OBJECTIVE To study the improvement effect and mechanism of Shengmai powder on heart failure （HF） mice with qi-yin deficiency. METHODS The mice were randomly divided into blank group （water）， model group （water）， Shengmai powder low-， medium-， and high-dose groups [2.61， 5.22 and 10.44 g/kg （based on crude drug dosage）] and positive control group （metoprolol， 30 mg/kg）， with 10 mice in each group. Except for the blank group， all other groups were subcutaneously injected with D-galactose， and a qi-yin deficiency HF mice model was established by continuous food restriction and weight-bearing swimming. At the same time of modeling， the corresponding medicine/water was gavaged once a day for five weeks. The general state of mice was recorded and the traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome score was evaluated. Behavioral experiments were conducted to investigate the total distance of open field action， the percentage of immobility time， and the swimming exhaustion time of mice. The contents of aspartate transaminase （AST）， creatine kinase （CK） and lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） in the serum of mice were detected； cardiac function indexes [heart rate， left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF）， left ventricular end systolic diameter （LVESD）， left ventricular end diastolic diameter （LVEDD）， left ventricular mass index and whole heart mass index] were all detected； the histopathological morphology of mice myocardium was observed； the level of cardiomyocyte apoptosis in mice was detected； mRNA expression levels of B-cell lymphoma 2 （Bcl-2）， Bcl-2 associated X protein （Bax）， and Cleaved-caspase-3 in myocardial tissue of mice were detected； the phosphorylation levels of sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium regulatory related proteins [ryanodine receptor 2 （RyR2） and phospholamban （PLB）] in myocardial tissue of mice were detected. RESULTS Compared with the blank group， the body weight， total distance of open field action， swimming exhaustion time， LVEF， LVEDD， Bcl-2 mRNA expression level in myocardial tissue and PLB protein phosphorylation level in the model group were significantly reduced/shortened （P＜0.05）； TCM syndrome score， the percentage of immobility time， heart rate， LVESD， left ventricular mass index， whole heart mass index， cardiomyocyte apoptosis rate， the contents of CK， LDH and AST in serum， mRNA expression levels of Cleaved-caspase-3 and Bax and the phosphorylation level of RyR2 protein in myocardial tissue were significantly increased （P＜0.05）； there were inflammatory cell infiltration， disordered cell arrangement and obvious myocardial interstitial fibrosis in myocardial tissue. After the intervention of Shengmai powder， most of the above quantitative indexes in mice were significantly reversed （P＜0.05）， the inflammatory cell infiltration in myocardial tissue was reduced， and the degree of fibrosis was significantly reduced. CONCLUSIONS Shengmai powder can improve cardiac function， reduce the level of cardiomyocyte apoptosis and myocardial fibrosis in HF mice with qi-yin deficiency. Its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the expression of sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium regulation related proteins.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative technology in accelerating drug discovery and development within natural medicines research. Natural medicines, characterized by their complex chemical compositions and multifaceted pharmacological mechanisms, demonstrate widespread application in treating diverse diseases. However, research and development face significant challenges, including component complexity, extraction difficulties, and efficacy validation. AI technology, particularly through deep learning (DL) and machine learning (ML) approaches, enables efficient analysis of extensive datasets, facilitating drug screening, component analysis, and pharmacological mechanism elucidation. The implementation of AI technology demonstrates considerable potential in virtual screening, compound optimization, and synthetic pathway design, thereby enhancing natural medicines' bioavailability and safety profiles. Nevertheless, current applications encounter limitations regarding data quality, model interpretability, and ethical considerations. As AI technologies continue to evolve, natural medicines research and development will achieve greater efficiency and precision, advancing both personalized medicine and contemporary drug development approaches.
