A botanical medicine dragon’s blood exhibited clinical antithrombosis efficacy similar to low molecular weight heparin

Deep vein thrombosis(DVT)is a common complication following traumatic fracture with a 0.5%–1%annual incidence.Low molecular weight heparin(LMWH)is the most commonly used anticoagulation drug for DVT prevention,but treatment with LMWH is invasive.Our aim is to compare the antithrombotic effect of dragon’s blood,an oral botanical anticoagulant medicine approved by the Chinese FDA,with LMWH in patients undergoing hip fracture surgery and to explore the molecular mechanisms of anticoagulation treatment.Our study recruited patients and divided them into LMWH and dragon’s blood treatment group.Coagulation index tests,Doppler ultrasound and mRNA sequencing were performed before and after anticoagulation therapy.There was no significant difference in postoperative DVT incidence between the two groups(23.1%versus 15.4%,P=0.694).D-dimer(D-D)and fibrinogen degradation product(FDP)showed significant reductions in both groups after anticoagulation treatments.We identified SLC4A1,PROS1,PRKAR2B and seven other genes as being differentially expressed during anticoagulation therapy in both groups.Genes correlated with coagulation indexes were also identified.Dragon’s blood and LMWH showed similar effects on DVT and produced similar gene expression changes in patients undergoing hip fracture surgery,indicating that dragon’s blood is a more convenient antithrombosis medicine(oral)than LMWH(hypodermic injection).

A chromosome-level genome assembly for Dracaena cochinchinensis reveals the molecular basis of its longevity and formation of dragon’s blood

Dracaena,a remarkably long-lived and slowly maturing species of plant,is world famous for its ability to produce dragon’s blood,a precious traditional medicine used by different cultures since ancient times.However,there is no detailed and high-quality genome available for this species at present;thus,the molecular mechanisms that underlie its important traits are largely unknown.These factors seriously limit the protection and regeneration of this rare and endangered plant resource.Here,we sequenced and assembled the genome of Dracaena cochinchinensis at the chromosome level.The D.cochinchinensis genome covers 1.21 Gb with a scaffold N50 of 50.06 Mb and encodes 31619 predicted protein-coding genes.Analysis showed that D.cochinchinensis has undergone two whole-genome duplications and two bursts of long terminal repeat insertions.The expansion of two gene classes,cis-zeatin O-glucosyltransferase and small auxin upregulated RNA,were found to account for its longevity and slow growth.Two transcription factors(bHLH and MYB)were found to be core regulators of the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway,and reactive oxygen species were identified as the specific signaling molecules responsible for the injuryinduced formation of dragon’s blood.Our study provides high-quality genomic information relating to D.cochinchinensis and significant insight into the molecular mechanisms responsible for its longevity and formation of dragon’s blood.These findings will facilitate resource protection and sustainable utilization of Dracaena.

S-100β CysC和NF-κB对急性缺血性脑卒中患者静脉溶栓后出血转化的预测价值

目的 探讨急性缺血性脑卒中(AIS)外周血中S-100β、CysC和NF-κB水平对静脉溶栓后出血转化的影响及预测价值。方法 收集2019-03—2022-03接受溶栓治疗的AIS患者140例,根据溶栓后24 h是否发生出血转化(HT)将患者分为非HT组(n=112)和HT组(n=28)。比较2组一般临床资料,采用多因Logistic回归分析影响HT发生的危险因素,受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线评估S-100β、CysC和NF-κB预测HT发生的价值。结果 HT组与非HT组相比,患者年龄、发病至溶栓时间、房颤、TOAST分型、C反应蛋白、凝血酶原时间、S-100β、CysC、NF-κB、白质高信号和脑微出血等均有统计学差异(P<0.05)。Logistic多因素回归分析显示,房颤、S-100β、CysC和NF-κB为影响HT发生的危险因素。S-100β、CysC和NF-κB预测AIS患者静脉溶栓后出血转化的曲线下面积分别为0.915(0.902~0.923)、0.874(0.856~0.882)和0.789(0.771~0.796),均具有一定的预测价值。结论 S-100β、CysC和NF-κB为AIS患者静脉溶栓后HT发生的危险因素,对HT发生具有一定的预测价值。

Occurrence of Salmonella Enteric Serovar Typhi Antibodies among Blood Donors in Ghana

