Synthesis, characterization and protection effect of black rice anthocyanins nano-composite against hepatotoxicity induced by methotrexate in rats

Abstract The present study aimed to investigate the beneficial of prepared black rice anthocyanins nano-composite (An-AgNps) against hepatotoxicity induced by methotrexate (MTX) in rats. Anthocyanins nano-composite was prepared by silver as the metallic ion reduction and were characterized by IR and SEM. The rats in our experiment were divided into five groups. Serum lipid profile, serum transaminases (ALT and AST), ALP, LDH, TBA, GSH and SOD were examined. The results show that SEM of An-AgNps has average particle size from 70 to 130nm. In the group treated with MTX; TC, TG, LDL-c, ALT, AST, ALP, LDH and TBA levels were significantly (P0.05) increased than NC, while, HDL-c, SOD and GSH levels were significantly (P0.05) decreased. On the other hand, An-AgNps + MTX treated groups were reversed the levels of all biomarkers similar to NC. In conclusion, the results show that An-AgNps has a protective effect on MTX-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress.

Resumo O presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar o benefício de nanocompósito de antocianinas de arroz preto preparado (An-AgNps) contra a hepatotoxicidade induzida por metotrexato (MTX) em ratos. O nanocompósito de antocianinas foi preparado a partir da prata por meio da redução do íon metálico e caracterizado por IR e SEM. Os ratos em nosso experimento foram divididos em cinco grupos, e foram examinados o perfil lipídico sérico, as transaminases séricas (ALT e AST), ALP, LDH, TBA, GSH e SOD. Os resultados mostram que SEM de An-AgNps tem tamanho médio de partícula de 70 a 130 nm. No grupo tratado com MTX, os níveis de TC, TG, LDL-c, ALT, AST, ALP, LDH e TBA aumentaram significativamente (P 0,05) do que NC, enquanto os níveis de HDL-c, SOD e GSH diminuíram significativamente (P 0,05). Por outro lado, nos grupos tratados com An-AgNps + MTX, foram revertidos os níveis de todos os biomarcadores semelhantes ao NC. Em conclusão, os resultados mostram que o An-AgNps tem um efeito protetor contra a hepatotoxicidade induzida pelo MTX e o estresse oxidativo.

Use of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and Cerebral Oximetry in a Stage 1 Norwood Repair for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

The role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and its indications in stage I Norwood palliation are controversial. The decision to initiate ECMO and its timing remains difficult with no definitive cut?off points or evidence?based guidelines. It varies on a case?to?case basis. We report a case where the use of ECMO was beneficial after stage I Norwood palliation with severe ventricular dysfunction. The systemic?to?pulmonary artery shunt was kept open to balance the systemic and pulmonary circulations. Cerebral oximetry can be useful as an additional monitoring modality to guide management, monitor cerebral perfusion, and help detect cerebral steal.

Validación de un modelo para la estimación del contenido de agua del suelo mediante espectroscopía en el infrarrojo cercano

El monitoreo del contenido de humedad en el suelo es especialmente importante, ya que proporciona información relevante para tomar decisiones acertadas, en cuanto a riego, fertirriego y manejo del estrés hídrico. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo validar un modelo de estimación del contenido de agua en el suelo, mediante espectroscopía de reflectancia difusa en el rango del infrarrojo cercano. Los suelos evaluados provienen de los municipios de Puerto Gaitán (Meta), Espinal (Tolima) y Mosquera (Cundinamarca). En los dos primeros se establecieron redes rígidas, para seleccionar los puntos de muestreo y empleando dos profundidades en cada caso (0-10 y 10-30; 0-10 y 10-25 cm, respectivamente). Para el tercero, se describieron 77 calicatas y se tomaron muestras a 0-10 y 10-35 cm de profundidad. Posteriormente, se evaluó el contenido de humedad considerando 0, 15 y 30 % de humedad. Los datos obtenidos se analizaron con estadística descriptiva. Se empleó la validación cruzada y externa para cada modelo y se obtuvo un modelo general, a partir de los datos de los tres sitios. Los modelos obtenidos para cada sitio de muestreo y el modelo general tienen buena capacidad predictiva. Según los resultados, se afirma que la espectroscopía de reflectancia difusa NIR es una excelente opción para determinar el contenido de agua en el suelo. De igual manera, a partir del análisis de componentes principales, se identificó una diferenciación entre contenidos de agua de los suelos estudiados.

