Objective:To establish the determination method for icariin in Zhuyun Capsules. Methods: The main active component icariin of Herba Epimedii was determined by TLC scanning. Results: This methods was quick, simple, accurate and reproducible. Conclusion: This method can be used as one of quality control standards for Zhuyun Capsules.

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of low-dose prednisone combined with methotrexate (MTX) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods In this 12-week study,150 patients with active rheumatoid arthritis were randomly divided into two groups:prednisone group (70 cases who were received prednisone 5 ～ 10 mg/d + MTX 10 mg/w +HCQ 0.2 g/d) and control group (80 cases who were treated by Meloxicam 7.5 mg/d + MTX 10 mg/w +Leflunomide (LEF) 20 mg/d).The primary end-points were tender and swollen joint counts,visual analogue scales (VAS),and global physician and patients assessments of disease.The secondary end-points were morning stiffness time,C-reactive protein,erythrocyte sedimentation rate,the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ),DAS28 and ACR20,ACR50.Results After 12 weeks,in terms of primary endpoints,tender and swollen joint counts,VAS and global physician assessments in the prednisone group were improved significantly [(4.5 ± 2.5),(3.2 ± 3.36),(21 ± 15),(24.2 ± 16.4),(20.2 ± 10.4) vs (6.4 ±5.84),(6.6±5.5),(46±14),(37.9±19.7),(34.1±12.4),P ＜0.05orP ＜0.01].In terms of secondary end-points,the prednisone group produced higher response rates [HAQ score (0.93 ± 0.52),CRP(10.2 ± 5.8) mg/L,ESR(30 ± 14) mm/h,morning stiffness time (32.0 ± 32.3) min,DAS 28 score (3.1±0.9) vs (1.22 ±0.81),(16.3±10.1)mg/L,(33±29)mm/h,(54.7±45.4)min,(4.9±1.9),P ＜0.05 orP ＜0.01].The incidence of adverse events was similar between two groups (43％ vs 49％,P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions Low-dose prednisone combined with MTX and HCQ produced rapid and relevant improvements in RA signs and symptoms.

Objective To investigate the regulation of B-lymphocyte stimulator(BLyS) levels in response to IFN-γand IL-6. Methods Flow cytometry, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, ELISA and Western blot were applied to examine the expression level of BLyS in response to IFN-γ and IL-6 . Results IFN-γand IL-6 induced BLyS expression in KM3 cells. After treated with BAY11-7082, an IkB-α phospho- rylation inhibitor, the up regulation of BI,yS induced by IFN-γ was completely inhibited. Inhibiting the nu-clear faetor-kB (NF-kB) and mitogen activated protein kinase(MAPK) activation in KM3 cells reduced BLyS protein and gene expression. Conclusion MAPK and NF-kB pathways are involved in the regulation of BLyS expression, which suggests that MAPK and NF-kB might be used for the treatment of multiple mye- loma.

