Objective To explore the therapeutic mechanism of Liuwei Buqi(LWBQ)Formula for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)in rat models.Methods SD rat models of COPD established by cigarette smoking combined with intratracheal lipopolysaccharide(LPS)instillation and hormone injection were treated with LWBQ Formula by gavage with or without intraperitoneal injection of MCC950 for 3 weeks,starting at the 5th week of modeling.After the treatments,the rats were examined for lung pathologies,lung function,total cell count and white blood cell count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF),and serum levels of IL-6,TNF-α,IL-18 and NO.The mRNA expressions of NLRP3,ASC,caspase-1,GSDMD-N,IL-1β,and IL-18 in the lung tissue were detected with qRT-PCR.Results Compared with the normal control rats,the COPD rat models had severe lung pathologies and showed significantly decreased lung function,increased total cell and leukocyte subset counts in BALF,and increased serum levels of IL-6,TNF-α,IL-18 and NO and mRNA expressions of pyroptosis-related proteins in the lung tissue.Treatment of the rat models with LWBQ Formula significantly improved lung pathology and lung function,reduced total cell and leukocyte counts in BALF,and decreased serum levels of the inflammatory factors and expressions of pyroptosis-related proteins in the lung tissue.The combined treatment with MCC950 further improved lung pathology and function in spite of a significant difference,but BALF cell counts,serum inflammatory factor levels and pulmonary expressions of pyroptosis-related proteins were all significantly reduced following the treatment.Conclusion LWBQ Formula can delay the progression of COPD in rats possibly by inhibiting lung tissue pyroptosis via regulating the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pathway to reduce inflammatory response and lung damage.

Objective To explore the current status of H.pylori infection in the natural population of Sanya City,analyze its influencing factors,and provide a reference basis for the prevention and control of H.pylori infection.Methods A total of 677 residents from four districts of Sanya City were selected by overall stratified random sampling method,and were subjected to urea 14C breath test and questionnaire survey to calculate the positive rate of H.pylori in the natural population and analyze the influencing factors of H.pylori infection.Results A total of 606 residents were included,and the number of H.pylori positive detections was 261,with a positive detection rate of 38.5％.Among them,different ethnicity,marital status,smoking,eating vegetables and fruits,and literacy level were associated with H.pylori infection(P＜0.05);gender,age,BMI,alcohol consumption,drinking water source,betel quid chewing,and the number of cohabitants were not significantly associated with H.pylori infection(P＞0.05).Family infection was an independent risk factor for H.pylori infection in the natural population of Sanya City,and Li ethnicity,frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables,and college and higher education level were independent protective factors for H.pylori infection in the natural population of Sanya City.Conclusion The rate of H.pylori infection in the natural population of Sanya City is lower than the national average.Consuming more fruits and vegetables and improving the awareness of hygiene protection are conducive to the prevention of H.pylori infection;and the promotion of the family and related members with the same examination and treatment is important to avoid aggregation of infection within the family.

