BACKGROUND:As a unique structure of the cervical spine,the occurrence,development and progression of the uncovertebral joint directly affect the stability and range of motion of the cervical spine,and are also closely related to the pathogenesis of cervical spondylosis.A thorough understanding of the developmental characteristics of the uncovertebral joint is of great significance for the pathogenesis,diagnosis,and treatment of cervical spondylosis. OBJECTIVE:By using imaging and three-dimensional reconstruction technology to measure and observe the cervical uncinate process-related angle in a large sample of different age groups,the aim is to reveal the characteristics of its changes with age and vertebral growth,as well as its relationship with cervical spine stability. METHODS:Using a retrospective research design,we collected 1 447 cases of raw CT imaging data that meet the study requirements for complete cervical spine segments.The raw data were imported into Mimics 21.0 software in DICOM format for post-processing and measurement of angle of uncinate process and sagittal angle of uncinate process.The data were grouped based on gender,age,and side. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)With the increase of vertebral sequence,the angle of uncinate process increased in a V-shaped shape,and the lowest peak was at C5.The overall population showed a sharp peak with the increase of age,and the peak value mostly occurred in the age range of 30-39 years.(2)The sagittal angle of the uncinate process increased like a fishhook with the increase of the vertebral sequence,and the overall angle of the uncinate process increased with age,and the peak value mostly occurred in the age range of 20-29 years.The uncinate process angle and sagittal angle showed only partial significant differences between sides and genders(P<0.05).(3)It is concluded that the angle of the uncinate process increased with the increase of vertebral sequence in a V-shaped manner.The sagittal angle of the uncinate process increases like a fish hook with increasing vertebral order,while the two angles generally peak with increasing age.The angle of the uncinate process is about 131°,which may be closely related to the stability of the cervical spine,while the sagittal angle of the uncinate process is about 14°,and its function may play a certain role in limiting the excessive rotation of the cervical spine.

Objective To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of hookworm infections among vegetable growers in Anhui Province, so as to provide the evidence for formulating the control strategy and interventions for hookworm human infections.. Methods A total of 1 179 vegetable growers were randomly sampled from 7 counties in Anhui province according to the natural ecological function areas in 2018 and 2019, and the basic features and risk factors of hookworm infections were collected from all subjects using a self-designed questionnaire, including living environment, vegetable planting and fertilization, type of household crops, animal feeding, hygiene and labor habits. In addition, stool samples were collected from all participants, and each stool sample was subjected to twice tests with the Kato-Katz technique. The risk factors of hookworm infections were identified among vegetable growers with the Bayesian log-binomial regression model. Results The prevalence of hookworm infection was 3.90% among the 1 179 vegetable growers. The prevalence of hookworm infection was 10.07% (15/149) among unemployed subjects, 5.32% (31/583) among farmers, and 0 among full-time vegetable growers (0/377) and subjects with other occupations (0/70), and there was a significant difference among subjects in terms of occupation (χ²=36.37, P < 0.01). Bayesian log-binomial regression analysis showed that fertilization with human feces [relative risk (RR)=18.25, 95% confidence interval (CI): (4.31, 77.17)], barefoot labor in vegetable fields [RR=2.86, 95% CI: (1.43, 5.70)], and living in plain ecological areas along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River [RR=4.19, 95% CI: (1.19, 14.81)] were independent risk factors of hookworm infections among vegetable growers. Stratified analysis showed that fertilization with human feces, barefoot labor in vegetable fields, drinking well water or mountain spring, and living in plain ecological areas along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River were independent risk factors of hookw, orm infection among farmers, and living in plain ecological areas along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River and growing rice were independent risk factors of hookw, orm infection among unemployed individuals. Conclusions The prevalence of hookworm infection is high among vegetable growers in Anhui Province, and fertilization with human feces, barefoot labor in vegetable fields and living in plain ecological areas along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River are risk factors of hookw, orm infections among vegetable growers.

