1.Danggui Shaoyaosan Regulates Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 Signaling Pathway to Inhibit Ferroptosis in Rat Model of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Xinqiao CHU ; Yaning BIAO ; Ying GU ; Meng LI ; Tiantong JIANG ; Yuan DING ; Xiaping TAO ; Shaoli WANG ; Ziheng WEI ; Zhen LIU ; Yixin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):35-42
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Danggui Shaoyaosan on ferroptosis in the rat model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and explore the underlying mechanism based on the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling pathway. MethodsThe sixty SD rats were randomly grouped as follows: control, model, Yishanfu (0.144 g·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (2.44, 4.88, and 9.76 g·kg-1, respectively) Danggui Shaoyaosan. A high-fat diet was used to establish the rat model of NAFLD. After 12 weeks of modeling, rats were treated with corresponding agents for 4 weeks. Then, the body weight and liver weight were measured, and the liver index was calculated. At the same time, serum and liver samples were collected. The levels or activities of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and Fe2+ in the serum and TC, TG, free fatty acids (FFA), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and Fe2+ in the liver were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and oil red O staining were employed to observe the pathological changes in the liver. Immunofluorescence was used to assess the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content in the liver. Mitochondrial morphology was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The protein levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, GPX4, transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1), and divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) in the liver were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed increases in the body weight, liver weight, liver index, levels or activities of TC, TG, ALT, AST, and Fe2+ in the serum, levels of TC, TG, FFA, MDA, Fe2+, and ROS in the liver, and protein levels of TFR1 and DMT1 in the liver (P<0.01), and decreases in the activities of SOD, GPX and the protein levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the liver (P<0.05, P<0.01). Meanwhile, the liver tissue in the model group presented steatosis, iron deposition, mitochondrial shrinkage, and blurred or swollen mitochondrial cristae. Compared with the model group, all doses of Danggui Shaoyaosan reduced the body weight, liver weight, liver index, levels or activities of TC, TG, ALT, AST, and Fe2+ in the serum, levels of TC, TG, FFA, MDA, Fe2+, and ROS in the liver, and protein levels of TFR1 and DMT1 in the liver (P<0.01), while increasing the activities of SOD and GPX and the protein levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the liver (P<0.01). Furthermore, Danggui Shaoyaosan alleviated steatosis, iron deposition, and mitochondrial damage in the liver. ConclusionDanggui Shaoyaosan may inhibit lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis by activating the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway to treat NAFLD.
2.Effectiveness of Xuanshen Yishen Decoction on Intensive Blood Pressure Control: Emulation of a Randomized Target Trial Using Real-World Data.
Xiao-Jie WANG ; Yuan-Long HU ; Jia-Ming HUAN ; Shi-Bing LIANG ; Lai-Yun XIN ; Feng JIANG ; Zhen HUA ; Zhen-Yuan WANG ; Ling-Hui KONG ; Qi-Biao WU ; Yun-Lun LI
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(8):677-684
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the effectiveness of Xuanshen Yishen Decoction (XYD) in the treatment of hypertension.
METHODS:
Hospital electronic medical records from 2019-2023 were utilized to emulate a randomized pragmatic clinical trial. Hypertensive participants were eligible if they were aged ⩾40 years with baseline systolic blood pressure (BP) ⩾140 mm Hg. Patients treated with XYD plus antihypertensive regimen were assigned to the treatment group, whereas those who followed only antihypertensive regimen were assigned to the control group. The primary outcome assessed was the attainment rate of intensive BP control at discharge, with the secondary outcome focusing on the 6-month all-cause readmission rate.
RESULTS:
The study included 3,302 patients, comprising 2,943 individuals in the control group and 359 in the treatment group. Compared with the control group, a higher proportion in the treatment group achieved the target BP for intensive BP control [8.09% vs. 17.5%; odds ratio (OR)=2.29, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.68 to 3.13; P<0.001], particularly in individuals with high homocysteine levels (OR=3.13; 95% CI=1.72 to 5.71; P<0.001; P for interaction=0.041). Furthermore, the 6-month all-cause readmission rate in the treatment group was lower than in the control group (hazard ratio=0.58; 95% CI=0.36 to 0.91; P=0.019), and the robustness of the results was confirmed by sensitivity analyse.
CONCLUSIONS
XYD could be a complementary therapy for intensive BP control. Our study offers real-world evidence and guides the choice of complementary and alternative therapies. (Registration No. ChiCTR2400086589).
