In this study, we explored the mechanism of Huganning tablet (HGNP) in the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) based on network pharmacology and computer-aided drug design. Firstly, the potential ingredients and targets of HGNP were identified from TCMSP database, Swiss Target Prediction database, Chinese pharmacopoeia (2015) and literatures, and then the targets of HGNP intersected with NAFLD disease targets that obtained in GeneCards database to acquired potential targets. The bioconductor bioinformatics package of R software was used for gene ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. The network of “potential ingredient-key target-pathway” was formed in Cytoscape software to study the interactions between potential ingredients of HGNP, key targets, pathways and NAFLD. Based on the results of network pharmacology, the molecular docking analysis of the key targets and potential active ingredients in HGNP tablets with top degree in the network was conducted using Discovery Studio 2020 software, followed by molecular dynamics simulations, binding free energy calculation, drug-likeness properties analysis and ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity) properties prediction. In vitro, HepG2 cells were used to establish steatosis model, and the effects of five key compounds on hepatocyte steatosis were analyzed by oil red O staining and triglyceride (TG) content determination. The results showed that 141 ingredients and 151 potential targets were obtained. A total of 2 526 items and 151 pathways were identified by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. The molecular docking suggested that five components, isorhamnetin, salvianolic acid B, emodin, resveratrol and rhein, exhibited strong binding ability with key targets [retinoic acid receptor RXR-alpha (RXRA), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK3B), serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (AKT1)]. It was further verified that isorhamnetin and salvianolic acid B bind to key targets with good structural stability and binding affinity based on molecular dynamics simulations and binding free energy calculations. The drug-likeness properties, pharmacokinetic properties and toxicity of five key compounds were more comprehensively analyzed through drug-likeness properties analysis and ADMET properties prediction. In vitro, all five compounds, isorhamnetin, salvianolic acid B, emodin, resveratrol, and rhein, improved hepatocyte steatosis of HepG2 cells, confirming the reliability of the present study. In conclusion, based on network pharmacology, computer-aided drug design and in vitro validation, this study investigated the mechanism of HGNP for the treatment of NAFLD at multiple levels and provided a basis for its clinical application.

Intestinal fibrosis associated stricture is a common complication of inflammatory bowel disease usually requiring endoscopic or surgical intervention. Effective anti-fibrotic agents aiming to control or reverse intestinal fibrosis are still unavailable. Thus, clarifying the mechanism underpinning intestinal fibrosis is imperative. Fibrosis is characterized by an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins at the injured sites. Multiple cellular types are implicated in fibrosis development. Among these cells, mesenchymal cells are major compartments that are activated and then enhance the production of ECM. Additionally, immune cells contribute to the persistent activation of mesenchymal cells and perpetuation of inflammation. Molecules are messengers of crosstalk between these cellular compartments. Although inflammation is necessary for fibrosis development, purely controlling intestinal inflammation cannot halt the development of fibrosis, suggesting that chronic inflammation is not the unique contributor to fibrogenesis. Several inflammation-independent mechanisms including gut microbiota, creeping fat, ECM interaction, and metabolic reprogramming are involved in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. In the past decades, substantial progress has been made in elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms of intestinal fibrosis. Here, we summarized new discoveries and advances of cellular components and major molecular mediators that are associated with intestinal fibrosis, aiming to provide a basis for exploring effective anti-fibrotic therapies in this field.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of Xuebijing Injection (XBJ) on the lung endothelial barrier in hydrogen sulfide (H METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to H RESULTS: The morphological investigation showed that XBJ attenuated H CONCLUSIONS XBJ ameliorated H
Animals ; Claudin-5 ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Endothelial Cells ; Hydrogen Sulfide ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Respiratory Distress Syndrome/drug therapy*

