Experimental Study on Observation of Hemorheologic Parameters of Hydrocortisone Caused Shen-Yang Deficiency in Rat Models

Objective: To explore the relationship between Shen deficiency and blood stasis. Methods:Using consecutive intramuscular injection of hydrocortisone to build Shen-yang deficiency model rats, and detect their hemorheological and biochemical parameters. Results: Comparison between the model group and control group showed that the in vitro thrombus significantly lengthened in the model group (P＜0.05), the dry weight increased (P＜0.01), hematocrit and whole blood viscosity under high sheared change lowered (P＜0.05), blood glucose elevated (P＜0.01), and RBC infiltration index, aggregation index increased (P close to 0.05). Conclusion: Under the condition of Shen-yang deficiency, although blood does not show such properties of blood stasis as being "viscous, concentrated, coagulated and aggregated", partial change of hemorheology occurs, and it is liable to form thrombus, which proves that the Shen deficiency status is accompanied with the tendency of blood stasis.

High Density Lipoprotein Phospholipids as a Marker of Coronary Heart Disease of Shen-Yang Deficiency Syndrome

Objective: To seek a new biochemical index for diagnosis of coronary heart disease (CHD)of shen-Yang deficiency syndrom (CHD-SYD). Methods: Sixty-one patients with CHD were divided into 3 groups according to their TCM Syndrome type, 10 patients in the group without Xin-Qi deficiency (Group A), 25 in the group with Xin-Qi deficiency but without Shen-Yang deficiency (Group B) and 26 in the group both with Xin-Qi deficiency and Shen-Yang deficiency (Group C). Levels of 17-hydroxy-corticosteroid in urine (urinary 17-OHCS) per 24 hrs, and serum level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and high density lipoprotein phospholipid (HDL-PL) in them were determined in synchrostep and compared with those in the control group of 23 healthy aged persons. urinary 17-OHCS per 24 hrs was taken as the diagnostic standard to screen a new index for diagnosis of Shen-Yang deficiency Syndrome, and preliminary appraisal to the index was made. Results: Serum HDL-PL in the CHD-SYD patients( Group C) was 616±157 mg/L, which was obviously lower than that in the patients of Group A and B. With low HDL-PL (<650 mg/L) used as the index to diagnose CHD-SYD, the sensitivity was 73%, the specificity 86% and the accuracy 80%. Conclusion: HDL-PL <650 mg/L could be adopted as an index for CHD-SYD diagnosis, which is simple and practical.

A Budd-Chiari Syndrome Due to C Protein Deficiency: A Case Report at YaoundéGeneral Hospital (Cameroon)

Primary Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a spontaneously fatal disease characterized by an obstruction of the hepatic venous outflow tract due to thrombosis or a primary disease of the venous wall. The primary form of BCS is extremely rare. This is a disease mainly affecting young adults of both sexes. Clinical manifestations are variable;they can be asymptomatic, acute, or subacute but mostly chronic. Several causes have been identified, such as myeloproliferative syndrome, antiphospholipid syndrome, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, and inherited thrombotic disorders. Data on primary BCS in Sub-Saharan Africa is rare as most publications available are case reports. In these reports, the causes are unknown with poor prognosis in most cases often leading to patient death. We herein present a case report of a male patient diagnosed with a primary BCS at Yaoundé General Hospital (Cameroon) caused by a Protein C deficiency who presented with ascites decompensating liver cirrhosis. Treatment was based on anticoagulants, diuretics and laxatives administration. Two years after the diagnosis, the patient is alive with clinical and paraclinical improvement.

