Does adjunctive fixation in conjunction with miniplate affect condylar position and morphology after mandibular advancement through bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy? A retrospective 3-dimensional CT comparative study.

To minimize condylar positional and morphological changes after mandibular advancement through bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSRO), surgeons add either a bicortical screw or a two-hole plate distal to the conventional single miniplate. Since there have been no previous studies investigating the effect of this combination, our study aimed to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of these adjunctive fixation methods (AFM) on condylar positional and morphological changes after mandibular advancement through BSSRO. This retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients with retruded mandibles who were treated in the Department of Orthognathic and TMJ Surgery at West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University. The patients were divided into two groups based on the primary predictor variable, which was the addition of AFM - either a single bicortical screw or a two-hole plate in addition to the single miniplate. The primary outcome variable was the condylar positional and morphological changes after mandibular advancement through BSSRO. Three-dimensional facial CT scans were obtained at three different time points (preoperatively - T0, 1 week postoperatively - T1, and 1 year postoperatively - T2) and analyzed using ITK-SNAP, 3D Slicer, and SlicerSALT software. Intergroup comparisons were conducted with an independent t-test, with a p-value of <0.05 considered significant. Correlations between the variables were estimated by Pearson correlation. The study comprised 51 patients (32 females, 19 males; mean age 25.13 ± 4.24 years), involving a total of 81 condyles (21 unilateral and 60 bilateral). There was a significant difference in long-term condylar displacement in favor of AFM along with a single miniplate (p < 0.001). The bicortical screw group recorded less condylar displacement than the two-hole plate group horizontally (0.11 mm vs 0.22 mm) and sagittally (0.03 mm vs 0.17 mm), but more vertically (0.85 mm vs 0.03 mm). Bone formation associated with AFM occurred on all condylar surfaces, compared with only three surfaces in the single miniplate group. The adjunctive method in addition to the single miniplate fixation method showed less condylar displacement and more bone apposition after mandibular advancement through BSSRO. The follow-up duration variable was the only significant determinant for volumetric changes in the condyle.

The neural representations of valence transformation in indole processing.

Indole is often associated with a sweet and floral odor typical of jasmine flowers at low concentrations and an unpleasant, animal-like odor at high concentrations. However, the mechanism whereby the brain processes this opposite valence of indole is not fully understood yet. In this study, we aimed to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying indole valence encoding in conversion and nonconversion groups using the smelling task to arouse pleasantness. For this purpose, 12 conversion individuals and 15 nonconversion individuals participated in an event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging paradigm with low (low-indole) and high (high-indole) indole concentrations in which valence was manipulated independent of intensity. The results of this experiment showed that neural activity in the right amygdala, orbitofrontal cortex and insula was associated with valence independent of intensity. Furthermore, activation in the right orbitofrontal cortex in response to low-indole was positively associated with subjective pleasantness ratings. Conversely, activation in the right insula and amygdala in response to low-indole was positively correlated with anticipatory hedonic traits. Interestingly, while amygdala activation in response to high-indole also showed a positive correlation with these hedonic traits, such correlation was observed solely with right insula activation in response to high-indole. Additionally, activation in the right amygdala in response to low-indole was positively correlated with consummatory pleasure and hedonic traits. Regarding olfactory function, only activation in the right orbitofrontal cortex in response to high-indole was positively correlated with olfactory identification, whereas activation in the insula in response to low-indole was negatively correlated with the level of self-reported olfactory dysfunction. Based on these findings, valence transformation of indole processing in the right orbitofrontal cortex, insula, and amygdala may be associated with individual hedonic traits and perceptual differences.

