Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus and Hedysarum polybotrys belong to different genera, but have similar drug efficacy in traditional Chinese medicine theory, and H. polybotrys was used as the legal A. membranaceus var. mongholicus previously. In this study, similarities and differences between them were analyzed via their ITS/ITS2 fragments information. The ITS (internal transcribed spacer) regions were amplified using polymerase chain reaction and then sequenced in two-way. The alignment lengths of ITS regions were 616 bp, in which 508 loci were consistent, and 103 loci were different, accounting for 82.47% and 16.72% of the total ITS nucleotides in length, respectively. As genotype determines phenotype, 1HNMR-based metabolomic approach was further used to reveal the chemical similarities and differences between them. Thirty-four metabolites were identified in the 1H NMR spectra, and twenty-seven metabolites were the common components. Amino acids, carbohydrates and other primary metabolites were similar, while a large difference existed in the flavonoids and astragalosides. This study suggests that A. membranaceus var. mongholicus and H. polybotrys show similarities and differences from molecular and chemical perspectives, which has laid a foundation for elucidating the effective material basis of drug with similar efficacy and resources utilization.
Astragalus membranaceus ; chemistry ; genetics ; DNA, Plant ; genetics ; DNA, Ribosomal Spacer ; genetics ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Fabaceae ; chemistry ; genetics ; Flavonoids ; chemistry ; Metabolome ; Metabolomics

The whole herb of Solanum nigrum L. can be used as the herbal drug. In this study, UHPLC-Q Exactive high resolution mass combined with GNPS molecular network was used for the rapid characterization of the components in the leaves of S. nigrum L. A total of 157 compounds were identified, including 30 steroid alkaloids, 61 steroid saponins, 35 flavonoids, and 31 other compounds (amino acids and organic acids), by comparison with the data reported in the literature, and mass fragmentation characteristics analysis, as well as the correlation of known and unknown nodes in the GNPS molecular network. Compared with the fruits and stems, the leaves of S. nigrum L was rich in a variety of steroidal saponins, steroidal alkaloids, and flavonoids, and the results lay the foundation for the precise resources utilization of S. nigrum L.

Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) coupled with a molecular network analysis strategy was used to identify the chemical constituents of the stem bark of two kinds of asparagus. The chemical constituents were identified by determining an accurate molecular weight, the fragmentation pathway, and comparison with the mass spectrometry data from the references. A molecular network was established based on the similarity of MS/MS fragmentation patterns. A total of 107 compounds were identified or tentatively deduced, which included 46 saponins, 13 flavonoids, and 48 other compounds. The chemical compounds identified in the stem bark of white and green asparagus differed greatly: the white asparagus was rich in saponins, while the green asparagus was rich in flavonoids. In conclusion, the chemical constituents of asparagus stem bark were characterized rapidly using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and molecular network analysis, with 10 compounds and 45 targets determined from the HIT 2.0 herbal ingredients' targets platform. This work will provide a theoretical basis for the resource utilization of asparagus.

OBJECTIVETo study the application value of asthma predictive index (API)-based group therapy in wheezing children under 5 years of age.

METHODSA total of 239 wheezing children under 5 years of age were divided into API-positive (n=126) and API-negative groups (n=113). Each group was randomly assigned to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) subgroup and montelukast sodium (leukotriene receptor antagonist, LTRA) subgroup. The ICS and LTRA subgroups received the same drug therapy at the same dosage within the first four weeks of treatment. In the stable period of disease, the ICS subgroup only received aerosol inhalation of budesonide suspension, while the LTRA group was orally given montelukast sodium only. Asthma symptom scores were assessed and recorded at different time points.

RESULTSIn the first four weeks of treatment, ICS and LTRA were effective both in the API-positive and API-negative groups; the two groups showed significant improvements in asthma symptom scores, and the asthma symptom score showed no significant difference between the ICS and LTRA subgroups of each group. After 24 weeks of treatment, the two therapies were still effective; in the API-positive group, the LTRA subgroup had a better treatment outcome than the ICS subgroup, but there was no significant difference in treatment outcome between the LTRA and ICS subgroups of the API-negative group.

CONCLUSIONSFor wheezing children under 5 years of age, therapeutic strategies can be chosen based on API in the stable period of disease, so as to better control wheezing.

Administration, Inhalation ; Adrenal Cortex Hormones ; administration & dosage ; Asthma ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Leukotriene Antagonists ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Psychotherapy, Group ; Respiratory Sounds ; diagnosis ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo study the methods and effects of Ilizarov distraction technique in treating the flexion deformity of the knee of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita.

METHODSBetween August 1998 and February 2003, 6 patients (10 knees) with the arthrogryposis multiplex congenita were treated, 4 patients in double knees, 5 males, 1 female, mean age 8 years and 2 months, ranged from 3 years and 7 months to 13 years. The preoperative flexion degree was averagely 51 degrees. The patients accompanied 13 other parts malformation of limbs. The modified Ilizarov distraction apparatus of the knee was used. While installing the apparatus in the operation, the knees should be kept in the of location of maximum extension, the center of joint hinges on the apparatus should be placed towards the rotatory center of the knee, two groups of 2 mm K-wires were passed through the femur and tibia around the knee, who were fixed on the proximal and distal rings. Distraction was started after the surgical procedure 5 days via rotating the threaded rods at the posterior of the knee, at an average of 2 to 3 mm per day, at the first week, after 2 weeks with the rate modified to 2 mm per day, up to the knee extended to 0 degrees. The accompanied deformities of the hip and/or the foot might be corrected at the same time or next time. The average duration of the distraction was 37 days (23-48 days). During the correction all limbs might undergo weight. After 2 weeks at the end of distraction the fixator was removed and the patients could walk by a long-leg brace.

RESULTSTen knees with the flexion contracture were sufficiently corrected without severe complications. Nine knees of all were followed up at an average time of 1 years and 3 mouths, no recurrence of the deformity was seen in all patients, their function of walk was significantly improved.

CONCLUSIONSIlizarov technique is a simply, safe and effective method for managing the flexion deformity of the knee of the arthrogryposis multiplex congentia. The procedure is conformable to the biological theories and microsurgical principles.

Adolescent ; Arthrogryposis ; surgery ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Ilizarov Technique ; Knee Joint ; surgery ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo study therapeutic effects of limited internal fixation combined with external fixation in the treatment of deformity of distal end of femur, as well as to explore its effect on the function of knee joint.

METHODSFrom June 2004 to June 2009, 38 patients with deformity of distal end of femur were treated with osteotomy at femoral supracondylar and internalfixation combined with hybrid external fixator. Among the patients, 19 patients were male and 19 patients were female, ranging in age from 14 to 58 years, with an average of 26 years. Six patients had genu valgum, 4 patients had varus of the distal end of femur, 2 patients had varus combined with rotation deformity,3 patients had genu recurvation and 23 patients had deformity of genuflex. The function of knee joint was evaluated according to Dimeglio clinical assessment after the treatment.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up and the during ranged from 6 to 48 months, with a mean period of 23 months. All the deformity obtained satisfactory correction, without complications such as limitation of motion of the knee joint, under correction or over correction,displacement of the section of the osteotomy,internal fixation loosening and fracture. Nineteen patients got an excellent result, 12 good, 5 poor and 2 bad.

CONCLUSIONSupracondylar femoral osteotomy and internal fixation combined with hybrid external fixator is a safe and effective surgery for the treatment of deformity of distal end of femur. This method combines the advantages of internal fixation and external fixation.

Adolescent ; Adult ; External Fixators ; Female ; Femur ; abnormalities ; surgery ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVETo identify suitable hydroxyl polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OH-PAHs) for co-evaluation of internal exposure level of PAHs by simultaneous determination of a variety of OH-PAHs in urine.

METHODSThe 24-h individual particulate matter and morning urine samples of 112 subjects were collected during June 2011. PAHs carried by individual particulate matter samples and OH-PAHs in urine samples were detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

RESULTSSeven OH-PAHs were detected in urine samples, among which 1-hydroxy-naphthalene (1-OHNap) concentration was the highest [(20.54 ± 28.94) µmol/mol Cr], while 1-hydroxy-pyrene (1-OHP) concentration was the lowest [(0.73 ± 0.63) µmol/mol Cr]. The concentrations of these seven OH-PAHs decreased in the following order: 1-hydroxy-naphthalene (1-OHNap) > 9-hydroxy-fluorene (9-OHFlu) > 2-hydroxy-naphthalene (2-OHNap) > 3-hydroxy-fluorene (3-OHFlu) > 2-hydroxy-fluorene (2-OHFlu) > 6-hydroxy-chrysene (6-OHChr) > 1-hydroxy-pyrene (1-OHP). The effects of gender and smoking upon the contents of OH-PAHs in urine samples were not significant. There was a good correlation between total hydroxy-naphthalene (ΣOHNap) and 1-OHNap (r = 0.948), and a good correlation was also showed between total hydroxy-fluorene (ΣOHFlu) and 9-OHFlu (r = 0.975). Naphthalene carried by atmospheric particulate matters demonstrated better correlation with 1-OHNap than 2-OHNap, while fluorene carried by atmospheric particulate matters showed better correlation with 9-OHFlu than 3-OHFlu and 2-OHFlu. The correlation coefficients of ΣOHNap, ΣOHFlu and 6-OHChr with 1-OHP were 0.427, 0.543 and 0.655, respectively, and the correlations were not strong.

CONCLUSIONIt cannot reflect internal exposure level of PAHs to use 1-OHP as the only biomarker, while 1-OHNap and 9-OHFlu can be well predictive of the exposure levels of corresponding total OH-PAHs, suggesting that simultaneous determination of 1-OHNap, 9-OHFlu and 1-OHP can be more accurate and comprehensive in evaluating the internal exposure level of PAHs.

Aged ; Air Pollutants ; analysis ; urine ; China ; Environmental Monitoring ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Hydroxyl Radical ; analysis ; urine ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons ; analysis ; urine

Objective:To investigate the prognostic factors of oligometastatic (OM) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and the safety and effectiveness of early radiotherapy intervention.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted, including 159 OM NSCLC cases (metastatic sites≤5, metastasis organs≤3) admitted to Department of Radiation Oncology in First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2015 to December 2018. Among 159 cases, there were 107 males and 52 females, with the median age of 63 years. 137 cases were administrated via early radiotherapy intervention, and 22 cases via delayed radiotherapy intervention. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to determine the progression-free survival time (PFS)/overall survival time (OS) to ascertain the best cut-off value for local control and prognosis. Survival analysis was calculated by Kaplan-Meier curves, and Log rank test was used for comparison of these curves. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used for multivariate survival analysis.Results:The median follow-up time of 159 cases was 28.2 months. During the follow-up period, there were 16 cases with complete remission (10.1%), 53 cases with partial remission (33.3%), 27 cases with stable disease (17.0%), and 63 cases with progressed disease(39.6%). The local control rates at 3, 6 and 12 months were 83.9%, 59.7% and 41.0%, respectively. The median progression-free survival (PFS) of 159 patients was 8.0 months, the median survival time (OS) was 35.0 months, and 1, 2, and 3-year survival rates were 77.3%, 63.0% and 45.1%, respectively. Adverse reactions related to radiotherapy were relatively mild, mostly grade 1 and 2. PFS/OS= 0.3 is the best cut-off value for determining the patient′s local control and prognosis. The result of univariate analysis showed that gender, number of OM organs, T staging, radiotherapy intervention mode, tumor target volume absorbed dose (DT-GTVnx), PFS/OS were significantly related to median PFS ( χ2=4.175, 16.508, 4.408, 10.300, 6.842, 38.175, P<0.05); gender, pathological type, number of OM organs, initial diagnosis stage, T stage, N stage, lobectomy, radiotherapy intervention mode, tumor target volume (V-GTVnx), tumor load, local control status were significantly related to median OS ( χ2=6.672, 8.330, 21.299, 5.398, 6.874, 6.893, 5.611, 115.206, 4.017, 5.110, 21.299, P< 0.05). The result of multivariate analysis showed that delayed radiotherapy intervention ( HR=3.728, 95% CI 2.099-6.622, P<0.001) was an independent risk factor for PFS in patients with OM NSCLC, and PFS/OS>0.3 ( HR=0.123, 95% CI 0.062-0.246, P<0.001) was an independent protective factor for PFS in patients with OM NSCLC; male ( HR=1.665, 95% CI 1.024-3.043, P=0.033), high tumor burden ( HR=2.113, 95% CI 1.088-4.107, P=0.027), delayed radiotherapy interventions ( HR=15.076, 95% CI 7.925-28.680, P<0.001) were independent risk factors for OS in patients with OM NSCLC. Conclusions:OS of patients with OM NSCLC is significantly prolonged in female, low tumor burden and early radiotherapy intervention. Early radiotherapy intervention significantly improved the prognosis, and radiotherapy-related adverse reactions could be tolerated. These might suggest that local radiotherapy is safe and effective in the treatment of OM NSCLC patients.

Objective: To explore the effects of application of Plato analysis combined with plan-do-check-action (PDCA) cycle in scientific research management of nurses with primary position title. Methods: Twenty-six nurses with primary position title were recruited in this self pre- and post-control study. From January 2012 to December 2013, they were guided by normal scientific research management. In January 2014, the factors which hinder these nurses from writing papers were investigated by the questionnaire titled " the impediments that hinder nurses with primary position title from writing papers" . Based on " twenty-eighty percent laws" of Plato analysis method, the main influencing factors which hinder nurses with primary position title from writing papers were " had no idea" and " did not know how to write although with ideas" . From January 2014 to December 2015, based on the results of the survey and combined with PDCA cycle method, interventions were planned, carried out, analyzed by stage, and then improved continuously. Impediments which hinder writing papers of 26 nurses in January 2014 and December 2015, specific scientific research achievement, total scientific research achievement, and average scientific research achievement of these 26 nurses before intervention (from January 2012 to December 2013) and after intervention (from January 2014 to December 2015) were analyzed. Data were processed with McNemar exact probability test, Wilcoxon signed rank sum test. Results: (1) The cumulative percentages of main impediments " had no idea" and " did not know how to write although with ideas" were decreased from 76.93% in January 2014 to 23.07% in December 2015. The number of nurses who " had no idea" was significantly reduced from 14 in January 2014 to 4 in December 2015 (P<0.01). The total number of nurses who had impediments which hinder writing papers was significantly reduced from 26 in January 2014 to 10 in December 2015 (P<0.01). (2) The total scientific research achievement and average scientific research achievement of the 26 nurses were significantly increased from 5 before intervention to 32 after intervention and 0.19 before intervention to 1.23 after intervention, respectively (Z=-4.838, -3.703, P<0.01). Among which, numbers of specific scientific research achievement of papers published in Journals of Statistic Source, papers published in other journals, science and technology awards, fund projects, national utility model patents, and patents for invention after intervention were all increased than those before intervention (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusions Plato analysis can accurately analyze the main impediments that hinder nurses with primary position title from writing papers. Plato analysis combined with PDCA cycle can improve the overall ability of scientific research of nurses with primary position title and affect the achievements in nursing scientific research, which is worthy of promotion.

With wide application of 68Ga-prostate specific membrane antigen(PSMA)positron emission tomography(PET)technology in the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa), researchers have paid more attention to nodal staging in PCa by 68Ga-PSMA PET. Currently, 68Ga-PSMA PET has been used to detect lymph node metastases (LNMs) in primary prostate cancer patients and recurrent prostate cancer patients. Compared with the traditional imaging techniques, 68Ga-PSMA PET can detect LNMs with higher sensitivity, specificity and accuracy, which has great impact on treatment management of PCa patients. This article reviewed the research progress of detection of LNMs by 68Ga-PSMA PET in prostate cancer patients.