In the paper, the optimal self-scaling strategy to the modified symmetric rank one (HSR1) update, which satisfies the modified quasi-Newton equation, is derived to improve the condition number of the updates. The scaling factors are derived from minimizing the estimate of upper bounds on the condition number of the updating matrix. Theoretical analysis, and numerical experiments and comparisons show that introducing the optimal scaling factor into the modified symmetric rank one update preserves the positive definiteness of updates, and greatly improves the stability and numerical performance of the modified symmetric rank one algorithm.

Objective To study the activity of aminopeptidase N (APN) in the bile of patients with cholesterol gallstones (CGS) and rabbits fed with lithogenic diets (LD) to explore the lithogenic role of APN in the formation of gallstones. Methods Enzymatic activity of APN and lipid concentrations in bile of investigated CGS patients and LD fed rabbits were measured. The relationship between the activity of APN and CSI was statistically analyzed.Results APN activity in CGS patients′ gallbladder (GB) and bile duct (BD) biles 〔(66 0?24 1)*!U/ml and (38 4?9 4)*!U/ml〕 as well as in LD fed rabbits′ GB and BD biles 〔(14 5?4 08)*!U/ml and (9 13?1 67)*!U/ml〕 were significantly higher than that in the corresponding biles of their clinical and experimental control (CC and EC) groups 〔(23 0?7 7)*!U/ml〕 in GB bile of CC group and 〔(6 05?0 95)*!U/ml and (3 09?0 92)*!U/ml〕 in EC group. All P values were less than 0 05. A statistical positive correlation was found between the APN and CSI value in each of the groups.Conclusions It is more likely that APN might play certain role in the early neucleating period of the pathogenesis of gallstones based on its proneucleative potential and measurement of APN activity may serve as a predictive marker among patients with high risk of gallstone formation.

The modern statistical and data mining technology is used to analyze the law of the acupoint selection in the treatment of insomnia with acupuncture and moxibustion. The clinical literature on the treatment of insomnia with acupuncture and moxibustion in recent 10 years is collected from China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). Excel software is applied to establish the database of acupuncture prescriptions for insomnia so as to conduct the descriptive analysis, association rule analysis and clustering analysis on the data. In the treatment of insomnia with acupuncture and moxibustion, Shenmen (HT 7) is of the highest frequency and most acupoints were selected from the Governor Vessel. The commonly used acupoints are located on the head, face, neck and nape region. The combination of the local acupoints with the distal ones is predominated. The crossing points among the specific points present the advantage in the treatment. The association: rule analysis indicates the highest, correlation among Taixi (KI 3), Sishencong (EX-HN 1) and Shenmen (HT 7). The clustering analysis results in 6 effective clusters and 10 pairs of key points and summarizes the common law of the acupoint combination for insomnia. All of these provide the reference to the treatment of insomnia with acupuncture and moxibustion.
Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; China ; Data Mining ; Databases, Factual ; Humans ; Moxibustion ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders ; therapy ; Software

This study was aimed to analyze acupoint selection principle for acute gouty arthritis treatment. Literatures on acupuncture treatment of acute gouty arthritis were collected from CNKI in recent 20 years. Excel software was used in the establishment of database on main acupoints for acute gouty arthritis treatment. On Windows 8 platform, SPSS 17.0 and Clementine 12.0 software were used in the descriptive analysis, association rules analysis and cluster analysis. The results showed that the top three acupionts with the highest frequency of application were Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Zusanli (ST 36), and Y inlingquan (SP 9). The meridian used with the highest frequency was the spleen meridian of foot Taiyin. The result of association rules analysis showed that Sanyinjiao (SP 6)-Xuehai (SP 10)-Quchi (LI 11) was the most relational one. The cluster analysis indicated the top four core cluster groups including Xiangu (ST 43)-Neiting (ST 44)-Xingjian (LR 2), Xuehai (SP 10)-Hegu (LI 4)-Quchi (LI 11), Taibai (SP 3)-Y inbai (SP 1)-Dadu (SP 2)-Fenglong (ST 40), and Zhubin (KI 9)-Zhigou (TE 6)-Gongsun (SP 4)-Bafeng (EX-LE 10). It was con-cluded that the clinical acupoint selection and combination principle in acute gouty arthritis treatment were analyzed through large amount of data. It can provide evidences and references for acupuncture clinical practice.

