Objective To observe the changes of laboratory blood indexes in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy(ICP),and analyze the value of blood inflammation indexes and liver function indexes in the diagnosis of ICP and the prediction of delivery mode.Methods A total of 251 patients diagnosed with ICP in this hospital from January 2021 to December 2022 were selected as the ICP group,and another 200 healthy pregnant women were selected as the control group.The patients with ICP were further divided into the severe ICP group(n=47)and the mild ICP group(n=204),the vaginal delivery group(n=113)and the cesarean section group(n=138)according to the severity of ICP and delivery mode.Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of parameters between groups,and Spearman method was used for correlation analy-sis.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were used to evaluate the efficacy of laboratory indicators in diagnosing ICP and predicting delivery mode.Results Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio(NLR)[6.01(4.45,8.37)vs.3.36(4.12,3.51)]and aspartate transaminase(AST)level[20.00(16.00,33.00)U/L vs.15.00(13.00,18.00)U/L]in the ICP group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P＜0.05),and NLR in the severe ICP group was significantly higher than that in the mild ICP group[4.93(3.87,7.35)vs.4.14(3.12,5.17),P＜0.05].Correlation analysis showed that NLR was positively correlated with AST level(r=0.279,P＜0.001)and ICP severity(r=0.139,P=0.028)in patients with ICP.The area under ROC curve(AUC)of NLR combined with AST for ICP diagnosis was 0.882(95％CI:0.851-0.913).In ad-dition,cholinesterase(CHE)[6 020.00(5 499.50,6 703.50)U/L vs.5 341.50(4 651.75,6 259.25)U/L]and prealbumin(PA)[199.00(177.71,225.20)mg/Lvs.169.17(139.18,204.40)mg/L]levels in the va-ginal delivery group were significantly higher than those in the cesarean section group(P＜0.05),and the AUC of CHE combined with PA for predicting vaginal delivery in ICP patients was 0.727(95％CI:0.664-0.789).Conclusion NLR and AST have potential value in the diagnosis of ICP,and CHE and PA have poten-tial value in predicting delivery mode of ICP patients.

Marine microorganisms, especially marine fungi, have historically proven their value as a prolific source for structurally novel and pharmacologically active secondary metabolites (Deshmukh et al., 2018; Carroll et al., 2022). The corals constitute a dominant part of reefs with the highest biodiversity, and harbor highly diverse and abundant microbial symbionts in their tissue, skeleton, and mucus layer, with species-specific core members that are spatially partitioned across coral microhabitats (Wang WQ et al., 2022). The coral-associated fungi were very recently found to be vital producers of structurally diverse compounds, terpenes, alkaloids, peptides, aromatics, lactones, and steroids. They demonstrate a wide range of bioactivity such as anticancer, antimicrobial, and antifouling activity (Chen et al., 2022). The genetically powerful genus Emericella (Ascomycota), which has marine and terrestrial sources, includes over 30 species and is distributed worldwide. It is considered a rich source of diverse secondary metabolites with antimicrobial activity or cytotoxicity (Alburae et al., 2020). Notably, Emericella nidulans, the sexual state of a classic biosynthetic strain Aspergillus nidulans, was recently reported as an important source of highly methylated polyketides (Li et al., 2019) and isoindolone-containing meroterpenoids (Zhou et al., 2016) with unusual skeletons.
Animals ; Aspergillus nidulans ; Polyketides/chemistry* ; Anthozoa/microbiology* ; Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology* ; Alkaloids

