This study aims to investigate the effect of total flavones of Fructus Chorspondiatis (TFFC) on the mRNA and protein expression of collagen type I and III of rat cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) induced by angiotensin II (Ang II), and explore its anti-myocardial fibrosis molecular mechanism. Neonatal rat CFs were prepared from Sprague-Dawley rats (1-3 d after birth). The expression of collagen type I and III mRNA and protein were measured by RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The study showed that stimulation of neonatal rat CFs with 100 nmol.L-1 of Ang II for 72 h resulted in a significant increase of the expression of collagen type I and III mRNA and protein. The changes on the expression level were blocked by TFFC. The results demonstrated that TFFC can inhibit myocardial fibrosis induced by Ang II in rats, which is probably associated with the collagen type I and III mRNA and protein levels up-regulated by Ang II, and TFFC was shown to decrease the expression levels of collagen type I and III mRNA and protein.

Objective To explore the biological basis of TCM syndromes from a biomolecules network perspective with qi deficiency syndrome as the breakthrough point. Methods A data dictionary of neuro-endocrine-immune (NEI) related genes and qi deficiency syndrome characterization terminology thesaurus were established. Literature about qi deficiency syndrome characterization was retrieved by using Genclip, to excavate the characteristic NEI gene, thereby to explore different bioactive substances of syndromes. Results The analysis of the genetic data, showed qi deficiency related cluster with the relevance of endocrine, signal transduction, hematopoietic cell and immune deficiencies etc. It is confirmed that the intrinsic biological features of TCM syndrome can effectively identify in the NEI level. Conclusion Literature mining method as a new way to discover syndromes biological indicators has certain feasibility, and it is recommended to be further expanded into other studies on syndromes to validate the universality and reliability of this method.

Objective: To explore the underlying mechanism by which acupuncture regulates the peripheral leukocyte count and observe the relationship between the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) and the spleen ultrastructure in leukopenia. Methods: Leukopenia models of rabbits were established by injecting cyclophosphamide (CY) into rabbits' ear vein,and then the rabbits were treated with acupuncture. The peripheral leukocyte count and classification were measured daily. At last, after the animals were anesthesized, the abdominal cavity was opened, and a piece of spleen tissue was cut. The diameter of splenic sinusoid basal lamina eyehole was measured under electric microscope. Results: The peripheral blood leukocyte count in the EA group increased significantly with shift to right of the granulocyte nuclei compared with model control group (P＜0.01). Moreover, the calibers of splenic sinusoid basal lamina eyehole in the EA group were larger than those in the model control group (P＜0.05). Conclusion: Acupuncture can enhance the peripheral leukocyte count by promoting spleen activity in the early phase of leukopenia.

Objective To explore the influencing factors for the smoking cessation attempts in male current smokers.Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in nine villages selected from three counties (Pingyin,Junan and Liangshan) of Shandong province in August,2010 through household questionnaire survey in villagers aged ≥ 15 years to collect the information about current smokers demographic characteristics and smoking-related behaviors.A hurdle count data model was used to assess factors associated with the times of past smoking cessation attempts.Results Among 1 798 male current smokers,29.53％ had at least one smoking cessation attempt.Smokers who were married (3=0.705,P=0.002),had high educational level (β=0.214,P=0.026) and had higher level of awareness of smoking risks (β=0.237,P=0.009) were more likely to have smoking cessation attempt.Young age at smoking initiation (3 =-0.167,P=0.035) and higher level of awareness of smoking risks (β =0.146,P=0.020) were associated with increased smoking cessation attempts.Conclusions Less male current smokers had smoking cessation attemps in rural area in Shandong.The factors influencing smoking cessation attempt varied.It is necessary to conduct targeted intervention according to the smokers' smoking cessation experience.

OBJECTIVEThe color difference meter and electronic nose fingerprint analyzer were introduced to discriminate processed betel nut's different huohou and quantize empirical index during the processing of Chinese medicine.

METHODBy collecting the color's and the smell's characteristic parameters of betel nut and its processed products to set up huohou's math discrimination modules and 90% reference value scale.

RESULTWe set up a huohou's math discrimination module and 90% reference value range base on L a*b*, which discrimination coincidence was 100% and 90% reference value range respectively was Shengpin: L* (50.07-55.03), a* (4.136-6.906), b* (6.65-8.82); Chaopin: L* (43.874-47.998), a* (3.816-6.732), b* (3.786-6.558); Jiaopin: L* (38.744-40.616), a* (1.11-3.01), b* (-1.434-0.538). At the same time, we set up a huohou's math discrimination module base on smell's characteristic parameters too.

