Abstract: It is well-known that crystal form of a drug is a key factor impacting the physicochemical properties of the drug, which in turn affects its in vivo efficacy, safety and stability. The study on crystal forms of solid-state drugs is crucial for drug quality control, selection of production process and evaluation of clinical efficacy. The combination of chemometric and analytical techniques exhibited its great ability to analyze a large amount of multidimensional data, providing the possibility for quantification of trace amount of crystals (< 1%). Meanwhile, using the process analytical technology (PAT) to monitor the crystal content real-time during prescription preparation process can further realize the control on formulation quality and serve as a core technology to support the patent protection of crystalline forms. In this review, the combined application of crystal analytical techniques and chemometric methods for the quantitative analysis of trace crystals were summarized, aiming to provide guidance for the manufacturing of pharmaceutical preparations and their quality control.

OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism of Naozhenning granules in regulating mitochondrial energy metabolism in hippocampal tissue of multiple cerebral concussion （MCC） model rats. METHODS SPF grade Wistar rats were used to prepare MCC models using the “free fall impact method”. The successfully modeled rats were divided into model group， piracetam group， and Naozhenning granule low-dose， medium-dose and high-dose groups， and a normal group was also set up， with 8 rats in each group. Rats in each treatment group orally administered corresponding drugs at doses of 0.324 g/kg for the piracetam group and 2.25， 4.5 and 9 g/kg for the Naozhenning granule low-dose， medium-dose and high-dose groups； the normal group and model group were given equal volumes of normal saline； once a day， for 14 consecutive days. The motor exploration ability， learning and memory ability of rats were tested； the adenosine triphosphate （ATP） content in the hippocampal tissue of rat was detected； the changes in the mitochondrial structure of hippocampal tissue was observed； the fluorescence intensity of mitochondrial dynamin- related protein 1 （Drp1）， mitochondrial fission protein 1 （Fis1）， mitochondrial fusion 1 （Mfn1）， and optic atrophy protein 1 （Opa1） were detected in the hippocampal tissue of rat； the protein expression levels of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α（PGC-1α）， nuclear respiratory factor-1（NRF-1），mitochondrial transcription factor A（TFAM）， Wnt-3a，β-catenin in hippocampal tissue of rat were detected. RESULTS Compared with the normal group， the total exercise distance， number of central grid entries， number of upright positions， new object recognition index， mitochondrial ATP content， fluorescence intensity of Mfn1 and Opa1， the protein expression levels of PGC-1α、NRF-1、TFAM、Wnt-3a、 β-catenin in the model group were significantly reduced （P＜0.01）， while the rest time and fluorescence intensity of Drp1 and Fis1 in hippocampal tissue were significantly increased （P＜0.01）. The results of transmission electron microscopy showed that the mitochondria in the hippocampal tissue were significantly swollen， with a large number of broken and reduced cristae， and some mitochondria had myeloid changes in the membrane. Compared with the model group， the levels/contents of the above indicators in rats of each administration group showed varying degrees of reversal， and most of the differences were statistically significant （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）； the degree of mitochondrial swelling in the hippocampal tissue was reduced， with a small amount of broken and reduced cristae， fuzzy fractures appeared in local areas of the rough endoplasmic reticulum. CONCLUSIONS Naozhenning granules can improve the motor exploration， learning and memory abilities of MCC model rats， repair neuronal damage， and exert neuroprotective effects. Its mechanism may be related to activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway，maintaining the balance of mitochondrial division and fusion，and promoting mitochondrial biosynthesis.

