Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq.)Miq. ex Havil (Gouteng) is a dry and hooked stem branch of Rubiaceae, which contains chemical components including alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids and organic acids. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential therapeutic effects on various diseases. The characteristics of network pharmacology are multi-component, multi-target and multi-channel, which can analyze the complex mechanism of the active ingredient group of traditional Chinese medicine and the disease markers, and clarify the relationship between drugs, targets and diseases. This review summarises the research progress of the intervention of Gouteng in neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, and other diseases based on network pharmacology and provides a theoretical foundation for the clinical application of Gouteng.

Currently, there are practical and technical difficulties in the construction of clinical questions in the development of clinical practice guidelines. Clinicians or guideline developers seldom construct clinical questions based the actual case scenario, leading to some information loss between structured and actual clinical connotation. To overcome this challenge, we proposed a case-guided questions construction approach, and carried out case research and verification in the formulation of the guideline. We found that this method could more efficiently and scientifically assist the formulation of clinical questions, and provide reference for clinicians or guideline developers.

Steatotic liver diseases (SLD) are the principal worldwide cause of cirrhosis and end-stage liver cancer, affecting nearly a quarter of the global population. SLD includes metabolic dysfunction-associated alcoholic liver disease (MetALD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), resulting in asymptomatic liver steatosis, fibrosis, cirrhosis and associated complications. The immune processes include gut dysbiosis, adiposeliver organ crosstalk, hepatocyte death and immune cell-mediated inflammatory processes. Notably, various immune cells such as B cells, plasma cells, dendritic cells, conventional CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, innate-like T cells, platelets, neutrophils and macrophages play vital roles in the development of MetALD and MASLD. Immunological modulations targeting hepatocyte death, inflammatory reactions and gut microbiome include N-acetylcysteine, selonsertib, F-652, prednisone, pentoxifylline, anakinra, JKB-121, HA35, obeticholic acid, probiotics, prebiotics, antibiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation. Understanding the immunological mechanisms underlying SLD is crucial for advancing clinical therapeutic strategies.

OBJECTIVE: Pseudostellaria heterophylla has been paid more attention in recent years, mainly as a medicine food homology plant. The content determination of P. heterophylla is not specified in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (version 2020). The environmental conditions in different production areas could exert an influence on the quality of P. heterophylla. The purpose of this study is to discriminate P. heterophylla collected from different geographical origins of China. METHODS: In this study, the content of polysaccharide in 28 batches of P. heterophylla was determined using phenol-sulfuric acid. HPLC fingerprints were established under optimised HPLC-PDA methods. Subsequently, the similarity analysis (SA) and the quantification of heterophyllin B were analyzed. The metabolites of P. heterophylla were identified and evaluated using UHPLC-Q Exactive HF orbitrap MS system. Principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and orthogonal PLS-DA (OPLS-DA) were performed based on all peak areas. RESULTS: The polysaccharide content in Guizhou and Jiangsu was higher than that of other production areas, which varied significant from different origins. While the content of heterophyllin B in Anhui and Jiangsu was high. The correlation coefficients of HPLC fingerprints for 28 batches samples ranged from 0.877 to 0.990, and the characteristic map can be used to identify and evaluate the quality of P. heterophylla. The samples from Fujian, Guizhou, Jiangsu provinces can be relatively separated using multivariate statistical analysis including PCA, PLS-DA, HCA, OPLS-DA, indicating that their metabolic compositions were significantly different. Ultimately, a total of 15 metabolites which were filtrated by a VIP-value > 1 and a P-value < 0.05 associated with the separation of different origins were identified. CONCLUSION HPLC fingerprint was established to evaluate the quality and authenticity of P. heterophylla. The present work showed that the difference of geographic distributions had an influence on the internal chemical compositions. A sensitive and rapid untargeted metabolomics approach by UHPLC-Q Exactive HF orbitrap MS was utilized to evaluate P. heterophylla from different origins in China for the first time. Overall, this study provides insights to metabolomics of P. heterophylla and supplies important reference values for the development of functional foods.

