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Background and aim: Spontaneous rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a life-threatening complication, and patients who experience it are formally assigned to stage T4 in the TNM system, while many clinicians informally assign them to stage C in the more widely used Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) system. The present study explored whether these re-staging practices are appropriate for HCC patients who suffer tumor rupture. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 1952 HCC patients who underwent hepatic resection at our hospital between January 2017 and June 2021. We compared recurrence-free and overall survival between 143 patients who had BCLC stage A or B disease at the time of spontaneous rupture and 449 patients who had BCLC stage C disease without rupture. Results: Overall survival rate was significantly higher among the 143 patients (1, 3, 5-year survival rate was 80.3%, 60.4%, 51.4%) with rupture than among the 449 (1, 3, 5-year survival rate was 69.5%, 41.5%, 32.4%) with BCLC stage C disease (hazard ratio 1.65, 95% confidence interval 1.29 to 2.12). The two groups had similar recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio 1.19, 95% confidence interval 0.92 to 1.53), but most patients with rupture were able to receive interventional and potentially curative treatments after recurrence, whereas most patients in BCLC stage C received interventional or supportive care. Similar results were obtained after propensity score matching. Conclusion: HCC patients who experience spontaneous rupture tumor while in BCLC stage A or B have better prognosis than patients in BCLC stage C without rupture. Our results suggest that HCC patients who suffer rupture in BCLC stage A or B should not be assigned to BCLC stage C.
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Worldwide, as the population age, osteoporosis is becoming increasingly common, and osteoporotic fractures have a significant economic burden. Postmenopausal women are the most susceptible to developing osteoporosis and the most critical time to prevent it is during the perimenopausal and early menopausal years. In this regard, we hypothesize rational combination of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the form of herbal extract could prevent osteoporosis in women. Estrogen deficiency during menopause causes low-level inflammation that stimulates the formation of osteoclasts, the bone-resorbing cells, and simultaneously inhibits the viability and function of osteoblasts, the bone-forming cells. The most potent inflammatory cytokine in skeletal homeostasis is the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) that stimulates osteoclast function. Conversely, the canonical Wnt pathway is essential for osteoblastogenesis and bone formation, and estrogen deficiency leads to diminished functioning of this pathway. TCM and acupuncture could target the RANKL and the Wnt pathway in favorable ways to prevent the accelerated bone loss experienced during the early menopausal stage and promote the gain in bone mass in postmenopausal women. In this review, we propose a rational combination of specific TCM and acupuncture targeting those signaling molecules/pathways by the drugs that are in clinical use for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Our rational approach revealed that Danshen (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae) could exert a synergistic effect with acupuncture. We then propose a translational path for developing the putative combination in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis to curtail the risk of osteoporotic fractures.
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Acupuncture Therapy , Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal , Osteoporosis , Osteoporotic Fractures , Plants, Medicinal , Female , Humans , Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal/drug therapy , Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal/genetics , Osteoporosis/drug therapy , Osteoporosis/genetics , Estrogens/metabolism , Homeostasis , RANK Ligand/genetics , RANK Ligand/metabolismABSTRACT
The analysis of ammonia nitrogen in real water samples is challenging due to matrix interferences and difficulties for rapid on-site analysis.On the basis of the standard method,i.e.water quality-determination of ammonia nitrogen-salicylic acid spectrophotometry(HJ 536-2009),a simple device for online detecting ammonia nitrogen was developed using a sequential injection analysis(SIA)system in this work.The ammonia nitrogen transformation system,color reaction system,and detection system were built in compatible with the SIA system,respectively.In particular,the detection system was assembled by employing light-emitting diode as the light source,photodiode as the detector,and polyvinylchloride tube as the cuvette,thus significantly reducing the volume,energy consumption and fabricating cost of the detection system.As a result,the accurate analysis of ammonia nitrogen in complex water samples was achieved.A quantitative detection of ammonia nitrogen in water sample was obtained in 12 min,along with linear range extending to 1000 μmol/L,precisions(Relative standard deviation,RSD)of 4.3%(C=10 μmol/L,n=7)and 4.2%(C=500 μmol/L,n=7),and limit of detection(LOD)of 0.65 μmol/L(S/N=3,n=7).The results of interfering experiments showed that the detection of ammonia nitrogen by the developed device was not interfered by the common coexisting ions and components,therefore the environmental water could be directly analyzed,such as reservoir water,domestic sewage,sea water and leachate of waste landfill.The analytical results were consistent with those obtained by the environmental protection standard method(Water quality determination of ammonia nitrogen-salicylic acid spectrophotometry,HJ 536-2009).In addition,the spiking recoveries were in the range of 92.3%-98.1%,further confirming the accuracy and practicality of the developed device.
