The chemical components of Carthami Flos were investigated by using macroporous resin, silica gel column chromatography, reversed-phase octadecylsilane(ODS) column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20, and semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). The planar structures of the compounds were established based on their physicochemical properties and ultraviolet-visible(UV-Vis), infrared(IR), high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry(HR-ESI-MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR) spectroscopic technology. The absolute configurations were determined by comparing the calculated and experimental electronic circular dichroism(ECD). Six flavonoid C-glycosides were isolated from the 30% ethanol elution fraction of macroporous resin obtained from the 95% ethanol extract of Carthami Flos, and identified as saffloquinoside F(1), 5-hydroxysaffloneoside(2), iso-5-hydroxysaffloneoside(3), isosafflomin C(4), safflomin C(5), and vicenin 2(6). Among these, the compounds 1 to 3 were new chalcone C-glycosides. The compounds 1, 2, 4, and 5 could significantly increase the viability of H9c2 cardiomyocytes damaged by oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation(OGD/R) at a concentration of 50 μmol·L~(-1), showing their good cardioprotective activity.
Glycosides/pharmacology* ; Flowers/chemistry* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Carthamus tinctorius/chemistry* ; Chalcones/pharmacology* ; Animals

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 2 endoscopic spine surgeries on the biomechanical properties of normal and osteoporotic spines. Methods: Based on computed tomography images of a healthy adult volunteer, 6 finite element models were created. After validating the normal intact model, a concentrated force of 400 N and a moment of 7.5 Nm were exerted on the upper surface of L3 to simulate 6 physiological activities of the spine. Five types of indices were used to assess the biomechanical properties of the 6 models, range of motion (ROM), maximum displacement value, intervertebral disc stress, maximum stress value, and articular protrusion stress, and by combining them with finite element stress cloud. Results: In normal and osteoporotic spines, there was no meaningful change in ROM or disc stress in the 2 surgical models for the 6 motion states. Model N1 (osteoporotic percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy model) showed a decrease in maximum displacement value of 20.28% in right lateral bending. Model M2 (unilateral biportal endoscopic model) increased maximum displacement values of 16.88% and 17.82% during left and right lateral bending, respectively. The maximum stress value of L4–5 increased by 11.72% for model M2 during left rotation. In addition, using the same surgical approach, ROM, maximum displacement values, disc stress, and maximum stress values were more significant in the osteoporotic model than in the normal model. Conclusion In both normal and osteoporotic spines, both surgical approaches were less disruptive to the physiologic structure of the spine. Furthermore, using the same endoscopic spine surgery, normal spine biomechanical properties are superior to osteoporotic spines.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 2 endoscopic spine surgeries on the biomechanical properties of normal and osteoporotic spines. Methods: Based on computed tomography images of a healthy adult volunteer, 6 finite element models were created. After validating the normal intact model, a concentrated force of 400 N and a moment of 7.5 Nm were exerted on the upper surface of L3 to simulate 6 physiological activities of the spine. Five types of indices were used to assess the biomechanical properties of the 6 models, range of motion (ROM), maximum displacement value, intervertebral disc stress, maximum stress value, and articular protrusion stress, and by combining them with finite element stress cloud. Results: In normal and osteoporotic spines, there was no meaningful change in ROM or disc stress in the 2 surgical models for the 6 motion states. Model N1 (osteoporotic percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy model) showed a decrease in maximum displacement value of 20.28% in right lateral bending. Model M2 (unilateral biportal endoscopic model) increased maximum displacement values of 16.88% and 17.82% during left and right lateral bending, respectively. The maximum stress value of L4–5 increased by 11.72% for model M2 during left rotation. In addition, using the same surgical approach, ROM, maximum displacement values, disc stress, and maximum stress values were more significant in the osteoporotic model than in the normal model. Conclusion In both normal and osteoporotic spines, both surgical approaches were less disruptive to the physiologic structure of the spine. Furthermore, using the same endoscopic spine surgery, normal spine biomechanical properties are superior to osteoporotic spines.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 2 endoscopic spine surgeries on the biomechanical properties of normal and osteoporotic spines. Methods: Based on computed tomography images of a healthy adult volunteer, 6 finite element models were created. After validating the normal intact model, a concentrated force of 400 N and a moment of 7.5 Nm were exerted on the upper surface of L3 to simulate 6 physiological activities of the spine. Five types of indices were used to assess the biomechanical properties of the 6 models, range of motion (ROM), maximum displacement value, intervertebral disc stress, maximum stress value, and articular protrusion stress, and by combining them with finite element stress cloud. Results: In normal and osteoporotic spines, there was no meaningful change in ROM or disc stress in the 2 surgical models for the 6 motion states. Model N1 (osteoporotic percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy model) showed a decrease in maximum displacement value of 20.28% in right lateral bending. Model M2 (unilateral biportal endoscopic model) increased maximum displacement values of 16.88% and 17.82% during left and right lateral bending, respectively. The maximum stress value of L4–5 increased by 11.72% for model M2 during left rotation. In addition, using the same surgical approach, ROM, maximum displacement values, disc stress, and maximum stress values were more significant in the osteoporotic model than in the normal model. Conclusion In both normal and osteoporotic spines, both surgical approaches were less disruptive to the physiologic structure of the spine. Furthermore, using the same endoscopic spine surgery, normal spine biomechanical properties are superior to osteoporotic spines.