Analysis of initial sandplay characteristics among university students with different levels of loneliness.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Loneliness is detrimental to mental health, with university students at higher risk of feeling lonely than other population groups. The mental health of college students is a hot topic at present. Despite numerous studies exploring interventions for loneliness among university students. However, little research has explored early psychological manifestations of university students with different levels of loneliness. Despite numerous studies exploring interventions for loneliness among university students, little research has explored early psychological manifestations of university students with different levels of loneliness. Initial sandplay is a good tool to reveal psychological activity. Therefore, our study aims to explore the characteristics of initial sandplay application among university students with different levels of loneliness. METHODS: We recruited 60 volunteers from a university to perform a sandplay experiment from January to April 2021. The UCLA Loneliness Scale measured the levels of loneliness. These 60 participants were divided into the experimental group (n = 30) and control group (n = 30) according to their levels of loneliness. The experimental group included participants with a scale score of more than 44. Other participants with a scale score of less than 44 belong to the control group. We recorded their sandplay artwork and statistically analyzed it by the Sandplay Process Record Form. Group comparisons were performed using the t-test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test for continuous variables, and the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. The logistic regression analysis by forward stepwise method was conducted to analyze the sandplay theme features for loneliness. RESULTS: Regarding the sandplay tools, the experimental group used fewer transportation tools (t=-3.608, p < 0.01) and more natural elements (t = 2.176, p < 0.05) than the control group. Moreover, the experimental group created more natural scenes (χ2 = 4.310, p < 0.05) and used less of the lower left (χ2 = 4.593, p < 0.05) and lower right (χ2 = 5.934, p < 0.05) spaces. With regards to sand changes, the experimental group was less likely than the control group to make substantial changes (χ2 = 5.711, p < 0.05) and more likely to make almost no changes (χ2 = 4.022, p < 0.05). In terms of the themes, the experimental group was more likely to exhibit sandplay artwork themes of emptiness (χ2 = 8.864, p < 0.05) and neglect (χ2 = 6.667, p < 0.05), and less likely to show themes of energy (χ2 = 5.079, p < 0.05). In the logistic regression analysis of the sandplay themes, emptiness (OR = 5.714, 95%CI: 1.724-18.944, p = 0.003) and neglect (OR = 7.000, 95%CI: 1.381-35.479, p = 0.010) were demonstrated a nominal association with high levels of loneliness among both groups (F = 16.091, p < 0.01, ΔR2 = 0.193), but failed to pass the Bonferroni testing correction (p threshold < 0.0025). CONCLUSION: University students with higher degree of loneliness do not like to drastic changes and prefer to use natural elements in element selection, while the control group likes to drastic changes and prefers to use transportation tools in element selection. Regression analysis of sandplay theme features revealed emptines and neglect may as significant associated factors for loneliness. We propose sandplay characteristics can help identify university students with different levels of loneliness during psychological evaluations. Therefore, it is important that the school and healthcare systems assist college students in identifying the loneliness through initial sandplay and carrying on the necessary psychological counseling to the lonely student population.

Comparison of 3D-arterial spin labeling and digital subtraction angiography in the diagnosis of occlusion and collateral circulation in patients with acute ischemic stroke / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To explore the diagnostic value of 3D-arterial spin labeling (ASL) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in the occlusion and collateral circulation (CC) of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).Methods:From January 2019 to June 2020, 53 cases of AIS patients with middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion in Langfang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine were selected as the research objects. All patients underwent DSA and 3D ASL examination. According to the gold standard of DSA, the diagnostic value of proximal intra-arterial signal (IAS) in 3D-ASL was observed, and the clinical value of distal IAS in the diagnosis of lateral CC was observed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify risk factors for poor outcome in AIS patients.Results:There were 31 cases with good collateral circulation judged by DSA. Taking DSA as the gold standard, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of digital IAS in diagnosing CC status were 93.55%, 81.82%, 87.88%, 90.00% and 88.68%, respectively. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of patients with good CC assessed by 3D-ASL was lower than that of patients with poor CC at admission, and the good prognosis rate at discharge was higher than that of patients with poor CC, with statistically significant difference (all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in clinical data between patients with good CC and those with poor CC, such as gender, age, history of atrial fibrillation, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, drinking, onset to treatment time, treatment methods, etc (all P>0.05). Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that poor CC assessed by ASL was a risk factor for poor prognosis in AIS patients ( OR=5.897, P<0.05). Conclusions:The proximal and distal IAS of 3D-ASL can provide important diagnostic clues for detecting arterial occlusion and collateral perfusion in patients with AIS, and the detection of CC by ASL is of great value for prognosis.

