Melatonin inhibits arrhythmias induced by increased late sodium currents in ventricular myocytes / 药学学报

Melatonin (Mel) has been shown to have cardioprotective effects, but its action on ion channels is unclear. In this experiment, we investigated the inhibitory effect of Mel on late sodium currents (INa.L) in mouse ventricular myocytes and the anti-arrhythmic effect at the organ level as well as its mechanism. The whole-cell patch clamp technique was applied to record the ionic currents and action potential (AP) in mouse ventricular myocytes while the electrocardiogram (ECG) and monophasic action potential (MAP) were recorded simultaneously in mouse hearts using a multichannel acquisition and analysis system. The results demonstrated that the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of Mel on transient sodium current (INa.T) and specific INa.L opener 2 nmol·L-1 sea anemone toxins II (ATX II) increased INa.L were 686.615 and 7.37 μmol·L-1, respectively. Mel did not affect L-type calcium current (ICa.L), transient outward current (Ito), and AP. In addition, 16 μmol·L-1 Mel shortened ATX II-prolonged action potential duration (APD), suppressed ATX II-induced early afterdepolarizations (EADs), and significantly reduced the incidence of ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) in Langendorff-perfused mouse hearts. In conclusion, Mel exerted its antiarrhythmic effects principally by blocking INa.L, thus providing a significant theoretical basis for new clinical applications of Mel. Animal welfare and experimental process are in accordance with the regulations of the Experimental Animal Ethics Committee of Wuhan University of Science and Technology (2023130).

A Clinical and Anatomical Study on the Localization of the Temporal Branch of the Facial Nerve Crossing the Zygomatic Arch / Estudio Clínico y Anatómico sobre la Localización del Ramo Temporal del Nervio Facial que Cruza el Arco Cigomático

SUMMARY: To clarify the path of the temporal branch of facial nerve (TB) crossing the zygomatic arch (ZA). Eighteen fresh adult heads specimens were carefully dissected in the zygomatic region, with the location of TB as well as its number documented. The hierarchical relationship between the temporal branch and the soft tissue in this region was observed on 64 P45 plastinated slices. 1. TB crosses the ZA as type I (21.8 %), type II (50.0 %,), and type III (28.1 %) twigs. 2. At the level of the superior edge of the ZA, the average distance between the anterior trunk of TB and the anterior part of the auricle is 36.36±6.56 mm, for the posterior trunk is 25.59±5.29 mm. At the level of the inferior edge of the ZA, the average distance between the anterior trunk of TB and the anterior part of the auricle is 25.77±6.19 mm, for the posterior trunk is 19.16±4.71 mm. 3. The average length of ZA is 62.06±5.36 mm. TB crosses the inferior edge of the ZA at an average of 14.67±6.45 mm. TB crosses the superior edge of the ZA at an average of 9.08±4.54 mm. 4. At the level of the ZA, TB passes on the surface of the pericranium while below the SMAS. The TB obliquely crosses the middle 1/3 part of the superior margin of the ZA and the junction of the middle 1/3 part and the posterior 1/3 part of the inferior margin of the ZA below the SMAS while beyond the periosteum. It is suggested that this area should be avoided in clinical operation to avoid the injury of TB.

El objetivo de estudio fue esclarecer el trayecto del ramo temporal del nervio facial (RT) que cruza el arco cigomático (AC). Se disecaron la región cigomática de 18 especímenes de cabezas sin fijar de individuos adultas y se documentó la ubicación del RT y su número de ramos. La relación jerárquica entre el ramo temporal y el tejido blando en esta región se observó en 64 cortes plastinados o P45. 1º El RT cruza el AC como tipo I (21,8 %), tipo II (50,0 %) y tipo III (28,1 %). 2º A nivel del margen superior del AC, la distancia promedio entre el tronco anterior de RT y la parte anterior de la aurícula fue de 36,36±6,56 mm, para el tronco posterior fue de 25,59±5,29 mm. A nivel del margen inferior del AC, la distancia promedio entre el tronco anterior del RT y la parte anterior de la aurícula era de 25,77±6,19 mm, para el tronco posterior era de 19,16±4,71 mm. 3º La longitud media de RT fue de 62,06±5,36 mm. EL RT cruzaba el margen inferior del AC a una distancia media de 14,67±6,45 mm. El RT cruzaba el margen superior del AC a una distancia media de 9,08±4,54 mm. 4º Anivel del AC, el RT pasaba por la superficie del pericráneo mientras se encuentra por debajo del SMAS. El RT cruza oblicuamente el tercio medio del margen superior del AC y la unión del tercio medio y el tercio posterior del margen inferior del AC por debajo del SMAS, más allá del periostio. Se sugiere que esta área debe evitarse en la operación clínica para evitar la lesión de la RT.

