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OBJECTIVE To compare the change law of multi-components in the extraction process between Liuwei dihuang powder decoction pieces and traditional decoction pieces (hereinafter referred to as powder decoction pieces and traditional decoction pieces), and to provide scientific basis for the modern technology research of Liuwei dihuang formula. METHODS Taking powder decoction pieces and traditional decoction pieces as samples, the samples were taken when soaking for 60 min, at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60 min of the first decocting and at 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 min of the second decocting, respectively. HPLC method was used to establish the fingerprints of 2 kinds of decoction pieces with different decocting time. The similarity evaluation and peak identification were performed. The contents of 8 components including 5-hydroxyfurfural, catechin, monoglycoside, loganin, swertin glycoside, dihydroquercetin, paeonol and benzoyl paeoniflorin were all determined. RESULTS With different decocting time, the similarties between 2 kinds of decoction pieces and their respective control fingerprints R were all greater than 0.98. In the fingerprints of traditional decoction pieces, five chromatographic peaks were identified, namely, 5- hydroxyfurfural, monetin, swertiaoside, dihydroquercetin and paeonol; in the fingerprints of powder decoction pieces, six chromatographic peaks were identified, namely, 5-hydroxyfurfural, monoglycoside, swertiamarin, dihydroquercetin, paeonol and benzoyl paeoniflorin. The results of content determination showed that in the first 5 minutes of the first decocting, the decocting rate of almost all the ingredients in the powder decoction pieces was faster than that of the traditional decoction pieces; after 40 min, the contents of other active ingredients were lower than those of traditional decoction pieces except for 5-hydroxyfurfural and paeonol. In the process of second decocting, except for paeonol and loganin, the contents of other ingredients in powder decoction pieces were higher than that in traditional decoction pieces; catechin was completely decocted from the traditional decoction pieces in the first decocting, while it could still be detected in the powder decoction pieces in the second decocting. There was little difference in the total decocted amount of the 8 ingredients in the two decoction pieces. CONCLUSIONS The chemical composition of powder decoction pieces of Liuwei dihuang formula has no obvious advantages compared with traditional decoction pieces, and can not save the decocting time and the amount of medicinal materials.
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OBJECTIVE To compare characteristic chromatogram and the contents of multiple indicator components of Morus alba decoction powder and decoction at different decoction time, and to provide experimental basis for the development of M. alba decoction. METHODS Taking decoction powder and decoction at different decoction time as subject, HPLC characteristic chromatogram of 2 kinds of samples were established with Similarity Evaluation Software System of TCM Chromatographic Fingerprint (2012 version), and similarity evaluation was performed. The contents of mulberroside A, geniposide, berberine, baicalin, quercetin and luteolin in decoction powder and decoction were determined by HPLC. The contents of each indicator component and the change of total content were as the evaluation indexes to compare the difference between the two substances during decoction. RESULTS The similarities of characteristic chromatogram of the two substances ranged from 0.943 to 1.000 and 0.975 to 0.998 at different decoction time, respectively. Six indicator components of the decoction powder dissolved faster and had higher contents. The contents of each indicator component in the decoction powder when decocting at 20 minutes was 1.1-1.5 times of the decoction when decocting at 50 min, and the total content in the decoction powder was 1.2 times of the decoction. CONCLUSIONS Compared with decoction, M. alba decoction powder has the advantages of shortening the decoction time and saving traditional Chinese medicine resources. The results of this study lay a research foundation for “Zungu” to develop its preparation.
