Modification of C20 oxidase in tanshinone biosynthesis pathway / 中国中药杂志

Tanshinones are one of the main effective components of Salvia miltiorrhiza, which play important roles in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Microbial heterogony production of tanshinones can provide a large number of raw materials for the production of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) preparations containing S. miltiorrhiza, reduce the extraction cost, and relieve the pressure of clinical medication. The biosynthetic pathway of tanshinones contains multiple P450 enzymes, and the catalytic element with high efficiency is the basis of microbial production of tanshinones. In this study, the protein modification of CYP76AK1, a key P450-C20 hydroxylase in tanshinone pathway, was researched. The protein modeling methods SWISS-MODEL, Robetta, and AlphaFold2 were used, and the protein model was analyzed to obtain the reliable protein structure. The semi-rational design of mutant protein was carried out by molecular docking and homologous alignment. The key amino acid sites affecting the oxidation activity of CYP76AK1 were identified by molecular docking. The function of the obtained mutations was studied with yeast expression system, and the CYP76AK1 mutations with continuous oxidation function to 11-hydroxysugiol were obtained. Four key amino acid sites that affected the oxidation acti-vity were analyzed, and the reliability of three protein modeling methods was analyzed according to the mutation results. The effective protein modification sites of CYP76AK1 were reported for the first time in this study, which provides a catalytic element for different oxidation activities at C20 site for the study of the synthetic biology of tanshinones and lays a foundation for the analysis of the conti-nuous oxidation mechanism of P450-C20 modification.

Feasibility analysis of puncture robot technology for the application of acupuncture robot / 中国针灸

The difficulties such as how to accurately locate acupoints and safely insert needles are presented in acupuncture robot. The puncture robot with high technological similarity to acupuncture robot is getting mature, and a large number of human trials and animal experiments have been conducted for the development of puncture robot. Through comparing the similarities and differences between puncture robot and acupuncture robot in the aspects of through-skin puncture, needle insertion and needle removal, the valuable technology of puncture robot is analyzed for the development of acupuncture robot, and the crucial direction of technology migration is determined. ①Integrating the mechanical feedback and medical imaging technology and utilizing the multi-modal perception to achieve the safety of acupuncture operation. ②Emphasizing the integration of the existing designs of chest puncture robot to realize the acupuncture operation with inhalation and exhalation involved. ③Focusing on the development of relevant technology of automatic needle removal through conducting the actual scenario of treatment with acupuncture robot in patients under non-anaesthetic condition.

Analysis on the nutritional composition of prepackaged foods commonly consumed by children aged 6-12 in Chengdu / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To analyze the current nutritional composition of commonly consumed prepackaged foods among children in Chengdu and to provide a scientific basis for health education among children and adolescents.@*Methods@#Based on the 3 day and 24 hour dietary data of children aged 6-12 in Chengdu of the Southwest China Childhood Nutrition and Growth Cohort from 2021 to 2022, the nutritional information of prepackaged foods was collected by combining offline and online methods. All foods were classified step by step, and the nutrient content of each 100 g or 100 mL food was counted and graded.@*Results@#A total of 1 902 children s prepackaged foods in 23 sub categories of 10 major categories were investigated. Nuts and seeds, snack foods, instant foods and other dairy products had higher total energy(2 476, 2 027, 1 728, 1 816 kJ/100 g), with the nutrient reference value percentage(NRV%) exceeding 20%. Fish, poultry, meat, eggs and their products had the highest protein content(22.8 g/ 100 g ) with an NRV% of 38%, nuts and seeds had the highest fat content(47.5 g/100 g) with an NRV% of 79%, confectionery and jelly had the highest carbohydrate content(82.1 g/100 g) with an NRV% of 27%, and seasoning flour products had the highest sodium content with an NRV% up to 118%. Seasoning flour products and instant foods were mostly high sodium, high fat and high carbohydrate food. Baked and puffed foods were almost high fat and high carbohydrate. Fish, poultry, meat, eggs, beans and their products were rich in protein but mostly high in sodium. Beverages and cold drinks were low in other nutrients except carbohydrate.@*Conclusion@#The nutrient content of various prepackaged foods commonly consumed by children in Chengdu are quite different. Most of the foods consumed by children are high sodium, high fat and/or high carbohydrate. Nutrition education should be strengthened to help children choose healthy foods.

