Laparoscopy combined with hysteroscopy in the treatment of Robert’s uterus accompanied by adenomyosis:A case report

BACKGROUND Gynaecologists should be aware of a rare obstructive Mullerian duct abnormality like Robert’s uterus and perform further surgery when necessary.CASE SUMMARY We report a 41-year-old mother of two children with Robert’s uterus who was examined and treated by laparoscopy and hysteroscopy.Unlike the existing cases reported in the literature,this patient had a late onset of Robert’s uterus symptoms.Due to right tubal ectopic pregnancy 3 years previously,the patient was treated with right salpingectomy and left tubal ligation but suffered aggravated left lower abdominal pain.She was examined and treated by laparoscopy and hysteroscopy,and is completely asymptomatic at 5-year followup.CONCLUSION The typical obstructive Mullerian abnormality requires further surgery.Combined laparoscopy and hysteroscopy is an effective,minimally invasive technique with better recovery outcomes than traditional transabdominal procedures.

New insights into the biological roles of immune cells in neural stem cells in post-traumatic injury of the central nervous system

Traumatic injuries in the central nervous system,such as traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury,are associated with tissue inflammation and the infiltration of immune cells,which simultaneously affect the self-renewal and differentiation of neural stem cells.Howeve r,the tissue repair process instigated by endogenous neural stem cells is incapable of restoring central nervous system injuries without external intervention.Recently,resident/peripheral immune cells have been demonstrated to exert significant effects on neural stem cells.Thus,the resto ration of traumatic injuries in the central nervous system by the immune intervention in neural stem cells represents a potential therapeutic method.In this review,we discuss the roles and possible mechanisms of immune cells on the selfrenewal and differentiation of neural stem cells along with the prognosis of central nervous system injuries based on immune intervention.Finally,we discuss remaining research challenges that need to be considered in the future.Further elucidation of these challenges will fa cilitate the successful application of neural stem cells in central nervous system injuries.

翼状胬肉切除术后应用角膜绷带镜对眼表修复的影响

目的:观察翼状胬肉切除联合角膜缘干细胞移植术后应用角膜绷带镜对眼表修复的影响。方法:选取2016-01/2018-01在我院眼科就诊的单眼初发翼状胬肉患者52例,行翼状胬肉切除联合角膜缘干细胞移植术加戴绷带镜者26例为试验组,术后不加戴绷带镜者26例为对照组,分别于手术前后观察两组患者眼表疾病指数(OSDI)问卷评分、泪膜破裂时间(BUT)、角膜荧光素染色(CFS)评分。结果:与对照组相比,术后2wk,1mo试验组患者BUT延长,OSDI、CFS分值降低(均 P <0.05)。与术前相比,术后2wk两组患者BUT均缩短,OSDI、CFS分值均增高( P <0.05);术后1mo试验组患者BUT、OSDI和CFS分值与术前均无差异( P >0.05),而对照组患者BUT较术前仍缩短,OSDI、CFS分值仍增高(均 P <0.05)。结论:翼状胬肉切除联合自体角膜缘干细胞移植后加戴角膜绷带镜在术后早期是一种促进角膜愈合、提高泪膜稳定性、减少术后不适的安全方法,利于眼表修复,具有一定的临床应用价值。

Indole Alkaloids Inhibiting Neural Stem Cell from Uncaria rhynchophylla

Uncaria rhynchophylla is commonly recognized as a traditional treatment for dizziness,cerebrovascular diseases,and nervous disorders in China.Previously,the neuro-protective activities of the alkaloids from U.rhynchophylla were intensively reported.In current work,three new indole alkaloids(1–3),identified as geissoschizic acid(1),geissoschizic acid N4-oxide(2),and 3b-sitsirikine N4-oxide(3),as well as 26 known analogues were isolated from U.rhynchophylla.However,in the neural stem cells(NSCs)proliferation assay for all isolated compounds,geissoschizic acid(1),geissoschizic acid N4-oxide(2),isocorynoxeine(6),isorhynchophylline(7),(4S)-akuammigine N-oxide(8),and(4S)-rhynchophylline N-oxide(10)showed unexpected inhibitory activities at 10 μM.Unlike previous neuro-protective reports,as a warning or caution,our finding showcased a clue for possible NSCs toxicity and the neural lesions risk of U.rhynchophylla,while the structure–activity relationships of the isolated compounds were discussed also.

