Objective: This study explored the regulatory effects of QiShen Yiqi Dropping Pills (QSYQ) on chronic heart failure (CHF) in rats and their related mechanisms based on the gut microbiota and reactive oxygen species (ROS)/thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway. Methods: Sixty-five SPF-grade male SD rats were used to establish a CHF model through subcutaneous multiple injections of isoproterenol (ISO) combined with exhaustion and food control methods. The modeled rats were randomly divided into model, captopril (5.30 mg/kg), and QSYQ low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (0.08, 0.16, and 0.32 g/kg, respectively), with 11 rats per group, plus a blank group of seven rats. The medication groups were given corresponding drugs by gavage, whereas the blank and model groups were administered an equivalent volume of purified water continuously for four weeks. Rat heart function was assessed via transthoracic echocardiography, and myocardial tissue pathology changes were observed through hematoxylin and eosin staining. Serum levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), interleukin-18 (IL-18), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Automated biochemical analyzers were used to determine creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase (CK-MB) content. Myocardial ROS levels were examined using flow cytometry; myocardial TXNIP and NLRP3 expression were detected using immunohistochemistry. Real-time qPCR and Western blotting were used to examine myocardial mRNA and protein expression of TXNIP, NLRP3, apoptosis-related spot-like protein (ASC), caspase-1, and IL-1β, as well as myocardial thioredoxin (Trx) and colonic tight junction proteins (zonula occludens-1, ZO-1), occludin, and claudin-5. Differences in the gut microbiota of the blank, model, and QSYQ high-dose groups were determined using high-throughput 16S rDNA sequencing. Results: Compared to the blank group, the model group exhibited significantly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fraction shortening (LVFS) (P<0.01); increased serum BNP, LPS, IL-18, and IL-1β (P<0.01) levels; increased CK, LDH, and CK-MB (P<0.01) contents; visible myocardial tissue fibrous edema, wavy appearance, cytoplasmic loosening, round vacuolar degeneration, local tissue fibrous dissolution replaced by proliferative connective tissue, accompanied by inflammatory cell infiltration; significantly increased myocardial ROS levels (P<0.01); and significantly increased myocardial TXNIP and NLRP3 expression (P<0.01). TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and IL-1β mRNA and protein expression were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01, respectively), whereas Trx, ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-5 expression was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the QSYQ high-dose group showed the most significant changes (P<0.05, P<0.01), with significant increases in LVEF and LVFS (P<0.01); significant decreases in serum BNP, LPS, IL-18, and IL-1β levels (P<0.01); significant reductions in CK, LDH, and CK-MB content (P<0.01); improved myocardial tissue damage; significantly decreased myocardial ROS levels (P<0.01); and significantly reduced myocardial TXNIP and NLRP3 expression (P<0.01). TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and IL-1β mRNA and protein expression were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), whereas Trx, ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-5 expression was significantly increased (P<0.01). 16S rDNA sequencing results confirmed that the gut microbiota of rats changed after modeling and drug intervention, with significant differences in both α- and β-diversity. Compared to the blank group, at the family level, the abundance of Oscillospiraceae decreased (P<0.05), whereas the abundance of Lactobacillaceae increased. At the species level, the abundance of Segatella copri and Treponema succinifaciens increased, whereas the abundance of Kineothrix alysoides (P<0.05), Ruminococcus callidus, and Prevotellamassilia timonensis decreased. Compared to the model group, at the family level, the abundance of Oscillospiraceae increased (P<0.05) in the QSYQ high-dose group, whereas the abundance of Lactobacillaceae decreased. At the species level, the abundance of Segatella copri and Treponema succinifaciens decreased, whereas the abundance of Kineothrix alysoides increased (P<0.05). Conclusion QSYQ can regulate the relative abundance of symbiotic bacteria Kineothrix alysoides in the intestines, reduce serum LPS levels, inhibit the ROS/TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway, and improve inflammatory responses, thereby exerting therapeutic effects on CHF.

