ObjectiveTo explore the pharmacological mechanism involved in the treatment of allergic cough （AC） by Xiaoer Huatan Zhike granules （XEHT） based on proteomics and network pharmacology. MethodsAfter sensitization by intraperitoneal injection of 1 mL suspension containing 2 mg ovalbumin （OVA） and 100 mg aluminum hydroxide， a guinea pig model of allergic cough was constructed by nebulization with 1% OVA. The modeled guinea pigs were randomized into the model， low-， medium- and high-dose （1， 5， 20 g·kg^-1， respectively） XEHT， and sodium montelukast （1 mg·kg^-1） groups （n=6）， and another 6 guinea pigs were selected as the blank group. The guinea pigs in drug administration groups were administrated with the corresponding drugs by gavage， and those in the blank and model groups received the same volume of normal saline by gavage， 1 time·d^-1. After 10 consecutive days of drug administration， the guinea pigs were stimulated by 1% OVA nebulization， and the coughs were observed. The pathological changes in the lung tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to measure the levels of C-reactive protein （CRP）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， superoxide dismutase （SOD）， and malondialdehyde （MDA） in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF） and immunoglobulin G （IgG） and immunoglobulin A （IgA） in the serum. Immunohistochemistry （IHC） was employed to observe the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α in the lung tissue. Transmission electron microscopy was employed observe the alveolar type Ⅱ epithelial cell ultrastructure. Real-time PCR was employed to determine the mRNA levels of IL-6， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， and TNF-α in the lung tissue. Label-free proteomics was used to detect the differential proteins among groups. Network pharmacology was used to predict the targets of XEHT in treating AC. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） enrichment analysis was performed to search for the same pathways from the results of proteomics and network pharmacology. ResultsCompared with the blank group， the model group showed increased coughs （P<0.01）， elevated levels of CRP， TNF-α， IL-6， and MDA and lowered level of SOD in the BALF （P<0.05， P<0.01）， elevated levels of IgA and IgG in the serum （P<0.05， P<0.01）， congestion of the lung tissue and infiltration of inflammatory cells， increased expression of IL-6 and TNF-α （P<0.01）， large areas of low electron density edema in type Ⅱ epithelial cells， obvious swelling and vacuolization of the organelles， karyopyknosis or sparse and dissolved chromatin， and up-regulated mRNA levels of IL-6， IL-1β， and TNF-α （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the drug administration groups showed reduced coughs （P<0.01）， lowered levels of CRP， TNF-α， IL-6， and MDA and elevated level of SOD in the BALF （P<0.05， P<0.01）， alleviated lung tissue congestion， inflammatory cell infiltration， and type Ⅱ epithelial cell injury， and decreased expression of IL-6 and TNF-α （P<0.01）. In addition， the medium-dose XEHT group and the montelukast sodium group showcased lowered serum levels of IgA and IgG （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The medium- and high-dose XEHT groups and the montelukast sodium showed down-regulated mRNA levels of IL-6， IL-1β， and TNF-α and the low-dose XEHT group showed down-regulated mRNA levels of IL-6 and TNF-α （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Phospholipase D， mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR）， and epidermal growth factor receptor family of receptor tyrosine kinase （ErbB） signaling pathways were the common pathways predicted by both proteomics and network pharmacology. ConclusionProteomics combined with network pharmacology reveal that XEHT can ameliorate AC by regulating the phospholipase D， mTOR， and ErbB signaling pathways.

Objective To investigate the impact of healthy eating patterns on the mortality rate and in-cidence rates of end-stage kidney disease(ESKD)and cardiovascular disease(CVD)in the patients with chronic kidney disease(CKD)by meta analysis.Methods The studies on the relationship between the dietary patterns on the mortality,and the incidence rates of ESKD and CVD in the patients with CKD were retrieved from PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,CNKI,Wanfang Database and VIP Database.The retrieval time was from the database establishment to January 2023.The two researchers independently screened the literatures,ex-tracted the data and conducted the literature quality evaluation.The RevMan5.3 software was used for the meta-analysis of the included literatures.Results A total of 10 studies were included in this study,involving 27 291 patients.The results showed that the mortality(HR=0.70,95％CI:0.57-0.87,Z=3.18,P=0.001)and the ESKD incidence rate(HR=0.80,95％CI:0.71-0.91,Z=3.44,P＜0.001)and CVD inci-dence rate(HR=0.77;95％CI:0.61-0.97,Z=2.21,P=0.003)had statistical differences between the pa-tients with high dietary score and the patients with low dietary score.Conclusion Persisting in the healthy dieta-ry patterns could decrease the mortality rate,and incidence rates of ESKD and CVD in the patients with CKD.