Adult
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Aged
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Antihypertensive Agents/pharmacology*
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Blood Pressure/drug effects*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
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Hypertension/physiopathology*
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Patient Readmission
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Treatment Outcome
3.Guideline for diagnosis and treatment of infection after internal fixation of closed lower limb fractures in adults (version 2025)
Bobin MI ; Faqi CAO ; Weixian HU ; Wu ZHOU ; Chenchen YAN ; Hui LI ; Yun SUN ; Yuan XIONG ; Jinmi ZHAO ; Qikai HUA ; Xinbao WU ; Xieyuan JIANG ; Dianying ZHANG ; Zhongguo FU ; Dankai WU ; Guangyao LIU ; Guodong LIU ; Tengbo YU ; Jinhai TAN ; Xi CHEN ; Fengfei LIN ; Zhangyuan LIN ; Dongfa LIAO ; Aiguo WANG ; Shiwu DONG ; Gaoxing LUO ; Zhao XIE ; Dong SUN ; Dehao FU ; Yunfeng CHEN ; Changqing ZHANG ; Kun LIU ; Deye SONG ; Yongjun RUI ; Fei WU ; Ximing LIU ; Junwen WANG ; Meng ZHAO ; Biao CHE ; Bing HU ; Chengjian HE ; Guanglin WANG ; Xiao CHEN ; Guandong DAI ; Shiyuan FANG ; Wenchao SONG ; Ming CHEN ; Guanghua GUO ; Yongqing XU ; Lei YANG ; Wenqian ZHANG ; Kun ZHANG ; Xin TANG ; Hua CHEN ; Weiguo XU ; Shuquan GUO ; Yong LIU ; Xiaodong GUO ; Zhewei YE ; Liming XIONG ; Tian XIA ; Hongbin WU ; Qisheng ZHOU ; Mengfei LIU ; Yiqiang HU ; Yanjiu HAN ; Hang XUE ; Kangkang ZHA ; Wei CHEN ; Zhiyong HOU ; Bin YU ; Jiacan SU ; Peifu TANG ; Baoguo JIANG ; Guohui LIU
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(5):421-432
Postoperative infection of internal fixation of closed fractures the lower limbs in adults represents a devastating complication, characterized by diagnostic challenges, prolonged treatment duration and high disability rates. Current management of these infections faces multiple challenges, such as difficulties in early accurate diagnosis, and various controversies about the treatment plan, leading to poor overall diagnosis and treatment results. To address these issues, based on evidence-based medicine and principles with emphasis on scientific rigor, clinical applicability and innovation, the Trauma Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, Orthopedic Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Orthopedics Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, and Trauma Orthopedics and Polytrauma Group of the Resuscitation and Emergency Committee of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association have collaboratively organized a panel of relevant experts to develop the Guideline for diagnosis and treatment of infection after internal fixation of closed lower limb fractures in adults ( version 2025). The guideline proposed 10 recommendations, aiming to provide a foundation for standardized diagnosis and treatment of postoperative infection in adults with closed lower limb fractures.
4.Characteristic and influencing factors of Salmonella serotypes among asymptomatic workers in Yulin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 2013-2023
Yuan ZHANG ; Ming LUO ; Mengyu WANG ; Yao PENG ; Zhenpeng LI ; Peichao LU ; Biao KAN ; Ning JIANG ; Xin LU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(5):857-866
Objective:To investigate the diversity, temporal dynamics and influencing factors of serotypes of Salmonella among asymptomatic workers in Yulin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, from 2013 to 2023, and provide reference for controlling the hidden transmission of Salmonella and for disease prevention among healthy populations. Methods:Anal rectal swabs were collected from asymptomatic workers in Yulin from 2013 to 2023 for the isolation and identification of Salmonella. The diversity of serotypes of Salmonella was evaluated by using Shannon index, while the isolation rates and composition ratio of different serotypes were compared with χ2 test. Spearman correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation of natural and social factors with serotype isolation rates for more than eight years, and stepwise multiple linear regression analysis were used to evaluate the impact of social factors on the serotype isolation rates for more than 8 years. Results:A total of 8 073 strains of Salmonella were isolated from 2013 to 2023, with an overall isolation rate of 18.88‰ During the 11-year period, 135 serotypes of Salmonella were identified, and the serotype diversity increased first and then decreased. The serotype with the highest isolation rate was Salmonella Typhimurium (3.04‰), followed by Salmonella Rissen (1.70‰), Salmonella Corvallis (1.41‰), Salmonella Agona (1.36‰), Salmonella Derby (1.22‰), and Salmonella London (1.02‰), accounting for 51.67% of the total Salmonella serotypes isolated. There was no significant trend in isolation rate of Salmonella over the years ( χ2=0.67, P=0.415); however, season significantly influenced the isolation rate, with lower rate being observed in winter and higher rate in summer ( χ2=615.91, P<0.001). The isolation rate of different serotypes of Salmonella was influenced by social and natural factors, showing a positive correlation with temperature, precipitation, and poultry consumption and production levels. Conclusions:The serotypes of Salmonella carried by asymptomatic workers were complex and diverse in Yulin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, from 2013 to 2023, and the isolation rates of multi-serotypes increased from 2013 to 2023. Higher isolation rate was observed in summer and the isolation rate was widely influenced by natural factors such as temperature and precipitation, as well as social factors such as economic conditions. It is necessary to pay attention to the Salmonella serotype carriage in healthy population, and strengthen monitoring of both healthy individuals and pathogenic bacteria.
