Objective To establish the fingerprints and predict the quality markers of Sanqi Shenfeng oral liquid based on fingerprint and network pharmacology.Methods The fingerprints of 12 batches of Sanqi Shenfeng oral liquid were established by using HPLC,and their peaks were identified and assigned.The candidate components were selected by multiple statistical analysis methods such as similarity evaluation,hierarchical cluster analysis,principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis(OPLS-DA).The"component-target-pathway"network diagram was constructed by network pharmacology,and the quality markers of Sanqi Shenfeng oral liquid were predicted.Results The 13 common peaks were identified from the established fingerprint.Compared with the reference material,eight common peaks were identified as 3(tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside),5(sodium benzoate),6(lobetyolin),7(notoginsenoside Ri),9(ginsenoside Rgi),10(ginsenoside Re),12(10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid),13(ginsenoside Rb1).The similarity of 12 batches of Sanqi Shenfeng oral liquid samples was higher than 0.997,and 12 batches of samples were grouped into two categories.OPLS-DA analysis showed that peaks 2,3,4,7,9,10,11,12 were the main signature components affecting the quality of Sanqi Shenfeng oral liquid.Network pharmacology predicted that lobetyolin,notoginsenoside R1,ginsenoside Rg1,ginsenoside Rb1,ginsenoside Re and 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid were potential Q-markers of Sanqi Shenfeng oral liquid.The traditional functions are performed through STAT3/AKT1-Drp1,HIF-1 and PI3K-AKT signaling pathway.Conclusion The established fingerprint has good reproducibility,stability and feasibility.The six components have great influence on the quality of Sanqi Shenfeng oral liquid,which are transferable and traceable,and are closely related to the efficacy.They can be used as potential quality markers to provide a scientific basis for the quality control and evaluation of Sanqi Shenfeng oral liquid.

Objective To establish the fingerprints and predict the quality markers of Sanqi Shenfeng oral liquid based on fingerprint and network pharmacology.Methods The fingerprints of 12 batches of Sanqi Shenfeng oral liquid were established by using HPLC,and their peaks were identified and assigned.The candidate components were selected by multiple statistical analysis methods such as similarity evaluation,hierarchical cluster analysis,principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis(OPLS-DA).The"component-target-pathway"network diagram was constructed by network pharmacology,and the quality markers of Sanqi Shenfeng oral liquid were predicted.Results The 13 common peaks were identified from the established fingerprint.Compared with the reference material,eight common peaks were identified as 3(tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside),5(sodium benzoate),6(lobetyolin),7(notoginsenoside Ri),9(ginsenoside Rgi),10(ginsenoside Re),12(10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid),13(ginsenoside Rb1).The similarity of 12 batches of Sanqi Shenfeng oral liquid samples was higher than 0.997,and 12 batches of samples were grouped into two categories.OPLS-DA analysis showed that peaks 2,3,4,7,9,10,11,12 were the main signature components affecting the quality of Sanqi Shenfeng oral liquid.Network pharmacology predicted that lobetyolin,notoginsenoside R1,ginsenoside Rg1,ginsenoside Rb1,ginsenoside Re and 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid were potential Q-markers of Sanqi Shenfeng oral liquid.The traditional functions are performed through STAT3/AKT1-Drp1,HIF-1 and PI3K-AKT signaling pathway.Conclusion The established fingerprint has good reproducibility,stability and feasibility.The six components have great influence on the quality of Sanqi Shenfeng oral liquid,which are transferable and traceable,and are closely related to the efficacy.They can be used as potential quality markers to provide a scientific basis for the quality control and evaluation of Sanqi Shenfeng oral liquid.