Monitoring soil moisture content is especially important as it provides relevant information for making informed decisions regarding irrigation, fertigation, and water stress management. This study aims to validate a model for estimating soil water content using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy in the near-infrared range. The evaluated soils come from the municipalities of Puerto Gaitán (Meta), Espinal (Tolima), and Mosquera (Cundinamarca). In the first two municipalities, rigid networks were established to select sampling points, with two depths considered for each case (0-10 and 10-30 cm; 0-10 and 10-25 cm, respectively). For the third municipality, 77 soil pits were described, and samples were taken at depths of 0-10 and 10-35 cm. Subsequently, moisture content was evaluated at 0, 15, and 30 % moisture levels. The obtained data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Cross-validation and external validation were applied to each model, and a general model was developed based on the data from all three sites. The obtained models for each sampling site and the general model demonstrated good predictive capacity. Based on the results, it is affirmed that near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy is an excellent option for determining soil water content. Similarly, principal component analysis identified differentiation between water contents of the studied soils.

Automatic segmentation and quantified analysis of meibomian glands from infrared images

Purpose: An algorithm for automated segmentation of meibomian glands from infrared images obtained using a novel prototype infrared hand?held imager has been proposed in this study. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is quantified in terms of five clinically relevant metrics. A comparison of these metrics in patients with MGD has been presented against a sample of the normative healthy population. Methods: This is a prospective cross?sectional observational study. Patients presenting to the clinics were enrolled after written informed consent. The everted eyelids of 200 eyes of patients (of which 100 were healthy and 100 were diagnosed with MGD) were imaged using a prototype hand?held camera. The proposed algorithm was used to process the images using enhancement techniques and the glands were automatically segmented. A comparison of glands of normal eyes versus MGD?affected eyes is performed using five metrics presented in this study: (i) drop?out, (ii) length, (iii) width, (iv) the number of glands, and (v) the number of tortuous glands. Results: The 95% confidence interval for the metrics did not show any overlap between the two groups. In MGD patients, the drop?out ratio was higher than normal. The length and number of glands were significantly lesser than normal. A number of tortuous glands were more in the MGD group. The metrics for MGD versus healthy and cut?off ranges were computed in the results. Conclusion: The prototype infrared hand?held meibographer and the proposed automatic algorithm for gland segmentation and quantification are effective aids in MGD diagnosis. We present a set of five metrics, which are clinically relevant for guiding clinicians in the diagnosis of MGD

Structural and Rheological Properties of Exopolysaccharides Produced by Some Lactic Acid Bacterial Strains Isolated from Palm Wine

Aims: This study evaluated the physical, chemical and rheological properties of exopolysaccharides (EPSs) produced by Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) isolated from palm wine. Materials and Methods: EPSs from palm wine LAB strains were produced on 6% sucrose broth, purified and freeze-dried prior to analyses. Molecular weights (MW), rheological and structural composition (functional groups) of the EPSs were determined using standard methods and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Results: The average MW of the EPSs ranged from 2.02×106 to 6.53×106 Da while the flow index (n) values ranged from 0.03-3.13 at 0.2%, 0.06-1.51 at 0.4%, 0.38 - 1.85 at 0.6%, 0.14 - 2.26 at 0.8% and 0.55 - 6.42 at 1% concentrations at elevated temperatures for EPS solutions from the ten LAB species. The FTIR spectrum revealed prominent peaks of various groups of OH (3420 cm-1) and CH3 bending (2090 cm-1) in all the EPSs corresponding to both hydroxyl and amine groups, and aliphatic C-H bonds, respectively. EPS synthesized by Leuconostoc lactis, Lactococcus lactis subsp lactis and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum showed weak absorption peaks (1148 – 1145 cm-1) indicating the C-O-C and C-O bonds, while absorption peaks of Lactobacillus lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (1267 – 1253 cm-1) indicated O- acetyl ester and other non-sugar components. Conclusions: The FTIR spectra, rheological properties and molecular weight of EPSs synthesized by the ten LAB strains indicated potentials that could be exploited in different industrial applications, and as stabilizers in food industries