Literature Review: Mechanism, Indications, and Clinical Efficacy of Peripheral Nerve Stimulators in Lower Extremity Pain.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Lower extremity pain is deemed by Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to be a significant source of chronic pain in adults. If not appropriately managed, patients are subjected to risks of prolonged musculoskeletal dysfunction, disruption to quality of life, and elevated healthcare expenditures. Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) has shown great potential in recent years demonstrating efficacy in multiple diagnoses ranging from acute post-surgical pain to complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). This study seeks to delineate efficacy of peripheral neuromodulation in the context of chronic lower extremity pain. RECENT FINDINGS: Prevailing clinical studies demonstrate evidence levels ranging from II to V (Oxford Centre of Level of Evidence) in lower limb PNS, attaining positive outcomes in pain scores, opioid use, and quality of life measures. Nerves most frequently targeted are the sciatic and femoral nerves with post-amputation pain and CRPS most commonly investigated for efficacy. PNS is a promising therapeutic modality demonstrated to be effective for a variety of nociceptive and neuropathic pain conditions in the lower extremity. PNS offers chronic pain physicians a powerful tool in the multi-modal management of lower limb chronic pain.

MI-DenseCFNet: deep learning-based multimodal diagnosis models for Aureus and Aspergillus pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE: To build and merge a diagnostic model called multi-input DenseNet fused with clinical features (MI-DenseCFNet) for discriminating between Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia (SAP) and Aspergillus pneumonia (ASP) and to evaluate the significant correlation of each clinical feature in determining these two types of pneumonia using a random forest dichotomous diagnosis model. This will enhance diagnostic accuracy and efficiency in distinguishing between SAP and ASP. METHODS: In this study, 60 patients with clinically confirmed SAP and ASP, who were admitted to four large tertiary hospitals in Kunming, China, were included. Thoracic high-resolution CT lung windows of all patients were extracted from the picture archiving and communication system, and the corresponding clinical data of each patient were collected. RESULTS: The MI-DenseCFNet diagnosis model demonstrates an internal validation set with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.92. Its external validation set demonstrates an AUC of 0.83. The model requires only 10.24s to generate a categorical diagnosis and produce results from 20 cases of data. Compared with high-, mid-, and low-ranking radiologists, the model achieves accuracies of 78% vs. 75% vs. 60% vs. 40%. Eleven significant clinical features were screened by the random forest dichotomous diagnosis model. CONCLUSION: The MI-DenseCFNet multimodal diagnosis model can effectively diagnose SAP and ASP, and its diagnostic performance significantly exceeds that of junior radiologists. The 11 important clinical features were screened in the constructed random forest dichotomous diagnostic model, providing a reference for clinicians. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: MI-DenseCFNet could provide diagnostic assistance for primary hospitals that do not have advanced radiologists, enabling patients with suspected infections like Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia or Aspergillus pneumonia to receive a quicker diagnosis and cut down on the abuse of antibiotics. KEY POINTS: • MI-DenseCFNet combines deep learning neural networks with crucial clinical features to discern between Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia and Aspergillus pneumonia. • The comprehensive group had an area under the curve of 0.92, surpassing the proficiency of junior radiologists. • This model can enhance a primary radiologist's diagnostic capacity.

Consensus statement on research and application of Chinese herbal medicine derived extracellular vesicles-like particles (2023 edition) / 中草药·英文版

To promote the development of extracellular vesicles of herbal medicine especially the establishment of standardization, led by the National Expert Committee on Research and Application of Chinese Herbal Vesicles, research experts in the field of herbal medicine and extracellular vesicles were invited nationwide with the support of the Expert Committee on Research and Application of Chinese Herbal Vesicles, Professional Committee on Extracellular Vesicle Research and Application, Chinese Society of Research Hospitals and the Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Chinese Herbal Vesicles. Based on the collation of relevant literature, we have adopted the Delphi method, the consensus meeting method combined with the nominal group method to form a discussion draft of "Consensus statement on research and application of Chinese herbal medicine derived extracellular vesicles-like particles (2023)". The first draft was discussed in online and offline meetings on October 12, 14, November 2, 2022 and April and May 2023 on the current status of research, nomenclature, isolation methods, quality standards and research applications of extracellular vesicles of Chinese herbal medicines, and 13 consensus opinions were finally formed. At the Third Academic Conference on Research and Application of Chinese Herbal Vesicles, held on May 26, 2023, Kewei Zhao, convenor of the consensus, presented and read the consensus to the experts of the Expert Committee on Research and Application of Chinese Herbal Vesicles. The consensus highlights the characteristics and advantages of Chinese medicine, inherits the essence, and keeps the righteousness and innovation, aiming to provide a reference for colleagues engaged in research and application of Chinese herbal vesicles at home and abroad, decode the mystery behind Chinese herbal vesicles together, establish a safe, effective and controllable accurate Chinese herbal vesicle prevention and treatment system, and build a bridge for Chinese medicine to the world.