Diagnosis and treatment strategies of 56 cases of middle ear myoclonus / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics and treatment of middle ear myoclonus. Methods: Fifty-six cases of middle ear myoclonus were enrolled in Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Shandong University from September 2019 to August 2021, including 23 males and 33 females. The age ranged from 6 to 75 years, with a median age of 35 years; Forty-seven cases were unilateral tinnitus, nine cases were bilateral tinnitus. The time of tinnitus ranged from 20 days to 8 years. The voice characteristics, inducing factors, nature (frequency) of tinnitus, tympanic membrane conditions during tinnitus, audiological related tests, including long-term acoustic tympanogram, stapedius acoustic reflex, pure tone auditory threshold, short increment sensitivity test, alternate binaural loudness balance test, loudness discomfort threshold, vestibular function examination, facial electromyography, and imaging examination were recorded. Oral carbamazepine and/or surgical treatment were used. The patients were followed up for 6-24 months and the tinnitus changes were observed. Results: Tinnitus was diverse, including stepping on snow liking sound, rhythmic drumming, white noise, and so on. The inducing factors included external sound, body position change, touching the skin around the face and ears, speaking, chewing and blinking, etc. Forty-four cases were induced by single factor and 9 cases were induced by two or more factors. There was no definite inducing factor in 1 case. One patient had tinnitus with epilepsy. One case of traumatic facial paralysis after facial nerve decompression could induce tinnitus on the affected side when the auricle moved. Tympanic membrane flutter with the same frequency as tinnitus was found in 12 cases by otoscopy, and the waveform with the same frequency as tinnitus was found by long-term tympanogram examination. There were 7 patients with no tympanic membrane activity by otoscopy, the 7 cases also with the same frequency of tinnitus by long-term tympanogram examination, but the change rate of the waveform was faster than that of the patients with tympanic membrane flutter. All patients with tinnitus had no change in hearing. One case of tinnitus complicated with epilepsy (a 6-year-old child) was treated with antiepileptic drug (topiramate) and tinnitus subsided. One case suffered from tinnitus after facial nerve decompression for traumatic facial paralysis was not given special treatment. Fifty-four cases were treated with oral drug (carbamazepine), of which 10 cases were completely controlled and 23 cases were relieved; 21 cases were invalid. Among the 21 patients with no effect of carbamazepine treatment, 8 patients were treated by surgery, 7 patients had no tinnitus after surgery, 1 patient received three times of operation, and the third operation was followed up for 6 months, no tinnitus occurred again. The other 13 cases refused the surgical treatment due to personal reasons. Conclusions: Middle ear myoclonus tinnitus and the inducing factors manifestate diversity. Oral carbamazepine and other sedative drugs are effective for some patients, and surgical treatment is feasible for those who are ineffective for medication.

Analyze the clinical characteristics of mild and severe SARS-CoV-2 infected patients based on the local Omicron variant epidemic / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To analyze the epidemic characteristics and clinical key indicators of the patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 of the local Omicron variant epidemic, to understand the clinical characteristics of mild and severe patients, and to provide a scientific basis for the effective treatment and prevention of severe disease.Methods:From January 2020 to March 2022, the clinical and laboratory data of COVID-19 patients admitted to the Fifth People's Hospital of Wuxi were retrospective analyzed, including virus gene subtypes, demographic information, clinical classification, main clinical symptoms, and key indicators of clinical testing, and the changes of clinical characteristics of the patients infected with SARS-CoV-2.Results:A total of 150 patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection were admitted, 78, 52 and 20 in 2020, 2021 and 2022, including 10, 1 and 1 severe patient, and the main infected virus strains were L, Delta, and Omicron variants. The relapse rate of patients infected with the Omicron variant was as high as 15.0% (3/20), the incidence of diarrhea decreased to 10.0% (2/20), the incidence of severe disease decreased to 5.0% (1/20), and the number of hospitalization days of mild patients increased compared with 2020 (days: 20.43±1.78 vs. 15.84±1.12); respiratory symptoms were reduced, and the proportion of pulmonary lesions decreased to 10.5%; the virus titer of severely ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection (day 3) was higher than that of L-type strain (Ct value: 23.92±1.16 vs. 28.19±1.54). The acute plasma cytokines interleukin (IL-6, IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were significantly lower in patients with severe Omicron variant new coronavirus infection than those with mild disease [IL-6 (ng/L): 3.92±0.24 vs. 6.02±0.41, IL-10 (ng/L): 0.58±0.01 vs. 4.43±0.32, TNF-α (ng/L): 1.73±0.02 vs. 6.91±1.25, all P < 0.05], while γ-interferon (IFN-γ) and IL-17A were significantly higher than patients with mild disease [IFN-γ (ng/L): 23.07±0.17 vs. 13.52±2.34, IL-17A (ng/L): 35.58±0.08 vs. 26.39±1.37, both P < 0.05]. Compared with previous epidemics (2020 and 2021), the proportion of CD4/CD8 ratio, lymphocyte count, eosinophil and serum creatinine decreased in patients with mild Omicron infection in 2022 (36.8% vs. 22.1%, 9.8%; 36.8% vs. 23.5%, 7.8%; 42.1% vs. 41.2%, 15.7%; 42.1% vs. 19.1%, 9.8%), the proportion of patients with elevated monocyte count and procalcitonin was large (42.1% vs. 50.0%, 23.5%; 21.1% vs. 5.9%, 0). Conclusion:The incidences of severe disease in patients with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection was significantly lower than that of previous epidemics, and the occurrence of severe diseases was still related to the underlying diseases.

