Identifying chemical markers in wine-processed Salvia miltiorrhiza using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight-tandem mass spectrometry.

To find the chemical markers of wine-processed Salvia miltiorrhiza (WSM), 76 constituents, including diterpenoid quinones and phenolic acids in Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM) and WSM, were profiled using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) in positive- and the negative-ion modes. Thirty compounds were screened out as candidate differential components using chemometrics analysis, and the concentration of most compounds increased after processing with wine. Seven compounds, namely tanshinone IIA, magnesium lithospermate B, salvianolic acid G, cryptotanshinone, isocryptotanshinone, salvianolic acid B, and rosmarinic acid, were selected as chemical markers of WSM using variable importance of the project. This study revealed the chemical markers of WSM and confirmed that WSM can improve the extraction and solubility effect of chemical constituents.

Predictive nomogram for soft robotic hand rehabilitation of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Few studies focused on the risk factors for hand rehabilitation of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) using of soft robotic hand therapy (SRHT). The aim of this study was to establish a predictive nomogram for soft robotic hand rehabilitation in patients with ICH. METHODS: According to the Brunnstrom motor recovery (BMR) stage, the patients were grouped into poor and good motor function groups. The data of patient demographic information and serum level of C-terminal Agrin Fragment (CAF), S100B and neurofilament light (NfL) were collected. The logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors for poor hand function. RESULTS: Finally, we enrolled 102 and 103 patients in the control and SRHT groups. For the SRHT group, there were 17 and 86 cases with poor and good motor function at 6-months follow-up respectively. In the good motor function group, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Wrist and Hand (FMA-WH score) and BMR score at admission were all better than that in the poor motor function group respectively (p < 0.001). The mean serum level of CAF, S100B and NfL in the good motor function group were 2.5 ± 0.82 ng/mL, 286.6 ± 236.4 ng/L and 12.1 ± 10.4 pg/mL respectively, which were lower than that in the poor motor function group (p < 0.001, Table 3). The multivariate logistic regression showed that hematoma volume (OR = 1.47, p = 0.007), FMA-WH score admission (OR = 0.78, p = 0.02), S100B (OR = 1.32, p = 0.04), and NfL (OR = 1.24, p = 0.003) were all significant predictors of poor motor function. CONCLUSIONS: We found that Soft robotic hands therapy benefited in hand function in patients with ICH and hematoma volume, FMA-WH score admission, S100B, and NfL were all significant predictors for poor motor function of patients with ICH.

Rapid identification of chemical components in Zhizi Baipi decoction by ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry coupled with a novel informatics UNIFI platform.

Zhizi Baipi decoction is a classic traditional Chinese medicine formula for the treatment of jaundice and various liver diseases. The chemical components of Zhizi baipi decoction were not clear resulting of the paucity of relevant studies, which hindered the elucidation of the pharmacological mechanism, and the comprehensive development and utilization of Zhizi baipi decoction in clinical. In this study, ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry combined with the UNIFI natural product information analysis platform was used to rapidly analyze and identify the chemical components in Zhizi baipi decoction. A total of 122 chemical components, including 53 flavonoids, 16 alkaloids, 25 terpenoids, five phenylpropanoids, 14 organic acids, and seven others, were identified from Zhizi baipi decoction. These compounds may be the active components of Zhizi baipi decoction. The method established in this study can systematically, rapidly, and accurately resolve the chemical components in Zhizi baipi decoction, which lays the foundation for further establishment of the pharmacodynamic substance basis and quality control of Zhizi baipi decoction.