Biological Products/pharmacology* ; Artificial Intelligence ; Humans ; Drug Discovery/methods* ; Machine Learning ; Deep Learning

Objective To investigate the neuroprotective effect and mechanism of salvia polyphenolic acid for injection (SAFI) on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. Methods A total of 100 SD rats were randomly divided into sham surgery group,model group,low-,medium-and high-dose (5,10,20 mg·kg-1) salvia polyphenolic acid groups,with 20 rats in each group. After being continuously administrated by intraperitoneal injection of SAFI once daily for three days,the rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) was established using the thread embolization method at 1 hour after the last administration. The neurological deficit of rats was evaluated by Zea Longa score. The cerebral infarction volume was detected by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC) staining. The levels of serum NADPH oxidase(NOX),4-hydroxynonanal(4-HNE),8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG),monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-18(IL-18),interleukin-6(IL-6),and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) were detected by ELISA kits. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the pathological changes of brain tissue and the morphology of neurons. The apoptosis of neuronal cells in brain tissue was detected by TUNEL. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression level of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in brain tissue. Western Blot was used to detect the protein expression of NLRP3 and Caspase1 in brain tissue. Results Compared with the sham surgery group,neurological deficit scores in model group increased remarkably (P<0.01). The cerebral infarction volume increased significantly (P<0.01). Serious pathological damage of brain was observed,and neuronal density decreased significantly(P<0.01). The apoptosis rate of cortical cells increased obviously (P<0.01). The levels of serum NOX,4-HNE,8-OHdG,MCP-1,TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-18,IL-6 and ICAM-1 increased significantly (P<0.05,P<0.01). The protein expression of GFAP,NLRP3 and Caspase1 in brain significantly upregulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group,neurological deficit scores in medium-and high-dose SAFI groups decreased remarkably (P<0.01). The cerebral infarction volume decreased significantly (P<0.01). Neuronal damage was ameliorated to varying degrees,and neuronal density increased significantly(P<0.05,P<0.01). The apoptosis rate of cortical cells decreased obviously (P<0.01). The levels of serum NOX,4-HNE,8-OHdG,MCP-1,TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-18,IL-6 and ICAM-1 decreased significantly (P<0.05,P<0.01). The protein expression of GFAP,NLRP3 and Caspase1 in brain significantly downregulated(P<0.01). Conclusion SAFI has a protective effect on MCAO/R rats,which can significantly reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory responses,thereby reducing pathological damage and apoptosis of brain tissue. Its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway and astrocyte activation.

Objective To investigate the biomechanical properties of a novel sacroiliac lag screw with a spiral blade.Methods Percutaneous sacroiliac lag screws were used as the controls.Polyurethane material was used to simulate the trabecular bone,and the pullout resistance performance was tested on an Instron mechanical testing machine.Subsequently,pelvic specimens were utilized to analyze the static stiffness and dynamic stability of the novel sacroiliac lag screw in repairing sacroiliac joint injuries under normal standing conditions,with normal pelvis,single-sided sacroiliac joint injury pelvis,percutaneous sacroiliac lag screw-single screw repair,and percutaneous sacroiliac lag screw-double screw repair as controls.Results The damage to the polyurethane material after screw extraction was smaller in the novel sacroiliac lag screw group.The average effective holding displacement of the novel sacroiliac lag screw was significantly greater than that of the percutaneous sacroiliac lag screw(P＜0.05).However,the maximum resistance to the pullout force for the percutaneous sacroiliac lag screw was significantly higher than that for the novel sacroiliac lag screw(P＜0.05).The stiffness after repair of sacroiliac joint injuries was significantly higher when using a single sacroiliac lag screw than when using two percutaneous sacroiliac lag screws(P＜0.05).The displacement amplitude was the highest in the sacroiliac joint injury group,followed by that in the normal group.The displacement amplitudes in the other groups were similar;however,the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).The dynamic stability of the sacroiliac lag screw repair group was the best,slightly better than that of the percutaneous sacroiliac lag screw-double screw repair group,and the dynamic stability of the sacroiliac joint injury group was the worst.The novel sacroiliac lag screw effectively repaired the sacroiliac joint injuries.Conclusions The novel sacroiliac lag screw can effectively hold the trabecular bone and has practical clinical utility.