The tumor microenvironment is a crucial factor in tumor occurrence and progression. The hypoxic microenvironment is widely present in tumor tissue and is a key endogenous factor accelerating tumor deterioration. The "blood stasis toxin" theory, as an emerging perspective in tumor research, is regarded as the unique "soil" in tumor progression from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) due to its dynamic evolution mechanism, which closely resembles the formation of the hypoxic microenvironment. Scientifically integrating TCM theories with the biological characteristics of tumors and exploring precise syndrome differentiation and treatment strategies are key to achieving comprehensive tumor prevention and control. This article focused on the hypoxic microenvironment of the tumor, elucidating its formation mechanisms and evolutionary processes and carefully analyzing the internal relationship between the "blood stasis toxin" theory and the hypoxic microenvironment. Additionally, it explored the interaction among blood stasis, toxic pathogens, and hypoxic environment and proposed micro-level prevention and treatment strategies targeting the hypoxic microenvironment based on the "blood stasis toxin" theory, aiming to provide TCM-based theoretical support and therapeutic approaches for precise regulation of the hypoxic microenvironment.
Humans ; Tumor Microenvironment/drug effects* ; Neoplasms/therapy* ; Animals ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Disease Progression ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the early clinical efficacy, safety, and application value of one-hole split endoscopy (OSE)-assisted transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion(TLIF) in the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 17 patients with lumbar degenerative diseases who underwent OSE-assisted TLIF between June 2023 and June 2024. There were 10 males and 7 females, with a mean of (55.30±6.52) years old ranging 43 to 65 years. The disease duration ranged from 3 to 36 months with a mean of(12.4±13.3) months. The disease distribution was as follows:lumbar disc herniation (7 cases), lumbar spinal stenosis (5 cases), and lumbar spondylolisthesis (2 cases). Operative time, incision length, intraoperative blood loss, number of intraoperative fluoroscopic exposures, time to ambulation, postoperative hospital stay, and complications were recorded. The dural sac area at the affected segment, visual analogue scale (VAS) for low back pain and leg pain, and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively. The modified MacNab criteria were used to evaluate the surgical outcome at the final follow-up. RESULTS: All 17 patients successfully underwent surgery and were followed up for 3 to 15 months with a mean of (8.4±3.3) months. The operative time was 120 to 200 minutes with a mean of (143.2±22.0) minutes, the incision length on the decompression side was 1.80 to 4.00 cm with a mean of (2.56±0.65) cm, intraoperative blood loss was 50 to 300 ml with a mean of (161.2±72.5) ml, the number of fluoroscopic exposures was 15 to 38 with a mean of (23.4±6.5), time to ambulation was 24 to 72 hours with a mean of (49.2±11.9) hours, and postoperative hospital stay was 3 to 9 days with a mean of (4.9±1.5) days. Two patients developed transient lower limb pain and numbness, which completely resolved with conservative treatment. The postoperative dural sac area was (121.47±14.90) mm², which was significantly larger than the preoperative area (51.47±7.69) mm²(P<0.001). The VAS for low back pain were (6.23±1.64), (2.94±1.43), and (1.94±0.75) at preoperation, 3 days postoperation, and final follow-up, respectively;the VAS for leg pain were (7.06±1.43), (2.35±1.17), and (2.06±0.90) at the same time points. The VAS at all postoperative time points were significantly lower than preoperative scores (P<0.001). The ODI at final follow-up was (25.29±8.15)%, which was significantly better than the preoperative ODI of(82.35±5.16)%(P<0.001). At the final follow-up, the MacNab surgical outcome was excellent in 11 cases, good in 4 cases, and fair in 2 cases. CONCLUSION OSE-assisted TLIF is an effective, safe, and minimally invasive technique with a gentle learning curve for the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases, capable of effectively relieving symptoms and improving function.