Chemical profiling of Zhi-Ke-Bao pills and its potential mechanism against cough by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and network pharmacology.

Zhi-Ke-Bao pills (ZKB), a traditional Chinese medicine preparation composed of 13 herbs, is generally used to treat cough caused by external wind cold, phlegm, etc in clinical applications, and it plays a core role in relieving cough caused by COVID-19 and influenza in China. Till now, the understanding of its chemical constituents was dramatically limited due to its chemical complexity, restricting its clinical application or development. In this work, a developed ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF MS) method, a targeted and non-targeted strategy and network pharmacology were used to comprehensively characterize the chemical compositions in ZKB and predict its mechanism against cough. A total of 164 compounds (148 targeted compounds and 16 non-targeted ones) were identified or tentatively characterized in ZKB, including 65 flavonoids, 25 alkaloids, 19 organic acids, 41 saponins, 9 coumarins, 2 phenylpropanoids, 2 anthraquinones, and 1 other types. Among them, 37 compounds were unambiguously identified by comparison to reference standards. Meanwhile, the fragmentation behaviors of five main chemical structure types were also summarized. 309 targets and two core signaling pathways of ZKB against cough were predicted by network pharmacology, including MAPK and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. It was the first time to characterize the chemical compounds of ZKB and reveal its potential mechanism against cough, providing the material basis for further quality control or pharmacodynamic evaluation of ZKB.

Metal-Organic Framework Based Sensors for Benzene Vapor.

Sensing of benzene vapor is a hot spot due to the volatile drastic carcinogen even at trace concentration. However, achieving convenient and rapid detection is still a challenge. As a sort of functional porous material, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been developed as detection sensors by adsorbing benzene vapor and converting it into other signals (fluorescence intensity/wavelength, chemiresistive, weight or color, etc.). Supramolecular interaction between benzene molecules and the host framework, aperture size/shape and structural flexibility are influential factors in the performance of MOF-based sensors. Therefore, enhancing the host-guest interactions between the host framework and benzene molecules, or regulating the diffusion rate of benzene molecules by changing the aperture size/shape and flexibility of the host framework to enhance the detection signal are effective strategies for constructing MOF-based sensors. This concept highlights several types of MOF-based sensors for the detection of benzene vapor.

A Potential miRNA-mRNA Network for Dementia and Hernia Crosstalk.

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that there may be a potential link between hernia and dementia. However, the exact mechanisms of their association have not been established. This study is aimed at constructing miRNA-mRNA networks to elucidate on the potential link between dementia and hernia. METHODS: Gene expression profiles for dementia, herniation, and skeletal muscle were downloaded from the GEO database after which differentially expressed mRNAs and miRNAs were obtained. In addition, fascia tissue samples were obtained during surgery. A total of 41 patients were recruited in this study, and expression levels of candidate genes were examined using quantitative RT-PCR. Luciferase reporter gene assays were used to identify potential miRNA-mRNA regulatory pathways. RESULTS: Differentially expressed mRNAs and miRNAs were screened. A potential miRNA-mRNA network revealing the crosstalk mechanism between herniation and dementia was identified. Single cell analysis revealed that PI16 was highly enriched in adipose tissues, skeletal muscles, and in the skin. GSEA enrichment analysis showed that PI16 is involved in adipose metabolism, muscle functions, and energy metabolism. In clinical samples, PI16 was found to be upregulated in hernia, while miR-4451 was found to be downregulated. The luciferase reporter gene assay revealed that downregulation of circulating miR-4451 may be responsible for the upregulated PI16 expression in hernia sacs. CONCLUSIONS: We constructed an miRNA-mRNA network that shows the potential association between dementia and hernia. We also found that miR-4451 regulates the PI16 expression, which may be a key target and biomarker for hernia pathogenesis and dementia crosstalk.