Depth of cure, mechanical properties and morphology of dual-cure bulk-Fill composites / Profundidad de curado, propiedades mecánicas y morfología de resinas compuestas duales

This study evaluated selected structural and physical properties, such as degree of conversion (DC), Vickers hardness (VHN), and compression strength (CS), of three new dual-cure bulk-fill resin-based composites (RBCs; ACTIVA, HyperFIL, and Fill-Up) and compared them to those of a conventional RBC (Filtek Z250) at three clinically relevant depths. Samples (n=180) were prepared in three depths (2,4, and 6mm). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis and VHN and CS tests were performed. The DC value was calculated by considering the relative change in the aliphatic C=C peaks. The fractured surfaces of representative samples were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were statistically evaluated using two-way analysis of variance and post hoc Bonferroni tests (p<0.05). According to the VHN results, Filtek Z250 showed the highest bottom/top hardness ratio (97.94±1.01) at 2mm thickness and ACTIVA showed the lowest bottom/top hardness ratio (43.48±5.64) at 6mm thickness (p<0.001). According to the FTIR results, the DC decreased with increasing thickness in all materials (p<0.05). Filtek Z250 showed the highest (301±12.4 MPa) and ACTIVA exhibited the lowest (232±17.2 MPa) CS values at 2mm thickness (p<0.05). The lowest CS values were obtained for ACTIVA, and the highest values were obtained for Filtek Z250 for samples with thicknesses of 4 and 6mm, respectively (p<0.05). The structural features of restorative composites, such as the resin chemistry and filler type and content, and the operational parameters (i.e., material thickness and curing conditions) strongly affect crosslinking reactions and thus the DC, VHN, and CS values.

Este estudio evaluó propiedades físicas y estructurales, como el grado de conversión (DC), la dureza Vickers (VHN) y la resistencia a la compresión (CS), de tres nuevos compósitos a base de resina de curado dual tipo bulk (RBC; ACTIVA , HyperFIL y Fill-Up) y los comparó con los de una resina compuesta convencional (Filtek Z250) en tres profundidades clínicamente relevantes. Se prepararon muestras (n=180) en tres profundidades (2,4 y 6mm). Se realizaron análisis de espectroscopia infrarroja por transformada de Fourier (FTIR) y pruebas VHN y CS. El valor de DC se calculó considerando el cambio relativo en los picos alifáticos C=C. Las superficies fracturadas de muestras representativas se caracterizaron mediante microscopía electrónica de barrido (MEB). Los datos se evaluaron estadísticamente mediante análisis de varianza de dos vías y pruebas post hoc de Bonferroni (p<0,05). De acuerdo con los resultados de VHN, Filtek Z250 mostró la relación de dureza inferior/superior más alta (97,94±1,01) con un espesor de 2mm y ACTIVA mostró la relación de dureza inferior/superior más baja (43,48±5,64) con un espesor de 6mm (p<0,001). De acuerdo con los resultados de FTIR, la DC disminuyó al aumentar el espesor en todos los materiales (p<0,05). Filtek Z250 mostró los valores de CS más altos (301±12,4 MPa) y ACTIVA los más bajos (232±17,2 MPa) a 2mm de espesor (p<0,05). Los valores más bajos de CS se obtuvieron para ACTIVA y los valores más altos para Filtek Z250 para muestras con espesores de 4 y 6mm, respectivamente (p<0,05). Las características estructurales de las resinas compuestas de restauración, como la química; además del tipo y contenido del relleno, y los parámetros operativos (es decir, el espesor del material y las condiciones de curado) afectan en gran medida las reacciones de interacción química y, por lo tanto, los valores de DC, VHN y CS.