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Important forensic diagnostic indicators of sudden death in coronary atherosclerotic heart dis-ease,such as acute or chronic myocardial ischemic changes,sometimes make it difficult to locate the ischemic site due to the short death process,the lack of tissue reaction time.In some cases,the de-ceased died of sudden death on the first-episode,resulting in difficulty for medical examiners to make an accurate diagnosis.However,clinical studies on coronary instability plaque revealed the key role of coronary spasm and thrombosis caused by their lesions in sudden coronary death process.This paper mainly summarizes the pathological characteristics of unstable coronary plaque based on clinical medi-cal research,including plaque rupture,plaque erosion and calcified nodules,as well as the influencing factors leading to plaque instability,and briefly describes the research progress and technique of the atherosclerotic plaques,in order to improve the study on the mechanism of sudden coronary death and improve the accuracy of the forensic diagnosis of sudden coronary death by diagnosing different patho-logic states of coronary atherosclerotic plaques.
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Objective To analyze the metabolomics characteristics of chronic atrophic gastritis(CAG)patients with liver-stomach qi stagnation and spleen-stomach weakness syndromes based on non-targeted metabolomics technology,and to identify the serum differentiated metabolites related to traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome of CAG patients,so as to provide a reference for the objectification of syndrome differentiation.Methods Sixty patients with CAG were included,including 30 cases of liver-stomach qi stagnation syndrome and 30 cases of spleen-stomach weakness syndrome.Fasting blood of 5 mL was collected from the cubital vein of patients in the two groups,and the serum levels of metabolites were detected by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS)methods.The principal component analysis(PCA),orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA),and cluster analysis were used to screen the differentiated metabolites of CAG patients with liver-stomach qi stagnation syndrome and spleen-stomach weakness syndrome.Finally,metabolite pathway analysis was performed for the obtained differentiated metabolites using the KEGG database.Results The results for the screening of differentiated metabolites showed that significant differences of amino acid derivatives and small peptide metabolites were presented between CAG patients with liver-stomach qi stagnation syndrome and CAG patients with spleen-stomach weakness syndrome.The amino acid derivatives consisted of N-acetylglycine,histamine,O-phosphoserine,selenomethylselenocysteine,and methyl-tyrosine.And the small peptide metabolites consisted of tyrosine-leucine-phenylalanine,histidine-alanine-glutamate-lysine,L-asparagine-L-proline-L-serine,and L-isoleucine-L-isoleucine.Conclusion Differences in amino acid metabolism exist between CAG patients with liver-stomach qi stagnation syndrome and those with spleen-stomach weakness syndrome,and metabolites such as N-acetylglycine,intermethyltyrosine,and O-phosphoserine may be the potential biomarkers for distinguishing liver-stomach qi stagnation syndrome from spleen-stomach weakness syndrome in CAG patients.