BACKGROUND:Intervertebral disc degeneration is the basis of spinal degenerative diseases;however,there is no effective treatment. OBJECTIVE:To investigate whether sinomenine can inhibit interleukin-1β-induced apoptosis in nucleus pulposus cells and its molecular mechanism. METHODS:Rat nucleus pulposus cells were cultured in vitro by trypsin combined with type II collagenase digestion,and the cell growth curve was plotted.An appropriate sinomenine concentration was determined using the cell counting kit-8 kit.Nucleus pulposus cells were divided into control group,sinomenine group,interleukin-1β group,sinomenine+interleukin-1β group,zinc protoporphyrin group,zinc protoporphyrin+sinomenine group,zinc protoporphyrin+interleukin-1β group,and sinomenine+zinc protoporphyrin+interleukin-1β group.Proliferative activity,reactive oxygen species content,apoptosis rate,and heme oxygenase-1 expression in nucleus pulposus cells were detected. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The rat nucleus pulposus cells cultured in vitro were polygonal,triangular,and short wedge-shaped,and the cell growth showed an"S"curve.The cells grew slowly in the first 3 days of culture,rapidly in 4-6 days,and slowly again in 7-8 days.The cells then entered the"platform stage"where the number of cells no longer increased.The proliferative activity of myeloid cells showed no significant changes when the concentration of sinomenine was≤80 μmol/L(P>0.05).Interleukin-1β significantly reduced the proliferative activity of nucleus pulposus cells,increased the content of reactive oxygen species and led to apoptosis(P<0.01).Sinomenine intervention not only promoted heme oxygenase-1 expression(P<0.05)but also inhibited interleukin-1β-induced decrease in proliferative activity and increase in reactive oxygen species content and apoptosis rate in nucleus pulposus cells(P<0.05).These effects could be reversed by zinc protoporphyrin(P<0.01).

Objective To study the clinical characteristics of Japanese encephalitis (JE) in 34 adult patients and to improve the level of diagnosis of this disease.Methods The clinical manifestations,laboratory results and radiological features of 34 adult patients with JE in our hospital from July 2017 to September 2017 were summarized and the progonsis was observed.The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used to evaluate the progonsis.Results Eighteen patients were males and 16 patients were females with the average age of (45.39 ± 16.34) years in 34 patients who were diagnosed as JE.The major clinical features of JE patients included fever (34,100％) with the average temperature of (39.4 ± 1.1) ℃ on admission,headache (26,76％),seizures (7,21％),decreased consciousness (25,74％) on day 2.6 ± 1.4 after the onset,respiratory failure (9,26％) on day 3.8 ± 1.6 after the onset.The major features of laboratory results included white blood cells increase (15,44％),blood hematocrit decrease (25,74％),eosinophil absolute value decrease (29,85％),cerebrospinal fluid pressure increase (12,35％),cerebrospinal fluid protein increase (27,79％),cerebrospinal fluid white blood cells increase (30,88％).Brain MRI scan of abnormal signal was found abnormal in up to 54％patients (14/26),involving the thalamus,basal ganglia,mesencephalon,temporal lobe,hippocampus and occipital lobe,especially in the area of bilateral thalamus and mesencephalon.The follow-up showed three cases were dead;mRS score was 0 in twenty-one cases,1 or 2 in five cases,3 or 4 in three cases,5 in two cases five-six months after onset;the sequelaes were cognitive impairment in nine patients and movement disorder in five patients.Conclusions The clinical symptoms of JE in adults are severe.The main clinical manifestations of JE are hyperthermia,disturbance of consciousness,seizures and respiratory failure,with characteristic imaging findings on brain MRI.JE is a disease with high mortality and severe long-term sequelae.

OBJECTIVETo determine whether quercetin inhibits oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL)-induced osteogenic differentiation and calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and understand the underlying mechanism.

METHODSThe calcification of human VSMCs following Ox-LDL treatment was assessed using alizarin red staining and by detecting ALP activity. The mRNA expressions of the bone-related genes including Msx2, BMP2 and Osterix, and the contractile proteins including SMA and SM22a were analyzed using qPCR. The effects of quercetin were investigated on OxLDL-induced VSMC calcification and changes in ALP activity, expressions of Msx2, BMP2, Osterix, SMA and SM22a, ROS levels and SOD activity. The effect of Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) silencing mediated by siRNA transfection on cell calcification, ALP activity, gene expressions and ROS levels were investigated.

RESULTSOx-LDL treatment promoted VSMC calcification and up-regulated TLR4 expression. Quercetin treatment significantly attenuated Ox-LDL-induced VSMC calcification, reduced ALP activity, down-regulated the expression levels of Msx2, BMP2 and Osterix, and up-regulated the expressions of vascular smooth muscle contractile proteins SMA and SM22a. In addition, Quercetin treatment markedly increased SOD activity, reduced ROS levels and TLR4 expression in VSMCs. Silencing TLR4 expression using TLR4 siRNA also significantly decreased calcification of the VSMCs.

