-yellow particles. Compared with the Sham group which showed normal mitochondrial structure, the mitochondrial structure was generally swollen and the mitochondrial cristae dissolved and disappeared in the SiO₂ group by transmission electron microscope observation. The Western blotting results showed that the expression levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4 both decreased in the lung tissue of the SiO₂ group (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the expression level of Vimentin increased (P<0.01). In the transfected MLE-12 cells, compared with the Sham group, the expression levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4 in the OCS group were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion OC-STAMP may affect the expression of proteins related to ferroptosis, and promote lung fibrosis induced by SiO₂ exposure.

There are many kinds o f Taraxacum plants，which are widely distributed . The dried whole plants of many kinds of plants can be used as medicinal materials ，and the origin is confused . This study finds that Taraxaci Herba first appears as “Pugoncao”in the Liu Juanzi Guiyifang of Jin Dynasty after consulting ancient herbal books ，medical books ，prescription books and modern literature . According to characteristics ，morphology，color and sound of the plant ，it has “Huanghualang”， “Gounoucao”，“Fugongying”，“Pugongying”，“Huanghuadiding”and other aliases . Taraxaci Herba originates from the dried whole plant of Compositae family Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz.，T. borealisinense Kitam. or several plants of the same genus . Similar to it ，Sonchus oleraceus Linn.（also known as “Kujucai”）cannot replace Taraxaci Herba as medicine . Because of its characteristics of rapid reproduction and vigorous growth ，Taraxaci Herba is widely distributed in most areas of China .“Absolutely no in Lingnan ”stated in Bencao Gangmu is inconsistent with the actual situation after consulting the relevant works . Ancient physicians take growth height of Taraxaci Herba as their quality standard . Now，those with many leaves ，gray green color and long roots are preferred . Ancient doctors pointed out that Taraxaci Herba were mostly harvested in April and May of the lunar calendar ， and modern research believes that it should be harvested in the near flowering period . In ancient times ，Taraxaci Herba is processed by many methods ，such as purification ，charcoal-frying，honey-frying and wine -frying. In modern times ，purification is the main method. This paper provides theoretical support for the value development and rational utilization of Taraxaci Herba by systematically researching its name ，origin，place of production ，harvesting and processing .

Cell pyroptosis is a programmed death of inflammatory cells. Many members of the gasdermin family （the effector protein family that forms pores） participate in the pathological process of a variety of diseases， such as cancer， myocardial ischemia， renal injury， and osteoarthritis， mainly by activating cysteine aspartate-specific protease （Caspase） for polymerization and shear. Cell pyroptosis has bidirectional regulation. Induction of pyroptosis can promote cell clearance under pathological conditions （such as cancer and tumor cells）， but long-term induction of pyroptosis can lead to abnormal lipid and related vitamin metabolism in vivo. Regulating the balance between cell pyroptosis and proliferation is an important target for traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） treatment of diseases. The Yin-Yang theory runs through the whole process of TCM diagnosis and treatment， which is used to explain the physiological and pathological changes of human body and guide the theory， diagnosis and treatment of diseases and health care. The balance between cell proliferation and pyroptosis is essentially the embodiment of Yin-Yang balance at the cellular level， and the theory of Yin-Yang spontaneous harmonization dominates the balance. TCM intervention on cell pyroptosis is mainly reflected in promoting and inhibiting cell pyroptosis， which has the same significance as Yin-Yang regulation. Based on this theory， this paper revealed the relationship between TCM inhibiting and promoting cell pyroptosis through the Yin-Yang theory， to provide theoretical support for the modernization of the Yin-Yang theory and new goals for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Few studies have described the key features and prognostic roles of lung microbiota in patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP). We prospectively enrolled consecutive SCAP patients admitted to ICU. Bronchoscopy was performed at bedside within 48 h of ICU admission, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing was applied to the collected bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The primary outcome was clinical improvements defined as a decrease of 2 categories and above on a 7-category ordinal scale within 14 days following bronchoscopy. Sixty-seven patients were included. Multivariable permutational multivariate analysis of variance found that positive bacteria lab test results had the strongest independent association with lung microbiota (R² = 0.033; P = 0.018), followed by acute kidney injury (AKI; R² = 0.032; P = 0.011) and plasma MIP-1β level (R² = 0.027; P = 0.044). Random forest identified that the families Prevotellaceae, Moraxellaceae, and Staphylococcaceae were the biomarkers related to the positive bacteria lab test results. Multivariable Cox regression showed that the increase in α-diversity and the abundance of the families Prevotellaceae and Actinomycetaceae were associated with clinical improvements. The positive bacteria lab test results, AKI, and plasma MIP-1β level were associated with patients' lung microbiota composition on ICU admission. The families Prevotellaceae and Actinomycetaceae on admission predicted clinical improvements.
Acute Kidney Injury/complications* ; Bacteria/classification* ; Chemokine CCL4/blood* ; Community-Acquired Infections/microbiology* ; Humans ; Lung ; Microbiota/genetics* ; Pneumonia, Bacterial/diagnosis* ; Prognosis ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics*