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Objective To compare the clinical application value of medical glue and a new-type medical anchor positioning needle in thoracoscopic resection of pulmonary nodules.Methods A total of 182 patients with pulmonary nodules,who received video-assisted thoracic surgery(VATS)at the Department of Thoracic Surgery of Affiliated Hospital of Shaoxing University of China between January 2020 and December 2022,were enrolled in this study.Preoperative CT-guided localization of the pulmonary nodule was performed in all patients,including medical glue positioning in 89 patients(medical glue group)and anchor needle positioning in 93 patients(anchor needle group).The incidences of pneumothorax and bleeding,the time spent for positioning,the interval between localization and operation,the time spent for operation,and the radiation dose during localization process were recorded and the data were statistically analyzed.Results The success rate of positioning was 100%(93/93)in the anchor needle group and 96.7%(86/89)in the medical glue group.There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05).The incidence of bleeding was 31.2%(29/93)in the anchor needle group and 15.7%(14/89)in the medical glue group,and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05).The incidence of pneumothorax was 30.1%(28/93)in the anchor needle group and 20.2%(18/89)in the medical glue group,and there was no significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05).No statistically significant difference in the time spent for operation existed between the two groups(P>0.05).The time spent for positioning and the interval between localization and operation in the medical glue group were longer than those in the anchor needle group,and the radiation dose in the medical glue group was higher than that in the anchor needle group,and the differences between the two groups were statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion For the preoperative localization of ground glass opacity(GGO)or solitary pulmonary nodule(SPN),both medical glue positioning method and anchor needle positioning method have high clinical application value.The clinical and interventional physicians should adopt appropriate positioning method according to the patient's condition.
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Objective@#To investigate the effects of after school exercise service (referred to as the "after school ES") on physical health, so as to provide evidence for possible beneficial effect of after school ES.@*Methods@#Students in the fourth grade of primary school were recruited from September 2021 to July 2022 in Changsha City and divided into the control group ( n =220) and the after school ES group ( n =220). The control group only participated in the regular physical education activities of the school. The after school ES group received after school ES for one academic year, 4 times a week, 40-50 minutes per time, for a total of 32 weeks. Body shape indicators such as height, weight and percentage of body fat, as well as physical fitness indicators such as 50 meter running, grip strength and progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run (PACER) were measured in September to October 2021 and June to July 2022, respectively. Independent sample t-test, Chi square test and two factors repeated measurement analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis of the data.@*Results@#After one academic year, compared with the control group [(13.52±2.30)kg], muscle mass of primary school students in the after school ES group [(13.76±2.32)kg] significantly increased, while waist to hip ratio [(0.95±0.16)] and percentage of body fat [(20.17±7.43)%] significantly decreased compared to the control group [(1.01±0.21), (22.02±12.34)%]( F=330.70, 6.85, 4.33, P <0.05). The proportion of overweight and obesity in after school ES group decreased significantly from 19.5% to 12.3% ( χ 2=4.35, P <0.05). Compared with the control group, the scores of 50 meter running [(10.00±1.06, 10.21±0.83)s], 1 minute sit up [(33.25±8.24, 30.76±9.34)times], sitting and flexion [(14.53±7.50, 8.59±6.32)cm], 1 minute rope skipping [(125.01±30.50, 115.97±32.09)times], eyes closed and single legged standing [(30.00±34.72, 25.72±23.82)s], selective response time [(635.66±91.72, 652.79±120.42)ms] and VO 2max [(45.31± 1.02 , 43.67±0.85)mL/(kg〖 ·min)] in the after school ES group were significantly improved, with statistical significance ( F= 5.32 , 443.14, 97.23, 814.07, 36.49, 6.11, 396.91, P <0.05).@*Conclusions@#After school ES can improve body shape of primary school students, reduce the risk of overweight and obesity and enhance physical fitness. It is recommended that schools should appropriately increase after school ES to promote physical fitness of students.
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Tendon-bone healing is a complex biological process. Multiple signaling pathways are involved in tendon-bone healing, including transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway, bone morphogenetic protein signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway, fibroblast growth factor signaling pathway and nuclear transcription factor-κB signaling pathway. This paper summarizes the research status of traditional Chinese medicine regulating related signaling pathways to promote tendon-bone healing. It is found that a variety of traditional Chinese medicine monomers or herbal extracts (such as baicalein, icariin, total flavonoids of Drynaria fortunei, parthenolide, total saponins of Panax notoginseng, etc.) and traditional Chinese medicine compounds (such as Taohong siwu decoction, Liuwei dihuang pill, Xujin jiegu liquid, etc.) can promote bone formation, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, by regulating the above signaling pathways, thereby effectively promoting tendon-bone healing.