Objective To observe the value of multi-slice spiral CT(MSCT)post-processing technologies for diagnosing otosclerosis.Methods Clinical data and original axial plain MSCT of 47 patients with otosclerosis(92 ears)and 65 patients with non-otosclerosis hearing impairment(79 ears)were retrospectively enrolled.MSCT post-processing images,including multi-planar reformation(MPR)of stapes and cochleas and curved planar reformation(CPR)of ossicular chains were obtained.The diagnostic value of original MSCT images alone and raw data of MSCT combing with post-processing images for diagnosing otosclerosis were compared.Results Otosclerosis was correctly diagnosed in 66 ears according to original MSCT images alone,but in 89 ears combined with MSCT post-processing images.The sensitivity of original MSCT images alone and combined with MSCT post-processing images was 71.74％and 96.74％,respectively,and the diagnostic accuracy was 81.29％and 96.49％,respectively,those of the latter were both higher than of the former(both P＜0.05),which had specificities being not significantly different(92.41％vs.96.20％,P＞0.05).Conclusion Combining with post-processing technologies could increase the sensitivity and accuracy of MSCT for diagnosing otosclerosis.

OBJECTIVE To study the interventional effect and mechanism of 1，8-cineole on pancreatic β cell ferroptosis induced by type 2 diabetes. METHODS In vitro ferroptosis model was established in pancreatic β cells of mice by using high glucose. The effects of low-dose and high-dose 1，8-cineole （0.25， 0.5 μmol/L） on the level of Fe2+ in pancreatic β cells were investigated. The effects of 1，8-cineole （0.5 μmol/L） combined with ferroptosis inducer Erastin （20 μmol/L） and ferroptosis inhibitor Ferrostatin-1 （20 μmol/L） on the protein expressions of glutathione peroxidase-4 （GPX4） and cyclooxygenase-2 （COX2） were also detected. The type 2 diabetes model mice were established by feeding high-sugar and high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. The effects of low-dose and high-dose 1，8-cineole （50， 200 mg/kg） on the pathological morphology of pancreatic tissue， the content of iron as well as the protein expressions of GPX4 and COX2 were investigated. RESULTS The results of the cell experiment showed that compared with the model group， pretreatment with 1，8-cineole significantly reduced intracellular Fe2+ levels and upregulated GPX4 protein expression， while downregulated COX2 protein expression in pancreatic β cells （P＜0.05）. After combining with Ferrostatin-1， the expression trends of the above two proteins were the same， while there was no statistically significant difference after combining with Erastin. The results of animal experiments showed that compared with the model group， after intervention with 1，8-cineole， the structure of the pancreatic islets in mice recovered intact and their morphology improved； the iron content of pancreatic tissue and protein expression of COX2 were decreased significantly （P＜0.05）， while protein expression of GPX4 was increased significantly （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS 1，8-cineole could ameliorate pancreatic β cell injury induced by diabetes， the mechanism of which may be related to reducing intracellular iron deposition and regulating ferroptosis-related proteins.

Objective:To explore the genetic basis for a fetus with Cardiac valvular dysplasia type 1 (CVDP1).Methods:A CVDP1 fetus identified at the Ningbo Women and Children′s Hospital on July 7, 2022 was selected as the study subject. Clinical data of the fetus was collected. The fetus and its parents were subjected to trio-whole exome sequencing (trio-WES), and candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing.Results:The fetus had exhibited generalized edema, complex cardiac malformation, abdominal effusion, and enhanced intestinal and renal parenchymal echoes. Trio-WES revealed that it has harbored compound heterozygous variants of the PLD1 gene, namely c. 2977C>T (p.R993*) and c. 1460G>A (p.W487*), which were respectively inherited from its father and mother. Neither variant was reported previously. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the c. 2977C>T (p.R993*) variant was evaluated to be likely pathogenic (PVS1_Moderate+ PM2_Supporting+ PM3+ PP4), whilst the c. 1460G>A (p.W487*) variant was evaluated to be pathogenic (PVS1+ PM2_Supporting+ PP4). Conclusion:The c. 2977C>T (p.R993*) and c. 1460G>A (p.W487*) compound heterozygous variants of the PLD1 gene probably underlay the CVDP1 in the fetus. Above discovery has enriched the mutational spectrum of the PLD1 gene and provided a guidance for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis in this family.