5.Effect Analysis of Different Interventions to Improve Neuroinflammation in The Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Jiang-Hui SHAN ; Chao-Yang CHU ; Shi-Yu CHEN ; Zhi-Cheng LIN ; Yu-Yu ZHOU ; Tian-Yuan FANG ; Chu-Xia ZHANG ; Biao XIAO ; Kai XIE ; Qing-Juan WANG ; Zhi-Tao LIU ; Li-Ping LI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):310-333
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a central neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory impairment in clinical. Currently, there are no effective treatments for AD. In recent years, a variety of therapeutic approaches from different perspectives have been explored to treat AD. Although the drug therapies targeted at the clearance of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) had made a breakthrough in clinical trials, there were associated with adverse events. Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the onset and progression of AD. Continuous neuroinflammatory was considered to be the third major pathological feature of AD, which could promote the formation of extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. At the same time, these toxic substances could accelerate the development of neuroinflammation, form a vicious cycle, and exacerbate disease progression. Reducing neuroinflammation could break the feedback loop pattern between neuroinflammation, Aβ plaque deposition and Tau tangles, which might be an effective therapeutic strategy for treating AD. Traditional Chinese herbs such as Polygonum multiflorum and Curcuma were utilized in the treatment of AD due to their ability to mitigate neuroinflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and indomethacin had been shown to reduce the level of inflammasomes in the body, and taking these drugs was associated with a low incidence of AD. Biosynthetic nanomaterials loaded with oxytocin were demonstrated to have the capability to anti-inflammatory and penetrate the blood-brain barrier effectively, and they played an anti-inflammatory role via sustained-releasing oxytocin in the brain. Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells could reduce neuroinflammation and inhibit the activation of microglia. The secretion of mesenchymal stem cells could not only improve neuroinflammation, but also exert a multi-target comprehensive therapeutic effect, making it potentially more suitable for the treatment of AD. Enhancing the level of TREM2 in microglial cells using gene editing technologies, or application of TREM2 antibodies such as Ab-T1, hT2AB could improve microglial cell function and reduce the level of neuroinflammation, which might be a potential treatment for AD. Probiotic therapy, fecal flora transplantation, antibiotic therapy, and dietary intervention could reshape the composition of the gut microbiota and alleviate neuroinflammation through the gut-brain axis. However, the drugs of sodium oligomannose remain controversial. Both exercise intervention and electromagnetic intervention had the potential to attenuate neuroinflammation, thereby delaying AD process. This article focuses on the role of drug therapy, gene therapy, stem cell therapy, gut microbiota therapy, exercise intervention, and brain stimulation in improving neuroinflammation in recent years, aiming to provide a novel insight for the treatment of AD by intervening neuroinflammation in the future.