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Objective:To investigate the fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) characteristics of spontaneous regression in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and the range of retinal vascularization.Methods:A clinical retrospective study. A total of 82 eyes of 41 infants with ROP, who underwent FFA from January 2019 to December 2021 in Department of Ophthalmology of Xijing Hospital after completion of ROP regression, were included. There were 25 males (50 eyes) and 16 females (32 eyes). ROP was diagnosed in Zone Ⅱ in 44 eyes, with 38 eyes in stage 2 and 6 eyes in stage 3, and in zone Ⅲ in 38 eyes of stage 2. All patients underwent FFA examination under general anesthesia, at postmenstrual age of 70.70±12.25 weeks, after the natural regression of ROP was completed. Focus on the retinal vascular development, as well as choroid circulation and macular abnormalities, and compare and observe the differences between zone Ⅱ and Ⅲ after spontaneous regression. The extent of retinal vascularization was determined by the ratio between the distance of the center of the disc to the border of the vascularized zone (DB) and the center of the disc to the fovea distance (DF). The width of avascular area, recorded as the distance from the ora serrata to the vascular termination, was counted by disc diameters (DD). The measurement data between zone Ⅱ and zone Ⅲ ROP were compared by the independent sample t-test, and the count data were compared by χ2 test or Fisher exact probability test. Results:The linear choroidal pattern was present in 9 eyes (21.95%, 9/41), and the tortuous arteries in the posterior retina were detected in 32 eyes (39.02%, 32/82). It was noted that increased branching of vessels presented in 45 eyes (54.88%, 45/82), straight shape of vessels shown in 27 eyes (32.93%, 27/82), circumferential vessels arisen in 45 eyes (54.88%, 45/82), arteriovenous shunt appeared in 18 eyes (21.95%, 18/82), and capillary bed lost in 46 eyes (56.10%, 46/82) in areas from initial ridge to vascular termini. Punctate or linear dye leakage was observed in 23 eyes (28.05%, 23/82) during the late phase of FFA. Macular abnormalities, such as the absence of foveal avascular zone and hypoperfusion, were observed in 28 eyes (34.15%, 28/82), of which the macular ectopia presented in 1 eye. The mean DB/DF ratio of all the 82 eyes on the temporal side was 4.63±0.29 and 3.77±0.23 in the nasal. The mean avascular area on the temporal retina was 1.74±1.00 DD. Compared with ROP in zone Ⅲ, increased branching of vessels and dye leakage were more common ( χ2=9.303, 10.774; P=0.002, 0.001), the extent of temporal retinal vascularization was smaller ( t=-2.285, P=0.026), and the avascular area of the retina was more significant ( t=5.491, P<0.001) in zone Ⅱ ROP. Conclusions:Even after completion of spontaneous regression in ROP, incomplete retinal vascularization and vascular abnormalities may exist permanently in FFA, including those such as the tortuous arteries in the posterior retina, increased branching and straight shape of vessels, circumferential vessels, capillary bed lost and macular abnormality. Further appropriate follow-up is needed for long-term safety.
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Objective:To explore the mediating role of alexithymia in the relationship between trait anger and aggressive behavior among male violent prisoners.Methods:A sample of 268 male violent prisoners completed self-report measures of the trait anger scale (TAS), Toronto alexithymia scale-20 (TAS-20) and the Chinese college students' version of Buss-Perry aggression questionnaire. SPSS 23.0 software and Mplus 8.0 software were used to test the mediating effect.Results:The total scores of trait anger, aggressive behavior and alexithymia were (17.75±4.93), (52.15±10.61)and (70.90±19.40), respectively. Pearson correlation analysis showed that trait anger was both significantly positively correlated with aggressive behavior ( r=0.67, P<0.01) and alexithymia ( r=0.40, P<0.01), and there was also a significantly positive correlation between alexithymia and aggressive behavior ( r=0.55, P<0.01). Multivariate hierarchical regression analysis showed that trait anger directly predicted aggressive behavior ( β=0.67, P<0.01) after controlling the influence of alcohol addiction. Emotional recognition disorder played a partially mediating role in the relationship between trait anger and aggressive behavior ( β=0.18, 95% CI=0.11-0.27). Conclusion:Trait anger not only directly affects male violent prisoners aggressive behavior, but also indirectly affects male violent prisoners aggressive behavior through emotional recognition disorder.