Objective To investigate the metabolic changes and significance of serum biochemical indexes in obese children.Methods A total of 70 children diagnosed with obesity were included in obese group at Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital from January to October 2022.Additionally,55 healthy children were selected as control group.5ml of fasting venous blood was collected from each participant,and after centrifugation for serum separation,laboratory biochemical tests on liver and kidney function were conducted.The tested parameters included albumin(ALB),alkaline phosphatase(ALP),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),blood urea nitrogen(BUN),creatinine(CRE),direct bilirubin(DBIL),glutamyltransferase(GGT),globulin(GLO),high density lipoprotein(HDL),indirect bilirubin(IBIL),low density lipoprotein(LDL),total bilirubin(TBIL),total cholesterol(TCH),triglycerides(TG),total protein(TP),uric acid(UA),and the ratios of albumin/globulin(A/G),AST/ALT,and BUN/CRE.Results The children in obese group,serum levels of ALB,ALP,ALT,AST,CRE,GGT,LDL,TCH,TG,TP,and UA were higer than those of chidren in control group,while AST/ALT,BUN/CRE,and HDL were lower than those of chidren in control group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).A/G,BUN,DBIL,GLO,IBIL,and TBIL showed no statistically significant differences(P>0.05).Principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis models distinctly distinguished children in obese group from control group,with AST/ALT,UA,and ALT contributing the most to the discrimination.Body mass index showed a negative correlation with AST/ALT(r=-0.327,P<0.05)and a significant positive correlation with UA levels(r=0.410,P<0.01).Conclusion Obese children exhibit significant impairment in liver and kidney function and significant metabolic differences compared to healthy children,with AST/ALT and UA being the most significant indicators of difference.

Objective To investigate the value of serum markers in the early diagnosis of liver cirrhosis with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE). Methods A prospective analysis was performed for 81 patients who were hospitalized and treated in General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University from April 2020 to February 2022, and all these patients were diagnosed with hepatitis B cirrhosis based on clinical manifestation, laboratory examination, and radiological examination or liver biopsy. According to digital connection test A (NCT-A) and digital symbol test (DST), these patients were divided into simple cirrhosis group with 45 patients and MHE group with 36 patients. Related indices were measured, including liver function [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin (TBil)], albumin, blood ammonia, cholinesterase, and prothrombin time. The independent samples t -test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups; the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison between multiple groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. The logistic regression analysis and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) were used to investigate the predictive factors for MHE. Results Compared with the simple cirrhosis group, the MHE group had a significant increase in NCT-A score ( Z =-7.110, P < 0.001) and a significant reduction in DST score ( t =12.223, P < 0.001). The univariate analysis showed that there were significant changes in AST, albumin, prothrombin time, cholinesterase, and blood ammonia in the patients with MHE ( Z =-2.319, -2.643, -1.982, -6.594, and -5.331, all P < 0.05), while the multivariate analysis showed that only cholinesterase and blood ammonia were significant predictive factors (all P < 0.05) and were correlated with Child-Pugh score (all P < 0.05). Cholinesterase, blood ammonia, and their combination had an AUC of 0.925, 0.845, and 0.941, respectively, in the diagnosis of MHE, with an optimal cut-off value of 2966, 60, and 0.513, respectively. Conclusion Blood ammonia, cholinesterase, and their combined measurement have a potential clinical value in the early diagnosis of liver cirrhosis with MHE.