A Case Report of Pericardial Mesothelioma Misdiagnosed as Tuberculous Pericarditis / 罕见病研究

A 40-year-old male patient presented with an unexplained pericardial effusion and was treated with antituberculosis therapy. This patient showed a transient improvement, but then progressively worsened to develop constrictive pericarditis, multiple plasma chamber effusions, and venous thrombosis. The patient was transferred to Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University. Through a pleural histopathological biopsy, this patient was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma and secondary malignant tumor of the pericardium. Later, clinical the manifestations of patient progressed rapidly, resulting in the death of the patient. Mesothelioma is a very rare group of malignant tumors originating from the pleura and other tissues. Patients are mostly advanced at the time of initial diagnosis, with limited treatments and short median survival. It is important to strengthen the understanding of mesothelioma, pay attention to all medical and technical examinations, especially dynamic follow-up of changes in the disease for early diagnosis of this disease.

Mechanism of Tongmai Yangxin pill to reduce the no-reflow after myocardial ischemia and reperfusion by activating HIF-1α/eNOS signaling pathway up-regulated by GPER / 药学学报

The Tongmai Yangxin pill (TMYX) has potential clinical effects on no-reflow (NR); however, the effective substances and mechanisms by which this occurs remain unclear. This study evaluates the cardioprotective effects and molecular mechanisms of TMYX against NR. We used a myocardial NR rat model (2 h after myocardial ischemia and 2 h after reperfusion) to confirm the effect and mechanism of action of TMYX in alleviating NR. In vitro studies in isolated coronary microvasculature of NR rats and in silico network pharmacology analyses were performed to reveal the underlying mechanisms of TMYX and determine the main components, targets, and pathways of TMYX, respectively. The experiment was approved by the Ethics Committee of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine (LLBH-202212160001). TMYX showed therapeutic effects on NR by improving cardiac structure and function, reducing NR, ischemic areas, and cardiomyocyte injury, and decreasing the content of cardiac troponin I (cTnI). Moreover, the mechanism of TMYX predicted by network pharmacology is related to the hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathways. TMYX increased the expression of G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK), and HIF-1α. In vitro, TMYX enhanced the diastolic function of coronary microvascular cells; however, this effect was inhibited by GPER inhibitor (G-15), eNOS inhibitor (L-NAME), and sGC inhibitor (ODQ). This study integrates pharmacology and experimental evaluation to reveal that TMYX activates HIF-1α/eNOS signaling pathway by upregulating GPER to relax coronary microvessels, thereby significantly alleviating NR.

Terpine-4-ol on inhibiting vascular smooth muscle cell calcification by improving mitochondrial dynamics / 药学学报

The aim of this study was to investigate the role and mechanism of terpinen-4-ol (T4O) on high glucose (HG) -induced calcification in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC). To investigate the role of T4O on HG-induced calcium deposition, osteogenic phenotypic transformation and mitochondrial dynamics in VSMC, Mdivi-1, a mitochondrial dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp-1) inhibitor, was used to analyze the correlation between mitochondrial dynamics and VSMC calcification and the role of T4O. Alizarin red S staining was used to observe calcium salt deposition and flow cytometry to detect intracellular Ca2+ content; Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of phenotypic switching-related markers α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) and Runt related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), and mitochondrial dynamics-related markers mitofusin 1 (MFN1), mitofusin 2 (MFN2) and Drp-1. The results showed that low and high doses of T4O could inhibit HG-induced down-regulation of α-SMA, MFN1 and MFN2 expression levels, and up-regulation of BMP2, Runx2 and Drp-1 expression levels, reduce intracellular Ca2+ content and calcium salt deposition, and effectively inhibit HG-induced VSMC calcification and mitochondrial dynamics disorders. The T4O group, Mdivi-1 group and T4O+Mdivi-1 group were able to up-regulate the expression levels of HG-induced α-SMA, MFN1 and MFN2, down-regulate the protein expression levels of BMP2, Runx2 and Drp-1, and inhibit calcium salt deposition, and there was no significant difference between the above indexes in the T4O and T4O+Mdivi-1 groups. The above findings suggest that T4O can inhibit the expression level of Drp-1, regulate the disturbance of mitochondrial dynamics, and suppress HG-induced VSMC calcification.

Relationship between rs128912 single nucleotide polymorphism in promoter region of Toll-like receptor 3 gene and cataract in Chinese Han population / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To analyze the relationship between rs128912 single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)in the promoter region of Toll-like receptor 3(TLR3)gene and cataract in Chinese Han population.METHODS: A total of 263 patients with cataract admitted to our hospital from June 2019 to June 2021 were selected as study group, and 150 patients with lens dislocation were included in control group. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of TLR3 protein in the anterior capsular tissues of lens in the two groups, and direct sequencing method was applied to analyze the polymorphism of rs128912 locus in the promoter region of TLR3 gene. The expression of peripheral blood TLR3 mRNA of patients with different genotypes was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR).RESULTS: The expression level of TLR3 protein in the anterior capsular tissues in the study group was higher than that in the control group(P&#x003C;0.05). The frequencies of genotypes(AA, AT, TT)at rs128912 locus in the TLR3 gene promoter region in the study group and the control group were in accordance with Hardy-Weinberg genetic equilibrium, and there were differences in the frequencies of genotypes(AA, AT, TT)and frequencies of alleles(A, T)at rs128912 locus in the TLR3 gene promoter region between both groups(P&#x003C;0.05). The relative expression level of peripheral blood TLR3 mRNA in patients with TT genotype in the study group was higher than that in patients with AA or AT genotypes(P&#x003C;0.05).CONCLUSION: The expression of TLR3 protein in anterior capsular tissues of lens of patients with cataract is significantly up-regulated, and rs128912 locus polymorphism in the TLR3 gene promoter region is related to the susceptibility of cataract in Chinese Han population, and people with TT genotype are more prone to cataract.