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Objective:To analyze the rules of medication and principles of formulas for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) using the traditional Chinese medicine inheritance support platform (V2.5).Methods:The clinical data, including gender, age, clinical symptoms, frequency of traditional Chinese medicine medication and prescription information, of patients with COVID-19 and asymptomatic infection who were admitted to Hebei COVID-19 designated hospital supported by medical team of First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Chinese Medicine from January to March 2021 were collected. The information data were input into the traditional Chinese medicine inheritance support platform (V2.5). The data mining and analysis were realized by the integrated association rules and complex entropy clustering analysis methods of the software, including the analysis of the frequency of each drug use, drug meridian, taste, and prescription rules, and the new prescriptions were developed.Results:A total of 564 patients (564 prescriptions) were enrolled, involving 200 Chinese herbs, including 357 cases of common COVID-19 and 207 cases of asymptomatic infection. The proportion of women with common COVID-19 was high, and the high incidence age group was 51-70 years old. There was no significant difference in gender of asymptomatic infection, and the high incidence age group was 1-20 years old. The main clinical manifestations of most patients were head heavy and cough, followed by low fever and cough with sputum, the main tongue coating and pulse pattern were similar in both types of patients. The frequency of traditional Chinese medicine used in patients with common type of COVID-19 from high to low was liquorice root (326 times), indian bread (264 times), pinellia tuber (263 times), bitter apricot seed (236 times), baical skullcap root (229 times), gypsum (205 times), agastache rugosus (201 times), dried tangerine peel (194 times), ephedra (184 times), and Chinese thorowax root (163 times), while that used by asymptomatic infection were baical skullcap root (174 times), liquorice root (142 times), medicated leaven (137 times), agastache rugosus (127 times), pinellia tuber (114 times), Chinese thorowax root (100 times), officinal magnolia bark (91 times), atractylodes rhizome (89 times), peony root (84 times), and milkvetch root (83 times). The two types of patients were mainly treated with warm, cold and flat drugs, and the nature and taste were mainly pungent, bitter and sweet. The meridian tropism of drugs was mainly lung, spleen and stomach. High frequency drug formulation mainly included drugs for resolving turbidity and detoxification. At the same time, seven new prescriptions for common COVID-19 and four new prescriptions for asymptomatic infection were developed.Conclusions:The primary reason for the COVID-19 occurrence and development is turbidity-toxin and the qi of plague, and resolving turbidity and detoxication are the basic treating principle. On the basis, for patients with common COVID-19, symptomatic treatment such as relieving exterior syndrome, clearing heat, resolving phlegm, and antitussive drugs should be taken into account at the same time, while the treatment of asymptomatic infections should focus more on supporting the body and eliminating the harmful pathogens.
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Objective: To simulate and evaluate the scraping and grinding work of workers with different spinal anteversion angles, and to explore the effects of different anteversion angles on the erector spinae muscles of scrapers. Methods: In November 2019, 16 male college student volunteers were recruited to simulate workers' scraping and grinding work. The parameters were 25°, 15 times/min, 15°, 30 times/min, 5°, 60 times/min respectively. The surface electromyography (sEMG) was used to collect the electromyographic signals of the erector spinae muscles, and the surface electromyographic characteristics of the erector spinae muscles were evaluated with Borg Scale. Results: There were significant differences between the maximum voluntary contraction percentage (MVE%) of the left and right erector spinae muscles groups in the three groups with different spinal anteversion angles (F(left)=13.41, P(left)<0.001; F(right)=4.74, P(right)=0.005) , and the EMG amplitude was higher at 25°, 15 times/min. At 15°, 30 times/min, MVE% of the left side was significantly higher than that of the right side (t=2.58, P=0.021) . There was significant difference in the mean power frequency (MPF) of the right erector spinae muscle in the three groups (F=9.42, P<0.001) , but there was no significant difference in the MPF of the left erector spinae muscle (F=0.30, P=0.823) . The fitting line showed that the left erector spinae muscle showed a downward trend at 5°, 60 times/min (t=-5.39, P=0.012) . Conclusion: Scrapers are less likely to be fatigued when the posture is 15°, 30 times/min, but they are more likely to be fatigued when working at 5°, 60 times/min.
