BACKGROUND: Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is indicated as a broad-spectrum medicine for a variety of diseases, including cancer and cardiac disease. While the role of ATO in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (HIRI) has not been reported. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify the effects of ATO on HIRI. METHODS: In the present study, we established a 70% hepatic warm I/R injury and partial hepatectomy (30% resection) animal models in vivo and hepatocytes anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R) models in vitro with ATO pretreatment and further assessed liver function by histopathologic changes, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, cell counting kit-8, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) for extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 was transfected to evaluate the role of ERK1/2 pathway during HIRI, followed by ATO pretreatment. The dynamic process of autophagic flux and numbers of autophagosomes were detected by green fluorescent protein-monomeric red fluorescent protein-LC3 (GFP-mRFP-LC3) staining and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: A low dose of ATO (0.75 μmol/L in vitro and 1 mg/kg in vivo ) significantly reduced tissue necrosis, inflammatory infiltration, and hepatocyte apoptosis during the process of hepatic I/R. Meanwhile, ATO obviously promoted the ability of cell proliferation and liver regeneration. Mechanistically, in vitro  studies have shown that nontoxic concentrations of ATO can activate both ERK and phosphoinositide 3-kinase-serine/threonine kinase (PI3K-AKT) pathways and further induce autophagy. The hepatoprotective mechanism of ATO, at least in part, relies on the effects of ATO on the activation of autophagy, which is ERK-dependent. CONCLUSION Low, non-toxic doses of ATO can activate ERK/PI3K-AKT pathways and induce ERK-dependent autophagy in hepatocytes, protecting liver against I/R injury and accelerating hepatocyte regeneration after partial hepatectomy.
Animals ; Arsenic Trioxide ; Autophagy/physiology* ; Reperfusion Injury/prevention & control* ; Mice ; Male ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/physiology* ; Arsenicals/therapeutic use* ; Oxides/therapeutic use* ; Liver/metabolism* ; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL

As a new type of production factor that can empower the development of new quality productivity, the data element is an important engine to promote the high quality development of the industry. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) dispensing is the most basic work of TCM clinical pharmacy, and its quality directly affects the clinical efficacy of TCM. The integration of data elements and TCM dispensing can stimulate the innovation and vitality of the TCM dispensing industry and promote the high-quality and sustainable development of the industry. A large-scale, detailed, and systematic study on TCM dispensing was conducted. The innovative practice path of data fusion construction in the whole process of TCM dispensing was investigated by integrating the digital resources "nine full activities" of TCM dispensing, creating the digital dictionary of "TCM clinical information data elements", and exploring innovative applications of TCM dispensing driven by data and technology, so as to promote the standardized, digital, and intelligent development of TCM dispensing in medical health services. The research content of this project was successfully selected as the second batch of "Data element×" typical cases of National Data Administration in 2024, which is the only selected case in the field of TCM.
Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Humans

Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA), one of the most severe types of male infertility, etiology often remains unclear in most cases. Therefore, this study aimed to detect four biallelic detrimental variants (0.5%) in the minichromosome maintenance domain containing 2 ( MCMDC2 ) genes in 768 NOA patients by whole-exome sequencing (WES). Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) demonstrated that MCMDC2 deleterious variants caused meiotic arrest in three patients (c.1360G>T, c.1956G>T, and c.685C>T) and hypospermatogenesis in one patient (c.94G>T), as further confirmed through immunofluorescence (IF) staining. The single-cell RNA sequencing data indicated that MCMDC2 was substantially expressed during spermatogenesis. The variants were confirmed as deleterious and responsible for patient infertility through bioinformatics and in vitro experimental analyses. The results revealed four MCMDC2 variants related to NOA, which contributes to the current perception of the function of MCMDC2 in male fertility and presents new perspectives on the genetic etiology of NOA.
Humans ; Male ; Azoospermia/genetics* ; Meiosis/genetics* ; Spermatogenesis/genetics* ; Adult ; Exome Sequencing ; Microtubule-Associated Proteins/genetics* ; Alleles ; Infertility, Male/genetics*