miR-34a regulates phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells in intracranial aneurysm by targeting CXCR3 and MMP-2.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) dysregulation is tightly related to diseases including tumor, neuro disease and cardiovascular disease. In this study, we investigated the potential biological effects of miR-34a and its target CXCR3 in phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) of intracranial aneurysms (IAs). MiR-34a was found to be down-regulated in IAs patients tested by Real-time PCR and decreased in GEO data. Meanwhile, our study also showed miR-34a inhibited matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and migration of VSMCs. Besides, CXCR3 is a direct target of miR-34a identified via luciferase assay. CXCR3 showed inhibitory effect on SM-MHC, SM22 while promoted MMPs expression, cell proliferation and migration in VSMCs. MiR-34a reversed the effect of CXCR3 in VSMCs. In addition, MMP-2 is a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of CXCR3 sharing common miR-34a target. CXCR3 increased MMP-2 level through competitive endogenous RNA regulation by sponging endogenous miR-34a. In conclusion, miR-34a is down-regulated in IAs while CXCR3 is the direct target of miR-34a that regulates phenotypic modulation of VSMCs. CXCR3 increased MMP-2 level through competitive endogenous RNA regulation by sharing common miR-34a targets.

[Serum pharmacochemistry of Qinbai Qingfei concentrated pellets based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS].

To analyze the main components of Qinbai Qingfei concentrated pellets in rat serum with UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technology and serum pharmacochemistry theory. After gavage administration with Qinbai Qingfei concentrated pellets, blood was collected from hepatic portal vein. ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18(2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.7 µm) was used, with 0.1% formic acid agueous solution(A)-0.1%formic acid and acetonitrile(B) as the mobile phase for gradient elution. The flow rate was 0.3 mL•min⁻¹, the column temperature was maintained at 35 ℃. Through the comparative analysis fingerprints of Qinbai Qingfei concentrated pellets, drug containing-serum and blank serum, and with the help Peakview and Metabolitepilot software, components in serum were defined. A total of 28 compounds were identified, including 18 prototypes and 10 metabolites. As a result, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technology and serum pharmacochemistry theory were applied to comprehensively expound Qinbai Qingfei concentrated pellets'constituents migrating to rat serum, and provide scientific basis for further studies for in vivo metabolic process and effective material base.

[Serum metabonomics in mice infected with mycoplasma pneumoniae by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS].

Ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was applied to metabonomics study in BALB/c mice infected with mycoplasma pneumoniae(MP) to analyze the changes in serum endogenous metabolites, identify potential biomarkers associated with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(MPP), analyze the metabolic pathway and explore the pathogenic mechanism of MPP. The BALB/c mice were inoculated with MP by repeated intranasal infectious routes to establish MPP models, and the results of the lung tissue biopsy, IgM and mycoplasma nucleic acid content determination showed that the models of MP in BALB/c mice were successfully established. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was used to analyze the serum metabolic profiling of BALB/c mice infected with MP, and then principal component analysis(PCA) was combined with orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) for data processing. The results showed that there were significant differences in serum metabolic profile between the MP infected mice and the normal mice. Forty-seven potential biomarkers such as ornithine, cortisol, vitamin A and tryptophan were screened out by database searching and MS information matching. These potential biomarkers related to 17 metabolic pathways including retinol metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, steroid hormone synthesis and so on. The metabonomic research method for serum of mice infected with mycoplasma pneumoniae based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was established in this study. The metabolic changes of endogenous small molecules in mice infected with MP were reflected in the overall level, laying the foundation for the selection and evaluation of MPP drugs.

[Identification of Chemical Constituents of the Leaves from Acanthopanax senticosus by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS].

Objective: To analyze the chemical compositions of the leaves from Acanthopanax senticosus. Methods: Rapid identification of chemical constituents in the leaves of Acanthopanax senticosus by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS / MS. The chemical constituents were identified and speculated by using Peakview data processing software, the retention time, exact relative molecular mass, and cleavage fragments of MS / MS were detected. Chromatography-mass spectrometry conditions were as follows, the analysis was performed on Waters BEH C18column( 100 mm × 2. 1 mm,1. 7 µm) in gradient elution with a mobile phase of 0. 1% formic acid aqueous solution and 0. 1%formic acid acetonitrile, the flow rate was at 0. 3 m L / min, the data was collected by the negative and positive ion mode using ESI ion source. Results: 30 compounds were identified and speculated by the standards and compounds of MS / MS, the references and Chemispider database. Conclusion: This method is fast, sensitive and comprehensive with the rapid identification of chemical constituents in the leaves of Acanthopanax senticosus, which will provide the evidences for perfecting the quality standard, and clarify the efficacy material base of the leaves of Acanthopanax senticosus.