6.Characteristic and influencing factors of Salmonella serotypes among asymptomatic workers in Yulin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 2013-2023
Yuan ZHANG ; Ming LUO ; Mengyu WANG ; Yao PENG ; Zhenpeng LI ; Peichao LU ; Biao KAN ; Ning JIANG ; Xin LU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2025;46(5):857-866
Objective:To investigate the diversity, temporal dynamics and influencing factors of serotypes of Salmonella among asymptomatic workers in Yulin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, from 2013 to 2023, and provide reference for controlling the hidden transmission of Salmonella and for disease prevention among healthy populations. Methods:Anal rectal swabs were collected from asymptomatic workers in Yulin from 2013 to 2023 for the isolation and identification of Salmonella. The diversity of serotypes of Salmonella was evaluated by using Shannon index, while the isolation rates and composition ratio of different serotypes were compared with χ2 test. Spearman correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation of natural and social factors with serotype isolation rates for more than eight years, and stepwise multiple linear regression analysis were used to evaluate the impact of social factors on the serotype isolation rates for more than 8 years. Results:A total of 8 073 strains of Salmonella were isolated from 2013 to 2023, with an overall isolation rate of 18.88‰ During the 11-year period, 135 serotypes of Salmonella were identified, and the serotype diversity increased first and then decreased. The serotype with the highest isolation rate was Salmonella Typhimurium (3.04‰), followed by Salmonella Rissen (1.70‰), Salmonella Corvallis (1.41‰), Salmonella Agona (1.36‰), Salmonella Derby (1.22‰), and Salmonella London (1.02‰), accounting for 51.67% of the total Salmonella serotypes isolated. There was no significant trend in isolation rate of Salmonella over the years ( χ2=0.67, P=0.415); however, season significantly influenced the isolation rate, with lower rate being observed in winter and higher rate in summer ( χ2=615.91, P<0.001). The isolation rate of different serotypes of Salmonella was influenced by social and natural factors, showing a positive correlation with temperature, precipitation, and poultry consumption and production levels. Conclusions:The serotypes of Salmonella carried by asymptomatic workers were complex and diverse in Yulin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, from 2013 to 2023, and the isolation rates of multi-serotypes increased from 2013 to 2023. Higher isolation rate was observed in summer and the isolation rate was widely influenced by natural factors such as temperature and precipitation, as well as social factors such as economic conditions. It is necessary to pay attention to the Salmonella serotype carriage in healthy population, and strengthen monitoring of both healthy individuals and pathogenic bacteria.
7.Guideline for diagnosis and treatment of infection after internal fixation of closed lower limb fractures in adults (version 2025)
Bobin MI ; Faqi CAO ; Weixian HU ; Wu ZHOU ; Chenchen YAN ; Hui LI ; Yun SUN ; Yuan XIONG ; Jinmi ZHAO ; Qikai HUA ; Xinbao WU ; Xieyuan JIANG ; Dianying ZHANG ; Zhongguo FU ; Dankai WU ; Guangyao LIU ; Guodong LIU ; Tengbo YU ; Jinhai TAN ; Xi CHEN ; Fengfei LIN ; Zhangyuan LIN ; Dongfa LIAO ; Aiguo WANG ; Shiwu DONG ; Gaoxing LUO ; Zhao XIE ; Dong SUN ; Dehao FU ; Yunfeng CHEN ; Changqing ZHANG ; Kun LIU ; Deye SONG ; Yongjun RUI ; Fei WU ; Ximing LIU ; Junwen WANG ; Meng ZHAO ; Biao CHE ; Bing HU ; Chengjian HE ; Guanglin WANG ; Xiao CHEN ; Guandong DAI ; Shiyuan FANG ; Wenchao SONG ; Ming CHEN ; Guanghua GUO ; Yongqing XU ; Lei YANG ; Wenqian ZHANG ; Kun ZHANG ; Xin TANG ; Hua CHEN ; Weiguo XU ; Shuquan GUO ; Yong LIU ; Xiaodong GUO ; Zhewei YE ; Liming XIONG ; Tian XIA ; Hongbin WU ; Qisheng ZHOU ; Mengfei LIU ; Yiqiang HU ; Yanjiu HAN ; Hang XUE ; Kangkang ZHA ; Wei CHEN ; Zhiyong HOU ; Bin YU ; Jiacan SU ; Peifu TANG ; Baoguo JIANG ; Guohui LIU
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(5):421-432
Postoperative infection of internal fixation of closed fractures the lower limbs in adults represents a devastating complication, characterized by diagnostic challenges, prolonged treatment duration and high disability rates. Current management of these infections faces multiple challenges, such as difficulties in early accurate diagnosis, and various controversies about the treatment plan, leading to poor overall diagnosis and treatment results. To address these issues, based on evidence-based medicine and principles with emphasis on scientific rigor, clinical applicability and innovation, the Trauma Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, Orthopedic Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Orthopedics Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, and Trauma Orthopedics and Polytrauma Group of the Resuscitation and Emergency Committee of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association have collaboratively organized a panel of relevant experts to develop the Guideline for diagnosis and treatment of infection after internal fixation of closed lower limb fractures in adults ( version 2025). The guideline proposed 10 recommendations, aiming to provide a foundation for standardized diagnosis and treatment of postoperative infection in adults with closed lower limb fractures.