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Objective:To investigate the expression, prognostic value and mechanism of MCM10 in hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC).Methods:The transcriptome and clinical data of hepatocellular carcinoma were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, and the rank sum test was used to analyze the expression level of MCM10 in tumor tissues and adjacent tissues. Cox regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between MCM10 expression level and the survival prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was utilized for pathway enrichment analysis between MCM10 high and low group gene expression profiles. The effect of MCM10 knockdown on the proliferation of HepG2 cells was determined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) cell viability assay. The effect of MCM10 knockdown on the expression of G1/S-specific cyclin D1 was detected by Western blot.Results:The expression value of MCM10 in hepatocellular carcinoma was 0.709±0.595, and that in adjacent tissues was 0.077±0.094 ( P<0.0 001). Cox regression analysis showed that high expression of MCM10 was a risk factor and prognostic predictor of overall survival ( HR=1.32, 95% CI: 1.19~1.48) and disease-specific survival ( HR=1.40, 95% CI: 1.22~1.61) in LIHC. GSEA analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in cell cycle, p53 signaling pathway and positive regulation of G1-S phase transition, et al. CCK-8 assay showed that MCM10 knockdown could inhibit the proliferation of HepG2 cells. Western blot analysis further confirmed that knockdown of MCM10 expression inhibited the expression of cyclin D1 in HepG2 cells. Conclusions:MCM10 is a risk factor for the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, which can promote the proliferation of hepatoma cells through cyclin D1.
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Objective To compare the efficacy of TightRope loop plate and Endobutton plate in the treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocation.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 94 patients with acromioclavicular joint dislocation who were treated at this center from March 2021 to February 2023.They were divided into two groups based on different admission date.The Group E(n =47)received Endobutton plate treatment between March 2021 and February 2022,while the Group T(n =47)received TightRope loop plate treatment between March 2022 and February 2023.At the last follow-up,the perioperative indicators,Visual Analogue Scale(VAS),Constant-Murley shoulder joint function scores,and surgical complications were compared between the two groups.Results The surgical time,intraoperative bleeding,incision length,and VAS scores at 7 days after surgery in the Group T were shorter or lower than those in the Group E(P<0.05).There were no statistical differences in the incidence of perioperative nerve injury,internal fixation displacement,clavicle fracture,vascular injury,and infection between the two groups(P>0.05).The subjective and objective scores of Constant-Murley shoulder joint function in both groups at9 months after surgery showed significant improvement compared to preoperative scores(all P =0.000).There was no significant difference in the subjective and objective scores of Constant-Murley shoulder joint function between the two groups at 9 months after surgery(P>0.05).Conclusions The treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocation with TightRope loop plate ot or Endobutton plate has a significant effect and can effectively improve shoulder joint function.Compared with Endobutton plate,use of TightRope loop plate has minor surgical trauma,less bleeding,and significantly reduced postoperative pain,being more conducive to early functional exercise for patients.
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Objective:To evaluate the effect of combining contralateral high-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) with biofeedback-controlled empty swallowing training on dysphagia among stroke survivors.Methods:Eighty dysphagic stroke survivors were divided at random into a control group, a biofeedback group, an rTMS group and a combined treatment group, each of 20. In addition to routine dysphagia rehabilitation, the biofeedback group and the rTMS group received empty swallowing training based on biofeedback or high-frequency rTMS applied to the healthy motor cortex as appropriate. The combined treatment group was given both. The treatment was administered once daily, 5 days a week for 3 consecutive weeks. Before and after the treatment, all of the subjects′ swallowing was evaluated using the penetration aspiration scale (PAS), functional oral intake scale (FOIS) and a standardized swallowing assessment (SSA). The latency and amplitude of the mylohyoid muscle′s motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were also recorded before and after the treatment.Results:After the treatment, significant improvement was observed in the average PAS, FOIS and SSA scores as well as in the latency and amplitude of the MEPs in the four groups. The average results in the combined treatment group were significantly better than in the other 3 groups. The latency of the mylohyoid muscle′s MEP was significantly shorter in the combined group than in the control and biofeedback groups on average, while the amplitude was significantly greater than in the control group.Conclusion:Combining contralateral high frequency rTMS with empty swallowing training based on biofeedback can better improve the swallowing of dysphagic stroke survivors.