Clinical observation of Guanxin Tongmai plaster combined with medicine in the treatment of stable angina pectoris of coronary heart disease / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To evaluate the clinical effect of Guanxin Tongmai plaster combined with conventional western medicine in the treatment of phlegm and blood stasis syndrome of coronary heart disease and angina pectoris.Methods:A total of 60 patients in the Department of Cardiology of the Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) from February to August 2020 who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into two groups with 30 in each group. Both groups were treated with conventional western medicine. On this basis, Guanxin Tongmai plaster was applied at the acupoints in the treatment group and placebo plaster was applied in the control group. TCM syndrome score was performed before and after treatment, angina score was evaluated from three aspects of angina attack frequency, duration and pain degree, and blood lipid TG, TC, LDL-C and HDL-C were detected by enzyme quantitative method. The blood homocysteine (Hcy) was detected by enzyme circulation method, the ECG and the nitroglycerin reduction rate were recorded, and the safety index was detected according to the ECG changes.Results:In the treatment period, 2 patients in the treatment group fell off, 3 in the control group. A total of 28 patients in the treatment group and 27 in the control group were analyzed. The total effective rate of ECG efficacy in the treatment group was 67.9% (19/28) and the control group was 48.1% (13/27). There was significant difference between the two groups ( χ2=4.46, P=0.040). After treatment, the TCM syndrome score and angina score in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t values were 9.12 and 4.45, P values were 0.004 and 0.042, respectively). The reduction rate of nitroglycerin in the treatment group was 82.1% (23/28) and 55.6% (15/27) in the control group. There was significant difference between the two groups ( χ 2=4.72, P=0.030). After treatment, the plasma TG, TC, LDL-C in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t values were 4.17, 6.57 and 6.52, P<0.05 or P<0.01), the level of HDL-C was significantly higher than that of the control group ( t=7.07, P=0.010), and the level of plasma Hcy was significantly lower than that in the control group ( t=6.70, P=0.012). There was no significant difference in liver, kidney and coagulation function between the two groups. Conclusion:Guanxin Tongmai plaster combined with conventional western medicine can improve the clinical symptoms of patients with coronary heart disease and angina pectoris, reduce the level of blood lipid and Hcy, and improve the clinical curative effect.

Effect of Suanzaoren Decoction on molecular levels of bile acids in serum, liver, and ileum of insomnia mice / 中国中药杂志

To explore the mechanism of Suanzaoren Decoction in the treatment of insomnia from endogenous bile acid regulation, the present study investigated the hepatoprotective effect of Suanzaoren Decoction and the molecular changes of bile acids in the serum, liver, and ileum of insomnia model mice and Suanzaoren Decoction treated mice. The insomnia model in mice was established by the sleep deprivation method. After Suanzaoren Decoction(48.96 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)) intervention by gavage for 7 days, the related indicators, such as water consumption, food intake, body weight, aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine transaminase(ALT), and total bile acid(TBA) were detected, and the pathological changes of the liver and ileum were observed. The molecular levels and distribution of 23 bile acids in the serum, liver, and ileum were analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS combined with principal component analysis(PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis(PLS-DA). The results showed that Suanzaoren Decoction could improve the decreased water consumption and food intake, weight loss, and increased AST and ALT in the model group, and effectively reverse the injury and inflammation in the liver and ileum. The bile acids in the liver of the insomnia model mice were in the stage of decompensation, and the bile acids in the serum, liver, and ileum of the mice decreased or increased. Suanzaoren Decoction could regulate the anomaly of some bile acids back to normal. Seven bile acids including glycoursodeoxycholic acid(GUDCA), glycodesoxycholic acid(GDCA), tauro-α-MCA(T-α-MCA), α-MCA, taurodeoxycholate(TDCA), T-β-MCA, and LCA were screened out as the main discriminant components by PLS-DA. It is concluded that Suanzaoren Decoction possesses the hepatoprotective effect and bile acids could serve as the biochemical indicators to evaluate the drug efficacy in the treatment of abnormal liver functions caused by insomnia. The mechanism of Suanzao-ren Decoction in soothing the liver, resolving depression, tranquilizing the mind, and improving sleep may be related to the molecular regulation of bile acid signals.