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 2 endoscopic spine surgeries on the biomechanical properties of normal and osteoporotic spines. Methods: Based on computed tomography images of a healthy adult volunteer, 6 finite element models were created. After validating the normal intact model, a concentrated force of 400 N and a moment of 7.5 Nm were exerted on the upper surface of L3 to simulate 6 physiological activities of the spine. Five types of indices were used to assess the biomechanical properties of the 6 models, range of motion (ROM), maximum displacement value, intervertebral disc stress, maximum stress value, and articular protrusion stress, and by combining them with finite element stress cloud. Results: In normal and osteoporotic spines, there was no meaningful change in ROM or disc stress in the 2 surgical models for the 6 motion states. Model N1 (osteoporotic percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy model) showed a decrease in maximum displacement value of 20.28% in right lateral bending. Model M2 (unilateral biportal endoscopic model) increased maximum displacement values of 16.88% and 17.82% during left and right lateral bending, respectively. The maximum stress value of L4–5 increased by 11.72% for model M2 during left rotation. In addition, using the same surgical approach, ROM, maximum displacement values, disc stress, and maximum stress values were more significant in the osteoporotic model than in the normal model. Conclusion In both normal and osteoporotic spines, both surgical approaches were less disruptive to the physiologic structure of the spine. Furthermore, using the same endoscopic spine surgery, normal spine biomechanical properties are superior to osteoporotic spines.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 2 endoscopic spine surgeries on the biomechanical properties of normal and osteoporotic spines. Methods: Based on computed tomography images of a healthy adult volunteer, 6 finite element models were created. After validating the normal intact model, a concentrated force of 400 N and a moment of 7.5 Nm were exerted on the upper surface of L3 to simulate 6 physiological activities of the spine. Five types of indices were used to assess the biomechanical properties of the 6 models, range of motion (ROM), maximum displacement value, intervertebral disc stress, maximum stress value, and articular protrusion stress, and by combining them with finite element stress cloud. Results: In normal and osteoporotic spines, there was no meaningful change in ROM or disc stress in the 2 surgical models for the 6 motion states. Model N1 (osteoporotic percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy model) showed a decrease in maximum displacement value of 20.28% in right lateral bending. Model M2 (unilateral biportal endoscopic model) increased maximum displacement values of 16.88% and 17.82% during left and right lateral bending, respectively. The maximum stress value of L4–5 increased by 11.72% for model M2 during left rotation. In addition, using the same surgical approach, ROM, maximum displacement values, disc stress, and maximum stress values were more significant in the osteoporotic model than in the normal model. Conclusion In both normal and osteoporotic spines, both surgical approaches were less disruptive to the physiologic structure of the spine. Furthermore, using the same endoscopic spine surgery, normal spine biomechanical properties are superior to osteoporotic spines.

Objective: By analyzing the prevalence and influencing factors of thyroid nodules (TN) among a population undergoing physical examinations in Nantong region, this study aims to provide theoretical basis for early prevention and intervention of TN. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, including 6 950 participants who underwent physical examinations at the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from January 2017 to April 2020. All participants underwent high-resolution ultrasound examination of the thyroid, and measurements of height, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), uric acid (UA), homocysteine (HCY) and other metabolic indicators were detected. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 statistical software. The numerical variables with normal distribution were expressed as mean±standard deviation (x¯±s), and the t-test was used for comparison between the two groups. Numerical variables with non-normal distribution were expressed as median (interquartile range), namely M (Q₁, Q₃). The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison between two groups, and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used for comparison between multiple groups. Results: The prevalence of thyroid nodules among the 6 950 participants was 53.97% (3 751/6 950), with a rate of 47.08% (2 218/4 711) in males and 68.47% (1 533/2 239) in females, which was significantly higher in females than in males (χ²=278.575, P<0.001). The prevalence of TN increased with age both overall (χ²=552.145, P<0.001), in males (χ²=304.086, P<0.001), and in females (χ²=202.178, P<0.001). The prevalence of TN was higher in females than in males across different age groups (P<0.05). In the comparison between males in the TN and non-TN groups, significant differences were found in terms of alcohol consumption history, BMI, blood pressure, HCY, and FBG (all P<0.05). In the comparison between females in the TN and non-TN groups, significant differences were found in terms of BMI, blood pressure, HCY, FBG, TC, TG, LDL-C, and UA (all P<0.05). Univariate logistic regression model showed that FBG<6.1 mmol/L (P<0.001) and TC<5.2 mmol/L (P=0.013) were protective factors for TN. Normal UA (P=0.013) was a risk factor for TN. After adjusting for gender, smoking, alcohol consumption, BMI, and blood pressure, multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that FBG<6.1 mmol/L (OR: 0.713, 95%CI: 0.621-0.817, P<0.001) was a protective factor against TN. Conclusion: The prevalence of TN is relatively high in the Nantong region. Gender, age, blood pressure, BMI, and FBG are important influencing factors for TN. Health screening and management should be strengthened for the physical examination population with abnormal indicators.
Female ; Male ; Humans ; Thyroid Nodule/epidemiology* ; Cholesterol, LDL ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Physical Examination ; Body Mass Index ; Homocysteine