A comparison of the effect of alendronate and You-Gui-Wan on osteoporosis in female rats with kidney-yang deficiency

Background:In traditional Chinese medicine,You-Gui-Wan(YGW)is typically used to treat osteoporosis associated with kidney-yang deficiency.However,there have been few mechanistic studies on the effectiveness of kidney-yang deficiency-type osteoporosis with YGW.To further clarify the role of YGW in the effect of osteoporosis with kidney-yang deficiency,the study analyzed the therapeutic advantages of YGW by comparing the therapeutic effects of YGW and alendronate(ALN)on osteoporosis with kidney-yang deficiency.Methods:SPF female SD rats were randomly divided into control,osteoporosis,osteoporosis with kidney-yang deficiency,osteoporosis with kidney-yang deficiency+YGW and osteoporosis with kidney-yang deficiency+ALN groups.Except for the control group,osteoporosis was induced by the removal of bilateral ovaries.After 12 weeks,rats with osteoporosis in the kidney-yang deficiency group had kidney-yang deficiency syndrome triggered by hydrocortisone for 14 days.Rats were treated with YGW or ALN for 12 weeks.The weights of rats were recorded.Hematoxylin-eosin staining staining was used to observe pathological changes in bone trabeculae,liver,spleen,and kidneys of rats.Depletion of the growth plate cartilage of rats in different groups was observed by safranine-O staining.The expression of osteoclast key indices(ACP)and osteoblast key indices(ALP)in the bone tissue of rats in the different groups was observed by immunohistochemical staining.The expression of bone resorption-related indicators(TRAP and NXT-1),bone formation-related indicators(BALP,BGP,and P1NP),and major indicators of kidney-yang deficiency(ACTH,T3,T4,cAMP,and cGMP)were observed using an ELISA detection kit.The expression levels of the main indices of liver function(ALT and AST)were detected in different groups.Results:The differences between the osteoporosis with kidney-yang deficiency group and osteoporosis group were that the weight of rats and the expression of ACTH,T3,T4,and cAMP decreased significantly,and the expression of cGMP increased in the osteoporosis with kidney-yang deficiency group.Moreover,both YGW and ALN effectively improved the symptoms of osteoporosis,including the injury of bone trabeculae and growth plates,as well as the expression of bone metabolism-related indicators.However,unlike ALN,YGW simultaneously ameliorated the expression of key indicators of kidney-yang deficiency and prevented weight loss in rats.In addition,YGW caused no obvious damage to the liver,spleen,or kidney,whereas ALN led to liver cirrhosis.Conclusion:The results reveal that YGW plays a crucial part in osteoporosis with kidney-yang deficiency,increases bone mineral density,and improves bone metabolism indicators,and is safe and efficient for the efficacy of osteoporosis with kidney-yang deficiency.YGW might have a better therapeutic effect on osteoporosis in patients with kidney-yang deficiency.Therefore,alendronate should be used cautiously in patients with osteoporosis and poor liver function.

Is magnesium deficiency the major cause of needle chlorosis of Pinus taeda in Brazil?

Needle chlorosis(NC)in Pinus taeda L.systems in Brazil becomes more frequent after second and third harvest rotation cycles.In a study to identify factors contributing to yellowing needle chorosis(YNC),trees were grown in soils originating from contrasting parent materials,and soils and needles(whole,green and chlorotic portions)from 1-and 2-year-old branches and the first and second needle flush release at four sites with YNC on P.taeda were analyzed for various elements and properties.All soils had very low base levels(Ca^(2+),Mg^(2+)and K^(+))and P,suggesting a possible lack of multiple elements.YNC symptoms started at needle tips,then extended toward the needle base with time.First flush needles had longer portions with YNC than second flush needles did.Needles from the lower crown also had more symptoms along their length than those higher in the canopy.Symptoms were similar to those reported for Mg.In chlorotic portions,Mg and Ca concentrations were well below critical values;in particular,Mg levels were only one third of the critical value of 0.3 g kg^(-1).Collectively,results suggest that Mg deficiency is the primary reason for NC of P.taeda in various parent soils in Brazil.

Carbon Monoxide Modulates Auxin Transport and Nitric Oxide Signaling in Plants under Iron Deficiency Stress

