The influence of renally inappropriate medication on the frailty of elderly patients with diabetes / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of renally inappropriate medication （RIM） on the frailty of elderly patients with diabetes. METHODS The data of elderly patients with diabetes mellitus admitted to a third-grade class A hospital in Yunnan province from January to December 2022 were collected， and Beers criteria （2019 edition） and Chinese version of FRAIL scale were used to evaluate RIM and the frailty of the patients； the patients were divided into the trial group （with RIM） and the control group （without RIM） according to whether there was RIM. The propensity score matching was used to balance confounding factors between two groups， and the influence of RIM on the frailty of elderly diabetic patients was analyzed by the Logistic regression model. RESULTS Among the 367 patients， 80 patients （21.80%） had RIM， the drugs involved RIM were spironolactone （82.56%）， rivaroxaban （13.95%） and gabapentin （3.49%）. After reaching the balance between groups using the propensity score matching method， the incidence of frailty was 77.94% in trial group and 27.94% in control group （P＜0.001）； the difference was not statistically significant in other confounding factors between the two groups （P＞0.05）. Results of Logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of frailty in the experimental group was 3.118 times that of the control group （odds ratio was 3.118，95% confidence interval was 1.758-5.530， P＜0.001）. CONCLUSIONS RIM is a risk factor for the frailty of elderly patients with diabetes， which can be considered as an indicator for early identification and screening of the frailty of elderly diabetes patients.

Electroacupuncture Promotes Functional Recovery after Facial Nerve Injury in Rats by Regulating Autophagy via GDNF and PI3K/mTOR Signaling Pathway / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) in promoting recovery of the facial function with the involvement of autophagy, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway.@*METHODS@#Seventy-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated into the control, sham-operated, facial nerve injury (FNI), EA, EA+3-methyladenine (3-MA), and EA+GDNF antagonist groups using a random number table, with 12 rats in each group. An FNI rat model was established with facial nerve crushing method. EA intervention was conducted at Dicang (ST 4), Jiache (ST 6), Yifeng (SJ 17), and Hegu (LI 4) acupoints for 2 weeks. The Simone's 10-Point Scale was utilized to monitor the recovery of facial function. The histopathological evaluation of facial nerves was performed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The levels of Beclin-1, light chain 3 (LC3), and P62 were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Additionally, IHC was also used to detect the levels of GDNF, Rai, PI3K, and mTOR.@*RESULTS@#The facial functional scores were significantly increased in the EA group than the FNI group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). HE staining showed nerve axons and myelin sheaths, which were destroyed immediately after the injury, were recovered with EA treatment. The expressions of Beclin-1 and LC3 were significantly elevated and the expression of P62 was markedly reduced in FNI rats (P<0.01); however, EA treatment reversed these abnormal changes (P<0.01). Meanwhile, EA stimulation significantly increased the levels of GDNF, Rai, PI3K, and mTOR (P<0.01). After exogenous administration with autophagy inhibitor 3-MA or GDNF antagonist, the repair effect of EA on facial function was attenuated (P<0.05 or P<0.01).@*CONCLUSIONS@#EA could promote the recovery of facial function and repair the facial nerve damages in a rat model of FNI. EA may exert this neuroreparative effect through mediating the release of GDNF, activating the PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway, and further regulating the autophagy of facial nerves.