Objective To explore the effect of opioid-free anesthesia(OFA)combined with quad-ratus lumborum block(QLB)in laparoscopic radical colorectal cancer resection.Methods Sventy patients were selected for undergoing laparoscopic radical colorectal cancer resection from March to December 2023,49 males and 21 females,aged 18-75 years,BM1 18.5-28.0 kg/m2,ASA physical status Ⅱ or Ⅲ.The patients were divided into two groups using random number table method:the OFA group(group OFA)and the conventional opioid anesthesia group(group OA),35 patients in each group.Group OFA underwent bi-lateral posterior QLB under ultrasound guidance before anesthesia induction(0.25％ropivacaine 30 ml on each side),and anesthesia induction and maintenance were performed using opioid-free anesthesia regimen.And group OA cannot undergo QLB,and anesthesia induction and maintenance were carried out using opioid containing regimen.The patient's HR and MAP were recorded before anesthesia induction(T0),1 minute after endotracheal intubation(T1),before pneumoperitoneum establishment(T2),1 minute after pneumo-peritoneum establishment(T3),1 hour after surgery(T4),the end of surgery(T5),and leaving the oper-ating room(T6).The time from the patient's anesthetic discontinuation to extubation,the length of stay in the PACU,and the Steward and VAS pain scores when the patient leaves the operating room,which were recorded.NRS scores at rest and in the motor state 6,12,24,and 48 hours after surgery,time to first ex-haust,time to first ambulation,and length of postoperative hospital stay,effective PCIA pressing times and use of additional analgesic drugs within 48 hours after the operation,and postoperative adverse reactions(nausea,vomiting,hallucinations)were also recorded.Results Compared with T0,the MAP of the two groups decreased significantly at T1,T2,T4,and T5(P＜0.05),the HR in group OFA increased signifi-cantly at T1 and slowed down at T4 and T5(P＜0.05),and the HR in group OA decreased significantly at T1-T5(P＜0.05).Compared with group OA,the HR in group OFA increased significantly at T1-T3,and the MAP increased significantly at T1(P＜0.05).Compared with group OA,the extubation time and PACU residence time were significantly delayed(P＜0.05),and the Steward score when leaving the oper-ating room was significantly lower in group OFA(P＜0.05).Compared with group OA,NRS score was sig-nificantly deceased 6,12,24,and 48 hours after the surgery(P＜0.05),time to first exhaust,time to first ambulation,and length of postoperative hospital stay were significantly shartened(P＜0.05),and ef-fective PCIA pressing times and additional analgesia times were significantly decreased(P＜0.05),inci-dence of intraoperative hypotensionand postoperative nausea and vomiting(P＜0.05).Conclusion OFA combined with QLB can safely and effectively complete laparoscopic radical colorectal cancer surgery.Pa-tients with such anesthetic methods are hemodynamically more stable during anesthesia induction and intrao-peratively.These patients have better postoperative analgesia and less need for additional analgesics,and less incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting.This approach is more beneficial for the recovery of the patient's gastrointestinal function.

BACKGROUND:For dislocation of acromioclavicular joint induced by coracoclavicular ligament fracture,single EndoButton Plate reconstruction and double EndoButton Plates reconstruction are common repair methods.Further study on the stress distribution and fracture risk of the two repair methods is of great significance. OBJECTIVE:To study the biomechanical properties of the coracoclavicular ligament,and compare the fixation effect,stress distribution and failure mode of single and double EndoButton Plates reconstruction. METHODS:(1)Finite element simulation analysis:Mimics,Wrap and SolidWorks were used to establish normal coracoclavicular ligament,single EndoButton Plate reconstruction and double EndoButton Plates reconstruction.Ansys software was used to analyze the stress and deformation of the scapula and clavicle of each model under vertical load.(2)Sample experiment:Fifteen intact scapular-clavicle specimens were randomly grouped into five groups,with three specimens in each group.In group A,the acromioclavicular ligament was severed and the coracoclavicular ligament remained intact.In group B,acromioclavicular ligaments and trapeoid ligaments were severed,leaving intact conical ligaments.In group C,acromioclavicular ligaments and conical ligaments were cut off,and the intact traprex ligaments were retained.In group D,acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments were severed,and coracoclavicular ligaments were repaired by single EndoButton Plate reconstruction.In group E,acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments were severed,and the coracoclavicular ligaments were repaired by double EndoButton Plates reconstruction.The mechanical experiment was carried out by a mechanical testing machine to analyze the biomechanical status,stress distribution and failure patterns of the scapular-clavicle and clavicle. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Finite element simulation analysis:The average stress of coracoclavicular ligament attached specimens was the lowest,and the risk of coracoclavicular fracture was less than that of single and double EndoButton Plates reconstruction.The mean stress of the coracoid process was similar in single and double EndoButton Plates reconstruction,and the fracture risk was similar.(2)Sample experiment:In groups A,B,C,D and E,the stiffness of specimens was(26.4±3.5),(19.8±2.8),(21.3±3.2),(57.7±4.1),and(46.2±2.8)N/mm,respectively;the ultimate loads were(545.5±53.7),(360.1±42.1),(250.9±44.4),(643.5±39.1),and(511.9±31.7)N,respectively;global stiffness in groups D and E was higher than that in group A(P=0.000 06,0.000 3);ultimate load in group D was higher than that in group A(P<0.05);the ultimate load was not significantly different between the group E and group A(P>0.05).Ligament fracture was observed in groups A,B and C and coracoid process fracture was found in groups D and E.(3)These results suggest that from the biomechanical analysis,Single EndoButton Plate reconstruction and double EndoButton Plates reconstruction are effective treatment techniques for coracoclavicular ligament fracture in acromioclavicular joint dislocation,but increase the risk of fracture.The double EndoButton Plates reconstruction dispersed the stress of the steel plate and reduced the contact force between the steel plate and bone,but slightly reduced the ultimate bearing capacity.Single and double EndoButton Plates reconstruction should be selected according to the actual clinical situation.