Aim To establish thioacetamide(TAA)-induced mouse intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma(ICC)model and investi-gate the characteristics so as to provide an experimental basis for exploring the pathological mechanisms of ICC and evaluating new drugs for ICC treatment.Methods C57BL/6J mice were ran-domly divided into the normal controls(NC)and TAA group.The mice in the NC group were fed with sterilized water,while those in the model group with 600 mg·L-1 TAA solution for 32 weeks.Blood was collected from the eyeballs of the anesthetized mice and used for detecting serum ALT,AST,DBIL,and TBIL levels.The morphology of mice livers was observed.The patho-logical changes in liver tissue were observed using HE,Sirius red,Masson,and Prussian blue staining.CK7,CK19,Ki67,CD68,TNF-α,and α-SMA levels were detected by immunohis-tochemistry staining.The mRNA and protein levels of ICC mark-ers were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot.HNF4α+CK19+cells in liver tissue were detected by immunofluorescence assay.Results We found tumor nodules on the surface of livers in the mice treated with TAA.The pathological results showed inflammatory cell infiltration,tubular shape of tumor cells with arrangement and hepatic fibrosis.The levels of ALT,AST,DBIL,TBIL in serum were upregulated after TAA induction.Meanwhile,ICC markers CK7 and CK19,and the proliferative marker Ki67 were upregulated in liver tissue induced by TAA.CD68,a marker of macrophage,and TNF-α level were also up-regulated in liver tissue of TAA-treated mice.The α-SMA-posi-tive staining was increased,suggesting the activation of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs).Most interestingly,HNF4α+CK19+bi-phenotype cells were found in liver tissue of TAA-treated mice,suggesting that the biphenotype cells originated from hepatocytes.Conclusions TAA can be used to induce the ICC model in mice,with the characteristics of inflammatory cell infiltration,HSCs activation,liver fibrosis,and hepatocyte transformation in-to ICC cells,etc.,which is similar to that in human ICC.Therefore,the mouse ICC model can be used for exploring the mechanisms of ICC and evaluating the effects of endogenous mol-ecules and new drugs on ICC.

Aim To investigate the synergistic sensiti-zation effect of saikosaponin D(SSD)combined with temozolomide(TMZ)on glioblastoma cells(GBM)and its molecular mechanism.Methods The sensitiv-ity of RG-2,U251 and LN-428 GBM cell lines to SSD and TMZ was analyzed by CCK-8 method combined with HE staining,and the optimal compatible concen-tration was screened.The effect of HE staining com-bined with Hoechst fluorescence staining on the prolif-eration of GBM cell line was detected by clonal forma-tion experiment.The autophagosome formation of GBM cells was observed by monodansylcadaverine(MDC)staining.The expression and distribution of endoplas-mic reticulum stress-related factors and apoptosis and autophagy proteins were detected by Western blot and ICC.Results The sensitivity order of GBM cells to TMZ was RG-2＞U251＞LN-428.The results of com-bined administration showed the synergistic inhibitory effect of SSD combined with TMZ on proliferation of GBM cell lines,which was confirmed by cell cloning formation experiment.Compared with the TMZ group,Hoechst fluorescence staining showed a significant in-crease in the number of nuclear bright staining in the combined administration group.MDC fluorescence staining showed that there were more dense green parti-cles in the cytoplasm of SSD/TMZ plus group than that of TMZ group.Western blot results showed that com-pared with TMZ group,the expression of ER stress markers GRP78,CHOP,p-PERK and ATF6 signifi-cantly increased in SSD/TMZ group(P＜0.05).The expressions of apoptosis proteins caspase-12,caspase-9,caspase-3,cleaved caspase-3,Bax and autophagy proteins LC3 and Beclin-1 significantly increased(P＜0.05),which were verified by ICC test.Conclusions SSD can cooperate with TMZ to inhibit the prolifera-tion of GBM cells and induce apoptosis and autophagy,and enhance the sensitivity of GBM cells to TMZ by ac-tivating endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway.

Objective To investigate the risk factors for bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD)in twin preterm infants with a gestational age of<34 weeks,and to provide a basis for early identification of BPD in twin preterm infants in clinical practice.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for the twin preterm infants with a gestational age of<34 weeks who were admitted to 22 hospitals nationwide from January 2018 to December 2020.According to their conditions,they were divided into group A(both twins had BPD),group B(only one twin had BPD),and group C(neither twin had BPD).The risk factors for BPD in twin preterm infants were analyzed.Further analysis was conducted on group B to investigate the postnatal risk factors for BPD within twins.Results A total of 904 pairs of twins with a gestational age of<34 weeks were included in this study.The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that compared with group C,birth weight discordance of>25%between the twins was an independent risk factor for BPD in one of the twins(OR=3.370,95%CI:1.500-7.568,P<0.05),and high gestational age at birth was a protective factor against BPD(P<0.05).The conditional logistic regression analysis of group B showed that small-for-gestational-age(SGA)birth was an independent risk factor for BPD in individual twins(OR=5.017,95%CI:1.040-24.190,P<0.05).Conclusions The development of BPD in twin preterm infants is associated with gestational age,birth weight discordance between the twins,and SGA birth.