Motion characteristics of the lower lumbar spine in individuals with different pelvic incidence: An in vivo biomechanical study.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic incidence is the quantification of the pelvis anatomical shape which has significant effect on the occurrence of various lumbar degenerative diseases. The aim of this study was to measure the in vivo dynamic motion characteristics of the lower lumbar spine in people with different pelvic incidence. METHODS: A total of 55 volunteers were included in the study. The participants were devided into 3 groups (A: pelvic incidence≤40°, B: 40° < pelvic incidence <60° and C: pelvic incidence ≥60°). The L3-S1 vertebrae of each subject was MRI scanned to construct 3D models. The lumbar spine was then imaged using a dual fluoroscopic imaging system as the subject performed physiological position. The 3D vertebral models and the fluoroscopic images were used to reproduce the in vivo vertebral positions along the motion path. The relative translations and rotations of each motion segment were analyzed. FINDINGS: At the L5-S1 segment, the primary ranges of motion for left-right axial rotation and flexion-extension of the patients with large pelvic incidence (3.28° ± 0.79°, 7.56° ± 1.81°) were significantly larger than normal pelvic incidence (2.61° ± 1.01°, 6.57° ± 2.18°) and small pelvic incidence (2.00° ± 0.60°, 5.83° ± 1.67°). INTERPRETATION: The anatomic variable pelvic incidence is associated with the ranges of motion in lower lumbar vertebrae, especially in the L4-5 and L5-S1 segments.

A universal electrochemical lithiation-delithiation method to prepare low-crystalline metal oxides for high-performance hybrid supercapacitors.

The electrochemical performance of transition metal oxides (TMOs) for hybrid supercapacitors has been optimized through various methods in previous reports. However, most previous research was mainly focused on well-crystalline TMOs. Herein, the electrochemical lithiation-delithiation method was performed to synthesise low-crystallinity TMOs for hybrid supercapacitors. It was found that the lithiation-delithiation process can significantly improve the electrochemical performance of "conversion-type" TMOs, such as CoO, NiO, etc. The as-prepared low-crystallinity CoO exhibits high specific capacitance of 2154.1 F g-1 (299.2 mA h g-1) at 0.8 A g-1, outstanding rate capacitance retention of 63.9% even at 22.4 A g-1 and excellent cycling stability with 90.5% retention even after 10 000 cycles. When assembled as hybrid supercapacitors using active carbon (AC) as the active material of the negative electrode, the devices show a high energy density of 50.9 W h kg-1 at 0.73 kW kg-1. Another low-crystallinity NiO prepared by the same method also possesses a much higher specific capacitance of 2317.6 F g-1 (302.6 mA h g-1) compared to that for pristine commercial NiO of 497.2 F g-1 at 1 A g-1. The improved energy storage performance of the low-crystallinity metal oxides can be ascribed to the disorder of as-prepared low-crystallinity metal oxides and interior 3D-connected channels originating from the lithiation-delithiation process. This method may open new opportunities for scalable and facile synthesis of low-crystallinity metal oxides for high-performance hybrid supercapacitors.

Evaluation of MRI and CT parameters to analyze the correlation between disc and facet joint degeneration in the lumbar three-joint complex.

Lumbar 3-joint complex degeneration is a multifactorial, pathological process. Previous studies included insufficient quantitative analyses to prove the relationship between disc degeneration and facet joint osteoarthritis (OA). We assessed the correlation between intervertebral disc and lumbar facet joint degeneration using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters.A total of 152 participants who underwent conventional MRI and CT in the clinostat position were included in this study. The presence of lumbar disc degeneration was identified using the Pfirrmann grading system, and the presence of lumbar facet joint degeneration was identified using the Weishaupt grading system. Facet tropism was defined as a divergence more than 7° between the facet joint angles of both sides at the same segment. The intervertebral disc heights were also measured.Most facet joint OA probably appeared at the segment with intervertebral disc degeneration of more than grade III. Facet joint OA was significantly exacerbated with the progression of disc degeneration grade. The intervertebral height significantly decreased with the progression of facet joint degeneration grades, except for grades 0 and 1.Our current study found that each individual joint degeneration influences the other 2 in the lumbar 3-joint complex. Facet tropism was significantly associated with lumbar disc degeneration. Narrowing of the intervertebral disc height probably aggravates the facet joint degeneration further at the same level.