Objective:To test and evaluate the reliability and clinical effectiveness of osteoporotic thoracolumbar fracture (OTLF) scoring and classification system.Methods:A multicenter retrospective case series study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 530 OTLF patients admitted to 8 hospitals including Honghui Hospital Affiliated to Xi'an Jiaotong University from January 2021 to June 2022. There were 212 males and 318 females, aged 55-90 years [(72.6±10.8)years]. There were 4 patients with grade C and 18 with grade D according to American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) classification. According to the osteoporotic thoracolumbar injury classification and severity (OTLICS) score, all patients had an OTLICS score over 4 points and required surgical treatment. Among them, 410 patients had acute symptomatic OTLF (ASOTLF), including 24 patients with type I, 159 type IIA, 47 type IIB, 31 type IIC, 136 type IIIA, 8 type IIIB, 2 type IV (absence of neurological symptoms) and 3 type IV (presence of neurological symptoms), and 120 patients had chronic symptomatic OTLF (CSOTLF), including 62 patients with type I, 21 type II, 17 type III, 3 type IV (reducible under general anesthesia), 9 type IV (not reducible under general anesthesia), 1 type V (reducible under general anesthesia), 5 type V (presence of neurological symptoms), and 2 type V (not reducible under general anesthesia). Surgical procedures included percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP), positional repositioning plus PVP, percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP), posterior open reduction combined with bone graft fusion and bone cement augmented screw internal fixation, posterior open reduction combined with decompression, bone graft fusion and bone cement augmented screw internal fixation, and posterior open reduction combined with osteotomy and orthopedics, bone graft fusion and bone cement augmented screw internal fixation. A weighted Kappa was used to test the interobserver and intraobserver reliability of the OTLICS score, the ASOTLF classification, and the CSOTLF classification. The visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), ASIA classification were compared before, at 1 month after surgery and at the last follow-up. Incidence of postoperative complications was observed.Results:The percentage of mean interobserver agreement for OTLICS staging was 93.4%, with a mean confidence Kappa value of 0.86, and the percentage of mean intraobserver agreement was 93.0%, with a mean confidence kappa value of 0.86. The percentage of mean interobserver agreement for ASOTLF staging was 94.2%, with a mean confidence Kappa value of 0.84, and the percentage of mean intraobserver agreement was 92.5%, with a mean confidence Kappa value of 0.83. The percentage of mean interobserver agreement for CSOTLF subtyping was 91.9%, with a mean confidence Kappa value of 0.80, and the percentage of mean intraobserver agreement was 91.3%, with a mean confidence Kappa value of 0.81. All the patients were followed up for 6-12 months [(9.0±2.1)months]. The VAS and ODI scores were significantly lower in patients with ASOTLF and CSOTLF classifications at 1 month after surgery and at the last follow-up than those before surgery (all P<0.05). The VAS scores in patients with ASOTLF types IIA, IIB, IIC, IIIA, and IV were significantly lower at the last follow-up than that at 1 month after surgery; the ODI scores in patients with ASOTLF types I, IIA, IIB, IIIA, IIIB and IV were significantly lower at the last follow-up than those at 1 month after surgery. The VAS scores in patients with CSOTLF types II, III, IV, and V were significantly lower at the last follow-up than those at 1 month after surgery, and the ODI scores in patients with all CSOTLF types were significantly lower at the last follow-up than those at 1 month after surgery (all P<0.05). Two patients with ASIA grade C recovered to grade D, and the rest recovered to grade E at the last follow-up ( P<0.01). No major vessel or nerve injury or internal fixation failure was found during follow-up. There were 18 patients with cement leakage, none of whom showed relevant clinical symptoms. There were 35 patients with new vertebral fractures, all of whom recovered well after symptomatic treatment. Conclusions:The OTLICS score, ASOTLF classification and CSOTLF classification have a high degree of reliability. Application of stepwise treatment for patients with different levels of injury according to the scoring and classification system can reduce pain, promote recovery of the spinal function, and reduce complications, which is of some significance in guiding the selection of clinical treatment.

Osteoporotic thoracolumbar fracture in the elderly will seriously reduce their quality of life and life expectancy. For osteoporotic thoracolumbar fracture in the elderly, spinal reconstruction is necessary, which should comprehensively consider factors such as the physical condition, fracture type, clinical characteristics and osteoporosis degree. While there lacks relevant clinical norms or guidelines on selection of spinal reconstruction strategies. In order to standardize the concept of spinal reconstruction for osteoporotic thoracolumbar fracture in the elderly, based on the principles of scientificity, practicality and progressiveness, the authors formulated the Clinical guideline for spinal reconstruction of osteoporotic thoracolumbar fracture in elderly patients ( version 2022), in which suggestions based on evidence of evidence-based medicine were put forward upon 10 important issues related to the fracture classification, non-operative treatment strategies and surgical treatment strategies in spinal reconstruction after osteoporosis thoracolumbar fracture in the elderly, hoping to provide a reference for clinical treatment.