A Real-World Clinical Study of Osteoking Combined with Intra-Articular Injection of Sodium Hyaluronate in Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the improvement of the efficacy of Osteoking in patients with knee osteoarthritis in the onset and remission stage and to systematically explore its potential intervention mechanism， so as to provide a certain reference for improving the clinical application value of Osteoking and guiding its clinical rational drug use. MethodThrough the real-world study of the treatment of knee osteoarthritis with Osteoking， the data was obtained and entered into the "Osteoking for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis case registration system"， and 105 patients with episodic and remission knee osteoarthritis from the outpatient or inpatient orthopedic department of 20 medical institutions， including the Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine， Peking Union Medical College Hospital， Wangjing Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and Hunan Aerospace Hospital， from May 1， 2020 to December 31， 2021， were selected in the system. It included 60 patients treated with Osteoking and joint injection， and 45 patients treated with joint injection alone. The WOMAC osteoarthritis index score， visual analogue （VAS） pain score， individual types of pain symptoms （cold pain， hot pain， tingling， dull pain， soreness） and other TCM symptoms were observed and compared between the two groups， and statistically analyzed. In order to further elucidate the potential molecular mechanism of Osteoking combined with joint injection in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis in the treatment of onset and remission， this study used the "Bone Injury Cross Database （http：//bone-xtrans.com/database，BX-Data）" to collect the gene set of knee osteoarthritis disease， the traditional Chinese medicinal materials， chemical composition， material base， candidate target， candidate target， sodium hyaluronate candidate target data for screening， and constructed an interaction network of "disease target". ResultsAmong the 105 patients with knee osteoarthritis enrolled， 15.24% （16/105） were in the episodic period， 84.76% （89/105） were in remission， and there were no convalescent patients. There were 72 cases （68.57%） in women， 33 cases （31.43%） more than men， 60 cases in the observation group and 45 cases in the control group in 105 patients. There were 20 patients with a VAS score of 5 and 19 patients with a score of 6 in the observation group， accounting for 65.00% of the observation group. The comparative results of VAS scores between groups before and after treatment showed that the scores of the two groups were （4.42±1.01） scores， （5.00±1.02） scores.4 weeks after treatment， and （3.12±1.04） scores and （3.56±1.08） scores，8 weeks after treatment， respectively， which were lower than those before treatment （6.23±1.28） scores，（ 6.02±1.22） scores （P<0.05）， and the comparative results of the pain properties of the two groups showed that the improvement rates before and after thermal pain and tingling in the observation group were 3.3%（2/60） and 16.7%（10/60）， respectively. The control group was 2.2% （1/45）and 15.6%（7/45）［（χ2=4.034、13.583，P<0.05）］， respectively， and the improvement rate of cold pain and soreness in the observation group was 5.0%（3/60） and 3.3%（2/60）， which was higher than that of the control group . The results of comparing the WOMAC scores before and after treatment of the two groups showed that the difference between the stiffness score before and after treatment in the observation group was （1.68±1.42） scores， the difference between the score before and after treatment in the control group was （1.20±1.60） scores （P<0.05）， and the pain score before and after treatment was （3.43±2.88） scores， the difference before and after daily activity score was （12.37±10.21） scores， and the total score before and after treatment was （17.48±12.76） scores， which were also higher than those in the control group （2.82±3.29）， （10.80±9.63），（14.82±12.62） scores. The results of comparing the improvement of other symptoms before and after treatment showed that the improvement rate of less sleep and more dreams in the observation group was 28.3%（17/60）， which was significantly higher than that of the control group of 2.2%（1/45）（χ2=5.914，P<0.05）， and the improvement rates of the five symptoms of thirst and drinking， irritability， dry mouth and pharynx， dull complexion and hand， foot and mouth fever in the observation group were 3.3%（2/60）， 10.0%（6/60）， 8.3%（5/60）， 10.0%（6/60） and 5.0%（3/60）， respectively， which were higher than those in the control group -2.2%（1/45）， 2.2%（1/45）， 2.2%（1/45）， 4.5%（2/45）， -6.7%（3/45）. Through network analysis， it was found that the enrichment pathway of Henggu bone wound healing agent mainly acted on the three mechanisms of bone improvement， energy metabolism and anti-inflammatory and analgesic， and the sodium hyaluronate enrichment pathway mainly acted on the anti-inflammatory and analgesic mechanism. ConclusionThe efficacy of Osteoking combined with intra-articular injection of sodium hyaluronate in the treatment of patients with knee osteoarthritis in attack and remission is better than that of sodium hyaluronate alone， especially in anti-inflammatory and analgesic， and the two drugs have synergistic effect. Osteoking may play its role in relieving the symptoms of joint stiffness， tingling， heat pain， and less sleep and more dreams by improving bone quality and regulating the body's energy metabolism pathways， which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Predictors of colorectal polyps complicating colorectal laterally spreading tumors and the risk factors for malignancy in coexistence / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective:To investigate the independent predictors of colorectal polyps complicating colorectal laterally spreading tumors (CLST) and the independent risk factors for malignancy in CLST coexisting with colorectal polyps.Methods:Clinical data of 260 patients with CLST who underwent endoscopy and received treatment in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University from January 2016 to December 2021 were retrospectively collected. Patients were divided into the coexisting group ( n=135) and the non-coexisting group ( n=125) according to the presence or absence of polyps. Differences in clinicopathological characteristics between the two groups were compared and binary logistic regression was used to analyse the predictors of coexistence. Then the coexisting group was further divided into coexisting malignant group ( n=38) and coexisting non-malignant group ( n=97) according to the infiltration depth of CLST, and binary logistic regression was used to analyse the risk factors for malignancy in CLST coexisting with colorectal polyps. Results:Male ( P=0.002, OR=2.355, 95% CI:1.354-4.099), villous tubular adenoma ( P=0.022, OR=3.873, 95% CI: 1.214-12.355) and polyps history ( P=0.001, OR=2.738, 95% CI: 1.527-4.909) were independent predictors for colorectal polyps coexisting with CLST. Area under the curve (AUC) of the predictive model was 0.725 ( P<0.001, 95% CI: 0.664-0.786). Polyp diameter≥10 mm ( P=0.007, OR=6.266, 95% CI:1.634-24.034), CLST diameter≥20 mm ( P<0.001, OR=11.879, 95% CI:4.078-34.601), granular-mixed type CLST ( P=0.003, OR=8.584, 95% CI: 2.126-34.660), flat-elevated type CLST ( P=0.021, OR=4.399, 95% CI: 1.250-15.482) and pseudo-depressed type CLST ( P<0.001, OR=31.426, 95% CI: 4.975-198.509) were independent risk factors for malignancy in CLST coexisting with polyps. AUC of the predictive model was 0.854 ( P<0.001, 95% CI: 0.775-0.933). Conclusion:Male CLST patients with polyps history and a pathological type of villous tubular adenoma are more likely to develop coexistence. In patients with CLST which is granular-mixed type, flat-elevated type and pseudo-depressed type coexisting with colorectal polyps, the larger the diameter of the polyp and the diameter of the CLST, the more likely it is to be malignant.