Carbon monoxide(CO)and nitric oxide(NO)are signal molecules that enhance plant adaptation to environmental stimuli.Auxin is an essential phytohormone for plant growth and development.CO and NO play crucial roles in modulating the plant’s response to iron deficiency.Iron deficiency leads to an increase in the activity of heme oxygenase(HO)and the subsequent generation of CO.Additionally,it alters the polar subcellular distribution of Pin-Formed 1(PIN1)proteins,resulting in enhanced auxin transport.This alteration,in turn,leads to an increase in NO accumulation.Furthermore,iron deficiency enhances the activity of ferric chelate reductase(FCR),as well as the expression of the Fer-like iron deficiency-induced transcription factor 1(FIT)and the ferric reduction oxidase 2(FRO2)genes in plant roots.Overexpression of the long hypocotyl 1(HY1)gene,which encodes heme oxygenase,or the CO donor treatment resulted in enhanced basipetal auxin transport,higher FCR activity,and the expression of FIT and FRO2 genes under Fe deficiency.Here,a potential mechanism is proposed:CO and NO interact with auxin to address iron deficiency stress.CO alters auxin transport,enhancing its accumulation in roots and up-regulating key iron-related genes like FRO2 and IRT1.Elevated auxin levels affect NO signaling,leading to greater sensitivity in root development.This interplay promotes FCR activity,which is crucial for iron absorption.Together,these molecules enhance iron uptake and root growth,revealing a novel aspect of plant physiology in adapting to environmental stress.

Effect of Artemisia annua (Asteraceae) Extracts on Hemolysis in Individuals with G6PD-Deficiency

Individuals with Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency are susceptible to hemolytic anemia when exposed to pro-oxidant substances. This study investigates the hemolytic impact of Artemisia annua (A. annua) extracts in G6PD-deficient subjects through a mixed experimental approach. In the in vitro phase, red blood cells from G6PD-deficient individuals and rats induced with Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) were exposed to various concentrations of A. annua infusion, with distilled water and physiological saline as positive and negative controls respectively. The in vivo study involved G6PD-deficient Wistar rats divided into three groups receiving A. annua infusion, quinine (positive control), and distilled water (negative control) via gavage. Blood samples were collected for biochemical and hematological analyses. Notably, at a 40% concentration of A. annua infusion, there was a significant increase in the hemolysis rate of G6PD-deficient red blood cells compared to controls (p A. annua exhibited elevated aspartate aminotransferase (129.25 ± 4.55 U/L vs. 80.09 ± 4.03 U/L;p A. annua infusion tested positive for saponins. These findings underscore the risk of hemolysis in G6PD-deficient individuals upon ingesting A. annua.

Recent Situation of Acupuncture and Moxibustion in the Treatment of Stomach Pain with Deficiency and Cold of Spleen and Stomach

Stomachache is one of the most common diseases of digestive system, among which stomach pain of deficiency cold of spleen and stomach is the most common. Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy as an external treatment of traditional Chinese medicine for relieving stomach pain due to deficiency of spleen and stomach, has the advantages of convenient operation, small adverse reactions and remarkable curative effect, which is easy for patients to accept. In this paper, acupuncture and moxibustion therapy such as moxibustion and warm acupuncture therapy for stomach pain of spleen and stomach deficiency cold type is summarized to provide evidence-based basis for clinical treatment of stomach pain of spleen and stomach deficiency cold type.

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in exclusively breastfed infants at Charoenkrung Pracharak Hospital

BACKGROUND Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem in exclusively breastfed infants,with supplementation recommended by various international medical organizations.However,in Thailand,no advice for routine vitamin D supplementation is available.Thus,this study investigated the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its associated factors in exclusively breastfed infants in Bangkok,Thailand.AIM To investigated the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its associated factors in exclusively breastfed infants in Bangkok,Thailand.METHODS This descriptive observational cross-sectional study assessed 1094-month-old infants at Charoenkrung Pracharak Hospital from May 2020 to April 2021.The 25-OH vitamin D level of the infants was measured using an electrochemiluminescence binding assay.Vitamin D deficiency was defined as 25-OH level<20 ng/mL,with vitamin D insufficiency 20-30 ng/mL.The sun index and maternal vitamin D supplementation data were collected and analyzed using the independent t-test,univariate logistic regression,and multivariate logistic regression to identify the associated factors.RESULTS The prevalences of vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D insufficiency were 35.78%and 33.03%,respectively with mean serum 25-OH vitamin D levels in these two groups 14.37±3.36 and 24.44±3.29 ng/mL.Multivariate logistic regression showed that the main factors associated with vitamin D status were maternal vitamin D supplementation and birth weight,with crude odds ratios 0.26(0.08–0.82)and 0.08(0.01–0.45),respectively.The sun index showed no correlation with the 25-OH vitamin D level in exclusively breastfed infants(r=−0.002,P=0.984).CONCLUSION Two-thirds of healthy exclusively breastfed infants had hypovitaminosis D.Vitamin D supplementation prevented this condition and was recommended for both lactating women and their babies.