[Retracted] Tremella polysaccharides inhibit cellular apoptosis and autophagy induced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide in A549 cells through sirtuin 1 activation.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.8554.].

The characterization of traditional Chinese medicine natures and flavors using network pharmacology integrated strategy.

Background and aim: Due to the complexity of TCM ingredients and medication compatibility, TCM cannot be used like chemical medicines. The theory of "Four Natures and five Flavors" provides a theoretical basis for the use of TCM. "Four Natures and five Flavors" are originated from pharmacological rules based on clinical practices. Whereas, How to describe and characterize "Natures"(Warm, Hot, Cold and Cool) and "Flavors" (Pungent, Sour, Sweet, Bitter and Salty) scientifically remain the issue that needs to be solved. The aim of this study is to establish the TCM characterization models based on the integrated pharmacology network strategy and provide a deeper understanding of TCM theory. Experimental procedure: Five "Pungent-Neutral", nine "Sweet-Neutral and nine "Bitter-Neutral" TCMs were selected to characterize the "Flavors" (Pungent, Sweet and Bitter). Nine "Pungent-Warm" and nine "Bitter-Cold" TCMs were selected to characterize the "Natures" (Warm and Cold). The screened chemical ingredients were analyzed by classification and the screened characteristics targets were analyzed by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. Results and conclusion: In the "Pungent" group, flavonoids are the most. "Pungent" may have immune-regulatory effects and potential anticancer activity. In the "Sweet" group, isoflavones are the most. "Sweet" are related to effectively invigorate health. Fatty acids in the "Warm" group are the most. Flavonoids in the "Cold' group are far more than other components. "Warm" and "Cold" are both related to fatty acid and energy metabolism.

Decoction derived from Allium ascalonicum L. bulbs and Sojae Semen Praeparatum alleviates wind-cold-type common cold via Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and modulation of Lactobacillus murinus level.

Background: Cong-Chi decoction (CCD) is made using Allium ascalonicum L. (shallot) bulbs and Sojae Semen Praeparatum (SSP). Shallot bulbs and SSP are both used regularly in traditional Chinese medicine; however, there are no recent pharmacological studies on their synergistic effects. Despite their roles in the treatment of the common cold for thousands of years, their pharmacological mechanisms of action against wind-cold-type common cold are yet to be explored comprehensively. Methods: A mouse model was standardized using wind-cold modeling equipment to study the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic effects of CCD. Then, 16S rRNA sequencing was employed to analyze the association between Lactobacillus murinus and changes in body temperature. Additionally, the antipyretic effects of L. murinus were validated via animal experiments. Results: The results indicate that CCD improves the symptoms of wind-cold by reducing fever, levels of pro-inflammatory factors, and cellular apoptosis, as well as increasing the blood leukocyte and lymphocyte counts, thereby alleviating lung tissue damage. The effects of CCD are mediated by upregulation of pulmonary Nrf2 and HO-1 expressions, thereby reducing oxidative damage in the lungs, in addition to other anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Furthermore, CCD increases the abundance of L. murinus in the intestinal tract. The animal experiments confirm that L. murinus ameliorates fever in mice. Conclusion: CCD exhibits remarkable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties for effectively treating wind-cold-type common cold. Furthermore, its regulatory effects on L. murinus represent a novel mechanism for product development.

Pharmacokinetic study of schisandrin, schisandrol B, schisantherin A, deoxyschisandrin, and schisandrin B in rat plasma after oral administration of Shengmaisan formula by UPLC-MS.