To observe the effect of various doses of oil of Piper longum unsaponifiable matter (OPUM) to cholesterol gallstones in experimental mice. C57BL/6 mice (n = 60) were randomly divided into 6 groups: control group, model group, OPUM (15, 30 and 60 mg x kg(-1)) group and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA, 60 mg x kg(-1)) group, administered for 10 weeks. The level of serum lipid and liver function enzymes were tested. The gallbladder was removed and bile was obtained by centrifugation. Next, the levels of the bile total cholesterol (TC), phospholipid (PL) and bile acid (TBA) were measured. The indicators of lipid peroxidation were determined and cholesterol saturation index (CSI) was calculated. The liver histological changes were observed by HE staining. The results showed that serum TC, TG (triglycerides) and AST (aspartate transaminase) contents, gallbladder cholesterol crystallization and CSI increased significantly (P < 0.05). In addition, the activity of SOD decreased significantly and MDA content increased significantly in liver (P < 0.05). HE staining results showed that the hepatic cord disorder and intracellular lipid droplets increased significantly. All results indicate that lithogenic diet lead to the formation of cholesterol gallstones. In OPUM (30 and 60 mg x kg(-1)) group, serum TC, TG and AST content, gallbladder cholesterol crystallization and CSI decreased significantly, the activity of SOD increased significantly and MDA content decreased significantly. HE staining results showed that OPUM can improve the morphology of liver cell, reduce the degree of hepatic cord disorders and restore the cell morphology close to normal. The cause of OPUM prevents cholesterol gallstone formation maybe due to protect the integrity of the liver cells, lower CSI, and reduce cholesterol crystal formation and hence prevent cholesterol gallstone formation.

Objective The effect of serum exosome isolation method on obtained exosomal RNA is not yet clear .The aim of this study was to provide evidences to selected exosome isolation methods .Methods This was a method comparison study to assess three methods .Vein blood samples were collected from 3 healthy donors from Nanfang hospital , 4 ℃ 12 h was taken to make blood natural coagulated and the supernatant was taken as the serum . Exosomes extracted by Ultracentrifugation , ExoQuick and Total Exosome Isolation Reagent ( TEI ) kits from serum were assessed by transmission electron microscopy , nanoparticle tracking analysis and protein analysis to identify morphology , protein expression , concentration and size distribution of particles .ExoRNA extracted by Trizol-LS, SeraMir, Total Exosome RNA Isolation ( TER) and exoRNeasy were assessed by Bioanalyzer 2100 and qPCR to ascertain RNA distribution and miRNA expression.Results For exosomes isolation , two commercial kits ( ExoQuick and TEI ) showed higher exosomes recovery and protein concentration than ultracentrifugation , but exosome isolated by ultracentrifugation expressed abundant protein makers mostly .For exo-RNA isolation, the distribution of RNA and expression of miRNAinfluenced by three methods , but there was no effect on the relative expression trend of miRNA.ExoRNeasy resulted in the highest yield and most narrow size distribution pattern of small RNA with higher level of miRNA expression .Results of TEI with TER kits showed no obvious bands of small RNA and moderate miRNA expression among methods .Ultra with Trizol-LS or ExoQuick with SeraMir showed low concentration measurable bands around 100 nt, with changeable miRNA profiling irregularly . Conclusions Extraction of exosomes using traditional ultracentrifugation method is applicable for proteomics research work .Extraction using ExoQuick and TEI kits is suitable for preparing exosomes from scarce samples such as serum.

Objective To observe the impact of coal-burning-borne fluorosis on the opening day of vagina,and estrogen cycle and endocrinology of female rat.Methods Ninety weaned two weeks and healthy female SD rats,weighing 60-80 g were selected,and divided into three groups by body weight using random number table:control group,moderate fluoride exposed group,and higher fluoride exposed group,thirty rates in each group.Rats in fluoride exposed groups were fed with baked corn collected from coal-burning-borne fluorosis areas containing different levels of fluorine(fluorine contents were 47.8 and 96.0 mg/kg,respectively) to establish coal-burning-borne fluorosis models.The corn fed to control group rats were collected from non-endemic areas (fluoride content was 5.2 mg/kg).After exposed to fluoride for 60,120 and 180 days,the rats were put to death during estrus in three batches (10 rats in every batche).The situation of female vaginal opening was observed and recorded every morning at 8:00 at the beginning of the experiment.Ten female rats in each group were randomly selected to observe vaginal exfoliated cells for 10 days continuously every morning,and HE staining was selected to discriminate estrogen cycle.Femoral artery blood was collected to observe the impact of estradiol(E2) in estrus.Results The vaginal opening day age of the longer fluoride exposed group [(49.0 ± 4.5)d] was longer than that of the control group[(45.4 ± 2.3)d] and the moderate fluoride exposed group[(46.7 ± 1.9)d,all P ＜ 0.05].Estrogen cycle of the longer fluoride exposed group[(5.8 ± 0.8)d] after fluoride exposure for 120 d was higher than that of the control group [(4.4 + 0.9)d] and the moderate fluoride exposed group [(4.9 ± 0.7)d,all P ＜ 0.05].Estrogen cycle increased with increasing dosage of fluoride after fluoride exposure for 180 d in three groups [control group:(4.3 ± 0.7)d,moderate fluoride exposed group:(5.4 ± 1.1)d,higher fluoride exposed group:(6.7 + 0.9)d,all P ＜ 0.05].Estrogen cycle in higher fluoride exposed group at 180 d[(6.7 ± 0.9)d] was higher than that of 60 d and 120 d[(5.2 ± 1.1),(5.8 ± 0.8)d,all P ＜ 0.05].At 60 d after exposed to fluoride,E2 levels of fluoride exposed groups were increased[control group:(30.125 ± 94.17)ng/L,moderate fluoride exposed group:(438.75 ± 71.80) ng/L],higher fluoride exposed group (456.25 ± 57.80)ng/L with increasing dosage of fluoride (all P ＜ 0.05).E2 level in rats exposed to fluoride for 180 d [(275.00 ± 127.83)ng/L] was lower than that of 60 d and 120 d [(456.25 ± 57.80),(392.50 ± 102.50)ng/L,all P ＜ 0.05] in higher fluoride exposed groups.Conclusions Coal-burning-borne fluorosis has a significant effect on vaginal opening day age,estrogen cycle and endocrinology of female rats.The higher the fluoride dose,and the longer the exposure time,the more severe the impact.