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【Objective】 To analyze the association of sexual development characteristics and phases with the cognitive and behavioral development of adolescents aged 10 to 14 in rural areas of Shaanxi Province, in order to provide scientific reference for enhancing adolescent health. 【Methods】 The study population was selected from a birth cohort study′s follow-up data for the adolescent phase. The Tanner quintile method was used to assess sexual development, the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fourth Edition (WISC-Ⅳ) was used to assess cognitive development, and the Youth Self-Rating Scale(YSR-2001) was used to assess behavioral development. Generalized linear models was used to examine the association of the stages of adolescent sexual development with their cognitive and behavioral development. 【Results】 A total of 1 887 adolescents were enrolled in this study, with 1 111 (58.9%) boys. The proportion of boys and girls who have started sexual development was 78.22% and 89.30%, respectively. The detection rate of behavioral problems in adolescents was 9.70%, with 11.80% in boys and 6.70% in girls, and the gender difference was significant (χ2=13.517, P<0.001). Compared to adolescents in Tanner stage Ⅰ, adolescents in stage Ⅲ had a higher total cognitive score of 2.19 (95%CI: 0.15 - 4.23), and a higher total score of 3.84 (95%CI: 0.85 - 6.83,P<0.05) in stages Ⅳ-Ⅴ. The detection rate of total behavioral problems of children in Tanner stages Ⅳ-Ⅴ was 2.63 times (95%CI:1.27 - 5.46,P<0.05) higher than that in stage Ⅰ. In boys, the rate of detection of internalizing problems was 3.96 times(95%CI:1.60 - 9.81,P<0.01) higher than that in stage Ⅰ, and the detection rate of internalizing problems was 2.88 times(95%CI:1.19 - 7.01,P<0.05) higher than that in stage Ⅰ. 【Conclusions】 There is a significant correlation of sexual developmental phrase with cognitive and behavioral development among adolescents aged 10 - 14 years in rural Shaanxi Province. The detection rate of adolescent behavioral problems increases with the increase of sexual development level and cognitive level, and there are significant gender differences.
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【Objective】 To analyze the association between preschool children′s emotional regulation ability and parents′ participation in accompanying picture book reading, in order to provide theoretical reference for improving children′s emotional regulation abilility. 【Methods】 From September to November 2022, preschool children aged 3 - 6 years from Guangfeng County, Yukan County, Wannian County, Yanshan County and Wuyuan County were selected by random cluster stratified sampling method. Mann-Whitney U test or Kruskal-Wallis H test were used to analyze the correlation of different levels of children′s emotional control ability with different demographic characteristics as well as parents′ participation in children′s picture book reading. Multivariate Logistic regression model was used to analyze the correlation between parents′ involvement in picture book reading and children′s emotional control ability. 【Results】 Finally 848 valid questionnaires were collected.The average age of children was (4.33±0.95)years old,with 432 boys and 416 girls. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the temperament control ability(>P75) of preschool children was positively correlated with mother being the main accompanying caregiver (OR=4.17, 95%CI: 2.13 - 8.17), and negatively correlated with father being the main accompanying caregiver (OR=0.38, 95%CI: 0.21 - 0.70) or both parents being the main accompanying caregivers (OR=0.14, 95%CI: 0.07 - 0.28)(P<0.05). The social confidence (father as the main caregiver OR=3.53, 95%CI:1.62 - 7.66; mother as the main caregiver OR=3.52, 95%CI: 1.66 - 7.45) and anxiety control abilities(father as the main caregiver OR=4.32, 95%CI: 1.85 - 10.09; mother as the main caregiver OR=3.39, 95%CI: 1.49 - 7.73) of preschool children were positively correlated with the type of accompanying caregiver(P<0.05). Additionally, the anxiety control ability (>P75) of preschool children was negatively correlated with father′s accompanying frequency (sometimes OR=0.09, 95%CI: 0.03 - 0.28; often OR=0.19, 95%CI: 0.06 - 0.60) and mother′s accompanying duration (<1h/d OR=0.33, 95%CI: 0.12 - 0.91) (P<0.05). 【Conclusions】 The frequency and duration of accompanying reading by father or mother are correlated with the emotional regulation ability of preschool children. Parents can moderately participate in picture book reading to promote the development of preschool children′s emotional control ability.