Background: Donated blood contaminated with S. Typhi can cause post-transfusion sepsis. This study aimed to determine the correlation between some risk factors of typhoid fever and seroprevalence of antibodies against S. Typhi among blood donors. Methodology: Following informed consent, socio-demographic and information on risk factors of typhoid infection was obtained using pre-structured questionnaires from 400 apparently healthy blood donors at the Tema General Hospital. Blood was also collected for serology and cultured for identification of pathogens by standard bacteriological method. Results: Blood culture did not reveal any S. Typhi isolate out of the tested 400 (348 males and 52 females) samples from apparently healthy blood donors. However, IgM and IgG antibody seroprevalence of 9.3% and 3.5% were detected. Age group of 17 - 24 years was the highest risk group, persons with a history of typhoid infection, and sources of drinking water were major risk factors for typhoid infection. It was also observed that prevalence of IgM was highest among new donors (62.2%), but lower in donors with a history of 1 to 3 blood donations (32.4%) and least among regular donors (>3 donations (5.4%)). In addition, typhoid prevention awareness and typhoid knowledge (knowledge about typhoid transmission) among the donors were poor (4.3% and 5.9% respectively). Conclusions: This study has shown an overall seroprevalence of 9% and 3.5% for IgM and IgG antibodies respectively among blood donors in the Tema area in Ghana. We advocate for the mandatory screening of donor units intended for transfusion for S. Typhi. Furthermore, there is an urgent need for the health education of all persons in Ghana on preventive measures and the spread of S. Typhi.

Protective effects of Dragon's Blood on blood coagulation and NO/iNOS level in myocardium and serum of rats in simulated microgravity

To investigate effects of Dragon＇s Blood（DB）,a traditional Chinese medicine,on blood coagulation and NO/iNOS level in myocardium and serum of rats in simulated microgravity for the first time,Sprague Dawley（SD）rats were randomly divided into six groups：（a）5-day control group,（b）5-day model group,（c）5-day drug group,（d）21-day control group,（e）21-day model group,and（f）21-day drug group.Blood coagulation and NO/iNOS level in myocardium and serum were examined after 5 and 21 days of simulated microgravity respectively.The results showed that blood of tail-suspended rats was in a hypercoagulable state that could not be converted with time extending.Conversely,DB changed these parameters towards normal level and the curative effects became better when tail-suspension lasted till the 21 st day.NO concentration of both myocardium and serum for two periods all increased markedly and DB could effectively reduce these increases except that of 21-day myocardium NO.Activity of iNOS increased markedly as early as 5 days and became more serious on the 21 st day,while DB showed preventive effect on the 21 st day.Western Blot analysis illustrated that the expression of iNOS in the 5-day model group increased significantly over the 5-day control group and the expression in the 5-day drug group dramatically returned to the normal level.The similar trend was observed on the 21-day groups without notable variances.The findings of this study can serve for the further use of Dragon＇s Blood in space diseases.

长期冷冻对ELISA法检测血浆标本中HBsAg结果的影响

目的评价献血者HBsAg阳性血液标本在-20°C冻存8年后ELISA法HBsAg检测的结果,评估血站目前留样保存方式的有效性。方法收集本站2014年5月—2015年3月100份经HBsAg ELISA检测阳性的献血者血浆标本,冻存在-20°C冰箱,于2023年解冻标本并通过同种方法再次检测。结果100份血浆标本的HBsAg再检定性结果均为阳性,再检符合率100%,冻存后S/CO值降低明显(27.52 vs 19.03,P<0.05)。结论长期冻存会使HBsAg ELISA检测S/CO值下降,但不影响阳性定性结果。