Objective To observe the effects of moxibustion on myocardial pathological morphology,α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)and chromosome 10 deletion phosphatase and tensin homologous protein(PTEN)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)signalling pathway in rats with chronic heart failure(CHF),and to explore the possible mechanism of moxibustion in attenuating myocardial fibrosis in rats with CHF.Methods According to the random number table method,60 male SD rats were divided into the normal group(n=10)and the surgery group(n=50),and the rats in the surgery group were ligated the left coronary artery to replicate the CHF model.According to the random number table method,40 successfully modelled rats were divided into the model group,the moxibustion group,the bpV(phen)group,and the moxibustion+bpV(phen)group,with 10 rats in each group.The normal and model groups were not given any intervention;in the moxibustion group,customized moxa sticks were used to moxibrate the bilateral"Feishu"(BL13)and"Xinshu"(BL15)on the back of the rats for 30 min at each point once a day;the bpV(phen)group was injected intraperitoneally with the bpV(phen)solution(0.15 mg/kg)twice a week;the moxibustion+bpV(phen)group was based on the bpV(phen)group,and moxibustion was applied according to the moxibustion group.The intervention was carried out for 4 weeks.The general conditions of rats,such as feeding and activity were observed;HE staining was used to detect morphological changes of the cardiomyocytes;Masson staining was used to detect myocardial fibrosis;the cardiac echocardiography was used to detect ejection fraction(EF)and fractional shortening(FS);real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of PTEN and mTOR in the cardiac muscle tissues;protein expressions of PTEN,mTOR,α-SMA in rat myocardial tissue were detected by Western blotting.Results Compared with the normal group,rats in the model group had altered cardiomyocyte morphology,severe damage to myocardial fiber structure,significantly lower EF,FS,and mTOR mRNA and protein expressions,and significantly higher PTEN,α-SMA protein expressions and PTEN mRNA expression(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,myocardial ultrastructural damage was attenuated in the moxibustion group,bpV(phen)group,and moxibustion+ bpV(phen)group,and EF,FS,and mRNA and protein expressions of mTOR were significantly higher,α-SMA protein expression was significantly lower,and mRNA and protein expressions of PTEN were significantly lower(P<0.05).Compared with the moxibustion+bpV(phen)group,myocardial ultrastructural damage was worsen in the moxibustion and bpV(phen)groups,with significantly lower EF,FS,and mRNA and protein expressions of mTOR,significantly higher α-SMA protein expression,and significantly higher mRNA and protein expressions of PTEN(P<0.05).Conclusion Moxibustion can improve the pathological morphology and function of cardiomyocytes and attenuate myocardial fibrosis in rats with CHF,and its mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of PTEN expression,and then the up-regulation of mTOR expression.

Objective:To demonstrate any role of iron metabolism in the inhibition by aerobic exercise of myocardial apoptosis in atherosclerotic mice.Methods:Eight-week-old male ApoE -/- gene knockout mice were randomly divided into a control group, a model group and an aerobic exercise group, each of 9. A model of atherosclerosis was induced in the rats of the model and aerobic exercise groups by feeding them a " western" diet for 12 weeks. During that time the aerobic exercise group only was given aerobic exercise training. The control group was fed normal rat chow during that period. Myocardial apoptosis was detected using TUNEL staining, and the expression and localization of ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in the myocardium used immunohistochemistry. Western blotting was applied to detect the FTH1 and GPX4 protein levels, and iron deposition in the myocardium was detected using Prussian blue staining. Iron, lipid peroxide malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) in the myocardial tissue were also measured. Results:The TUNEL staining showed significant apoptosis in the model group. In the aerobic exercise group it was significantly less. There was obvious iron deposition in the myocardia of the model group, which was significantly reduced in the aerobic exercise group. The average FTH1 and GPX4 levels in the model group were lower than in the control group, and significantly elevated in the aerobic exercise group.in the aerobic exercise group than in the model group. Iron and MDA levels in the aerobic exercise group were significantly lower, on average, than among the model group, while that of GSH-PX was significantly higher.Conclusions:Aerobic exercise can significantly inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis in atherosclerotic mice. The mechanism may be closely related to better iron metabolism, reduced oxidative stress and the inhibition of iron overload.

ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Naozhenning granules on the memory function and neuron cells in the rat model of post-concussion syndrome based on mitochondrial biosynthesis. MethodSPF-grade Wistar rats were used to establish the multiple cerebral concussion （MCC） model by the weight-drop method. The successfully modeled rats were assigned into model， piracetam （0.324 g·kg^-1）， and low-， medium-， and high-dose （2.25， 4.5， and 9 g·kg^-1， respectively） Naozhenning groups. The rats were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage and those in the blank group and model group were administrated the same volume of normal saline once a day for 14 days. The general state of rats was observed before and after treatment. The open field test and new object recognition test were conducted to examine the motor and memory abilities of rats. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the pathological changes of cortical neurons in rats. Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction were employed to determine the protein and mRNA levels， respectively， of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ-coactivator-1α （PGC-1α）， nuclear respiratory factor-1 （NRF-1）， and transcription factor A mitochondrial （TFAM） in rat cortex. ResultCompared with the blank group， the model group showed anxious and manic mental status， yellow and messy fur， and reduced food intake. In the open field experiment， the model group showed reduced total movement distance， times of entering the central grid， and times of rearing decreased and increased resting time compared with the blank group （P<0.01）. The model group had lower recognition index of new objects than the blank group （P<0.01）. In addition， the modeling caused reduced neurons with sparse distribution and deformed， broken， and irregular nucleoli and down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of PGC-1α， NRF-1， and TFAM in the cortex （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， piracetam and Naozhenning improved the mental state， coat color， food intake， and activities of rats. In the open field test， piracetam and Naozhenning increased the total movement distance， the times of entering the central grid， and the times of rearing and shortened the resting time （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The piracetam and Naozhenning groups had higher recognition index of new objects than the model group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the piracetam and Naozhenning groups showed increased neurons with tight arrangement and large and round nuclei， and some cells with irregular morphology and turbid cytoplasm. Furthermore， piracetam and medium-dose Naozhenning upregulated the protein levels of PGC-1α， NRF-1， and TFAM （P<0.01）. Low-dose Naozhenning upregulated the protein levels of NRF-1 and TFAM （P<0.01）， and high-dose Naozhenning upregulated the protein levels of PGC-1α and TFAM in the cortex （P<0.01）. The mRNA levels of PGC-1α， NRF-1， and TFAM in the cortex were upregulated in the piracetam group and Naozhenning groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionNaozhenning granules can improve the motor， memory， and learning， repair the neuronal damage， and protect the nerve function in the rat model of MCC by promoting mitochondrial biosynthesis.

OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of Yueju Pill on depression and gastrointestinal function in depressed co-morbid functional dyspepsia mice.METHODS C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control group,model group,Yueju Pill low-dose group,Yueju Pill high-dose group and positive drug group.A co-morbidity model was constructed using chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS),and the mice were assessed for depression-like behaviour and neuronal damage by behavioural tests and Nissl staining;gastrointestinal function was assessed by HE staining of gastric and intestinal tissues,gastric emptying rate,and small intestinal propul-sive rate;PACAP,VIP,IL-6,TNF-α,and BDNF expression were detected by ELISA;PAC1-R,Vipr1,and Vipr2 protein expres-sion were detected by protein immunoblotting.RESULTS Mice in the model group showed depression-like behaviour,reduced num-ber of hippocampal nidus,slowed gastrointestinal motility,elevated serum inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),and reduced expression of PACAP,VIP,and BDNF(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),The PAC1-R,VPAC1-R,VPAC2-R expression de-creased in the hippocampus and gastric sinus,duodenal tissue(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,the low and high dose groups of Yueju Pill improved the above indexes except for Vipr1 and Vipr2(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).CONCLUSION Yueju Pill can reduce inflammatory factors through PACAP/PAC1-R,increase the level of BDNF,and improve the depression-like behaviour and gastrointestinal dysfunction in CUMS mice.