Biotherapy for acne inversa / 中华皮肤科杂志

With the increasing understanding of inflammatory pathogenesis of acne inversa, as well as with the development and application of biological agents in the treatment of autoimmune inflammatory diseases, some biological agents have shown good efficacy and potential for the treatment of acne inversa in clinical research and practice. This review mainly summarizes the research progress in biotherapy of acne inversa in recent years.

Sham acupuncture and placebo acupuncture in clinical trials / 中国针灸

The commonly used terms "sham acupuncture" and "placebo acupuncture" in clinical acupuncture research is compared and analyzed in this article. In terms of their respective characteristics, sham acupuncture has a wider scope, including various types of acupoints, needle insertion at non-acupoint or non-insertion at acupoints, while placebo acupuncture mainly focuses on non-insertion at acupoints. Sham acupuncture mainly emphasizes the appearance similarity to real acupuncture, while placebo acupuncture emphasizes both similarity in appearance and the absence of therapeutic effects. Properly distinguishing and applying sham acupuncture and placebo acupuncture can help standardize their usage in terminology. Considering the difficulty in setting up qualified placebo acupuncture, it is suggested that researchers use the term "sham acupuncture" to describe the acupuncture control methods used in clinical research.

Functional dyspepsia treated with acupuncture of different frequencies: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical efficacy of acupuncture with different frequencies in the treatment of patients with functional dyspepsia (FD).@*METHODS@#A total of 90 patients with FD were randomly divided into a 3-time acupuncture treatment per week group (3-A group, 31 cases, 2 cases dropped off), a 1-time acupuncture treatment per week group (1-A group, 30 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (29 cases, 2 cases dropped off). In the two acupuncture groups, the acupoints were Zhongwan (CV 12) and bilateral Tianshu (ST 25), Neiguan (PC 6), Liangqiu (ST 34), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Zusanli (ST 36) and Taichong (LR 3), stimulated 3 times a week and once a week, respectively; and the treatment was given consecutively for 4 weeks. In the control group, no intervention was adopted, but the compensatory therapy was provided after the end of follow-up. The scores of the symptom index of dyspepsia (SID), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS) were compared among the 3 groups before treatment, after 4 weeks of treatment and in 4 and 8 weeks after treatment completion separately. The score of Nepean dyspepsia life quality index (NDLQI) was evaluated before treatment, after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment and in 4 and 8 weeks after treatment completion.@*RESULTS@#After 4 weeks of treatment and in 4 and 8 weeks after treatment completion, the scores of SID, SAS and SDS were all reduced in the 3-A group and the 1-A group when compared with the scores before treatment (P<0.000 1, P<0.05). After 4 weeks of treatment, the scores of SID, SAS and SDS in the two acupuncture groups were lower than those in the control group (P<0.000 1). After 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, the increased values of NDLQI score in the two acupuncture groups were all higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). In 4 and 8 weeks after treatment completion, the scores of SID, SAS and SDS in the 3-A group were lower than those in the 1-A group (P<0.001, P<0.05), and the increased values of NDLQI score in the 3-A group were higher than those in the 1-A group (P<0.000 1).@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture given 3 times per week is superior to the treatment given once per week in the aspects of relieving the clinical symptoms, improving the quality of life and regulating the emotional state in patients with FD. This efficacy is persistent for 8 weeks after treatment completion.