脐动脉血流S/D值联合孕妇血清CX3CL1 HIF-1α对胎儿窘迫的诊断价值

目的探讨脐动脉血流收缩期末最大血流速度/舒张期末最大血流速度(S/D)、血清趋化因子C-X3-C配体1(CX3CL1)、血清缺氧诱导因子-1α(HIF-1α)对胎儿窘迫(FD)的诊断价值。方法选取2020年5月至2022年5月在青岛市妇女儿童医院妇产科分娩且出现FD的128例孕妇为研究对象(FD组),根据新生儿Apgar评分将FD孕妇分为轻度窘迫组74例和重度窘迫组54例,另取同期在本院定期产检并分娩的健康且未出现FD的孕妇78例为正常组;超声检测FD孕妇脐动脉血流S/D值;ELISA法检测FD孕妇血清CX3CL1、HIF-1α水平;Pearson法分析FD孕妇血清CX3CL1、HIF-1α水平与脐动脉血流S/D值的相关性;受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析血清CX3CL1、HIF-1α水平及脐动脉血流S/D值对胎儿重度窘迫的诊断价值。结果FD组孕妇脐动脉血流阻力指数(RI)、搏动指数(PI)、S/D值、血清CX3CL1及HIF-1α水平均显著高于正常组(P<0.05),重度窘迫组孕妇RI值、PI值、S/D值、血清CX3CL1及HIF-1α水平均高于轻度窘迫组(P<0.05)。FD组血清CX3CL1、HIF-1α与脐动脉血流S/D值均呈正相关(r=0.531、0.489,P<0.05)。脐动脉血流S/D值、血清CX3CL1、HIF-1α以及3项联合诊断胎儿重度窘迫的AUC分别为0.870、0.802、0.731、0.941,联合诊断的灵敏度为87.04%,特异度为90.54%,3项联合优于脐动脉血流S/D值、血清CX3CL1、HIF-1α各自单独诊断(Z3项联合-S/D=2.775、Z3项联合-CX3CL1=3.998、Z3项联合-HIF-1α=4.925,P均<0.05)。结论FD孕妇脐动脉血流S/D值、血清CX3CL1、HIF-1α水平均上升,且血清CX3CL1、HIF-1α水平与脐动脉血流S/D值均呈正相关,3项联合对诊断胎儿重度窘迫有更高的价值。

红细胞比容、血流S/D比值及同型半胱氨酸在妊娠期糖尿病患者中的表达及对妊娠结局的影响

目的探究红细胞比容、血流S/D比值及同型半胱氨酸在妊娠期糖尿病患者中的表达及对妊娠结局的影响。方法选取我院2021年1月~2023年1月纳入的86例妊娠期糖尿病患者为研究组,另外选取同时期86例妊娠期健康孕妇作为对照组,分别对两组孕妇以及研究组不同疾病严重程度孕妇之间的红细胞比容、血流S/D比值、同型半胱氨酸表达水平进行比较,观察记录两组孕妇不良妊娠结局的发生情况。结果研究组孕妇的红细胞比容明显低于对照组,血流S/D比值及同型半胱氨酸表达水平均明显高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);轻度、中度、重度妊娠期糖尿病患者的红细胞比容、血流S/D比值及同型半胱氨酸水平存在明显差异,且随着疾病严重程度的增高,红细胞比容越低,血流S/D比值及同型半胱氨酸水平越高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);研究组孕妇的不良妊娠结局总发生率明显高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论红细胞比容、血流S/D比值及同型半胱氨酸在妊娠期糖尿病患者中的表达水平异于健康孕妇,同时还与孕妇的妊娠结局存在一定的关联,血流S/D比值及同型半胱氨酸较高水平的表达与红细胞比容较低的情况增加了妊娠期糖尿病孕妇不良妊娠结局的发生率。

Gastric emptying, postprandial blood pressure, glycaemia and splanchnic flow in Parkinson's disease

AIM: To determine gastric emptying, blood pressure, mesenteric artery blood flow, and blood glucose responses to oral glucose in Parkinson's disease. METHODS: Twenty-one subjects(13 M, 8 F; age 64.2 ± 1.6 years) with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease(Hoehn and Yahr score 1.4 ± 0.1, duration of known disease 6.3 ± 0.9 years) consumed a 75 g glucose drink, labelled with 20 MBq 99mTc-calcium phytate. Gastric emptying was quantified with scintigraphy, blood pressure and heart rate with an automated device, superior mesenteric artery blood flow by Doppler ultrasonography and blood glucose byglucometer for 180 min. Autonomic nerve function was evaluated with cardiovascular reflex tests and upper gastrointestinal symptoms by questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean gastric half-emptying time was 106 ± 9.1 min, gastric emptying was abnormally delayed in 3 subjects(14%). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure fell(P < 0.001) and mesenteric blood flow and blood glucose(P < 0.001 for both) increased, following the drink. Three subjects(14%) had definite autonomic neuropathy and 8(38%) had postprandial hypotension. There were no significant relationships between changes in blood pressure, heart rate or mesenteric artery blood flow with gastric emptying. Gastric emptying was related to the score for autonomic nerve function(R = 0.55, P < 0.01). There was an inverse relationship between the blood glucose at t = 30 min(R =-0.52, P < 0.05), while the blood glucose at t = 180 min was related directly(R = 0.49, P < 0.05), with gastric emptying. CONCLUSION: In mild to moderate Parkinson's disease, gastric emptying is related to autonomic dysfunction and a determinant of the glycaemic response to oral glucose.