Effect of advanced paternal age on reproductive outcomes in IVF cycles of non-male-factor infertility: a retrospective cohort study / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Advanced paternal age has been overlooked, and its effect on fertility remains controversial. Previous studies have focused mainly on intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles in men with oligozoospermia. However, few studies have reported on men with semen parameters within reference ranges. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective cohort study analyzing the reproductive outcomes of couples with non-male-factor infertility undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. In total, 381 cycles included were subgrouped according to paternal age (<35-year-old, 35-39-year-old, or ≥40-year-old), and maternal age was limited to under 35 years. Data on embryo quality and clinical outcomes were analyzed. The results showed that fertilization and high-quality embryo rates were not significantly different (all P > 0.05). The pregnancy rate was not significantly different in the 35-39-year-old group (42.0%; P > 0.05), but was significantly lower in the ≥40-year-old group (26.1%; P < 0.05) than that in the <35-year-old group (40.3%). Similarly, the implantation rate significantly decreased in the ≥40-year-old group (18.8%) compared with that in the <35-year-old group (31.1%) and 35-39-year-old group (30.0%) (both P < 0.05). The live birth rate (30.6%, 21.7%, and 19.6%) was not significantly different across the paternal age subgroups (<35-year-old, 35-39-year-old, and ≥40-year-old, respectively; all P > 0.05), but showed a declining trend. The miscarriage rate significantly increased in the 35-39-year-old group (44.8%) compared with that in the <35-year-old group (21.0%; P < 0.05). No abnormality in newborn birth weight was found. The results indicated that paternal age over 40 years is a key risk factor that influences the assisted reproductive technology success rate even with good semen parameters, although it has no impact on embryo development.

Research progress in transcriptional and immunological biomarkers associated with tuberculosis infection / 中华预防医学杂志

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that poses a serious threat to human health. About a quarter of the world's population were infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 2020, and the majority of them were latently infected. Approximately 5%-10% of the population with latent tuberculosis infection may progress to active TB disease. Identifying latent TB infection from active TB by biomarkers and screening people with latent TB infection at high risk of progression for preventive treatment by biomarkers that can reliably predict the progression is one of the most effective strategies to control TB. This article reviews the progress of research on transcriptional and immunological biomarkers for identifying TB infection and predicting the progression from latent infection to active TB, with the aim of providing new ideas for tuberculosis control.

Risk factors of bone cement leakage after percutaneous vertebroplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture / 中华创伤杂志

Objective:To investigate the risk factors of bone cement leakage after percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF).Methods:A multi-center, large-sample, case-control study was carried out to analyze the clinical data of 2 273 OVCF patients (2 689 vertebrae) undergone PVP at four hospitals between May 2018 and October 2021, including 994 males and 1 279 females, with the age of 52-91 years [(69.1±3.1)years]. Of all, 581 patients (604 vertebrae) were allocated to leakage group and 1 692 patients (2 085 vertebrae) to no leakage group according to the occurrence of bone cement leakage. The gender, age, fracture sites, vertebral compression degree, endplate integrity of fractured vertebrae, surgical segments, surgical approaches and bone cement injection volume were recorded. Univariate analysis was used to investigate the correlation between those indicators with bone cement leakage. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent risk factors for bone cement leakage.Results:Univariate analysis showed that gender, age, fracture sites, vertebral compression degree, bone cement injection volume were related to bone cement leakage after PVP ( P<0.05 or 0.01), but no correlation was found in the endplate integrity of fractured vertebrae, surgical segments and surgical approaches (all P>0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that fracture sites ( OR=1.68, 95% CI 1.11-2.55, P<0.05), vertebral compression degree more than 40% ( OR=1.98, 95% CI 1.29-3.02, P<0.01), bone cement injection volume greater than or equal to 5.5 ml ( OR=1.55, 95% CI 1.07-2.26, P<0.05) were significantly associated with bone cement leakage after PVP. Conclusion:Thoracic vertebral fracture, vertebral compression degree more than 40% and bone cement injection volume greater than or equal to 5.5 ml are independent risk factors for bone cement leakage after PVP in OVCF.

Investigation on the mechanism of acupuncture in treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2 based on the network of islet macrophages-pancreatic adipose cells-islet β cells / 中国针灸

To explore the possible new mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) based on the islet inflammatory response. Islet macrophages, pancreatic adipose cells and islet β cells all participate in the pathogenesis of T2DM, and the three could form a network interaction. Acupuncture could regulate the functional phenotype of islet macrophages, improve the ectopic deposition of pancreatic adipose and repair the function of islet β cells, and play a unique advantage of overall regulation. It is suggested that acupuncture can be a potential treatment strategy for T2DM.

