OBJECTIVE To optimize the simmering technology of Rheum palmatum from Menghe Medical School and compare the difference of chemical components before and after processing. METHODS Using appearance score， the contents of gallic acid， 5-hydroxymethylfurfural （5-HMF）， sennoside A+sennoside B， combined anthraquinone and free anthraquinone as indexes， analytic hierarchy process （AHP）-entropy weight method was used to calculate the comprehensive score of evaluation indicators； the orthogonal experiment was designed to optimize the processing technology of simmering R. palmatum with fire temperature， simmering time， paper layer number and paper wrapping time as factors； validation test was conducted. The changes in the contents of five anthraquinones （aloe-emodin， rhein， emodin， chrysophanol， physcion）， five anthraquinone glycosides （barbaloin， rheinoside， rhubarb glycoside， emodin glycoside， and emodin methyl ether glycoside）， two sennosides （sennoside A， sennoside B）， gallic acid and 5-HMF were compared between simmered R. palmatum prepared by optimized technology and R. palmatum. RESULTS The optimal processing conditions of R. palmatum was as follows: each 80 g R. palmatum was wrapped with a layer of wet paper for 0.5 h， simmered on high heat for 20 min and then simmered at 140 ℃， the total simmering time was 2.5 h. The average comprehensive score of 3 validation tests was 94.10 （RSD＜1.0%）. After simmering， the contents of five anthraquinones and two sennosides were decreased significantly， while those of 5 free anthraquinones and gallic acid were increased to different extents； a new component 5-HMF was formed. CONCLUSIONS This study successfully optimizes the simmering technology of R. palmatum. There is a significant difference in the chemical components before and after processing， which can explain that simmering technology slows down the relase of R. palmatum and beneficiate it.

Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） therapy has unique clinical advantages in the treatment of atrial fibrillation， mainly reflected in five aspects， improving quality of life， enabling early diagnosis and treatment， promoting cardiac rehabilitation， making up for the limitations of Western medicine， and improving the success rate of catheter ablation. However， there is insufficient evidence in current clinical research. Based on the current status of TCM research in the treatment of atrial fibrillation， it is suggested that future studies should focus on standardized research on syndrome differentiation and classification. This can be achieved through clinical epidemiological surveys， expert consensus， and other methods to establish a unified syndrome differentiation and classification standard for atrial fibrillation. Clinical efficacy evaluation indicators should be standardized， and core outcome measures for clinical research on TCM treatment of atrial fibrillation should be developed through systematic reviews， patient interviews， and other methods. Additionally， clinical research design， implementation， and data management should be improved. By leveraging modern information technologies such as artificial intelligence， the scientific and standardized nature of TCM intervention research on atrial fibrillation can be enhanced， ultimately improving the quality of research.

[Objective] To explore the predictive value of HALP score for prognosis in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). [Methods] A retrospective analysis was conducted on laboratory indicators and related clinical data of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients, treated at the Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College from January 2016 to October 2023, prior to their first treatment. The HALP score was calculated, and the optimal cutoff value for HALP was determined using X-tile software. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves for high HALP and low HALP groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using the Cox regression model, and a forest plot was generated using Graphpad Prism to illustrate factors that may impact patient prognosis. The predictive ability of HALP score combined with β2-microglobulin and ECOG score for prognosis in MM patients was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. [Results] A total of 203 MM patients were included, with the optimal cutoff value for HALP score being 29.15 (P<0.05). Among them, 101 patients were in the low HALP score group, and 102 patients were in the high HALP score group. The results of univariate and multivariate analysis using the Cox regression model showed that a HALP score <29.15 was an independent risk factor for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) (P<0.05). ROC curve analysis indicated that the combination of HALP score with β2-microglobulin and ECOG score had a higher predictive value for prognosis in MM patients compared to using HALP score alone. [Conclusion] The HALP score is closely related to the prognosis of patients with NDMM. A low HALP score indicates a poorer prognosis, while the combination of HALP score with β2-microglobulin and ECOG score provides a higher predictive value when assessed together.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is a common chronic inflammatory airway disease and intermittent hypoxia is increasingly recognized as a factor that may impact disease progression. The present study investigated whether intermittent hypoxia (IH) could aggravate asthma by promoting hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3)/interleukin (IL)-1β-dependent pyroptosis and the inflammatory response and further elucidated the underlying molecular mechanisms involved. METHODS: A total of 49 patients diagnosed with severe bronchial asthma and diagnosed by polysomnography were enrolled at Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, between January 2022 and December 2022, and their general data and induced sputum were collected. BEAS-2B cells were treated with IL-13 and subjected to IH. An ovalbumin (OVA)-treated mouse model was also used to assess the effects of chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) on asthma. Pyroptosis, the inflammatory response, and related signalling pathways were assessed in vivo and in vitro . RESULTS: In this study, as the apnoea and hypopnea index (AHI) increased, the proportion of patients with uncontrolled asthma increased. The proportions of neutrophils and the levels of IL-6, IL-8, HIF-1α and NLRP3 in induced sputum were related to the AHI. NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis, which could be mediated by the HIF-1α signalling pathway, was activated in IL-13 plus IH-treated BEAS-2B cells and in the lungs of OVA/CIH mice. HIF-1α downregulation significantly reduced lung pyroptosis and ameliorated neutrophil inflammation by modulating the NLRP3/IL-1β pathway both in vitro and in vivo . Similarly, pretreatment with LW6, an inhibitor of HIF-1α, effectively blocked the generation of inflammatory cytokines in neutrophils. In addition, administration of the NLRP3 activator nigericin obviously increased lung neutrophil inflammation. CONCLUSIONS Obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is a risk factor for asthma exacerbation. IH aggravates neutrophil inflammation in asthma via NLRP3/IL-1β-dependent pyroptosis mediated by the HIF-1α signalling pathway, which should be considered a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of asthma with OSAHS.
NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism* ; Humans ; Asthma/metabolism* ; Animals ; Pyroptosis/physiology* ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism* ; Mice ; Signal Transduction/physiology* ; Male ; Hypoxia/metabolism* ; Female ; Interleukin-1beta/metabolism* ; Adult ; Inflammation/metabolism* ; Middle Aged ; Mice, Inbred C57BL