3-Dimensional Kinematic Comparison of Arm Movements between an Individual with NGLY1 Deficiency and a Neurotypical Individual

NGLY1 Deficiency is an ultra-rare autosomal recessively inherited disorder. Characteristic symptoms include among others, developmental delays, movement disorders, liver function abnormalities, seizures, and problems with tear formation. Movements are hyperkinetic and may include dysmetric, choreo-athetoid, myoclonic and dystonic movement elements. To date, there have been no quantitative reports describing arm movements of individuals with NGLY1 Deficiency. This report provides quantitative information about a series of arm movements performed by an individual with NGLY1 Deficiency and an aged-matched neurotypical participant. Three categories of arm movements were tested: 1) open ended reaches without specific end point targets;2) goal-directed reaches that included grasping an object;3) picking up small objects from a table placed in front of the participants. Arm movement kinematics were obtained with a camera-based motion analysis system and “initiation” and “maintenance” phases were identified for each movement. The combination of the two phases was labeled as a “complete” movement. Three-dimensional analysis techniques were used to quantify the movements and included hand trajectory pathlength, joint motion area, as well as hand trajectory and joint jerk cost. These techniques were required to fully characterize the movements because the NGLY1 individual was unable to perform movements only in the primary plane of progression instead producing motion across all three planes of movement. The individual with NGLY1 Deficiency was unable to pick up objects from a table or effectively complete movements requiring crossing the midline. The successfully completed movements were analyzed using the above techniques and the results of the two participants were compared statistically. Almost all comparisons revealed significant differences between the two participants, with a notable exception of the 3D initiation area as a percentage of the complete movement. The statistical tests of these measures revealed no significant differences between the two participants, possibly suggesting a common underlying motor control strategy. The 3D techniques used in this report effectively characterized arm movements of an individual with NGLY1 deficiency and can be used to provide information to evaluate the effectiveness of genetic, pharmacological, or physical rehabilitation therapies.

Inpatient management of iron deficiency anemia in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A single center experience

BACKGROUND Screening for iron deficiency anemia(IDA)is important in managing pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).Concerns related to adverse reactions may contribute to a reluctance to prescribe intravenous(IV)iron to treat IDA in this population.AIM To track the efficacy and safety of IV iron therapy in treating IDA in pediatric IBD patients admitted to our center.METHODS A longitudinal observational cohort study was performed on 236 consecutive pediatric patients admitted to our tertiary IBD care center between September 2017 and December 2019.92 patients met study criteria for IDA,of which 57 received IV iron,17 received oral iron,and 18 were discharged prior to receiving iron therapy.RESULTS Patients treated with IV iron during their hospitalization experienced a significant increase of 1.9(±0.2)g/dL in mean(±SE)hemoglobin(Hb)concentration by the first ambulatory follow-up,compared to patients who received oral iron 0.8(±0.3)g/dL or no iron 0.8(±0.3)g/dL(P=0.03).One out of 57(1.8%)patients that received IV iron therapy experienced an adverse reaction.CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate that treatment with IV iron therapy is safe and efficacious in improving Hb and iron levels in pediatric patients with IDA and active IBD.

Exploring the medication pattern and mechanism of action of traditional Chinese medicine in treating polycystic ovary syndrome with kidney deficiency and blood stasis based on data mining and network pharmacology

Background:Using network pharmacology to explore the potential molecular mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in treating polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)with kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome.Method:Collect the related literature materials of PCOS with kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome treated by traditional Chinese medicine in four databases in recent ten years,extract the information of prescriptions and complete the frequency analysis.Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database was used to screen out the effective components.Use Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man and other databases to screen PCOS disease targets.The intersection targets obtained by clustering prescription and PCOS disease targets were submitted to STRING database for protein-protein interaction network analysis,and Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways were analysed by Metascape.Result:There are 155 kinds of traditional Chinese medicines used in the literature.The most commonly utilized ones are Cuscutae Semen,Angelicae Sinensis Radix,and Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata.The results of the cluster analysis indicated that the plants most commonly found throughout the prescription were Leonuri Herba,Lycopi Herba,Dipsaci Radix,etc.GO results show that biological processes include cell reaction to organic nitrogen compounds and cell reaction to nitrogen compounds.The functional display of GO molecule includes cytokine receptor binding,signal receptor regulator activity and so on.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes results show that the possible mechanisms of action are cancer pathway,an endocrine resistance signal pathway.Conclusion:Through data mining,the cluster prescription for PCOS with kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome is Leonuri Herba,Lycopi Herba,Dipsaci Radix,etc.The network pharmacology research of cluster prescription shows that the main drug components for treating PCOS with kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome are quercetin,kaempferol,luteolin,tanshinone IIA,etc.,which act on PTGS2,NCOA2,and other targets,and treat PCOS with kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome through cancer and endocrine resistance.

Efficacy and Safety of Iron Isomaltoside Compared with an Oral Iron Supplement in the Management of Patients with Iron Deficiency Anemia

Objective: To evaluate the treatment outcome of iron isomaltoside compared with an oral iron supplement in the management of iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Methods: The study included patients with IDA who visited the Outpatient Clinic of the Department of Hematology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from October 2021 to August 2022 and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. According to the actual application of iron supplementation, the patients were divided into two groups: iron isomaltoside treatment group and oral iron treatment group. Baseline measurements were collected before the start of treatment, and measurements were collected subsequently at intervals of 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months. The hematological parameters analyzed included Hemoglobin (Hb), Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), Mean Hemoglobin content (MCH), Mean corpuscular Hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and Platelet (Plt). Safety data and adverse event profiles were recorded. Results: Intra-group comparisons: After 1 month of treatment, the Hb significantly improved (P 0.05). Inter-group comparisons: The biochemical parameters were significantly improved (P 0.05) in the iron isomaltoside group compared with those in the oral iron group after 1 month of iron supplementation in patients with mild and moderate anemia. Adverse reactions were tolerable for the patients in both iron isomaltoside group and oral iron group. Only 1 patient in iron isomaltoside group developed anaphylactic shock during medication and recovered after aggressive rescue. Conclusions: Iron isomaltoside which increases Hb more rapidly compared with the oral iron supplementation has few adverse reactions and good acceptance.

Association between homologous recombination deficiency and outcomes with platinum and platinum-free chemotherapy in patients with triple-negative breast cancer

Objective:The choice of chemotherapeutic regimen for triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC)remains controversial.Homologous recombination deficiency(HRD)has attracted increasing attention in informing chemotherapy treatment.This study was aimed at investigating the feasibility of HRD as a clinically actionable biomarker for platinum-containing and platinum-free therapy.Methods:Chinese patients with TNBC who received chemotherapy between May 1,2008 and March 31,2020 were retrospectively analyzed with a customized 3D-HRD panel.HRD positivity was defined by an HRD score≥30 or deleterious BRCA1/2 mutation.A total of 386 chemotherapy-treated patients with TNBC were screened from a surgical cohort(NCT01150513)and a metastatic cohort,and 189 patients with available clinical and tumor sequencing data were included.Results:In the entire cohort,49.2%(93/189)of patients were identified as HRD positive(40 with deleterious BRCA1/2 mutations and 53 with BRCA1/2 intact with an HRD score of≥30).In the first-line metastatic setting,platinum therapy was associated with longer median progression-free survival(mPFS)than platinum-free therapy[9.1 vs.3.0 months;hazard ratio(HR),0.43;95%confidence interval 0.22–0.84;P=0.01].Among HRD-positive patients,the mPFS was significantly longer in those treated with platinum rather than platinum-free therapy(13.6 vs.2.0 months;HR,0.11;P=0.001).Among patients administered a platinum-free regimen,HRD-negative patients showed a PFS significantly superior to that of HRD-positive patients(P=0.02;treatment-biomarker P-interaction=0.001).Similar results were observed in the BRCA1/2-intact subset.In the adjuvant setting,HRD-positive patients tended to benefit more from platinum chemotherapy than from platinum-free chemotherapy(P=0.05,P-interaction=0.02).Conclusions:HRD characterization may guide decision-making regarding the use of platinum treatment in patients with TNBC in both adjuvant and metastatic settings.