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Lumbar Vertebrae/surgery* ; Adult ; Aged ; Spinal Fusion/methods* ; Retrospective Studies ; Endoscopy/methods* ; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration/surgery* ; Spondylolisthesis/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Yangxue Qingnao Pills (YXQNP) combined with amlodipine in treating patients with grade 1 hypertension. METHODS: This is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study. Adult patients with grade 1 hypertension of blood deficiency and Gan (Liver)-yang hyperactivity syndrome were randomly divided into the treatment or the control groups at a 1:1 ratio. The treatment group received YXQNP and amlodipine besylate, while the control group received YXQNP's placebo and amlodipine besylate. The treatment duration lasted for 180 days. Outcomes assessed included changes in blood pressure, Chinese medicine (CM) syndrome scores, symptoms and target organ functions before and after treatment in both groups. Additionally, adverse events, such as nausea, vomiting, rash, itching, and diarrhea, were recorded in both groups. RESULTS: A total of 662 subjects were enrolled, of whom 608 (91.8%) completed the trial (306 in the treatment and 302 in the control groups). After 180 days of treatment, the standard deviations and coefficients of variation of systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels were lower in the treatment group compared with the control group. The improvement rates of dizziness, headache, insomnia, and waist soreness were significantly higher in the treatment group compared with the control group (P<0.05). After 30 days of treatment, the overall therapeutic effects on CM clinical syndromes were significantly increased in the treatment group as compared with the control group (P<0.05). After 180 days of treatment, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, ankle brachial index and albumin-to-creatinine ratio were improved in both groups, with no statistically significant differences (P>0.05). No serious treatment-related adverse events occurred during the study period. CONCLUSIONS Combination therapy of YXQNP with amlodipine significantly improved symptoms such as dizziness and headache, reduced blood pressure variability, and showed a trend toward lowering urinary microalbumin in hypertensive patients. These findings suggest that this regimen has good clinical efficacy and safety. (Registration No. ChiCTR1900022470).
Humans ; Amlodipine/adverse effects* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects* ; Male ; Female ; Hypertension/complications* ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Adult ; Blood Pressure/drug effects* ; Double-Blind Method ; Aged ; Antihypertensive Agents/adverse effects*

Objective To design an experimental device for simulating the interface micro motion of bone trabecular prosthesis and carry out the finite element analysis.Methods The experimental device was composed of a screw-in cylinder with threads,a flexible hinge,a micro-motion rod,a trabecular prosthesis,a connecting rod and a fixation post.A model of the experimental device was constructed with SolidWorks software,and then imported into ABAQUS software to establish a finite element model.An axial displacement load was applied to the femur to analyze the effects of the position of the flexible hinge,the gap between the prosthesis and the femur and the length of the connecting rod on the micro motion.Results The interface micro motion produced by the experimental device increased with the distance of the flexible hinge from the lower end of the screwed-in cylinder;the gap between the prosthesis and the femur did not affect the interface micro motion when the gap was not lower than 20 μm;the interface micro motion rose with the length of the connecting rod.Conclusion The experimental device can accurately simulate the micro motion of different bone trabecular prosthesis interfaces,and can be used for studying the effect of the interface micro motion on osseointegration.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(1):25-30]

Drugs under special management include narcotic drugs,psychotropic drugs,toxic drugs for medical use,radiopharmaceuticals,and pharmaceutical precursor chemicals.Supervising and guiding the clinical use of drugs under special management is one of the important responsibilities of the Pharmaceutical Management and Drug Therapy Committee(Group)of medical institutions.The standard for drugs under special management is led by the Pharmaceutical Professional Committee of the China Hospital Association,which standardizes 16 key elements of organizational management,process management,and quality control management drugs under special management in medical institutions.It can guide the standardized implementation of Pharmaceuticals under special control work in various levels and types of medical institutions.This article elaborates on the methods and contents of formulating standards for Pharmaceuticals under special management,to provide reference and inspiration for medical institutions to carry out special drug drug management and daily related work.