The Ly-6 and uPAR (LU) domain-containing proteins represent a large family of cell-surface markers. In particular, mouse Ly-6A/Sca-1 is a widely used marker for various stem cells; however, its human ortholog is missing. In this study, based on a systematic survey and comparative genomic study of mouse and human LU domain-containing proteins, we identified a previously unannotated human gene encoding the candidate ortholog of mouse Ly-6A/Sca-1. This gene, hereby named LY6A, reversely overlaps with a lncRNA gene in the majority of exonic sequences. We found that LY6A is aberrantly expressed in pituitary tumors, but not in normal pituitary tissues, and may contribute to tumorigenesis. Similar to mouse Ly-6A/Sca-1, human LY6A is also upregulated by interferon, suggesting a conserved transcriptional regulatory mechanism between humans and mice. We cloned the full-length LY6A cDNA, whose encoded protein sequence, domain architecture, and exon-intron structures are all well conserved with mouse Ly-6A/Sca-1. Ectopic expression of the LY6A protein in cells demonstrates that it acts the same as mouse Ly-6A/Sca-1 in their processing and glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchoring to the cell membrane. Collectively, these studies unveil a novel human gene encoding a candidate biomarker and provide an interesting model gene for studying gene regulatory and evolutionary mechanisms.
Humans ; Membrane Proteins/genetics* ; Pituitary Neoplasms/genetics* ; Biomarkers

Objective: To explore the effect of group cognitive behavioral therapy (GCBT) on cognitive control among college students with high obsessive compulsive traits, to provide basic information for the psychological counseling intervention for college students. Methods: From March to April 2019, 687 students were conveniently selected from 2 universities in Hefei. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 58 students with high obsessive traits were selected and divided into experimental group ( n =29) and control group ( n =29) by random number table method. The experimental group received cognitive behavioral group counseling for 4 weeks (1.5 h each time, twice a week), while the control group receive no intervention. The Obsessive Compulsive Inventory Revised (OCI-R), Stroop Color Word Test (SCWT), Digital Span Test (DST), and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WSCT) were used to assess in two groups at baseline and 4 weeks later. Results: After 4 weeks, the scores of OCI-R in the GCBT group (10.28±7.22) was lower than that of in the control group (15.90±10.20) ( t=2.42, P<0.05). Before and after intervention, compared with the control group [(21.89±6.63, 20.52±7.37)s, (8.62±4.43, 8.04±4.84)s] in Stroop C and Stroop interfere effects (SIE), the GCBT group [(22.14±4.92, 16.81±3.43)s, (8.36±3.87, 4.82±1.86)s], the interaction of time group was statistically significant ( F =14.60, 10.54, P <0.05). Compared with the control group (6.21±1.35, 6.55±1.45)times, the scores of DST reverse in the GCBT group (6.31±1.44, 7.24±1.38) times were statistically significant ( F=3.96, P <0.05). Conclusion It suggests that cognitive behavioral group counseling can improve the inhibitory control and working memory of college students with high obsessive compulsive traits, but does not change the cognitive flexibility.

The TEA domain (TEAD) family proteins (TEAD1‒4) are essential transcription factors that control cell differentiation and organ size in the Hippo pathway. Although the sequences and structures of TEAD family proteins are highly conserved, each TEAD isoform has unique physiological and pathological functions. Therefore, the development and discovery of subtype selective inhibitors for TEAD protein will provide important chemical probes for the TEAD-related function studies in development and diseases. Here, we identified a novel TEAD1/3 covalent inhibitor (DC-TEADin1072) with biochemical IC

Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy of modified Zhizhutang in treating senile primary constipation due to Qi-Yin deficiency and its influences on gastrointestinal neurotransmitters and gastrointestinal motility. Method:One hundred and twenty-one eligible patients were randomly divided into a control group （n=60） and an observation group （n=61）. On the basis of lifestyle adjustments， patients in the control group further received oral Qihuang Tongmi soft capsule，three capsules per time，three times per day， whereas those in the observation group were further treated with modified Zhizhutang，one bag per day， for eight successive weeks. The number of complete spontaneous bowel movements （CSBM， normal defecation was considered if CSBM ≥ three times per week） before and after treatment was recorded. The main symptoms of constipation，the patient assessment of constipation quality of life （PAC-QOL）， and the traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome before and after treatment were scored， followed by the anorectal pressure measurement and colonic transit test before and after treatment. The levels of somatostatin （SS），motilin （MTL），substance P （SP） and vasoactive intestinal peptide （VIP） before and after treatment were detected. Result:The weekly average number of CSBM in the observation group was greater than that of the control group （P<0.01）， but the TCM syndrome score was lower than that of the control group （P<0.01）. The normal defecation rate in the observation group was 57.38% （35/61），which was higher than 35% （21/60） of the control group （χ²=6.092，P<0.05）. The scores of the main symptoms of constipation in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group （P<0.01）. The PAC-QOL subscale scores and the total score of the observation group significantly declined as compared with those of the control group （P<0.01）. The anal resting pressure and anal maximum systolic pressure of the observation group were higher than those of the control group （P<0.01），while the first sensation volume， urge sensation volume and maximum tolerable volume were lower （P<0.01）. The excretion rates of markers in the observation group at 24 h，48 h and 72 h were significantly elevated in comparison with those in the control group （P<0.01）. Compared with the control group， the observation group also exhibited increased serum MTL and SP （P<0.01） and decreased SS and VIP （P<0.01）. The recurrence rate in the observation group was 34.29% （12/35），obviously lower than 61.90% （13/21） in the control group （χ²=5.051，P<0.05）. The total effective rates in the observation group and the control group were 95.08% （58/61） and 81.67% （49/60） ， implying a significant difference （χ²=5.321，P<0.01）. Conclusion:For the elderly with primary constipation due to Qi-Yin deficiency， oral administration of modified Zhizhutang helps to regulate gastrointestinal neurotransmitters，improve gastrointestinal motility and gastrointestinal emptying rate， alleviate the symptoms of constipation， restore spontaneous bowel movements， improve their quality of life， and lower the recurrence rate. Its clinical effects were better than those of Qihuang Tongmi soft capsule.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of fractional CO 2 laser for the treatment of vaginal relaxation syndrome. Methods:Twenty-one females with vaginal relaxation syndrome receiced between December 2016 and January 2017 in our department were treated for 3 times at 1 month interval with femilift fractional CO 2 laser. Vaginal palpation, vaginal squeeze pressure test, vaginal ultrasound, pelvic floor MRI, and Incontinence Questionnaire Short-Form (ICIQ-SF) assessments were performed at baseline and at post-treatment. Results:Significant improvement in female sexual dysfunction and stress urinary incontinence was especially seen based on patient＇s feelings after treatments. A noted progressive differences were observed in FSFI and vaginal pressure test, which were much higher after treatment than before treatment ( P<0.01). Moreover, in 13 cases suffering from mild to moderate stress urinary incontinence (SUI), fractional CO 2 laser treatment was associated with a significant improvement of ICIQ-SF scores ( P<0.01). All subjects successfully completed the study with no adverse events such as infections, bleeding and pain, etc. Conclusions:Fractional CO 2 laser treatment is an effective treatment for female sexual dysfunction and stress urinary incontinence caused by vaginal relaxation syndrome.

Objective:To investigate the measurement of small airways by high-resolution CT and image post-processing software. Screen and analyze the reconstructed airway parameters in order to find the best imaging biomarker parameters of small airway changes and calculate the reference value range; meanwhile, explore its influencing factors.Methods:From a water plant and a medical school, 169 cases of the general population aged 20 to 60 were selected as research objects, and questionnaire surveys and CT tests were performed, and CT data were reconstructed with image post-processing software. The reference value range of the general population was evaluated, and a linear mixed effect model was used to adjust the age, gender, height, BMI, and smoking status, and analyze the influencing factors of airway parameters.Results:The ratio of sixth-grade tracheal wall area to total tracheal area in the Left B1+2 to carina was (53.01±13.35) %, Left B9 to carina was (50.44±12.98) %, Right B1 to carina was (52.73±12.22) %, and Right B9 to carina was (52.93±11.85) %. The ratio of nineth-grade tracheal wall area to total tracheal area in the Left B1+2 to carina was (44.08±14.66) %, Left B9 to carina was (42.44±15.89) %, Right B1 to carina was (46.51±14.03) %, and Right B9 to carina is (43.54±15.87) %. BMI affect the area of the tracheal wall, all p value<0.05.Conclusion:High-resolution CT small airway morphology can make a preliminary assessment of the susceptible population of small airway-related diseases based on a range of reference values, and prevent and control it in combination with influencing factors.

Objective:To investigate the measurement of small airways by high-resolution CT and image post-processing software. Screen and analyze the reconstructed airway parameters in order to find the best imaging biomarker parameters of small airway changes and calculate the reference value range; meanwhile, explore its influencing factors.Methods:From a water plant and a medical school, 169 cases of the general population aged 20 to 60 were selected as research objects, and questionnaire surveys and CT tests were performed, and CT data were reconstructed with image post-processing software. The reference value range of the general population was evaluated, and a linear mixed effect model was used to adjust the age, gender, height, BMI, and smoking status, and analyze the influencing factors of airway parameters.Results:The ratio of sixth-grade tracheal wall area to total tracheal area in the Left B1+2 to carina was (53.01±13.35) %, Left B9 to carina was (50.44±12.98) %, Right B1 to carina was (52.73±12.22) %, and Right B9 to carina was (52.93±11.85) %. The ratio of nineth-grade tracheal wall area to total tracheal area in the Left B1+2 to carina was (44.08±14.66) %, Left B9 to carina was (42.44±15.89) %, Right B1 to carina was (46.51±14.03) %, and Right B9 to carina is (43.54±15.87) %. BMI affect the area of the tracheal wall, all p value<0.05.Conclusion:High-resolution CT small airway morphology can make a preliminary assessment of the susceptible population of small airway-related diseases based on a range of reference values, and prevent and control it in combination with influencing factors.

PURPOSE: Although the effect of lysosome-associated protein transmembrane 4 beta (LAPTM4B) on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of breast cancer (BC) cells has already been studied, its specific role in BC progression is still elusive. Here, we evaluated the effect of different levels of LAPTM4B expression on the proliferation, invasion, adhesion, and tumor formation abilities of BC cells in vitro, as well as on breast tumor progression in vivo. METHODS: We investigated the influence of LAPTM4B expression on MCF-7 cell proliferation, invasion, adhesion, and tube formation abilities in vitro through its overexpression or knockdown and on breast tumor progression in vivo. RESULTS: Cell growth curves and colony formation assays showed that LAPTM4B promoted the proliferation of breast tumor cells. Cell cycle analysis results revealed that LAPTM4B promoted the entry of cells from the G1 into the S phase. Transwell invasion and cell extracellular matrix adhesion assays showed that LAPTM4B overexpression increased the invasion and adhesion capabilities of MCF-7 cells. More branches were observed in MCF-7 cells overexpressing LAPTM4B under an electron microscope. In comparison with LAPTM4B overexpression, LAPTM4B knockdown decreased the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-A and significantly inhibited the vasculogenic tube formation ability of tumors. These results were also verified with western blot analysis. CONCLUSION: LAPTM4B promoted the proliferation of MCF-7 cells through the downregulation of p21 (WAF1/CIP1) and caspase-3, and induced cell invasion, adhesion, and angiogenesis through the upregulation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), and MMP9 expression. This specific role deems LAPTM4B as a potential therapeutic target for BC treatment.
Blotting, Western ; Breast Neoplasms ; Breast ; Caspase 3 ; Cell Cycle ; Disease Progression ; Down-Regulation ; Extracellular Matrix ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1 ; In Vitro Techniques ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; MCF-7 Cells ; S Phase ; Up-Regulation ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A