Cornus officinalis,a medicinal and edible plant known for its liver-nourishing properties,has shown promise in inhibiting the activation of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs),crucial indicators of hepatic fibrosis,especially when processed by high pressure wine steaming(HPWS).Herein,this study aims to investigate the regulatory effects of cornus officinalis,both in its raw and HPWS forms,on inflammation and apoptosis in liver fibrosis and their underlying mechanisms.In vivo liver fibrosis models were established by subcutaneous injection of CCl4,while in vitro HSCs were exposed to transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β).These findings demonstrated that cornus officinalis with HPWS conspicuously ameliorated his-topathological injury,reduced the release of proinflammatory factors,and decreased collagen deposition in CCl4-induced rats compared to its raw form.Utilizing ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer(UHPLC-QTOF-MS)combined with network analysis,we identified that the pharmacological effects of the changed components of cornus officinalis before and after HPWS,primarily centered on the adenosine phosphate(AMP)-activated protein kinase(AMPK)pathway.Of note,cornus officinalis activated AMPK and sirtuin 3(SIRT3),promoting the apoptosis of activated HSCs through the caspase cascade by regulating caspase3,caspase6 and caspase9.small interfering RNA(siRNA)experiments showed that cornus officinalis could regulate AMPK activity and its mediated-apoptosis through SIRT3.In conclusion,cornus officinalis exhibited the ability to reduce inflammation and apoptosis,with the SIRT3-AMPK signaling pathway identified as a potential mecha-nism underlying the synergistic effect of cornus officinalis with HPWS on anti-liver fibrosis.

In this study, physical fingerprint and multivariate statistical analysis was applied to characterize the quality consistency of different sources of carboxymethylcellulose sodium, and the visualization of R language was used to explore the intrinsic correlation on its performances, and we drew contour maps between independent variables and flowability of powder to find the design space. Through the physical fingerprint and multivariate statistical analysis, it was found that there were differences in the powder properties of carboxymethylcellulose sodium from different sources, and its moisture content, bulk density and tapped density have a great influence on the fluidity. The fillibility was positively correlated with flowability, both negatively correlated with compressibility by R intelligent visualization analysis, which was statistically significant (P < 0.01). When the angle of repose is 30° - 40°, the appropriate design space was found as 5.092 2% < moisture content < 7.006 7%, 0.560 2 g·cm^-3 < bulk density < 0.579 9 g·cm^-3, and 0.646 3 g·cm^-3 < tapped density < 0.816 5 g·cm^-3. The results show that it is scientific and feasible to evaluate the quality consistency of pharmaceutical excipients by using the physical fingerprint, multivariate statistical analysis and visualization methods, which provides new ideas for the production and quality evaluation of excipients and the development of generic prescriptions.

Objective:To understand the viral genomic characteristics of a 2019-novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) strain in the first COVID-19 patient found in Hangzhou, China.Methods:Viral RNA was extracted in throat swab and sputum sample of the patient and was performed real-time reverse transcription PCR detection and obtained viral genome by high-throughput sequencing method. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted using 29 2019-nCoV genomes and 30 β-coronavirus genomes deposited in NCBI GenBank. Fifteen genomes from Wuhan were grouped by mutation sites and others were identified by Wuhan's or specific mutation sites.Results:A 29 833 bp length genome of the first 2019-nCoV strain in Hangzhou was obtained, covering full length of the coding regions of coronavirus. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the genome was closest to the genome of a bat SARS-like coronavirus strain RaTG13 with an identity of 96.11% (28 666/29 826). Among the genes between two genomes, E genes were highly conserved (99.56%), while S genes had lowest identity (92.87%). The genome sequence similarities among 29 strains from China (Hangzhou, Wuhan, and Shenzhen), Japan, USA, and Finland, were all more than 99.9%; however, some single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified in some strains.Conclusion:The genome of Hangzhou 2019-nCoV strain was very close to the genomes of strains from other cities in China and overseas collected at early epidemic phase. The 2019-nCoV genome sequencing method used in this paper provides an useful tool for monitoring variation of viral genes.