Objective:To evaluate the curative effect of Moshen Decoction combined with routine western medicine on idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) of spleen-kidney qi deficiency syndrome and explore its influences on renal function, C1q, PLA2R and E-cadherin levels.Methods:A total of 62 patients with IMN meeting inclusion criteria in the hospital were enrolled between January 2018 and January 2021. According to simple random grouping method, they were divided into control group (hormones combined with cyclophosphamide) and observation group (Moshen Decoction on basis of control group), 31 in each group. Both groups were treated continuously for 6 months. Before and after treatment, TCM syndromes were scored. The levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), cystatin C (Cys-C), anti-phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) and E-cadherin (EC) were detected by ELISA. The level of serum complement C1q was detected by immunoturbidimetry. The 24 h urine was collected for quantitative determination by full-automatic biochemical analyzer. The adverse events during treatment were observed and recorded. And clinical curative effect was evaluated.Results:The differences in total response rate between observation group and control group were statistically significant [93.55% (29/31) vs. 74.19% (23/31); χ2=4.29, P=0.038]. After treatment, scores of TCM syndromes (edema of lower limbs, fatigue and poor appetite, lusterless complexion) in observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t=10.07, 10.80, 4.34, 4.57, P<0.001). After treatment, levels of serum Cys-C [(0.51±0.05) mg/L vs. (0.55±0.06) mg/L, t=2.85], 24 h urine protein quantification [(0.95±0.19) g vs. (1.38±0.23) g, t=13.32] in observation group were lower than those in the control group ( P<0.01), and levels of serum PLA2R [(17.53±1.84) Ru/ml vs. (19.62±2.05) Ru/ml, t=4.22], EC [(2.74±0.26) μg/L vs. (3.05±0.37) μg/L, t=3.82] and complement C1q [(152.34±15.62) mg/L vs. (169.33±16.77) mg/L, t=4.13] in observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P<0.01). During treatment, there was no significant difference in incidence of adverse events between observation group and control group [12.90% (4/31) vs. 16.13% (5/31); χ2=0.13, P=0.781]. Conclusion:Moshen Decoction combined with routine western medicine can improve renal function and clinical curative effect in patients with IMN of spleen-kidney qi deficiency syndrome. Its mechanism of action may be related to reducing urine protein, complement C1q, PLA2R and EC.

【Objective】 To investigate the clinical effects of treatment of single-segment lumbar tuberculosis by oblique lateral interbody fusion with autologous iliac bone and percutaneous pedicle screw fixation. 【Methods】 We collected the clinical data of 47 patients with lumbar tuberculosis treated in The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University from March 2017 to January 2020. Among them， 22 patients underwent oblique lateral interbody fusion with autologous iliac bone and percutaneous pedicle screw fixation （minimally invasive group） and 25 patients underwent open surgery combined anterior-debridement and posterior-fixation （control group）. The related data were collected， including gender， sex， body mass index （BMI）， systemic symptoms of tuberculosis， operation duration， intraoperative bleeding， postoperative drainage， hospital stay， complications， visual analogue score （VAS）， erythrocyte sedimentation rate （ESR）， and Oswestry disability index （ODI）. 【Results】 Baseline clinical characteristics did not significantly differ between the two groups （P>0.05）. Compared with control group， the minimally invasive group had shorter operation duration ［（188.64±18.59） min vs. （201.60±22.67） min］， less intraoperative blood loss ［（118.64±22.95） mL vs. （553.60±100.54） mL］， less postoperative drainage ［（134.55±36.48） mL vs. （291.20±61.53） mL］， and shorter hospitalization time ［（12.86±2.17） d vs. （15.80±3.03） d］ （all P<0.05）. However， there was no significant difference in fusion time or complication rate （P>0.05）. Compared with the preoperative ones， ESR， VAS score and ODI score significantly decreased and Cobb angle significantly increased in both groups （all P<0.001）. At postoperative 3 months， the VAS score was lower in the minimally invasive group than in control group ［（3.59±0.96） vs. （4.16±0.85）］ （P<0.05）. With regard to other characteristics， there was no significant difference between the two groups at the same point （P>0.05）. 【Conclusion】 Both minimally invasive technique and open surgery can achieve excellent clinical results， but the minimally invasive technique can reduce the surgical trauma and shorten the hospitalization time.