LARGELY IMPROVED BLOOD COMPATIBILITY OF POLYURETHANE BY BLENDING WITH FLUORINATED PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE POLYURETHANE

The improvement of biocompatibility of polyurethanes was investigated.The results demonstrate that the blood compatibility of polyurethanes can be further improved by just simply mixing with the fluorinated phosphatidylcholine poly(carbonate urethane)s(FPCPCUs).The solution blending was done by mixing poly(ether urethane)(PEU)with FPCPCU in different compositions.An increased blood compatibility of the blend films was observed with the increase of FPCPCU content,and when FPCPCU content reached to 40 wt%(40F...

Emotion processing in Parkinson's disease: a blood oxygenation level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging study

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia are the major symptoms of the disease. These motor impairments are often accompanied by affective and emotional dysfunctions which have been largely studied over the last decade. The aim of this study was to investigate emotional processing organization in the brain of patients with Parkinson's disease and to explore whether there are differences between recognition of different types of emotions in Parkinson's disease. We examined 18 patients with Parkinson's disease(8 men, 10 women) with no history of neurological or psychiatric comorbidities. All these patients underwent identical brain blood oxygenation level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging for emotion evaluation. Blood oxygenation level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging results revealed that the occipito-temporal cortices, insula, orbitofrontal cortex, basal ganglia, and parietal cortex which are involved in emotion processing, were activated during the functional control. Additionally, positive emotions activate larger volumes of the same anatomical entities than neutral and negative emotions. Results also revealed that Parkinson's disease associated with emotional disorders are increasingly recognized as disabling as classic motor symptoms. These findings help clinical physicians to recognize the emotional dysfunction of patients with Parkinson's disease.

Correlations of PCBs, DIOXIN, and PBDE with TSH in Children's Blood in Areas of Computer E-waste Recycling

Objective To study correlations of polychlorinated biphenyls （PCBs）, DIOXIN, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers （PBDE） with thyroid stimulating hormone（TSH） in children, and assess the impact on children＇s health. Methods Three hundred and sixty nine children aged from 6 to 8, including 195 from Luqiao, the computer E‐waste recycling area, and 174 from Longyou, the control area, were selected for this investigation to elucidate the correlation of PCBs, DIOXIN, and PBDE with TSH in children’s blood samples. The children had a physical examination and their blood levels of PCBs, DIOXIN, PBDE, and TSH were detected after sample collection. Results In the E‐waste recycling area, the contents of PCBs, PBDE, DIOXIN, and TSH in the blood samples of children were 484.00±84.86 ng·g ‐1 lipid weight, 664.28±262.38 ng·g ‐1 lipid weight, 26.00±19.58 ng·g ‐1 lipid weight and 1.88±0.42 μIU/mL （serum） respectively, while in the control area, the PCBs, PBDE, DIOXIN, and TSH contents were 255.38±95 ng·g ‐1 lipid weight, 375.81±262.43 ng·g ‐1 lipid weight, 39.64±31.86 ng·g ‐1 lipid weight, and 3.31±1.04 μIU/mL respectively. Conclusion The health status of children in the control area are better than that in the contaminated area. Among children who are exposed to persistent organic pollutants, the pollutant content increases significantly in their serum, and the distribution of TSH levels in their bodies are also affected.

Cerebrospinal fluid and blood biomarkers in Alzheimer’s disease

Due to an ever aging society and growing prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease(AD),the challenge to meet social and health care system needs will become increasingly difficult.Unfortunately,a definite ante mortem diagnosis is not possible.Thus,an early diagnosis and identification of AD patients is critical for promising,early pharmacological interventions as well as addressing health care needs.The most advanced and most reliable markers areβ-amyloid,total tau and phosphorylated tau in cerebrospinal fluid(CSF).In blood,no single biomarker has been identified despite an intense search over the last decade.The most promising approaches consist of a combination of several bloodbased markers increasing the reliability,sensitivity and specificity of the AD diagnosis.However,contradictory data make standardized testing methods in longitudinal and multi-center studies extremely difficult.In this review,we summarize a range of the most promising CSF and blood biomarkers for diagnosing AD.