[Preliminary Study on the Relationship between the Developmental Stage of Multiple Myeloma Disease and the Results of Bone Marrow Whole Exome Sequencing].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the genetic results of whole exome sequencing of bone marrow from new onset multiple myeloma (MM) patients to analyze the process of genetic clonal evolution in MM patients. METHODS: Genomic DNA was extracted from bone marrow samples of 15 MM patients and the whole exomes sequencing was performed using next generation sequencing technology. Using own buccal cells as germline controls, combinated with clinical information, the mutation profile of genes from high-risk asymptomatic myeloma to symptomatic myeloma were analyzed, and genes that may be associated with the efficacy and side effects of bortezomib were screened. RESULTS: Except for two patients in whom no peripheral neuropathy was observed after a short treatment period, other patients peripheral neuropathy developed of various degrees during treatment with bortezomib containing chemotherapy, and the vast majority of patients achieved remission after receiving this bortezomib-related chemotherapy regimen. All patients had comparable levels of the inherited mutations number, but the somatic mutations was correlated with disease evolution. CONCLUSION: different gene "mutational spectra" exist in myeloma patients at different stages and are associated with progression through all stages of the disease.

Comparative Descriptive Analysis of Physician Versus Patient-Directed Gabapentin Usage In Chronic Pain - A Preliminary Report.

BACKGROUND: Gabapentin is one of the most common medications employed in Pain Medicine, specifically targeting the management of neuropathic pain. We are most familiar with the incremental dosing strategy where a ceiling dose is eventually attained guided by efficacy and patient tolerance, after which a fixed dosing regimen is prescribed. We propose that autonomous short-term dose variations per patient could have rapid clinically significant effects in the management of chronic pain. OBJECTIVES: This study examines the frequency at which patients take gabapentin on a fixed vs variable schedule and how the pattern of gabapentin use correlates with efficacy, side effects, and patient satisfaction. STUDY DESIGN: Single institution, cross-sectional observational survey study with data collection performed over 2 phases as a pilot for proof of concept. SETTING: Remote contact via telephone with researchers calling from a quiet, private location within the hospital complex conducive for confidential conversation. METHODS: Patients recently prescribed gabapentin were queried on the patterns of use and self-perceived efficacy, satisfaction, and side effects in accordance to a standardized oral script. Patients selected met the criteria of being new patients freshly prescribed gabapentin who have been consistently on the medication for at least a month, while having chronic pain symptoms for over 3 months. Responses were collected in the form of a 5-point Likert scale. Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism. RESULTS: Of the 222 patients, 92 patients agreed to participate in the survey for a response rate of 41.4. Of these, 51% had terminated the medication for various reasons. Of the patients still taking gabapentin, 73% were on a fixed schedule, while 27% were on a variable dosing schedule. Variable dosing cohort reported better efficacy (P = 0.027) and satisfaction (P = 0.036), while the side-effect profile between the 2 groups was similar. LIMITATIONS: The study is limited by its nature of being a pilot, single-institution study performed on a relatively small sample size. None of the patients we surveyed had been given the autonomy to adjust gabapentin doses by their providers and this could significantly reduce the proportion of patients who would be encouraged to run a variable dosing regimen. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study suggests that a significant portion of patients choose to administer variable doses of gabapentin and associate this with better efficacy and satisfaction. A larger study is needed to confirm this supposition. Based upon this pilot study, the variable dosing option may be an option for improved therapeutic efficacy or as an alternative to those whose lifestyles do not allow for fixed dosing regimens. Discussion of the risks of gabapentin, including respiratory depression, and clear dosage parameters of use, would need to be outlined when considering a variable dose regimen.