Objective To establish a method and study the pharmacokinetics for concentration determination of effective components in Xiakucao Xiaoliu mixture in Normal Rat Plasma By LC-MS/MS. Methods The mobile phase was methanol-water (0.1% formic acid) system under the positive ion mode of C18 chromatographic column, gradient elution was adopted, and the flow rate was 0.3 ml/min. In the negative ion mode, the mobile phase was acetonitrile-water (0.1% formic acid) system, gradient elution, with a flow rate of 0.4 ml/min. Caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, syringic acid, rutin in positive ion mode and Atractylodes lactone II and Atractylodes lactone III in negative ion mode were respectively determined. Normal rats were intragastrically given Xiakucao Xiaoliu Mixture 7.8 ml/kg, and blood was taken from the orbit at different time points after the administration. The blood concentration was determined by the validated LC-MS/MS method and the non-standard DAS2.0 software was used. The pharmacokinetic parameters of rats after administration were calculated by the compartment model. Results The pharmacokinetic parameters belonged to non atrioventricular model. The pharmacokinetic characteristics of the four main anti-cancer active ingredients of Caffeic acid, Rosmarinic acid, Syringic acid and Atractylodes Ⅲ in rats after administration of Xiakucao Xiaoliu Mixture were significantly different from those reported in the literature after the administration of monomers. Conclusion The established method was simple, accurate and sensitive, which could be suitable for the content determination of effective components in Xiakucao Xiaoliu mixture in Normal Rat Plasma, which would be a valuable information for the study on main anticancer active substances.

BackgroundThe etiopathogenesis of major depressive disorder （MDD） is strongly associated with neuroinflammation. MDD is a highly heterogeneous psychiatric disorder， and the disease subtyping is an essential step for the identification of biological markers. The presence of psychomotor retardation seriously affects the prognosis of MDD， whereas the underlying mechanism is not yet completely clear. A potential involvement of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor （G-CSF） and macrophage colony-stimulating factor （M-CSF） in the pathogenesis of MDD with psychomotor retardation has been suggested in previous studies， but little detailed research has been completed. ObjectiveTo analyze the correlation of plasma G-CSF and M-CSF levels with psychomotor retardation in patients with MDD， and to explore the potential biological underpinnings of psychomotor retardation in MDD. MethodsA total of 50 MDD patients who met the diagnostic criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders， fifth edition （DSM-5） and attended the outpatient clinics of Shanghai Mental Health Center from April 2018 to April 2019 were included. The severity of symptoms was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Scale-17 item （HAMD-17）. According to the retardation factor in HAMD-17， patients with a score of ≥8 were included in retardation group （n=22）， and those with a score below 8 were included in non-retardation group （n=28）. Another 22 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were concurrently recruited. Plasma G-CSF and M-CSF levels were measured in all subjects using Luminex liquid suspension chip technology. Spearman correlation analysis was adopted to verify the correlation of retardation factor score in HAMD-17 with plasma G-CSF and M-CSF levels in MDD patients. ResultsPlasma G-CSF levels were decreased in MDD patients compared with healthy controls ［57.34（39.24， 83.15）pg/mL vs. 71.47（61.20， 79.99）pg/mL， Z=-2.098， P<0.05］. A statistical difference was found in plasma G-CSF level ［63.92（54.60， 89.43）pg/mL vs. 47.80（33.41， 74.66）pg/mL vs. 71.47（61.20， 79.99）pg/mL， H=8.247， P=0.016］ and plasma M-CSF level ［20.05（16.05， 22.23）pg/mL vs. 13.05（11.43， 17.50）pg/mL vs. 18.95（14.59， 22.88）pg/mL， H=7.620， P=0.022］ among retardation group， non-retardation group and healthy control group. The post hoc pairwise comparisons using Bonferroni correction indicated that plasma G-CSF level was lower in non-retardation group compared with healthy control group （adjusted P<0.05）， and plasma M-CSF level was higher in retardation group compared with non-retardation group （adjusted P<0.05）. The retardation factor score in HAMD-17 was positively correlated with plasma M-CSF level in MDD patients （r=0.348， P<0.05）. ConclusionThe prevalence of psychomotor retardation in MDD patients may be related to abnormally elevated plasma M-CSF level. ［Funded by Shanghai "Science and Technology Innovation Action Plan" Project in Medical Innovation Research Field （number， 21Y11905600）； Shanghai "Science and Technology Innovation Action Plan" Project in Natural Science Field （number， 21ZR1455100）； Shanghai Mental Health Center Scientific Research Project （number， 2021-YJ02）］

