AIM To investigate the ameliorative effects of Schisandrol A(Sol A)in Suhuang antitussive capsule on post-infectious cough(PIC).METHODS The in vivo mouse PIC model was established by intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)combined with cigarette smoke exposure.The mice were randomly divided into the control group,the model group,the Suhuang antitussive capsule group(14 g/kg),the montelukast sodium positive control group(3 mg/kg),and low and high dose Sol A groups(10,30 mg/kg).The in vitro PIC model was established by stimulating human bronchial epithelial cells(BEAS-2B)with LPS.The cells were divided into the control group,the model group,the Suhuang antitussive capsule group(10 μg/mL)and low and high dose Sol A groups(3,10 μmol/L).HE and Masson staining were used to detect the pathological changes of the lung and bronchial tissues.ELISA was used to detect the levels of IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α,ROS,MDA,SOD and GSH in the lung tissues.RT-qPCR was used to detect the IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expressions in BEAS-2B cells.And Western blot was applied to detect the protein expressions of p-PI3K,p-Akt,NOX4,SIRT1,p-ERK,Fibronectin,E-cadherin,Vimentin and α-SMA in mouse lung tissue and BEAS-2B cells.RESULTS Compared with the model group,the groups intervened with Sol A or Suhuang antitussive capsule displayed prolonged cough latency(P＜0.01);reduced cough frequency(P＜0.01);relieved pulmonary inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition in PIC mice;decreased pulmonary levels of IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α,ROS,MDA and protein expressions of Fibronectin,Vimentin,α-SMA,p-ERK,p-PI3K,p-Akt,and NOX4(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);increased pulmonary levels of SOD and GSH and protein expressions of E-cadherin and SIRT1(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);decreased ROS level,IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α mRNA expressions and p-ERK,p-PI3K,p-Akt,NOX4 protein expressions in vitro(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);and increased SIRT1 protein expression in vitro as well(P＜0.01).CONCLUSION Being the main antitussive component of Suhuang antitussive capsule upon the PIC model,Sol A inhibits the inflammation via SIRT1/ERK signaling pathway and relieve the oxidative stress via PI3K/Akt/NOX4 signaling pathway.

AIM To explore the effects of praeruptorin A from Suhuang antitussive capsules on cough variant asthma(CVA).METHODS The rats were randomly divided into the normal group,the model group,the dexamethasone group(0.5 mg/kg),the Suhuang antitussive capsules group(7 g/kg)and the low,medium and high dose praeruptorin A groups(15,30 and 60 mg/kg).The rat model of CVA was established by intraperitoneal injection of sensitizer(1 mg/mL ovalbumin and 10 mg/mL aluminum hydroxide)and aerosol inhalation of 1%ovalbumin followed by the corresponding dosing of drugs by gavage initiated on the 14th day.Another 14 days later,the rats had their pathological pulmonary changes observed by HE,Masson and PAS stainings;their number of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)detected by hematology analyzer;and their levels of IL-4,IL-5,IL-13 and MUC5AC in BALF detected by ELISA.The RAW264.7 cell inflammatory model induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS)was treated with 4,8,16 μmol/L praeruptorin A or 0.25 mg/mL Suhuang antitussive capsules,respectively.And the cells had their NO level detected by Griess method,and their ROS expression observed using fluorescence microscopy.The detections of the pulmonary and cellular mRNA expressions of IL-6,IL-1β,COX-2,iNOS and PPAR-γ by RT-qPCR;and the protein expressions of p-P65,P65,p-IκBα,IκBα,NLRP3,caspase-1(p20)and IL-1β by Western blot were conducted in both the cells and the rats.RESULTS The in vivo result showed that praeruptorin A reduced the cough frequency(P＜0.01);prolonged the cough latency(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);reduced the number of eosinophils and neutrophils in BALF(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);decreased the levels of IL-4,IL-5,IL-13 and MUC5AC in BALF and the pulmonary mRNA expressions of IL-6,IL-1β,COX-2 and iNOS(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);and decreased the phosphorylation of P65 and IκBα protein and NLRP3,caspase-1(p20)and IL-1β protein expressions(P＜0.05,P＜0.01)as well.The in vitro result showed that praeruptorin A inhibited the release of LPS-induced NO and reduce the ROS level(P＜0.01);decreased the mRNA expressions of IL-1β,COX-2 and iNOS(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);increased PPAR-γ mRNA expression(P＜0.05),and decreased the phosphorylation of P65 and IκBα protein and the expression of NLRP3 protein(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).CONCLUSION Praeruptorin A,one of the main antitussive components of Suhuang antitussive capsules,may improve CVA because of its anti-inflammatory and antitussive role by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway and reducing the expression of NLRP3 inflammatory corpuscles.