Exposure to specific far-infrared ray based on gra-phene film promotes exercise capacity and glucose metabolism via AMPK / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE AMPK activator,act as exer-cise mimetics,effective in preventing or ameliorating met-abolic diseases,including obesity and diabetes.Systemic activating of AMPK represents an important therapeutic strategy to treat metabolic diseases.However,whether far-infrared(FIR)hyperthermia therapy could be used as exercise mimetic to realize wide-ranging metabolic regu-lation,and its underling mechanisms remain unclear.METHODS The mice were subjected to hyperthermia in the FIR chamber(30±1)℃for 14 d.Exercise endurance was determined using a treadmill.Blood flow were mea-sured by the laser speckle contrast imaging.Combina-tion of microbiomic and metabolomic analysis,diversity of microbiota and metabolic profiling in muscle were detected.The microbiota disorder model via treatment with different cocktails of antibiotics(ABX).RESULTS The material characterization shows that the graphene synthesized by chemical vapour deposition(CVD)is dif-ferent from carbon fi ber,with single-layer structure and high electrothermal transform efficiency.The emission spectra generated by graphene-FIR device would maxi-mize matching those adsorbed by tissues(≈8.0 μm).Gra-phene-FIR improves core and epidermal temperature,and increases blood flow in femoral muscle and abdo-men.The diversity of gut microbiota was increased by graphene-FIR exposure.Graphene-FIR reduced the bac-teroidetes/firmicutes(B/F)ratio and increased the abun-dance of short-chain fatty acids(SCFA)-producing bac-teria,including Allobaculum,Blautia and Anaerostipes.Additionally,graphene-FIR stimulated the expression of SCFAs-sensing receptor(GPR 43),p-AMPK Thr172 and GLUT4,and increased the AMP/ATP ratio,thus enhanc-ing muscle glucose uptake.Metabolomic analyses revealed the significant changes in 25 metabolites,with twenty increased(eg.creatinine and phosphate)and five decreased(eg.lactic acid),and the marked impact of five metabolic pathways,including galactose metabo-lism,glycolysis,gluconeogenesis,fatty acid biosynthesis,butanoate metabolism,pyruvate metabolism.Further-more,a microbiota disorder model also demonstrates that the graphene-FIR effectively restore the exercise endurance with enhanced p-AMPK and GLUT4.CON-CLUSION Our results provide convincing evidence that graphene-based FIR therapy promoted exercise capacity and glucose metabolism via AMPK in gut-muscle axis.These novel insights into graphene-FIR therapy suggest a potential as an exercise mimetic for the treatment of metabolic disease in clinical.

Infrared spectral band screening based on partial least squares is used for the quantitative analysis of mannitol-calcium chloride cocrystal / 药学学报

Mannitol-calcium chloride metal organic framework (MOF) cocrystal significantly improved the tabletability of β-mannitol and could be developed as a new tablet filler. However, mannitol monomer was found in the product during the scale-up production of the excipient, which significantly affected the functional properties of the excipient. In this study, we intend to quantify the multi-component eutectic system of mannitol-calcium chloride. In this experiment, the MOF cocrystal excipient mannitol-calcium chloride cocrystal was used as the model compound, and infrared spectrum was collected. Based on partial least squares regression (PLSR) method, the abnormal bands were removed and the spectrum was preprocessed by normalization. The quantitative correction model of mannitol-calcium chloride MOF cocrystal content in cocrystal excipients was established and compared by two different variable screening methods, genetic algorithm (GA) and competitive adaptive reweighting algorithm (CARS). Two different variable screening methods, GA method and CARS method, were used to screen out 160 and 14 variables, respectively. The mannitol-calcium chloride cocrystal model established by CARS-PLSR method had the best performance, and the average relative error (MRE) and corrected root mean square error (RMSEC) of the model were 0.008 8 and 0.892 5, respectively, the determination coefficient (R2) of the model was increased from 0.978 3 to 0.994 4. The quantitative method of eutectic system established in this study has high prediction accuracy, fast detection speed and good stability, which is of great significance for optimizing the preparation process conditions and quality control methods of such eutectic excipients.

Application of near-infrared fluorescence imaging in hepatectomy of hepatocellular carcinoma / 临床肝胆病杂志

Multimodality therapy based on surgery is the main treatment method for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and hepatectomy requires the removal of primary tumor and the preservation of normal liver tissue to the maximum extent. However in clinical surgery, it is difficult to accurately identify tumor tissue and its boundary with visual inspection and palpation, which often results in under-resection or over-resection. Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging is a real-time noninvasive imaging technique with low costs and high sensitivity, and extensive studies have been conducted to investigate its application in guiding surgical resection of tumors. With the development of fluorescence imaging system and fluorescence probe, intraoperative tumor localization and boundary determination can be realized to make the surgery more accurate. This article reviews the development of various NIRF probes for intraoperative navigation in HCC and discusses current challenges and potential opportunities of these imaging probes.