Blumea balsamifera （L.） DC Oil Alleviates LPS-Induced Inflammatory Response in Macrophages by Affecting Arachidonic Acid Metabolism Via NF-κB Nonclassical Pathway / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo study the anti-inflammatory effects of Blumea balsamifera （L.） DC oil （BBO） based on nuclear factor kappa-B （NF-κB） nonclassical and arachidonic acid （AA） pathway. MethodsEffects of BBO on the production of slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis （SRS-A） were detected by the ileal smooth muscle method. The contents of prostaglandin E2 （PGE2） and leukotriene B4 （LTB4） in lipopolysaccharides （LPS） -induced macrophages were detected by ELISA kit. The expression of COX-2， 5-LOX， FLAP and RelB were detected by qRT-PCR. Western blot was performed to detect the effects of BBO on the level of NF-κB nonclassical pathway proteins TNF receptor associated factor 3 （TRAF3）， TNF receptor associated factor 2 （TRAF2）， NF-κB-inducing kinase （NIK）， p100 and RelB. ResultsThe contractile tension of guinea pig ileum was reduced （P<0.001）， and the SRS-A production inhibition rate reached 65.34% at 1mg·mL-1 BBO concentration. Compared with LPS group， BBO reduced the concentrations of PGE2 （P<0.05） and LTB4 （P<0.05）， and decreased the expressions of COX-2 （P<0.05）， 5-LOX （P<0.05） and FLAP （P<0.05） in AA pathway at concentrations of 40-80 μg·mL-1. Moreover， 40-80 μg·mL-1 BBO decreased the concentrations of TRAF3 （P<0.05）， TRAF2 （P<0.05）， and NIK （P<0.05）， and further inhibited the phosphorylation of p100 （P<0.05）， as well as the level of the transcription factor RelB in genes （P<0.05） and proteins （P<0.05） in nonclassical NF-κB pathway， whereas BBO did not cause such changes. ConclusionBBO may potentially exert its anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing the regulatory proteins TRAF3 and TRAF2 and the transcription factor RelB in NF-κB nonclassical pathway. The inhibitory action extending to the induction kinase function of NIK， further hindering the phosphorylation of p100 and its binding with the transcription factor RelB. Consequently， downstream elements in the AA pathway， including the pivotal rate-limiting enzymes COX-2， 5-LOX and FLAP， were altered. This modulation influences the levels of inflammatory mediators such as PGE2 and LTB4.

Investigating the effect and mechanism of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and Rhizoma Smilacis Glabrae combination in ameliorating psoriatic lesions / 中国药理学通报

Aim In this study, a mouse model of psoriasis-like lesions induced by 62. 5 mg imiquimod was used to explore the effect and mechanism of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and Rhizoma Smilacis Glabrae combination for the topical treatment of psoriasis. Methods Firstly, the topical administration of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and Rhizoma Smilacis Glabrae combination for treating psoriasis in progressive and recurrent stages was evaluated by psoriatic mouse model and HE staining. Secondly, immunohistochemistry was used to study the regulatory effects of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and Rhizoma Smilacis Glabrae combination on the pivotal pathological mechanism of psoriasis-the positive feedback loop between the abnormal proliferation of keratinocytes and skin immune microenvironment. Finally, metabolomics technology was used to explore whether Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and Rhizoma Smilacis Glabrae combination topically treat psoriasis by regulating inflammation-related metabolism and lipid metabolism pathways. Results The combination of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and Rhizoma Smilacis Glabrae alleviated psoriasis-like lesions in mice. It effectively relieved the recurrence after the cure of psoriatic lesions in mice, and the efficacy is comparable to that of benweimod. The combination of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and Rhizoma Smilacis Glabrae inhibited the proliferation of mouse epidermal keratinocytes and reduced the number of T cells in the skin. The potential molecular mechanism was that the combination of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix and Rhizoma Smilacis Glabrae regulated arachidonic acid metabolism, sphin- golipid metabolism, tryptophan metabolism and phenylalanine metabolism. Conclusions The combination of Sophora Flavescens Radix and Rhizoma Smilacis Glabrae can relieve psoriasis-like lesions in mice by inhibiting the proliferation of epidermal keratinocytes and reducing the number of T cells in the skin and regulating metabolism to intervene psoriasis recurrence. This study provides a potential topical drug of psoriasis for relieving psoriasis recurrence.

Research progress in the effectiveness and mechanism of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for depression / 四川精神卫生

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy characterized by fewer side effects and simple operation has been explored as a potential therapy for depression. This article provides a review of researches relevant to current clinical application and mechanism of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for depression， aiming to provide valuable references for the formulation of new strategies for the treatment of depression. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been demonstrated to be useful as an adjunctive therapy for depression， which can effectively alleviate depression by regulating the homeostasis of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis， inhibiting inflammation and enhancing synaptic plasticity. And hyperbaric oxygen therapy as adjuvant to antidepressants for depression can contribute to increasing the treatment effectiveness to some extent.