Objective:To investigate the effects of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) and magnesium sulfate on the survival rate of random-pattern skin flaps (RSF) with different length-to-width ratios.Methods:Using a random number table method, 45 SD rats were divided into three groups: the saline group (Group A), the BTX-A group (Group B), and the magnesium sulfate group (Group C), with 15 rats in each group. Each group was further subdivided into three subgroups based on different length-to-width ratios of RSF (1∶1, 2∶1, 3∶1), with 5 rats in each subgroup. The preparation of the RSF involved using the midline of the rat’s back as the axis and the level 1 cm below the iliac crest line as the base, extending towards the head. The skin tissue was incised to the dorsal fascia layer, separating the subcutaneous tissue at the superficial layer of the deep fascia, while severing the blood vessels and their branches on both sides and at the base. After hemostasis, the flap was sutured in place. Immediately after surgery, 0.2 ml of saline, BTX-A (25 U/ml), or magnesium sulfate solution (50 mg/ml) was injected into the proximal, middle, and distal ends of the flap. On the seventh day post-surgery, the gross appearance of the flap was assessed, and the survival rate was calculated. The surviving flap tissue underwent hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining to evaluate microvascular density (MVD) and the degree of vasodilation (including vessel outer diameter, inner diameter, and wall thickness). Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism 9.0.1 software, with data expressed as Mean ± SD. One-way ANOVA was used for multiple group comparisons, and Tukey’s test was used for pairwise comparisons.Results:On the seventh day post-surgery, flaps with a length-to-width ratio of 1∶1 healed well in all subgroups. In the case of flaps with a 2∶1 ratio, Group A exhibited partial necrosis at the distal end, characterized by blackened, non-elastic scabs and exudate. Groups B and C generally healed well. For flaps with a 3∶1 ratio, Group A exhibited extensive necrosis at both the middle and distal ends, with similar blackened, non-elastic scabs, non-bleeding cut sections, and exudate. Groups B and C showed only partial blackening at the distal end, with most areas healing effectively. The survival rates of flaps with a 1∶1 ratio did not show significant differences among the three groups ( P>0.05). Compared to Group A, Groups B and C had significantly higher survival rates for flaps with 2∶1 and 3∶1 ratios ( P<0.01), with no significant difference between Groups B and C ( P>0.05). HE staining indicated that as the length-to-width ratios increased, tissue edema and inflammatory cell infiltration also increased in all groups. Groups B and C had significantly reduced inflammatory changes compared to Group A, with a greater number of newly formed microvessels observed. Quantitative analysis revealed that MVD in Groups B and C was significantly higher than in Group A, regardless of the flap ratio ( P<0.05), with no significant difference between Groups B and C ( P>0.05). Vasodilation analysis showed that the outer diameter and wall thickness of vessels in Groups B and C were significantly greater than those in Group A ( P<0.05), with no significant difference between Groups B and C ( P>0.05). Immunohistochemical staining revealed that VEGF expression levels in Groups B and C were higher than in Group A, regardless of the flap ratio ( P<0.01). In flaps with a 1∶1 ratio, VEGF expression was higher in Group C than in Group B ( P<0.05), with no significant difference between the two groups for other flap ratios ( P>0.05). Conclusion:In RSF with length-to-width ratios of 2∶1 and 3∶1, subcutaneous injections of BTX-A or magnesium sulfate after replantation can promote the expansion and formation of blood vessels in the flap, increase the expression of VEGF, and improve the survival rate of the RSF.