Membrane dual-targeting probes: A promising strategy for fluorescence-guided prostate cancer surgery and lymph node metastases detection

Fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) with tumor-targeted imaging agents, particularly those using the near-infrared wavelength, has emerged as a real-time technique to highlight the tumor location and margins during a surgical procedure. For accurate visualization of prostate cancer (PCa) boundary and lymphatic metastasis, we developed a new approach involving an efficient self-quenched near-infrared fluorescence probe, Cy-KUE-OA, with dual PCa-membrane affinity. Cy-KUE-OA specifically targeted the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), anchored into the phospholipids of the cell membrane of PCa cells and consequently showed a strong Cy7-de-quenching effect. This dual-membrane-targeting probe allowed us to detect PSMA-expressing PCa cells both in vitro and in vivo and enabled clear visualization of the tumor boundary during fluorescence-guided laparoscopic surgery in PCa mouse models. Furthermore, the high PCa preference of Cy-KUE-OA was confirmed on surgically resected patient specimens of healthy tissues, PCa, and lymph node metastases. Taken together, our results serve as a bridge between preclinical and clinical research in FGS of PCa and lay a solid foundation for further clinical research.

Research status and prospect on the cerebral vision in myopic patients / 中华实验眼科杂志

The visual signal generated by the eye receiving external light stimulation reaches the visual center through the visual pathway and is processed and integrated by the visual center to form a subjective sensation called cerebral vision.Cerebral vision reflects the function of the whole visual nervous system from the retina to the visual cortex.Abnormal cerebral vision has been found in myopes using electrophysiology, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). The abnormal electrophysiological results are mainly found in patients with high myopia and pathological myopia.MRI shows abnormal changes in the structure and function of several vision-related brain regions in patients with high myopia.Recently, by applying near-infrared brain function imaging technology combined with self-developed equipment, our team conducted a series of studies on the brain function of myopic patients and found that adult patients with moderate myopia and patients with pathological myopia have the abnormal cerebral vision.The mechanism of neural regulation of eye accommodation in myopic children needs further investigation.In this article, we reviewed the current status and outlook of myopic brain vision research in terms of myopia classification, myopic brain vision research methods, and myopic visual electrophysiology, MRI, and fNIRS studies.

Integration of traditional tests and biomarkers for the early diagnosis of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common and serious acute intestinal necrotizing disease in newborns, especially in preterm infants.Infants with smaller gestational age are more prone to NEC.NEC-related mortality reaches up to 20%-30%, and 25% of the survivors suffer from serious sequelae such as the short bowel syndrome, growth restriction and long-lasting neurological dysplasia.Due to the atypical symptoms, early diagnosis of NEC is difficult, and the patient′s condition has already been serious at the time of diagnosis in general.Ultrasound and abdominal X-ray are traditional tools for the diagnosis of NEC.Serum, urine and fecal biomarkers have been gradually applied to clinical practice in recent years.Through integrating traditional tests with biological markers and optimizing the clinical decision-making system for NEC, precise clinical diagnosis and individualized treatment can be achieved.

Preliminary study on excitation, detection and identification of parathyroid glands autofluorescence using fluorescence laparoscopic system / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the excitation and identification of parathyroid autofluorescence in thyroid surgery by a fluorescence laparoscopic system.Methods:The clinical data of 6 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma who underwent Laparoscopic thyroid surgery at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from Mar. 2022 to Apr. 2022 were collected. The autofluorescence of the parathyroid glands was detected and identified by the OptoMedic fluorescence laparoscopic system during the operation. A rapid frozen sections pathological examination of possible parathyroid tissue with autofluorescence was performed to determine whether it was parathyroid tissue.Results:Parathyroid autofluorescence with different intensities was visualized intraoperatively in all 6 patients, and it was confirmed as parathyroid tissue by rapid frozen pathological section.Conclusions:The parathyroid gland has a unique autofluorescence feature. Using this feature to identify, locate and protect the parathyroid gland during surgery can help reduce the complications of parathyroid injury.

Research advances in near-infrared fluorescence imaging technology for breast cancer / 国际外科学杂志

Near-infrared fluorescence imaging (NIRFI) is a new noninvasive detection and diagnosis technology, with the continuous development of NIRFI technology, now widely used in the clinic, characterized by high sensitivity, high penetration, no harmful radiation and simple equipment operation. This article describes the recent applications of NIRFI in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and looks at future developments and perspectives in this field.