BACKGROUND:The stability of the pelvis is mainly determined by the posterior pelvic ring and the sacroiliac joint.The posterior pelvic ring injury and the dislocation of the sacroiliac joint caused by high energy impacts such as car accidents increase year by year.Surgical treatment is the best method,and there are many kinds of endophytorepair methods in clinical practice,but which treatment method has the best biomechanical properties is still controversial. OBJECTIVE:To compare the biomechanical properties of three kinds of internal implants:anterior double plates,posterior bridging plate and tension nail in the repair of unilateral unstable pelvic posterior ring injury,to provide a reference for the clinical treatment and development of a new pelvic tension screw. METHODS:(1)Finite element simulation:Mimics,Wrap and SolidWorks were used to establish normal pelvic model,unilateral injured pelvis model,and three kinds of internal implant repaired models(anterior double plates,posterior bridging plate and tension nail).Ansys was used to analyze the stress and deformation of the models.(2)Biomechanical test:A total of 15 intact pelvic specimens were randomly grouped into five groups,normal pelvic model,unilateral injured pelvis model,anterior double plates,posterior bridging plate and tension nail groups.The mechanical test was performed using an Instron E10000 testing machine. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Simulation:In the normal pelvic model,the average displacement of the sacrum was 0.174 mm,and the maximum stress of the sacral iliac bone was 10.51 MPa,and the stress distribution was uniform.The mean sacral displacement of the unilateral injured pelvis model was 0.267 mm,and the stress concentration of the model was obvious.The mean displacement of the sacrum in the three repaired models was close to that in the normal pelvic model,and the stress distribution of the sacral iliac bone in the tension nail repaired model was uniform.(2)Mechanical test:The stiffness of the normal pelvic model was(226.38±4.18)N/mm,and that of the unilateral unstable pelvic model was the smallest(130.02±2.19)N/mm.The deviation of the normal pelvic model stiffness and the three repaired models'stiffness were all within(±10%),and the repair effect was obvious.(3)The simulation results were in agreement with the experimental results.(4)The biomechanics of the tension nail repaired model was the most similar to that of the normal pelvis,and this method was the best.The repairing stiffness of the anterior double plate was too large,and the stress shielding effect was more significant.The posterior bridging plate repair could not solve the compensatory effect of the normal side soft tissue and had defects.This study provides an optimal basis for clinical surgery.(5)The new type of pelvic tension nail should be improved from the point of view of the tension nail to retain the good biomechanical properties of the tension nail,while adding other advantages,such as being used for the osteoporotic pelvis.

Objective:This study aimed to explore the status of radiological Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) among school-aged children in Chamdo City, Tibet, through a 3-year monitoring survey, providing epidemiological evidence for prevention and control strategies.Methods:The target areas for this study were Luolong, Bianba, and Basu counties in Chamdo City, Tibet Autonomous Region, identified as having the most severe historical cases of KBD. Children aged 7-12 years attending school were enrolled as study subjects. Anteroposterior X-ray films of the right-hand were taken, and radiological diagnoses were made based on the "Diagnosis of Kashin-Beck Disease" criteria (WS/T 207-2010). Two experienced researchers independently reviewed the X-rays, and intra- and inter-group consistency were assessed using weighted Kappa values and percentage agreement. Cross-sectional surveys were conducted in 2017 and 2020 to describe the X-ray detection rates of KBD, and logistic regression analysis was employed to construct a predictive model of risk factors for radiological KBD cases.Results:In 2017, a total of 5,711 children aged 7-12 years in Chamdo City, Tibet, participated in the baseline cross-sectional survey (average age 9.2 years, 48.0% female), with 28 cases of radiological KBD. The age- and gender-standardized prevalence rate was 0.527%. In 2020, 6,771 participants (average age 9.3 years, 49.5% female) underwent a second cross-sectional survey, with 9 cases of radiological KBD and a standardized prevalence rate of 0.134%. Logistic regression analysis indicated that older age [ OR=2.439, 95% CI(1.299, 4.580), P=0.006] and female gender [ OR=8.157, 95% CI(1.016, 65.528), P=0.048] were independent risk factors for radiological KBD cases. Conversely, higher residential altitude, under the premise of Tibet's high altitude, was a protective factor [ OR=0.995, 95% CI(0.990, 0.999), P=0.032). Conclusion:The radiographically positive detection rate of KBD among school-aged children in Chamdo City, Tibet Autonomous Region, is at an extremely low level and showing a declining trend, reaching the historical standard in 2020. Considering the absence of positive signs in affected children, it suggests that local KBD has been effectively eliminated.