Cosmetics containing plant extracts may pose health risks to consumers due to inadequate control over the quality of plant raw materials,which may lead to residues of pesticides such as carbendazim in cosmetics. Developing rapid detection methods is of paramount importance for regulating product quality and safeguarding human health. A rapid on-site analytical method was developed for the screening of six kinds of pesticide residues in plant extract-based cosmetics using fan-shaped paper spray ionization with chromatographic enrichment functionality coupled with a miniature mass spectrometer. Cosmetic samples were directly loaded onto the fan-shaped paper substrate drop by drop,followed by chromatographic enrichment,paper spray ionization,and the miniature mass spectrometry analysis. The entire analysis time for a single run was less than 1 min. By loading samples in a dropwise manner,significantly improved chromatographic enrichment on the tip and 6 to 32-fold signal enhancement were achieved on the fan-shaped paper substrate compared to traditional triangle-shaped paper substrate. The limits of detection (LODs) and quantitation (LOQs) for the six kinds of pesticides were 0.02-0.05 mg/kg and 0.05-0.10 mg/kg,respectively. The recoveries were 82.6％-101.8％ with relative standard deviations of 8.3％-16.5％. The established method was convenient,sensitive,and suitable for rapid,on-site screening of pesticide residues in plant extract-based cosmetics.

Objective We aimed to observe the differences in the effects of different acupuncture technique on the endometrium of mice with simple endometrial hyperplasia model and to explore the potential mechanisms. Methods According to the random number tables,32 female C57BL/6J mice were divided into a blank control group,a model group,a quick needle group and a retaining needle group,with 8 mice in each group. A mouse model of simple endometrial hyperplasia was established using bilateral ovariectomy combined with estrogen loading. In the quick needle group,mice were punctured at the bilateral for "Yinbai"(SP1) points and withdrawn immediately,with the treatmeat performed once every other day for a total of 12 times. In the retaining needle group,mice were punctured at the bilateral "Yinbai"(SP1) points and the needles were retained for 15 min each time,with the treatment also performed once every other day for a total of 12 times. After the intervention,samples were collected. HE staining was used to observe morphological changes in the mouse uterine tissue;ELISA was used to detect serum estradiol level;flow cytometry was used to detect the ratio of M1 and M2 macrophages(M1/M2) and immunohistochemical method was used to measure the expression of CD86 and CD206 in uterine tissue;and Western blotting was used to detect the expression of interleukin-13 (IL-13) and interferon-γ(IFN-γ) in uterine tissue. Results The endometrium of mice in the model group showed simple hyperplasia. Compared with the blank control group,the endometrium of the model group was thickened (P<0.01);the level of estradiol in the serum was increased (P<0.01);M1/M2 in uterine tissues was decreased (P<0.01),the expression of CD86 was decreased (P<0.01),and the positive expression of CD206 was increased (P<0.01);and the level of IFN-γ protein expression in uterine tissues was decreased (P<0.01),and the expression of IL-13 protein was increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group,the endometrial thicknesses of the quick needle group and the retaining needle group were reduced (P<0.05),the levels of estradiol in serum were reduced (P<0.05),M1/M2 in uterine tissues increased (P<0.01),and the reduction of CD206 positive expression,and IL-13 protein expression reduced (P<0.01);the level of CD86 positive expression,IFN-γ protein expression increased (P<0.01). Compared with the quick needle group,IL-13 protein expression increased in the retaining needle group (P<0.01).Conclusion Both quick needle and retaining needle may be through the regulation of the expression of IFN-γ and IL-13,thus prompting the polarization of macrophages from M2 to M1 type,inhibiting the pro-cell proliferative ability and tissue repair ability of M2 type macrophages,thus reducing the degree of endometrial hyperplasia,and the quick needle group was superior to the retaining needle group in regulating the expression of IL-13.

Aim To observe the effects of Compound Dihuang Granules on α-syn,VAPB and PTPIP51 in the substantia nigra of Parkinson's disease(PD)rats with Yin deficiency and wind syndrome,and to explore the possible mechanisms of their actions.Methods The 6-hydroxydopamine-induced PD model of rats was constructed.The model rats were randomly divided into the model group,madopar group,CLD group,CMD group and CHD group,while the NC group did not re-ceive any treatment and the SO group was injected with ascorbic acid,with 13 rats in each group.The neurobe-havioral changes of the rats were observed,and the ex-pressions of α-syn,VAPB and PTPIP51 in the sub-stantia nigra were detected by Western blot,RT-PCR and Immunohistochemistry;the histopathological and morphological changes of the substantia nigra tissue were observed by HE staining,the changes of mito-chondrial ultrastructure in the substantia nigra cells were observed by transmission electron microscopy,and the changes of ATP content in substantia nigra tis-sue in each group were detected by ELISA.Results Compared with the NC and SO groups,rats in the model group showed that the number of rotational cir-cles and pole-climbing time increased,the expression of α-syn increased,the expression of VAPB and PTPIP 5 1 decreased,the number of neuronal cells decreased,the neuronal cells became crumpling,and mitochondrial swelling,disappearance of the mitochon-drial cristae,a larger distance between the ER-mito-chondrial contacts were observed;the ATP content de-creased.Compared with the model group,rats in Mado-par group and CLD group,CMD group and CHD group showed that the number of rotational circles and pole-climbing time decreased,the expression of α-syn de-creased,the expression of VAPB and PTPIP51 in-creased,the degree of neuronal damage was reduced,the morphology of mitochondria was improved and the content of ATP increased,showing the change of the difference in quantitative efficacy;the relative efficacy of Madopar group and CHD group was better,and there was no statistically significant difference.Con-clusions Compound Dihuang granules attenuate the behavioral symptoms in PD rats and may play a thera-peutic role in PD by down-regulating the expression ofα-syn,up-regulating the expression of PTPIP51 and VAPB and improving mitochondrial function.

OBJECTIVE: Antiretroviral drugs covered by medical insurance have been gradually used by people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) in recent years in China. This study aimed to analyze their willingness to pay (WTP) for antiretroviral drugs. METHODS: A mixed-methods study design involving a cross-sectional survey and in-depth interviews was conducted. A cross-sectional survey was performed to collect data on the general characteristics, economic status, antiretroviral therapy (ART) status, and WTP of PLWH in 18 Chinese cities from August 2022 to February 2023. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the factors associated with WTP. Representatives of PLWH were interviewed via in-depth interviews, and the data were thematically analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 941 PLWH, 271 (28.80%) were willing to pay for antiretroviral drugs covered by medical insurance. For basic medical insurance for urban and rural residents, PLWH with the following characteristics were more willing to pay: an educational level of senior high school or technical secondary school, having an undergraduate degree or higher, frequently working away from their hometowns, and homosexual transmission. Off-farm workers and recipients of government medical aid were more unwilling to pay. For basic medical insurance for urban employees, PLWH with the following characteristics were more willing to pay: frequently working away from their hometowns; homosexual transmission; personal annual income ≥ 100,000 CNY; and adverse events of antiretroviral drugs. The main reasons for PLWH's WTP for antiretroviral drugs covered by medical insurance were that the drugs had fewer adverse events and were easier to administer. The main reasons for PLWH's unwillingness to pay were financial difficulties and privacy concerns. CONCLUSION Nearly one-third of PLWH are willing to pay for antiretroviral drugs covered by medical insurance. In the future, PLWH with a high WTP can be guided to use these drugs.
Humans ; HIV Infections/economics* ; China ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Middle Aged ; Anti-Retroviral Agents/economics* ; Cities ; Insurance, Health/economics* ; Young Adult