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【Objective】 To explore the impact of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) on antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the gut microbiota of infants up to 6 months of age and their longitudinal changes, in order to provide theoretical basis for the rational use of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance control. 【Methods】 Fecal samples were collected within 3 days, 2 months, and 6 months from a maternal and birth cohort conducted between January 2018 and June 2019. A panel of 6 common ARGs (aac(6′)-Ib, qnrS, blaTEM, ermB, mecA, tetM) were tested, the absolute abundance and positive detection rate by qPCR were calculated. Nonparametric and linear mixed model (LMM) analysis were used to assess the influence of IAP on the absolute abundance of antibiotic resistance genes and the longitudinal changes in their abundance at the three time points. 【Results】 A total of 157 samples from 65 singleton infants were analyzed, including 15 mothers (23.1%) who received IAP. The detection rate of ARGs was high in infants up to six months of age, and the abundance of ARGs tended to increase over time. IAP significantly increased the abundance of the mecA gene in the gut microbiota of vaginally delivered infants at 6 months of age (6.1±1.1 in the VDIAP group vs. 3.8±4.6 in the VDno-IAP group, P=0.046). Additionally, in cesarean section infants, there was a significant increase in the abundance of aac(6′)-Ib genes at 2 months (β=3.81, ,P<0.05), P<0.05] and 6 months of age (β=4.89, ,P<0.001), P<0.001) compared to 3 days of age. 【Conclusions】 The findings suggest that IAP can increase the abundance of ARGs in 6-month-old infants, and this effect is still significant after stratifying by delivery mode. Therefore, the rational and standardized use of intrapartum antibiotics may help reduce the development of antibiotic resistance.
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ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanism of Bushen Huoxue Formula (补肾活血方, BHF) in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) from the the perspective of intestinal flora. MethodsSeventy-two male C57/BL6J mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group, Madopar group and low-, medium- and high-dose BHF groups, with 12 mice in each group. The mice in the blank group were intraperitoneally injected with 10 ml/kg of normal saline, and those in the other groups were intraperitoneally injected with 30 mg/kg of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) at a concentration of 3 mg/ml to induce PD mice model, both once a day for 7 consecutive days. After successful modeling, the low-, medium-, and high-dose BHF groups were given 7.5, 15, and 30 g/(kg·d) of BHF by gavage, respectively, while the Madopar group was given 112.5 mg/(kg ·d) of Domedopar tablets by gavage, and the blank group and the model group were given 15 ml/(kg·d) of distilled water, all once a day for 14 consecutive days. The rod climbing test, rotating rod test, grip strength test and weight-bearing swimming test were used to evaluate the behavioral indicators of mice. Western blotting was used to measure the protein expression levels of Toll-like receptor (TLR)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway inflammatory factors in the mouse ileum, including Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), NF-κB, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin 17 (IL- 17). 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing was used to analyze changes in mouse intestinal flora. ResultsCompared to those in the blank group, the mice in the model group had longer bottoming time when climbing the pole, reduced grip strength, shortened rotary pole duration and swimming duration, and increased protein expression levels of TLR2, TLR4, NF-κB, TNF-α, and IL-6 in the ileal tissue (P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the Madopar group and the low-, medium- and high-dose BHF groups had shortened bottoming time of the climbing pole and increased grip strength; the Madopar group and the high-dose BHF group had prolonged rotary pole duration, and reduced protein expressions of TLR2, TLR4, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-17 levels; and only the high-dose BHF group had prolonged swimming duration (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to those in the low-dose BHF group, the bottoming time of the climbing pole were shorter in the moderate- and high-dose groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the grip strength increased while the protein expression levels of TLR2, TLR4 and IL-17 decreased in the high-dose group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The intestinal flora results showed significant differences between the blank group and the model group in the Dominance index, Pielou_e index, Shannon index, and Simpson index (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to those of the model group, the Shannon index, Chao1 index, and Observed_otus index of the Madopar group, as well as the Chao1 index, Observed_otus index, Dominance index, Pielou_e index, Shannon index, and Simpson index of the high-dose BHF group all showed significantly statistical differences (P<0.05 or P<0.01). At the phylum level, the relative abundance categories of bacterial phyla with statistically significant differences in each group included Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes (P<0.05 or P<0.01). At the genus level, the relative abundance categories of bacterial genera with statistically significant diffe-rences among each group included Muribaculaceae, Akkermansia, and Helicobacter pylori (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionThe possible mechanism of BHF in treating PD may be to reconstruct the disordered intestinal flora structure and improve the inflammatory response.