Objective:Novel research and development institutions are crucial strategic forces for technological innovation in the new era. This article analyzed the problems faced by novel research and development institutions in medicine field during their construction and operation, and proposed solutions and countermeasure suggestions, aiming to provide theoretical and practical guidance for their future development.Methods:The author summarized the construction experience of similar institutions domestic and international through literature research and multiple case studies, and explored and analyzed the operation and management mechanisms of novel research and development institutions based on the practice of Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory.Results:The construction of novel research and development institutions in medicine field faced various problems, such as the existence of blind spots in policy support, limited attractiveness to high-level talents, weak self-renewal capabilities, and inadequate incentive and evaluation systems. It was necessary to establish a management model and operation system that were different from those of traditional research and development institutions.Conclusions:Novel research and development institutions in the medical field should fully leverage their systemic advantages to establish efficient management and incentive systems, build a suitable talent pool, and strengthen the transformation of scientific and technological achievements. Government departments at all levels should provide a comprehensive package of policy support, offer stable financial investment during the initial construction phase, and design appropriate evaluation systems.

The present study reviewed the clinical randomized controlled trials(RCTs) of Chinese patent medicine for pneumonia to provide references for clinical research, guideline development, and policy formulation, and promote the quality improvement of clinical evidence. On the basis of the collection in the Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) Clinical Evidence Database System(EVDS), CNKI, Wanfang, SinoMed were searched for RCTs of Chinese patent medicine for pneumonia from database inception to December 31, 2019. A total of 1 245 RCTs were included, involving 84 Chinese patent medicines, including 45 oral medicines and 39 injections. Specifically, 85.9% of RCTs had treatment course not exceeding 14 d; 43.3% of RCTs had a sample size of more than 100 cases and 6.1% of RCTs more than 200 cases; 13 types of interventions/controls were included in the RCTs, with Chinese patent medicine + western medicine vs western medicine as the top one used(32.6%). In outcome indicators, symptoms/signs(3 285) and physicochemical detection(2 066) were the most frequently applied. In the methodological evaluation, "allocation concealment" was not clearly described or mentioned in 71.2% of RCTs, and "blinding" in 23.9% of RCTs met the normative standards. Registration and research ethics were not clearly reported. There are many methodological deficiencies in terms of design and implementation in included RCTs, which may impact the reliability and practicability of the results of RCTs. Additionally, key standards were unclear(such as disease classification methods and selection of core outcome indicators). In conclusion, RCTs should give priority to the preciseness and scientificity of the protocol, strengthening quality control of the processes and accelerating the standardized research of key links.
China ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Nonprescription Drugs ; Pneumonia/drug therapy* ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Reproducibility of Results