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Humans , Male , Electromyography , Muscle, Skeletal/physiology , Muscles/physiology , Posture/physiologyABSTRACT
Objective: To examine the associations between metabolic syndrome (MS) and the risks for impaired activities of daily living (ADL) in the middle-aged and elderly population in China and provide basis for improving healthy life expectancy. Methods: Prospective cohort study design was used in this study. Based the data of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) from 2011 to 2018 and the baseline data in 2011, the follow up for ADL outcomes was conducted in 2013, 2015 and 2018 respectively, and the participants recruited in 2013 and 2015 were new baseline populations. The participants with impaired ADL in three baseline populations were excluded. Cox proportional hazard model was used to estimate the effect of different components and number of MS components on the risk for ADL impairment in the middle-aged and elderly population in China. Results: In 59 795 person-years of follow-up, a total of 1 011 cases of ADL impairments were recorded. The incidence density of ADL impairment was 16.91 per 1 000 person-year; The findings of Cox regression analysis showed that compared with the middle aged and elderly people without MS, the risk for ADL impairments was 1.29 times higher (95%CI: 1.12-1.50) for those with one component of MS, 1.32 times higher (95%CI:1.07-1.64) for those with hyperlipemia complicated with diabetes, 1.78 times higher (95%CI: 1.22-2.59) for those with obesity and one component of MS, 2.48 times higher (95%CI:1.59-3.85) for those with hypertension complicated with hyperlipemia, 3.51 times higher (95%CI:1.66-7.43) for those with hypertension complicated with diabetes, 1.80 times higher (95%CI: 1.40-2.32) for those with ≥3 MS, respectively. Compared with the middle-aged and elderly population without MS, the risk for impaired ADL increased by 30% (HR=1.30, 95%CI: 1.13-1.51), 54% (HR=1.54, 95%CI: 1.28-1.85) and 87% (HR=1.87, 95%CI:1.45-2.41), respectively, in the middle-aged and elderly with one, two, and more than three components of MS, with a significant dose-response relationship that ADL impaired risks increased as the number of MS components increased (P<0.001). Conclusions: Our findings suggested that MS is a risk factor for ADL impairment in middle-aged and elderly population in China. Prevention and early intervention of obesity, hypertension, hyperlipemia, diabetes and metabolic syndrome could help to reduce or delay the incidence of ADL impairment.
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Aged , Humans , Middle Aged , Activities of Daily Living , China/epidemiology , Longitudinal Studies , Metabolic Syndrome/epidemiology , Prospective StudiesABSTRACT
AIM: The clinical outcomes of unilateral single-focal intraocular len(SIOL), contralateral implanted multifocal IOL(MIOL)and the SIOL was implanted in binoculus were compared.METHODS: There were 60 cases with 120 eyes age-related cataract patients in January 2019 to January 2021 underwent phacoemulsification and IOL implantation in Chengdu Aier Eye Hospital. The SIOL has been implanted in the dominant eyes, all patients were divided into three groups according to the types of IOL implanted in the contralateral non-dominant eyes, among them, there were 36 eyes of 18 cases in group A with non-dominant eyes implanted MIOL(SBL-3); 38 eyes of 19 cases in group B were implanted MIOL(SN6AD1)in non-dominant eyes. SIOL was implanted in all 46 eyes of 23 cases of control group. After operation at 3mo,the results of binocular vision and visual quality of the three groups were evaluated and compared.RESULTS: After operationat 3mo, there was no difference in the uncorrected distance vision and corrected distance vision, uncorrected medium vision and corrected near vision among the three groups(P<0.05).The uncorrected near visual acuity and corrected intermediate visual acuity of both eyes in groups A and B were significantly improved in both groups compared with the control group(P<0.05). The scores of Catquest 9SF-CN scale showed that the quality of life of patients in group A and group B(11.11±1.323, 11.89±1.883 scores)was better than that in the control group(14.65±1.722 scores, both P<0.05). The rate of lens removal in group A, B and control group were 88.9%, 84.2% and 39.1%, respectively, and the rate of lens removal in group A was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.0167).CONCLUSION: Dominant eye implantation of SIOL in patients with cataract and contralateral non-dominant eye implantation of MIOL(SBL-3/SN6AD1)can obtain better full-range visual acuity than binoculus, less postoperative adverse visual symptoms, and higher patient disengagement rate and satisfaction.
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Objective:To compare the dose and image quality of selected photon shield (SPS) technique, organ-based tube current modulation (OBTCM) technique and the combination of these two techniques for reducing the organ dose in head CT examination for infants.Methods:Two anthropomorphic head phantoms (CIRS 1-yr-old and 5-yr-old) were scanned by using Reference mode, Reference + OBTCM mode, SPS mode and SPS + OBTCM mode, respectively. Radiation doses to the lens of the eye, the anterior of the brain, the posterior of the brain, noise level and CNR of orbit and brain in different phantoms were measured and compared by using different scanning modes.Results:Compared with Reference mode, the doses to the lens of the eye in 1-yr-old and 5-yr-old phantom decreased by (21.89 ± 0.01)% and (28.33 ± 0.34)%, respectively. In SPS mode, the reduction in doses to the lens of the eye in 1-yr-old and 5-yr-old phantom were (71.38 ± 1.30)% and (53.72 ± 2.42)%, respectively. In SPS + OBTCM mode, the reduction was (71.12 ± 2.54)% and (55.73 ± 1.90)%, respectively. There was significant difference in the noise level of orbit and brain in different phantoms under various scanning modes ( F=5.67-85.47, P< 0.05). The noise level in OBTCM mode compared with reference mode increased slightly (<1.45 HU) in various phantoms. SPS and SPS + OBTCM mode resulted in a small noise increase (<2.58 HU). There was no significant difference in CNR of different phantoms under various scanning modes ( P>0.05). Conclusions:SPS and SPS + OBTCM mode can significantly reduce the radiation dose of lens and the whole image plane in the head CT scan for infants, with maintaining the image quality.