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ObjectiveTo identify the pharmacodynamic substances for the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Bupleuri Radix by structure-activity omics. MethodA mouse model of pain was established with formaldehyde to examine the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of saikosaponins in vivo. The core targets of the active components in Bupleurum Radix for the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects were screened from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), and Search Tool for Recurring Instances of Neighbouring Genes (STRING). The key core targets with high binding affinity were screened based on the comprehensive score in the molecular docking between different types of saikosaponins and core targets. The structure-activity relationship was discussed and analyzed based on the binding of compounds to pharmacodynamic targets. ResultSaikosaponins alleviated the foot swelling induced by formaldehyde and reduced the content of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the mouse model, showcasing a significant inhibitory effect on the inflammatory pain caused by PGE2. Nine components and 39 targets of saikosaponins, as well as 3 074 targets of anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects were screened out, and 22 common targets shared by saikosaponins and the effects were obtained as the direct targets. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis showed that the main active components of Bupleurum Radix were saikosaponins a, b1, b2, b3, c, d, e, f, and v, and the key targets were fms-related receptor tyrosine kinase 1 (FLT1), kinase insert domain receptor (KDR), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Molecular docking between saikosaponins and the top 5 targets with high degrees in PPI network analysis revealed 25 highly active docks, including 6 docks with scores of 5-6 and 18 docks with scores above 6. ConclusionThis study adopted structural-activity omics to analyze the material basis for the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Bupleuri Radix in vivo, providing new ideas and methods for identifying the pharmacodynamic substances in traditional Chinese medicine.
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Spatial environment includes multiple scales, which can be specifically divided into operable near-scale figural space, navigable space consisting of single-viewpoint space and environmental space, and large-scale geographic space. It is very important for human and other animal’s daily life to distinguish the spatial environment at different scales. The representation of spatial scale is related to its corresponding functional requirements. The parietal lobe is responsible for the representation of near-scale space. Navigable spatial representation in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex shows a “coarse to fine” gradient along the posterior to anterior axis. However, the scale representation of abstract social space shows a dichotomy. Future research should focus on temporal dynamics of spatial scale representation and the influence of spatial scale on the format of the cognitive map.
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The brain’s neural circuits consist of a large number of highly unstable networks. Despite the existence of many internal and external factors that continuously disturb the balance, our brains employ an array of homeostatic mechanisms that allow neurons or neural circuits to sense how active they are, and when they deviate from a target value, whereby a force must be generated to move neuronal activity back toward this target. Sleep is one of the well-known physiological states in the regulation of homeostasis. Sleep pressure increases during wakefulness and decreases during sleep. When sleep is lost (e.g., sleep deprivation), this loss is compensated by extending or strengthening subsequent sleep. These phenomena are known as sleep homeostasis. The dysregulation of sleep homeostasis accompanies brain-related diseases such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and autism spectrum disorder. More importantly, it can significantly undermine the basis of traditional sleep hygiene practices for these diseases. Therefore, clarifying the mechanisms of sleep homeostasis is important for therapy, but it remains an unsolved mystery. In addition to pharmacological treatment, non-invasive brain stimulation has become one of the most promising tools for clinical treatment in recent years due to its low cost, portability and low incidence of side effects. In order to promote relevant technologies, this review will focus on the electrophysiological mechanisms of sleep homeostasis. We first discuss the electrophysiological marker of sleep homeostasis, slow-wave activity, then move to the neuronal firing rates, finally discuss more aspects of sleep homeostasis, including differences in brain area, sleep stages, learning and individual differences.