CONCLUSIONThe betel nut and its processed products' color and smell measurement based on the color difference meter and electronic nose fingerprint analyzer may be feasible, and provides a reference to better study on traditional Chinese medicine theory.

Objective:To investigate age-related morphological changes of the pancreas in healthy people using magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).Methods:From January 2017 to October 2019, people who took physical examinations at our hospital were enrolled and were divided into 7 groups according to age: 20-29 years old, 30-39 years old, 40-49 years old, 50-59 years old, 60-69 years old, 70-79 years old and ≥80 years.Also, the former four groups were classified as young and middle-aged(<60 years old)and the latter three as the elderly(≥60 years old). Morphological characteristics of the pancreas in each group were examined via MRI.Differences in parameters such as anteroposterior diameters of the head, body and tail and the pancreatic volume between the groups and the relationship between these parameters and age were analyzed.Results:A total of 191 cases who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled, including 96(50.3%)males and 95(49.7%)females, with 28 aged 20-29 years, 28 aged 30-39 years, 27 aged 40-49 years, 26 aged 50-59 years, 30 aged 60-69 years, 28 aged 70-79 years and 26 aged ≥80 years.There were 109 cases in the young and middle-aged category and 82 cases in the elderly category.MRI findings included pancreatic atrophy, which was most obvious in the tail; uneven and serrated edges of the pancreas and pancreatic lobulation; uneven signal intensity in the T 1-and T 2-weighted sequences; the "crispening effect" of pancreatic steatosis in the opposed-phase T 1-weighted sequences, and a trend of widening of the main pancreatic duct.The anteroposterior diameters of the pancreatic head, body and tail and the pancreatic volume reached the peak at(28.21±4.55)mm, (24.00±4.45)mm, (24.91±5.08)mm and(100.91±27.44)cm 3 between 30-39 years of age, and then gradually decreased to(18.87±3.82)mm, (15.63±3.96)mm, (13.70±3.70)mm and(43.88±10.47)cm 3 in those aged ≥80 years, with a decrease of 33.10%, 34.88%, 45.00% and 56.51%, respectively.The anteroposterior diameters of the pancreatic head, body, tail and the pancreatic volume in the elderly were(21.59±4.35)mm, (18.10±4.29)mm, (17.00±4.56)mm and(59.85±22.73)cm 3, which were smaller than those in the young and middle-aged category[(26.18±4.57)mm, (22.10±4.64)mm, (22.42±4.71)mm and(90.09±25.06)cm 3], and the differences were statistically significant( t=7.12, 6.19, 8.10 and 8.71, respectively, all P<0.001). The anteroposterior diameters of the head, body and tail and the pancreatic volume were negatively correlated with age( r=-0.52, -0.45, -0.56 and -0.57, respectively, P<0.001). Conclusions:The anteroposterior diameters of the head, body and tail and the pancreatic volume reach the peak between 30-39 years of age, and then gradually start to decline with the increase of age.After age 60, the decline become more evident, showing morphological signs of degeneration and dilatation of the main pancreatic duct.

Objective:To explore the intolerable uncertainty level and its related factors in female patients re-ceiving in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.Methods:A total of 503 female patients receiving in vitro fertiliza-tion and embryo transfer in a tertiary reproductive hospital in Shandong province were selected.Theywere assessed with a self-designed general information questionnaire,the Intolerance of Uncertainty scale-12(IUS-12),Fertility Problem Inventory(FPI,including social concern,sexual concern,relationship concern,need for parenthood,and re-jection of childfree lifestyle),and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale(HADS).Results:The score of IUS-12 was 28(13,60).Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that having children,having anxiety symptoms,the scores of social concern,sexual concern and need for parenthood were positively associated with IUS-12 scores(β=0.11,0.19,0.21,0.13,0.25),and rejection of childfree lifestyle was negatively associated with IUS-12 scores(β=-0.18).Conclusion:It suggests that the unbearable uncertainty of women receiving in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer is related to whether they have children,social concerns,sexual concerns,need for parenthood,and rejection of childfree lifestyle.

Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of fine needle aspiration biopsy combined with BRAFV600E gene mutation detection in elderly patients with thyroid nodules.Methods A total of 168 elderly patients with thyroid nodules suspicious for malignancy on ultrasound from January 2017 to December 2017 at our hospital were enrolled in this study.Using color Doppler ultrasound,185 thyroid nodules were found.Fine needle aspiration cytology(FNAC)and BRAFV600E gene mutation detection were performed before surgery and the findings were compared with postoperative pathological results.The diagnostic value of single and combined detection of FNAC and BRAFV600E gene mutation was evaluated.Results Among 185 thyroid nodules,there were 146 malignant lesions including 137 papillary carcinomas and 9 follicular carcinomas,and 39 benign lesions including 31 cases of nodular goiter,5 cases of Hashimoto's thyroiditis and 3 cases of adenoma.The sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,positive predictive value and negative predictive value of FNAC were 79.5％,59.0％,75.1％,75.2％,and 45.6％,respectively.The sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,positive predictive value and negative predictive value of BRAFV600E gene mutation detection were 78.1％,51.3 ％,72.4 ％,84.4 ％ and 51.2 ％,respectively.The sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the combined detection were 93.4％,77.5％,86.2％,90.8％ and 53.4％,respectively.The sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the combined detection were higher than those of either method used alone (all P＜0.05).Conclusions For some thyroid nodules that cannot be unequivocally diagnosed as benign or malignant by FNAC,the combined detection of FNAC and BRAFV600E gene mutation can significantly improve the sensitivity,specificity and accuracy of malignancy detection,differentiate between benign and malignant nodules,and help formulate operation plans and subsequent treatment.

Objective:To construct an anticipatory grief intervention scheme for family caregivers of advanced cancer patients based on narrative theory, and to provide reference for anticipatory grief nursing intervention.Methods:From October 2022 to May 2023, through literature research, semi-structured interview and brainstorming method, the first draft of nursing intervention plan was constructed, the Delphi method was used to conduct 2 rounds of correspondence consultation with 15 experts, and the indicators at all levels were modified according to the opinions of experts, and the final draft of intervention plan was formed.Results:The experts were all female, aged (49.67 ± 5.83) years old. The authority coefficient of the two rounds of experts was 0.87. The Kendall coordination coefficients of the first, second, and third level indicators after the first round of expert inquiry were 0.195, 0.113, and 0.093, respectively. The Kendall coordination coefficients of the first, second, and third level indicators after the second round of expert inquiry were 0.200, 0.119, and 0.101, respectively. The differences were statistically significant ( χ2 values were 8.76-107.21, all P<0.05).Finally, a nursing intervention plan based on narrative theory was formed, which included 4 primary indicators, 19 secondary indicators and 72 tertiary indicators. Conclusions:The anticipatory grief intervention scheme for family caregivers of advanced cancer patients is scientific, practical and feasible, and can be used for psychological nursing of family caregivers.

Objective:To investigate the neuroprotective effect of histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) specific inhibitor RGFP966 on traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its mechanism in rats.Methods:Forty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group, TBI group, TBI+vehicle group and TBI+RGFP966 group ( n=12). Rats in the later 3 groups accepted hydraulic impact brain injury to establish TBI models; and then, RGFP966 (dissolved in 1% DMSO at a dose of 10 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally 30 min after modeling, twice a day for 3 d, in TBI+RGFP966 group; same amount of DMSO was injected into TBI+vehicle group at the same time. Three d after modeling, neurological function was tested by modified neurological severity score (mNSS), water content of brain tissues was detected by dry-wet weight method, proportion of injured neurons at the frontal cortical tissues on the affected side was detected by Nissl staining, expressions of HDAC3 and pyroptosis related proteins were detected by immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting, and serum content of inflammatory factors was detected by ELISA. Results:Three d after modeling, compared with the TBI+vehicle group, the TBI+RGFP966 group had significantly decreased mNSS scores (9.83±0.75 vs. 6.67±0.82), water content of the injured cerebral cortex (82.73%±0.36% vs. 80.92%±0.66%), proportion of damaged neurons (75.60%±7.44% vs. 55.87%±4.10%), and HDAC3 protein expression (0.67±0.09 vs. 0.51±0.07), and significantly increased acetylated H3 (Ace-H3) and acetylated H4 (Ace-H4) protein expressions (0.81±0.02 vs. 1.22±0.02; 0.74±0.01 vs. 1.07±0.02), and statistically decreased protein expressions of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB, 1.20±0.05 vs. 0.94±0.04), NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3, 0.72±0.02 vs. 0.40±0.03), Caspase-1 containing cysteine (Caspase-1), dermatin D N-terminal fragment (GSDMD-N, 0.71±0.03 vs. 0.52±0.01), significantly decreased NF-κB and NLRP3 immunohistochemical staining scores, and significantly decreased serum contents of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-18 ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Early intervention with RGFP966 after TBI can reduce the pyroptosis and inflammatory reaction of nerve cells and play neuroprotective role, whose mechanism may be related to inhibited activation of NF-κB/NLRP3/GSDMD pathway.