Dual-layer detector spectral CT-a new supplementary method for preoperative evaluation of glioma.

PURPOSE: To investigate the value of the iodine concentration (IC) measured by dual-layer detector spectral CT (DLDSCT) in evaluating the factors related to the treatment scheme and survival prognosis of patients with glioma. METHODS: From 2018 to 2019, we prospectively collected the data of 99 patients with glioma. The degree of CT enhancement and the IC of low grade gliomas (LGGs, II), high grade gliomas (HGGs, III and IV), grade II and III gliomas, were compared. The predictive performance of the degree of CT enhancement and IC was examined via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The correlations between IC and Ki-67 labeling index, isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation, chromosome 1p/19q deletion status of the tumor were examined. RESULTS: Both IC and the degree of CT enhancement of patients with HGG were significantly higher than those of patients with LGG (p < 0.001; χ2 =41.707, p <  0.001); IC had large area under the ROC curve for diagnostic HGG (0.931; 95 % CI: 0.882-0.979; p <  0.001). The IC in the grade III gliomas was significantly higher than that in grade II gliomas (p < 0.001); IC had a large area under the ROC curve for diagnostic grade III gliomas (0.865; 95 % CI: 0.779-0.952; p <  0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between IC and Ki-67 LI (r = 0.679; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The DLDSCT technology can be used as a supplementary method to provide more information for preoperative grading of the gliomas and the prognosis assessment of the patients.

Clinical study on improving the strength and activity of lumbar spine with Qiang Jin exercises / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of Qiang Jin exercises on the muscle strength and activity of lumbar spine in patients with lumbar disc herniation.@*METHODS@#From March 2016 to September 2017, at the Department of Orthopaedics, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a total of 110 subjects were enrolled, and 98 eligible subjects were screened. The subjects were randomized by stratified randomization and divided into experimental group and control group, 49 cases in each group, 25 males and 24 females in the experimental group, 25 males and 24 females in the control group. The experimental group exercised with Qiang Jin exercises, one time each morning and evening, each time10 sets were made;the control group used classic rehabilitation training, training twice a week, and three months was a course of treatment. After 12 weeks of training, the muscle strength and activity of the lumbar spine were evaluated and compared with the muscle strength and activity of the lumbar spine before training.@*RESULTS@#The experimental group and the control group had different muscle strength and activity of the lumbar spine before and after treatment (@*CONCLUSION@#Qiang Jin exercises can effectively improve the muscle strength and activity of the lumbar spine and improve the daily living ability of patients.

Evaluation of Astragali Radix quality grade based on appearance characteristics and internal ingredients / 中国中药杂志

This study is to provide the basis of establishing a quality evaluation system, based on the differences in appearance and internal components of Astragali Radix from different sources. The diameter of 18 batches of Astragali Radix, the content of alcohol(water) extract and 7 kinds of flavonoids were determined. The peak area ratio of flavonoid aglycon to aglycone was calculated. PCA and CA were carried out by synthesizing various indexes. The results of PCA and CA showed that Astragali Radix was obviously clustered into three types. Alcohol extract, formononetin/formosan glycosides,(pilose isoflavones+astragalus flavonoid A)/pilose isoflavone glucoside are the most significant differences in the variable importance projection index(VIP) of Astragali Radix. Combining the diameter, alcohol(water) extract, flavonoid aglycon to aglycone peak area ratio can provide an analysis method for the establishment of the grade evaluation system of Astragali Radix.