Childhood trauma and social support affect symptom profiles through cortical thickness abnormalities in major depressive disorder: A structural equation modeling analysis.

BACKGROUND: Childhood trauma, low social support, and alexithymia are recognized as risk factors for major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the mechanisms of risk factors, symptoms, and corresponding structural brain abnormalities in MDD are not fully understood. Structural equation modeling (SEM) has advantages in studying multivariate interrelationships. We aim to illustrate their relationships using SEM. METHODS: 313 MDD patients (213 female; mean age 42.49 years) underwent magnetic resonance imaging and completed assessments. We integrated childhood trauma, alexithymia, social support, anhedonia, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation and cortical thickness into a multivariate SEM. RESULTS: We first established the risk factors-clinical phenotype SEM with an adequate fit. Cortical thickness results show a negative correlation of childhood trauma with the left middle temporal gyrus (MTG) (p = 0.012), and social support was negatively correlated with the left posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) (p < 0.001). The final good fit SEM (χ2 = 32.92, df = 21, χ2/df = 1.57, CFI = 0.962, GFI = 0.978, RMSEA = 0.043) suggested two pathways, with left PCC thickness mediating the relationship between social support and suicidal ideation, and left MTG thickness mediating between childhood trauma and anhedonia/anxiety. CONCLUSION: Our findings provide evidence for the impact of risk factor variables on the brain structure and clinical phenotype of MDD patients. Insufficient social support and childhood trauma might lead to corresponding cortical abnormalities in PCC and MTG, affecting the patient's mood and suicidal ideation. Future interventions should aim at these nodes.

Identification and evaluation of cruciferous plant volatiles attractive to Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae).

BACKGROUND: The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, has developed resistance to almost all insecticides used for its control. The 'push-pull' method has been shown as an effective control strategy to address this resistance challenge of P. xylostella. The key focus of the strategy is the identification of attractive or repellent volatile components. The aim of this study was to identify attractive volatile compounds released from host plants. Identified compounds were applied in the biological control of this pest. RESULTS: Nine active compounds released into the headspace of seven cruciferous plant species were identified using gas chromatography-electroantennographic detection and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Electroantennographic detection-active compounds included five green leaf volatiles (hexanal, trans-2-hexen-1-ol, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, cis-3-hexenyl acetate, and 1-penten-3-ol), three isothiocyanates (isopropyl isothiocyanate, allyl isothiocyanate, and butyl isothiocyanate), and nonanal. Except for nonanal, all the identified green leaf volatiles and isothiocyanates elicited strong electrophysiological and behavioral responses in P. xylostella. The strongest attractive compounds, trans-2-hexen-1-ol and isopropyl isothiocyanate, were further evaluated in oviposition and field-trapping assays. Results showed that they both lured female moths to lay eggs, and were highly attractive to P. xylostella adults in field, especially when used in combination with yellow and green sticky boards. However, a blend of the two compounds showed no synergistic effect, but rather an antagonistic effect. CONCLUSIONS: Green leaf volatiles and isothiocyanates were identified as key olfactory cues for host selection of P. xylostella. Trans-2- hexen-1-ol and isopropyl isothiocyanate were identified as candidate attractive compounds to serve in a 'push-pull' strategy for P. xylostella control. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Thermal/Redox-triggered release of pyrazinic functional molecules by coordination polymers with luminescence monitoring ability.

Storage of volatile active molecules, along with the prolongation of their specific functions, requires the use of regulatable carriers. Pyrazine derivatives are highly volatile compounds with a broad application owing to their flavoring, pharmaceutical, antimicrobial, antiseptic, and insecticidal properties. In this study, pyrazines were stored by coordinating them with cuprous iodide to easily generate a series of luminescent coordination polymer (CP)-based carriers. The CPs could respond to thermal-redox stimuli and manipulate pyrazine release by breaking the labile Cu-N bonds when triggered by the two stimuli. Moreover, the release process could be visualized by decreased luminescence caused by the gradual decomposition of CP structures. The loading efficiencies ranged from 31% to 38%, and the controlled release behaviors accord with the zero-order kinetics. This work is the first to prove that CPs could function as dual stimuli-mediated delivery systems, which hold the potential to control the release and strengthen the usability of functional molecules.