The Decoction showed marked effect on manykinds of Icterus Neonatorum,Estimation on the activi-ty of superoxide dimutase,lipoperoxide,enzymes ofRBC,were made through histochemical staining andresistance of RBC membrane.Results revealed thatthe remedy has distinctive protective action on cellmembrane of RBC.

Objective: To explore the emotional and behavioral problems of different only child and multiple child families, and to provide a reference for developing effective parenting styles. Methods: A stratified random cluster sampling method was adopted to investigate 2 647 guardians of preschool children in Tongling City from April to June, 2022. Children s emotional and behavioral problems were evaluated by using the self designed parenting questionnaire and the Children s Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) parent edition. Results: The abnormal total score detection rate of emotional and behavioral problems of preschool children was 15.5%, and the rate of abnormal peer interaction was the highest (19.5%). In multiple child families, the first born child (17.5%, 20.4%), compared with the second and third child (11.5%, 9.5%), was more likely to exhibit conduct and hyperactivity problems ( χ 2=8.44, 29.75, P <0.01). There were differences in parenting attitudes between only child and multiple child families( χ 2=9.38, P <0.05). The results of the Logistic regression analysis showed that more frequent parent child discussion, the persuasive education and consistent family discipline strategy were negatively related to the emotional and behavioral problems of only children and children in multiple child families ( OR =0.15, 0.49, 0.38; 0.34, 0.40, 0.42, P <0.05). However, harmonious family relationships were only negatively related to emotional and behavioral problems in only children ( OR =0.08, P <0.01), and a higher education level among mothers was negatively related to emotional and behavioral problems in children from multiple child family environments( OR=0.30, 0.45, P <0.05). Conclusion The emotional and behavioral problems are serious of preschool children in Tongling City, the psychological development of the oldest children from multiple child and only child families should be actively followed, as this would help to promote a better understanding of the development of preschool children s physical and mental health.

Objective: To examine the eating behaviors and associated factors among preschool children from multiple child families, so as to provide a basis for promoting healthy eating habits in this population. Methods: From April to June 2022, a stratified random cluster sampling method was employed to selected 2 647 guardians of preschool children in 11 kindergartens in Tongling City. Parenting style questionnaire, Identification and Management of Feeding Difficulty Questionnaire (IMFeD), Caregiver s Feeding Style Questionnaire (CFSQ) and a self designed questionnaire were administered. Multiple linear regression was performed to analyze the factors influencing eating behaviors among preschool children. Results: In the study, the detection of eating behavior problems among preschool children was 71.4%, and the detection of reduced appetite was the highest (55.6%). The detection rates of anorexia, picky eating, poor eating and improper eating behavior in only child families were higher (60.6%, 41.0%, 32.0%, 19.5%), compared with those in multiple child families (51.7%, 36.4%, 27.2%, 16.6%) ( χ 2=20.05, 5.95, 7.16, 3.92, P < 0.05 ). Among multiple child families, the detection rates of fear of eating and underlying disease were the lowest in 5-<10-year-old group (2.3%, 0.6%) ( χ 2=11.54, 8.51, P <0.05). In multiple child families, the detection rates of picky eating and poor eating habits for the first-born child were higher (42.0%, 32.5%), compared with second born and third born child (34.6%, 25.6%)( χ 2= 6.15, 6.38, P <0.05). The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that multiplechild families ( β =-1.40), democratic parenting style ( β =-0.07), higher feeding response scores ( β =-0.33) were negatively associated with eating behavior problems among preschool children ( P <0.05). Eating behavior problems among preschool children were positively correlated with less educated mothers [high and junior high school education ( β =0.87), primary school education and below ( β =3.69)], longer average daily screen time ( β =0.10), higher feeding requirements scores ( β =0.64), doting parenting styles ( β =0.21), permissive parenting styles ( β =0.27) and inconsistent parenting styles ( β =0.14)( P <0.05). Conclusion The detection rate of the eating behaviors problems among preschool children is high in schools. Greater attention should be paid to only child and first born child of multiple child families, and appropriate feeding and parenting styles, so as to promote healthy eating habits among this population.