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Objective To evaluate the feasibility and safety of tracheal extubation in operating room for patients with end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) after single-lung transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 57 recipients who underwent single-lung transplantation due to end-stage COPD were retrospectively analyzed. According to the evaluation indexes of tracheal extubation in operating room established by our hospital, 17 recipients eligible for tracheal extubation in operating room were assigned into the operating room extubation group (OR extubation group) and 40 recipients receiving tracheal extubation in intensive care unit (ICU) were allocated in the ICU extubation group. The evaluation results of intraoperative tracheal extubation and postoperative recovery were compared between two groups. Results Compared with the ICU extubation group, recipients in the OR extubation group had higher oxygenation index, lower arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), lower blood lactic acid level, less fluctuation range of blood pressure and fewer cases receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) during operation (all P < 0.05). Two recipients in the OR extubation group received repeated tracheal intubation at 6 and 8 h after returning to ICU, and tracheal extubation at postoperative 6 and 9 d. In the OR extubation group, time of postoperative mechanical ventilation, length of postoperative ICU and hospital stay of the recipients were shorter than those in the ICU extubation group (all P < 0.05). The incidence of grade 3 primary graft dysfunction (PGD), atrial tachyarrhythmia, continuous renal replacement therapy and 1-year survival rate did not significantly differ between two groups (all P > 0.05). Conclusions The tracheal extubation regimen in the operating room for COPD patients after single-lung transplantation established by our hospital is safe and feasible, which shortens the time of postoperative mechanical ventilation, the length of postoperative ICU and hospital stay, whereas does not increase the incidence of postoperative complications.
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Stroke is a common cerebrovascular disease, characterized by high incidence, mortality and disability rate. Neuronal cells, the basic unit of the central nervous system, can be injured to varying degrees when stroke occurs. Neuronal cell injury after stroke is also the key cause leading to neurological dysfunction, affecting the prognosis and quality of life of patients. Therefore, reducing the neuronal cell injury and delaying the process of cell death are effective to decrease the nerve function injury in stroke patients and improve their prognosis, thus lowering the death and disability rate of stroke. Ferroptosis is a new form of cell death that has been widely concerned in recent years. Several studies have confirmed that there is ferroptosis in neuronal cells after stroke. Since ferroptosis is an adjustable form, its intervention can help regulate the injury and death of neuronal cells. Studies have shown that inhibiting ferroptosis plays a role in protecting neuronal cells. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with the multi-channel and multi-target treatment advantages, has been widely used in the whole stroke and has achieved good clinical efficacy. It might be a new direction taking TCM regulation of ferroptosis as the entry point for stroke treatment in the future. This review revealed the mechanism of ferroptosis, discussed the research status of TCM in intervening in neuronal cell ferroptosis, and provided reference for further improving the efficacy of TCM in stroke.
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OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the clinical effect of modified medial J-shaped incision of Achilles tendon combined with fascia lata transplantation in the treatment of Kuwada typeⅡand Ⅲ Achilles tendon defects.@*METHODS@#From January 2016 to August 2018, the clinical data of 15 patients with KuwadaⅡand Ⅲ Achilles tendon defects treated with modified J-shaped approach with autologous fascia lata transplantation were retrospectively analyzed, including 14 males and 1 female, with an average age of 31.7 years old ranging from 24 to 43. There were 9 cases of KuwadaⅡdefect and 6 cases of KuwadaⅢ defect. Postoperative observations were made for incision complications, and the Arner-Lindholm scoring standard was used to evaluate the function of the affected foot at the last follow-up.@*RESULTS@#All 15 cases were followed up from 3 to 16 months with an average of 9.2 months. No skin necrosis or infection occurred after operation, and no Achilles tendon rupture occurred again. According to the Arner-Lindholm scoring standard, 13 cases were excellent, 2 cases were good.@*CONCLUSION@#Modified medial J-shaped incision is a satisfactory approach for repairing Achilles tendon defects. It is helpful to prevent postoperative incision complications, which double-strengthen the Achilles tendon strength, so that patients can perform early rehabilitation and functional exercises with satisfactory clinical results.