Effect of (, TLZT) gel preparation on p53 /miR-502-5p /NF-κBp65 in synovial tissue of knee osteoarthritis / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To observe effects of (, TLZT) gel preparation on p53, miR-502-5p, NF-κBp65 in synovial tissue of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and to explore mechanism of TLZT gel preparation in treating KOA.@*METHODS@#Thirthy-six Wistar rats aged 8 weeks and weighed 200 to 220 g (meaned 208 g) were randomly divided into normal group, model group and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) group, 12 rats in each group. KOA model was established by modified Hulth method. After 4 weeks of modeling, TCM group treated with TLZT gel preparation for external use, 3 times daily for 2 weeks;normal group and model group were fed normally without intervention. After treatment, morphological changes of specimens in each group were observed, changes of miR-502-5p in synovial tissue were detected by qPCR, and contents of p53, NF-κBp65, IL-1β, TNF-α, MMP-13 in synovial tissue were detected by qPCR and Western Blot respectively.@*RESULTS@#(1)Morphological observation of specimens showed that the articular cartilage in model group was hyaline and uneven, the synovial membranes were hypertrophic and proliferative with a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrating, the joint fluid was thicker in texture;the articular cartilage in TCM group was more transparent and smooth, synovial hyperplasia was mild with a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration, the texture of articular fluid was clear and sparse. (2) Compared with normal group, content of miR-502-5p of synovial tissue in model and TCM group were increased, mRNA and expression of p53 decreased, expression of NF-κBp65, IL-1β, TNF-α, MMP-13 increased. (3)Compared with model group, content of miR-502-5p in synovial tissue of TCM group decreased (<0.05), mRNA and protein expression of p53 increased (<0.05), mRNA and protein expression of NF-κBp65, IL-1β, TNF-α, MMP-13 decreased (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Expression of p53, miR-502 -5p, NF -κBp65 in synovial tissue is closely related to synovial hyperplasia and inflammatory reaction, TLZT gel preparation may reduce proliferation and inflammatory reaction of KOA synovium by regulating the expression of p53, miR- 502-5p, NF-κBp65 in synovial tissues.

Bufalin-induced cardiotoxicity: new findings into mechanisms / 中国天然药物

Bufalin is one of the main pharmacological and toxicological components of Venenum Bufonis and many traditional Chinese medicine preparations. The cardiotoxicity clearly limits its application to patients living in countries. Hence, an investigation of its toxicological mechanism is helpful for new drug development and treatment of the related clinical adverse reactions. We investigate the cardiotoxicity of bufalin using human induced pluripotent stem cells-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) (0.003-0.1 μmol·L), human induced pluripotent stem cells-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) (0.03-0.3 μmol·L) and eight human cardiac ion channel currents (0.01-100 μmol·L) combined with an impedance-based bioanalytical and patch clamp method. Biphasic effect of bufalin on the contractility in hiPSC-CMs, which has been shown to strengthen myocardial contractility, accelerate conduction, and increase beating rate at the earlier stage of administration, whereas weakened myocardial contractility, abolished conduction, and ceased beating rate at the later stage of administration. Bufalin decreased the action potential duration (Action potential duration at 30%, 50% and 90% repolarization), cardiac action potential amplitude, and maximal depolarization rate and depolarized the resting membrane potential of hiPSC-CMs. Spontaneous beating rates of hiPSC-CMs were markedly increased at 0.03 μmol·L, while were weakened at 0.3 μmol·L after application. Bufalin blocks I in a concentration-dependent manner with half maximal inhibitory concentration of 74.5 μmol·L. Bufalin respectively increased the late sodium current and Na-Ca exchange current with a concentration for 50% of maximal effect of 2.48 and 66.06 μmol·L in hiPSC-CMs. Whereas, bufalin showed no significant effects on other cardiac ion channel currents. The enhancement of the late sodium current is one of the main mechanism for cardiotoxicity of bufalin.

Study on Protective Effect of Huayu Qutan Decoction on Vascular Dementia / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To study the protective effect of Huayu Qutan decoction on vascular dementia (VD) gerbils and to explore whether its mechanism is related to Calcium ion-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ (CaMKⅡ)/cyclic adenosine effect element binding protein (CREB)/brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling pathway. Method: Forty healthy gerbils were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group, low, medium and high dose groups (5.35, 10.7, 21.4 g·kg-1) of removing blood stasis and expelling phlegm. Eight gerbils in each group were divided into model group and removing blood stasis and expelling phlegm group. Gerbils were given corresponding drugs twice a day after operation. Water maze experiment was conducted 21 days later to investigate the spatial learning and memory ability of gerbils. The expression of p-CaMKⅡ/CaMKⅡ, p-CREB/CREB and BDNF in the hippocampus of gerbils were detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Result: Compared with sham operation group, the incubation period and the number of platform trips of gerbil in the model group were significantly reduced, p-CaMKⅡ/CaMKⅡ, p-CREB/CREB, and BDNF protein expression were significantly reduced (PPPConclusion: Huayu Qutan decoction improves the learning and memory abilities of gerbils with vascular dementia, and its mechanism may be related to the activation of CaMKⅡ/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway.