Monoterpenoid Indole Alkaloids from Inadequately Dried Leaves of Alstonia scholaris

Six new indole alkaloids,named alstoniascholarines L–Q(1–6),together with nineteen known analogues were isolated from the inadequately dried leaves of Alstonia scholaris.Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive analysis of spectroscopic data and by comparison of their physical and spectroscopic data with the literature values.In addition,the new alkaloids were tested for their cytotoxic and neurite outgrowth-promoting activities.

Cloning the Dmrt1 and DmrtA2 genes of ayu(Plecoglossus altivelis) and mapping their expression in adult,larval,and embryonic stages

The Dmrt family of genes are involved in sex differentiation in different species of invertebrates, and some vertebrates including human. In this study, we cloned the full-length eDNA of ayu （Plecoglossus altivelis） Draft1 and DmrtA2. Sequence and phylogenetic tree analyses showed ayu Dmrtl showed highest similarity to that of Oncorhynchus mykiss while ayu DmrtA2 is most similar to that of Oryzias latipes. Fluorescence-based quantitative reverse transcription PCR （qRT-PCR） revealed the Draft1 was predominantly expressed in the testis. At the larval stages, Dmrtl mRNA expression level was highest during 52-64 days post hatching （dph） and at the gastrula stage during embryonic development. DmrtA2, meanwhile, was specifically expressed in the ovary and was highly expressed in the female brain tissue, but not male brain tissue. During the larval stages, DmrtA2 expression remained high before day 34, and then fluctuated while generally decreasing. During embryonic development, DmrtA2 expression increased gradually and peaked at the hatching stage. Our data suggest that ayu Dmrtl might participate in the differentiation and maintenance of testis while DmrtA2 may play a role in ovary-differentiation and mature-ovary maintenance. DmrtA2 might also participate in brain development.

Large-conductance Ca^2＋-activated K^＋ channel involvement in suppression of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury after electroacupuncture at Shuigou(GV26) acupoint in rats

Excess activation and expression of large-conductance Ca^2＋-activated K^＋ channels（BKCa channels） may be an important mechanism for delayed neuronal death after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Electroacupuncture can regulate BKCa channels after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, but the precise mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we established a rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Model rats received electroacupuncture of 1 m A and 2 Hz at Shuigou（GV26） for 10 minutes, once every 12 hours for a total of six times in 72 hours. We found that in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury rats, ischemic changes in the cerebral cortex were mitigated after electroacupuncture. Moreover, BKCa channel protein and m RNA expression were reduced in the cerebral cortex and neurological function noticeably improved. These changes did not occur after electroacupuncture at a non-acupoint（5 mm lateral to the left side of Shuigou）. Thus, our findings indicate that electroacupuncture at Shuigou improves neurological function in rats following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, and may be associated with down-regulation of BKCa channel protein and m RNA expression. Additionally, our results suggest that the Shuigou acupoint has functional specificity.

Corneal endothelial cell density and morphology and central corneal thickness in Guangxi Maonan and Han adolescent students of China

AIM: To investigate the corneal endothelial cell density and morphology and central corneal thickness in the Guangxi Maonan and Han adolescent students of China.METHODS: Noncontact specular microscope(Topcon SP3000 P, Tokyo, Japan) was performed in 133 adolescent students of Maonan ethnic group(M:F 54:79)and 105 adolescent students of Han ethnic group(M:F 50:55),5 to 20 y of age, who were randomly selected from 3schools in Huanjiang Maonan Autonomous County of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China.Parameters studied included endothelial cell density,mean cell area, coefficient of variation in cell size,percentage hexagonality and central corneal thickness. RESULTS: Endothelial cell density, mean cell area,coefficient of variation in cell size, percentage hexagonality and central corneal thickness in the study population were(2969.50 ±253.93) cells/mm2,(339.23 ±29.44) μm2,(29.96 ±4.07) %,(64.58 ±9.41) % and(523.71 ±32.82) μm in Maonan and(2998.26 ±262.65) cells/mm2,(336.11±30.07) μm2,(29.89±5.03) %,(64.91±11.64) % and(524.39 ±33.15) μm in Han, respectively. No significant differences were observed in endothelial cell density,mean cell area, coefficient of variation in cell size,percentage hexagonality and central corneal thickness between Maonan and Han(P =0.615, 0.659, 0.528, 0.551,0.999). In Maonan and Han, we found age was negatively correlated with endothelial cell density and percentagehexagonality and positively correlated with mean cell area and coefficient of variation in cell size. Negative correlation was also found between central corneal thickness and age in Han, whereas no correlation was found in Maonan. CONCLUSION: There were no differences between Maonan and Han in corneal endothelial cell density and morphology and central corneal thickness. In these two ethnic groups, there were statistically significant decrease in endothelial cell density and percentage hexagonality with increasing age and statistically significant increase in cell area and coefficient of variation in cell size with increasing age. Central corneal thinned with increasing age in Han, whereas difference did not attain statistical significance in Maonan.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus and its oral tolerance therapy