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Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Achilles Tendon/surgery , Fascia Lata , Retrospective Studies , Rupture , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
The present study systematically collected, analyzed, and evaluated randomized controlled trial(RCT) of Chinese patent medicine in the treatment of heart failure to provide references for follow-up clinical research design, guideline update, and policy formulation, and promote the improvement of clinical evidence quality. On the basis of the collection in the Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) Clinical Evidence Database System(EVDS), CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, SinoMed, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched for RCTs of Chinese patent medicine in the treatment of heart failure from database inception to December 31, 2020. The di-sease type, publication time, sample size, intervention/control setting, course of treatment, evaluation indexes, and methodological quality were analyzed and evaluated. A total of 1 631 RCTs were included, including 1 622 in Chinese and 9 in English. It was first published in 1995, with the largest number of publications in 2016. There were only 56 RCTs(3.43%) with a sample size≥200. Seventy-eight types of Chinese patent medicines were involved, including 49 types of oral drugs and 29 types of injections. There were 34 intervention/control protocols, which were dominated by Chinese patent medicine+conventional treatment vs conventional treatment, accounting for 28.51%(n=465). About 94.0% of RCTs reported the course of treatment, mainly 14-56 days. The evaluation indexes were mainly physical and chemical tests and symptoms/signs, and left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) was the most frequently used measurement index. In enumeration indexes, clinical efficacy(response rate) was used the most frequently. Methodologically, 92.0% of the research subjects were rated as high risk of blindness. There were only 13 RCTs(0.80%) reporting registered information. It is necessary to further standardize the design, implementation, and quality control of clinical studies in order to improve the quality of evidence and avoid research waste.
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Humans , China , Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use , Heart Failure/drug therapy , Medicine, Chinese Traditional , Nonprescription Drugs/therapeutic use , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Stroke Volume , Ventricular Function, LeftABSTRACT
The present study collected, collated, analyzed, and evaluated randomized controlled trial(RCT) of Chinese patent medicine published in Chinese and English journals in 2020, and summarized clinical evidence of Chinese patent medicine in stages, providing references for follow-up clinical research and evidence transformation and application. On the basis of the collection in the Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) Clinical Evidence Database System(EVDS), CNKI, Wanfang, SinoMed, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and EMbase were searched for RCTs of Chinese patent medicine published in 2020, and their research characteristics and methodological quality were analyzed and evaluated. A total of 1 285 research papers on Chinese patent medicine(1 257 in Chinese/28 in English) were included, involving 146 054 patients and 639 Chinese patent medicines, including 526 oral drugs, 68 injections, and 45 external drugs. A total of 412 diseases in 23 types were involved, which were dominated by circulatory system diseases and respiratory system diseases, specifically, cerebral infarction and angina pectoris. The sample size ranged from 20 cases to 2 673 cases, and 57.67% of RCTs had samples sizes less than 100. Single-center trials were the main ones, and multi-center trials only accounted for 4.75%(n=61). In terms of methodological quality, 52.91% of the RCTs had unclear descriptions or incorrect application of randomization methods, and the implementation of allocation concealment and blinding methods has not been paid much attention. In conclusion, compared with the conditions in 2019, the number of RCTs published in 2020 has decreased, and the research interest in respiratory diseases has increased, while the quality control in the process of research design and implementation has not been improved. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the methodological training of researchers and promote the output of high-quality research evidence.
