The chemical constituents from the n-butanol fraction of ethanol extract of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) were isolated and purified using chromatographic process including MCI Gel CHP-20, ODS, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, and semi-preparative HPLC method, and one alkyne and two phenylpropanoid derivants were obtained. Their structures were identified as (5R,E)-tetradecane-12-ene-8,10-diyne-1,5,14-triol (1), (E)-8-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl n-butyl cinnamate (2), and (7S,8S)-7-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzene)-7-butyl-8,9-diol (3) by modern spectroscopy methods (1D NMR, 2D NMR, UV, IR and MS). 1-3 are all new compounds. Compounds 1-3 were screened for their anti-renal fibrosis activities in vitro, and none of them showed obvious effect.

Objective To investigate the effect of dexmedetom idine(DEX)on lung tissue and Ras homolog gene family member A(RhoA)/Rho kinase 1(ROCK1)signaling pathway in lung tissue of rats with ventilator-induced lung injury(VILI).Methods A VILI rat model was established and separated into control group,model group(VILI group),dexmedetomidine low and high dose groups(DEX-L,DEX-H group),and high dose dexmedetomi-dine+lysophosphatidic acid(LPA)group(DEX-H+LPA group).Determination of wet/dry mass ratio of rat lung tissue(W/D);HE staining microscopy was applied to observe morphology of lung tissue;ELISA kit was applied to detect the level of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β)and interleukin-6(IL-6)in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF);TUNEL staining method was applied to detect lung epithelial cell death;Immunoblotting was applied to detect the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins,and RhoA,ROCK1 pro-teins.Results DEX could reduce lung injury,lung injury score,W/D,apoptosis rate,levels of TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6,and expression of Bax,cleaved caspase-3,RhoA,ROCK,α-SMA in VILI rats(P＜0.05),while increased the expression of Bcl-2(P＜0.05);LPA could aggravate lung injury and increase lung injury score,W/D,apopto-sis rate,level of TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6 and expressions of Bax,cleaved caspase-3,RhoA,ROCK and α-SMA(P＜0.05);Bcl-2 expression level was decreased(P＜0.05).Conclusions Dexmedetomidine may protect rats with ventilator-induced lung injury by the inhibition of RhoA/ROCK1 signaling pathway.

Objective To study the expression and clinical significance of neural Wiskott-Alrdich syndrome protein(N-WASP)in pla-centas with preeclampsia.Methods This study included a total of 65 pregnant women:15 in the early-onset preeclampsia group,15 in the early-onset control group,15 in the late-onset preeclampsia group,and 20 in the late-onset control group.Real-time fluorescence quan-titative PCR(RT-qPCR)was used to detect the relative expression of N-WASP mRNA in placental tissues.Western blotting and immu-nohistochemistry were used to detect the expression and position of N-WASP protein in placental tissues from each group.Results RT-qPCR revealed significantly lower N-WASP mRNA expression levels in the placental tissue of the early-onset preeclampsia group compared to those in the early-onset control group(0.50±0.19 vs.0.93±0.73,P＜0.05).The N-WASP mRNA expression levels in late-onset preeclampsia placenta were significantly lower than those in the late-onset control group(0.83±0.34 vs.1.15±0.34,P＜0.05).Western blotting revealed significantly lower N-WASP protein expression in the placental tissue of early-onset preeclampsia compared to that in the early-onset control group(0.35±0.17 vs.0.72±0.21,P＜0.05).The N-WASP protein expression in late-onset preeclampsia placenta was significantly lower than that in the late-onset control group(0.39±0.16 vs.0.76±0.20,P＜0.05).The N-WASP mRNA expression in the placenta negatively correlated with the occurrence of early-onset(r =-0.37,P = 0.042)and late-onset preeclampsia(r =-0.39,P = 0.019).Immunohistochemistry revealed that N-WASP protein was localized in the cytoplasm of syncytiotrophoblasts,cytotrophoblasts,villous stromal cells,and vascular endothelial cells.Conclusion The low expression of N-WASP may be closely associated with preeclampsia.