The clinical randomized controlled trials(RCTs) of Chinese patent medicine in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) were reviewed and analyzed to provide references for clinical research, guideline development, policy formulation, and quality improvement of clinical evidence. On the basis of the collection in the Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) Clinical Evidence Database System(EVDS), CNKI, Wanfang, SinoMed, Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMbase were searched for RCTs of Chinese patent medicine for COPD as a source of clinical evidence from database inception to December 31, 2019. The publication time, sample size, intervention and control measures, course of treatment, outcome indicators, and methodological quality of the trials were analyzed and evaluated. A total of 733 RCTs of Chinese patent medicine for COPD were included, among which 228 RCTs had a sample size higher than 100, accounting for 31.1% of total RCTs. Eighty-eight Chinese patent medicines were involved, including 40 oral medicines and 48 injections. A total of 327 RCTs mentioned intervention and control measures(Chinese patent medicine + conventional treatment vs conventional treatment), accounting for 43.0%. In addition, 94.40% of the RCTs reported the course of treatment, and 53.20% of the RCTs determined 8-14 d as the intervention course. The evaluation indicators adopted were numerous, among which physicochemical indicators(70.57%) and symptoms/signs(24.35%) were the most frequently employed. The operation of allocation concealment and blinding was not standard. Registration and the procedure related to ethics were mostly missing. The results indicate that there are prominent methodological problems in the clinical trials of Chinese patent medicine in the treatment of COPD, affecting the reliability and practicability of the trials. It is necessary to further standardize the design, implementation, and quality control of clinical trials of Chinese patent medicine in the treatment of COPD, highlight the clinical value of Chinese patent medicine for COPD, and improve the quality of evidence.
China ; Clinical Trials as Topic ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Nonprescription Drugs/therapeutic use* ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/drug therapy* ; Reproducibility of Results

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the incidence of extrauterine growth retardation (EUGR) and its risk factors in very preterm infants (VPIs) during hospitalization in China. METHODS: A prospective multicenter study was performed on the medical data of 2 514 VPIs who were hospitalized in the department of neonatology in 28 hospitals from 7 areas of China between September 2019 and December 2020. According to the presence or absence of EUGR based on the evaluation of body weight at the corrected gestational age of 36 weeks or at discharge, the VPIs were classified to two groups: EUGR group (n=1 189) and non-EUGR (n=1 325). The clinical features were compared between the two groups, and the incidence of EUGR and risk factors for EUGR were examined. RESULTS: The incidence of EUGR was 47.30% (1 189/2 514) evaluated by weight. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that higher weight growth velocity after regaining birth weight and higher cumulative calorie intake during the first week of hospitalization were protective factors against EUGR (P<0.05), while small-for-gestational-age birth, prolonged time to the initiation of total enteral feeding, prolonged cumulative fasting time, lower breast milk intake before starting human milk fortifiers, prolonged time to the initiation of full fortified feeding, and moderate-to-severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia were risk factors for EUGR (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS It is crucial to reduce the incidence of EUGR by achieving total enteral feeding as early as possible, strengthening breastfeeding, increasing calorie intake in the first week after birth, improving the velocity of weight gain, and preventing moderate-severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia in VPIs.
Female ; Fetal Growth Retardation ; Gestational Age ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Incidence ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; Infant, Very Low Birth Weight ; Prospective Studies ; Risk Factors

Golgi protein 73 (GP73) is a transmembrane protein on the Golgi apparatus and can be cut and released into the blood. In recent years, an increasing number of clinical studies have shown that the elevated serum GP73 level is closely related to liver diseases. And thus GP73 is expected to be used as a new serum marker for assessing progress of chronic liver diseases. Herein, the clinical application of serum GP73 in chronic hepatitis, liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma with different etiologies was reviewed based on available literatures; and a research outlook in this field is made.
Biomarkers ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; Golgi Apparatus ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis ; Liver Neoplasms

Objective:To investigate the MRI features of perirenal space involvement in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) and its correlation with disease severity.Methods:A total of 128 AP patients admitted to Bishan District People′s Hospital of Chongqing from June 2018 to June 2020 were selected as study subjects. All patients were diagnosed by ultrasound guided percutaneous biopsyand the pathological diagnosis results were taken as the gold standard. The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of MRI diagnosis were calculated to analyze the correlation between MRI features of perirenal space involvement and MRI severity index (MRSI).Results:Among the 128 patients, 96 patients with perirenal space involvement in AP confirmed by ultrasound guided percutaneous biopsyand the pathological diagnosis results, accounted for 75.00%. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value diagnosed by MRI were 95.83%, 93.75%, 95.31%, 97.87% and 88.24% respectively. The involvement rate of perirenal space in AP was 75.00%(96/128), and that in mild, moderate and severe AP was 52.38%(22/42), 93.62%(44/47) and 7/7, respectively. Forty-two mild patients presented abnormal signals in the pancreas, or focal and diffuse pancreatic enlargement, thickening, and abnormal streak signalabnormalities in perirenal space, perirenal MRI showed grade 1 and 2. Forty-seven patients with moderate disease showed patchy signal abnormalities in the perirenal space, and perirenal MRI showed grade 3. Seven severe patients found perirenal interstitial effusion which was patchy. There was a good correlation between MRI features grade of perirenal space involvement and MRSI ( r = 0.721, P<0.001). The consistent rate of MRI features score of the right perirenal space was 91.14%, the consistent rate of MRI features score of the left perirenal space was 95.38%, and the consistent rate of MRSI observation on both was 90.21%. Conclusions:MRI can effectively and accurately diagnose perirenal space involvement in AP patients, MRI features and involvement rate can accurately reflect the severity of AP, which has a positive effect on clinical diagnosis and treatment of patients with perirenal space involvement in AP.