As a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease,type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM)is marked by insulin defect resulting from the destruction of pancreaticβ-cells.The understanding of various aspects of T1DM,such as its epidemiology,pathobiology,pathogenesis,clinical manifestations,and complications,has been greatly promoted by valuable research performed during the past decades.However,these findings have not been translated into an effective treatment.The ideal treatment should safely repair the destroyed immune balance in a longlasting manner,preventing or stopping the destruction ofβ-cells.As a type of immune hypo-responsiveness to the orally administrated antigen,oral tolerance may be induced by enhancement of regulatory T cells(Tregs)or by anergy/deletion of T cells,depending on the dosage of orally administrated antigen.Acting as an antigen-specific immunotherapy,oral tolerance therapy for T1DM has been mainly performed using animal models and some clinical trials have been completed or are still ongoing.Based on the review of the proposed mechanism of the development of T1DM and oral tolerance,we give a current overview of oral tolerance therapy for T1DM conducted in both animal models and clinical trials.

Coinfection of Streptococcus suis and Nocardia asiatica in the human central nervous system:A case report

BACKGROUND Streptococcus suis(S.suis)is an anthropozoonotic pathogen that shows clinical manifestations of meningitis,septicemia,and arthritis in infected humans.Nocardia is another type of anthropozoonotic bacteria,with clinical manifestations of skin,lung,and brain abscesses in infected humans.Few intracranial infections caused by S.suis or Nocardia have been reported.To the best of our knowledge,no study has reported a patient with simultaneous intracranial infection by S.suis and Nocardia.CASE SUMMARY A 66-year-old male presented at Liaocheng People’s Hospital(Liaocheng,Shandong Province,China)reporting dizziness with nausea and vomiting.Metagenomic next-generation sequencing(m NGS)was performed on cerebrospinal fluid for examination,and the patient was diagnosed with suppurative meningitis caused by S.suis infection.He received anti-infection treatment with penicillin sodium and ceftriaxone.The patient’s condition initially improved but then deteriorated.Further m NGS of cerebrospinal fluid revealed both S.suis and Nocardia.Imaging examination revealed a brain abscess.Furthermore,a mixed infection of S.suis and Nocardia was detected in the patient’s central nervous system.The patient was treated with antibiotics and sulfamethoxazole.He was discharged after his condition improved.CONCLUSION This case shows that the disease can be recurrent in patients with intracranial infection of a rare pathogen.The possibility of mixed infection should also be considered,especially in patients treated with immunosuppressive agents.m NGS of cerebrospinal fluid is a supplement to conventional microbial pathogen identification methods.Patients with unknown pathogen diagnosis,early extensive use of antibiotics and infection with rare pathogens can be diagnosed by the combination of conventional methods and m NGS of cerebrospinal fluid.

Application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in the diagnosis of infectious diseases of the central nervous system after empirical treatment

BACKGROUND The diagnostic value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing(mNGS)in central nervous system(CNS)infectious diseases after empirical treatment has not been reported.AIM To investigate the diagnostic value of mNGS of cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)in the empirically treated CNS infectious diseases.METHODS A total of 262 CSF samples from patients with suspected CNS infections were collected between August 2020 and December 2021.Both mNGS and conventional methods were used for testing.The conventional methods included microbial culture,smear,polymerase chain reaction,etc.RESULTS Among 262 suspected cases,183 cases(69.84%)were diagnosed as CNS infection,including 86 cases of virus infection(47.00%),70 cases of bacterial infection(38.25%)and 27 cases of fungal infection(14.76%).The sensitivity and specificity of mNGS were 65.6%(95%CI:58.2%-72.3%)and 89.6%(95%CI:79.1%-95.3%),respectively.The PPV of mNGS was 94.5%(95%CI:88.6%-97.6%),and the NPV was 48.8%(95%CI:39.7%–57.9%).The pathogen detective sensitivity and accuracy of mNGS were higher than those of conventional methods(Sensitivity:65.6%vs 37.2%;P<0.001;Accuracy:72.0%vs 50%,P<0.001).The results showed that compared with conventional methods,mNGS technology was a more sensitive method for the diagnosis of CNS infection after empirical treatment.CONCLUSION mNGS can be a better method applied in the diagnosis of CNS infection after empirical treatment.