In vivo dynamic motion characteristics of the lower lumbar spine: L4-5 lumbar degenerative disc diseases undergoing unilateral or bilateral pedicle screw fixation combined with TLIF.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short-term in vivo dynamic motion characteristics of the lower lumbar spine (L3-S1) after unilateral pedicle screw fixation (UPSF) or bilateral pedicle screw fixation (BPSF) combined with TLIF for treatment of L4-5 lumbar degenerative disc diseases (DDD). METHODS: Twenty-eight patients were recruited (13 UPSF, 15 BPSF). Each patient was CT-scanned to construct 3D models of the L3-S1 vertebrae. The dual fluoroscopic imaging system (DFIS) was then used to image the lumbar spine while the patient performed seven functional activities (upright standing, maximum extension, flexion, left-right twist, and left-right bend). The in vivo vertebral positions were reproduced using the 3D vertebral models and DFIS images. The ranges of motion (ROMs) of L3-4, L4-5, and L5-S1 segments were analyzed. RESULTS: At the index L4-5 segment, the primary ROM of left-right twist of the UPSF group (2.11 ± 0.52°) was significantly larger (p = 0.000) than the BPSF group (0.73 ± 0.32°). At the proximal adjacent L3-4 segment, the primary ROMs of left-right twist, and left-right bend of the UPSF group (2.16 ± 0.73°, 2.28 ± 1.03°) were significantly less (p = 0.003, 0.023) than the BPSF group (3.17 ± 0.88, 3.12 ± 1.04°), respectively. However, at distal adjacent L5-S1 segment, no significant difference was found between the two groups during all activities. CONCLUSIONS: The ROM in left-right twisting of UPSF group was significantly larger compared with BPSF group at the index level in the short term. The UPSF has less impact on the cranial adjacent level (L3-4) in left-right twisting and bending activities compared to the BPSF. The data implied that the UPSE and BPSF combined with TLIF would result in different biomechanics in the index and cranial adjacent segment biomechanics. Long-term follow-up studies are necessary to compare the clinical outcomes of the two surgeries.

Microencapsulated Schwann cell transplantation inhibits P2X3 receptor expression in dorsal root ganglia and neuropathic pain.

Schwann cell transplantation is a promising method to promote neural repair, and can be used for peripheral nerve protection and myelination. Microcapsule technology largely mitigates immune rejection of transplanted cells. We previously showed that microencapsulated olfactory ensheathing cells can reduce neuropathic pain and we hypothesized that microencapsulated Schwann cells can also inhibit neuropathic pain. Rat Schwann cells were cultured by subculture and then microencapsulated and were tested using a rat chronic constriction injury (CCI) neuropathic pain model. CCI rats were treated with Schwann cells or microencapsulated Schwann cells and were compared with sham and CCI groups. Mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency were assessed preoperatively and at 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 14 days postoperatively. The expression of P2X3 receptors in L4-5 dorsal root ganglia of the different groups was detected by double-label immunofluorescence on day 14 after surgery. Compared with the chronic constriction injury group, mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency were higher, but the expression of P2X3 receptors was remarkably decreased in rats treated with Schwann cells and microencapsulated Schwann cells, especially in the rats transplanted with microencapsulated Schwann cells. The above data show that microencapsulated Schwann cell transplantation inhibits P2X3 receptor expression in L4-5 dorsal root ganglia and neuropathic pain.

Lumbar spinal canal osteosarcoma: A case report.