Polyphosphate kinase plays an important role in the catalytic synthesis of ATP in vitro. In order to find a polyphosphate kinase that can efficiently synthesize ATP using short-chain polyphosphate (polyP) as substrate, the polyphosphate kinase 2 (PPK2) from Sphingobacterium siyangensis was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). As an enzyme for ATP regeneration, PPK2 was used in combination with l-amino acid ligase (YwfE) to produce l-alanyl-l-glutamine (Ala-Gln). The length of ppk2 of S. siyangensis is 810 bp, encoding 270 amino acids. The SDS-PAGE showed that PPK2 was expressed correctly and its molecular weight was 29.7 kDa as expected. The reaction conditions of PPK2 were optimized. PPK2 could maintain good activity in the range of 22-42 ℃ and pH 7-10. The highest enzyme activity was observed at 37 ℃, pH 7, 30 mmol/L magnesium ion (Mg²⁺), 5 mmol/L ADP and 10 mmol/L sodium hexametaphosphate, and the yield of ATP reached 60% of the theoretical value in 0.5 hours at this condition. When used in combination with YwfE to produce Ala-Gln, the PPK2 showed a good applicability as an ATP regeneration system, and the effect was similar to that of direct addition of ATP. The PPK2 from S. siyangensis shows good performance in a wide range of temperature and pH, synthesizes ATP with cheap and readily available short chain polyP as substrate. The PPK2 thus provides a new enzyme source for ATP dependent catalytic reaction system.
Sphingobacterium/metabolism* ; Phosphotransferases (Phosphate Group Acceptor)/metabolism* ; Amino Acids ; Adenosine Triphosphate ; Regeneration ; Polyphosphates/metabolism*

Objective:To evaluate the effect of Xuebijing injection on the improvement of pneumonia severity index (PSI) and prognosis in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).Methods:A multicenter prospective cohort study was designed. Adult patients with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of 28 designated COVID-19 hospitals in 15 provinces and cities of China from January to March 2020 were enrolled. All patients were treated according to the standard treatment plan of COVID-19 issued by the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China. They were divided into Xuebijing group and standard treatment group according to whether they received Xuebijing injection or not. In the standard treatment group, routine medical care measures such as antiviral, respiratory support, circulatory support and symptomatic treatment were taken. In the Xuebijing group, on the basis of standard treatment, Xuebijing was used within 12 hours of admission to the ICU, 100 mL each time, twice daily. The minimum duration of Xuebijing administration was 1 day. The improvement rate of PSI risk rating on the 8th day and clinical outcome on the 28th day were recorded.Results:A total of 276 COVID-19 patients were screened continuously, and the data of 144 severe patients who met PSI risk rating Ⅲ-Ⅴ were analyzed. Seventy-two cases were involved each in standard treatment group and Xuebijing group. The average age of the standard treatment group and Xuebijing group were (65.7±7.9) years old and (63.5±10.9) years old, and male accounted for 75.0% (54/72) and 70.8% (51/72), respectively. There were no significant differences in general conditions, comorbidities, PSI risk rating and score, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, oxygenation index (PaO 2/FiO 2), respiratory support mode and other baseline indicators between the two groups. Compared with the standard treatment group, the improvement rate of PSI risk rating in Xuebijing group on the 8th day after admission was significantly improved [56.9% (41/72) vs. 20.8% (15/72), between-group difference and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was 36.1% (21.3% to 50.9%), P < 0.01], PSI score, SOFA score and PaO 2/FiO 2 were significantly improved [PSI score: 83.7±34.8 vs. 108.2±25.6, between-group difference (95% CI) was -24.5 (-34.9 to -14.1); SOFA score: 2.0 (1.0, 4.0) vs. 7.0 (4.0, 10.0), between-group difference (95% CI) was -3.5 (-5.0 to -2.0); PaO 2/FiO 2 (mmHg, 1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa): 289.4±111.6 vs. 188.5±98.1, between-group difference (95% CI) was 100.9 (65.3 to 136.5); all P < 0.01]. The 28-day discharge rate of Xuebijing group was 44.5% higher than that of standard treatment group [66.7% (48/72) vs. 22.2% (16/72), P < 0.01], and the 28-day survival rate was 9.8% [91.7% (66/72) vs. 81.9% (59/72), P < 0.01]. There was no significant difference in the combination of antiviral drugs, antibiotics, anticoagulants and vasopressor drugs between the two groups. There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between the Xuebijing group and standard treatment group [41.7% (30/72) vs. 43.1% (31/72), P > 0.05], and no serious adverse events and adverse reactions of Xuebijing were reported. Conclusion:Standard treatment combined with Xuebijing injection can significantly improve the PSI risk score and clinical prognosis of patients with severe COVID-19 without increasing drug safety risk.

An accident of mixed acute gas poisoning accident happened in a place in GuangDong in March 2018. To investigates three poisoning workers and related clinical data were summarized., we tested the field air and analyzed the accident reasons. This event due to the staff lack of occupational protection awareness and illegal operation. The working environment must be ventilated before limited space operation, and must be sure that the limited space is safe by toxic gas monitoring. In case of occupational acute gas poisoning, rescuers should help the persons who are poisoned reasonably and meanwhile their own safety.