Shengmaisan (SMS) is a traditional Chinese medicine prescription widely used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in Asia. Its lignans are major components responsible for therapeutic action. A rapid and specific UPLC-Q-TOF/MS has been developed and validated for simultaneous quantification of the five main bioactive components, i.e. schisandrin, schisandrol B, schisantherin A, deoxyschisandrin, and schisandrin B, in rat plasma after oral administration of SMS. All calibration curves showed excellent linearity within the test ranges. Validation proved the repeatability of the method was good and recovery was satisfactory. The separation of these compounds was carried out on a Waters ACQUITY HSS T(3) column (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.8 µm) by linear gradient elution using a mobile phase consisting of 0.01% formic acid in water and ACN containing 0.01% formic acid. In this work, plasma pharmacokinetic characteristics of lignans components after oral administration SMS were investigated using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS method. MS was performed on a Waters Micromass high-definition technology with an ESI source. Data were analyzed and estimated by compartmental methods and pharmacokinetic parameters calculated using WinNonlin Professional version 6.1. Results demonstrated that the proposed UPLC-Q-TOF/MS method was successfully applied to pharmacokinetic study of all components in rat plasma after oral administration of the SMS.

Profiling and identification of the absorbed constituents and metabolites of schisandra lignans by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry.

Schisandra chinensis Baill grows wild in Russia, China, Korea and Japan, and its fruit has been found to be effective in amnesia and insomnia. It is enriched in schisandra lignans (SL) that are major components responsible for therapeutic action. However, there are no reports on the biotransformation analysis of SL. An ultra-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray-ionization high-definition mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-HDMS) method was developed to investigate the metabolism of SL in vivo. MS was performed on a Waters Micromass high-definition system with an electrospray ionization source in positive ion mode and automated MetaboLynx software analysis with excellent MS accuracy and enhanced MS data acquisition. An improved mass defect filter (MDF) method employing both drug and core structure filter templates was applied to the processing of UPLC-Q-TOF-HDMS data for the detection and structural characterization of metabolites. In this study, 30 metabolites were detected and identified in vivo, and demethylation and hydroxylation were confirmed as the primacy metabolic pathway for SL in rat plasma. In conclusion, the presently developed methodology was suitable for biotransformation research of SL and will find wide use in metabolic studies for other herbal medicines.

Prognostic Significance of Translocator Protein in Brain Tissue Following Traumatic Brain Injury.

AIM: To measure the expression of translocator protein (TSPO) in brain tissue following traumatic brain injury (TBI), and to determine whether TSPO can predict patient outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: TBI patients requiring removal of intracranial hematoma were recruited from Wujin Hospital Affiliated with Jiangsu University between January 2018 and March 2021. TBI patients were divided into unfavorable and favorable groups according to the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score. The level of TSPO in brain samples was analyzed by Western blot and immunocytochemistry. RESULTS: The expression of TSPO in the unfavorable group was higher than that in the favorable group. Double immunofluorescence staining showed that the percentages of TSPO positive cells among IBA1 positive and GFAP positive cells were 45.2± 3.1% and 3.5±0.6% respectively. After adjusting for age, sex, Computed tomography (CT), intracranial pressure (ICP) and Glasgow coma scale (GCS), we found that each 1-unit increase in TSPO was associated with a 40% higher occurrence of an unfavorable outcome (OR =1.4, 95% CI 0.4-5.6). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), specificity, and sensitivity of TSPO were 0.87, 76.7%, 88.2% respectively. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that higher TSPO expression was associated with a higher occurrence of unfavorable outcomes.

WTAP affects intracranial aneurysm progression by regulating m6A methylation modification.