Objective:To understand the viral genomic characteristics of a 2019-novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) strain in the first COVID-19 patient found in Hangzhou, China.Methods:Viral RNA was extracted in throat swab and sputum sample of the patient and was performed real-time reverse transcription PCR detection and obtained viral genome by high-throughput sequencing method. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted using 29 2019-nCoV genomes and 30 β-coronavirus genomes deposited in NCBI GenBank. Fifteen genomes from Wuhan were grouped by mutation sites and others were identified by Wuhan's or specific mutation sites.Results:A 29 833 bp length genome of the first 2019-nCoV strain in Hangzhou was obtained, covering full length of the coding regions of coronavirus. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the genome was closest to the genome of a bat SARS-like coronavirus strain RaTG13 with an identity of 96.11% (28 666/29 826). Among the genes between two genomes, E genes were highly conserved (99.56%), while S genes had lowest identity (92.87%). The genome sequence similarities among 29 strains from China (Hangzhou, Wuhan, and Shenzhen), Japan, USA, and Finland, were all more than 99.9%; however, some single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified in some strains.Conclusion:The genome of Hangzhou 2019-nCoV strain was very close to the genomes of strains from other cities in China and overseas collected at early epidemic phase. The 2019-nCoV genome sequencing method used in this paper provides an useful tool for monitoring variation of viral genes.

OBJECTIVETo observe the clinical effectiveness of meibomian gland tube massage in treating meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

METHODSAll patients were divided into medicine group (tropically administered with corticosteroid eye ointment and artificial tears)and massage group (meibomian gland tube massage in addition to these drugs) using random numbers. At different period(before treatment and after treatment 2,4 weeks), the slip-lamp microscopy and intraocular pressure measurement were performed. Ocular symptoms were evaluated by questionnaire of ocular surface disease index (OSDI), and corneal fluorescein staining scores (CFS) was used for checking the epithelial integrity,tear film breakup time (TBUT), and tear secretion (Schirmer I test,SIt).

RESULTSBefore the treatment, the OSDI score,TBUT, CFS, and SIt showed no statistical significance between these two groups (all P>0.05). After the treatment, the symptoms, damage of corneal epithelium, quality of tear film,tear secretion were significantly improved in both groups(P<0.05), and were significantly superior in the massage group than in the medicine group (all P<0.01; but CFS t4w=6.60,P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe meibomian gland tube massage in combination with drug therapy can improve the treatment effectives for MGD.

Cornea ; Eyelid Diseases ; Fluorescein ; Humans ; Meibomian Glands ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Tears

Adult ; Deep Brain Stimulation ; Essential Tremor ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Subthalamic Nucleus ; physiology

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Influenza A Virus, H7N9 Subtype ; Influenza, Human ; epidemiology ; virology ; Male ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of leptin on collagen systhesis in wounded rats.

METHODSThirty male Wistar rats, weight (180 +/- 20)g, were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10) by weight: normal depilation group, wound control group and leptin treatment group and ten rats were included in each group. A full-thickness defect measuring 2 x 2.5 cm was made in the back of rats in wound control group and leptin treatment group. Each wound in rats of leptin treatment group was applied topically with 0.1 ml leptin solution (2.0 microg leptin), daily for 7 days and that of wound control group with equivalent saline solution. All rats were killed and then granulation tissues samples and skin were collected to examine the synthesis of collagen.

RESULTSHydroxyproline content in granulation tissues of in leptin treatment group (33.92 +/- 3.09) mg/g were significantly increased than those in control group (29.55 +/- 3.59 mg/g, P < 0.05). The mRNA expressions of collagen I and III were significantly enhanced in leptin treatment group (0.96 +/- 0.09, 0.09 +/- 0.06) than those in control group (0.80 +/- 0.03, 0.08 +/- 0.03). The levels of type I and III collagen were significantly increased in leptin treatment group than those in control group.

CONCLUSIONLeptin applied topically can accelerate wound healing through enhancing gene expression of type I and III collagen and synthesis of collagen in wound tissue.

Administration, Cutaneous ; Animals ; Collagen Type I ; genetics ; metabolism ; Collagen Type III ; genetics ; metabolism ; Leptin ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Male ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Wound Healing ; drug effects ; Wounds and Injuries ; drug therapy

OBJECTIVETo construct an apparatus for the oxygen uptake measurement of rats exposed to hypobaric hypoxia at different simulated altitude.

METHODSThe capacity of this apparatus was about 0.01 m3. It included animal experimental cabin, reference cabin, altimeter, altitude vertical velocity indicator, pressure difference inductor and oxygen compensator, low scale manometer, soda lime and calcium chloride, small fan, thermometer, circulating water system and vacuum pump. The oxygen uptake of the rats at 6 000 m, 4 000 m and 1 000 m simulated altitude was measured using this apparatus.

RESULTSThe oxygen uptake of the rats at 50 m, 4 000 m and 6 000 m simulated altitude was (24.4 +/- 2.1), (10.8 +/- 2.0) and (8.8 +/- 1.6) ml O2/(kg x min) respectively (average +/- s, n = 10). The oxygen uptake decreased as altitude increased.