Population heterogeneity analysis of caries prevention service preferences among children in Anhui Province / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To determine the heterogeneity for caries prevention service preferences among children in Anhui Province, so as to provide reference for the promotion and popularization of caries prevention services for school age children.@*Methods@#Based on a discrete selection experiment, a face to face questionnaire survey was administered using a multi stage sampling method among 785 parents with children 3-12 years of age who were hospitalized in the stomatology clinics of 7 prefectures and cities in Anhui Province from October 2021 to October 2022. A mixed Logit model was used to evaluate caries prevention service preferences for children.@*Results@#Four discrete choice experiment attributes included in the study were statistically significant for choice preference ( P <0.05). Compared with the control group, parents with a high school education or above preferred caries prevention services with 70%-<80% preventive effectiveness, 2-<5 and <2 km from the service point, and a high service cost ( β =0.38, 1.66, 1.64, 0.00); female parents preferred preventive services with 70%-<80% preventive effectiveness and a high service cost ( β =0.35, 0.01 ); parents of children <7 years of age preferred services with 70%-<80% preventive effectiveness ( β =0.75); parents of children with oral health preferred preventive services during winter and summer vacations ( β =-0.28); parents of children with caries preferred preventive services with a high cost per denticle ( β =0.00)( P <0.05).@*Conclusions@#Parents with different education levels, gender, child age, and oral health status have heterogeneity in dental caries prevention service preferences. The provision of targeted and precise services can improve the participation and coverage of caries prevention services for school age children.

Establishment of Patient-Derived Xenograft (PDX) Zebrafish Model of Multiple Myeloma and Its Application in Drug Screening / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To establish a MM patient-derived tumor xenograft model (MM-PDX) in zebrafish, and to evaluate the anti-myeloma activity of indirubin-3'-monoxime(I3MO) using this model.@*METHODS@#Zebrafish embryos 2 days after fertilization were transplanted with fluorescence labeled myeloma primary tumor cells, the survival of primary tumor cells in zebrafish was observed at 0,16 and 24 hours after cell injection. The zebrafish embryos after tumor cell transplantation were randomly divided into control group, BTZ treatment and I3MO treatment group. Before and 24 hours after treatment with BTZ and I3MO, the positive area with calcein or Dil in zebrafish were observed under fluorescence microscope to reflect the survival of tumor cells, and it was verified.@*RESULTS@#MM patient derived tumor cells survived in zebrafish. The construction of MM-PDX was successful. Compared with control group, the fluo- rescence area of the BTZ and I3MO treatment groups in zebrafish were significantly decreased(P<0.05), and BTZ and I3MO significantly inhibited the survival of MM cells in zebrafish.@*CONCLUSION@#MM-PDX model was successfully established. Zebrafish model derived from tumor cells of MM patients can be used as a tool for drug screening of MM.

Blinatumomab as bridging therapy in two children with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia complicated by invasive fungal disease / 中国当代儿科杂志

This article reports two cases of children with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) complicated by invasive fungal disease (IFD) who received bridging treatment using blinatumomab. Case 1 was a 4-month-old female infant who experienced recurrent high fever and limb weakness during chemotherapy. Blood culture was negative, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) of peripheral blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and cerebrospinal fluid were all negative. Chest CT and cranial MRI revealed obvious infection foci. Case 2 was a 2-year-old male patient who experienced recurrent high fever with multiple inflammatory masses during chemotherapy. Candida tropicalis was detected in peripheral blood and abscess fluid using NGS, while blood culture and imaging examinations showed no obvious abnormalities. After antifungal and blinatumomab therapy, both cases showed significant improvement in symptoms, signs, and imaging, and B-ALL remained in continuous remission. The report indicates that bridging treatment with blinatumomab in children with B-ALL complicated by IFD can rebuild the immune system and control the underlying disease in the presence of immunosuppression and severe fungal infection.

Achilles tendon thickening does not affect elasticity and functional outcome after surgical repair of Achilles rupture: A retrospective study / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

PURPOSE@#Previous studies have confirmed that Achilles tendon occurs Achilles thickening after repair surgery of the rupture. Although this mechanism has been elucidated in the laboratory, there are few reports on its impact on clinical function. We designed a retrospective study to investigate the Achilles thickening after Achilles tendon rupture repair and its correlation between the elasticity and postoperative function.@*METHODS@#In this retrospective analysis, patients who underwent surgical treatment for acute Achilles tendon rupture from April 2016 to April 2020 were included. All the patients were regularly followed up at 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery. American Orthopaedic Foot Ankle Surgeon (AOFAS) scale and Leppilahti score were used to evaluate functional outcomes. Achilles elasticity was measured by ultrasound shear wave of elasticity. Achilles thickening was calculated as maximal transverse and longitudinal diameter in cross-sectional plane of magnetic resonance scan. Sample t-tests was used for different follow-up periods. Correlation between Achilles thickening and other factors were analyzed using Pearson's method. p < 0.05 indicates a statistically significant difference.@*RESULTS@#AOFAS scale and Leppilahti score at 1 year were significantly higher than at 3 months postoperatively (both p < 0.001). These functional scales were also improved at 2-year follow-up significantly (both p < 0.001). The dorsiflexion difference showed gradually recovery in each follow-up period (t = -17.907, p < 0.001). The elasticity of the Achilles appeared to continuously decreases during the postoperative follow-up period in all position sets (p < 0.001). In thickening evaluation, the cross-sectional area of the thickest plane of Achilles was significantly higher at 1 year postoperatively (310.5 ± 25.2) mm2 than that at 3 months postoperatively ((278.0 ± 26.2) mm2, t = -8.219, p < 0.001) and became thinner in 2-year magnetic resonance scan ((256.1 ± 15.1) mm2, t = 16.769, p < 0.001). The correlations between Achilles thickening, elasticity, and functional outcome did not show statistical significance (p > 0.05) in every follow-up period.@*CONCLUSION@#Achilles tendon thickens after surgery in the 1st year, but begins to gradually return to thinning about 2 years after surgery. There was no significant correlation between the increase and decrease of thickening and the patients' clinical function scores, Achilles elasticity, and bilateral ankle dorsiflexion difference.