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Humans , China , Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use , Medicine, Chinese Traditional , Nonprescription Drugs , Quality ControlABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Objective: Recently, several studies have found that obesity had a protective effect against varicocele, but no meta-analysis has confirmed this finding. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and varicocele. Material and Methods: We searched for studies in PubMed, Science Direct and the Cochrane Library from inception until February 2018. The association between BMI and varicocele was assessed by pooling the odds ratios (ORs). Results: Eleven eligible studies with a total study population of 1.376.658 participants were included in our analysis. According to BMI, the subjects were defined as belonging to the obese, overweight and underweight groups. Our results showed that the obese group had a lower risk of varicocele when compared with the normal weight group (odds ratio [OR] 0.46, 95% confidence intervals [CIs] 0.37-0.58). Additionally, an overweight BMI had a protective effect against varicocele (OR 0.70, 95% CIs, 0.56-0.86). However, underweight patients had a more than 30% higher risk of varicocele (OR 1.31, 95% CI, 1.04-1.64). Furthermore, there was no publication bias in any of the analyses. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that BMI is negatively associated with the presence of varicocele.
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Humans , Male , Varicocele/epidemiology , Body Mass Index , Odds Ratio , Overweight/complications , Overweight/epidemiology , Obesity/complicationsABSTRACT
Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) acts as a tumor promoter in advanced prostate cancer (PCa). We speculated that microRNAs (miRNAs) that are inhibited by TGF-β1 might exert anti-tumor effects. To assess this, we identified several miRNAs downregulated by TGF-β1 in PCa cell lines and selected miR-3691-3p for detailed analysis as a candidate anti-oncogene miRNA. miR-3691-3p was expressed at significantly lower levels in human PCa tissue compared with paired benign prostatic hyperplasia tissue, and its expression level correlated inversely with aggressive clinical pathological features. Overexpression of miR-3691-3p in PCa cell lines inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion, and promoted apoptosis. The miR-3691-3p target genes E2F transcription factor 3 (E2F3) and PR domain containing 1, with ZNF domain (PRDM1) were upregulated in miR-3691-3p-overexpressing PCa cells, and silencing of E2F3 or PRDM1 suppressed PCa cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Treatment of mice bearing PCa xenografts with a miR-3691-3p agomir inhibited tumor growth and promoted tumor cell apoptosis. Consistent with the negative regulation of E2F3 and PRDM1 by miR-3691-3p, both proteins were overexpressed in clinical PCa specimens compared with noncancerous prostate tissue. Our results indicate that TGF-β1-regulated miR-3691-3p acts as an anti-oncogene in PCa by downregulating E2F3 and PRDM1. These results provide novel insights into the mechanisms by which TGF-β1 contributes to the progression of PCa.
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OBJECTIVE:To establish HPLC fingerprint of Coptis chinensis inflorescence,and study its spectrum-effect relationship with antioxidant and antibacterial effects. METHODS :Taking 14 batches of C. chinensis inflorescence from different producing areas as the object ,HPLC method was adopted. The determination was performed on Supersil C 18 column with mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile- 0.1% phosphoric acid solution(gradient elution )at the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The column temperature was set at 25 ℃. The detection wavelength was set at 329 nm,and sample size was 10 μL. The fingerprints of 14 batches of C. chinensis inflorescence were established by Similarity Evaluation System of TCM Fingerprint (2012 A edition ),and the similarity evaluation and common peak identification were carried out. Taking DPPH free radical scavenging rate and hydroxyl radical scavenging rate as antioxidant effects index ,relative antibacterial activity (Escherichia coli )as antibacterial effect index , SPSS 21.0 software was adopted to analyze the Pearson correlation between common peaks of C. chinensis inflorescence and above efficacy indexes ;their spectrum-effect relationship was established and validated. RESULTS :A total of 7 common peaks were obtained in HPLC fingerprint of C. chinensis inflorescence,and the similarity was no less than 0.916. No. 5 peak was identified as berberine hydrochloride. Seven common peaks were positively correlated with DPPH free radical scavenging rate ;No. 1-3,4,6,7 peaks were positively correlated with hydroxyl radical scavenging rate ,while No. 5 peak was negatively correlated with hydroxyl radical scavenging rate. There was a positive correlation between No. 5 peak and antibacterial activity in vitro . After validation , relative error between the predicted values and the measured values of DPPH free radical scavenging rate ,hydroxyl radical scavenging rate and relative antibacterial activity was 0.92%- 14.5% . CONLUSIONS :The established spectrum-effect relationship model can be used to evaluate antioxidant andantibacterial effects of C. chinensis inflorescence. The chemical components represented by No. 1,2,3,4,6,7 peaks are the material basis of antioxidant effect of C. chinensis inflorescence, and berberine hydrochloride is the material basis of antibacterial effect.