Intracranial aneurysm (IA) is a type of cerebrovascular disease that mainly occurs in the circle of Willis. Abnormalities in RNA methylation at the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) site have been associated with numerous types of human diseases. WTAP recruits the m6A methyltransferase complexes to the mRNA targets, and its expression is positively correlated with m6A methylation levels. This research aimed to explore the potential mechanisms of m6A methylation in IA. A selective arterial ligation method was used to establish an IA rat model; thereafter, the m6A methylation level and m6A methylation-related genes were determined in blood and circle of Willis samples using a commercial kit and real-time quantitative PCR, respectively. Subsequently, rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (rBMVECs) were treated with TNF-α, and the expression of m6A methylation-related genes within the cells were assessed. Lastly, the effects of WTAP on TNF-α-induced rBMVECs were further investigated through in vitro experiments. In result, the m6A RNA methylation level evidently declined in the blood and circle of Willis' samples of the IA rats, as compared to the corresponding samples from the control rats (P < 0.05). Compared to the results in the control rats/cells, WTAP expression was significantly downregulated, whereas ALKBH1 expression was evidently upregulated in the blood and circle of Willis samples of the TNF-α-induced rBMVECs of IA rats. Consequently, TNF-α-induced rBMVECs and rBMVECs with WTAP overexpression were successfully established. TNF-α inhibited the viability of the rBMVECs, promoted apoptosis, and significantly upregulated cleaved-caspase3 and downregulated WTAP expression. In contrast, WTAP overexpression significantly reversed these changes caused by TNF-α (P < 0.05). In conclusion, WTAP overexpression may modulate the growth of TNF-α-induced rBMVECs by enhancing WTAP expression and its m6A methylation.

Predictive value of CT perfusion-derived parameters in Moyamoya disease.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the applicability of CT perfusion-derived parameters and collateral index in prediction of functional and clinical outcomes in patients with Moyamoya disease (MMD) who have not been treated surgically. METHODS: All hemispheres were categorized into four groups: those with ischemic (IS) lesions, hemorrhagic (HE) lesions, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and normal hemisphere (NH). The clinical review included primary outcomes (whether a patient survived the cerebrovascular event) and secondary outcomes (the modified Rankin scale [mRS] and Katz-activity of daily living [ADL] scale). CTP-derived parameters of the frontal, temporal lobe and basal ganglia were calculated. Collateral index of the hypointensity ratio (HIR) was defined as a volume of Tmax >10 s/ Tmax >4 s. RESULTS: Between December 2020 and December 2021, 21 MMD patients (15 bilateral cases and 6 unilateral cases, for a total of 36 hemispheres) were retrospectively included. Compared with the NH group, the IS group showed obviously abnormal hemodynamics. As for the primary outcomes, HIR showed an excellent area under the curve of 0.955 (95 % CI: 0.886-1.000, p < 0.001). Significant correlations were found between CTP-derived parameters and secondary outcomes. Furthermore, HIR was significantly correlated with mRS (r = 0.576, p = 0.001) and ADL scores (r = 0.644, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Among different imaging types, IS hemispheres were characterized by distinct changes of hemodynamic parameters. Collateral index of HIR could be considered a clinically accessible and promising indictor of functional and clinical outcomes in MMD.

Association between GLO1 variants and gestational diabetes mellitus susceptibility in a Chinese population: a preliminary study.