Limonoid and Steroidal Saponin from Azadirachta indica

A new limonoid,17-(5-methoxy-2-oxofuran-3-yl)-28-deoxonimbolide(1),and a new C21 steroidal saponin,2a,4a-dihydroxy-pregn-5-en-16-one-3a-O-D-glucopyranoside(2),together with 11 known compounds were isolated from the methanol extract of the leaves of Azadirachta indica.The structures were elucidated by means of spectroscopic analysis and putative biosynthetic origins.All the compounds were evaluated for their antibacterial activities against six bacterial strains.

Spiralosides A–C, Three New C_(27)-Steroidal Glycoalkaloids from the Fruits of Solanum spirale

Three new C_(27)-steroidal glycoalkaloids,spiralosides A–C(1–3),were obtained from the total alkaloids of Solanum spirale by chromatographic methods.On the basis of spectroscopic evidence,spiralosides A–C were elucidated as(22R,25S)-22,26-epiminocholest-5-ene-3β,16a-diol-N-acetyl-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-glucopyranosyl(1),(22R,25S)-22,26-epiminocholest-5-ene-3β,16α-diol-N-acetyl-3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl(2),(22R,25S)-22,26-epiminocholest-3β,16α-diol-N-acetyl-3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl(3),respectively.The total alkaloids of S.spirale have been screened for their antitussive and expectorant effects in intact animal model.

Reversal of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease complicated with cirrhosis by traditional Chinese medicine:a case report and experience

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)has become the world’s most common chronic liver disease and is considered one of the main causes of occult liver cirrhosis.To date,major guidelines in China and abroad have not recommended any drugs with precise efficacy and safety for NAFLD,especially for NAFLD-related liver fibrosis or cirrhosis,which lack effective drugs.Traditional Chinese medicine has significant curative effects and advantages in preventing and treating NAFLD.We retrospectively analyzed a case of liver cirrhosis due to NAFLD that was treated solely with traditional Chinese medicine for nearly one year at the Diagnosis and Treatment Center of Advantage Specific Diseases for Fatty Liver in our hospital to provide a reference for the prevention and treatment of non-alcoholic liver fibrosis and liver cirrhosis by traditional Chinese medicine.

Adolescent alcohol exposure changes RNA modifications in adult brain by mass spectrometry-based comprehensive profiling analysis

Alcohol consumption is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.Adolescence is a critical period of structural and functional maturation of the brain.Adolescent alcohol use can alter epigenetic modifications.However,little is known on the long-term effects of alcohol consumption during adolescence on RNA epigenetic modifications in brain.Herein,we systematically explored the long-term effects of alcohol exposure during adolescence on small RNA modifications in adult rat brain tissues by comprehensive liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-ESI-MS/MS)analysis.We totally detected 26 modifications in small RNA of brain tissues.Notably,we observed most of these modifications were decreased in brain tissues.These results suggest that alcohol exposure during adolescence may impose a long-lasting impact on RNA modifications in brain tissues.This is the first report that alcohol use during adolescence can alter RNA modifications in adult brain.Collectively,this study suggests a long-term adverse effects of alcohol consumption on brain from RNA epigenetics angle by comprehensive mass spectrometry analysis.

Leaching and mass transfer characteristics of elements from ion-adsorption type rare earth ore

The differences in the leaching and mass transfer characteristics of ion-adsorption type rare earth ore between rare earth and non-rare earth impurities were investigated. It is determined that the leaching kinetics of rare earths （REs）, Mg and Ca could be described by the shrinking-core model. The leaching rate is controlled by inner diffusion and is in the order of Mg 〉 Ca 〉 RE. The apparent activation energy is 8.48, 6.79 and 6.32 kJ·mol^-1, respectively. In leaching system of Al, the leaching efficiency decreases with the increase in temperature because of hydrolysis reactions. The leaching efficiency of aluminum increases firstly and then decreases with the passage of time when the temperature is higher than 35 ℃. Besides, there is a good consistency in leaching characteristics and mass transfer, and the order of the time-to- peak is Mg 〈 Ca 〈 RE 〈 Al. Therefore, rare earth and non-rare earth may be partly separated by expanding the separation coefficient. The research could provide a theoretic basis for the separation of rare earth and non-rare earth impurities. Furthermore, compound leaching with magnesium salt and calcium salt is innovatively proposed to solve the problem of calcium and magnesium nutrient loss in the soil as well as eliminate ammonia-nitrogen emissions from the source.