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Due to the high similarity with the lipid layer between human skin keratinocytes, functional cosmetics with layered liquid crystal structure prepared by liquid crystal emulsification technology encapsulating natural active substances have become a hot research topic in recent years. This type of functional cosmetic often has a fresh and natural skin feel, excellent skin barrier repair function and efficient moisturizing effect, etc., showing great potential in cosmetic application. However, the present research on the application of liquid crystal emulsification technology to functional cosmetics is still in the initial stage, and there are fewer relevant reports with reference values. Based on the mentioned above, this review provides a comprehensive summary of functional cosmetics with layered liquid crystal structures prepared by liquid crystal emulsification technology from the following aspects: the structure of human skin, the composition of lamellar liquid crystal, the advantages of liquid crystal emulsification technology containing natural active substances used in the field of functional cosmetics, the preparation process, main components, influencing factors during the preparation and the market functional cosmetics with lamellar liquid crystal structure. Finally, the prospect of the application of liquid crystal emulsification technology in functional cosmetics is presented, to provide useful references for those engaged in the research of liquid crystal emulsification technology-related functional cosmetics.
ABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Linggui Zhugantang on mitochondrial fission and fusion and silencing information regulator 3(Sirt3)/adenosine monophosphate dependent protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway in chronic heart failure (CHF) rats after myocardial infarction (MI). MethodSD rats randomly divide into sham operation group (normal saline ,thread only without ligature), model group (normal saline, ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery proximal to the heart), Linggui Zhugantang group (4.8 g·kg-1) and Captopril group (0.002 57 g·kg-1), with 10 rats in each group. Administere drug continuously for 28 days. Echocardiography detected cardiac function parameters. Hematoxylin eosin (HE) staining observed the pathological changes of the heart. Immunofluorescence detected the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). JC-1 detect mitochondrial membrane potential. Colorimetry measure adenosine triphosphate (ATP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), mitochondrial respiratory chain complex activity (Ⅰ-Ⅳ). TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining detected the apoptosis rate of myocardial tissue. Western blot detected protein expression levels of Sirt3, phosphorylated AMPK (p-AMPK), phosphorylated dynamic-related protein 1(p-Drp1), mitochondrial fission protein 1(Fis1), mitochondrial fission factor (MFF), optic atrophy protein 1(OPA1). ResultCompared to the sham group, the left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVIDd) and left ventricular end systolic diameter (LVIDs) were significantly increased in model group (P<0.01), while the left ventricular short axis shortening rate (LVFS) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were significantly decreased (P<0.01). There were inflammatory cell infiltration and obvious pathological injury in myocardial tissue. ROS, MDA levels and myocardial cell apoptosis rate were significantly increased (P<0.01), SOD level, ATP content, and membrane potential were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes (Ⅰ-Ⅳ) was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Levels of p-Drp1, Fis1, MFF proteins were significantly up-regulated (P<0.01), while Sirt3, p-AMPK, OPA1 proteins level were significantly down-regulated (P<0.01). Compared with model group, LVIDd and LVIDs were significantly decreased (P<0.01), LVEF and LVFS were significantly increased (P<0.01). Inflammatory cell infiltration and pathological damage of myocardial tissue were significantly relieved. ROS, MDA levels and myocardial cell apoptosis rate were significantly decreased in Linggui Zhugantang group and Captopril group (P<0.01), SOD level, ATP content, and membrane potential significantly increased (P<0.01). The activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes (Ⅰ-Ⅳ) increased significantly (P<0.01),and p-Drp1, Fis1, MFF protein levels were significantly down-regulated (P<0.01), Sirt3, p-AMPK, OPA1 protein were significantly up-regulated (P<0.01). ConclusionLinggui Zhugantang can alleviate oxidative stress and apoptosis damage of myocardial cells, maintain mitochondrial function stability, and its effect may be related to mitochondrial mitosis fusion and Sirt3/AMPK signaling pathway.