急性ST段抬高型心肌梗死患者救治与降压达标的相关性研究

目的分析急性ST段抬高型心肌梗死(ST-elevation myocardial infarction,STEMI)救治时间节点与降压达标的相关性。方法选择CCU于2017年2月至2018年8月收治的行急诊经皮冠状动脉介入术(PCI)的STEMI患者374例,采用统一调查问卷收集资料,根据合并高血压情况分为高血压组168例和非高血压组206例。依据高血压组血压控制达标情况,分为达标组(75例)和未达标组(93例),分析2组间的差异,Logistic回归分析降压达标与首次医疗接解(S-to-FMC)、D-to-B、总缺血时间(TIT)的相关性。结果STEMI患者中高血压患者的检出率44.9%;2、3级高血压患者占92.7%;高血压组与非高血压组比较,2组S-to-FMC、D-to-B、TIT差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);降压达标组S-to-FMC、TIT时间显著低于非达标组(P<0.05)。结论降压达标患者的获益不仅是在降压本身及重要脏器的保护作用,与心血管事件的及时救治有一定的相关性,降压达标的STEMI患者院前延迟时间、心肌总缺血时间缩短,有助于改善患者的预后。

Young blood products:emerging treatment for Alzheimer's disease?

Alzheimer＇s disease is the most common neurodegenerative disorder and no disease-modifying treatment is currently available.Research has shown that while brain neurogenesis continues in adult life,it declines with age.Using parabiosis,plasma transfusions and direct administration of neural growth factors,animal studies have demonstrated the positive impact of exposure to young blood products on neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity in an aging brain.The hippocampus and the sub-ventricular zones were identified as the main regions affected.Promising findings have prompted researchers to experiment their effects in subjects with an established neurocognitive disorder,such as Alzheimer＇s disease.They argued that modification of brain vasculature,reactivation of adult neural stem cells,and remodeling of their synaptic activity/plasticity may lead to cognitive enhancement and increased neurogenesis.One pilot human study found that young donor plasma infusion protocols for adults with Alzheimer＇s disease were safe and feasible;however,no statistically significant improvements in cognition were detected.There is a need to conduct additional placebo-controlled human studies in larger samples.Future studies should focus on identifying an “optimal age” at which an intervention in humans may yield significant cognitive enhancement,as well as determining the types of transfusions with the best efficacy and tolerability profiles.

Bioinformatics Analysis Raises Candidate Genes in Blood for Early Screening of Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson＇s disease （PD） is a typical degenerative disease, which is characterized by the most obvious symptoms of movement dysfunction, including shaking, rigidity, slowness of movement and difficulty in walking and gait. This disease can not be clearly identified through laboratory tests at present, thus application of high-throughput technique in studying the expression profiles of PD helps to find the genetic markers for its early diagnosis. Studies on expression profiles of neurodegenerative diseases have revealed the novel genes and pathways involved in the progress of illness. In this study, the expression profiles of PD in blood were compared, showing that 181 differentially expressed genes （DEG） exhibit a similar expression trend both in patients and in normal controls.

血清NSE与S100B蛋白联合DRAGON评分在评估急性脑梗死患者静脉溶栓预后中的作用

目的分析血清神经元特异性烯醇化酶(NSE)、S100B蛋白联合DRAGON评分对急性脑梗死(ACI)患者静脉溶栓的预后评估作用。方法以2012年6月至2014年6月该院收治的接受静脉溶栓治疗的108例前循环梗死ACI患者为观察对象,按照治疗后12个月改良Ranking评分(mRS)≤3分为预后良好组68例,以mRS≥4分为预后不良组40例,比较两组溶栓前血清NSE、S100B蛋白及DRAGON评分差异,分析上述各指标与治疗后12个月mRS的相关性。结果预后不良组溶栓前NSE、S100B蛋白水平及DRAGON评分均明显高于预后不良组;溶栓前NSE、S100B蛋白、DRAGON评分与治疗后12个月mRS评分均呈明显正相关。结论血清NSE、S100B蛋白联合DRAGON评分能够有效判断前循环梗死ACI患者的预后,指导治疗方案的制定与实施。

Editor's Choice——Umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cell differentiation and transplantation in neural regeneration

Previous in vivo experiments have shown that human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells can promote the proliferation and differentiation of damaged celts, and help to repair damaged sites, Recent studies have reported that umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells can differentiate into neurons and glial cells. Recent studies have reported that the repair mechanisms underlying cord blood stern cells involve the replacement of damaged cells and mediation of the local micro-environment.