Incorporation of CD40 ligand enhances the immunogenicity of tumor­associated calcium signal transducer 2 virus­like particles against lung cancer.

The cell surface glycoprotein Trop­2 is overexpressed in various types of cancer, including in lung cancer, and has recently been used as an effective immunotherapeutic target. CD40 ligand (CD40L), a tumor necrosis factor superfamily member, is a promising immune adjuvant. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) gag­based virus­like particles (VLPs) are highly immunogenic, and foreign antigens can be incorporated onto their membrane envelope for cancer vaccine development. In the present study, a HIV gag­based VLP strategy and Bac­to­Bac system were utilized to construct Trop­2, CD40L and gag recombinant baculoviruses, which were then used to infect TN5 cells in order to form Trop­2 VLPs or Trop­2­CD40L VLPs. These VLPs were characterized using transmission electron microscopy and western blot analysis methods. VLPs incorporating murine Trop­2 only or incorporating Trop­2 and CD40L were used to immunize C57BL/6 mice. Immunized mice demonstrated high humoral and cellular immunity responses, whereas the Trop­2­CD40L VLPs led to higher immune responses in comparison with Trop­2 only VLPs. Immunization with Trop­2­CD40L VLPs also reduced tumor growth more effectively compared with Trop­2 VLPs. Furthermore, Trop­2­CD40L VLP immunization increased the survival rate of Lewis tumor­bearing mice more significantly when compared with Trop­2 only VLPs. In conclusion, the present study provided a novel vaccine design by combination of a tumor antigen and an immune adjuvant based on a VLP strategy, which may be potentially applied as an alternative immunotherapeutic option in the treatment of lung cancer.

Protective effects of extracts of Schisandra chinensis stems against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity via regulation of MAPK and caspase-3 signaling pathways / 中国天然药物

The present study was designed to evaluate protective activity of an ethanol extract of the stems of Schisandra chinensis (SCE) and explore its possible molecular mechanisms on acetaminophen (APAP) induced hepatotoxicity in a mouse model. The results of HPLC analysis showed that the main components of SCE included schisandrol A, schisandrol B, deoxyschisandrin, schisandrin B, and schisandrin C and their contents were 5.83, 7.11, 2.13, 4.86, 0.42 mg·g, respectively. SCE extract was given for 7 consecutive days before a single hepatotoxic dose of APAP (250 mg·kg) was injected to mice. Our results showed that SCE pretreatment ameliorated liver dysfunction and oxidative stress, which was evidenced by significant decreases in aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and elevations in reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. These findings were associated with the result that the SCE pretreatment significantly decreased expression levels of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT). SCE also significantly decreased the expression levels of Bax, mitogen- activated protein kinase (MAPK), and cleaved caspase-3 by APAP exposure. Furthermore, supplementation with SCE suppressed the expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), suggesting alleviation of inflammatory response. In summary, these findings from the present study clearly demonstrated that SCE exerted significant alleviation in APAP-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis mainly via regulating MAPK and caspase-3 signaling pathways.

Protective effects of extracts of Schisandra chinensis stems against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity via regulation of MAPK and caspase-3 signaling pathways / 中国天然药物

The present study was designed to evaluate protective activity of an ethanol extract of the stems of Schisandra chinensis (SCE) and explore its possible molecular mechanisms on acetaminophen (APAP) induced hepatotoxicity in a mouse model. The results of HPLC analysis showed that the main components of SCE included schisandrol A, schisandrol B, deoxyschisandrin, schisandrin B, and schisandrin C and their contents were 5.83, 7.11, 2.13, 4.86, 0.42 mg·g, respectively. SCE extract was given for 7 consecutive days before a single hepatotoxic dose of APAP (250 mg·kg) was injected to mice. Our results showed that SCE pretreatment ameliorated liver dysfunction and oxidative stress, which was evidenced by significant decreases in aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and elevations in reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. These findings were associated with the result that the SCE pretreatment significantly decreased expression levels of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT). SCE also significantly decreased the expression levels of Bax, mitogen- activated protein kinase (MAPK), and cleaved caspase-3 by APAP exposure. Furthermore, supplementation with SCE suppressed the expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), suggesting alleviation of inflammatory response. In summary, these findings from the present study clearly demonstrated that SCE exerted significant alleviation in APAP-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis mainly via regulating MAPK and caspase-3 signaling pathways.