8.Research on face mask recognition based on YOLOv5 lightweight network
Liang WEN ; Jiang WANG ; Guo-Biao LIANG ; Zhen-Ni LI
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2024;45(9):7-13
Objective To propose a YOLOv5 lightweight network-based face mask recognition method to solve the problems due to limited storage and computation resources of edge and mobile devices.Methods A YOLOv5 model composed of a backbone network(Backbone),a neck module(Neck)and a head module(Head)was selected as the base framework.Firstly,the Backbone part was modified and replaced using the ShuffleNetv2 lightweight network;secondly,a Ghost module and a C3_S module were introduced in the Neck part;finally,a Shuffle_Yolo_GS_CBAM model was formed by incorporating a convolutional block attention module(CBAM)to improve the detection accuracy.The model was trained and verified with the AIZOO dataset,which was evaluated for face mask recognition by mean average precision(mAP),frames per second(FPS),giga floating-point operations per second(GFLOPS)and parameters.Results The model proposed recognized face masks with the mAP being 89.5%,FPS being 158.7 frames/s,parameters being 2.38 M and and GFLOPS being 4.5 GFLOPS,which had the detection speed enhanced by 39.7%,parameters decreased by 67.3%and operations reduced by73.8%when compared with the YOLOv5s model.Conclusion The method proposed behaves well in increasing detection speed,decreasing parameters and operations and ensuring detection precision,and thus is worthy promoting for face mask recognition on edge and mobile devices.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(9):7-13]
9.A multicenter study of neonatal stroke in Shenzhen,China
Li-Xiu SHI ; Jin-Xing FENG ; Yan-Fang WEI ; Xin-Ru LU ; Yu-Xi ZHANG ; Lin-Ying YANG ; Sheng-Nan HE ; Pei-Juan CHEN ; Jing HAN ; Cheng CHEN ; Hui-Ying TU ; Zhang-Bin YU ; Jin-Jie HUANG ; Shu-Juan ZENG ; Wan-Ling CHEN ; Ying LIU ; Yan-Ping GUO ; Jiao-Yu MAO ; Xiao-Dong LI ; Qian-Shen ZHANG ; Zhi-Li XIE ; Mei-Ying HUANG ; Kun-Shan YAN ; Er-Ya YING ; Jun CHEN ; Yan-Rong WANG ; Ya-Ping LIU ; Bo SONG ; Hua-Yan LIU ; Xiao-Dong XIAO ; Hong TANG ; Yu-Na WANG ; Yin-Sha CAI ; Qi LONG ; Han-Qiang XU ; Hui-Zhan WANG ; Qian SUN ; Fang HAN ; Rui-Biao ZHANG ; Chuan-Zhong YANG ; Lei DOU ; Hui-Ju SHI ; Rui WANG ; Ping JIANG ; Shenzhen Neonatal Data Network
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2024;26(5):450-455
Objective To investigate the incidence rate,clinical characteristics,and prognosis of neonatal stroke in Shenzhen,China.Methods Led by Shenzhen Children's Hospital,the Shenzhen Neonatal Data Collaboration Network organized 21 institutions to collect 36 cases of neonatal stroke from January 2020 to December 2022.The incidence,clinical characteristics,treatment,and prognosis of neonatal stroke in Shenzhen were analyzed.Results The incidence rate of neonatal stroke in 21 hospitals from 2020 to 2022 was 1/15 137,1/6 060,and 1/7 704,respectively.Ischemic stroke accounted for 75%(27/36);boys accounted for 64%(23/36).Among the 36 neonates,31(86%)had disease onset within 3 days after birth,and 19(53%)had convulsion as the initial presentation.Cerebral MRI showed that 22 neonates(61%)had left cerebral infarction and 13(36%)had basal ganglia infarction.Magnetic resonance angiography was performed for 12 neonates,among whom 9(75%)had involvement of the middle cerebral artery.Electroencephalography was performed for 29 neonates,with sharp waves in 21 neonates(72%)and seizures in 10 neonates(34%).Symptomatic/supportive treatment varied across different hospitals.Neonatal Behavioral Neurological Assessment was performed for 12 neonates(33%,12/36),with a mean score of(32±4)points.The prognosis of 27 neonates was followed up to around 12 months of age,with 44%(12/27)of the neonates having a good prognosis.Conclusions Ischemic stroke is the main type of neonatal stroke,often with convulsions as the initial presentation,involvement of the middle cerebral artery,sharp waves on electroencephalography,and a relatively low neurodevelopment score.Symptomatic/supportive treatment is the main treatment method,and some neonates tend to have a poor prognosis.