miR-18a ameliorates inflammation and tissue injury in a mouse model of allergic rhinitis via blocking TLR4/NF-κB pathway / 细胞与分子免疫学杂志

Objective To investigate the role of microRNA-18a (miR-18a) in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis in mice. Methods Twenty-two BALB/c mice were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group and a miR-18a group. Mice in the model group and the miR-18a group were injected intraperitoneally with obumin (OVA) suspension to prepare allergic rhinitis models, and mice in the miR-18a group were simultaneously given lentiviral vector plasmid for overexpression of miR-18a. Allergy symptoms were evaluated by the behavioral score and HE staining. The plasma levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were measured by ELISA. The distribution of CD45+ cells in nasal mucosa was measured by immunofluorescence histochemistry, and CD45+ cells in nasal lavage fluid were measured by flow cytometry. The mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in nasal mucosa tissues were measured by fluorescence quantitative PCR, and the protein expressions of Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor κB p65 (NF-κB p65), inhibitor of NF-κB α (IκBα) and phosphorylated IκBα (p-IκBα) in nasal mucosa were measured by Western blot analysis. Results Compared with the blank group, the plasma levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the model group increased significantly. The number of CD45+ cells in both nasal mucosa tissue and nasal irrigation fluid increased, and the mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α and the protein expression levels of TLR4, NF-κB p65 and p-IκBα in nasal mucosa increased. Compared with the model group, the plasma levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the miR-18a group decreased significantly. The number of CD45+ cells in both nasal mucosa tissue and nasal lavage fluid decreased, and the mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α and the exprotein expression levels of TLR4, NF-κB p65 and p-IκBα in nasal mucosa decreased. Conclusion miR-18a can inhibit the occurrence and development of allergic rhinitis, and its molecular mechanism is related to the inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB pathway activation.

Exploration and consideration on establishing a core outcome set of Traditional Chinese Medicine clinical trials in distal radius fracture / 中国骨伤

There are inconsistencies in treatment outcomes, measurement instruments, and criteria for assessing clinical effectiveness in studies related to distal radius fractures (DRF), resulting in potential biases and failing to provide high-quality clinical evidence. To address these challenges, international researchers have reached a consensus on developing the core outcome indicator set for distal radius fractures(COS-DRF). However, it's important to note that the existing COS-DRF framework could not reflect the unique characteristics of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment. Currently, there are no established standards for treatment outcomes and measurement instruments specific to TCM clinical research, nor has a COS-DRF been established for TCM clinical studies in China. In light of these gaps, our research team aims to construct a core set of treatment outcomes for TCM clinical research on distal radius fractures. This involves compiling a comprehensive list of treatment outcomes and measurement instruments, initially derived from a thorough literature review and expert consensus, which will then undergo further refinement and updates based on real-world clinical experiences, incorporating feedback from 2 to 3 rounds of expert consensus or Delphi questionnaire surveys. Our goal is to establish a COS-DRF or CMS-DRF that aligns with the principles and practices of TCM, and provide high-quality evidence for clinical practice.