Objective To explore the therapeutic mechanism of Liuwei Buqi(LWBQ)Formula for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)in rat models.Methods SD rat models of COPD established by cigarette smoking combined with intratracheal lipopolysaccharide(LPS)instillation and hormone injection were treated with LWBQ Formula by gavage with or without intraperitoneal injection of MCC950 for 3 weeks,starting at the 5th week of modeling.After the treatments,the rats were examined for lung pathologies,lung function,total cell count and white blood cell count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF),and serum levels of IL-6,TNF-α,IL-18 and NO.The mRNA expressions of NLRP3,ASC,caspase-1,GSDMD-N,IL-1β,and IL-18 in the lung tissue were detected with qRT-PCR.Results Compared with the normal control rats,the COPD rat models had severe lung pathologies and showed significantly decreased lung function,increased total cell and leukocyte subset counts in BALF,and increased serum levels of IL-6,TNF-α,IL-18 and NO and mRNA expressions of pyroptosis-related proteins in the lung tissue.Treatment of the rat models with LWBQ Formula significantly improved lung pathology and lung function,reduced total cell and leukocyte counts in BALF,and decreased serum levels of the inflammatory factors and expressions of pyroptosis-related proteins in the lung tissue.The combined treatment with MCC950 further improved lung pathology and function in spite of a significant difference,but BALF cell counts,serum inflammatory factor levels and pulmonary expressions of pyroptosis-related proteins were all significantly reduced following the treatment.Conclusion LWBQ Formula can delay the progression of COPD in rats possibly by inhibiting lung tissue pyroptosis via regulating the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pathway to reduce inflammatory response and lung damage.

The quality of moxa is a key factor affecting the efficacy of moxibustion. Traditional moxa grades are evaluated by the leaf-to-moxa ratio, but there is a lack of support from scientific data. Scanning electron microscopy(SEM), Image Pro Plus, Van Soest method, and stimultaneous thermal analysis(TGA/DSC) were used to characterize the scientific implication of the combustion differences between moxa with different leaf-to-moxa ratios(processed by crusher). The results showed that the median lengths from non-secretory trichomes(NSTs) of natural NSTs and moxa with leaf-to-moxa ratios of 3∶1, 5∶1, 10∶1, and 15∶1 were 542.46, 303.24, 291.18, 220.69, and 170.61 μm, respectively. The cellulose content of moxa increased significantly(P<0.05) with the increase in leaf-to-moxa ratio and the combustion parameters(T_i, t_i, D_i, C,-R_p,-R_v, S, D_b, and J_(total)) all showed an increasing trend. The correlation results showed that the burning properties of moxa(T_i,-R_v, t_i, and J_2) were significantly and positively correlated with cellulose content. NSTs with a length of 1-200 μm were significantly and positively correlated with J_2. NSTs with a length of 200-600 μm were significantly and positively correlated with J_1, T_(peak2), T_(peak1), and-R_v, and negatively correlated with J_(total), T_b, and t_b. As the leaf-to-moxa ratio increases, the NSTs in the moxa become shorter and the cellulose content increases, which is more conducive to ignition performance, heat release, and a milder, longer-lasting burn. The "NSTs-cellulose-TGA/DSC" quantitative evaluation method scientifically reveals the scientific connotation of the combustion of moxa with different leaf-to-moxa ratios and provides a scientific basis for the establishment of quality evaluation methods for moxa with different leaf-to-moxa ratios.
Trichomes ; Moxibustion ; Hot Temperature ; Plant Leaves