CONCLUSIONSQuercetin inhibits Ox-LDL-induced VSMC calcification in VSMCs possibly by targeting the ROS/TLR4 signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVETo identify the feasibility and safety of fossa infratemporalis approach for blind-needle at sphenopalatine ganglion so as to provide anatomical evidence for the operation and the prevention of non-immediate adverse reaction.

METHODSThe variations of pterygopalatine fossae in sixty dry skulls were observed by selecting measuring points for facial skull width. The brains of six wet skulls were taken out,then acupuncture of fossa infratemporalis approach was applied. Sphenopalatine ganglion was separated accurately with the pterygopalatine segment of maxillary arteria retained in the pterygopalatine fossa after its paries posterior was opened. We detected whether the needle was inserted into pterygopalatine fossa. Measurements showed needle inserted depth, facial skull width,the distance between the needle and sphenopalatine ganglion,the distance between the needle and the pterygopalatine segment of maxillary arteria,the distance between the pterygopalatine segment of maxillary arteria and the crotaphitic nerve in pterygopalatine fossa.

RESULTSThe distance between the slight hollow under bilateral arcus superciliaris was selected as skull width, and 3 dry skulls showed the variation of pterygopalatine fossa. Needles were inserted into the pterygopalatine fossae of the wet skulls (12 times). The proportion of the inserting depth to the distance between the slight hollow under bilateral arcus superciliaris was 44%-54%. Only twice did the needle contact sphenopalatine ganglion. The average distances between the sphenopalatine ganglion and the needle were (5.88±3.70) mm in the left side and (6.43±5.54) mm in the right side. The average distances between the needle and the pterygopalatine segment of maxillary arteria were (2.77±3.99) mm left and (2.53±3.10) mm right. The average distances between the pterygopalatine segment of maxillary arteria and the crotaphitic nerve in pterygopalatine fossa were (2.83±4.05) mm left and (2.67±4.95) mm right. The mean data between the two sides had no statistic significance about all the above indices (all>0.05).

CONCLUSIONSFossa infratemporalis approach is feasible for blind-needle at sphenopalatine ganglion with less possibility to contact it. The effect of treating nasitis may achieved by little distance to nerve. Pricking at the pterygopalatine segment of maxillary arteria may induce non-immediate adverse reaction. The safety and efficacy should be comprehensively considered. There is a proportional relationship between the width of the skull and the insertion depth of the needle. The inserting depth of 44 percent may appropriate accounted for skull width.

OBJECTIVETo compare the effects of acupuncture on sphenopalatine ganglion and acupuncture on the common acupoints for life quality of patients with allergic rhinitis(AR).

METHODSEighty patients with AR,who were in accord with the inclusive criteria,were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group,40 cases in each one. Acupuncture on sphenopalatine ganglion was used in the observation group. The needle was inserted into the gap between zygoma and mandibular coronoid process about 55 mm. Acupuncture was adopted on the main acupoints,Yingxiang(LI 20),Yintang(GV 29) or Fengchi(GB 20) in the control group. The course was four weeks. Follow-up was applied one month after treatment. Rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ),rhinitis symptoms scale and visual analogue scale(VAS) were evaluated at different time points before and after treatment,and follow-up was implemented to know the recurrence situation,satisfactory degree and adverse reaction.

RESULTS(1) RQLQ scores:along with treatment,the RQLQ scores were gradually apparently decreased in the two groups(<0.01),and the reducing trend from the first week to the second week of the observation group was more obvious than that of the control group. The differences of the RQLQ scores at all timepoints after treatment between the two groups were not statistically significant(all>0.05). The interaction of the time factor and the group factor had statistical significance(<0.01). (2) Rhinitis symptoms scores:along with treatment,the scores presented decreasing trend in the two groups(<0.01). The scores of the two groups after treatment and the interaction of the time factor and the group factor were not statistically different(both>0.05). (3)VAS scores:the VAS scores after treatment were lower than those before treatment(both<0.01). The differences before and after treatment were statistically significant(<0.01),with more change in the observation group(<0.05). (4)There was no statistical significance about the number of recurrence days between the two groups(>0.05). (5) Above 80 percent patients were content with the therapeutic method in each group,with no statistical difference(>0.05). (6)The method of the observation group spent less time. (7) Two patients with light adverse reaction came up in the observation group,but no special treatment was needed.