Research and development of intelligent medical equipment and internationalization of acupuncture and moxibustion: thoughts from researchers of acupuncture robot / 中国针灸

Under the background of artificial intelligence, the internationalization of acupuncture and moxibustion has braced an important opportunity. Intelligent medical equipment for acupuncture and moxibustion has entered from the laboratory into the clinic. However, the current research focuses on optimizing acupuncture treatment technology rather than innovating acupuncture theory. Internationally, the westernization of traditional acupuncture and the dilution of its characteristics are worrying. It is urgent to promote the China-led international standards of acupuncture and moxibustion and the patent protection of traditional acupuncture and moxibustion. Intelligent medical equipment will play the role of media, and promote the internationalization of traditional acupuncture and moxibustion with standardized and highly-integrated intelligent medical equipment for acupuncture and moxibustion, and integrate modern scientific and technological achievements. It is a feasible way for the internationalization of acupuncture and moxibustion.

Analysis of acupoint-symptom relationship in CHENG Dan-an's Note About Treatise on Cold-Attack based on complex network / 中国针灸

Acupoint-symptom relationship in CHENG Dan-an's Note About Treatise on Cold-Attack was analyzed based on complex network, acupoint names and indications were extracted from the book, which provided ideas and methods for promoting the modernization of acupuncture and moxibustion by using complex network technology. A total of 112 acupoints in 201 acupuncture prescriptions were included, and the total frequency of acupoints was 880 times, forming 42 034 acupoint pairs. In terms of network indexes, compared with the complex network of comprehensive acupuncture books, such as Meridian and Acupoint Science, Zhenjiu Dacheng, Acupuncture A and B Meridians formed based on the same mathematical method, the complex network model for CHENG Dan-an's Note About Treatise on Cold-Attack shows more typical small world effect, which is characterized by higher network density (6.762) and shorter average path length (1.064). This phenomenon may be related to the tongue and pulse which added the link between acupoints. For the node indexes, the analysis of topological indexes such as Page Rank shows that acupoints represented by Dazhui (GV 14) has higher compatibility value in the treatment of exogenous diseases, which further demonstrates the clinical value of eigenvector centrality in guiding intelligent compatibility of points.

Comparison of the curative effect of zero-profile bridge-shaped locking cage and anterior cage combined with titanium plate fixation in the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the difference of curative effect between zero-profile bridge-shaped locking cage (ROI-C) and anterior cage combined with titanium plate fixation in the treatment of two-level and three-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy.Methods:A total of 85 patients (43 males and 42 females), aged 52.3±8.0 years (range from 28 to 66 years) with bi- and three-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy who received surgical treatment from June 2017 to October 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 63 cases of two levels and 22 cases of three levels. 45 cases were treated with zero-profile bridge-shaped locking cage ROI-C (ROI-C group), and 40 cases with anterior cage combined with titanium plate fixation (titanium plate group). The main observation indicators include operation time, intraoperative blood loss, cervical Cobb angle, fusion segment Cobb angle, average intervertebral height, pain visual analogue scale (VAS), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) Score and neck disability index (NDI).Results:All of 85 patients were followed up for 16.9±2.0 months (range 12 to 22 months). The operation time of two-level ROI-C group was 110.37±8.25 min, which was shorter than 139.5±10.54 min of titanium plate group; the intraoperative blood loss was 15.74±8.10 ml, which was less than 23.71±9.70 ml of titanium plate group; the operation time of three-level ROI-C group was 130.00±5.70 min, which was shorter than 162.83±5.59 min of titanium plate group, while the difference in the intraoperative blood loss between the two groups had no statistical significance. One year after operation, Cobb angle of cervical vertebra in double and three-level ROI-C groups were 15.31°±1.55° and 15.20°±0.42°, respectively, which were largerthan 11.23°±2.03° and 9.20°±1.14° before operation; in titanium plate group, they were 15.89°±1.13° and 16.08°±1.88°, which were higher than 11.25°±2.01° and 9.00°±1.60° before operation, and the differences had statistical significance. The differences between the two groups before operation and 1 year after operation had no statistical significance. One year after operation, the VAS scores of double and three-level ROI-C groups were 1.83±0.66 points and 2.60±0.52 points, respectively, which were less than the preoperative 7.49±0.51 points and 7.60±0.52 points; the titanium plate group was 1.79±0.50 points and 2.41±0.51 points, which were less than the preoperative 7.61±0.63 points and 7.42±0.52 points, and the differences had statistical significance. There was no significant difference between the two groups before operation and 1 year after operation. One year after operation, the JOA scores of double and three-level ROI-C groups were 15.00±0.84 points and 14.70±0.95 points, respectively, which were higher than the preoperative 7.20±0.87 points and 6.60±1.27 points; the scores of titanium plate group were 15.29±0.85 points and 14.83±0.58 points, which were higher than the preoperative 6.89±1.03 points and 6.92±0.67 points, and the differences had statistical significance. The differences between the two groups had no statistical significance. The postoperative JOA improvement rate was excellent. Postoperative dysphagia occurred in 1 case (2.22%, 1/45) in ROI-C group and 8 cases (20.00%, 8/40) in titanium plate group, and the difference in the incidence rate between two groups had statistical significance ( χ2=5.32, P=0.02). Conclusion:Both ROI-C and anterior cage combined with titanium plate fixation in the treatment of double and three-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy can achieve good short-term clinical efficacy, with shorter operation time and lower incidence rate of postoperative dysphagia using ROI-C.