Comprehensive evaluation of Pinellia ternata germplasm resources based on phenotypic trait classification / 中国中药杂志

The evaluation of germplasm resources is the prerequisite for the development, utilization, and conservation of Chinese medicinal resources. The selection of excellent germplasm is the key to the breeding and orderly production of Pinellia ternata. In this study, 21 germplasm materials of P. ternata from major production areas in China were collected and analyzed for population diversity after phenotypic preliminary screening. The results have revealed that the P. ternata population has abundant phenotypic variation, and the phenotypic changes could be divided into five phenotypes in terms of organ trait variation. Further analysis of variation in 20 quantitative traits of the population revealed that the coefficient of variation for adenosine content(339.05%) was the largest, while the coefficient of variation for the underground plant height(16.35%) was the smallest. Correlation analysis showed that there was a strong correlation among various traits, with 52 pairs of traits showing highly significant correlation(P<0.01) and 19 pairs of traits showing a significant correlation(P<0.05). The 21 germplasms in the test could be classified into three major clusters by cluster analysis, with Cluster Ⅱ having the highest number and content of nucleosides, making it suitable for the selection and breeding of P. ternata varieties with high content of nucleosides. The yield in Cluster Ⅲ was higher than that in other groups, making it suitable for the selection and breeding of P. ternata varieties with a high yield. All trait indicators could be simplified into five principal component factors through principal component analysis, and the cumulative contribution rate was up to 86.04%. Further, comprehensive analysis using membership function and stepwise regression analysis identified nine traits, such as plant height, main leaf length, and underground plant height as characteristic indicators for the comprehensive evaluation of germplasm resources of P. ternata. BX007, BX008, and BX005 were identified as germplasms with both high yield and high uridine content, with BX007 having the highest uridine content of 479.51 μg·g~(-1). It belonged to the germplasm of P. ternata with double bulbils and could be cultivated as a potential good variety. Based on the phenotypic classification of P. ternata, systematic resource evaluation was carried out in this study, which could lay a foundation for the excavation of genetic resources and the breeding of new varieties of P. ternata.

Regularity of prescriptions for sick sinus syndrome based on latent structure combined with association rules / 中国中药杂志

This study aims to mine the regularity of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) prescriptions for sick sinus syndrome(SSS) and provide a reference for clinical syndrome differentiation and treatment. The relevant papers were retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and SinoMed with the time interval from inception to January 31, 2023. The relevant information from qualified papers was extracted to establish a library. Lantern 5.0 and Rstudio were used to analyze the latent structure and association rules of TCMs with the frequency ≥3%, which combined with frequency descriptions, were used to explore the rules of TCM prescriptions for SSS. A total of 192 TCM prescriptions were included, involving 115 TCMs with the cumulative frequency of 1 816. High-frequency TCMs include Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Astragali Radix, and Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. The high-frequency medicines mainly had the effects of tonifying, releasing exterior with pungent-warm, and activating blood and resolving stasis. The analysis of the latent structure model yielded 13 hidden variables, 26 hidden classes, 8 comprehensive cluster models, and 21 core prescriptions. Accordingly, the common syndromes of SSS were inferred as heart-Yang Qi deficiency, heart-spleen Yang deficiency, heart-kidney Yang deficiency, Yang deficiency and blood stasis, both Qi and Yin deficiency and blood stasis, and Yin and Yang deficiency. The analysis of association rules predicted 30 strong association rules, among which Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma-Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata had the highest support. SSS is a syndrome with Yang deficiency and Qi deficiency as the root causes and cold, phlegm, and stasis as the manifestations. The clinical treatment of SSS should focus on warming Yang and replenishing Qi, which should be supplemented with the therapies of activating blood and resolving stasis, warming interior and dissipating cold, or regulating Qi movement for resolving phlegm according to the patients' syndromes.

Midday Napping, Nighttime Sleep, and Mortality: Prospective Cohort Evidence in China / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

OBJECTIVE@#In developed countries, midday napping and nighttime sleep duration have been linked to long-term survival; however, little is known about such effects in less developed regions. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the associations of midday napping and nocturnal sleep with mortality in middle-aged and older Chinese adults.@*METHODS@#A nationwide cohort of 15,524 adults aged ≥ 45 years was enrolled from 28 provincial regions across mainland China and followed up from 2011 to 2018, using data from the Chinese Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Midday napping and nighttime sleep duration were assessed using standardized questionnaires. Cox proportional hazards models with random intercepts for the surveyed provinces were used to estimate hazard ratios ( HRs) of all-cause mortality, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, behavioral factors, and health status.@*RESULTS@#A total of 1,745 deaths occurred during a median follow-up of 7.1 years, and the mean (standard deviation) age was 59 (10.1) years at baseline. Compared with non-nappers, over 60 min nappers had a higher risk of all-cause mortality [ HR: 1.35, 95% confidence interval ( CI): 1.17-1.56], while no significant associations were observed among < 30 min nappers. Compared with sleep duration of 6-8 h/night, both short (< 6 h) and long (≥ 8 h) sleep duration were significantly associated with increased mortality, with corresponding HR (95% CI) estimates of 1.21 (1.05-1.38) and 1.26 (1.10-1.44), respectively. We observed significant patterns for greater risks associated with longer nap duration, with a P trend value < 0.001 for all-cause mortality. No significant evidence of an additive interaction was identified between midday napping and nighttime sleep.@*CONCLUSION@#Long midday napping and inappropriate nighttime sleep were independently associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality in middle-aged and older Chinese populations. Biological studies are needed to validate our findings and clarify the mechanisms underlying this association.