Effect of a Decoction to Nourish Qi and Invigorate the Spleen on the Activity of Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain Enzyme Complexes in Cardiomyocytes of Rats with Spleen Qi Deficiency Syndrome / 中国医科大学学报

Objective To investigate the effect of a decoction to nourish qi and invigorate the spleen on mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme complex activity in cardiomyocytes of rats with spleen qi deficiency syndrome. Methods Rats were randomly divided into normal,model,and treatment groups. The model and treatment groups were treated by diet intervention combined with the limit swim method. The general condition and spleen qi deficiency syndrome were assessed on day 15. After the success of the model,the normal and model groups were treated with a con?ventional feeding method combined with normal saline ,and the treatment group was treated by diet intervention combined with a decoction to nour?ish qi and invigorate the spleen for 9 weeks. The activity of two mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme complexes was observed. Results The ac?tivity of mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme complexⅡand complexⅣin the model group was significantly lower than the activity in the nor?mal and treatment groups(P<0.05). The activity levels of complexⅡand complexⅣwere significantly different between the model group and the treatment group(P<0.05). Conclusion Spleen qi deficiency can cause decreased activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme com?plexes in myocardial cells. The decoction to nourish qi and invigorate the spleen can modulate the activity of myocardial mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme complexesⅡandⅣ.

Rhubarb Monomers Protect Intestinal Mucosal Barrier in Sepsis via Junction Proteins / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Leakage of the intestinal mucosal barrier may cause translocation of bacteria, then leading to multiorgan failure. This study hypothesized that rhubarb monomers might protect the gut mucosal barrier in sepsis through junction proteins.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats (weighing 230-250 g) under anesthesia and sedation were subjected to cecal ligation and perforation (CLP). After surgical preparation, rats were randomly assigned to eight groups (n = 6 or 8 each group): sham group (Group A: normal saline gavage); sepsis group (Group B: normal saline gavage); Group C (intraperitoneally, dexamethasone 0.5 mg/kg) immediately after CLP surgery; and rhubarb monomer (100 mg/kg in normal saline)-treated groups (Group D: rhein; Group E: emodin; Group F: 3,8-dihydroxy-1-methyl-anthraquinone-2-carboxylic acid; Group G: 1-O-caffeoyl-2-(4-hydroxy-O-cinnamoyl)-D-glucose; and Group H: daucosterol linoleate). Animals were sacrificed after 24 h. Intestinal histology, lactulose, mannitol concentrations were measured, and zonula occludens (ZO)-1, occludin and claudin-5 transcription (polymerase chain reaction), translation (by Western blot analysis), and expression (by immunohistochemistry) were also measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Intestinal histology revealed injury to intestinal mucosal villi induced by sepsis in Group B, compared with Group A. Compared with Group A (0.17 ± 0.41), the pathological scores in Groups B (2.83 ± 0.41, P < 0.001), C (1.83 ± 0.41, P < 0.001), D (2.00 ± 0.63, P < 0.001), E (1.83 ± 0.41, P < 0.001), F (1.83 ± 0.75, P < 0.001), G (2.17 ± 0.41, P < 0.001),and H (1.83 ± 0.41, P < 0.001) were significantly increased. Lactulose/mannitol (L/M) ratio in Group B (0.046 ± 0.003) was significantly higher than in Group A (0.013 ± 0.001, P< 0.001) while L/M ratios in Groups C (0.028 ± 0.002, P< 0.001), D (0.029 ± 0.003, P< 0.001), E (0.026 ± 0.003, P< 0.001), F (0.027 ± 0.003, P< 0.001), G (0.030 ± 0.005, P< 0.001), and H (0.026 ± 0.002, P< 0.001) were significantly lower than that in Group B. ZO-1, occludin and claudin-5 transcription, translation, and expression in Group B were significantly lower than that in Group A (P < 0.001), but they were significantly higher in Groups C, D, E, F, G, and H than those in Group B (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Rhubarb monomer treatment ameliorated mucosal damage in sepsis via enhanced transcription, translation, and expression of junction proteins.</p>

Pregnane receptor gene polymorphisms, pathogenic bacteria distribution and drug sensitivity, and TCM syndrome differentiation in patients with cholelithiasis

