Background: Developing and validating a modified parameter, the SYS-G angle (the angle between the lower endplate of the C2 and the upper endplate of C7 vertebrae), as a feasible substitute for the C2–C7 Cobb method in assessing cervical sagittal alignment and exploring its reference range through a large-scale retrospective study. Methods: The visibility of the C6, C7 upper, and C7 lower endplates was graded and compared. Baseline data such as height, weight, body mass index (BMI), age, and sex were analyzed for their impact on the visibility of the C7 lower endplate. Values of C2-6 Cobb angle, SYS-G angle, and C2-7 Cobb angle were measured. The intra- and interobserver reliability, differences, and efficacy of evaluation on cervical lordosis of the parameters were compared, and the correlations among the parameters were analyzed. Furthermore, reference ranges for the SYS-G angle were established based on lateral cervical spine x-rays of 825 asymptomatic Chinese adults across different age groups and sexes. Results: The visibility of the C7 lower endplates was significantly reduced compared to the C6 lower and C7 upper endplates.Age, weight, BMI, and male sex were identified as factors negatively influencing the visibility of the C7 lower endplate. Both intraobserver and interobserver reliability demonstrated excellence for all tested parameters. The linear regression model unveiled a stronger association of the SYS-G angle with the C2-7 Cobb angle compared to the C2-6 Cobb angle. Furthermore, the SYS-G angle exhibited excellent efficacy in evaluating cervical lordosis. Age displayed a positive correlation with the SYS-G angle, and across every age bracket from 20 to 69 years, men exhibited a higher mean SYS-G angle compared to women. Conclusions The visibility of the C7 lower endplate diminishes with increasing age, weight, BMI, and male sex. In cases where the C7 lower endplate is unclear, the SYS-G angle emerges as a reliable method for estimating cervical sagittal morphology. Reference ranges for the SYS-G angle were established across various age groups and sexes among asymptomatic Chinese adults, offering a valuable resource to guide therapeutic interventions for cervical spine disorders and deformities.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the improvement effects of Compound qinbai granules on ulcerative colitis （UC） in rats and its mechanism based on short-chain fatty acid （SCFA） and their targets G protein-coupled receptor （GPR）. METHODS Male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group （12 rats） and model group （30 rats）； the model group was given 5% dextran sulfate sodium solution to induce the UC model. Model rats were divided into the model group， positive control group [Mesalazine enteric-coated tablets 270 mg/（kg·d）] and Compound qinbai granules group [2.52 g/（kg·d）]， with 9 rats in each group. Rats in each group were orally administered with normal saline or corresponding medication twice a day， for three consecutive weeks. During intragastric administration， the general conditions of rats in each group were observed， and the disease activity index （DAI） scores were assessed after the last administration. Serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines （tumor necrosis factor-α， interleukin-6） and anti-inflammatory cytokines （transforming growth factor-β1， interleukin-10） were measured. Pathological changes in their colonic tissues were observed and scored. Additionally， the content of SCFA （acetic acid， propionic acid and butyric acid） in their feces as well as the protein and mRNA expressions of GPR41， GPR43 and GPR109A in colonic tissues were detected. RESULTS Compared with the normal group， rats in the model group exhibited lethargy and obvious blood in their feces； the colonic tissue structure was severely damaged， with pathological changes such as notable glandular loss， edema， and inflammatory cell infiltration visible； the serum levels of pro- inflammatory cytokines， DAI score and colonic pathology score were significantly increased， while the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines， SCFA content， and protein and mRNA expressions of GPR41， GPR43 and GPR109A were significantly decreased or down-regulated （P＜0.01）. Compared with the model group， the general condition and pathological changes of colonic tissue in each administration group showed improvement， with significant reversal observed in the aforementioned quantitative indicators （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS Compound qinbai granules can alleviate intestinal inflammation and intestinal mucosal damage in UC rats. These effects may be related to its ability to restore intestinal SCFA levels and the expression of their target GPR.