Objective:To explore the effect of umbilical vein catheterization (UVC) on portal vein blood flow velocity (PBFVe) and its relationship with gastrointestinal (GI) complications in neonates.Methods:A prospective study was conducted on neonates with indications for UVC and achieving one-time successful catheterization at Gansu Provincial Women and Child-care Hospital from March 2019 to March 2021. Successful UVC was defined as the umbilical catheter reaching the entrance of the inferior vena cava and right atrium through the ductus venosus. PBFVe was measured by bedside ultrasound before and after UVC. All subjects were divided into two groups as those with GI complications anytime from insertion to withdrawal (complication group), and those with no GI complications (no complication group) to compare the PBFVe value before UVC and the percentage of decrease in PBFVe after UVC. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to analyze the risk factors of GI complications and the predictive value of the percentage of decrease in PBFVe after UVC.Results:Of 91 subjects included, 59.3% (54/91) had no GI complications, and 40.7% (37/91) had. After UVC, PBFVe was decreased than before in neonates both with and without GI complications [(11.3±1.8) vs (14.7±2.4) cm/s; (12.4±1.7) vs (14.2±1.8) cm/s, t=－16.92 and－17.62, respectively, both P<0.05]. PBFVe before UVC were similar between the two groups. However, the complications group had a lower PBFVe after UVC ( t=－2.98, P=0.004) and a higher percentage of decrease in PBFVe [(22.5±6.0)% vs (12.6±4.9)%, t=8.65, P<0.001] when compared with the no complications group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the body weight was the protector of GI complications ( OR=0.294, 95% CI:0.089-0.974, P=0.045), and the percentage of decrease in PBFVe was the risk factor ( OR=1.478, 95% CI:1.249-1.749, P<0.001). The area under the curve of the percentage of decrease in PBFVe for predicting GI complications was 0.919 (95% CI:0.843-0.966, P<0.001). The cut-off value was 16.9% with a sensitivity of 89.2% and a specificity of 85.2%. Conclusions:UVC can reduce the PBFVe of neonates. The more the PBFVe decreases, the greater the possibility of GI complications.

Objective:To investigate the predictive value of preoperative left atrial diameter in postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and its influencing factors.Methods:This study was a prospective observational study. A total of 113 patients with CABG surgery were enrolled in Beijing Anzhen Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University from January 2020 to December 2020. Preoperative coronary angiography, echocardiography and blood test were finished. The number of graft vessel was counted during the operation. The occurrence of POAF was confirmed by electrocardiogram or electrocardiograph monitoring after surgery. The preoperative baseline data, blood test, perioperative complications and other indicators of patients with or without POAF were compared.Results:According to the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria, 90 patients undergoing CABG were enrolled in the study[71 males and 19 females, aged from 42 to 75, mean age (62±8)years old]. The incidence of POAF was 27.8%(25 cases). The left atrial diameter[40(36-43)mm vs. 35(33-37)mm, P=0.00]and troponin I[4.76(0.87-13.60)ng/ml vs. 1.48(0.56-4.52)ng/ml, P=0.04] in patients with POAF were significantly higher than that in patients without POAF. Compared to patients without POAF, POAF significantly increased the incidence of stroke[4(16%) vs. 0(0), P=0.01], ICU stay[67(24-96) days vs. 22(19-41) days, P=0.00] and hospital stay[21(19-24) days vs. 16(14-24) days, P=0.05]. Binary logistic regression showed that left atrial diameter was significantly correlated with the occurrence of POAF ( OR=1.9, 95% CI: 1.39-2.79, P<0.001). ROC curve analysis showed that 40 mm of left atrial diameter was a predictor of POAF( AUC=0.82, sensitivity 52%, specificity 100%, P<0.001). Linear regression analysis showed that left atrial diameter was significantly positively correlated with hypersensitive C-reactive protein ( Beta=0.24, 95% CI: 0.00-0.26, P=0.043). Conclusion:POAF significantly increased the incidence of stroke after CABG. Preoperative left atrial diameter is an independent predictor for POAF, which is closely related to the systemic inflammatory response.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between preoperative high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) levels and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (OPCABG) surgery.Methods:We prospectively selected 123 patients who received OPCABG at Beijing Anzhen Hospital from January 2019 to October 2019, and collected relevant preoperative and postoperative data. Patients were divided into a normal Hs-CRP group(78 cases) and an elevated Hs-CRP group(45 cases)according to the cutoff value (2 mg/L) of Hs-CRP level. The data of the two groups were compared, and regression analysis was performed on the postoperative data with differences to define independent factors.Results:The leukocyte count in the Hs-CRP group was significantly higher than that in the normal Hs-CRP group[(6.5±1.6)×10 9/ml vs. (7.4±2.1) ×10 9/ml, t=-2.839, P=0.005]. In the elevated Hs-CRP group, proportion of patients with atrial post-CABG atrial fibrillation (38% vs. 19%, χ2=5.100, P=0.024), duration of hospitalization[(21.2±7.1)days vs.(16.0±4.6)days, t=-4.469, P=0.000], hospital costs[(143.1±30.7)×10 3 yuan vs. (123.7±21.8)×10 3 yuan, t=-4.090, P=0.000]were significantly higher than those in the normal Hs-CRP level group. Smoking ( OR=1.660, 95% CI: 1.186-1.993, P=0.031) and Hs-CRP ( OR=1.170, 95% CI: 1.050-1.294, P=0.007) were independent risk factors for post-CABG atrial fibrillation. Hs-CRP ( B=0.436, 95% CI: 0.197-0.675, P=0.000) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF, B=-0.180, 95% CI: -0.289--0.071, P=0.001) were independent influencing factors of duration of hospitalization. Hypertension ( B=-11.256, 95% CI: -20.670--1.842, P=0.020), Hs-CRP( B=1.235, 95% CI: 0.217-2.254, P=0.018) and LVEF ( B=-1.168, 95% CI: -1.634--0.702, P=0.000) were independent influencing factors of hospital costs. Conclusion:The preoperative Hs-CRP level of OPCABG is an independent influencing factor of post-CABG atrial fibrillation, duration of hospitalization and hospital costs. This finding lays the foundation for Hs-CRP combined with other indicators to accurately predict the prognosis of OPCABG and screen high-risk patients.