Investigation and molecular identification of Anisakis infection in marine fish sold in Fuxin, Liaoning Province / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective　To investigate the infection of Anisakis in marine fish sold in Fuxin, and conduct molecular identification and evolutionary tracing of third-stage larvae to determine Anisakis species. Methods　From 2018 to 2021, marine fish sold in the market were collected randomly, and the third stage larvae of Anisakis were detected in marine fish sold in the market by direct dissection, and the morphological characteristics were used to preliminarily identify species by microscopy; the total DNA was extracted, the internal transcribed spacer sequence of the ribosomal DNA of Anisakis was amplified, and the sequence alignment and evolution analysis were carried out. Results　A total of 289 market-sold sea fish samples of marine fish sold in the market were dissected and 84 samples of Anisakis were detected with a detection rate of 29.1%, of which the infection rates of hairtail and small yellow croaker were higher, at 41.4% and 41.2%, respectively. BLAST comparison of 28 sequences revealed eight species of anisakids, including Anisakis pegreffii, Anisakis simplex, Anisakis typical, Raphidascaris trichiurid, Contracaecum muraenesoxi, Hysterothylcaium zhoushanensis, Hysterothylacium amoyense and Hysterothylcaium fabri,belonging to the genera Anisakis and Hysterothylacium. The phylogenetic tree constructed from 28 sequences generally formed two topological branches, with Anisakis pegreffii, Anisakis simplex, and Anisakis typical forming three separate clusters as the topology branch of Anisakis genus. However, meanwhile, Hysterothylacium, Contracaecum, and Raphidascaris formed a separate topological branch. Conclusions　The marine fish sold in Fuxin City have severe anisakid infection, with a wide variety of anisakid species, the dominant species being Anisakis pegreffii.

Spatial epidemiological analysis of severe hand, foot and mouth disease in Guangxi, 2014-2018 / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective　To explore the spatial epidemiological characteristics of severe cases hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Guangxi, China, from 2014 to 2018, and to provide a basis for identifying the high-risk regions as well as the prevention and control of severe cases of HFMD in Guangxi. Methods　Spatial-temporal scanning analysis, global and local spatial autocorrelation analysis were used to analyze the spatial clustering of HFMD. The trend surface analysis was used to evaluate the spatial distribution trend of HFMD. Results　From 2014 to 2018, the incidence and severe case fatality rates of HFMD were 3.89/100 000 and 4.23%, respectively. Monte Carlo scanning analysis showed that the first cluster region was Cenxi City, the second cluster was mainly concentrated in northwest of Guangxi, and the aggregation time was mainly concentrated in April to May and August to October. The global spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that the severe HFMD was significant clustering distribution, and the Moran's I coefficients of the sever cases, severe morbidity and severe case fatality rate were 0.088, 0.118, 0.197, respectively (P<0.05). Local spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that hotspots of severe HFMD cases were concentrated in the southern Guangxi, mainly in Lingshan County. Anselin local Moran's I clustering and outlier analysis indicated that 5 high-high (H-H) clustering regions for fatality were Lingshan, Pubei, Zhongshan, Zhaoping and Pinggui County. There were 6 high-high (H-H) clustering regions for severe incidence rate, namely Lingshan, Qinnan, Lingyun, Youjiang, Bama Yao Autonomous and Pinggui County, and 1 high-low (H-L) clustering region, Cenxi County. The trend surface analysis showed that the overall number of severe cases of death decreased from east or west to the middle, and increased from north to middle, and then decreased to south. Conclusions　Severe HFMD cases in Guangxi have obvious spatial-temporal clustering, and the hop spots are mainly concentrated in southern Guangxi. The prevention and control of HFMD in areas with high incidence of severe cases should be strengthened to reduce the burden of HFMD cases.