Near-infrared spectroscopy-based study of the effects of gaming addiction disorders on brain cognitive control functions / 国际生物医学工程杂志

Objective:To explore the effects of game addiction disorders on brain cognitive control functions based on near-infrared spectroscopy.Methods:Thirteen subjects were screened according to the Online Game Addiction (OGA) Scale. The experimental paradigm was the stop-signal task. The relative concentration levels of oxyhemoglobin (HbO 2) and deoxyhemoglobin (Hb) in the prefrontal region of the brain during cognitive activity were collected using near-infrared spectroscopy to assess the cognitive control function of the subjects. Results:The game-addicted patients had lower keystroke accuracy in the stop-signal task than healthy subjects, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). Compared to healthy subjects, game-addicted patients had less activation in prefrontal areas and showed uncontrolled behavior and brain activity. Conclusions:Game addiction disorders impair brain cognitive control, which in turn triggers a weakening of cognitive control. The results of this study provide a reference for the prevention and treatment of game addiction.

Study of prefrontal cortex activation characteristics of patients with psychiatric disorders in verbal fluency task using functional near-infrared spectroscopy / 四川精神卫生

BackgroundFunctional near-infrared spectroscopy （fNIRS） is a new generation of imaging tool that can be used to assist the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders. However， whether the patterns of prefrontal cortex activation observed by fNIRS are specific for different psychiatric disorders remains to be explored. ObjectiveTo investigate the characteristics of prefrontal cortex activation in patients with depression， anxiety disorder， bipolar disorder and schizophrenia in verbal fluency task （VFT） using fNIRS. MethodsFrom September to December 2021， 39 patients with schizophrenia， 205 patients with depressive disorder， 212 patients with anxiety disorder and 77 patients with bipolar disorder meeting the diagnostic criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders， fifth edition （DSM-5） were recruited in the outpatient and inpatient department of West China Hospital， Sichuan University. fNIRS was used to monitor the prefrontal cortex hemodynamic changes of patients under VFT， and the clinical symptoms of patients were assessed by Symptom Checklist 90 （SCL-90） and Hypomania Checklist-32 items（HCL-32）. Differences in mean oxyhemoglobin （HbO2） concentration and the initial slope from 2 to 7 second during VFT were compared among patients with different diseases， and the correlation between mean HbO2 concentration/initial slope and clinical symptoms was analyzed by partial correlation analysis. ResultsThe concentration of HbO2 in channel 4 （Z=2.828， P=0.028） and channel 6 （Z=2.912， P=0.022） in patients with depression were significantly higher than those in patients with schizophrenia. Patients with anxiety had significantly higher changes in mean HbO2 concentration in channel 4 （Z=3.154， P=0.010）， channel 5 （Z=3.021， P=0.015）， channel 6 （Z=2.980， P=0.017） and of all channels （Z=2.881， P=0.024） than those of schizophrenia patients. There was a statistically significant difference in the initial slope of channel 3 between patients with depressive disorder and those with bipolar disorder （Z=2.691， P=0.039）. Among patients with bipolar disorder， the anger-hostility scores of SCL-90 were negatively correlated with the mean HbO2 concentration changes in channel 4 （r=-0.505， P=0.004）， channel 6 （r=-0.390， P=0.004）， channel 15 （r=-0.546， P=0.002）， channel 16 （r=-0.550， P=0.002） and the mean HbO2 concentration changes of all channels （r=-0.491， P=0.006）. ConclusionPatients with schizophrenia had lower activation in frontopolar and orbitofrontal region than patients with depression and anxiety disorder， and the initial slope of the right frontopolar， inferior frontal and orbitofrontal region in patients with depression is higher than patients with bipolar disorder. In addition， patients with bipolar disorder had less activation in the frontopolar and orbitofrontal lobe， the insular cover of Broca's area and the upper outer frontal cortex， and were more irritable and hostile. ［Funded by 1·3·5 Project for Disciplines of Excellence-Clinical Research Incubation Project， West China Hospital， Sichuan University （number， ZYJC21083）］