Objective: To assess the association of socioeconomic status with the burden of cataract blindness in terms of year lived with disability (YLD) rates and to determine whether ultraviolet radiation (UVR) levels modify the effect of socioeconomic status on this health burden. Methods: National and subnational age-standardized YLD rates associated with cataract-related blindness were derived from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2017. The human development index (HDI) from the Human Development Report was used as a measure of socioeconomic status. Estimated ground-level UVR exposure was obtained from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) dataset of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Results: Across 185 countries, socioeconomic status was inversely associated with the burden of cataract blindness. Countries with a very high HDI had an 84% lower age-standardized YLD rate [95% confidence interval ( Conclusion Long-term high-UVR exposure amplifies the association of poor socioeconomic status with the burden of cataract-related blindness. The findings emphasize the need for strengthening UVR exposure protection interventions in developing countries with high-UVR exposure.
Blindness/etiology* ; Cataract/etiology* ; Female ; Global Burden of Disease/statistics & numerical data* ; Humans ; Male ; Quality-Adjusted Life Years ; Social Class ; Socioeconomic Factors ; Ultraviolet Rays/adverse effects*

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) combined with lifestyle control on hepatic fat status, hepatic enzymology, glycolipid metabolism and anthropological parameters in patients with obese nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD). METHODS: A total of 90 patients with obese NAFLD were randomized into an observation group (45 cases, 4 cases dropped off) and a control group (45 cases, 1 case dropped off). Lifestyle control was implemented in the control group. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, acupuncture was applied at Zhongwan (CV 12), Quchi (LI 11), Shuifen (CV 9), Huaroumen (ST 24), Daheng (SP 15), Guanyuan (CV 4), Qihai (CV 6), etc. EA was provided at Huaroumen (ST 24) and Daheng (SP 15) with dilatational wave, 2 Hz/100 Hz in frequency, 30 min each time, once every other day, 3 times a week. The treatment for 12 weeks was required in both of the two groups. Hepatic fat status [controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and liver stiffness measurement (LSM)], hepatic enzymology [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT)], glycolipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity [fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting serum lisulin (FINS), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)] and anthropological parameters [body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), fat percentage (FP), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)] in the two groups were observed before and after treatment. RESULTS: ①Compared before treatment, hepatic CAP, LSM, serum ALT, AST and GGT after treatment were obviously reduced in the two groups (<0.05, <0.01). After treatment, CAP and ALT in the observation group were lower than the control group (<0.05). ②Compared before treatment, FINS, HOMA-IR, LDL-C, TC and TG after treatment were obviously reduced in the two groups (<0.05, <0.01),while the levels of HDL-C were increased (<0.05). Compared before treatment, FPG after treatment in the observation group was reduced (<0.05). Compared with the control group, FINS, HOMA-IR, TC and TG in the observation group were lower than those in the control group after treatment (<0.05). ③Compared before treatment, BW BMI, FP, WC, HC, WHR after treatment were obviously reduced in the two groups (<0.01). After treatment, WC and WHR in the observation group were lower than the control group (<0.05). CONCLUSION Electroacupuncture combined with lifestyle control can effectively treat obese nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and present better therapeutic effect on hepatic fat status, glycolipid metabolism, insulin resistance, WC and WHR.