Objective To investigate the potential association between methylation levels of CpG locus of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)gene and risk of acute stress disorder(ASD)[post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)or post-traumatic depression].Methods(1)30 specific pathogen-free(SPF)-grade male ICR mice were randomly divided into control group,24 h restraint stress(Res)group,and Res+5-Aza-2'deoxycytidine(Res+5-Aza-cdR)group,with 10 mice in each group.An ASD mouse model was established using 24h restraint stress.The body weight of the mice was recorded daily.At 24 h and 48 h after the successful establishment of the model,open field tests were conducted to evaluate locomotor activity level and anxiety-like behavior of the mice.Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)and Western blotting were used to detect BDNF mRNA and protein expression levels in the hippocampus of mice in each group.(2)Relevant genome-wide association study(GWAS)summary data were utilized for instrumental variable(IV)selection.A two-sample Mendelian randomization(TSMR)approach was applied to analyze the causal relationship between CpG site methylation of BDNF gene and ASD risk.The leave-one-out method was used to verify the results.Results(1)The results of body weight monitoring and the open field test showed that compared with control group,the body weight,the residence time in the central area,the total movement distance,and the activity times of mice in Res group were significantly decreased(P＜0.001).Compared with Res group,the body weight,the residence time in the central area,the total movement distance and activity times of mice in Res+5-Aza group were significantly increased(P＜0.00l).The results of RT-qPCR and Western blotting showed that compared with control group,the expression levels of BDNF mRNA and protein in the hippocampus of the mice in Res group were significantly decreased(P＜0.05).Compared with Res group,the expression level of BDNF mRNA and protein in Res+5-Aza group was significantly higher(P＜0.001).(2)TSMR analysis results showed that the cg10635145 site in BDNF gene(OR=0.862,95％CI 0.793-0.938,P=0.043)was negatively correlated with the risk of PTSD.The cg08362738 site(OR=0.975,95％CI 0.960-0.992,P=0.003)was negatively correlated with the risk of trauma-related depression,whereas the cg18117895 site(OR=1.008,95％CI 1.000-1.016,P=0.047)was positively correlated with the risk of trauma-related depression.The results of Leave-one-out test showed that the causal relationship between the single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)of CpG site in BDNF gene and ASD was not affected by a strong Ⅳ.Conclusion The CpG loci cg1063145 and cg08362738 of BDNF gene maybe protective factors for ASD-related diseases,while cg18117895 maybe a riskfactor.

AIM To study the chemical constituents and their anti-inflammatory activities of stems and leaves of Lonicera confusa DC.METHODS The 80%methanol extract from stems and leaves of L.confusa DC was isolated and purified by Diaion HP20SS,Sephadex LH-20,HSCCC and preparative HPLC,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.Their anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated by measuring NO production of LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells in vitro.RESULTS Thirteen compounds were isolated and identified as benzyl alcohol-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 →6)-β-D-glucopyranoside(1),sweroside(2),epi-vogeloside(3),vogeloside(4),secologanoside(5),secoxyloganin(6),secologanin dimethyl acetal(7),methyl chlorogenate(8),apigenin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(9),luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(10),rhoifolin(11),luteolin-7-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside(12),and lonicerin(13).Compounds 2-8,11-13 inhibited the NO production of LPS-induced cells.CONCLUSION Compound 1 is first isolated from family Lonicera,compounds 3,5,7,9,11,and 12 are obtained from the stems and leaves of this plant for the first time.Compounds 2-8,11-13 exhibited anti-inflammatory activities.