Effect of Catechol-O-Methyltransferase Genotype on Self-Reported Efficacy and Activity Changes in the Brain Prefrontal Area in Response to a Caffeine Placebo / 医薬品情報学

Objective: The placebo effect can enhance the response to treatment, even in the absence of pharmacological ingredients. One possible factor explaining the likelihood of the placebo effect in individuals is genetic polymorphisms in neurotransmitters. This study focused on gene polymorphisms in the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) as an interindividual variable of the placebo effect.Design・Methods: All 120 participants were explained the effects of caffeine, including its ability to ameliorate drowsiness and increase concentration, and then given a placebo (lactose). The onset of the placebo effect was measured in terms of the degree of caffeine-reduced sleepiness using subjective indices of the Stanford Sleepiness Scale (SSS) and a feeling of drowsiness-Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The mechanism of the placebo effect was objectively examined in terms of changes in cerebral blood flow in the prefrontal cortex of the brain. In addition, we investigated participants’ susceptibility to the placebo effect by examining genetic polymorphisms in COMT.Results: After taking the drug, sleepiness on the SSS and VAS was significantly improved (p＜0.001), although there was no change in prefrontal cortex activity. Among the 120 participants, 63 had a Val/Val-type polymorphism in COMT (52.5%), 45 had a Val/Met-type (37.5%), and 12 had a Met/Met-type (10.0%). There were no significant differences among COMT gene polymorphisms in the subjective measures of SSS and VAS. However, there was a tendency for the cerebral blood flow changes to be larger in the left hemisphere of the brain in individuals with the Met/Met type.Conclusion: There seems to be a relationship between prefrontal cortex activity and genetic polymorphisms. In particular, there may be a correlation between the expression of a placebo effect and COMT gene polymorphisms.

Role of brown adipose tissue in phlegm-dampness metabolic syndrome based on infrared thermal imaging / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to explore the infrared manifestation and role of brown adipose tissue(BAT) in phlegm-dampness me-tabolic syndrome(MS), and to provide objective basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment of phlegm-dampness MS. Subjects were selected from the department of endocrinology and ward in the South District of Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences from August 2021 to April 2022, including 20 in healthy control group, 40 in non phlegm-dampness MS group and 40 in phlegm-dampness MS group. General information, height and weight of the subjects were collected and body mass index(BMI) was calculated. Waist circumference(WC), systolic blood pressure(SBP) and diastolic blood pressure(DBP) was measured. Triglyceride(TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), fasting blood glucose(FBG), fasting insulin(FINS), leptin(LP), adiponectin(ADP) and fibroblast growth factor-21(FGF-21) were detected. The infrared thermal image of the supraclavicular region(SCR) of the subjects before and after cold stimulation test was collected by infrared thermal imager and the changes of infrared thermal image in the three groups were observed. In addition, the differences in the average body surface temperature of SCR among the three groups were compared, and the changes of BAT in SCR were analyzed. The results showed compared with the conditions in healthy control group, the levels of WC, SBP, DBP, TG and FPG in MS groups were increased(P<0.01), and the HDL-C level was decreased(P<0.01). Compared with non phlegm-dampness MS group, phlegm-dampness MS group had higher conversion score of phlegm dampness physique(P<0.01). According to the infrared heat map, there was no difference in the average body surface temperature of SCR among the three groups before cold stimulation. while after cold stimulation, the average body surface temperature of SCR in MS groups was lower than that in healthy control group(P<0.05). After cold stimulation, the maximum temperature of SCR and its arrival time in the three groups were as follows: healthy control group(3 min)>non phlegm-dampness MS group(4 min)>phlegm-dampness MS group(5 min). The thermal deviation of SCR was increased and the average body surface temperature of left and right sides were higher(P<0.01) in healthy control group and non phlegm-dampness MS group, while the thermal deviation of SCR did not change significantly in the phlegm-dampness MS group. Compared with that in healthy control group, the elevated temperature between left and right sides was lower(P<0.01, P<0.05), and compared with that in non phlegm-dampness MS group, the elevated temperature of left side was lower(P<0.05). The changes of the average body surface temperature of SCR in the three groups were in the order of healthy control group>non phlegm-dampness MS group>phlegm-dampness MS group. Compared with the conditions in healthy control group and non phlegm-dampness MS group, FINS, BMI and FGF-21 levels were increased(P<0.01,P<0.05), while ADP level was decreased(P<0.01, P<0.05) in phlegm-dampness MS group. Moreover, the LP level in phlegm-dampness MS group was higher than that in non phlegm-dampness MS group(P<0.01). It was observed in clinical trials that after cold stimulation, the average body surface temperature of SCR in MS patients was lower than that of the healthy people; the thermal deviation of SCR did not change significantly in the phlegm-dampness MS patients, and the difference in their elevated temperature was lower than that in the other two groups. These characteristics provided objective basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment of phlegm-dampness MS. With abnormal BAT related indicators, it was inferred that the content or activity of BAT in SCR of phlegm-dampness MS patients were reduced. There was a high correlation between BAT and phlegm-dampness MS, and thus BAT might become an important potential target for the intervention in phlegm-dampness MS.