Global, regional, and national burden of hypertensive heart disease among older adults in 204 countries and territories between 1990 and 2019: a trend analysis / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Hypertensive heart disease (HHD) poses a public health challenge, but data on its burden and trends among older adults are scarce. This study aimed to identify trends in the burden of HHD among older adults between 1990 and 2019 at the global, regional, and national levels.@*METHODS@#Using the Global Burden of Diseases study 2019 data, we assessed HHD prevalence, death, and disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) rates for individuals aged 60-89 years at the global, regional, and national levels and estimated their average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) between 1990 and 2019 using joinpoint regression analysis.@*RESULTS@#In 2019, there were 14.35 million HHD prevalent cases, 0.85 million deaths, and 14.56 million DALYs in older adults. Between 1990 and 2019, the prevalence of HHD increased globally {AAPC, 0.38 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.36, 0.41)} with decreases observed in mortality (AAPC, -0.83 [95% CI, -0.99, -0.66]) and the DALY rate (AAPC, -1.03 [95% CI, -1.19, -0.87]). This overall global trend pattern was essentially maintained for sex, age group, and sociodemographic index (SDI) quintile except for non-significant changes in the prevalence of HHD in those aged 70-74 years and in the middle SDI quintile. Notably, males had a higher HHD prevalence rate. However, HHD-related mortality and the DALY rate were higher in females. The middle SDI quintile experienced the largest decreases in mortality and the DALY rate, with a non-significant decline in prevalence between 1990 and 2019. There were significant discrepancies in the HHD burden and its trends across regions and countries.@*CONCLUSIONS@#In the past three decades, there has been an overall increasing trend in the prevalence of HHD among older adults worldwide despite decreasing trends in mortality and the DALY rate. Better management of hypertension, and prevention and control of HHD are needed in older adults.

Development and characteristics of auricular fumigation moxibustion combined with heat-sensitive moxibustion device / 中国针灸

A moxibustion device with the functions of auricular fumigation moxibustion and heat-sensitive moxibustion is designed. The smoke of the ignited moxa stick is used for the fumigation moxibustion at the external auditory canal, while the heat generated works on Dazhui (GV 14) for heat-sensitive moxibustion. The device consists of five parts, i.e. combustion chamber, smoke pipe, smoke processing chamber, power module and connector. It solves the limitations such as unpleasant experience in treatment, unfavorable temperature control, easy scalding and excessive manual dependence induced by usual fumigation moxibustion and during heat-sensitive moxibustion. This moxibustion device may improve the safety and convenience when delivering the treatment with fumigation moxibustion and heat-sensitive moxibustion, as well as the work efficiency of medical staff.