Late Onset Combined Immune Deficiency (LOCID) Revealed by a Haemolytic Anaemia in a Child: A Case Report

Variable Common Immune Deficiency (VCID) is a very heterogeneous condition both clinically and immunologically. It is a group of molecular abnormalities responsible for a defect in antibody production leading to hypogammaglobulinemia often associated with autoimmune and/or lymphoproliferative manifestations. Late Onset Combined Immune Deficiency (LOCID) is a type of Variable Common Immune Deficiency (VCID) defined by a defect in antibody production (IgG and IgA ± IgM type), profound CD4 T-cell lymphopenia and frequent opportunistic infections. LOCID has been considered as a distinct entity from VCID due to its particular clinical and immunological profile.

G6PD Deficiency and COVID-19 in Burkina Faso: A Possible Link?

Burkina Faso is a malaria-endemic country, with a high incidence of G6PD deficiency (G6PDd), which recorded its first case of COVID-19 in March 2020. G6PDd leads to a decrease in the efficiency of erythrocytes to combat oxidative stress, while SARS-CoV-2 infection induces massive production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in patients. In the present review, we discuss a possible link between G6PDd and SARS-CoV-2 infection. The mean prevalence of G6PDd in Burkina Faso is estimated at 16.6% among males and 6.5% among females. A total of 21,128 cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in Burkina Faso with 387 deaths reported (with a mortality rate of 1.15% among diagnosed cases) as of August 30, 2022. To our knowledge, no association study between G6PDd and SARS-CoV-2 infection has been conducted to date in Burkina Faso. However, several case reports around the world have described elevated risks of hemolysis and thrombosis, and other complications among G6PD-deficient patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. The use of Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has also been deemed unsafe by some authors for the treatment of COVID-19 among patients with G6PDd. Although HCQ has been shown to be well tolerated in COVID-19 patients in Burkina Faso, the drug could induce hemolytic crises in people with G6PD deficiency. G6PD is important in regulating ROS and maintaining erythrocyte homeostasis. In view of its high prevalence in Burkina Faso, determination of the G6PD status is required in COVID-19 patients for adequate management such as identifying a subset of COVID-19 patients for whom close monitoring and supportive care may be essential and to restrict treatment with HCQ.

Effect of Sijunzi Decoction on the Myonuclear Domain of Rat Soleus in Spleen Qi Deficiency

Objective: To study the mechanism of Sijunzi decoction treating limb weakness in spleen Qi deficiency (SQD) based on the myonuclear domain (MND) theory. Methods: 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the normal group, SQD model group (model group), SQD+ still water group (SW group) and SQD+ Sijunzi decoction group (CM group), 10 rats each group;Grip-Strength Meter was used to measure limb grip strength;transmission electron microscope was employed to observe the ultrastructural changes of the myofibers, Image Pro 6.0 was used to measure the myonuclear numbers, cross-section area (CSA) and then their ratios (the MND sizes) were calculated, immunofluorescence assay was chosen to test the expressions of paired box gene 7 (Pax7) and myogenic differentiation antigen (MyoD). Results: Compared with those in the normal group, limb grip strength was decreased, sarcomeres were abnormal, and all the myonuclear numbers, CSA and MND sizes were reduced, but the Pax7+ cell numbers were increased, significantly, in the model and SW groups;Compared with those in the model and SW groups, limb grip strength was increased, sarcomeres were basically normal, the myonuclear number and CSA were both greater, and the Pax7+ and MyoD+ cell numbers were both increased, significantly, in the CM group. Conclusion: Sijunzi decoction might increase the myonuclear number by activating the MSCs to treat limb weakness in SQD.