Background: Glyoxalase 1 (GLO1) plays a crucial role in defending against glycation. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variants in the GLO1 gene may affect gene expression and alter enzyme activity. However, there have been limited studies evaluating the association between GLO1 and diabetes, especially gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Therefore, this study is the first to explore the association of GLO1 SNPs and GDM risk. Methods: The study included a total of 500 GDM patients and 502 control subjects. The SNPscan™ genotyping assay was used to genotype rs1781735, rs4746 and rs1130534. To assess the disparities in genotype, allele, and haplotype distributions and their correlation with GDM risk, the independent sample t-test, logistic regression, and chi-square test were employed during the data processing phase. Furthermore, one-way ANOVA was conducted to determine the differences in genotype and blood glucose and methylglyoxal(MG) levels. Results: Significant differences were observed in prepregnancy body mass index (pre-BMI), age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and parity between GDM and healthy subjects (P < 0.05). After adjusting for these factors, GLO1 rs1130534 TA remained associated with an increased risk of GDM (TA vs. TT + AA: OR = 1.320; 95% CI: 1.008-1.728; P = 0.044), especially in the pre-BMI ≥ 24 subgroup (TA vs. TT + AA: OR = 2.424; 95% CI: 1.048-5.607; P = 0.039), with fasting glucose levels being significantly elevated in the TA genotype compared to the TT genotype (P < 0.05). Conversely, the GLO1 rs4746 TG was associated with a decreased risk of GDM (TG vs. TT: OR = 0.740; 95% CI: 0.548-0.999; P = 0.049; TG vs. TT + GG: OR = 0.740; 95% CI: 0.548-0.998; P = 0.048). Additionally, the haplotype T-G-T of rs1781735, rs4746 and rs1130534 was associated with a decreased risk of GDM among individuals with a pre-BMI ≥ 24 (OR = 0.423; 95% CI: 0.188-0.955; P = 0.038). Furthermore, the rs1781735 GG genotype was found to be more closely related to maternal MG accumulation and neonatal weight gain (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our findings suggested that GLO1 rs1130534 was associated with an increased susceptibility to GDM and higher blood glucose levels, but GLO1 rs4746 was associated with a decreased risk of GDM. The rs1781735 has been associated with the accumulation of maternal MG and subsequent weight gain in neonates.

Exploring the mechanism of Qinbaiqingfei-concentrate pills in the treatment of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia from the perspective of intestinal microbiota and mucosal immunity.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Traditional Chinese medicine categorizes Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia as "lung heat", and treatment with heat clear and detoxify. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the lungs and intestines come from the same source, and the intestine is related to pneumonia. This is the same as the gut-lung axis theory. Qinbaiqingfei concentrate pills (QBs) were modified based on Cough San in the ancient medical book Medical Awareness. It clears lung heat, moisturizes the lungs and dredges collaterals, and has a good ability to treat Mycoplasma pneumoniae. AIM OF THE STUDY: A rat model of Mycoplasma pneumoniae was established. From the aspect of intestinal flora and mucosal immunity, the potential mechanism of the QBs was researched. MATERIALS AND METHODS: First, the content of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in lung tissue and the levels of the inflammatory factors IL-4, IL-10, TNF-α and INF-γ were detected. To determine the expression of NF-kB related proteins in lung tissue, which can understand the ability in treating disease. Next, metagenomic sequencing was performed to detect changes in short-chain fatty acids, proving the ability of the drug to regulate intestinal microecology. Finally, HDAC, LPS, SIgA, etc. were detected to facilitate the correlation of the overall experimental indicators. RESULTS: QBs reduces the levels of IL-4, IL-10, TNF-α and INF-γ in the serum by inhibiting the expression of MyD88, IKKα, IκBα, and NF-κB p65 in lung tissue. In addition, QBs restores the ratio of gram-negative bacteria to gram-positive bacteria in the intestine, restores the secretion of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid and isovaleric acid, and promotes the secretion of NF-κB p65 and SIgA by HDAC1/3. The result is that the lung tissue is repaired and the proliferation of Mycoplasma pneumoniae is inhibited. CONCLUSIONS: From the "gut-lung axis", a new research perspective was discovered. QBs intervened in the intestines and lungs to treat Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Application of 3D printing technology combined with PBL teaching method in clinical teaching of cerebrovascular disease: An observational study.

Traditional clinical teaching does not allow medical students to combine theoretical knowledge with practical knowledge. As such, we aimed to determine the effectiveness of three dimensional (3D) printing technology combined with problem-based learning (PBL) in the clinical teaching of cerebrovascular diseases. Medical interns were randomly divided into an experimental group (n = 136) that was taught using 3D printing technology + PBL method and a control group (n = 133) that was taught using traditional methods. We compared assessment results of theoretical and clinical practice skills and the subjective evaluation of teaching methods between the 2 groups. The assessment results of the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < .05). The survey assessing the evaluation of teaching methods showed higher satisfaction with teaching methods, increased learning interest, and improvement in the spatial thinking ability of interns in the experimental group compared to the control group (P < .05). There was no significant difference when assessing which teaching method better improved the interns' understanding of cerebrovascular diseases (P < .05). The application of 3D printing technology combined with the PBL teaching method in neurosurgery clinical teaching can stimulate interest in learning and significantly improve academic performance and problem-analysis and solving skills.