Boric acid group-functional ruthenium complex as a novel fluorescence probe for robust detection of propyl gallate and tert-butyl hydroquinone by tuning the pH.

This study reported a ruthenium complex-based fluorescence probe, achieving rapid and sequential detection of propyl gallate (PG) and tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ) for the first time by tuning pH only. Under 480 nm excitation, probe exhibited intensive emission at 620 nm, which was selectively quenched by PG at pH 7.0 due to the covalent binding between the boric acid of probe and o-diphenol hydroxyl of PG. Then pH was tuned to 7.4, the emission was significantly quenched by TBHQ because of the π-π stacking between aromatic rings of probe and paraquinone of TBHQ. This probe realized specific and sensitive detection of PG and TBHQ with wide range and low detection limit (0.26 µM for PG and 0.66 µM for TBHQ). Furthermore, a portable visual test paper detection platform was built based on this probe for rapid and sensitive detection of antioxidants in food, which was of great significance for market regulation.

Transcriptomics-based investigation of manganese dioxide nanoparticle toxicity in rats' choroid plexus.

Manganese dioxide nanoparticles (MnO2-NPs) have a wide range of applications in biomedicine. Given this widespread usage, it is worth noting that MnO2-NPs are definitely toxic, especially to the brain. However, the damage caused by MnO2-NPs to the choroid plexus (CP) and to the brain after crossing CP epithelial cells has not been elucidated. Therefore, this study aims to investigate these effects and elucidate potential underlying mechanisms through transcriptomics analysis. To achieve this objective, eighteen SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: the control group (control), low-dose exposure group (low-dose) and high-dose exposure group (high-dose). Animals in the two treated groups were administered with two concentrations of MnO2-NPs (200 mg kg-1 BW and 400 mg kg-1 BW) using a noninvasive intratracheal injection method once a week for three months. Finally, the neural behavior of all the animals was tested using a hot plate tester, open-field test and Y-type electric maze. The morphological characteristics of the CP and hippocampus were observed by H&E stain, and the transcriptome of CP tissues was analysed by transcriptome sequencing. The representative differentially expressed genes were quantified by qRT-PCR. We found that treatment with MnO2-NPs could induce learning capacity and memory faculty decline and destroy the structure of hippocampal and CP cells in rats. High doses of MnO2-NPs had a more obvious destructive capacity. For transcriptomic analysis, we found that there were significant differences in the numbers and types of differential genes in CP between the low- and high-dose groups compared to the control. Through GO terms and KEGG analysis, high-dose MnO2-NPs significantly affected the expression of transporters, ion channel proteins, and ribosomal proteins. There were 17 common differentially expressed genes. Most of them were transporter and binding genes on the cell membrane, and some of them had kinase activity. Three genes, Brinp, Synpr and Crmp1, were selected for qRT-PCR to confirm their expression differences among the three groups. In conclusion, high-dose MnO2-NPs exposure induced abnormal neurobehaviour, impaired memory function, destroyed the structure of the CP and changed its transcriptome in rats. The most significant DEGs in the CP were within the transport system.

Association between lipoprotein(a) and peripheral arterial disease in coronary artery bypass grafting patients.