CONCLUSIONSAcupuncture on sphenopalatine ganglion acquires more obvious short-term effect than conventional acupuncture. It spends less time to relieve symptoms and improves life quality.

Objective The advantages of the treating allergic rhinitis (AR) by sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation with acupuncture were evaluated.Methods Databases including CBMDisk, CNKI, WanFang, VIP, Cochrane Library, PubMed, ProQuest, ChiCTR, ISRCTN, ClinicalTrials.gov and CENTRAL were searched from the beginning of database established to Jan 2015. All issues from Jan 2004 to Jan 2015 published onjournals Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion,Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Acupuncture Research,Journal of Clinical Acupuncture and Moxibustion,Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine and Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology in Integrative Medicine were searched by hand at meantime. All data were extracted based on the inclusive and exclusive criteria which was pre-designed, the Revman5.3 was applied for meta-analysis, and the studies qualities were analyzed by grade score.Results 118 articles were collected, 7 studies that involving 1 230 patients met the inclusive criteria. The result indicated that the sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation with acupuncture as the main treatment of AR showed the better total response rate compared to conventional drugs, theOR(95%CI) was 3.22(1.81 - 5.75); however the change of total symptom score had no statistical significant difference, the MD(95%CI) was 0.69 (-0.56 - 1.93), the change of IgE had no statistical significant difference,theSMD(95%CI) was -0.07 (-0.97 - 0.83).Conclusion The main treatment on AR by sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation with acupuncture may has better efficacy than western medicine. But due to the methodological biases existed in most studies, future high-quality RCTs were needed to be included into Meta-analysis to test today’s study conclusion.

Objective To investigate whether high glucose-induced vascular calcification is associated with WNT signaling pathway. Methods An in vitro model of human vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) calcification was induced by exposure of the cells to high glucose. The expressions of WNT signal molecules and bone-related proteins including Cbfa1, Osx, OCN and BMP2 were analyzed with qRT-PCR, and the cell calcification was assessed by alizarin red staining. The effect of Dkk1, a WNT signaling inhibitor, on high glucose-induced cell calcification was tested with alizarin red staining and calcium content analysis. Results High glucose activated WNT signaling pathway in human VSMCs by up-regulating the expressions of WNT signal molecules including Wnt3a, Wnt7a, Fzd4 and Wisp1 mRNA by 1.86, 1.68, 2.1, and 2.3 folds, respectively, and by promoting the phosphorylation ofβ-catenin (2.70±0.22, P<0.05), a key mediator of WNT signaling pathway. Inhibition of WNT signaling pathway by Dkk1 attenuated high glucose-induced VSMC calcification and down-regulated the expression of bone-related proteins Cbfa1, Osx, OCN, and BMP2 by (51 ± 9)%, (58 ± 11)%, (56 ± 10)%, and (62 ± 10)% (P<0.01). Conclusion WNT signaling pathway is involved in high glucose-induced VSMC calcification.

Objective To investigate whether high glucose-induced vascular calcification is associated with WNT signaling pathway. Methods An in vitro model of human vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) calcification was induced by exposure of the cells to high glucose. The expressions of WNT signal molecules and bone-related proteins including Cbfa1, Osx, OCN and BMP2 were analyzed with qRT-PCR, and the cell calcification was assessed by alizarin red staining. The effect of Dkk1, a WNT signaling inhibitor, on high glucose-induced cell calcification was tested with alizarin red staining and calcium content analysis. Results High glucose activated WNT signaling pathway in human VSMCs by up-regulating the expressions of WNT signal molecules including Wnt3a, Wnt7a, Fzd4 and Wisp1 mRNA by 1.86, 1.68, 2.1, and 2.3 folds, respectively, and by promoting the phosphorylation ofβ-catenin (2.70±0.22, P<0.05), a key mediator of WNT signaling pathway. Inhibition of WNT signaling pathway by Dkk1 attenuated high glucose-induced VSMC calcification and down-regulated the expression of bone-related proteins Cbfa1, Osx, OCN, and BMP2 by (51 ± 9)%, (58 ± 11)%, (56 ± 10)%, and (62 ± 10)% (P<0.01). Conclusion WNT signaling pathway is involved in high glucose-induced VSMC calcification.