Effect and mechanism of Reduning injection on influenza A virus / 药学学报

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of Reduning injection (RI) on influenza A virus (IAV) and its mechanism. We evaluated the cytotoxicity of RI in A549 and MDCK cells by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Western blot and cytopathic effect (CPE) assays were applied to test the effects of RI on viral protein, CPE and virus virulence to evaluate its inhibitory effect. The proteins level of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), phosphorylation of P38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) were detected by Western blot. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the RNA expression of interferon-α/β (IFN-α/β). The relative luciferase reporter assay was used to analyze the promoter activity and transcriptional regulation of Nrf2. The results indicated that RI inhibited IAV-induced MDCK cytopathies in a dose-dependent manner, decreased M2 protein of influenza virus and viral titer, indicating that it has definite effect on inhibiting IAV. RI promotes the phosphorylation of P38 MAPK and ERK1/2, activates the activity of Nrf2 nuclear transcription factor, increases the expression of Nrf2 protein in the nucleus, thus up-regulates the expression of HO-1 protein, and ultimately increases the IFN-α/β mRNA level. In summary, our results demonstrated that RI inhibits the replication of IAV by activating MAPK/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, revealing a new mechanism of RI against influenza virus, and providing theoretical basis for clinical treatment of influenza virus.

UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS based metabolomics and analysis of the effect of Suanzaoren Decoction on serum of chronic unpredictable mild stress depression rats / 药学学报

A UPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS based metabolomic approach combined with biochemical assay and histopathological inspection were employed to study the intervention effects of Suanzaoren Decoction (SZRD) on chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) depression rats, and to clarify the metabolic regulation pathway of SZRD. The rats were randomly divided into normal control group, CUMS model group, positive drug venlafaxine group, SZRD high (24 g·kg-1) and low (12 g·kg-1) dose groups, respectively. The CUMS model was replicated by subjecting to a variety of stimulus, such as thermal stimulation, ice water swimming, ultrasonic stimulation, tail clamping, day and night reversal, plantar electric shock and so on for rats. After oral administration of drugs for 28 days, the behavioral indexes of rats in each group were observed and the hippocampus and serum samples of rats were collected for biochemical assay and histopathological inspection. Compared with the CUMS model group, low dose and high dose SZRD groups can significantly reduce the immobility time of forced swimming (P < 0.001, P < 0.001), increase the sucrose preference rate (P < 0.01, P < 0.05), the number of crossings (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) and the number of uprights (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) in the open field test, suggesting that SZRD can significantly improve the depression-like behavior of CUMS model rats. In addition, SZRD could significantly reduce the levels of serum IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α of CUMS model rats. A total of 21 differential metabolites in serum were identified by comparison with the data from the literature and databases. In addition, low-dose SZRD and high-dose SZRD improved the 8 and 11 perturbed potential serum biomarkers that were induced by CUMS, respectively, which related to alanine, aspartic acid and glutamic acid, tryptophan and arachidonic acid metabolism. This study provides a scientific basis for expanding the clinical indications of SZRD. This experiment was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Shanxi University (Approval No. SXULL2020028).

Yishen Yanggan Mingmu formula combined with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To observe the clinical efficacy of Yishen Yanggan Mingmu formula combined with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration(wARMD).METHODS: A total of 58 patients(58 eyes)with wARMD who were treated in Ningbo Eye Hospital from September 2020 to November 2022 were collected. They were divided into two groups according to randomized digital table: 29 patients(29 eyes)for the combination group and the other 29 patients(29 eyes)for the injection group. The injection group was only given intravitreal injection of conbercept; the combination group was orally administrated with Yishen Yanggan Mingmu formula combined with intravitreal injection of conbercept. The best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), central macular thickness(CMT)and the improvement of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndromes after 3mo of treatment were observed and the clinical efficacy was evaluated.RESULTS: After 3mo of treatment, the total improved effective rate of the combination group(76%)was higher than the rate of the injection group(66%). After the treatment, the BCVA of the two groups was both higher than that before treatment(P&#x003C;0.05), the CMT in both groups was lower than that before the treatment(P&#x003C;0.05), and the improvement of CMT of the combination group was better than the injection group(-155.93±143.79μm vs. -95.36±56.81μm, P&#x003C;0.05). After 3mo of treatment, each kinds of TCM syndrome in the combination group were significantly improved compared with those syndromes before the treatment(P&#x003C;0.001). In the injection group, only blurred vision was improved(P&#x003C;0.05). After the treatment, the scores of dizziness and insomnia, soreness and weakness of waist and knees, paleness and cold limbs, dry eyes and fatigue in the combination group were significantly lower than the injection group(P&#x003C;0.001).CONCLUSIONS: The Yishen Yanggan Mingmu formula combined with intravitreal anti-VEGF drug injection is effective in the treatment of wARMD.