OBJECTIVE: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects a large population and is associated with various adverse clinical outcomes. Lipoprotein(a) has proatherogenic properties and is associated with PAD incidence and severity. The aim of this study is to explore the association between LP(a) and PAD in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients. METHODS: A total of 1001 patients were included and divided into two groups: low Lp(a) group [LP(a) < 30 mg/dL] and high Lp(a) group [LP(a) ≥ 30 mg/dL]. A comparison of PAD incidence diagnosed by ultrasound was made between the groups. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to explore the risk factors for PAD. During the analysis, the influence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and gender on LP(a) serum level was taken into consideration. RESULTS: DM history (odds ratio [OR], 2.330, p = .000 for males; OR, 2.499, p = .002 for females) and age (OR, 1.101, p = .000 for males; OR, 1.071, p = .001 for females) were risk factors for PAD. LP(a) ≥ 30 mg/dL was a risk factor for PAD only in female patients (OR, 2.589, p = .003), while smoking history was a risk factor only in male patients (OR, 1.928, p = .000). LP(a) level was not associated with PAD severity in DM patients of both gender. As for female patients without DM, PAD was more severe in the high LP(a) group. CONCLUSIONS: In CABG patients, DM history and age were risk factors for PAD. But a high level of LP(a) was a significant risk factor only in female patients. In addition, we are the first to propose a gender deviation in the correlation between LP(a) serum level and severity of PAD diagnosed by ultrasound.

Electronic structure characteristics of two-dimensional ferroelectric heterostructuresα-In2Se3/ZnSe.

At present, chips urgently need breakthrough development in the power consumption and integration. The chip integrates billions or even tens of billions of electronic components, such as field effect transistor, diode and so on. Therefore, the research and development of new low-power electronic components with smaller size is an effective method to reduce chip power consumption and improve chip integration. In this paper, the ferroelectric field effect transistor (Fe-FET) based on two-dimensional heterostructuresα-In2Se3/ZnSe is proposed. Based on the first principle, the program will analyze the stability and band structure ofα-In2Se3/ZnSe under different stacking modes. In the heterojunction, the microphysical mechanism of ferroelectric polarization affecting the electronic structure is revealed from the aspects of charge transfer at the interface and the asymmetric surfaces with different work function. Combined with the non-equilibrium Green's function transport theory, the transport properties of Fe-FET based on theirα-In2Se3/ZnSe will be studied. The application will provide sufficient theoretical support for research and development of the device based onα-In2Se3/ZnSe structure.

Copper(I)-Iodide Clusters as Carriers for Regulating and Visualizing Release of Aroma Molecules.

Achieving the controlled release of functional substances is indispensable in many aspects of life. Especially for the aroma molecules, their effective delivery of flavor and fragrance is challenging. Here, selected pyridines, as highly volatile odorants, were individually coordinated with copper(I) iodide (CuII) via a straightforward one-pot synthesis method, rapidly forming pure or even crystalline CuII cluster-based profragrances at room temperature. The obtained profragrances enabled the stable and high loading of volatile fragrances under ambient conditions and guaranteed their long-lasting release during heating. Furthermore, the intrinsic emission luminescence of these solid-state profragrances decayed along with the aroma release, which can serve as an additional indicator for monitoring the delivery process. This research sets a precedent for using CuII clusters as dual-purpose release agents and greatly expands their potential applications.

Manufacturing classification system for oral solid dosage forms of traditional Chinese medicines (Ⅱ): classification of tablets disintegration behavior / 中国中药杂志

In this paper, 50 batches of representative traditional Chinese medicine tablets were selected and the disintegration time was examined with the method in Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The disintegration time and disintegration phenomenon were recorded, and the dissolution behaviors of water-soluble and ultraviolet-absorbent components during the disintegration process of tablets were characterized by self-control method. The results revealed that coating type and raw material type influenced the disintegration time of tablets. It was found that only 4% of traditional Chinese medicine tablets had obvious fragmentation during the disintegration process, while 96% of traditional Chinese medicine tablets showed gradual dissolution or dispersion. Furthermore, according to the disintegration speed, disintegration phenomenon, and whether the cumulative dissolution of measured components was > 90% at complete disintegration, a disintegration behavior classification system(DBCS) was created for the regular-release traditional Chinese medicine tablets. As a result, the disintegration behaviors of 50 batches of traditional Chinese medicine tablets were classified into four categories, i.e. ⅠA_2, ⅠB_1, ⅡB_1, and ⅡB_2. traditional Chinese medicine tablets(Class I) with disintegration time ≤ 30 min were defined to be rapid in disintegration, which can be the objective of optimization or improvement of Chinese herbal extract(semi extract) tablets. Different drug release models were used to fit the dissolution curve of traditional Chinese medicine tablets with gradual dissolution or dispersion phenomenon(i.e. Type B tablets). The results showed that the dissolution curves of water-soluble components in the disintegration process conformed to the zero order kinetics and the Ritger-Peppas model. It could be inferred that the disintegration mechanisms of type B tablets were a combination of dissolution controlled and swelling controlled mechanisms. This study contributes to understanding the disintegration behavior of traditional Chinese medicine tablets, and provides a reference for the design and improvement of disintegration performance of traditional Chinese medicine tablets.