Objective To discuss the clinical value of echocardiographic indicators in assessing the short-term efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TAVR)and surgical aortic valve replacement(SAVR)in treating patients with severe aortic valve stenosis(AS).Methods The clinical data of 70 patients with severe AS,who received treatment at the Daping Hospital of Army Military Medical University of China between June 2019 and September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into SAVR group(n=40)and TAVR group(n=30).The preoperative one-week and postoperative one-month echocardiographic indicators were compared between the two groups.Results In both groups,the postoperative one-month peak aortic valve velocity(Vmax),aortic valve mean transvalvular pressure gradient(mPG),relative thickness of chamber wall(RWT),and left ventricular mass index(LVMI)were decreased when compared with preoperative values(all P＜0.05);in TAVR group the left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),LVMI and incidence of perivalvular leakage were remarkably higher than those in SAVR group,while the Vmax and mPG were obviously lower than those in SAVR group(all P＜0.05).In TAVR group,the mitral regurgitation decreased from preoperative 12 patients(40％)to postoperative 2 patients(6.7％)and the over-moderate tricuspid regurgitation decreased from preoperative 7 patients(23.3％)to postoperative one patient(3.3％)(all P＜0.05).In SAVR group,the mitral regurgitation decreased from preoperative 15 patients(37.5％)to postoperative 2 patients(5.0％)and the over-moderate tricuspid regurgitation decreased from preoperative 9 patients(22.5％)to postoperative one patient(2.5％)(all P＜0.05).The pulmonary artery hypertension in TAVR group decreased from preoperative 17 patients(56.7％)to postoperative 4 patients(13.3％),which in SAVR group decreased from preoperative 22 patients(55.0％)to postoperative 5 patients(12.5％)(P＜0.05),but the differences in the above indexes between the two groups were not statistically significant(all P＞0.05).Conclusion TAVR and SAVR have similar efficacy in improving secondary valve regurgitation and pulmonary artery hypertension caused by severe AS.TAVR is superior to SAVR in improving postoperative ventricular reverse remodeling and hemodynamics,although the incidence of paravalvular leakage in TAVR is higher than that in SAVR.(J Intervent Radiol,2024,33:479-482)

Objective In this study,we compared the masticatory efficiency,occlusal functional indexes,and satisfaction of lingual-ized occlusion(LO)vs.anatomic occlusion(AO)and discussed the difference between these occlusions.Methods Twenty edentulous patients were included in this clinical trial during 2021 April to December.They were divided into 2 groups according to their denture occlusion.Masticatory efficiency was tested by chewing the same amount of peanuts(by weight)and then the absorption of the solution was compared under a spectrophotometer after wearing dentures for 1 month.The TeeTester occlusion analysis system was used to test masticatory function,and satisfaction research was conducted for the edentulous patients at this time point as well.Finally,statistical analyses were conducted to compare the difference in masticatory efficiency between AO and LO by SPSS 20.0.Results The indexes of LO were worse than AO in masticatory efficiency,masticatory function and most of satisfaction research,while LO was better than AO in speech recovery.The difference was only statistically significant in COF-y of masticatory function(P＜0.05).Conclusion LO is similar with AO in terms of masticatory efficiency,satisfaction and denture stability;LO has good performance in denture's fit and use for patients.

Objective To explore the therapeutic mechanism of maggot for psoriasis-like lesions in mice from the perspective of immune stress and complement activation regulation.Methods Thirty-six male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group,model group,maggot(1.25%,2.5%,and 5%)groups,and Benvitimod(1%)group.Psoriasis-like lesions were induced by application of imiquimod cream,and the severity of skin lesions was assessed using the modified Psoriasis Area and Severity Index(MPASI)score.Auricular swelling of the mice was observed,and histopathological changes of the skin lesions were examined with HE staining.Scratching behavior of the mice was observed and the spleen index was calculated.Toluidine blue staining was used to detect mast cells in the skin lesions,and serum levels of IgG,IgM,the complements CH50,C1s,C3,C3a,C5 and C5a,and the inflammatory factors IL-23,IL-17A and TNF-α were determined with ELISA.Results In mice with imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin lesions,treatment with the maggot at the 3 doses significantly decreased MPASI score,alleviated auricular swelling and pathologies in the skin lesions,reduced scratching behaviors,spleen index,and the number of mast cells in the lesions.Treatment with high-dose maggot significantly lowered serum levels of IgG,C1s,C3a,C5a,IL-23,IL-17A and TNF-α and the levels of C1s,C3,C3a,C5 and C5a in the lesion tissue,and increased serum levels of CH50,C3,and C5.The therapeutic effect of maggot showed a dose-effect dependence.Conclusion Maggot can alleviate psoriasis-like skin lesions in mice by inhibiting immune stress and complement activation.