Objective: By analyzing the prevalence and influencing factors of thyroid nodules (TN) among a population undergoing physical examinations in Nantong region, this study aims to provide theoretical basis for early prevention and intervention of TN. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, including 6 950 participants who underwent physical examinations at the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from January 2017 to April 2020. All participants underwent high-resolution ultrasound examination of the thyroid, and measurements of height, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), uric acid (UA), homocysteine (HCY) and other metabolic indicators were detected. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 statistical software. The numerical variables with normal distribution were expressed as mean±standard deviation (x¯±s), and the t-test was used for comparison between the two groups. Numerical variables with non-normal distribution were expressed as median (interquartile range), namely M (Q₁, Q₃). The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison between two groups, and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used for comparison between multiple groups. Results: The prevalence of thyroid nodules among the 6 950 participants was 53.97% (3 751/6 950), with a rate of 47.08% (2 218/4 711) in males and 68.47% (1 533/2 239) in females, which was significantly higher in females than in males (χ²=278.575, P<0.001). The prevalence of TN increased with age both overall (χ²=552.145, P<0.001), in males (χ²=304.086, P<0.001), and in females (χ²=202.178, P<0.001). The prevalence of TN was higher in females than in males across different age groups (P<0.05). In the comparison between males in the TN and non-TN groups, significant differences were found in terms of alcohol consumption history, BMI, blood pressure, HCY, and FBG (all P<0.05). In the comparison between females in the TN and non-TN groups, significant differences were found in terms of BMI, blood pressure, HCY, FBG, TC, TG, LDL-C, and UA (all P<0.05). Univariate logistic regression model showed that FBG<6.1 mmol/L (P<0.001) and TC<5.2 mmol/L (P=0.013) were protective factors for TN. Normal UA (P=0.013) was a risk factor for TN. After adjusting for gender, smoking, alcohol consumption, BMI, and blood pressure, multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that FBG<6.1 mmol/L (OR: 0.713, 95%CI: 0.621-0.817, P<0.001) was a protective factor against TN. Conclusion: The prevalence of TN is relatively high in the Nantong region. Gender, age, blood pressure, BMI, and FBG are important influencing factors for TN. Health screening and management should be strengthened for the physical examination population with abnormal indicators.
Female ; Male ; Humans ; Thyroid Nodule/epidemiology* ; Cholesterol, LDL ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Physical Examination ; Body Mass Index ; Homocysteine

Aim To explore the protective effect of proanthocyanidin B2 (PC-B2) on oxidative damage of PC 12 cells induced by hydrogen peroxide (H

Aim To study the effect of sodium pyruvate on apoptosis and autophagy of HT22 in mouse hippocampal neuronal cells under hypoxia conditions. Methods HT22 cells were incubated with different concentrations of sodium pyruvate to detect their cellular activity by MTS; iron staining was used to further observe the effect of sodium pyruvate on HT22 cells in mitochondrial metabolism; lysosomal staining was applied to detect the lysosomal changes of sodium pyruvate on HT22 cells; Western blot was used to detect the expression of Bcl-2, Bax and LC3-II/LC3- I proteins. Results To verify whether sodium pyruvate exerted neuroprotective effects on mouse hippocampal HT22 cells through affecting mitochondrial apoptosis and autophagy pathways, which were improved by administration of sodium pyruvate. Conclusions Sodium pyruvate administration under hypoxic conditions can reduce the neuroprotective effect of hypoxic injury by reducing apoptosis and activating autophagy in HT22 cells.