Background: Developing and validating a modified parameter, the SYS-G angle (the angle between the lower endplate of the C2 and the upper endplate of C7 vertebrae), as a feasible substitute for the C2–C7 Cobb method in assessing cervical sagittal alignment and exploring its reference range through a large-scale retrospective study. Methods: The visibility of the C6, C7 upper, and C7 lower endplates was graded and compared. Baseline data such as height, weight, body mass index (BMI), age, and sex were analyzed for their impact on the visibility of the C7 lower endplate. Values of C2-6 Cobb angle, SYS-G angle, and C2-7 Cobb angle were measured. The intra- and interobserver reliability, differences, and efficacy of evaluation on cervical lordosis of the parameters were compared, and the correlations among the parameters were analyzed. Furthermore, reference ranges for the SYS-G angle were established based on lateral cervical spine x-rays of 825 asymptomatic Chinese adults across different age groups and sexes. Results: The visibility of the C7 lower endplates was significantly reduced compared to the C6 lower and C7 upper endplates.Age, weight, BMI, and male sex were identified as factors negatively influencing the visibility of the C7 lower endplate. Both intraobserver and interobserver reliability demonstrated excellence for all tested parameters. The linear regression model unveiled a stronger association of the SYS-G angle with the C2-7 Cobb angle compared to the C2-6 Cobb angle. Furthermore, the SYS-G angle exhibited excellent efficacy in evaluating cervical lordosis. Age displayed a positive correlation with the SYS-G angle, and across every age bracket from 20 to 69 years, men exhibited a higher mean SYS-G angle compared to women. Conclusions The visibility of the C7 lower endplate diminishes with increasing age, weight, BMI, and male sex. In cases where the C7 lower endplate is unclear, the SYS-G angle emerges as a reliable method for estimating cervical sagittal morphology. Reference ranges for the SYS-G angle were established across various age groups and sexes among asymptomatic Chinese adults, offering a valuable resource to guide therapeutic interventions for cervical spine disorders and deformities.

Background: Developing and validating a modified parameter, the SYS-G angle (the angle between the lower endplate of the C2 and the upper endplate of C7 vertebrae), as a feasible substitute for the C2–C7 Cobb method in assessing cervical sagittal alignment and exploring its reference range through a large-scale retrospective study. Methods: The visibility of the C6, C7 upper, and C7 lower endplates was graded and compared. Baseline data such as height, weight, body mass index (BMI), age, and sex were analyzed for their impact on the visibility of the C7 lower endplate. Values of C2-6 Cobb angle, SYS-G angle, and C2-7 Cobb angle were measured. The intra- and interobserver reliability, differences, and efficacy of evaluation on cervical lordosis of the parameters were compared, and the correlations among the parameters were analyzed. Furthermore, reference ranges for the SYS-G angle were established based on lateral cervical spine x-rays of 825 asymptomatic Chinese adults across different age groups and sexes. Results: The visibility of the C7 lower endplates was significantly reduced compared to the C6 lower and C7 upper endplates.Age, weight, BMI, and male sex were identified as factors negatively influencing the visibility of the C7 lower endplate. Both intraobserver and interobserver reliability demonstrated excellence for all tested parameters. The linear regression model unveiled a stronger association of the SYS-G angle with the C2-7 Cobb angle compared to the C2-6 Cobb angle. Furthermore, the SYS-G angle exhibited excellent efficacy in evaluating cervical lordosis. Age displayed a positive correlation with the SYS-G angle, and across every age bracket from 20 to 69 years, men exhibited a higher mean SYS-G angle compared to women. Conclusions The visibility of the C7 lower endplate diminishes with increasing age, weight, BMI, and male sex. In cases where the C7 lower endplate is unclear, the SYS-G angle emerges as a reliable method for estimating cervical sagittal morphology. Reference ranges for the SYS-G angle were established across various age groups and sexes among asymptomatic Chinese adults, offering a valuable resource to guide therapeutic interventions for cervical spine disorders and deformities.

Background: Developing and validating a modified parameter, the SYS-G angle (the angle between the lower endplate of the C2 and the upper endplate of C7 vertebrae), as a feasible substitute for the C2–C7 Cobb method in assessing cervical sagittal alignment and exploring its reference range through a large-scale retrospective study. Methods: The visibility of the C6, C7 upper, and C7 lower endplates was graded and compared. Baseline data such as height, weight, body mass index (BMI), age, and sex were analyzed for their impact on the visibility of the C7 lower endplate. Values of C2-6 Cobb angle, SYS-G angle, and C2-7 Cobb angle were measured. The intra- and interobserver reliability, differences, and efficacy of evaluation on cervical lordosis of the parameters were compared, and the correlations among the parameters were analyzed. Furthermore, reference ranges for the SYS-G angle were established based on lateral cervical spine x-rays of 825 asymptomatic Chinese adults across different age groups and sexes. Results: The visibility of the C7 lower endplates was significantly reduced compared to the C6 lower and C7 upper endplates.Age, weight, BMI, and male sex were identified as factors negatively influencing the visibility of the C7 lower endplate. Both intraobserver and interobserver reliability demonstrated excellence for all tested parameters. The linear regression model unveiled a stronger association of the SYS-G angle with the C2-7 Cobb angle compared to the C2-6 Cobb angle. Furthermore, the SYS-G angle exhibited excellent efficacy in evaluating cervical lordosis. Age displayed a positive correlation with the SYS-G angle, and across every age bracket from 20 to 69 years, men exhibited a higher mean SYS-G angle compared to women. Conclusions The visibility of the C7 lower endplate diminishes with increasing age, weight, BMI, and male sex. In cases where the C7 lower endplate is unclear, the SYS-G angle emerges as a reliable method for estimating cervical sagittal morphology. Reference ranges for the SYS-G angle were established across various age groups and sexes among asymptomatic Chinese adults, offering a valuable resource to guide therapeutic interventions for cervical spine disorders and deformities.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the functional and aesthetic evaluation of external fixator lengthening through plantar approach for fourth brachymetatarsia. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 20 patients (23 feet) with fourth brachymetatarsia who met the selection criteria between January 2016 and January 2024, including 3 males and 17 females, with 8 left, 9 right, and 3 bilateral cases. The mean age was 24.7 years (range, 14-51 years). The preoperative metatarsal shortening length was (13.8±3.2) mm. The preoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) forefoot score was 79.5±3.9, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score of appearance satisfaction was 1.7±0.8, and the appearance index (AI) score was 13.6±0.9. All patients underwent external fixator lengthening through plantar approach. The lengthening length of metatarsal bone, lengthening ratio, healing time, and healing index were recorded. Functional outcomes were assessed using the AOFAS forefoot score, VAS score of appearance satisfaction, and quality-of-life impact with AI questionnaire. RESULTS: All 20 patients were followed up 14-55 months with an average of 36.3 months. During the follow-up, complications occurred in 4 cases (17.4%), including 2 cases of metatarsophalangeal joint stiffness, which had no significant effect on the function and appearance. Delayed union of osteotomy occurred in 1 case (healed at 12 weeks after operation). Pin loosening occurred in 1 case and recovered after outpatient reinforcement. No complications related to plantar scar occurred. At last follow-up, the lengthening length of metatarsal bone was (13.9±3.1) mm, and the lengthening ratio was 25.8%±5.6%. All cases achieved bony union, with a mean healing time of (64.3±12.5) days and a healing index of (46.9±4.8) d/cm. At last follow-up, AOFAS score was 98.9±2.1, the VAS score of appearance satisfaction was 9.3±0.7, and the AI score was 0.6±0.8, which significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( t=27.398, P<0.001; t=32.994, P<0.001; t=56.135, P<0.001). CONCLUSION External fixator lengthening through plantar approach is a safe and effective technique for fourth brachymetatarsia, achieving satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; External Fixators ; Retrospective Studies ; Bone Lengthening/instrumentation* ; Middle Aged ; Metatarsal Bones/abnormalities* ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; Treatment Outcome ; Patient Satisfaction ; Esthetics ; Osteotomy/methods* ; Foot Deformities, Congenital/surgery*

Lipidomics is an emerging discipline that systematically studies the various types, functions, and metabolic pathways of lipids within living organisms. This field compares changes in diseases or drug impact, identifying biomarkers and molecular mechanisms present in lipid metabolic networks across different physiological or pathological states. Through employing analytical chemistry within the realm of lipidomics, researchers analyze traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This analysis aids in uncovering potential mechanisms for treating diverse physiopathological conditions, assessing drug efficacy, understanding mechanisms of action and toxicity, and generating innovative ideas for disease prevention and treatment. This manuscript assesses recent literature, summarizing existing lipidomics technologies and their applications in TCM research. It delineates the efficacy, mechanisms, and toxicity research related to lipidomics in Chinese medicine. Additionally, it explores the utilization of lipidomics in quality control research for Chinese medicine, aiming to expand the application of lipidomics within this field. Ultimately, this initiative seeks to foster the integration of traditional medicine theory with modern science and technology, promoting an organic fusion between the two domains.

ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Cangxi Tongbi capsules （CXTB） in regulating the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （p38 MAPK）/NOD-like receptor protein 3 （NLRP3）/cysteine protease-1 （Caspase-1） signaling pathway to inhibit pyroptosis of cartilage cells in knee osteoarthritis （KOA）. MethodSixty male SD rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group， a model group， low， medium， and high dose CXTB groups， and a positive control group， with 10 rats per group. The modified Hulth method was employed to establish a rat model of KOA. According to their respective assignments， rats were administered CXTB （0.25， 0.5， 1.0 g·kg^-1） and Celecoxib （24 mg·kg^-1） by gavage. The sham operation and model groups were given an equivalent volume of physiological saline. Treatment was performed once daily for 28 days. Micro-computed tomography （Micro-CT） was used to assess bone volume/total volume （BV/TV） and trabecular separation （Tb.Sp）. Joint degeneration was evaluated through hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining， safranin-fast green （SO） staining， and Osteoarthritis Research Society International （OARSI） scoring. Western blot analysis was conducted to measure the expression levels of p38 MAPK， phosphorylated p38 MAPK （p-p38 MAPK）， NLRP3， Caspase-1， and gasdermin D （GSDMD） proteins. Real-time PCR was used to assess mRNA expression levels of p38 MAPK， NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD genes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to measure serum concentrations of inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-alpha （TNF-α）， interleukin-1 beta （IL-1β）， and interleukin-18 （IL-18）. After knee replacement surgery， cartilage tissue was analyzed using Western blot to assess the protein expression levels of p38 MAPK， p-p38 MAPK， NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD， and Real-time PCR was used to evaluate gene expression levels of p38 MAPK， NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD. ResultMicro-CT analysis revealed significant narrowing of the joint space and increased bone spur formation in KOA rats compared with the sham operation group， with a decrease in BV/TV ratio and an increase in Tb.Sp value （P<0.01）. Serum levels of TNF-α， IL-1β， and IL-18 were elevated （P<0.01）. The protein expression levels of p-p38 MAPK， NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD in cartilage were significantly increased （P<0.01）， and the mRNA expression levels of p38 MAPK， NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD were also enhanced （P<0.01）. Significant differences in protein expression of p-p38 MAPK， NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD were observed between normal and diseased cartilage tissues after knee replacement surgery （P<0.05）， and the gene expression of p38 MAPK， NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD were also significantly different （P<0.01）. HE and SO staining showed roughened joint surfaces， reduced cartilage thickness， and disordered cellular arrangement in KOA rats. OARSI scores were significantly higher （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， treatment with low， medium， and high concentrations of CXTB resulted in increased BV/TV ratios and decreased Tb.Sp values in the knee joints of rats （P<0.01）. HE and SO staining indicated a trend towards smoother joint surfaces and reduced OARSI scores （P<0.01）. The protein expression levels of p-p38 MAPK， NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD were notably decreased （P<0.05）， as were the mRNA expression levels of p38 MAPK， NLRP3， Caspase-1， and GSDMD （P<0.01）. Additionally， serum concentrations of TNF-α， IL-1β， and IL-18 were significantly reduced （P<0.01）. ConclusionCXTB intervention may alleviate knee joint degeneration in KOA rats and inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors and pyroptosis of cartilage cells， thereby protecting cartilage. The underlying mechanism may involve modulation of the p38 MAPK/NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway.