"Houxi (SI 3) communicating the governor vessel" verified with the infrared thermal imaging technology / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the effect on facial acupoint temperature between acupuncture at Houxi (SI 3) and Dazhui (GV 14) so as to verify "Houxi (SI 3) communicating the governor vessel" based on the infrared thermal imaging technology.@*METHODS@#Thirty-five healthy subjects (5 cases dropped off) were collected and before-after study in the same subject was adopted. The subjects were successively assigned into a sham-acupuncture group, a Houxi group, a Wangu group and a Dazhui group. Sham-acupuncture at Houxi (SI 3) on the left, acupuncture at Houxi (SI 3) on the left, Wangu (SI 4) on the left and Dazhui (GV 14) were given respectively. One intervention was given and the needles were retained for 30 min in each group. 30 min before and after acupuncture, the infrared thermal images of the face were collected, and the facial temperature was compared among the following 5 acupoints, i.e. Yintang (GV 24+), Suliao (GV 25), Shuigou (GV 26), Duiduan (GV 27) and Chengjiang (CV 24).@*RESULTS@#After acupuncture, the facial temperature at Yintang (GV 24+) and Chengjiang (CV 24) was increased compared before acupuncture in the sham-acupuncture group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The facial temperature at Suliao (GV 25) in the Houxi group was reduced after acupuncture (P<0.05). In the Wangu group, the temperature at Yintang (GV 24+) was increased compared before acupuncture (P<0.01). The facial temperature was increased at Duiduan (GV 27) and Chengjiang (CV 24) compared before acupuncture in the Dazhui group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The differences of facial temperature at Chengjiang (CV 24) and Suliao (GV 25) after acupuncture were larger than before acupuncture in the Houxi group and the Dazhui group (P<0.01). In comparison with the temperature at Suliao (GV 25) of the same group, the differences of facial temperature before and after acupuncture at Yintang (GV 24+), Shuigou (GV 26), Duiduan (GV 27) and Chengjiang (CV 24) were increased in the Houxi group (P<0.01, P<0.05); while, the increase was also obtained at Yintang (GV 24+), Shuigou (GV 26), Duiduan (GV 27) and Chengjiang (CV 24) in the Dazhui group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The difference of facial temperature at Yintang (GV 24+) before and after acupuncture was increased compared with Suliao (GV 25) in the Wangu group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture at Houxi (SI 3) generates a similar thermal effect as Dazhui (GV 14). It regulates and dissipates the core temperature to "govern the yang qi of the whole body".

Design and development of a novel infrared mild moxibustion device / 中国针灸

To make up for the shortcomings of traditional mild moxibustion, according to the principle and technical operation characteristics of traditional mild moxibustion, combined with temperature control technology, a novel infrared mild moxibustion device is developed, which is capable of real-time accurate temperature control. This novel infrares mild moxibustion device is composed of a host computer and an infrared radiation head. The host computer includes four modules: power supply, human-computer interaction interface, micro control unit (MCU) and drive circuit. The infrared radiation head mainly includes an infrared heater and a temperature sensor. This novel infrared mild moxibustion device is easy to operate. The electrothermal heating tablet can generate infrared radiation of 3 000-13 000 nm. After the temperature of the infrared heater is stabilized, the range of temperature change is ±0.50 ℃, realizing the goal of precise temperature control. In addition, it can operate moxibustion treatment at multiple acupoints at the same time, which is conducive to the dose-effect evaluation of mild moxibustion.