Background::Previous studies have shown that inflammation plays an important role in intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS). The platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) has recently emerged as a potential inflammatory biomarker. This study aimed to explore the association of the PLR with ICAS in a Chinese Han population.Methods::A total of 2134 participants (518 with ICAS, 1616 without ICAS) were enrolled in this study. ICAS was defined as atherosclerotic stenosis >50% or the occlusion of several main intracranial arteries. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association of the PLR with ICAS. Additional subgroup analyses were performed according to age (<60 vs. ≥ 60 years) and acute ischemic stroke. Results::Multivariate regression analysis showed that a high PLR was associated with a higher risk of ICAS in all participants ( P < 0.001). Compared with the lowest quartile, the fourth PLR quartile was significantly associated with ICAS (OR 1.705, 95% confidence interval 1.278–2.275, P < 0.001). In the subgroups stratified by age, an association between the PLR and ICAS was found in the late-life group ( P < 0.001), but not in the mid-life group ( P = 0.650). In the subgroups stratified by acute ischemic stroke, the relationship between an elevated PLR and a higher risk of ICAS remained unchanged (stroke group, P < 0.001; non-stroke group, P = 0.027). Conclusions::An elevated PLR was associated with a higher risk of ICAS in a Chinese Han population. The PLR might serve as a potential biomarker for ICAS in the elderly population.

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of Xiakucao Xiaoliu mixture on Lewis lung cancer mice. Methods 30 mice with C₅₇BL/6 mouse Lewis lung cancer xenograft model were randomly divided into three groups: model control group, Xiakucao Xiaoliu mixture group (M group), cisplatin group (DDP group). M group and DDP group were administered continuously for 14 days. Through the general observation of Lewis lung cancer mice, tumor size was determined, HE staining method was used to determine the histopathological changes of tumors, and the expression of CyclinD1 and P16 in tumor tissues was determined by immunohistochemistry. Results The tumor weight of the model control group was the heaviest, and the difference was statistically significant compared with other groups. (P<0.05). Survival state and quality of life of mice had been improved to some extent in M group. The results of tumor growth curve and HE staining in each group of mice showed that the growth of tumor cells had been inhibited and normal cells had been protected. The positive expression of CyclinD1 was significantly decreased in M group and DDP group (P<0.01), but the effect of M group on the improvement of P16 positive expression was not significant. Conclusion Xiakucao Xiaoliu mixture had a good effect on inhibiting lung tumor growth.

Objective To identify the chemical constituents of Xiakucao Xiaoliu mixture by high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-TOF/MS). Methods The chromatographic separation ACE (3.0mm×150 mm) column was used. The mobile phase was methanol (A) and 0.1% formic acid (B). The gradient elution was: 0-5 min, 5% A; 5-10 min, 5%-15% A; 10-30 min, 15%-45%A; 30-40 min, 45%-70%B; 40-50 min, 70%-90%B. The injection volume was 2 μl. The flow rate was 0.4 ml/min. The column temperature was 25°C. The mass spectrometry was characterized by time-of-flight mass spectrometry, using ESI ion source. The common monitoring was in positive and negative ion mode. The reference ion was m/z 121.9856, 1033.9881. The scanning range was m/z 100-1200. Results A total of 37 chemical constituents were identified in the Xiakucao Xiaoliu mixture, 8 in the positive ion mode fragment voltage of 160 V, 28 in the negative ion mode fragment voltage of 160 V, and 19 in the fragment voltage of 260 V. Both positive and negative ions had 4 responses. The negative ion mode has 16 responses under both fragment voltages. And the ingredients were medicinal. Conclusion An effective method for the identification of the chemical constituents of Prunella vulgaris L. by HPLC-TOF/MS was established, which laid a foundation for its quality control and in-depth study in vivo.