Objective To explore the effect of modified Shaoyao Gancao Decoction combined with acupuncture on Oswestry Disability Index(ODI)of patients after surgery for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture(OVCF).Methods A total of 94 patients with OVCF of liver-kidney deficiency and yin-blood deficiency type were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group,with 47 cases in each group.Both groups were treated with surgical treatment by percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty or percutaneous vertebroplasty.After the operation,the control group was given acupuncture therapy,and the observation group was treated with modified Shaoyao Gancao Decoction combined with acupuncture therapy.Both groups were treated for 12 weeks(3 months in total).The changes of pain visual analogue scale(VAS)score,ODI score,bone mineral density(BMD)of lumbar vertebrae 2-4(L2-4),femoral neck,Wards triangle and total hip,and serum levels of bone metabolism indicators of type I collagen C-terminal peptide(CTX-1),bone alkaline phosphatase(BALP)and blood calcium in the two groups at different observation time points after operation were observed.After treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated.Results(1)After 3 months of treatment,the total effective rate of the observation group was 100.00%(47/47),and that of the control group was 87.23%(41/47).The intergroup comparison(tested by Fisher's exact test)showed that the clinical efficacy of the observation group was significantly superior to that of the control group(P＜0.01).(2)On the seventh day,first month and third month after operation,the pain VAS score and thoracolumbar function of ODI scores of the two groups were significantly lower than those at the previous observation time point(P＜0.05),and the decrease of VAS score and thoracolumbar ODI score in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group on the seventh day,first month and third month after operation(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).(3)After treatment(one month after operation),the BMD values of L2-4,femoral neck,Wards triangle and total hip in the two groups were significantly higher than those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the increase of BMD values in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.01).(4)After treatment(one month after operation),the serum levels of bone metabolism indicators of CTX-1,BALP and calcium of the two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the decrease of serum CTX-1,BALP and calcium levels in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.01).Conclusion Modified Shaoyao Gancao Decoction combined with acupuncture exerts certain effect for the treatment of OVCF patients with liver-kidney deficiency and yin-blood deficiency type.The combined therapy can significantly relieve postoperative pain symptoms,improve BMD and bone metabolism,promote the recovery of thoracolumbar function,and effectively enhance the overall efficacy.

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of pneumococcal meningitis(PM),and drug sensitivity of Streptococcus pneumoniae(SP)isolates in Chinese children.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical information,laboratory data,and microbiological data of 160 hospitalized children under 15 years old with PM from January 2019 to December 2020 in 33 tertiary hospitals across the country.Results Among the 160 children with PM,there were 103 males and 57 females.The age ranged from 15 days to 15 years,with 109 cases(68.1% )aged 3 months to under 3 years.SP strains were isolated from 95 cases(59.4% )in cerebrospinal fluid cultures and from 57 cases(35.6% )in blood cultures.The positive rates of SP detection by cerebrospinal fluid metagenomic next-generation sequencing and cerebrospinal fluid SP antigen testing were 40% (35/87)and 27% (21/78),respectively.Fifty-five cases(34.4% )had one or more risk factors for purulent meningitis,113 cases(70.6% )had one or more extra-cranial infectious foci,and 18 cases(11.3% )had underlying diseases.The most common clinical symptoms were fever(147 cases,91.9% ),followed by lethargy(98 cases,61.3% )and vomiting(61 cases,38.1% ).Sixty-nine cases(43.1% )experienced intracranial complications during hospitalization,with subdural effusion and/or empyema being the most common complication[43 cases(26.9% )],followed by hydrocephalus in 24 cases(15.0% ),brain abscess in 23 cases(14.4% ),and cerebral hemorrhage in 8 cases(5.0% ).Subdural effusion and/or empyema and hydrocephalus mainly occurred in children under 1 year old,with rates of 91% (39/43)and 83% (20/24),respectively.SP strains exhibited complete sensitivity to vancomycin(100% ,75/75),linezolid(100% ,56/56),and meropenem(100% ,6/6).High sensitivity rates were also observed for levofloxacin(81% ,22/27),moxifloxacin(82% ,14/17),rifampicin(96% ,25/26),and chloramphenicol(91% ,21/23).However,low sensitivity rates were found for penicillin(16% ,11/68)and clindamycin(6% ,1/17),and SP strains were completely resistant to erythromycin(100% ,31/31).The rates of discharge with cure and improvement were 22.5% (36/160)and 66.2% (106/160),respectively,while 18 cases(11.3% )had adverse outcomes.Conclusions Pediatric PM is more common in children aged 3 months to under 3 years.Intracranial complications are more frequently observed in children under 1 year old.Fever is the most common clinical manifestation of PM,and subdural effusion/emphysema and hydrocephalus are the most frequent complications.Non-culture detection methods for cerebrospinal fluid can improve pathogen detection rates.Adverse outcomes can be noted in more than 10% of PM cases.SP strains are high sensitivity to vancomycin,linezolid,meropenem,levofloxacin,moxifloxacin,rifampicin,and chloramphenicol.[Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics,2024,26(2):131-138]