Iron versus Iron and Vitamin B6 Supplementation in Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia during Second Trimester of Pregnancy: Quasi Experimental Trial

Background: Anemia is one of the most prevalent complications during pregnancy. It is commonly considered a risk factor for poor pregnancy outcomes and can result in complications that threaten the life of both mother and fetus, such as preterm birth, and low birth weight. There is clear evidence to support prompt treatment in all patients with iron deficiency anemia because it is known that treatment improves quality of life and physical condition as well as alleviates fatigue and cognitive deficits. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the value of addition of vitamin B6 to iron in treatment of iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women during the second trimester. Patients and Methods: The study was done by giving anemia pregnant women iron therapy and vitamin B6 which represent group A and iron therapy alone which represents group B. For each pregnant woman, age, parity and gestational history were taken before treatment. All pregnant women took their allocated treatment regularly for three weeks after diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia with complete blood picture and followed up after three weeks. Results: Results of the study revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups of therapy according to the hemoglobin level before treatment (p-value = 0.734), statistically significant higher mean value in after treatment than before treatment (p-value = 0.048), there was a significant difference in the rate of change of hemoglobin (p-value = 0.011) and body mass index (p-value 0.001). Conclusion: Iron and vitamin B6 seems to increase hemoglobin level more than iron only. Thus, in pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia iron plus vitamin B6 may be considered as a more effective alternative treatment than iron only.

Maternal Vitamin D Deficiency and Risk of Development of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Scoping Review

Background: Maternal vitamin D status is a critical determinant during pregnancy, because it plays an important role in the body not only in calcium homeostasis and bone remodeling, but also in the glucose metabolism. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes including gestational diabetes mellitus. Objective: To review evidence on the association between maternal vitamin D deficiency and incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods: PRISMA for scoping review guideline and scoping review guidelines of Arksey & O’Malley (2005) was followed in methodological process. A comprehensive search strategy was carried out across the Google Scholar and PubMed from January 2012 to December 2022, using the search terms of “gestational diabetes mellitus/pregnancy outcomes” combined with “vitamin D”, “cholecalciferol” or “25-hydroxyvitamin D” and/or “deficiency”. Articles were screened at the title and the abstract level and at full text by three co-investigators of the study independently with a fourth reviewer resolving discrepancies. Research studies published only in English language were selected. Research using pregnant mothers with multiple pregnancy and chronic diseases was excluded. Results: After screening 134 titles and abstracts, finally 55 original research articles were selected. It involved 48 observational studies and 7 Randomized Control Trials (RCT). Only 30 research articles had found an association between maternal vitamin D deficiency and GDM. Conclusion: As results of previous studies are mixed and inconclusive, further research including more RCTs is needed to clarify the exact mechanism of vitamin D on glucose metabolism during pregnancy.

Characterization of CircRNA-Associated CeRNA Networks in Folate Deficiency-Induced Neural Tube Defects

Objective Circular RNAs(circRNAs)participate in several important pathological processes and have been used in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases.This study aimed to investigate the role of circRNAs in neural tube defects(NTDs).Method We characterized circRNA-associated competitive endogenous RNA(ceRNA)networks in brain tissue of low folate-induced NTDs mouse at embryonic day 13.5 by high-throughput sequencing.The expression levels of Circzfp644,miR-20-5p and Gas7 were detected by RT-PCR.Gas7 and Circzfp644functions were determined by miRNA-mimics and inhibitors in mouse teratocarcinoma cells(F9 cells),and luciferase gene reporter assay was assessed in the F9 cells.In addition,the expression levels of Circzfp644,miR-20-5p and Gas7 were determined by Nanostring in human NTDs tissues.Results We detected 57 circRNA transcripts,16 miRNAs,and 148 mRNAs that were significantly dysregulated in NTDs brain tissues compared with their expression levels in control(normal)tissues.Circzfp644 shared miRNA response elements with the growth arrest specific 7(Gas7)gene and competitively bound with miR-20-5p to increase the expression of Gas7.Downregulation of Circzfp644and Gas7 and upregulation of miR-20-5p were found in human NTD tissue.Conclusion This study provides new perspectives on the role of circRNAs in nervous system development and the pathogenesis of NTDs.