RATIONALE: Osteosarcoma is a rare neoplasm in the lumbar spine. Although osteosarcoma can arise in any portion of the skeleton, it very rarely arises in the spinal canal, which accounts for <0.1% of all cases of adult sarcomas. Here, we describe a case of osteosarcoma arising in the L4-5 spinal canal. PATIENT CONCERNS: The present report describes the case of a 55-year-old female patient with osteosarcoma of the L4-5 spinal canal. DIAGNOSES: The patient was initially diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis and underwent lumbar fusion at a local hospital. At the 4-month follow-up, the patient reported a marked increase in numbness and pain in the lumbar region and lower limbs. Based on magnetic resonance imaging, we diagnosed a postoperative infectious lesion of the lumbar spine. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent surgery for complete removal of the mass lesion. The mass measured 3 × 2.5 × 0.7 cm in size and was located in the L4-5 spinal canal. OUTCOMES: Based on histological and immunohistochemical findings, the diagnosis of osteosarcoma was confirmed by an expert pathology consultant. The patient then received chemotherapy. Postoperative follow-up at 6 months revealed no evidence of recurrent disease or residual side effects from therapy. LESSONS: Osteosarcoma in the L4-5 spinal canal is extremely rare and very difficult to distinguish histologically from benign nervous and fibrous tissue. This is a very valuable case, which highlights the need for orthopedic surgeons to consider this when diagnosing patients with spinal tumors.

Microencapsulated Schwann cell transplantation inhibits P2X2/3 receptors overexpression in a sciatic nerve injury rat model with neuropathic pain.

Transplantation of Schwann cells (SCs) can promote axonal regeneration and formation of the myelin sheath, reduce inflammation, and promote repair to the damaged nerve. Our previous studies have shown that transplantation of free or micro-encapsulated olfactory ensheathing cells can relieve neuropathic pain. There are no related reports regarding whether the transplantation of micro-encapsulated SCs can alleviate neuropathic pain mediated by P2X2/3 receptors. In the present study, we micro-encapsulated SCs in alginic acid and transplanted them into the region surrounding the injured sciatic nerve in the rat model of chronic constriction injury (CCI). The mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency were measured to assess changes in behavior 14 days after the surgery in CCI model rats. Ultrastructural changes in the injured sciatic nerve were assessed using transmission electron microscopy. Co-expression of P2X2/3 receptors with other markers in neurons in the L4-5 dorsal root ganglia (DRG) were assessed using double-label immunofluorescence 14 days after surgery. We determined P2X2/3 mRNA expression and protein level changes in the DRG using quantitative real-time polymerase change reaction technology and Western blotting analysis. We have investigated that the transplantation of micro-encapsulated SCs can alleviate pathological pain caused by P2X2/3 receptor stimulation and explored new methods for the prevention and treatment of neuropathic pain.

Unilateral versus Bilateral Pedicle Screw Fixation Combined with Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion for the Treatment of Low Lumbar Degenerative Disc Diseases: Analysis of Clinical and Radiographic Results.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical and radiographic results of unilateral pedicle screw fixation (UPSF) and bilateral pedicle screw fixation (BPSF) after unilateral transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) for the treatment of lumbar degenerative disc diseases (DDDs). METHODS: A total of 63 patients who underwent UPSF or BPSF combined with unilateral TLIF at L4-L5 or L5-S1 in our hospital between 2014 and 2016 were included in this analysis. The perioperative outcomes and radiographic results were recorded at preoperative and postoperative follow-up. Fusion rates were determined according to the Bridwell-Lenke grading system. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the visual analog scale, Oswestry Disability Index, and lumbar Japanese Orthopedic Association score. RESULTS: According to the perioperative assessment, the duration of operation, intraoperative and postoperative blood loss, duration of pain medication use, and hospital costs were significantly (P < 0.0001) lower in the UPSF group compared with the BPSF group. After a mean follow-up of 24 months, both the UPSF and BPSF groups showed significantly (P < 0.05) maintained disc height and segmental lordosis of the surgical segment and achieved similar clinical outcomes at the final postoperative follow-up. The impact on the cranial adjacent vertebral level was significantly (P < 0.05) less in the UPSF group than the BPSF group in the short term. CONCLUSIONS: UPSF techniques with TLIF can attain similar clinical efficiency as BPSF techniques in treating single-level low lumbar DDD, but with fewer surgical injuries and at lower cost. BPSF with TLIF likely causes more degeneration at the cranial adjacent segment compared with UPSF techniques. The long-term results require more study.