ObjectiveTo evaluate the value of four-chamber view （4CV） and three-vessel trachea view （3VTV） combined with HD-flow in screening for fetal cardiovascular mailformations （CVMs） in unselected population during early pregnancy （11~13⁺⁶ weeks）. MethodsFrom May 2018 to December 2019， 1145 fetuses were ultrasonic scanned routinely at 11~13⁺⁶ weeks at our hospital. The 4CV and 3VTV of fetal hearts were assessed by Power Doppler with flow direction （high definition flow， HD-flow），and the sonographic findings and follow-up outcomes were documented. Suspected CVMs were confirmed by the postpartum echocardiography or autopsy results. The sensitivities， specificities， PPVs and NPVs of diagnostic tests were compared among the two views and combined views. ResultsThere were 948 fetuses included in this study， with 19 cases of CVMs. The sonographic findings of 12 cases （12/19） with 22 CVMs were consistent entirely with the follow-up outcomes， including 7 cases of complex CVMs. In 1 case （1/19） with complex CVM， the diagnosis was not entirely consistent to the autopsy result. The 6 cases （6/19） of abnormal atrioventricular septum were not detected in early pregnancy. In the 19 cases of CVMs， abnormalities were found by displaying 4CV in 8 cases， by displaying 3VTV in 11 cases， and by displaying 4CV combined with 3VTV in 13 cases. The sensitivity of 4CV， 3VTV， 4CV+3VTV was 31.5%， 57.9%， 68.4%， with significant difference between 4CV and 4CV+3VTV（P=0.016） .The specificity and PPVs were all 100% （P>0.05）. The NPVs of them were 98.6%， 99.1% and 99.4%， with no statistical difference （P>0.05）. ConclusionsDisplaying the 4CV combined with 3VTV of fetal heart in the first-trimester ultrasound examination resulted in higher detect ratio of fetal cardiovascular malformations rather than scanning only with the 4CV， especially for those serious CVMs with poor prognosis， which is important for clinical management appropriately.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the application value of a modified retroauricular hairline incision and a sternocleidomastoid flap with an inferior pedicle in the resection of benign parotid gland tumors. METHODS: Forty-eight patients with benign parotid gland tumors were retrospectively analyzed: 19 cases were included in the experimental group with an improved retroauricular hairline incision and a sternocleidomastoid flap with an inferior pedicle, and 29 cases were assigned in the control group with a modified facelift incision. Operation time, postoperative drainage, postoperative esthetic degree, and incidence of facial nerve paralysis, salivary fistula, and Frey's syndrome were compared. RESULTS: After the esthetic procedure, the average score of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group, and the esthetic effect of the former was better than that of the latter ( CONCLUSIONS The modified retroauricular hairline incision and sternocleidomastoid flap with an inferior pedicle can be applied to resect benign parotid gland tumors safely. It shows a better cosmetic effect and does not cause obvious postoperative complications. Therefore, it should be promoted for tumor treatments.
Esthetics, Dental ; Humans ; Parotid Gland/surgery* ; Parotid Neoplasms/surgery* ; Postoperative Complications ; Retrospective Studies ; Sweating, Gustatory

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of long-term and low dose ionizing radiation on ocular lens opacities of residents living in areas with high natural radiation background(HNRB) in Yangjiang City, China. METHODS: A total of 483 Han residents from Yangjiang City(HNRB area) and 517 from Enping City(control area) were selected as study subjects using a cluster random sampling method. Questionnaire survey and lens examination were carried out. The risk factors of lens opacity and its severity were analyzed by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence rates of lens opacity, cortical opacity and posterior subcapsular opacity in HNRB area were higher than those in control area(60.7% vs 51.6%, 53.4% vs 46.8%, 21.9% vs 9.3%, all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in karyotype turbidity between HNRB area and control area(52.4% vs 47.6%, P>0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors including age, gender, cardiovascular/metabolic diseases, smoking, alcohol drinking and tea drinking, the unconditional logistic regression analysis results showed that the risk of ocular opacity, cortical opacity and posterior subcapsular opacity in residents of HNRB area was higher than that in control area(all P<0.05). Multivariate disordered logistic regression analysis results showed that residents in the HNRB area had a higher risk of grade two karyotype turbidity than grade one karyotype turbidity(P<0.01). Ordered logistic regression analysis results showed that residents in HNRB area had an increased risk of developing severe cortical turbidity(P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Long-term and low dose ionizing radiation exposure may increase the risk of ocular lens opacity, especially cortical and posterior subcapsular cataract, and affect the severity of the disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical features and outcome of neonatal acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in southwest Hubei, China. METHODS: According to the Montreux definition of neonatal ARDS, a retrospective clinical epidemiological investigation was performed on the medical data of neonates with ARDS who were admitted to Department of Neonatology/Pediatrics in 17 level 2 or level 3 hospitals in southwest Hubei from January to December, 2017. RESULTS: A total of 7 150 neonates were admitted to the 17 hospitals in southwest Hubei during 2017 and 66 (0.92%) were diagnosed with ARDS. Among the 66 neonates with ARDS, 23 (35%) had mild ARDS, 28 (42%) had moderate ARDS, and 15 (23%) had severe ARDS. The main primary diseases for neonatal ARDS were perinatal asphyxia in 23 neonates (35%), pneumonia in 18 neonates (27%), sepsis in 12 neonates (18%), and meconium aspiration syndrome in 10 neonates (15%). Among the 66 neonates with ARDS, 10 neonates (15%) were born to the mothers with an age of ≥35 years, 30 neonates (45%) suffered from intrauterine distress, 32 neonates (49%) had a 1-minute Apgar score of 0 to 7 points, 24 neonates (36%) had abnormal fetal heart monitoring results, and 21 neonates (32%) experienced meconium staining of amniotic fluid. Intraventricular hemorrhage was the most common comorbidity (12 neonates), followed by neonatal shock (9 neonates) and patent ductus arteriosus (8 neonates). All 66 neonates with ARDS were treated with mechanical ventilation in addition to the treatment for primary diseases. Among the 66 neonates with ARDS, 10 died, with a mortality rate of 15% (10/66), and 56 neonates were improved or cured, with a survival rate of 85% (56/66). CONCLUSIONS Neonatal ARDS in southwest Hubei is mostly mild or moderate. Perinatal asphyxia and infection may be the main causes of neonatal ARDS in this area. Intraventricular hemorrhage is the most common comorbidity. Neonates with ARDS tend to have a high survival rate after multimodality treatment.
China ; Female ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Meconium Aspiration Syndrome ; Pregnancy ; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn ; Retrospective Studies