Effect of electroacupuncture on enteric neuronal autophagy in functional constipation mice / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVES@#To explore the effect mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) on functional constipation (FC) at the combined lower he-sea and front-mu points of large intestine based on enteric neuronal autophagy.@*METHODS@#A total of 40 SPF Kunming mice were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 8), i.e. a control group, a model group, an acupuncture group, a 3-methyl adenine (3-MA) group, and a 3-MA + acupuncture group. Except the control group, the FC model was established by gavage with compound diphenoxylate suspension for 14 days in the other 4 groups. After successful modeling, the mice of the acupuncture group and the 3-MA + acupuncture group received EA at bilateral "Tianshu" (ST 25) and "Shangjuxu" (ST 37), stimulated for 30 min with disperse-dense wave, 2 Hz/15 Hz of frequency, 1 mA of intensity. EA was delivered once daily. One course of treatment was composed of 5 days and 2 courses were needed, with an interval of 2 days. An intraperitoneal injection of 3-MA (15 mg/kg) was administered 30 min before EA in the mice of the 3-MA group and the 3-MA + acupuncture group, once daily. Before and after intervention, the time of the first black stool defecation and defecation behaviors in 6 h were observed in each group. After intervention, in every group, the small intestine propulsion rate was calculated, the colon tissue morphology was observed using HE staining, the ultrastructure of enteric neuronal autophagy was observed under transmission electron microscope, and the expressions of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), Beclin-1 and neuronal nuclear antigen protein (NeuN) in neurons of colonic muscularis were determined by immunohistochemistry.@*RESULTS@#Before intervention, when compared with those in the control group, the time of the first black stool defecation was prolonged (P<0.01, P<0.05), and numbers (P<0.01), wet weight (P<0.01, P<0.05) and water content (P<0.05, P<0.01) of stool in 6 h were reduced in the model, acupuncture, 3-MA and 3-MA + acupuncture groups. After intervention, compared with those in the control group, the time of the first black stool defecation was longer (P<0.05), and numbers (P<0.01), wet weight (P<0.01) and water content (P<0.01) of stool in 6 h were decreased in the model group. The time of the first black stool defecation was shortened (P<0.01), and numbers (P<0.01), wet weight (P<0.01) and water content (P<0.01) of stool in 6 h were increased in the acupuncture group when compared with those in the model group. The time of the first black stool defecation was extended (P<0.01), and numbers (P<0.01), wet weight (P<0.01) and water content (P<0.01) of stool in 6 h were declined in the 3-MA + acupuncture group in comparison with those in the acupuncture group. All layers of colon tissue were normal and intact in each group. When compared with the control group, the small intestine propulsion rate and the average optical density (OD) values of LC3, Beclin-1 and NeuN in neurons of colonic muscularis were decreased (P<0.01), and autophagosomes were dropped in the model group. In the acupuncture group, the small intestine propulsion rate and the average OD values of NeuN, LC3 and Beclin-1 in neurons of colonic muscularis increased (P<0.01,P<0.05), and autophagosomes were elevated when compared with those in the model group. The small intestine propulsion rate and the average OD values of NeuN, LC3 and Beclin-1 in neurons of colonic muscularis were dropped (P<0.05,P<0.01) in the 3-MA + acupuncture group in comparison with those in the acupuncture group.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Electroacupuncture may promote enteric neuronal autophagy and increase the number of neurons so that the intestinal motility can be improved and constipation symptoms can be relieved in FC mice.

A multilevel model analysis of the association between reading and writing posture with myopia in primary and secondary school students / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To explore the association between reading and writing posture with the occurrence of myopia in Chinese children and adolescents, so as to provide a reference for reducing its prevalence among primary and secondary school students.@*Methods@#Using data from the 2020 survey on the current status of hyperopia reserve in primary and secondary school students from six provinces/cities, namely Beijing, Zhejiang, Chongqing, Shaanxi, Liaoning, and Henan selected by multi stage stratified cluster probability sampling method during November 2020 to June 2022. A total 16 782 students who completed the optometry examination of cycloplegia according to the Children and Adolescents Myopia Screening Standard and questionnaire survey were included for analyzing analyze the association between reading and writing posture with myopia.@*Results@#The overall detection rate of myopia among primary and secondary school students was 45.7%, of which 35.0% were primary school students, 84.1% junior high school students, and 90.4% senior high school students. Poor reading and writing posture was found in 73.6% of primary and secondary school students. Adjusting for confounding factors such as gender, school period, region, outdoor time every day, and whether parents were myopic, the results of the multilevel Logistic regression showed that the following factors were positively correlated with myopia:poor reading and writing posture ( OR=1.17, 95%CI =1.07-1.28), never/occasionally reading and writing with a reading distance which was more than one foot away between the eyes and book ( OR=1.28, 95%CI=1.08-1.53, OR=1.23, 95%CI = 1.08- 1.40), teachers occasionally reminding the child of their reading and writing posture ( OR=1.13, 95%CI =1.01-1.25), and often/always reading and writing while lying down or with the face on the arm ( OR=1.15, 95%CI=1.01-1.32, OR=1.46, 95% CI = 1.17-1.82), always reading and writing with the head in the hand ( OR=1.56, 95%CI =1.20-2.01). Further, a negative correlation was detected between myopia and parents occasionally reminding their children of their reading and writing posture ( OR= 0.85 , 95%CI =0.76-0.96) ( P <0.05).@*Conclusion@#Poor reading and writing posture is a risk factor for the development of myopia in primary and secondary school students, and interventions for reading and writing posture need to be strengthened to reduce the occurrence of myopia among primary and secondary school students.