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) diseases are common clinical conditions. The number of patients with TMJ diseases is large, and the etiology, epidemiology, disease spectrum, and treatment of the disease remain controversial and unknown. To understand and master the current situation of the occurrence, development and prevention of TMJ diseases, as well as to identify the patterns in etiology, incidence, drug sensitivity, and prognosis is crucial for alleviating patients′suffering.This will facilitate in-depth medical research, effective disease prevention measures, and the formulation of corresponding health policies. Cohort construction and research has an irreplaceable role in precise disease prevention and significant improvement in diagnosis and treatment levels. Large-scale cohort studies are needed to explore the relationship between potential risk factors and outcomes of TMJ diseases, and to observe disease prognoses through long-term follw-ups. The consensus aims to establish a standard conceptual frame work for a cohort study on patients with TMJ disease while providing ideas for cohort data standards to this condition. TMJ disease cohort data consists of both common data standards applicable to all specific disease cohorts as well as disease-specific data standards. Common data were available for each specific disease cohort. By integrating different cohort research resources, standard problems or study variables can be unified. Long-term follow-up can be performed using consistent definitions and criteria across different projects for better core data collection. It is hoped that this consensus will be facilitate the development cohort studies of TMJ diseases.

AIM To investigate the ameliorative effects of Schisandrol A(Sol A)in Suhuang antitussive capsule on post-infectious cough(PIC).METHODS The in vivo mouse PIC model was established by intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)combined with cigarette smoke exposure.The mice were randomly divided into the control group,the model group,the Suhuang antitussive capsule group(14 g/kg),the montelukast sodium positive control group(3 mg/kg),and low and high dose Sol A groups(10,30 mg/kg).The in vitro PIC model was established by stimulating human bronchial epithelial cells(BEAS-2B)with LPS.The cells were divided into the control group,the model group,the Suhuang antitussive capsule group(10 μg/mL)and low and high dose Sol A groups(3,10 μmol/L).HE and Masson staining were used to detect the pathological changes of the lung and bronchial tissues.ELISA was used to detect the levels of IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α,ROS,MDA,SOD and GSH in the lung tissues.RT-qPCR was used to detect the IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expressions in BEAS-2B cells.And Western blot was applied to detect the protein expressions of p-PI3K,p-Akt,NOX4,SIRT1,p-ERK,Fibronectin,E-cadherin,Vimentin and α-SMA in mouse lung tissue and BEAS-2B cells.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the groups intervened with Sol A or Suhuang antitussive capsule displayed prolonged cough latency(P＜0.01);reduced cough frequency(P＜0.01);relieved pulmonary inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition in PIC mice;decreased pulmonary levels of IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α,ROS,MDA and protein expressions of Fibronectin,Vimentin,α-SMA,p-ERK,p-PI3K,p-Akt,and NOX4(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);increased pulmonary levels of SOD and GSH and protein expressions of E-cadherin and SIRT1(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);decreased ROS level,IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α mRNA expressions and p-ERK,p-PI3K,p-Akt,NOX4 protein expressions in vitro(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);and increased SIRT1 protein expression in vitro as well(P＜0.01).CONCLUSION Being the main antitussive component of Suhuang antitussive capsule upon the PIC model,Sol A inhibits the inflammation via SIRT1/ERK signaling pathway and relieve the oxidative stress via PI3K/Akt/NOX4 signaling pathway.