Targets and Effective Constituents of ZhiziBaipi Decoction for Treating Damp-Heat Jaundice Syndrome Based on Chinmedomics Coupled with UPLC-MS/MS.

Background: Damp-heat jaundice syndrome (DHJS) is a diagnostic model of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that refers to jaundice caused by damp-heat pathogen invasion. DHJS is the most common clinical manifestation of TCM, with yellow skin, yellow eyes and anorexia. ZhiziBaipi Decoction (ZBD) is a classic TCM formula that is effective at treating DHJS and various liver diseases. However, the effective components of ZBD in the context of DHJS and the underlying mechanism are unclear. Purpose: This study of ZBD using the DHJS rat model aimed to elucidate the pathobiology of DHJS and the metabolic targets of therapeutic ZBD, construct the network relationship between the components of ZBD and endogenous biomarkers, and clarify the underlying mechanism of ZBD in preventing and treating DHJS. Methods: Using chinmedomics as the core strategy, an animal model was generated, and the therapeutic effect of ZBD was evaluated based on behavioral, histopathological and biochemical indicators. Metabonomics tools were used to identify biomarkers of DHJS, TCM-based serum pharmacochemistry was used to analyze the effective constituents of ZBD, and chinmedomics technology was used to identify ZBD components highly related to DHJS biomarkers. Results: A total of 42 biomarkers were preliminarily identified, and ZBD significantly affected the levels of 29 of these biomarkers. A total of 59 compounds in ZBD were characterized in vivo. According to chinmedomics analysis, the highly correlated components found in blood were isoformononetin, 3-O-feruloylquinic acid, glycyrrhizic acid, oxyberberine, obaculactone and five metabolites. Conclusions: Chinmedomics combined with UPLC-MS/MS was used to study the targets and effective constituents of ZBD for the treatment of DHJS.

Association between the RETN -420C/G polymorphism and type 2 diabetes mellitus susceptibility: A meta-analysis of 23 studies.

Background: The published findings on the link between the resistin (RETN) gene polymorphism and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk are still contradictory. Here, through a meta-analysis, we summarized a more precise evaluation of their connection by synthesizing existing research. Methods: PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science were electronically searched, and all cited sources were manually searched. The heterogeneity of effects was tested and all statistical analyses were performed in Stata 12.0. Results: A total of 23 studies with 10,651 cases and 14,366 controls on RETN -420C/G polymorphism were included. The overall results showed that the association of RETN -420C/G polymorphism and T2DM susceptibility was not significant [for the allelic model: odds ratio (OR) = 0.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.87-1.10, pheterogeneity <.001; I 2 = 84.6%; for the dominant model: OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.80-1.15, pheterogeneity <.001; I 2 = 87.1%; and for the recessive model: OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.82-1.12, pheterogeneity <.001; I 2 = 56.9%] but with high heterogeneity across studies (p <.0001). Meta-regression found that the median age of T2DM participants (using age 50 as the cutoff) could be a factor in the observed variation. The RETN -420C/G polymorphism seems to be linked to an increased risk of T2DM in younger individuals [for dominant: OR = 0.84 (95% CI, 0.72-0.98; pheterogeneity <.001; I 2 = 80.9%)] and decreased risk in older people [for dominant: OR = 3.14 (95% CI, 2.35-4.19; pheterogeneity = .98; I 2 = 0.0%)]. Conclusions: Current results found no evidence that the RETN -420C/G variant was linked to T2DM susceptibility, but the patient's age appears to be a potential factor that contributed to high heterogeneity across studies. Additional high-quality and well-designed investigations are required to confirm these results.