OBJE CTIVE To prepare and characterize evodiamine phospholipid complex self-microemulsifying drug delivery system（EVO-PC-SMEDDS），and to investigate its gastric mucosal permeability. METHODS EVO-PC-SMEDDS was prepared ， and particle size ，polydispersity（PDI）and Zeta potential were tested ，and microscopic observation was carried out. The stability of EVO-PC-SMEDDS in simulated gastric liquid with different pH （1.2，2.0，4.0，7.0）was investigated. The entrapment efficiency and drug-loading amount of the preparation were determined ，and the in vitro release was investigated. The gastric mucosal permeability of EVO-PC-SMEDDS was studied by combining rat gastric mucosal tissue and Ussing Chamber technology. RESULTS The particle size of EVO-PC-SMEDDS was （53.63±1.51）nm，PDI and Zeta potential were 0.217±0.017 and （－12.20±0.15）mV，entrapment efficiency was （95.25±0.97）％ and drug-loading amount was （19.30±1.21）mg/g. EVO-PC- SMEDDS exhibited a uniformly dispersed round spherical shape under transmission electron microscope. Stability experiments showed that EVO-PC-SMEDDS exhibited no significant change in particle size ，PDI and Zeta potential under the simulated gastric fluid with different pH and showed excellent stability. Results of in vitro release test showed that compared with evodiamine （EVO），in vitro accumulative release of EVO-PC-SMEDDS were enhanced 6.83-fold，which was in line with the first-order kinetic release model. Results of gastric mucosal permeability showed that gastric mucosal permeation transport ，permeation rate ， permeation flux and area under curve of cumulative permeability of EVO-PC-SMEDDS were higher than those of EVO ， respectively. CONCLUSIONS EVO-PC-SMEDDS is prepared N successfully and shows good stability. It could significantly improve the release behavior and gastric mucosal permeability of EVO.

In order to improve the poor solubility and low bioavailability of paeonol (Pae), paeonol-nanoemulsion (Pae-NE) was prepared, and its effect on uptake of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was investigated.Pae-NE was prepared by phase inversion composition (PIC), the formulation of Pae-NE was optimized by single factor method and central composite design-response surface method (CCD), and the pharmaceutical properties were further characterized.Moreover, MTT was applied to evaluate the toxicity of Pae-NE on HUVECs, and the cellular uptake efficiency of Pae-NE was detected by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry.The results showed that the optimal formulation of Pae-NE was 20 mg of Pae, 55.1 mg of LCT, 144.9 mg of MCT, 600 mg of HS15, and 200 mg of 1,2 propylene glycol.The Pae-NE appearance was a light blue emulsion, and the average particle size is (25.69 ± 0.03) nm, with PDI of 0.182 ± 0.09, Zeta potential of -(4.01 ± 0.30) mV and good stability.The drug loading of Pae-NE was (1.967 ± 0.28) mg/mL and encapsulation rate of (99.36 ± 0.1)%.Pae-NE performed no significant effect on HUVECs growth in the Pae concentration range of 10-1-10-3 μg/mL.Moreover, NE as a drug delivery carrier significantly enhanced the uptake efficiency of Pae on HUVECs.In conclusion, Pae-NE preparation method was simple and stable, and promotes HUVECs uptake efficiency of Pae, suggesting that NE was a better dosage form reference for the lipid-soluble drug of Pae.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among five high-risk populations in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, so as to provide insights into improvements in the control strategy for hepatitis C. Methods: The detection of anti-HCV antibody was collected from patients receiving renal dialysis, patients receiving invasive diagnosis and treatment in hospitals, physical examination populations, unpaid blood donors and subjects admitted to family planning clinics in national hepatitis C surveillance sentinels in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from 2013 to 2021, and the year-, gender- and age-specific prevalence of anti-HCV antibody was analyzed. Results: The mean prevalence of anti-HCV antibody was 2.19%, 1.81%, 0.05%, 0.10% and 0.03% among 3 600 patients receiving renal dialysis, 3 600 patients receiving invasive diagnosis and treatment in hospitals, 18 000 physical examination populations, 18 000 volunteer blood donors and 3 600 subjects admitted to family planning clinics, respectively. The prevalence of anti-HCV antibody appeared a tendency towards a decline among patients receiving renal dialysis (χ2trend=49.065, P<0.001) and volunteer blood donors (χ2trend=11.419, P=0.001). The prevalence of anti-HCV antibody was higher among male patients receiving invasive diagnosis and treatment in hospitals than among females (2.34% vs. 1.36%; χ2=4.826, P=0.028), and no gender-specific prevalence of anti-HCV antibody was seen among other four high-risk populations (all P>0.05). The highest prevalence of anti-HCV antibody was detected among patients receiving renal dialysis (3.30%) and patients receiving invasive diagnosis and treatment in hospitals at ages of 50 to 59 years (3.35%), while the highest prevalence was found among physical examination populations at ages of 60 years and greater (0.18%). Conclusion The prevalence of anti-HCV antibody was high among patients receiving renal dialysis and patients receiving invasive diagnosis and treatment in hospitals and low among physical examination populations, volunteer blood donors and subjects admitted to family planning clinics in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from 2013 to 2021. Periodical monitoring of anti-HCV antibody is recommended among the elderly.