Objective:The study retrospectively identified the correlative factors of low back pain after single-level oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF).Methods:Records of 93 patients (55 males and 38 females) who underwent OLIF (oblique lateral interbody fusion) surgery for lumbar degenerative diseases from May 2016 to September 2019 were analyzed retrospectively and patients' age was 55.73±9.48 years (range 32-78 years). There were 18 patients underwent L 3, 4 segment (19.35%), 73 patients underwent L 4, 5 segment (78.50%), and 2 patients underwent L 5S 1 segment (2.15%). There were 43 patients underwent OLIF stand alone and 50 patients underwent OLIF combined with lateral or posterior internal fixation. The follow-up time was 22.86±5.90 months (range 12-32 months). According to whether the visual analog scale (VAS)≥3 at the last follow-up visit, the patients were divided into low back pain group and no low back pain group. The demographic characteristics (age, gender, body mass index and comorbidities), basic surgical data (surgical segments, surgical methods, surgical time, intraoperative bleeding, endplate injury or not during operation), imaging data (lumbar lordosis, segmental lordosis, intervertebral height and cage subside) and lumbar function were recorded. The potential related factors were analyzed by univariate analysis, and the factors with P<0.05 were selected in the multivariate logistic regression model. Then the risk factors of low back pain after OLIF were determined by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results:Nineteen patients with VAS score equal or greater than 3 were included in low back pain group, and the remaining 74 patients were included in no low back pain group. There was no significant difference in baseline data such as age, gender, BMI, follow-up time and comorbidities between two groups. There was no significant difference in VAS score between the two groups before operation ( t=0.818, P=0.414), but there was significant difference in VAS score at last follow-up visit ( t=6.958, P<0.001). The incidence rate of osteoporosis in low back pain group (63.16%) was significantly higher than that in no low back pain group (25.68%) ( t=9.558, P=0.002). There was no significant difference in vertebral height between the two groups ( t=1.008, P=0.316), however, the vertebral height was higher in no low back pain group ( t=2.537, P=0.316) at the last follow-up. The incidence of cage subsidencewas 8.11% in no low back pain group and 36.84% in low back pain group and there was significant difference between the two groups ( t=10.381, P=0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that osteoporosis ( P=0.009), intraoperative bone endplate injury ( P=0.031), decreased intervertebral space height ( P=0.029) and cage subsidence ( P=0.016) were associated with low back pain after single-level OLIF. Conclusion:Low back pain is one of the common complications after OLIF. Osteoporosis, intraoperative bony endplate injury, decreased intervertebral space height and cage subsidence were closely related to postoperative low back pain. In order to reduce the incidence of postoperative low back pain and improve the clinical outcomes, attention should be paid to the protection of the bony endplate, rational use of internal fixation and active anti-osteoporosis treatment after operation.