10.Effects of Buzhong Yulin Decoction (补中愈淋汤) for Mice with Recurrent Urinary Tract Infectionon on Bladder Mucosal Barrier and Bacterial Load of Bladder Epithelial Cells
Hao YIN ; Yi XUE ; Biao ZHANG ; Zhuohui JIN ; Jiaoli ZHU ; Yi JIANG ; Xiaofang WANG ; Chen FENG ; Yunyun JIN ; Qingjiang JIN ; Qinglei JIN ; Xin WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(22):2338-2346
ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of Buzhong Yulin Decoction (补中愈淋汤) in the prevention and treatment of recurrent urinary tract infection. MethodsThe mouse models of recurrent urinary tract infection were established by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strain UTI89 by bladder perfusion, and the successful mouse models were randomly divided into a model group, an antibiotic group, and a low- and high-dose Buzhong Yulin Decoction group, with six mice in each group. In addition, 5 C57BL/6 mice without modelling were taken as blank group. The low- and high-dose Buzhong Yulin Decoction groups received 0.1 ml/10 g of decoction by gavage, with concentrations of 1.3 g/ml and 5.2 g/ml, respectively; the antibiotic group received 0.1 ml/10 g of levofloxacin hydrochloride solution with 5 mg/ml by gavage; the blank and model groups received 0.1 ml/10 g of distilled water by gavage. Each group was gavaged once a day for 7 consecutive days. The total number of urine marks, the number of central urine marks, and the total urine volume of the urine marks were observed by the urine marking test; HE staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the bladder of mice; serum levels of the inflammatory factors interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were detected by ELISA; the morphology of the epithelial cells of bladder was observed by scanning electron microscopy; immunofluorescence assay to detect bladder tissue anti-UroPlakin 3A protein level and UPEC bacterial load; the spread plate method to detect urinary bacterial load and bacterial load of bladder epithelial cells; RT-PCR method to detect Ras-related protein Rab-11A (RAB11A) and Ras-related protein Rab-27B (RAB27B) mRNA level in bladder tissue; immunoblotting to detect microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain3 (LC3) and P62 protein levels in bladder tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the bladder epithelial cell layers were lost and showed abnormal morphology in mice of the model group; bladder tissue UroPlakin 3A protein and RAB11A and RAB27B mRNA levels reduced, the total number of urine marks, the number of central urine marks, bladder tissue UPEC bacterial load, urinary bacterial load, bacterial load in bladder epithelial cells, serum IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels, and LC3 and P62 protein levels in bladder tissue all elevated (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the bladder epithelial cell layers were intact and the morphology of epithelial cells were regular in the low- and high-dose Buzhong Yulin Decoction groups; the average surface area of bladder epithelial cells reduced, the levels of UroPlakin 3A protein and RAB11A and RAB27B mRNA in bladder tissues elevated, and total number of urine marks, the number of central urine marks, bladder tissue UPEC bacterial load, urinary bacterial load, bacterial load in bladder epithelial cells, serum IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels, and P62 protein levels in bladder tissue all reduced (P<0.05 or P<0.01), but LC3 protein levels showed no statistically significant (P>0.05). In the antibiotic group, the bladder epithelial cells were partially missing and the morphology of epithelial cells was abnormal. Compared with the antibiotic group, the average surface area of the bladder epithelial cells in the mice increased in the low- and high-dose Buzhong Yulin Decoction groups, the bacterial load of the bladder epithelial cells decreased, and the P62 protein level of the bladder tissue decreased (P<0.05). When comparing between the low- and high-dose Buzhong Yulin Decoction groups, the differences in each index were not statistically significant (P>0.05). ConclusionBuzhong Yulin Decoction may prevent and treat recurrent urinary tract infection by repairing the bladder mucosal barrier, increasing RAB11A and RAB27B level and enhancing autophagy in bladder tissues, thereby facilitating bacterial clearance from bladder epithelial cells and reducing the bacterial load of bladder epithelial cells.

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