Objective To evaluate the accuracy and reliability of Diana automated blood grouping analyzer in blood grouping and cross matching.Methods 2 300 patients′ABO and RhD blood groups were examined by conventional tube test and the fully auto-mated blood grouping analyzer and 900 patients′samples were tested using Diana automated blood grouping for blood cross matc-hing,and it was compared with polymatching method.Results The analyzer′s accuracy rate of blood grouping by two methods were 99.87% and 100.00%.The incompatibility occurred in 30 specimens in automatic blood type instrument,in 3 specimens in manual polymatching method.Conclusion The results of Diana automated blood grouping analyzer used for blood grouping and cross matc-hing blood testing are reliable.Its experimental operation is normalized and standardized with an advantage of low incidence of human er-ror.Moreover,the experimental results can be permanently preserved,which provides a convenience to search for medical proof.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the value of thromboelastography (TEG) in guiding the proper use of blood components in patients after liver transplantation. MethodsThe blood samples from 35 patients after liver transplantation who visited our hospital from November 2013 to April 2014 were collected, in which TEG and conventional coagulation test were performed. The TEG parameters, such as reaction time of coagulation (R), clot formation time (K), Angle, and the maximum amplitude (MA), and coagulation parameters were subjected to bivariate linear regression analysis. The use of blood components and amount of blood transfusion following TEG′s instruction were compared with the clinical application. Comparison of continuous data was made by paired t test. ResultsActivated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time were positively correlated with R (r=0.69 and 0.41, P=0.001 and 0.030, respectively). Fibrinogen was negatively correlated with K (r=-0.03, P=0.008). Platelet was positively correlated with Angle and MA (r=0.46 and 0.68, P=0.029 and 0.000, respectively). Fibrinogen was positively correlated with MA (r=0.33, P=0.040). There was a significant difference in R value of TEG before and after the heparanase neutralization (P=0.027). ConclusionTEG has a clinical value in guiding the proper use of blood components in patients after liver transplantation.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of 2 algorithm models, cascade channel model and combined wavelet with linear prediction coefficient(LPC), on extracting the hypernasal format parameters of cleft palate speech.Methods:The voice of 859 patients, 421 male and 438 female with average age of 12.1 years, were collected from the speech data of the Department of Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery of West China Hospital of Stomatology of Sichuan University. The patients were classified into 216 normal speech patients, 220 low-level hypernasal patients, 213 moderate-level hypernasal patients and 210 high-level hypernasal patients. 62 707 speech samples were collected. Cascade channel model and combined wavelet with LPC were used to combine the K-nearest neighbor classifier respectively to distinguish the hypernasal level, and the result were compared with the golden standard, i. e. the speech evaluation result. The result were analyzed statistically with chi-square test.Results:Compared to the cascaded channel model, levels combined wavelet with LPC achieved significantly higher accuracy of all hypernasal levels ( P<0.05). Among all different mis-classifications, the most common error of the 2 models was misjudging normal speech patients as low-level hypernasal patients (for cascaded channel model: 41/216, 18.98%; for combined wavelet with LPC: 32/216, 14.81%). Conclusions:Two algorithm models based on formant parameters for hypernasal recognition of cleft palate was established. Combined wavelet with LPC both realized the automatic identification of hypernasal level in Mandarin Chinese. The average classification accuracy of hypernasal level evaluation by using combined wavelet with LPC is higher.

Objective·To reveal the direction,efficiency,and mechanical load of single tooth displacement with clear aligners for expansion treatment during the transitional dentition period with the aid of finite element analysis.Additionally,overcorrection and torque compensation systems were designed to address insufficient expansion efficiency and buccal inclination of posterior teeth.Methods·One volunteer in mixed dentition period was included to construct a three dimentional cranio-maxillary complex model and an invisible orthodontic system,simulating the buccal displacement(load 1?4:0.200,0.275,0.300,0.325 mm,respectively)and root buccal torque(load 1:buccal displacement load 0.200 mm,root buccal torque 0°;load 5:buccal displacement load 0.275 mm,root buccal torque 1.0°;load 6:buccal displacement load 0.300 mm,root buccal torque 1.3° and load 7:buccal displacement load 0.325mm,root buccal torque 1.8°)on the maxillary deciduous teeth to the first permanent molar with a non bracket invisible orthodontic appliance.Through finite element analysis,the tooth displacement and equivalent stress distribution of the periodontal membrane can be calculated.Results·Expansion treatment with clear aligners in the transitional dentition phase primarily revealed the effect of buccal expansion of teeth;different teeth achieved different levels of expansion rate.At a set expansion amount of 0.200 mm per side,expansion efficiency in the maxillary first permanent molar was 51.86%,second primary molar 68.76%,first primary molar 73.48%,and primary cuspid 84.17%.By designing over-correction(0.275,0.300,0.325 mm),the results showed significant enhancement in expansion effect.When overcorrection length reached 150%(0.300 mm),expansion efficiency at the maxillary first permanent molar,second primary molar,first primary molar,and primary cuspid were 75.16%,99.96%,107.35%,and 122.37%,respectively.The expansion efficiency of maxillary second primary molar,first primary molar,and primary cuspid was close to 100.00%.The overcorrection design exacerbated the dental effects of expansion,intensifying the tendency for teeth to tilt toward the cheek side,leading to side effects such as buccal inclination and drooping of the palatal cusps.When the overcorrection amount for expansion reached 150%,the crown-root displacement in the upper first permanent molar,second primary molar,first primary molar,and primary cuspid were-0.109,-0.134,-0.132,and-0.298 mm,respectively.Applying specific torque compensation for different tooth positions can combat the buccal inclination of posterior teeth.At an overcorrection length of 150%(0.300 mm)with an added 1.3° root buccal torque,expansion efficiency was 56.15%,73.88%,79.49%,and 87.80%,respectively.While the crown-root displacement differences reduced to-0.081,-0.097,-0.095,and-0.208 mm.Conclusion·When using clear aligners for expansion treatment during a transitional dentition period,side effects such as buccal inclination of posterior teeth exist.Furthermore,various teeth realize differing levels of expansion efficiency,necessitating the design of unique adjustment strategies according to different tooth positions.Overcorrection can improve expansion efficiency but needs to be coordinated with root buccal torque for the whole tooth to move buccally.