CONCLUSIONThis apparatus can be used to measure the oxygen uptake of the rats at different simulated altitude.

Altitude ; Altitude Sickness ; physiopathology ; Animals ; Computer Simulation ; Equipment and Supplies ; Hypoxia ; physiopathology ; Male ; Oxygen ; metabolism ; Oxygen Consumption ; physiology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Objective To investigate the geographical characteristics of single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP) of candidate genes associated with coronary artery disease in Chinese Han population.Methods Study population were Chinese Han nationality recruited from Xi'an,Shiyan and Ningbo districts.Patients with coronary artery disease were defined by coronary angiography with stenosis ≥ 50% and control subjects with stenosis ＜10%,respectively.The DNA was extracted from peripheral white blood cell by approach comprised proteinase K digestion,phenol and chloroform extraction as well as isopropanol precipitation.The SNP of ATP-binding cassette transporter(ABCA1)-G596A,cholesteryl ester transfer protein(CETP)-Taq1B,Lipoprotein lipase(LPL)-Hind Ⅲ and LPL-Pvu Ⅱ were genotyped by PCR-RFLPs,and verified by gene sequencing.Results A Total of 615 patients undertaken coronary angiography were recruited from cardiac center in Xi'an(220),Ningbo(209)and Shiyan district(186),China (mean age 60±10 years,75.9% males).Diabetes melitus was more prevalent in Xi'an Cohort population than Shiyan and Ningbo cohort(P＜0.01).Plasma total cholesterol,LDL cholestcol and trigtyceride levels in Xi'an Cohort population were significantly higher,and HDL-C siginificantly lower than in Shiyan and Ningbo cohort population [HDL-C:(1.17±0.48)mmol/L vs.(1.25±0.33)mmol/L and (1.29±0.44)mmol/L,P＜0.05].Distribution differences for ABCA1-G596A and CETP-Taq1B genotypes were found in Xi'an Cohort population compared to Ningbo and Shiyan cohorts(for ABCA1,Xi'an:0.24,0.53,0.23 and Shiyan:0.17,0.62,0.21 and Ningbo:0.34,0.37,0.29,for GG,AG,AA,respectively,P＜0.01;and for CETP,Xi'an:0.29,0.54,0.17 and Shiyan:0.38,0.40,0.22 and Ningbo:0.39,0.49,0.12 for B181,B182,B282,respectively,P＜0.01),but not for LPL variants.ABCA1-G596A variant predicted HDL-C [Xi'an:(1.2±0.3)mmol/L,(1.3±0.2)mmol/L and(1.4±0.4)mmol/L,P=0.01;Shiyan:(1.1±0.4)mmol/L:(1.2±0.3)mmol/L and(1.3±0.4)mmol/L,P=0.03;Ningbo,(1.2±0.3)mmol/L,(1.3±0.4)mmol/L and(1.4±0.3)mmol/L,across GG,Gato AA genotype,respectively,P=0.01]and TG levels[Xi'an:(2.4±1.3)mmol/L,(1.9±0.9)mmol/L and(1.6±0.8)mmol/L,P＜0.01;Shiyan:(2.1±1.0)mmol/L,(1.9±0.8)mmol/L and(1.8±0.7)mmol/L,P=0.03;Ningbo:(1.9±1.1) mmol/L,(1.8±0.9) mmol/L and(1.6±0.7)mmol/L,across GG,GA to AA genotype,P=0.05] with dose-dependent relationship.LPL-Hind Ⅲ(+)carriers had higher triglycerides in three cohort population[Xi'an:(2.2±1.0)mmol/L,(1.8±0.9)mmol/L,(1.6±0.7)mmol/L,P=0.01;Shiyan:(2.1±0.7)mmol/L,(1.9±1.0)mmol/L,(1.7±0.6)mmol/L,P=0.01;Ningbo:(1.8±1.0)mmol/L,(1.6±0.6)mmol/L and(1.4±0.5)mmol/L,for +/+,+/-and-/-genotypes,respectively,P=0.001].SNP of CETP-Taq1B,LPL-Hind Ⅲ and LPL-Pvu Ⅱ predicted HDL-C and/or TG levels in different cohort population with different manners.All these SNP were not significantly associated with the development of coronary artery disease (all P＞0.05).Conclusion A geographical heterogeneity of environmental and genetic risk factors related to the development of coronary artery disease exists in Chinese Han population.Irrespective of the different geographical cohort of Chinese Han population,the SNP of candidate genes can partly predict the differences in risk-related plasma HDL-C and/or TG levels rather than angiographic coronary artery disease.