Objective To understand the usage of national medical insurance negotiated drugs(hereinafter referred to as"negotiated drugs")at Tianjin Second People's Hospital and to provide references for optimizing and adjusting the hospital's drug catalog.Methods A retrospective study was conducted on the usage of negotiated drugs from January 1,2018 to December 31,2022 to compare changes in the unit price of drugs,the quantity and amount of sales,the usage frequency(DDDs)and the daily average cost(DDC),etc before and after the negotiation.Results Between 2018 and 2022,the varieties of negotiated drugs used in the hospital increased from the original 5 to 24.Among the 13 drugs analyzed for comparison,the unit prices of 11 drugs had been reduced after negotiation,and 7 drugs were included in the medical insurance and outpatient-specific disease payment directory.The average decrease in DDC was 36.43%,and the average increase in DDDs was 1 770.31%.The implementation of this policy had increased the accessibility of medication for patients and significantly increased sales quantity.Conclusion The quantity of sales of negotiated drugs significantly increased through reducing the unit price of drugs and including them in the scope of medical insurance payment,etc.These increase the pharmacoeconomic viability of negotiated drugs,effectively reduce the burden on patients,promote rational drug use in hospitals,and improve the access and efficiency of drugs.

Objective To observe the effects of Shengxue Tongbian Granules on colonic myoelectricity and Ca2+/CaM/MLCK signaling pathway in rats with slow transit constipation(STC)of blood deficiency and intestinal dryness syndrome;To explore its mechanism for the treatment of STC.Methods The STC model of blood deficiency and intestinal dryness syndrome was established by intragastric administration of loperamide combined with tail bloodletting.The rats were divided into control group,model group,mosapride citrate group and Shengxue Tongbian Granules group,with 8 rats in each group.The administration group was given corresponding drugs by gavage for 14 days.The general condition of rats before and after treatment was observed,the fecal water content was detected,the slow wave frequency,amplitude,and coefficient of variation of colonic electromyography were detected using a biological function experimental system,and intestinal propulsion rate was detected.HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of colon tissue,the concentration of Ca2+ in colonic smooth muscle cells was detected by colorimetry,the expression of Cx43,calmodulin(CaM),myosin light chain kinase(MLCK)and p-MLC20 in smooth muscle tissue were detected by Western blot.Results Compared with the control group,the body mass,fecal water content and intestinal propulsion rate of rats in the model group decreased(P<0.01),the slow wave frequency of colonic electromyography slowed down,the coefficient of variation of frequency increased(P<0.01),and the amplitude and coefficient of variation of slow wave increased(P<0.01);colonic mucosal structure was damaged,with visible inflammatory changes and significant erosion,and the concentration of Ca2+ and the expressions of Cx43,CaM,MLCK,p-MLC20 proteins in colonic smooth muscle cells were significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the body mass,fecal water content and intestinal propulsion rate of the rats in the mosapride citrate group and the Shengxue Tongbian Granules group significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),the slow wave frequency of colonic electromyography increased and the coefficient of variation of frequency decreased(P<0.01),and the slow wave amplitude and amplitude variation coefficient decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01);the colonic mucosal structure was relatively intact,the erosion situation was improved,and the Ca2+ concentration,Cx43,CaM,MLCK and p-MLC20 protein expressions in colonic smooth muscle cells significantly increased(P<0.01).Conclusion Shengxue Tongbian Granules can improve defecation symptoms and promote colonic motility in STC rats with blood deficiency and intestinal dryness syndrome,which may be related to regulating colonic myoelectric rhythm and activating Ca2+/CaM/MLCK signaling pathway.