Bone formation and deposition are initiated by sensory nerve infiltration in adaptive bone remodeling.Here,we focused on the role of Semaphorin 3A(Sema3A),expressed by sensory nerves,in mechanical loads-induced bone formation and nerve withdrawal using orthodontic tooth movement(OTM)model.Firstly,bone formation was activated after the 3rd day of OTM,coinciding with a decrease in sensory nerves and an increase in pain threshold.Sema3A,rather than nerve growth factor(NGF),highly expressed in both trigeminal ganglion and the axons of periodontal ligament following the 3rd day of OTM.Moreover,in vitro mechanical loads upregulated Sema3A in neurons instead of in human periodontal ligament cells(hPDLCs)within 24 hours.Furthermore,exogenous Sema3A restored the suppressed alveolar bone formation and the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs induced by mechanical overload.Mechanistically,Sema3A prevented overstretching of F-actin induced by mechanical overload through ROCK2 pathway,maintaining mitochondrial dynamics as mitochondrial fusion.Therefore,Sema3A exhibits dual therapeutic effects in mechanical loads-induced bone formation,both as a pain-sensitive analgesic and a positive regulator for bone formation.

Bone formation and deposition are initiated by sensory nerve infiltration in adaptive bone remodeling.Here,we focused on the role of Semaphorin 3A(Sema3A),expressed by sensory nerves,in mechanical loads-induced bone formation and nerve withdrawal using orthodontic tooth movement(OTM)model.Firstly,bone formation was activated after the 3rd day of OTM,coinciding with a decrease in sensory nerves and an increase in pain threshold.Sema3A,rather than nerve growth factor(NGF),highly expressed in both trigeminal ganglion and the axons of periodontal ligament following the 3rd day of OTM.Moreover,in vitro mechanical loads upregulated Sema3A in neurons instead of in human periodontal ligament cells(hPDLCs)within 24 hours.Furthermore,exogenous Sema3A restored the suppressed alveolar bone formation and the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs induced by mechanical overload.Mechanistically,Sema3A prevented overstretching of F-actin induced by mechanical overload through ROCK2 pathway,maintaining mitochondrial dynamics as mitochondrial fusion.Therefore,Sema3A exhibits dual therapeutic effects in mechanical loads-induced bone formation,both as a pain-sensitive analgesic and a positive regulator for bone formation.

Bone formation and deposition are initiated by sensory nerve infiltration in adaptive bone remodeling.Here,we focused on the role of Semaphorin 3A(Sema3A),expressed by sensory nerves,in mechanical loads-induced bone formation and nerve withdrawal using orthodontic tooth movement(OTM)model.Firstly,bone formation was activated after the 3rd day of OTM,coinciding with a decrease in sensory nerves and an increase in pain threshold.Sema3A,rather than nerve growth factor(NGF),highly expressed in both trigeminal ganglion and the axons of periodontal ligament following the 3rd day of OTM.Moreover,in vitro mechanical loads upregulated Sema3A in neurons instead of in human periodontal ligament cells(hPDLCs)within 24 hours.Furthermore,exogenous Sema3A restored the suppressed alveolar bone formation and the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs induced by mechanical overload.Mechanistically,Sema3A prevented overstretching of F-actin induced by mechanical overload through ROCK2 pathway,maintaining mitochondrial dynamics as mitochondrial fusion.Therefore,Sema3A exhibits dual therapeutic effects in mechanical loads-induced bone formation,both as a pain-sensitive analgesic and a positive regulator for bone formation.