Objective This study aimed to investigate the protective effect and mechanism of carvacrol hydrogel on the alveolar bone in rats with periodontitis.Methods A thermosensitive hydrogel supported by carvacrol was pre-pared using poloxamer and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose as matrix.SD rats were randomly divided into blank group,periodontitis group,blank hydrogel group,and low-,medium-,and high-dose hydrogel groups.The periodonti-tis symptoms and the CT structure of the alveolar bone were observed.The changes in liver,spleen,kidney,and peri-odontal tissues were observed.The related indexes of bone metabolism in serum were detected.The expression of os-teoprotegerin(OPG)and nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB)pathway proteins was determined by Western blot.The levels of inflammatory factors were assessed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR).Results Carvacrol hydrogel had good slow release,biocompatibility,and cell adhesion.The periodontitis of rats in the carvacrol hydrogel group was significantly alleviated,the expression of OPG protein in gingival tissue was significantly increased(P<0.01),and the levels of receptor activator of NF-κB ligand(RANKL),receptor activator of NF-κB(RANK),NF-κB protein,and inflammatory factors were significantly decreased(P<0.01).Conclusion Car-vacrol hydrogel can regulate the OPG and NF-κB pathways,reduce alveolar bone absorption,and improve periodontal inflammation.

Objective:To explore the effects of diversified functional rehabilitation exercises based on fragmented time on the compliance behavior, coping strategies, lumbar function, and pain level of elderly patients with lumbar disc herniation, in order to provide theoretical basis for rehabilitation exercise methods and intervention strategies for clinical elderly patients with lumbar disc herniation.Methods:A randomized controlled trial was conducted using convenience sampling to select 136 elderly patients with lumbar disc herniation who received treatment at the First Affiliated Hospital of the Chinese People′s Liberation Army Navy Medical University from December 2020 to December 2022 as the study subjects. The patients were randomly divided into an observation group (68 cases) and a control group (68 cases) using a random number table method. The control group received routine rehabilitation exercise, while the observation group received diversified functional rehabilitation exercise based on fragmented time. The compliance behavior, pain, coping styles, and lumbar spine function of the two groups of patients were compared.Results:There were 40 males and 28 females in the control group, with an age of (72.84 ± 3.17) years; there were 42 males and 26 females in the observation group, with an age of (73.28 ± 4.23) years. After intervention, the proportion of medication adherence, healthy lifestyle, rehabilitation exercise, and avoidance of triggering dimensions in the observation group's compliance with medical advice were 82.35% (56/68), 72.06% (49/68), 76.47% (52/68), and 69.12% (47/68), respectively, which were higher than the control group's 63.24% (43/68), 51.47% (35/68), 60.29% (41/68), and 51.47% (35/68), and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2 values were 4.42-6.28, all P<0.05); after intervention, the coping strategies of the observation group had a face dimension score of (25.35 ± 2.08) points, which was higher than the control group′s (23.25 ± 1.97) points. The avoidance and surrender dimension scores of the observation group were (10.25 ± 2.67) and (7.19 ± 2.16) points, respectively, which were lower than the control group′s (13.62 ± 2.18) and (8.64 ± 2.03) points, there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups ( t=6.35,8.47,4.24, all P<0.05) ; the treatment score evaluated by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association and Visual Analog Score in the observation group were (24.28 ± 4.73) and (0.94 ± 0.38) points, respectively, which were lower than the control group′s (26.32 ± 5.32) and (1.62 ± 0.54) points, and the differences were statistically significant ( t=2.48, 8.92, both P<0.05); the muscle strength of the lumbar trunk flexion, extension, rotation affected side, and rotation healthy side in the observation group were (116.51 ± 31.20), (138.32 ± 26.32), (52.21 ± 19.32), and (46.65 ± 12.30)Nm, higher than those in the control group (104.32 ± 35.27), (121.30 ± 20.17), (42.20 ± 17.15), and (41.20 ± 10.25)Nm, and the differences were statistically significant ( t values were 2.24-4.45, all P<0.05). The range of motion of the lumbar trunk flexion, extension, rotation affected side, and rotation healthy side in the observation group was (28.31 ± 6.35)°, (24.74 ± 5.61)°, (13.54 ± 3.54)°, and (18.25 ± 2.05) o, higher than those in the control group (24.14 ± 6.51)°, (22.32 ± 5.22)°, (11.52 ± 3.29)°, and (17.24 ± 1.54) o and the differences were statistically significant ( t values were 2.74-3.97, all P<0.05). Conclusions:Diversified functional rehabilitation exercises based on fragmented time can improve the rehabilitation exercise effect and compliance behavior of elderly patients with lumbar disc herniation, help with pain control, and promote patients to actively face rehabilitation exercises and lumbar function recovery.

Esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EGVB) is one of the main complications of decompensated portal hypertension, especially in patients with liver cirrhosis, and it often has a high mortality rate. Medication combined with endoscopy is the main prevention and treatment method for EGVB, while transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) combined with variceal embolization can also be selected for some high-risk patients, and individualized diagnosis and treatment of portal hypertension based on hepatic venous pressure gradient should become the latest consensus and the main strategy. This article mainly reviews endoscopic therapy and TIPS for the prevention and treatment of EGVB patients with decompensated portal hypertension in terms of selection of indications, incidence rate of complications, and respective advantages and disadvantages.

Objective:To investigate the influence of liver drainage volume on overall survival time in patients with unresectable malignant hilar bile duct obstruction.Methods:Data of 633 patients with unresectable malignant hilar bile duct obstruction (BismuthⅡ-Ⅳ) who underwent endoscopic stent drainage in 3 endoscopy centers from January 2002 to May 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Main observation indicators included clinical success rate, stent patency, overall survival, the effective liver drainage volume, and complication incidence.Results:The clinical success rates of patients with liver drainage volume <30%, 30%-50%, and >50% were 56.8% (25/44), 77.3% (201/260) and 84.2% (277/329) respectively. The incidences of early cholangitis were 31.8% (14/44), 18.8% (49/260) and 16.1% (53/329). The median stent patency time was 4.5 (95% CI: 1.8-7.2) months, 5.6 (95% CI: 5.0-6.2) months and 6.6 (95% CI: 5.2-8.0) months. The overall survival time was 2.4 (95% CI: 1.8-3.0) months, 4.0 (95% CI: 3.4-4.6) months and 4.9 (95% CI:4.4-5.4) months, respectively. The clinical success rate ( χ 2=8.28, P=0.012), median stent patency period ( χ 2=18.87, P=0.015) and overall survival time ( χ 2=6.93, P=0.024) of 30%-50% liver drainage volume group were significantly higher than those of <30% group. Further multivariate cox regression analysis showed that the disease type (hepatocellular carcinoma VS hilar cholangiocarcinoma: HR=1.50, 95% CI:1.18-1.91, P=0.001; gallbladder carcinoma VS hilar cholangiocarcinoma: HR=1.45, 95% CI:1.14-1.85, P=0.002; metastatic cholangiocarcinoma VS hilar cholangiocarcinoma: HR=1.48, 95% CI:1.08-2.04, P=0.015), bilirubin level >200 μmol/L ( HR=1.35, 95% CI:1.14-1.60, P<0.001),metal stents ( HR=0.67, 95% CI:0.56-0.79, P<0.001), liver drainage volume (volume 30%-50% VS <30%: HR=0.64, 95% CI: 0.45-0.90, P=0.010; volume>50% VS <30%: HR=0.58, 95% CI:0.41-0.81, P=0.002) and anti-tumor therapy ( HR=0.51, 95% CI:0.42-0.61, P<0.001) were independent predictors for overall survival time of patients with unresectable malignant hilar bile duct obstruction. Conclusion:When endoscopic stent drainage is performed for patients with unresectable malignant hilar bile duct obstruction, at least 30% liver volume is required for better overall survival. In addition, the use of metal stent drainage and anti-tumor therapy may increase survival benefits.