An Azoester-containing Photoresponsive Linear Liquid Crystal Polymer with Good Mesophase Stability

Photoresponsive linear liquid crystal polymers(LLCPs)are attractive because of the excellent stimuli-responsibility and the good processability.In this study,a new photoresponsive LLCP containing azoester(PC11AE6)with good mesophase stability was synthesized by ringopening metathesis polymerization.By introducing photoresponsive azoester mesogenic unit,which has high rigidity and a large lengthdiameter ratio,the resultant polymer possesses a broad mesophase temperature interval(isotropic temperature=180℃).A study on mesophase by 2D-wide angle X-ray diffraction indicated that the mesogens were orientated spontaneously into smectic A phase after annealing.The orientated films and fibres exhibited macroscopic,rapid and reversible deformations under light irradiation as a result of the photoisomerization of azoester as confirmed by UV-Vis absorption spectrophotometry.We anticipate that this work provides a strategy for preparing LLCP with a broad mesophase temperature range,which is positive for potential applications.

RGFP966通过抑制YAP通路活化减轻长时程低温保存诱导的心功能损伤

目的:观察组蛋白脱乙酰化酶3(HDAC3)抑制剂RGFP966是否能够促进低温保存心脏复灌期心功能的恢复,并探讨Hippo-YAP信号通路是否参与了RGFP966的心肌保护作用。创新点:首次证实了在Celsior保存液中添加RGFP966可以减轻长时程低温保存引起的心脏功能障碍。该研究结果为临床实践中的心脏移植提供有价值且可行的策略,为患者获得远距供体心脏提供了可能。方法:将大鼠离体心脏置于含有或不含有RGFP966的Celsior保存液中低温保存12 h后,于Langendorff灌流系统中复灌60 min,测定复灌期各项心功能指标。用Western blotting法分析Mst1和YAP蛋白表达和磷酸化水平。用TUNEL法测定心肌细胞凋亡情况。结论:RGFP966可以促进低温保存心脏复灌期心功能的恢复,其作用机制可能是通过抑制Hippo-YAP信号传导通路的激活,增强心肌抗氧化能力,抑制心肌细胞凋亡而实现的。

Genome-wide DNA methylation patterns in monocytes derived from patients with primary Sjogren syndrome

Background:Epigenetics,especially DNA methylation,plays an important role in the pathogenesis of primary Sjogren syndrome(pSS).Our study aimed to reveal the role of DNA methylation in peripheral monocytes of pSS patients.Methods:A total of 11 pSS patients and five age-matched healthy controls(HCs)were included in this study.Monocytes were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells using magnetic microbeads.DNA methylation profiles were generated using Human Methylation 850K BeadChips.Results:In monocytes from pSS patients,we identified 2819 differentially methylated positions(DMPs),comprising 1977 hypomethylated-and 842 hypermethylated-DMPs,corresponding to 1313 unique genes when compared with HCs.IFI44L,MX1,PAARP9,and IFITM1,which influence the interferon(IFN)signaling pathway,were among the genes hypomethylated in pSS.Functional analysis of genes with a minimum of two DMPs showed involvement in antigen binding,transcriptional regulation,cell adhesion,IFN-g pathway,type I IFN pathway,antigen presentation,Epstein-Barr virus infection,human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 virus infection,and metabolic disease-related pathways.In addition,patients with higher serum IgG levels exhibited enrichment in Notch signaling and metabolic-related pathways.Upon comparing monocytes with salivary gland epithelial cells,an important overlap was observed in the cell cycle,cell senescence,and interleukin-17 signaling pathways.The differentially methylated genes were more enriched in the ribosome-and AMP-activated protein kinase signaling pathway in anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB autoantibodies double-positive patients.Conclusion:Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling revealed significant differences in DNA methylation in monocytes isolated from patients with pSS.

Oral tolerance therapy in type 1 diabetes mellitus

Type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM),an autoimmune disorder,is marked by T cell-mediated destruction of theβcells of the pancreas,which leads to an almost complete loss of the ability to synthesize insulin.[1]This insulin deficiency results in loss of the ability to regulate blood sugar,therefore,exogenous insulin administration is necessary for patients to control blood sugar and to reduce the incidence of related chronic diabetic complications.[2]In addition,a positive correlation between diabetes mellitus and hypertension has been detected.[3]