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the distribution of pathogens and drug resistance in bile and the association between the pregnane X receptor (PXR) gene polymorphisms, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes and the risk of cholesterol gallstone disease (CGD).@*METHODS@#A total of 392 samples were enrolled in this study from January 2014 to February 2015, among which 192 patients were with CGD, and 200 samples were healthy. Strains were isolated and susceptibility testing was the disk diffusion method susceptibility testing. The patients were divided into hepatochlic hygropyrexia, stagnation of liver-qi, and the accumulation of damp. The PXR gene polymorphisms were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The association between the PXR gene polymorphisms and the risk of CGD was examined by logistic regression analysis.@*RESULTS@#A total of 192 cases were detected in 230 of bile culture pathogens, including Gram-negative bacteria 133 (57.83%), Gram-positive bacteria 76 (33.04%), and fungi 21 (9.13%). The top five pathogens were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, Candida albicans, and Enterococcus feces, of which 110 cases was of single infection, 48 cases of mixed infection of two strains, eight cases of mixed infection of three bacteria. Among 59 Escherichia coli, the yield extended-spectrum beta-lactamases had 40 (67.80%). The hepatochlic hygropyrexia was the most TCM syndrome, followed by stagnation of liver-qi, and the accumulation of damp was least. Different pathogens and the rs6785049 genotypes distributed differently in cholelithiasis patients with different TCM syndromes (P < 0.05). In hepatochlic hygropyrexia patients the Gram-negative bacteria was most. There was significant differences between CGD group and control group in rs6785049 (P < 0.001). Comparison with wild-type portable GG, GA genotype increased the risk of the occurrence of gallstones (OR = 0.40, 95%CI: 0.16-0.79); likewise, carrying the GA+AA genotype also increased the risk (OR = 0.38, 95%CI: 0.19-0.81). There was no significant differences in rs2276707, rs3814055 site polymorphic loci alleles in CGD group and control group.@*CONCLUSIONS@#In the treatment of cholelithiasis, bile samples should be collected for bacterial culture and sensitivity test, and drugs should be strictly chosen based on the results. The rs6785049 polymorphisms in PXR gene may increase the risk of gallstones ontogeny, and gallstones can be early detected and prevented by detecting genotypes. rs6785049 polymorphisms in PXR gene may has relationship with TCM syndromes.

Application of spiral CT and ultrasound in diagnosis of hepatic adenoma / 临床肝胆病杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the spiral CT and ultrasound findings of hepatic adenoma and the value of spiral CT and ultrasound in the diagnosis of hepatic adenoma. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the spiral CT and ultrasound findings of 15 patients with pathologically confirmed hepatic adenoma in Langfang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from July 2009 to December 2015. ResultsAll the 15 patients showed hypoechoic, isoechoic, or hyperechoic ultrasound findings. Seven of these patients had single hepatic adenoma. In the 7 cases, 4 had low-density lesions, 1 had a slightly low-density lesion, and 2 had equal-density lesions; as for the arterial phase, 5 showed obvious enhancement, 1 showed moderate enhancement, and 1 showed mild enhancement; as for the portal venous phase and delayed phase, 3 showed reduced enhancement, 2 had equal-density lesions, and 2 showed gradual enhancement. Eight patients experienced multiple hepatic adenoma with 80 lesions in total. In the 80 lesions, 4 lesions (3 patients) showed a mixed density, 40 lesions (4 patients) showed a low density, 36 lesions (4 patients) showed a slightly low density; 8 lesions (4 patients) showed obvious enhancement in the arterial phase and reduced enhancement in the portal venous phase and delayed phase; 3 lesions (1 patient) showed obvious enhancement in the arterial phase and an equal density in the portal venous phase and delayed phase; 18 lesions (2 patients) showed obvious enhancement in the arterial phase and portal venous phase and reduced enhancement in the delayed phase; 49 lesions (5 patients) showed moderate enhancement in the arterial phase and reduced enhancement in the portal venous phase and delayed phase; 2 lesions (1 patient) showed no enhancement in any phase. The correct rates of spiral CT in the diagnosis of single hepatic adenoma and multiple hepatic adenomas were 143%(1/7) and 87.5%(7/8), respectively. ConclusionUltrasound can only suggest space-occupying lesions, but cannot analyze the lesions qualitatively; spiral CT with three-phase enhancement scanning has a great value in the diagnosis of hepatic adenoma, especially multiple hepatic adenoma.

Pregnane receptor gene polymorphisms, pathogenic bacteria distribution and drug sensitivity, and TCM syndrome differentiation in patients with cholelithiasis

Objective: To investigate the distribution of pathogens and drug resistance in bile and the association between the pregnane X receptor (PXR) gene polymorphisms, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes and the risk of cholesterol gallstone disease (CGD). Methods: A total of 392 samples were enrolled in this study from January 2014 to February 2015, among which 192 patients were with CGD, and 200 samples were healthy. Strains were isolated and susceptibility testing was the disk diffusion method susceptibility testing. The patients were divided into hepatochlic hygropyrexia, stagnation of liver-qi, and the accumulation of damp. The PXR gene polymorphisms were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The association between the PXR gene polymorphisms and the risk of CGD was examined by logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 192 cases were detected in 230 of bile culture pathogens, including Gram-negative bacteria 133 (57.83%), Gram-positive bacteria 76 (33.04%), and fungi 21 (9.13%). The top five pathogens were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, Candida albicans, and Enterococcus feces, of which 110 cases was of single infection, 48 cases of mixed infection of two strains, eight cases of mixed infection of three bacteria. Among 59 Escherichia coli, the yield extended-spectrum beta-lactamases had 40 (67.80%). The hepatochlic hygropyrexia was the most TCM syndrome, followed by stagnation of liver-qi, and the accumulation of damp was least. Different pathogens and the rs6785049 genotypes distributed differently in cholelithiasis patients with different TCM syndromes (P < 0.05). In hepatochlic hygropyrexia patients the Gram-negative bacteria was most. There was significant differences between CGD group and control group in rs6785049 (P < 0.001). Comparison with wild-type portable GG, GA genotype increased the risk of the occurrence of gallstones (OR = 0.40, 95%CI: 0.16-0.79); likewise, carrying the GA+AA genotype also increased the risk (OR = 0.38, 95%CI: 0.19-0.81). There was no significant differences in rs2276707, rs3814055 site polymorphic loci alleles in CGD group and control group. Conclusions: In the treatment of cholelithiasis, bile samples should be collected for bacterial culture and sensitivity test, and drugs should be strictly chosen based on the results. The rs6785049 polymorphisms in PXR gene may increase the risk of gallstones ontogeny, and gallstones can be early detected and prevented by detecting genotypes. rs6785049 polymorphisms in PXR gene may has relationship with TCM syndromes.

Research Progress on Animal Modeling Methods and Model Evaluation of Spleen-yang Deficiency / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

The paper was aimed to review the modeling methods of spleen-yang deficiency, which can be classified into imitating traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) etiology methods and modern medicine methods. At present, methods of modeling were not generally accepted and the main presented problems were as follows. Modern medicine methods did not conformed to the rules of TCM etiology and pathogenesis. The evaluation of yang deficiency models was not accurate. Some modeling methods can lead to other diseases at the same time. The names of spleen deficiency model were not unified. It was difficult to distinguish the modeling methods of spleen-yang deficiency and spleen-qi deficiency, and etc. Model evaluation of spleen-yang deficiency was various. However, the domestic standard evaluation system had not been formed. The main model evaluation problems were as follows. Macro symptoms of the model lacked of objective and quantitative evaluation. It lacked of evaluation indexes of pulse and tongue with TCM characteristics. The disproof of prescription selection was not unified. Similar syndromes had not been ruled out. The microscopic indexes were fragmented, and etc. This paper reviewed on animal modeling methods of spleen-yang deficiency.

Relation between Chinese Medical Constitutions and Chemotherapy-induced Leucopenia in Breast Cancer Patients: a Clinical Study / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the relationship between Chinese medical constitutions and chemotherapy-induced leucopenia (CIL) of primary breast cancer patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 306 breast cancer patients undergoing adjunctive chemotherapy for the 1st time, and effective 291 breast cancer patients were recruited in this study.Nine Basic Constitutional Scale was used before first chemotherapy. Chinese medical constitutions were classified and quantitatively scored. The highest grading for any item of adverse reactions in each case during the whole chemotherapy course was recorded after chemotherapy. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS16.0.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was no significant difference in CIL between different chemotherapy regimens and various Chinese medical constitutions of breast cancer patients (P > 0.05). Yang deficiency constitution is one risk factor for CIL. The higher the score of yang deficiency constitution, the more severe the CIL.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Yang deficiency constitution was correlated with the degree of CIL. The higher the score of yang deficiency constitution, the greater the risk of III-IV grade CIL in breast cancer patients.</p>