Manufacturing classification system for oral solid dosage forms of traditional Chinese medicines(Ⅰ): classification of processing routes / 中国中药杂志

Oral solid dosage(OSD) occupies a key position in the market of Chinese patent medicines and new traditional Chinese medicines. Processing route is the foundation for the research and development of traditional Chinese medicine OSDs. On the basis of prescriptions and preparation methods of 1 308 traditional Chinese medicine OSDs recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, we summarized the patterns of processing routes of both modern dosage forms(tablets, granules, and capsules) and traditional dosage forms(pills and powder) and constructed a manufacturing classification system(MCS) based on the processing routes. Based on the MCS, statistical analyses were conducted respectively on medicinal materials, pharmaceutical excipients, extraction solvents in the pretreatment process, crushed medicinal materials, methods of concentration and purification, and methods of drying and granulation, aiming to uncover the process features. The results showed that each dosage form can be prepared via different routes with different processing methods of decoction pieces and raw materials for dosage preparation. The raw materials for dosage form preparation of traditional Chinese medicine OSDs included total extract, semi-extract, and total crushed powder, which accounted for different proportions. The raw materials for traditional dosage forms are mainly decoction pieces powder. Semi-extracts are the main raw materials for tablets and capsules, which account for 64.8% and 56.3%, respectively. Total extracts are the main raw materials for granules, with a proportion of 77.8%. Compared with tablets and capsules, traditional Chinese medicine granules with dissolubility requirements had a larger proportion of water extraction process, a higher proportion of refining process(34.7%), and a lower proportion of crushed medicinal mate-rials in semi-extract granules. There are four ways to add volatile oil to the modern dosage forms of traditional Chinese medicine. In addition, some new technologies and processes have been used in concentration, filtration, and granulation processes of traditional Chinese medicine OSDs, and the application of pharmaceutical excipients is diversified. The results of this study are expected to provide reference for the processing route design and upgrading of OSDs for new traditional Chinese medicines.

Identification and biological characterization of pathogen causing black spot of Pseudostellaria heterophylla in Fujian province / 中国中药杂志

In Zherong county, Fujian province, the black spot of Pseudostellaria heterophylla often breaks out in the rainy season from April to June every year. As one of the main leaf diseases of P. heterophylla, black spot seriously affects the yield and quality of the medicinal material. To identify and characterize the pathogens causing black spot, we isolated the pathogens, identified them as a species of Alternaria according to Koch's postulates, and then tested their pathogenicity and biological characteristics. The results showed that the pathogens causing P. heterophylla black spot were A. gaisen, as evidenced by the similar colony morphology, spore characteristics, sporulation phenotype, and the same clade with A. gaisen on the phylogenetic tree(the maximum likelihood support rate of 100% and the Bayesian posterior probability of 1.00) built based on the tandem sequences of ITS, tef1, gapdh, endoPG, Alta1, OPA10-2, and KOG1077. The optimum conditions for mycelial growth of the pathogen were 25 ℃, pH 5-8, and 24 h dark culture. The lethal conditions for mycelia and spores were both treatment at 50 ℃ for 10 min. We reported for the first time the A. gaisen-caused black spot of P. heterophylla. The results could provide a theoretical basis for the diagnosis and control of P. heterophylla leaf spot diseases.