Objective:To investigate the effects of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) and magnesium sulfate on the survival rate of random-pattern skin flaps (RSF) with different length-to-width ratios.Methods:Using a random number table method, 45 SD rats were divided into three groups: the saline group (Group A), the BTX-A group (Group B), and the magnesium sulfate group (Group C), with 15 rats in each group. Each group was further subdivided into three subgroups based on different length-to-width ratios of RSF (1∶1, 2∶1, 3∶1), with 5 rats in each subgroup. The preparation of the RSF involved using the midline of the rat’s back as the axis and the level 1 cm below the iliac crest line as the base, extending towards the head. The skin tissue was incised to the dorsal fascia layer, separating the subcutaneous tissue at the superficial layer of the deep fascia, while severing the blood vessels and their branches on both sides and at the base. After hemostasis, the flap was sutured in place. Immediately after surgery, 0.2 ml of saline, BTX-A (25 U/ml), or magnesium sulfate solution (50 mg/ml) was injected into the proximal, middle, and distal ends of the flap. On the seventh day post-surgery, the gross appearance of the flap was assessed, and the survival rate was calculated. The surviving flap tissue underwent hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining to evaluate microvascular density (MVD) and the degree of vasodilation (including vessel outer diameter, inner diameter, and wall thickness). Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism 9.0.1 software, with data expressed as Mean ± SD. One-way ANOVA was used for multiple group comparisons, and Tukey’s test was used for pairwise comparisons.Results:On the seventh day post-surgery, flaps with a length-to-width ratio of 1∶1 healed well in all subgroups. In the case of flaps with a 2∶1 ratio, Group A exhibited partial necrosis at the distal end, characterized by blackened, non-elastic scabs and exudate. Groups B and C generally healed well. For flaps with a 3∶1 ratio, Group A exhibited extensive necrosis at both the middle and distal ends, with similar blackened, non-elastic scabs, non-bleeding cut sections, and exudate. Groups B and C showed only partial blackening at the distal end, with most areas healing effectively. The survival rates of flaps with a 1∶1 ratio did not show significant differences among the three groups ( P>0.05). Compared to Group A, Groups B and C had significantly higher survival rates for flaps with 2∶1 and 3∶1 ratios ( P<0.01), with no significant difference between Groups B and C ( P>0.05). HE staining indicated that as the length-to-width ratios increased, tissue edema and inflammatory cell infiltration also increased in all groups. Groups B and C had significantly reduced inflammatory changes compared to Group A, with a greater number of newly formed microvessels observed. Quantitative analysis revealed that MVD in Groups B and C was significantly higher than in Group A, regardless of the flap ratio ( P<0.05), with no significant difference between Groups B and C ( P>0.05). Vasodilation analysis showed that the outer diameter and wall thickness of vessels in Groups B and C were significantly greater than those in Group A ( P<0.05), with no significant difference between Groups B and C ( P>0.05). Immunohistochemical staining revealed that VEGF expression levels in Groups B and C were higher than in Group A, regardless of the flap ratio ( P<0.01). In flaps with a 1∶1 ratio, VEGF expression was higher in Group C than in Group B ( P<0.05), with no significant difference between the two groups for other flap ratios ( P>0.05). Conclusion:In RSF with length-to-width ratios of 2∶1 and 3∶1, subcutaneous injections of BTX-A or magnesium sulfate after replantation can promote the expansion and formation of blood vessels in the flap, increase the expression of VEGF, and improve the survival rate of the RSF.

Endodontic diseases are a kind of chronic infectious oral disease.Common endodontic treatment concepts are based on the removal of inflamed or necrotic pulp tissue and the replacement by gutta-percha.However,it is very essential for endodontic treatment to debride the root canal system and prevent the root canal system from bacterial reinfection after root canal therapy(RCT).Recent research,encompassing bacterial etiology and advanced imaging techniques,contributes to our understanding of the root canal system's anatomy intricacies and the technique sensitivity of RCT.Success in RCT hinges on factors like patients,infection severity,root canal anatomy,and treatment techniques.Therefore,improving disease management is a key issue to combat endodontic diseases and cure periapical lesions.The clinical difficulty assessment system of RCT is established based on patient conditions,tooth conditions,root canal configuration,and root canal needing retreatment,and emphasizes pre-treatment risk assessment for optimal outcomes.The findings suggest that the presence of risk factors may correlate with the challenge of achieving the high standard required for RCT.These insights contribute not only to improve education but also aid practitioners in treatment planning and referral decision-making within the field of endodontics.