Objective : To assess the safety and feasibility of incision in the retroauricular sulcus for removal of benign tumors in the lower pole of the parotid gland and to provide some ideas for aesthetic consideration of parotidectomy. Methods: In total, 18 cases with benign tumors of the lower pole regions of the parotid gland were included in this study, including 9 pleomorphic adenomas, 2 myoepitheliomas, 5 Warthin tumors, 1 basal cell adenoma and 1 oncocytoma. Three months after the operation, facial paralysis and salivary fistula were assessed. A visual analog scale was used to score the cosmetic satisfaction of the surgical incision. Tumor recurrence was followed up 6 ~ 12 months after operation. Results: In 18 patients with benign tumors the lower pole regions of the parotid gland, the tumor diameter ranges from 1.0 to 3.1 cm, with an average value of 2.5 cm. All patients experienced successful complete removal of the parotid mass with the minimally invasive retroauricular approach, and all wounds healed in one stage after operation. No serious complications, such as permanent facial paralysis and tumor recurrence, occurred 3 months after the operation. The patients were satisfied with the appearance of the surgical incision (aesthetic score 9.3 ± 0.4), achieving the expected aesthetic effect. Conclusion This approach is feasible and safe for most small benign parotid tumors located in the lower pole region of the parotid gland and in the posterior region of the jaw. The scar is located in the retroauricular sulcus, which significantly meets the aesthetic needs of the concealed incision for patients.

Objective To investigate the incidence and risk factors of neonatal asphyxia in Hubei Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture. Methods Live born infants, including those diagnosed with neonatal asphyxia, were recruited from 16 different hospitals in Hubei Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture from January to December of 2016. The 16 hospitals included four grade A tertiary hospitals (three general hospitals and one traditional Chinese medicine hospital) and 12 grade A secondary hospitals (eight general hospitals, one maternal and child health hospital and three traditional Chinese medicine hospitals). A retrospective investigation was conducted using questionnaire to analyze the basic information, perinatal risk factors and prognosis of those infants. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Results Among 22 294 recruited live born infants, 733 (3.29%) were diagnosed with neonatal asphyxia on discharge, including 627 (85.54%) mild cases and 106 (14.46%) severe cases. And neonatal asphyxia resulted in deaths of 27 cases (3.68%). The risk factors for neonatal asphyxia included multiple pregnancy, pregnancy conceived with assisted reproductive technology, premature infant, low birth weight infant, fetal malposition, congenital malformation, male infant, born during transfer, mother of Tujia nationality, low educational level (primary school or lower), living in rural area, the number of antenatal visits ≤3, history of early threatened abortion, anemia in pregnancy, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, chorioamnionitis, abnormal pregnancy history and abnormality of umbilical cord, amniotic fluid or placenta. Conclusions The incidence of neonatal asphyxia in Enshi area is obviously higher than the national average. The main risk factors for neonatal asphyxia in this area are related to maternal background and the living condition of the mother during pregnancy, delivery as well as the newborn at birth.