Anti-tumor Constituents from Rhizome of Euphorbia fischeriana / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::To screen out active fraction from Euphorbia fischeriana, separate active components from E. fischeriana and explore structure-activity relationships, in order to analyze and identify chemical compositions of petroleum ether fraction from E. fischerian ethanol extract by ultra-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole-time-of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). Method::The anti-tumor activities of petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water extracts from E. fischeriana were tested by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT)method. A variety of modern chromatographic separation methods were used to separate active compounds from petroleum ether layer. Compounds were isolated. Their structures were identified by NMR technique. The structure-activity relationships between anti-tumor activities and structures of compounds were investigated. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technique was used to identify the structures of petroleum ether extract from E. fischeriana. Mass spectrometry was performed in the positive ion mode using ESI ion sources. Result::Six compounds were isolated from petroleum ether fraction. They were jolkinolide A, jolkinolide B, 17-hydroxyjolkinolide A, 17-hydroxyjolkinolide B, euphopilolide and atis-16-en-13(s)-hydroxy-3, 14-dione. A total of 23 peaks were identified based on the comparison of retention times, accurate masses and fragmentation patterns with available standard compounds and literatures. Among them, there were 19 diterpenoids, 2 polyphenols, 1 fatty acid and 1 triterpenoid. Peaks No.18 and No.21 were tentatively identified as new compounds. Conclusion::The petroleum ether fraction showed a potential anti-tumor activity. The structure-activity relationships were discussed. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technology can be used to quickly and accurately identify the structures, so as to provide a reference for its quality evaluation and active ingredient research.

Evaluation of the reproducibility of non-verbal facial expressions in normal persons using dynamic stereophotogrammetric system / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To assess the reproducibility of non-verbal facial expressions (smile lips closed, smile lips open, lip purse, cheek puff) in normal persons using dynamic three-dimensional (3D) imaging and provide reference data for future research.@*METHODS@#In this study, 15 adults (7 males and 8 females) without facial asymmetry and facial nerve dysfunction were recruited. Each participant was seated upright in front of the 3D imaging system in natural head position. The whole face could be captured in all six cameras. The dynamic 3D system captured 60 3D images per second. Four facial expressions were included: smile lips closed, smile lips open, lip purse, and cheek puff. Before starting, we instructed the subjects to make facial expressions to develop muscle memory. During recording, each facial expression took about 3 to 4 seconds. At least 1 week later, the procedure was repeated. The rest position (T0) was considered as the base frame. The first quartile of expressions (T1), just after reaching the maximum state of expressions (T2), just before the end of maximum state of expressions (T3), the third quartile of expressions (T4), and the end of motion (T5) were selected as key frames. Using the stable part of face such as forehead, each key frame (T1-T5) of the different expressions was aligned on the corresponding frame at rest (T0). The root mean square (RMS) between each key frame and its corresponding frame at rest were calculated. The Wilcoxon signed ranks test was applied to assess statistical differences between the corresponding frames of the different facial expressions.@*RESULTS@#Facial expressions like smile lips closed, smile lips open, and cheek puff were reproducible. Lip purse was not reproducible. The statistically significant differences were found on the T2 frame of the repeated lip purse movement.@*CONCLUSION@#The dynamic 3D imaging can be used to evaluate the reproducibility of facial expressions. Compared with the qualitative analysis and two-dimensions analysis, dynamic 3D images can be able to more truly represent the facial expressions which make the research more reliable.