Trace amines are endogenous molecules distributed in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues that resemble common biogenic amines in terms of subcellular localization, chemical structure, and metabolism. Trace amine-associated receptor (TAAR) is a kind of evolutionarily conserved G-protein-coupled receptors in vertebrates, in which TAAR1 is a functional regulator of monoamine transmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. TAAR1 is widely considered as a potential therapeutic target for schizophrenia, depression and drug addiction. Moreover, TAAR1 is also expressed in peripheral tissues. The homeostasis imbalance of trace aminergic system can induce over-activation of peripheral immune system and central immune inflammatory response. TAAR1 modulators are becoming potential emerging drugs for the treatment of immune-related illnesses, because they may play a major role in the activation or modulation of immune response.
Animals ; Humans ; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism* ; Biogenic Amines ; Dopamine ; Substance-Related Disorders

Objective: This cross-sectional investigation aimed to determine the incidence, clinical characteristics, prognosis, and related risk factors of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain in mainland China. Methods: Data of patients with SARS-CoV-2 from December 28, 2022, to February 21, 2023, were collected through online and offline questionnaires from 45 tertiary hospitals and one center for disease control and prevention in mainland China. The questionnaire included demographic information, previous health history, smoking and alcohol drinking, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, olfactory and gustatory function before and after infection, other symptoms after infection, as well as the duration and improvement of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction. The self-reported olfactory and gustatory functions of patients were evaluated using the Olfactory VAS scale and Gustatory VAS scale. Results: A total of 35 566 valid questionnaires were obtained, revealing a high incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain (67.75%). Females(χ2=367.013, P<0.001) and young people(χ2=120.210, P<0.001) were more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Gender(OR=1.564, 95%CI: 1.487-1.645), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), oral health status (OR=0.881, 95%CI: 0.839-0.926), smoking history (OR=1.152, 95%CI=1.080-1.229), and drinking history (OR=0.854, 95%CI: 0.785-0.928) were correlated with the occurrence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2(above P<0.001). 44.62% (4 391/9 840) of the patients who had not recovered their sense of smell and taste also suffered from nasal congestion, runny nose, and 32.62% (3 210/9 840) suffered from dry mouth and sore throat. The improvement of olfactory and taste functions was correlated with the persistence of accompanying symptoms(χ2=10.873, P=0.001). The average score of olfactory and taste VAS scale was 8.41 and 8.51 respectively before SARS-CoV-2 infection, but decreased to3.69 and 4.29 respectively after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and recovered to 5.83and 6.55 respectively at the time of the survey. The median duration of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions was 15 days and 12 days, respectively, with 0.5% (121/24 096) of patients experiencing these dysfunctions for more than 28 days. The overall self-reported improvement rate of smell and taste dysfunctions was 59.16% (14 256/24 096). Gender(OR=0.893, 95%CI: 0.839-0.951), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), history of head and facial trauma(OR=1.180, 95%CI: 1.036-1.344, P=0.013), nose (OR=1.104, 95%CI: 1.042-1.171, P=0.001) and oral (OR=1.162, 95%CI: 1.096-1.233) health status, smoking history(OR=0.765, 95%CI: 0.709-0.825), and the persistence of accompanying symptoms (OR=0.359, 95%CI: 0.332-0.388) were correlated with the recovery of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2 (above P<0.001 except for the indicated values). Conclusion: The incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain is high in mainland China, with females and young people more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Active and effective intervention measures may be required for cases that persist for a long time. The recovery of olfactory and taste functions is influenced by several factors, including gender, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status, history of head and facial trauma, nasal and oral health status, smoking history, and persistence of accompanying symptoms.
Female ; Humans ; Adolescent ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Smell ; COVID-19/complications* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; Incidence ; Olfaction Disorders/etiology* ; Taste Disorders/etiology* ; Prognosis

Humans ; Female ; Coronary Artery Disease/complications* ; Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II/complications* ; Aortic Valve Stenosis/etiology* ; Treatment Outcome