ObjectiveTo preliminarily establish and verify the quantitative diagnosis method of dampness syndrome of colorectal adenoma， so as to provide evidence for the diagnosis of colorectal adenoma syndrome. MethodsThis study included 334 patients with colorectal adenoma， who were grouped into 200 in the training group and 134 in the validation group by clinical visits chronologically. According to the data from the four examinations of traditional Chinese medicine， patients in training group were subgrouped into dampness syndrome subgroup and non-dampness syndrome subgroup. After eliminating items with response rate less than 3%， the factors showed statistical difference in frequency between the subgroups were screened as diagnostic items. The diagnostic items were assigned scores using the conditional probability formula conversion method， and the diagnostic thresholds and grading criteria were determined by the maximum likelihood discriminant method， so as to establish the quantitative criteria preliminarily. Retrospective and prospective tests were conducted respectively on patients in training group and validation group， including the sensitivity， specificity， accuracy， positive likelihood ratio and other indexes， to evaluate the quantitative criteria. ResultsThe training group included 176 participants as dampness syndrome subgroup and 24 participants as non-dampness syndrome subgroup， who applied 40 diagnostic items， and 19 related factors were identified as significant differences. After assigning the scores in turn， the quantitative diagnostic threshold was determined as 45， and the quantitative diagnostic criteria for colorectal adenoma with dampness syndrome were as follows： greasy coating （7 scores）， thick coating （8 scores）， heaviness of head （9 scores）， heaviness of whole body （6 scores）， heaviness of limbs （6 scores）， sticky and greasy stool （6 scores）， sticky and greasy mouth （10 scores）， obesity （6 scores）， sleepiness （12 scores）， laziness （13 scores）， epigastric fullness （8 scores）， abdominal distension and pain （11 scores）， lumbar and knee aches and heaviness （8 scores）， joint and muscle aches and pains （9 scores）， loose stools （12 scores）， fetid mouth odor （15 scores）， slippery pulse （8 scores）， overabundance of eye secretion （7 scores）， and large touge （10 scores）. Grading criteria： 45 ≤ points ＜ 61 as mild， 61 ≤ points ≤ 104 as moderate， points ＞ 104 as severe. In the test retrospective of the training group involving 200 patients， the sensitivity， specificity， accuracy， and positive likelihood ratio were 86.36%， 95.83%， 87.50%， and 20.73 respectively； In the test prospective of the verification group involving 134 patients， the sensitivity， specificity， accuracy， and positive likelihood ratio were 76.64%%， 96.30%， 80.60%， and 20.69， respectively. ConclusionIt is effective to diagnose and identify the dampness syndrome of colorectal adenoma by preliminarily establish a quantitative diagnostic method with a combined model of disease and evidence， and the method may provide support for future related studies.

10,11-Dehydrocurvularin (DCV) is a natural-product macrolide that has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory activity. However, the underlying mechanism of its anti-inflammatory activity remains poorly understood. Aberrant activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome is involved in diverse inflammation-related diseases, which should be controlled. The results showed that DCV specifically inhibited the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in association with reduced IL-1β secretion and caspase-1 activation, without effect on the NLRC4 and AIM2 inflammasomes. Furthermore, DCV disturbed the interaction between NEK7 and NLRP3, resulting in the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. The C=C double bond of DCV was required for the NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition induced by DCV. Importantly, DCV ameliorated inflammation in vivo through inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome. Taken together, our study reveals a novel mechanism by which DCV suppresses inflammation, which indicates the potential role of DCV in NLRP3 inflammasome-driven inflammatory disorders.
Animals ; Mice ; Inflammasomes ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/genetics* ; Inflammation/drug therapy* ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology* ; Interleukin-1beta/genetics* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL