ObjectiveTo explore the effect and mechanism of Jianpi Xiaoai prescription （JPXA） in ameliorating the 5-fluorouracil （5-FU） resistance of colon cancer. MethodsA HCT116/5-FU resistant cell line was established. Different concentrations （10%， 15%， 20%） of JPXA-containing serum and drug-free serum were used for intervention， and 10% fetal bovine serum （10% FBS）， fibroblast growth factor receptor （FGFR） inhibitor （AZD4547）， and recombinant fibroblast growth factor 2 （FGF2） were set as the control groups. Sensitive HCT116 cells were used in the FGF2 group， while HCT116/5-FU cells were used in other groups. Drug resistance， the level of FGF2 in the cell culture medium， the mRNA level of FGF2 in cells， and the protein levels of FGF2/FGFR and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B （PI3K/Akt） were determined. The drug-resistant cells were transplanted into the axilla of nude mice to establish a tumor model. The modeled mice were allocated into model， JPXA （15 g·kg^-1）， 5-FU （0.02 g·kg^-1）， JPXA+5-FU （15 g·kg^-1+0.02 g·kg^-1）， AZD4547 （0.012 5 g·kg^-1）， and AZD4547+5-FU （0.012 5 g·kg^-1+0.02 g·kg^-1） groups. The tumor growth and the protein levels of FGF/FGFR and PI3K/Akt in each group were observed. ResultsThe survival rate of HCT116/5-FU cells decreased in all the JPXA groups with different concentrations. The cell survival rate was decreased most obviously in the 20% JPXA group. The level of FGF2 in the cell culture medium and the mRNA level of FGF2 in cells of each JXPA group decreased， and the decrease was the most significant in the 20% group （P<0.01）. HCT116/5-FU cells showed up-regulated protein levels of FGF2 and phosphorylated fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 （p-FGFR1）， but down-regulated protein level of FGFR1 （P<0.01）. JPXA down-regulated the expression of FGF2 and p-FGFR1 and up-regulated the expression of FGFR1 （P<0.05）. In addition， JPXA down-regulated the expression levels of phosphorylated protein kinase B （p-Akt） and phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin （p-mTOR）， while up-regulating the expression levels of Akt and Bcl-2-asociated death promoter （Bad） （P<0.05）. Animal experiments showed that the JPXA combined with 5-FU significantly inhibited the growth of drug-resistant tumors， reduced the protein levels of FGF2， p-FGFR1， phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase （p-PI3K）， p-Akt， and p-mTOR， and increased the expression of Bad. It indicated that JPXA can inhibit the FGF2/FGFR1 signaling in colon cancer and regulate PI3K/Akt and downstream signaling pathways. ConclusionJPXA can ameliorate the chemotherapy resistance of colon cancer through down-regulating FGF2 expression and inhibiting the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Lots of patients with obstructive sleep apnea(OSA)are first recognized in dental institutions.In consideration of dental characteristics,we summarize advances in the application of screening methods for adult OSA patients based on oral examination,craniofacial structure,imaging examination,medical history,clinical symptoms,manifestation,populations at risk and questionnaires.Dental practitioners can screen and identify potential OSA patients,play a better role in the multidisciplinary of OSA,and help the pre-vention of OSA.

Objective To establish a DNA quantitation method based on dithiothreitol(DTT)-crystal vio-let.Methods DTT was used to decolorize crystal violet,mixed with different concentrations of λ-DNA and salmon sperm DNA standard samples or concentration standard samples,and the absorbance was read at 595 nm wavelength by microplate reader,and compared with the results of ultraviolet absorbance method.DTT-crystal violet method and ultraviolet absorbance method were used to compare the concentration of plasmid samples and the concentration of genomic DNA samples of cervical exfoliated cells.The protein tolerance of the two methods was assessed by simulating protein contaminants with bovine serum albumin(BSA).Results In the quantification of λ-DNA and salmon sperm DNA,the DTT-crystal violet method had a robust linear correlation between the absorbance at 595 nm and DNA concentration(r2＞0.95),and the measured concentrations of the standard samples were not significantly different from the theoretical concentrations of the prepared standard samples(P＞0.05).There was no significant difference in the concentration of plasmid samples measured by DTT-crystal violet method and ultraviolet absorption method(P＞0.05).The concen-tration of DNA samples from cervical exfoliated cells measured by ultraviolet absorption method was positive-ly correlated with that by DTT-crystal violet method(r=0.94,P＜0.01).The concentration of the standard sample containing BSA 1 μg/μL measured by ultraviolet absorption method was higher than that of the con-trol sample,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.01),whereas the DTT-crystal violet method was not significantly affected(P＞0.05).Conclusion DTT-crystal violet method has obvious advantages over the existing DNA quantitation method,and is suitable for DNA quantitative analysis in scientific research and clinic.

Objective:To establish a method for the identification of Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix) dispensing granules with PCR for the identification of dispensing granules.Methods:The collected samples were identified by DNA bar code, and the methods of extracting genomic DNA from Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix, Qianghuo standard decoction and dispensing granules were established. Specific differential primers were designed based on ITS2 sequence, and the PCR amplification system and reaction conditions were optimized.Results:The PCR amplification system and reaction conditions were determined. The target bands of about 216 bp were obtained by amplification of Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix, Qianghuo standard decoction and dispensing granules, and there was no interference from counterfeit products and blank.Conclusions:The specific PCR identification method of Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix) dispensing granules is established, which has good specificity. The detection limit of Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix is 0.91 ng, and the detection limit of dispensing granules is 7.36 ng, which also provides a reference for the identification of other kinds of TCM dispensing granules.

Lots of patients with obstructive sleep apnea(OSA)are first recognized in dental institutions.In consideration of dental characteristics,we summarize advances in the application of screening methods for adult OSA patients based on oral examination,craniofacial structure,imaging examination,medical history,clinical symptoms,manifestation,populations at risk and questionnaires.Dental practitioners can screen and identify potential OSA patients,play a better role in the multidisciplinary of OSA,and help the pre-vention of OSA.

Objective:To establish a polymerase chain reaction(PCR)method to accurately discriminate the crude materials and aqueous extract of Zaocys dhumnades,Elaphe carinata,Elaphe meollendorff and Ptyas korros.Methods:Specific primers were designed using mitochondrial Cytb gene(CO1)as a target gene,and annealing temperature,number of cycles and the type of DNA polymerases were optimized.The mixed samples were detected by this method.Results:By this multiplex allele-specific PCR identification method,135,182,246 and 197 bp of specific fragments were amplified from DNA templates of Zaocys dhumnades,Elaphe carinata,Elaphe meollendorffi and Ptyas korros,respectively,following the conditions:cycle number of 35,annealing temperature of 62 ℃.The adulterants and the blank control showed no bands.The method could simultaneously and accurately identify the snake-derived components in the mixed samples.Conclusion:The method can be used to identify the samples of Zaocys dhumnades,Elaphe carinata,Elaphe meollendorffi and Ptyas korros simultaneously,accurately and rapidly,and is suitable for the identification of standard decoctiond and formula granules samples.

Objective::To use fetal heart quantification ( fetal HQ) technology to compare the coarctation of the aorta (CoA) and normal fetal heart structure and systolic function and to assess whether there are abnormalities in the fetal heart structure and systolic function associated with CoA. Methods::This prospective cohort study was conducted from May 2020 to December 2022 and involved 18-40-week-old singleton pregnancies and 30 fetuses diagnosed with CoA using fetal echocardiography at the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University and Peking University First Hospital Ningxia Women’s and Children’s Hospital, China. The control group contained 60 normal fetuses. The following parameters were recorded and analyzed statistically: four-chamber view (4CV) end-diastolic long diameter, 4CV epicardial-contralateral epicardial transverse maximum diameter, 4CV global sphericity index (GSI), left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) 24-segment end-diastolic diameter (EDD), 24-segment sphericity index (SI), LV-fractional area change (LV-FAC), LV-longitudinal strain (LV-LS), RV-fractional area change (RV-FAC), RV-longitudinal strain (RV-LS), and LV and RV 24-segment transverse fractional shortening (FS). Measurement data were compared between the two groups using an independent sample t test, with P < 0.05 indicating statistically significant differences. Moreover, the correlation between gestational age and GSI, LV-FAC, LV-LS, RV-FAC, and RV-LS was assessed. Results::Within and between observer comparisons of the parameters associated with major cardiac function revealed an intragroup correlation coefficient of >0.9, indicating high consistency, and a coefficient of variable of <1 %, indicating low variability. Correlation analysis revealed no obvious correlation between gestational age and GSI, LV-FAC, LV-LS, RV-FAC, and RV-LS. A comparison of the four-chamber morphological structural parameters of the hearts in the two groups revealed that when compared with the control group, the 4CV end-diastolic long diameter was shortened in fetuses in the CoA group and the epicardial-contralateral epicardial transverse maximum diameter was wider, while the GSI was lower ( P < 0.05). A comparison of the LV and RV morphological structure parameters between the two groups revealed that when compared with the control group, the LV’s 24-segment EDD was smaller in the CoA group, the RV’s 24-segment EDD was greater in the control group, the SI of the LV’s segments 16-24 was greater than in the control group, and the SI of the RV’s segments 7-24 was less than in the control group (all P < 0.05). When compared with fetuses in the control group, the LV’s segments 16-24 were greater in the CoA group, whereas the RV’s segment 6-24 was smaller ( P < 0.05). When compared with the control group, LV-FAC, RV-FAC, and LS were lower in the CoA group ( P < 0.05). The FS of the LV segments 1-24 and the FS of the RV segments 1-16 were smaller in the CoA group than in the normal group ( P < 0.05). Conclusion::Fetal HQ, a new simple technique that offers rapid analysis and high repeatability, can quantitatively evaluate structural and systolic function changes in fetuses with CoA.

Objective::To use fetal heart quantification ( fetal HQ) technology to compare the coarctation of the aorta (CoA) and normal fetal heart structure and systolic function and to assess whether there are abnormalities in the fetal heart structure and systolic function associated with CoA. Methods::This prospective cohort study was conducted from May 2020 to December 2022 and involved 18-40-week-old singleton pregnancies and 30 fetuses diagnosed with CoA using fetal echocardiography at the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University and Peking University First Hospital Ningxia Women’s and Children’s Hospital, China. The control group contained 60 normal fetuses. The following parameters were recorded and analyzed statistically: four-chamber view (4CV) end-diastolic long diameter, 4CV epicardial-contralateral epicardial transverse maximum diameter, 4CV global sphericity index (GSI), left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) 24-segment end-diastolic diameter (EDD), 24-segment sphericity index (SI), LV-fractional area change (LV-FAC), LV-longitudinal strain (LV-LS), RV-fractional area change (RV-FAC), RV-longitudinal strain (RV-LS), and LV and RV 24-segment transverse fractional shortening (FS). Measurement data were compared between the two groups using an independent sample t test, with P < 0.05 indicating statistically significant differences. Moreover, the correlation between gestational age and GSI, LV-FAC, LV-LS, RV-FAC, and RV-LS was assessed. Results::Within and between observer comparisons of the parameters associated with major cardiac function revealed an intragroup correlation coefficient of >0.9, indicating high consistency, and a coefficient of variable of <1 %, indicating low variability. Correlation analysis revealed no obvious correlation between gestational age and GSI, LV-FAC, LV-LS, RV-FAC, and RV-LS. A comparison of the four-chamber morphological structural parameters of the hearts in the two groups revealed that when compared with the control group, the 4CV end-diastolic long diameter was shortened in fetuses in the CoA group and the epicardial-contralateral epicardial transverse maximum diameter was wider, while the GSI was lower ( P < 0.05). A comparison of the LV and RV morphological structure parameters between the two groups revealed that when compared with the control group, the LV’s 24-segment EDD was smaller in the CoA group, the RV’s 24-segment EDD was greater in the control group, the SI of the LV’s segments 16-24 was greater than in the control group, and the SI of the RV’s segments 7-24 was less than in the control group (all P < 0.05). When compared with fetuses in the control group, the LV’s segments 16-24 were greater in the CoA group, whereas the RV’s segment 6-24 was smaller ( P < 0.05). When compared with the control group, LV-FAC, RV-FAC, and LS were lower in the CoA group ( P < 0.05). The FS of the LV segments 1-24 and the FS of the RV segments 1-16 were smaller in the CoA group than in the normal group ( P < 0.05). Conclusion::Fetal HQ, a new simple technique that offers rapid analysis and high repeatability, can quantitatively evaluate structural and systolic function changes in fetuses with CoA.

ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Baihu Jia Renshen Tang （BHRS） on the related molecules on the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B（PI3K/Akt）signaling pathway in the liver of MKR diabetic model mice. MethodThirty 6-week-old MKR mice were selected and fed on a high-fat diet for four weeks，followed by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin（STZ）for the diabetes model establishment. The model was properly induced in the case of the fasting blood glucose （FBG） of ≥11.1 mmol·L^-1. After modeling，the mice were randomly divided into a model group，a BHRS group （12.09 g·kg^-1·d^-1），and a metformin group （0.065 g·kg^-1·d^-1），with 10 mice in each group. Ten FVB mice were assigned to the control group. The mice in the groups with drug intervention were continuously administered correspondingly for 28 days. After administration，the mice were sacrificed，followed by the oral glucose tolerance test （OGTT） and FBG detection. Serum very low-density lipoprotein（VLDL）content was determined by semi-quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Four indexes related to blood lipid were determined by the biochemistry analyzer. Liver tissues were subjected to pathological examination by hematoxylin-eosin（HE）staining. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of PI3K，Akt，phosphorylated（p）-PI3K，p-Akt，forkhead box protein O1 （FoxO1），insulin receptor（InsR），and insulin receptor substrate-2（IRS-2） in liver tissues of mice. Real-time polymerase chain reaction（Real-time PCR） was used to detect the mRNA expression of PI3K，Akt，FoxO1，InsR，and IRS-2 in liver tissues of mice. ResultCompared with the control group，the model group showed poor general conditions，abnormal glucose tolerance （P<0.05），increased FBG （P<0.01），abnormal blood lipid metabolism，increased serum total cholesterol （TC），triglyceride（TG），low-density lipoprotein cholesterol（LDL-C），and VLDL （P<0.05），decreased level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol（HDL-C）（P<0.05），fatty degeneration and obvious pathological changes of liver cells，reduced protein expression of PI3K，Akt，p-PI3K/PI3K，p-Akt/Akt，IRS-2，and InsR in liver tissues（P<0.05），increased protein expression of FoxO1（P<0.05），decreased mRNA expression of PI3K，Akt，IRS-2，and InsR in liver tissues （P<0.05），and increased FoxO1 mRNA expression（P<0.05）. Compared with the model group，the BHRS group showed improved general conditions and glucose and lipid metabolism （P<0.05），improved pathological state of liver cells，increased protein expression of PI3K，Akt，p-PI3K/PI3K，p-Akt/Akt，IRS-2，and InsR in liver tissues（P<0.05），decreased protein expression of FoxO1（P<0.05），increased mRNA expression of PI3K，Akt，IRS-2，and InsR in liver tissues （P<0.05），and reduced FoxO1 mRNA expression（P<0.05）. ConclusionBHRS can effectively reduce blood glucose，regulate blood lipid metabolism，and improve the pathological state of the liver in MKR diabetic mice，and its mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of the activity of molecules on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Objective:To explore the effects of different time of skin-to-skin contact on physical/mental status and breastfeeding in cesarean section parturient, so as to provide reference for promoting breastfeeding.Methods:A total of 87 cesarean section parturient and children were collected from Taihe Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from February 2021 to February 2022 as research objects by convenient sampling method. They were divided into A group, B group and C group by random digits table method, each group were 29 cases. Skin-to-skin contact was carried out in the three groups while the parturient was awake, A group contact time were 30 min, B group were 60 min, C group were 90 min. The intervention effect was assessed by Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire, Visual Analogue Scale for Anxiety (VAS-A), Infant Brestfeeding Assessment Tool (IBFAT) as well as breast feeding related indicators.Results:Finally, 81 parturient were included, with 27, 28, and 26 cases in A group, B group, and C group. The scores of visual analogous scale, pain grading index, presents pain intensity, VAS-A were (6.74 ± 1.48), (19.33 ± 2.02), (4.48 ± 1.16), (5.22 ± 1.05) points in A group and (6.93 ± 1.41), (20.11 ± 2.50), (4.93 ± 1.56), (5.46 ± 1.04) points in B group, lower than in C group (7.69 ± 1.19), (22.08 ± 2.31), (5.73 ± 1.08), (6.31 ± 1.57) points, the differences were statistically significant ( t values were 2.05-4.36, all P<0.05). The successful rate of first breastfeeding and the rate of exclusive breastfeeding at 42 d after delivery were 55.6%(15/27), 59.3%(16/27) in A group, lower than in B group 82.1%(23/28), 85.7%(24/28) and in C group 88.5%(23/26), 88.5%(23/26), the differences were statistically significant ( χ2 values were 4.55-7.07, all P<0.05). The lactation start time, duration of first breastfeeding and IBFAT total scores were (17.04 ± 3.98) h, (10.44 ± 3.03) min, (4.74 ± 1.64) points in A group, lower than in B group and C group (19.22 ± 3.12) h, (12.36 ± 3.18) min, (7.07 ± 1.78) points and (16.69 ± 3.97) h, (13.62 ± 2.38) min, (7.58 ± 1.40) points, the differences were statistically significant ( t values were 2.45-5.25, all P<0.05). Conclusions:Skin-to-skin contact for 60 min can promote breastfeeding and alleviate anxiety and pain degree of cesarean section parturient.