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It is a major public health task to promote the construction of modern disease prevention and control system in the prevention and control of the novel coronavirus pneumonia epidemic. In this study, we identified the current situation and challenges in the construction of disease prevention and control system in Shanghai, including the infrastructures, disciplines, human resources, information system, operational mechanism, and legalization. It is proposed that we should promote the construction of modern disease prevention and control system in Shanghai, which is aimed to improve the capacity in the disease prevention and control services, response to the major epidemics and public health emergencies, and scientific research in public health, in accordance with municipal functional orientation large-scale metropolitan public health security requirements in Shanghai. Moreover, we should promote policy-making, including upgrading infrastructures, facilitating discipline construction and scientific research innovation, optimizing development environment for human resources, accelerating comprehensive information construction, improving systems and mechanisms, and strengthening legal governance.
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OBJECTIVE Cerebral ischemia or ischemic stroke is due to insufficient blood supply to the brain, which causes hypoxia or ischemia in some areas. This work aimed to quantify the minerals and heavy metals in Qishiwei Zhenzhu pill in vivo and in vitro, analyze its effect on the types and abundance of intestinal flora, and study its mechanism on inflammation and apoptosis pathways as a treatment for cerebral ischemia. METHODS Microwave digestion and induc?tively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were used to determine the minerals and heavy metals in 10 batches of Qishiwei Zhenzhu pill in vitro. With the use of the middle cerebral artery obstruction (MCAO) model, ICP-MS was applied to determine the content of minerals and heavy metals in hepatic portal vein blood, abdominal aortic blood, brain, liver, kidney, hair, urine and feces at different time periods. On this model, the ileum, cecum, and colon tissues were tested for intestinal pathology, and 16S rRNA was used for sequencing. Species taxonomy, α diversity, and spe?cies microbial composition and structure analysis were also performed. Polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were employed to determine the mRNA and protein expression of p38 MAPK, caspase-3, IL-1β and TNF-α in the isch?emic brain tissues of rats. RESULTS The average content of heavy metals in the 10 batches of Qishiwei Zhenzhu pill samples is in the descending order Hg>Cu>Pb. Significant differences in the metal elements are found among Qishiwei Zhenzhu pill from different manufacturers but not among the different batches of the same manufacturer. An extremely low content of heavy metals are absorbed into the blood or accumulated in the brain, liver, kidney, and other tissues. Stool is the main excretion route of minerals and heavy metals from Qishiwei Zhenzhu pill. This medicine helps repair the intestinal mucosa in MCAO rats. At the phylum level, it can regulate the abundance of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria in the intestinal flora of rats with cerebral ischemia. At the genus level, it can adjust the abundance of Escherichia Shigella. At the species level, it can adjust the abundance of Lactobacillus yoelii and Lactobacillus reuteri. Cluster classification results show that Qishiwei Zhenzhu pill can improve the intestinal flora of rats with cerebral ischemia, reduce the mRNA and protein expression of caspase-3 and IL-1βin rat brain tissues, and have a tendency to decrease the mRNA expres?sion of p38 MAPK and TNF-α. CONCLUSION Quantifying the minerals and heavy metals in Qishiwei Zhenzhu pill in vivo and in vitro will help improve their quality standards. Minerals and heavy metals are mainly excreted in feces, accumu?late in extremely low levels in various tissues, and do not damage the intestinal mucosa. The effective material basis of Qishiwei Zhenzhu pill in treating cerebral ischemia may be related to their Li, Cr, and Cd elements. These pills can improve the environment of intestinal flora, and their mechanism of treatment for cerebral ischemia may be related to the down-regulation of IL-1βinflammatory factor and inhibition of cell apoptosis.
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Anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental disorders in adults, the cause of which derives from a combination of genetics and environmental factors. A series of animal models have been established according to their pathogenesis to measure the level of anxiety or induce anxiety only, and these models have been widely applied in the non-clinical evaluation of anxiolytics. In this review, we present the current trends in the study of anxiety disorders and summarize typical non-clinical anxiety animal models, including models that both measure anxiety levels and induce anxiety, and models that induce anxiety only. This review summarizes the important issues in standardized non-clinical research of anxiety disorders and proposes criteria for the selection of an appropriate R&D model.