Effect and Mechanism of Cuscutae Semen Total Flavonoids Combined with Tripterygium wilfordii Polyglycoside Tablets on Ovarian Germline Stem Cells of Physiological Mice by Notch Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Cuscutae Semen total flavonoids combined with Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside tablets （TWPT） on ovarian germline stem cells of female physiological mice through neurogenic locus notch homolog （Notch） signaling pathway. MethodSixty female Kunming mice （5 weeks old） were randomly divided into normal group， Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside tablets low-， high-dose groups （13.65 mg·kg-1·d-1 and 27.3 mg·kg-1·d-1， 1 and 2 times clinical equivalent dose）， Cuscutae Semen total flavonoids low- and high-dose groups （150 mg·kg-1·d-1 and 300 mg·kg-1·d-1）， and combination group （13.65 mg·kg-1·d-1 TWPT and 150 mg·kg-1·d-1 Cuscutae Semen total flavonoids）， with 10 in each group. After 3 weeks of continuous administration， the uterus/brain and ovarian/brain indexes were calculated， and the pathological changes of ovarian tissue were observed under light microscope. The content of estradiol in serum was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Immunofluorescence assay was performed to observe the expressions of germline stem cell markers in ovarian epithelium， including mouse vasa homologue （Mvh）， octamer-binding transcription factor 4 （Oct4）， tyrosine-protein kinase receptor （c-kit）， Nanog， Notch signaling pathway molecules， neurogenic locus notch homolog protein 1 （Notch1）， hes family BHLH transcription factor 1（Hes1）， and jagged canonical Notch ligand 1 （JAG1）. ResultCompared with the normal group， low and high doses of TWPT had no significant effect on the uterus/brain and ovary/brain indexes and the uterus and ovary morphologies of mice， while only the number of atretic follicles was increased （P<0.01）. The expressions of ovarian germline stem cell markers and Notch signaling pathway molecules had a decreasing trend in TWPT low-dose group， while the expressions of Mvh， c-kit， and Nanog were down-regulated （P<0.05， P<0.01） and the expressions of Notch1 and Hes1 were also reduced （P<0.01） in TWPT high-dose group. However， the above indexes were increased in Cuscutae Semen total flavonoids low-dose group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the low does of TWPT group， the combination group had a decrease in the increased number of atretic follicles （P<0.01）， an improvement in the down-regulated expressions of Mvh and Nanog （P<0.01）， and an increase in the expressions of Notch1 and Hes1 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionOvarian germline stem cells are the source target of the reproductive toxicity of TWPT. Cuscutae Semen total flavonoids participate in the regulation of the germline stem cell pathways to alleviate the reproductive toxicity caused by TWPT， and its mechanism of action may be related to the Notch signaling pathway.

Systematic comparison of two kinds of Bufonis Venenum derived from different Bufo gargarizans subspecies based on metabolomics and antitumor activity / 中国中药杂志

This paper compared the differences between two kinds of Bufonis Venenum produced by Bufo gargarizans gargarizans and B. gararizans andrewsi, and verified the rationality of the market value orientation of Bufonis Venenum based on the zebrafish mo-del. Twenty batches of Bufonis Venenum from Jiangsu province, Hebei province, Liaoning province, Jilin province, and Liangshan, Sichuan province, including B. gargarizans gargarizans and B. gararizans andrewsi, were collected. The UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS combined with principal component analysis was used to compare the differences between two kinds of Bufonis Venenum. According to the limiting conditions of VIP>1, FC<0.5 or FC>2.0, and peak total area ratio>1%, 9 differential markers were determined, which were cinobufagin, cinobufotalin, arenobufagin, resibufogenin, scillaredin A, resibufagin, 3-(N-suberoylargininyl)-arenobufagin, 3-(N-suberoylargininyl)-marinobufagin, and 3-(N-suberoylargininyl)-resibufogenin. The content of 20 batches of Bufonis Venenum was determined according to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2020 edition) by high-performance liquid chromatography, and the 2 batches of Bufonis Venenum, CS7(8.99% of total content) and CS9(5.03% of total content), with the largest difference in the total content of the three quality control indexes of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia(bufalin, cinobufagin, and resibufogenin) were selected to evaluate their anti-liver tumor activity based on the zebrafish model. The tumor inhibition rates of the 2 batches were 38.06% and 45.29%, respectively, proving that only using the quality control indexes of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia as the value orientation of Bufonis Venenum market circulation was unreasonable. This research provides data support for the effective utilization of Bufonis Venenum resources and the establishment of a rational quality evaluation system of Bufonis Venenum.