Clinical prognosis analysis of patients with "double hit" multiple myeloma / 中华血液学杂志

Objective: To analyze and explore the clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with "double hit" multiple myeloma (MM) . Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 89 MM patients in our department of Shanghai Changzheng Hospital from 2010-2016. All patients were assayed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and TP53 gene sequencing, based on Dr. Walker BA proposed the "double hit" MM concept, and then the clinical features and prognosis were evaluated. Results: In the results, 15 (16.85%) cases harbored "double hit" showed the median PFS of 8.4 months and the median OS 22.2 months, which was significantly lower than non-"double hit" patients with median PFS 14.2 months and the median OS 39.2 months, respectively (P<0.05) . Multivariate analysis displayed that the "double hit" was an independent poor prognostic factor on PFS (HR=2.171, 95%CI 1.206-3.907, P=0.010) and OS (HR=4.106, 95%CI 2.116-7.969, P<0.001) . Moreover, "double hit" MM patients had the higher adverse prognosis risk, which showed the shorter median OS and PFS than stage III of R-ISS patients (PFS 8.4 vs 11.8 months; OS 22.2 vs 24.3 months, P<0.05, respectively) . Conclusion: Patients with "double hit" MM have a very poor clinical prognosis. Prospective clinical studies are urgently needed to improve these extra high risk patients.

The neural function repair and mechanism of (-)-epicatechin on murine traumatic brain injury / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective To investigate whether (-)-epicatechin plays a role in neurological repair on traumatic brain injury in mice.Methods The mice model of traumatic brain injury was established by modified weight drop method.Experimental mice were randomly (random number) divided into the injury+ (Veh) group and the injury + (-)-epicatechin (EC) group.At 3 days after operation,the expression of IL-1β and TNF-α were detected.The number of necrotic cells of the lesion area was detected by PI staining.At 28 days after SCI,Morris Water Maze test was performed to observe the ability of spatial learning and memory in mice.The expression of neurotrophic factors BDNF and NGF were examined by qRT-PCR.The expression of NeuN was detected by immunofluorescence staining.EdU staining was used to observe the neurogenesis in the SGZ region.Results Compared with the Veh group,EC treated group showed better spatial learning and memory ability in time spent in correct quadrant at day 27 and 28 [24 d:(26.333±5.037)％ vs (26.583±5.802)％,P=0.938;25 d (33.300±4.724)％ vs (29.767±3.347)％.P=0.166;26 d:(41.017±7.246)％ vs (32.800±8.145)％,P=0.095;27 d:(48.017±7.424)％ vs (35.267±6.748)％,P=0.011;28 d:(51.617±9.017)％ vs (41.116±6.467)％,P=0.043] and in latency to platform at day 27 and 28 [24 d:(62.967±5.494) s vs (63.917±7.027) s,P=0.800;25 d:(50.533±10.305) s vs (57.217±13.085) s,P=0.349;26 d:(40.333± 10.526) s vs (50.133±11.039) s,P=0.147;27 d:(28.717±4.137) s vs (44.533±7.181) s,P=0.001;28 d:(21.950±6.889) s vs (37.567±5.974) s,P=0.002].There was a decreased expression of IL-lβ and TNF-α and increased level of neurotrophic factor BDNF and NGF after EC treatment in EC treatment group,compared to the veh treatment group [IL-1β and TNF-α:(42.690±3.057) ng/mL and (750.167±51.941) ng/mL vs (71.670±4.996) ng/mL and (1 085.167±68.535) ng/mL,P=0.000 6 and 0.003;BDNF and NGF:0.543±0.033 and 0.334±0.041 vs 0.756±0.088 and 0.514±0.047,P=0.048 and 0.017)].EC decreased the cell death near injury area (54.833±5.486 vs 74.000±5.323,P=0.031),increased NeuN positive cells (76.667±6.386 vs 42.167±5.237,P=0.002),and increased neurogenesis in SGZ area (12.667±0.760 vs 7.500±1.258,P=0.031).Conclusions (-)-Epicatechin plays an important role in functional recovery after traumatic brain injury in mice.The underlying mechanisms are closely related to inhibited inflammation,enhanced neurotrophic factors and improved neurogenesis.