Relationships of Low Serum Levels of Interleukin-10 With Poststroke Anxiety and Cognitive Impairment in Patients With Clinical Acute Stroke

Background@#and Purpose The relationships among interleukin (IL)-10 levels, anxiety, and cognitive status after stroke remain controversial. We aimed to determine the associations of serum IL-10 levels with poststroke anxiety (PSA) and poststroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). @*Methods@#We recruited 350 patients with stroke, of whom only 151 completed a 1-month follow-up assessment. The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) were used to assess the cognitive status and anxiety, respectively. Serum IL-10 levels were measured within 24 hours of admission. @*Results@#IL-10 levels were significantly lower in the PSA group than in the non-PSA group, and they were negatively associated with HAMA scores (r=-0.371, p<0.001). After adjusting for all potential confounders, IL-10 levels remained an independent predictor of PSA (odds ratio=0.471, 95% confidence interval=0.237–0.936, p=0.032). IL-10 levels were strongly correlated with behavior during interviews, psychic anxiety, and somatic anxiety. Patients without PSCI had higher IL-10 levels were higher in non-PSCI patients than in PSCI patients, and they were positively associated with MMSE scores in the bivariate correlation analysis (r=0.169, p=0.038), and also with memory capacity, naming ability, and copying capacity.However, IL-10 did not predict PSCI in the univariable or multivariable logistic regression. @*Conclusions@#Low IL-10 levels were associated with increased risks of PSA and PSCI at a 1-month follow-up after stroke. Serum IL-10 levels may therefore be helpful in predicting PSA.

Tenghuang Jiangu Tablets Combined with Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs for Osteoarthritis of Knee： A Real-world Study / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical efficacy of Tenghuang Jiangu tablets （THJGT） combined with oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs （NSAIDs） in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee and its applicable stage based on real-world data， and provide a basis for the rational clinical use of THJGT. MethodA total of 218 cases treated with THJGT combined with oral NSAIDs included in the "THJGT for knee osteoarthritis case registry" from September 2019 to January 2021 were selected as the observation group， and 126 cases treated with oral NSAIDs alone as the control group （CG）. The data of gender， age， body mass index， Kellgren-Lawrence grading scale （K-L scale） score， visual analogue score （VAS score）， Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index （WOMAC） score， swelling grade， joint fear of cold score， back pain and weakness score， and occurrence of adverse events/reactions of the patients in both groups were used for the evaluation of efficacy with full analysis set. The propensity score matching method was used to exclude the influence of confounding factors between groups， and the sub-data sets were established， with which the repeated measures analysis of variance （ANOVA） was carried out to evaluate the efficacy. Visit points were at registration， 4 weeks and 8 weeks after registration. The data were statistically analyzed in Excel 2019 and SPSS 23.0. ResultThe proportion of females in the observation group was 66.06% （144/218）， which was higher than that （58.73%， 74/126） in the control group （χ2=1.846）. The average age in the observation group was （61.12±7.01） years， which was higher than that ［（59.38±5.99） years］ in the control group （W=19 918.50， P<0.05）. The remission rate in the observation group was 98.17% （214/218）. In the observation group， the proportions of the patients at K-L grades Ⅱ and Ⅲ were 64.22% （144/218） and 25.23% （55/218）， respectively. The effect analysis of the whole data set for enrollment and treatment for 8 weeks showed that the VAS score of the experimental group decreased by （3.27±1.24） points on average， which was better than that of the control group [（2.75±1.20）， W=34 179.00， P<0.05]. The average WOMAC score decreased （23.43±11.46） points， which was better than that of the control group [（16.71±8.86）， W=32 387.00， P<0.05]. The average swelling grade decreased （0.63±0.64）， which was better than the control group [（0.33±0.59）， W=33 847.50， P<0.05]. The average score of joint chills decreased （1.90±1.84）， points， which was better than that of control group [（1.40±1.28）， W=35 165.00， P<0.05]. The average lumbar acid fatigue score decreased by （2.02±1.64） points, which was better than that of the control group [（1.10±1.28）， W=32 986.50， P<0.05]. Efficacy analysis of subdata sets for enrollment， 4 weeks of medication and 8 weeks of medication showed that VAS scores of both groups showed a downward trend after treatment， and the improvement of experimental group was more significant than that of control group at 4 weeks， with statistical significance （P<0.05）. After treatment， the total WOMAC score of both groups showed a downward trend， and the improvement of experimental groups was more significant at 4 weeks and 8 weeks （P<0.05）. After treatment， swelling， cold fear grade and lumbar acid fatigue score of both groups showed a decreasing trend,， and the improvement of experimental group was more significant at 8 weeks （P<0.05）. The therapeutic effect analysis of patients in the attack stage and remission stage of the experimental group showed that the total WOMAC score of the two groups showed a downward trend after treatment， and the trend was basically the same， and there was no statistical difference between the two groups at enrollment， 4 weeks after treatment， and 8 weeks after treatment （t=1.675， t=2.068， t=2.364）. The total WOMAC score of the patients in remission stage in the experimental group with K-L grading between grade 0 and grade Ⅲ had statistical significance at 4 weeks after treatment compared with the time of entry （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Group of adverse event rate was 4.13% （9/218）， lower than the control group 10.32% （13/126） （χ2= 5.109， P<0.05）. ConclusionThe population receiving THJGT combined with oral NSAIDs is mostly female， old， in remission， and with K-L grades Ⅱ and Ⅲ. THJGT can enhance the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of oral NSAIDs and keep the drug effect in improving joint function and alleviating fear of cold， swelling， and back pain and weakness. The drug combination can be applied to patients in both attack and remission， and the clinical application should take patient's disease stage and degree of osteoarthritis into account. Furthermore， the combination has the potential to reduce the incidence of adverse events caused by NSAIDs.