Objective:To study the effect of low-dose aspirin combined with letrozole on serum visfatin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1) and pregnancy rate in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS).Methods:From November 2016 to November 2018, 110 patients with PCOS in the Third People's Hospital of Datong were selected.According to the random number table, they were divided into the observation group(60 cases) and the control group(50 cases). The control group was treated with letrozole, while the observation group was given letrozole combined with low-dose aspirin.The patients were continuously treated for 3 menstrual cycles.The changes of the serum visfatin, MCP-1, sex hormones, uterine artery blood flow before and after treatment, pregnancy and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results:After treatment, the serum visfatin, MCP-1, testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), LH/follicular estrogen (FSH), uterine arterial pulsation index (PI) and resistance index (RI) in the observation group were (11.03±2.17)ng/mL, (99.31±14.50)ng/L, (1.57±0.29)mmol/L, (6.57±1.30)U/L, (1.16±0.22), (1.07±0.24), (0.41±0.08), respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the control group[(15.57±2.56)ng/mL, (121.29±20.37)ng/L, (1.78±0.32)mmol/L, (8.40±1.88)U/L, (1.50±0.27), (1.45±0.29), (0.57±0.11)], the differences were statistically significant( t=10.068, 6.593, 3.608, 6.012, 7.278, 7.521, 8.815, all P<0.05). The ovulation rate and pregnancy rate in the observation group were 81.67%(49/60) and 35.00%(21/60), respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the control group[64.00%(32/50), 18.00%(9/50)](χ 2=4.385, 3.974, all P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the total incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups( P>0.05). Conclusion:Low-dose aspirin combined with letrozole in the treatment of PCOS can effectively reduce the serum visfatin and MCP-1, regulate the sex hormones levels, improve uterine artery blood flow, improve pregnancy rate, and without increasing adverse drug reactions, so it's worthy of popularizing.

Objective To evaluate the biomechanical effects of lateral meniscus posterior root (LMPR) tears fixed at different suture positions, so as to investigate the optimal suture method for repairing LMPR tears. Methods Eight fresh cadaveric knees were used. Each knee was tested under 6 conditions: intact knee, ruptur of LMPR, suture of LMPR to the center point of root insertion, suture of LMPR posterior, interior and later 5 mm to the center point of root insertion, respectively. The peak contact pressure, the average contact pressure and contact area were evaluated using a Tek-scan sensor positioned between the meniscus and tibial plateau, under 1 kN compressive loading, at 0 degree knee extension. Results In the lateral compartment, the average contact pressure and peak pressure significantly increased under rupture of LMPR compared with the intact state (P<0.01), and the contact area decreased significantly (P<0.05). For LMPR tears fixed by four different suture methods, both the average pressure and peak contact pressure reduced, and the contact area increased. The average contact pressure, peak pressure and contact area were closer to the knee joint in the intact state when the suture positions of LMPR tears was posterior 5 mm to the center point of root insertion (P<0.05). In the medial compartment, there were no significant differences in contact pressure, peak contact pressure and contact area with the knee joint at 0 degree (P>0.05). Conclusions The average contact pressure, the peak contact pressure and the contact area between the lateral meniscus and the tibial plateau changed obviously due to the LMPR tears. When the suture position was 5 mm lateral to the center point of root insertion, similar biomechanical function with the intact knee could be obtained.