Percutaneous curved vertebroplasty in the treatment of thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: a prospective study / 中华骨科杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of percutaneous curved vertebroplasty in the treatment of thoracolum?bar osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs). Methods All of 85 patients with single thoracolumbar vertebral OVCFs who met the admission criteria from January 2017 to July 2018 were divided into three groups according to the random dig?its table method. They were treated with percutaneous curved vertebroplasty, routine unipedicular PVP and routine bipedicular PVP respectively. There were 25 patients in the percutaneous curved vertebroplasty group, 6 males and 19 females; aged 56-80 years, with an average age of 70.6±9.7 years. Fracture vertebral body distribution:T10 2 cases,T11 4 cases,T12 3 cases, L1 9 cases, L2 3 cases, L3 1 case, L4 1 case and L5 2 cases. There were 32 patients in the routine unipedicular PVP group, 6 males and 26 fe? males; aged 58-75 years, with an average age of 69.5±9.3 years. Fracture vertebral body distribution: T10 2 cases, T11 4 cases, T12 5 cases, L1 11 cases, L2 6 cases, L3 1 case, L4 1 case and L5 2 cases. There were 28 patients in the routine bipedicular PVP group, 5 males and 23 females; aged 59-81 years, with an average age of 69.8±8.8 years. Fracture vertebral body distribution: T10 2 cases, T11 4 cases, T12 4 cases, L1 10 cases, L2 4 cases, L3 1 case, L4 1 case and L5 2 cases. The operation time, injected cement volume, in?traoperative blood loss were recorded and analyzed. Preoperative, postoperative 1 week and 3 months visual analogue scale scores and oswestry disability index were adopted to value the clinical improvements. Preoperative, postoperative 1 week and 3 months relative vertebral height and kyphosis correction, and the cement leakage rate were measured and analyzed. Results There was no significant difference in the data of gender, age, VAS scores, ODI and distribution of fracture vertebrae among the three groups (P>0.05), and the baseline data was comparable. The average VAS score in the percutaneous curved vertebroplasty group was 2.3±0.5 at 1 week after surgery, that of the routine unipedicular PVP group was 2.4±0.4 and that of the routine bipe?dicular PVP group was 2.4±0.4; the average ODI in the percutaneous curved vertebroplasty group was 19.8%±3.9%, that of the routine unipedicular PVP group was 20.0%±4.1% and that of the routine bipedicular PVP group was 19.9%±3.8%; they were lower than the preoperative data, which were statistically significant (P<0.001). The average relative vertebral height in the percutaneous curved vertebroplasty group was 48.99%±9.23% at 3 months after surgery, that of the routine unipedicular PVP group was 47.11%±10.12% and that of the routine bipedicular PVP group was 46.71%±11.16%; the average kyphosis cor?rection in the percutaneous curved vertebroplasty group was 6.21%±1.94%, that of the routine unipedicular PVP group was 5.22%±2.07% and that of the routine bipedicular PVP group was 5.97%±2.09%; there was 1 cement leakage case in the per?cutaneous curved vertebroplasty group; those of the routine unipedicular PVP group were 4 cases and those of the routine bipe?dicular PVP group were 6 cases; there was no significant difference among the three groups (P>0.05). Operation time 39.10± 2.00 min vs 38.70±1.70 min, injected cement volume 3.60±0.11 ml vs 3.50±0.13 ml and blood loss 5.10±0.30 ml vs 5.00±0.40 ml of the percutaneous curved vertebroplasty group and the routine unipedicular PVP group were less than those of the routine bipedicular PVP group, which were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclution Percutaneous curved vertebroplasty could achieve satisfactory clinical outcomes for OVCFs, with advantages of less operation time, less blood loss, limited X?ray expo?sure, less injected cement volume, and more balanced augmentation for stabilization of the affected vertebrae and total verte?bral column.

Screening potential α-glucosidase inhibitors from Anemarrhena asphodeloides using response surface methodology coupled with grey relational analysis / 中草药·英文版

Objective: To screen potential α-glucosidase inhibitors from Anemarrhena asphodeloides. Methods: Response surface methodology employing Box-Behnken design was used to optimize conditions for the extraction of α-glucosidase inhibitory active compounds from A. asphodeloides. The powders (20.0 g) of A. asphodeloides were extracted under the optimized conditions. The extract was applied to a D-101 macroporous resin column. It was eluted with ethanol and water to give six fractions. Compounds from the active fraction were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. The structure-activity relationship was discussed based on grey relational analysis. Results: The optimum extraction conditions were as follows: ethanol concentration, 100%; extraction temperature, 51 °C; and solvent to solid ratio, 23 mL/g. It indicated that the active compounds were concentrated into 80% ethanol fraction. Twenty five steroid saponins from 80% ethanol fraction were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. Peaks 19 and 23 were tentatively identified as new structures. The predicted α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of the compounds were 7 > 2 > 1 > 22 > 23 > 3 > 9 > 21 > 24 > 4 > 13 > 8 > 14 > 16 > 17 > 25 > 6 > 19. Conclusion: The fraction eluted by 80% ethanol showed the best inhibitory activity. After analyzing the data of UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, 25 steroid saponins were tentatively identified in this fraction.

Professor 's academic thoughts and acupoint selection experience for hot flashes / 中国针灸

Professor is a well-known national veteran doctor with over 70 years of clinical experience. He has unique academic thoughts and clinical experience for common diseases and some difficult and complicated diseases. This paper mainly introduces professor 's syndrome-differentiation thought and experience of acupoint selection for hot flashes. It is emphasized that common hot flashes, such as hot flashes and night sweats, are different between and . While regulating and , more attention should be paid to - harmony, which is not only suitable for women's perimenopausal syndrome, but also for a series of clinical diseases caused by refractory drugs such as endocrine therapy after breast cancer surgery. At the same time of acupoint selection based on syndrome differentiation, a more rational prescriptions should be made according to the duration of the disease and the experience acupoints to improve the clinical efficacy.

Correlation between referred pain distribution and acupoint sensitization in patients with intestinal diseases / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the correlation between referred pain distribution and acupoint sensitization in patients with intestinal diseases.@*METHODS@#In clinical research, 443 patients from 8 hospitals were recruited, including the outpatients and inpatients of Crohn's disease (=143), ulcerative colitis (=108), chronic appendicitis (=87) and other intestinal diseases (=105). The site with tenderness on the body surface and the morphological changes of local skin were observed and recorded in the patients. Using a sensory tenderness instrument, the pain threshold at the sensitization point was measured in 60 patients with ulcerative colitis. In animal experiment, SD rats were used and divided into a enteritis group (=8), in which the enteritis model were established, and a control group (=3), in which no any intervention was given. After the injection of Evans blue (EB) at caudal vein, the blue exudation points on the body surface were observed and the distribution rule was analyzed statistically.@*RESULTS@#The referred pain on the body surface in the patients with intestinal diseases was mainly located in the lower abdomen (93.9%, 416/443), the lumbar region (70.9%, 314/443) and the lower legs (33.0%, 146/443). The diameter of tenderness region was 1.5 to 2.5 cm. Compared with the region without sensitization, the pain threshold of the sensitization point in the patients with ulcerative colitis was reduced significantly (<0.001). The referred pain on the body surface in the patients with appendicitis was located in the right lower abdomen (97.7%, 85/87), the waist and back (54.0%, 47/87) and the right lower limbs on the medial side (71.3%, 62/87). The tenderness region was 1 to 2 cm in diameter and was irregular in form. After modeling of enteritis in the rats, the EB exudation points were visible from T to L.@*CONCLUSION@#Intestinal diseases induce referred pain on the body surface where is the same as or adjacent to the location of the spinal segment corresponding to the affected intestinal section. These sensitization regions are related to the locations of acupoints.

Protective Effect and Mechanism of Modified Dahuang Zhechong Wan on Renal Interstitial Fibrosis in Rats with Obstructive Nephropathy / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To explore the protective effect and mechanism of modified Dahuang Zhechong Wan on renal interstitial fibrosis in rats with obstructive nephropathy. Method: The unilateral ureteral ligation (UUO)-induced renal interstitial fibrosis model was adopted, 50 SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups:sham operation group, model group, enalapril group (0.001 g·kg-1), and high and low-dose modified Dahuang Zhechong Wan group (19, 9.5 g·kg-1). Rats in each group were put to death on the 15th day after operation. The serum levels of serum creatinine (SCr) and urea nitrogen (BUN) were collected by enzyme method. The 24-hour urine was collected for 24-hour urinary protein quantity(24 h-Upro) by pyrogallol red molybdenum end point. The kidney tissue was removed from the ligated side. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining were performed; the expressions of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), fibronectin (FN) and α-smooth actin (α-SMA) were determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Expressions of TGF-β1, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) and phosphorylated p38 MAPK (p-p38 MAPK) were detected by Western blot. Result: Compared with Sham group, UUO group showed a significant increase in 24 h-Upro, SCr, and BUN (Pβ1, FN, and α-SMA were increased obviously (Pβ1, p38 MAPK, and p-p38 MAPK were increased obviously (PPβ1, FN and α-SMA decreased obviously (Pβ1 and p-p38 decreased obviously (PConclusion: Modified Dahuang Zhechong Wan may improve renal interstitial fibrosis by reducing the high expressions of FN and α-SMA, down-regulating the expressions of p-p38 MAPK and TGF-β1 in p38 MAPK signaling pathway, and decreasing extracellular matrix over deposition and renal cell damage.

Percutaneous curved vertebroplasty in the treatment of thoracolumbar osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: a prospective study / 中华骨科杂志

Objective@#To investigate the clinical effect of percutaneous curved vertebroplasty in the treatment of thoracolum-bar osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs).@*Methods@#All of 85 patients with single thoracolumbar vertebral OVCFs who met the admission criteria from January 2017 to July 2018 were divided into three groups according to the random dig-its table method. They were treated with percutaneous curved vertebroplasty, routine unipedicular PVP and routine bipedicular PVP respectively. There were 25 patients in the percutaneous curved vertebroplasty group, 6 males and 19 females; aged 56-80 years, with an average age of 70.6±9.7 years. Fracture vertebral body distribution: T10 2 cases, T11 4 cases, T12 3 cases, L1 9 cases, L2 3 cases, L3 1 case, L4 1 case and L5 2 cases. There were 32 patients in the routine unipedicular PVP group, 6 males and 26 fe-males; aged 58-75 years, with an average age of 69.5±9.3 years. Fracture vertebral body distribution: T10 2 cases, T11 4 cases, T12 5 cases, L1 11 cases, L2 6 cases, L3 1 case, L4 1 case and L5 2 cases. There were 28 patients in the routine bipedicular PVP group, 5 males and 23 females; aged 59-81 years, with an average age of 69.8±8.8 years. Fracture vertebral body distribution: T10 2 cases, T11 4 cases, T12 4 cases, L1 10 cases, L2 4 cases, L3 1 case, L4 1 case and L5 2 cases. The operation time, injected cement volume, in-traoperative blood loss were recorded and analyzed. Preoperative, postoperative 1 week and 3 months visual analogue scale scores and oswestry disability index were adopted to value the clinical improvements. Preoperative, postoperative 1 week and 3 months relative vertebral height and kyphosis correction, and the cement leakage rate were measured and analyzed.@*Results@#There was no significant difference in the data of gender, age, VAS scores, ODI and distribution of fracture vertebrae among the three groups (P>0.05), and the baseline data was comparable. The average VAS score in the percutaneous curved vertebroplasty group was 2.3±0.5 at 1 week after surgery, that of the routine unipedicular PVP group was 2.4±0.4 and that of the routine bipe-dicular PVP group was 2.4±0.4; the average ODI in the percutaneous curved vertebroplasty group was 19.8%±3.9%, that of the routine unipedicular PVP group was 20.0%±4.1% and that of the routine bipedicular PVP group was 19.9%±3.8%; they were lower than the preoperative data, which were statistically significant (P<0.001). The average relative vertebral height in the percutaneous curved vertebroplasty group was 48.99%±9.23% at 3 months after surgery, that of the routine unipedicular PVP group was 47.11%±10.12% and that of the routine bipedicular PVP group was 46.71%±11.16%; the average kyphosis cor-rection in the percutaneous curved vertebroplasty group was 6.21%±1.94%, that of the routine unipedicular PVP group was 5.22%±2.07% and that of the routine bipedicular PVP group was 5.97%±2.09%; there was 1 cement leakage case in the per-cutaneous curved vertebroplasty group; those of the routine unipedicular PVP group were 4 cases and those of the routine bipe-dicular PVP group were 6 cases; there was no significant difference among the three groups (P>0.05). Operation time 39.10±2.00 min vs 38.70±1.70 min, injected cement volume 3.60±0.11 ml vs 3.50±0.13 ml and blood loss 5.10±0.30 ml vs 5.00±0.40 ml of the percutaneous curved vertebroplasty group and the routine unipedicular PVP group were less than those of the routine bipedicular PVP group, which were statistically significant (P<0.05).@*Conclution@#Percutaneous curved vertebroplasty could achieve satisfactory clinical outcomes for OVCFs, with advantages of less operation time, less blood loss, limited X-ray expo-sure, less injected cement volume, and more balanced augmentation for stabilization of the affected vertebrae and total verte-bral column.