Objective : To explore the effect of MPZL1 knockdown in A549 Taxol resistant (A549 / Tax) cells and whether it affect drug resistance and tumor cell stemness by regulating β-catenin． Methods : A549 and A549 / Tax cells were treated with different concentrations of doxorubicin and paclitaxel to observe the differences in drug resist- ance between the two cells．Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were used to detect the MP- ZL1 expression level in A549 and A549 / Tax cells． After knockdown or overexpression of MPZL1 in A549 / Tax cells，cells were divided into control group，small hairpin RNA negative control ( sh-NC) group，MPZL1 knock- down(sh-MPZL1) group，overexpression negative control ( OE-NC) group，MPZL1 overexpression ( OE-MPZL1) group．Cell counting kit-8 ( CCK-8 ) and clone formation assay were utilized to investigate cell proliferation and clone formation ablity．Western blot assay was used to detect the protein expression after the cells treated with Wnt / β-catenin signaling inhibitor XAV939 and activator CHIR-99201 . Results : The half inhibitory concentration ( IC50 ) of doxorubicin and paclitaxel in A549 / Tax cells significantly increased compared to A549 cells(P＜0. 01) . MPZL1 presented a higher expression trend in A549 / Tax cells．The IC50 values of A549 / Tax for doxorubicin and paclitaxel were 2. 731 mg / ml and 4. 939 μg / ml after MPZL1 knockdown，compared to 4. 541 mg / ml and 13. 55 μg / ml in the NC group (P＜0. 01) ．The results of CCK-8 and clone formation assay showed that the knockdown of MPZL1 reduced the viability of cells proliferation and clonal formation ability (P＜0. 05) ．Western blot results in- dicated that the expression levels of MPZL1 protein，tumor cell stemness associated proteins ( CD44，CD133) ，β - catenin and multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) ，lung resistance-related protein ( LRP) were significantly re- duced in the sh-MPZL1 group． Furthermore ，XAV939 could inhibit the expression levels of MPZL1 ，CD44， CD133，MDR1，LRP and β-catenin(P＜0. 01) ．The inhibitory effect of knockdown MPZL1 on the aforementioned proteins was significantly reversed by CHIR-99201 treatment． Conclusion MPZL1 is highly expressed in A549 / Tax cells．Knockdown MPZL1 suppresses the tumor cell stemness and proliferation，thereby reversing the drug re- sistance of doxorubicin and paclitaxel in A549 / Tax cells.

Objective To summarize our experience and the early and midterm outcomes of stented elephant trunk procedure for right-sided aortic arch (RAA) with Kommerell's diverticulum (KD). Methods From April 2013 to July 2020, patients with RAA and KD who underwent stented elephant trunk procedure at our center were collected. Surgery was performed under moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest combined with selective antegrade cerebral perfusion via median sternotomy. Results A total of 8 patients were included, including 7 males and 1 female with a mean age of 51.88±9.61 years. All patients had an aneurysmal KD and aberrant left subclavian artery. Preoperative comorbidities included acute Stanford type B aortic dissection in 1 patient, aortic arch pseudoaneurysm in 1 patient, acute type B intramural hematoma in 2 patients, and coronary artery disease in 1 patient. Concomitant procedures included reconstruction of the left subclavian artery in all patients and coronary artery bypass grafting in 1 patient. The mean time of operation, cardiopulmonary bypass, aortic cross-clamping, and selective cerebral perfusion was 6.25±1.16 h, 157.75±40.07 min, 77.75±33.10 min, and 28.50±5.55 min, respectively. No intraoperative death occurred. There was 1 in-hospital death. Follow-up was completed in all patients with a mean period of 3.58±2.08 years. No late death occurred. A persistent anastomotic leak of the proximal arch was detected in 1 patient, but reintervention was not performed because neither aortic dilatation nor symptoms of tracheal and esophageal compression were observed during the follow-up. The remaining 6 patients showed positive aortic remodeling with complete thrombosis of the aneurysmal KD, and neither aortic event nor tracheal and esophageal compression occurred. Conclusion Stented elephant trunk procedure is a safe and feasible technique for selected patients with RAA and KD, which can achieve favorable early and midterm outcomes.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the impurities in cetirizine hydrochloride oral solution, and explore the existing problems of the production process, and provide a reference for improvement of the product quality. METHODS The related substances of 3 manufactures’ cetirizine hydrochloride oral solution were determined by HPLC. The main impurities were studied qualitively and quantitatively. The chromatographic separation was performed on a CAPCELL PAK C18 (4.6 mm×250 mm, 5 μm) column with a mixture of acetonitrile-water(17 : 83)(phosphoric acid adjusted to pH 1.5) and acetonitrile-water(35 : 65)(phosphoric acid adjusted to pH 1.5) as mobile phase by gradient elution. Detection wavelength was set at 230 nm. The confirmatory structure of the main impurities was determined by chromatography-mass spectrometry, the compatibility test between raw materials and pharmaceutical excipients was established to determine the pathway of impurities. The chromatographic separation was performed on an ACQUITY UPLC HSS-C18(150 mm×2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) column with 20 mmol·L–1 ammonium acetate(with 0.1% acetic acid)-methanol as mobile phase by gradient elution. RESULTS There might be 5 impurities in cetirizine hydrochloride oral solution. The two main related substances detected in cetirizine hydrochloride oral solution from 3 enterprises were cetirizine propylene glycol esters(a pair of diastereomers) and cetirizine glycerides(a pair of diastereomers). The emergence of impurities was highly relater to the formulation process. CONCLUSION The formulation technology of cetirizine hydrochloride oral solution need to be improved, and the active ingredients are incompatible with excipients. The related substances of cetirizine hydrochloride oral solution should be controlled from formulation design to improve the quality.

Objective:To investigate the independent and combined effects of maternal smoking during pregnancy and offspring genetic susceptibility on overall cancer mortality.Methods:Based on the United Kingdom Biobank ( n=419 228) data, the Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to estimate the effect of maternal smoking during pregnancy on offspring overall cancer (including 16 cancers in men and 18 in women) mortality and its combined effect and interaction with offspring genetic factors. Results:Maternal smoking during pregnancy was significantly associated with a 13% increased risk of overall cancer mortality in men [hazard ratio( HR)=1.13, 95% CI: 1.06-1.20] and 19% increased risk in women ( HR=1.19, 95% CI: 1.11-1.27). Participants with high genetic risk had the highest overall cancer mortality than those with low genetic risk (men: HR=1.42, 95% CI: 1.30-1.55; women: HR=1.38, 95% CI: 1.25-1.52). Compared with participants without maternal smoking during pregnancy and low genetic risk, those with maternal smoking during pregnancy and high genetic risk were associated with a 56% increased risk of overall cancer mortality in men ( HR=1.56, 95% CI: 1.37-1.77) and 59% in women ( HR=1.59, 95% CI: 1.39-1.83). Conclusion:Maternal smoking during pregnancy may increase offspring overall cancer mortality and more severe harm in individuals with high genetic risk.

Objective:To investigate the impact of air pollution on dynamic changes in lung function and further explore the association between genetic factors and lung function and its changes.Methods:Research data were from 14 506 participants in the United Kingdom Biobank with two complete baseline and follow-up lung function tests. Particulate matter [including particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm and ≤10 μm (PM 2.5 and PM 10)], nitrogen dioxide (NO 2), and nitrogen oxides (NO x) concentrations were estimated using land-use regression models. Annual changes in lung function were calculated based on baseline and follow-up lung function tests. Polygenic risk scores (PRS) of lung function [forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV 1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and the ratio of FEV 1 to FVC (FEV 1/FVC)] were constructed by genetic variations. The association between air pollution concentrations and lung function changes was analyzed by multiple linear regression models, and the impact of genetic factors on lung function and its changes was also assessed. Results:PM 2.5, PM 10, NO 2, and NO x showed a negative correlation with FVC changes [PM 2.5: -6.66 (95% CI: -9.92- -3.40) ml/year; PM 10: -0.40 (95% CI: -0.77- -0.03) ml/year; NO 2: -1.84 (95% CI: -2.60- -1.07) ml/year; NO x: -1.37 (95% CI: -2.27- -0.46) ml/year]. Additionally, PM 2.5, PM 10and NO 2 were also negatively correlated with changes in FEV 1 [PM 2.5: -3.19 (95% CI: -5.79- -0.59) ml/year; PM 10: -3.00 (95% CI: -5.92- -0.08) ml/year; NO 2: -0.95 (95% CI: -1.56- -0.34) ml/year]. PRS of lung function were positively correlated with baseline lung function (FVC, FEV 1, and FEV 1/FVC) and lung function changes (all β>0, all P<0.001). In different PRS stratification analyses, the effect of air pollution on lung function changes remained significant, and there was no apparent heterogeneity. Conclusions:PRS of lung function are significantly associated with baseline and lung function changes. Long-term exposure to air pollution accelerates the decline of lung function indicators such as FVC and FEV 1. The effects of air pollution are consistent in individuals with different genetic risk scores.

Objective To analyze the influencing factors of pancreatic fat deposition in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM),and to explore the relationship between pancreatic fat deposition and islet function.Methods A survey on diabetes prevalence was conducted among 548 residents in the Nicheng community of Pudong New Area from October 2015 to December 2016,including 301 patients with T2DM and 247 subjects with normal glucose tolerance(NGT).General information of the subjects were recorded,blood biochemical and insulin indexes were measured,body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry,and insulin resistance index(HOMA-IR)and islet cell sensitivity index(HOMA-β)were calculated.Fatty liver and pancreatic fat deposition were detected by ultrasound.Both the T2DM group and NGT group were further divided into two subgroups according to the pancreatic fat deposition.Differences in general demographic information,biochemical and body fat indices among the groups were compared.Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of pancreatic fat deposition.Results In the NGT group,the subgroup with pancreatic fat deposition showed higher levels of age,waist circumference,waist-to-hip ratio(WHR),body mass index(BMI),fasting insulin levels(FINS),2-hour postprandial insulin levels(2 h INS),triglycerides(TG),uric acid(UA),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),fatty liver prevalence,abdominal fat percentage,and abdomen-to-hip ratio(AHR),compared with the subgroup without pancreatic fat deposition.High-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)and limb fat percentage were lower in the subgroup with pancreatic fat deposition.In the T2DM group,the subgroup with pancreatic fat deposition showed higher levels of waist circumference,BMI,FINS,2 h INS,TG,UA,ALT,aspartate aminotransferase(AST),fatty liver prevalence,and abdominal fat percentage,compared with the subgroup without pancreatic fat deposition,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).The HOMA-IR and HOMA-β in both NGT and T2DM groups with pancreatic fat deposition were significantly higher than those in the groups without pancreatic fat deposition.The prevalence of insulin resistance also significantly increased,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that HDL-C,HOMA-β,abdominal fat percentage,age and fatty liver were the influencing factors for pancreatic fat deposition in NGT.Conclusion Elderly individuals with abdominal obesity and fatty liver are more prone to developing pancreatic fat deposition,which can affect islet function and aggravate the insulin resistance.

Objective To explore the effect of nasal intestinal obstruction catheter placement in the treatment of intestinal obstruction during pregnancy.Methods A total of 92 patients with intestinal obstruction during pregnancy admitted to our hospital from January 2021 to January 2022 were divided into the observation group(46 cases,treated with nasal intestinal obstruction catheter placement)and the control group(46 cases,treated with ordinary nasogastric tube for gastrointestinal decompression)by random number table method.The curative effect,gastrointestinal function and immune function of patients in the two groups were observed,and the maternal and infant outcomes were recorded.Results The total effective rate of patients in the observation group was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the levels of CD4+T lymphocytes increased in both groups of patients,while the levels of IgG,IgA,IgM,and CD8+T lymphocytes decreased,and those in the observation group were superior to the control group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).The recovery time of bowel sounds,anal exhaust time and first defecation time after treatment in the observation group were earlier than those in the control group(P<0.05).A total of 42 patients(91.30% )in the observation group delivered at full term after conservative treatment,with good maternal and infant outcomes;35 patients(76.09% )in the control group recovered and discharged after conservative treatment,there was a statistically significant difference in the recovery and discharge rate between patients of the two groups(P<0.05).Conclusion Nasal intestinal obstruction catheter placement can effectively improve gastrointestinal function of patients with intestinal obstruction during pregnancy,and enhance the immune function and recovery rate.