ObjectiveTo investigate the optimal ratio of goat horn replacing antelope horn in Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills and the blood pressure-lowering mechanism of this medicine. MethodsThe blood pressure-lowering efficacy of Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills with varying proportions of goat horn replacing antelope horn was evaluated on spontaneous hypertensive rats （SHR）. In this experiment， 50 SHR rats were randomly grouped as follows： model （n=8）， captopril （0.01 g·kg^-1） （n=6）， low-dose blank Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills （0.342 g·kg^-1） （n=6）， high-dose blank Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills （0.684 g·kg^-1） （n=6）， low-dose antelope horn-containing Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills （0.378 g·kg^-1） （n=6）， high-dose antelope horn-containing Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills （0.756 g·kg^-1） （n=6）， low-dose goat horn-containing Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills （0.378 g·kg^-1） （n=6）， and high-dose goat horn-containing Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills （0.756 g·kg^-1） （n=6）. Additionally， 8 WKY rats were used as the normal group. Drugs were administered by gavage for 4 weeks while an equal volume of distilled water was administered for the normal and model groups. Blood pressure was measured before administration， 3 h post administration， and biweekly thereafter. In the experiment for Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills with goat horn replacing antelope horn in different proportions， 48 SHR rats were randomly grouped as follows： model， blank Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills （0.684 g·kg^-1）， antelope horn-containing Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills （0.756 g·kg^-1）， 2× goat horn-containing Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills （0.824 g·kg^-1）， 4× goat horn Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills （0.969 g·kg^-1）， and 6× goat horn Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills （1.112 g·kg^-1）. The normal group included 8 WKY rats， and the normal group and model group received an equal volume of distilled water. The treatment lasted for 2 weeks， and blood pressure was recorded at various time points （pre-administration， 3 h post administration， and on days 4， 7， 10， and 14 of administration）. Serum levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme （ACE）， angiotensin Ⅱ（Ang Ⅱ）， renin， and interleukin-6 （IL-6） were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Histopathological changes in the heart， kidney， and thoracic aorta were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The protein levels of ACE2， angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor （AT1R）， and angiotensinogen （AGT） in the kidney tissue were determined by Western blot， while the expression of nuclear factor （NF）-κB p65 and Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4） in the thoracic aorta tissue was assessed by immunohistochemistry. ResultsCompared with the model group， all treatment groups showed lowered blood pressure （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the 6× goat horn-containing Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills group showed consistent blood pressure-lowering effect with the antelope horn-containing Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills group. Compared with the normal group， the model group showed elevated serum levels of ACE， Ang Ⅱ， renin， and IL-6， while the elevations were declined in the Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Pathological changes in the heart， kidney， and thoracic aorta were alleviated in all the treatment groups， with the 6× goat horn- and antelope horn-containing Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills groups exhibited the best effect. Western blot and immunohistochemistry results showed that all the treatment groups exhibited down-regulated protein levels of AT1R， AGT， NF-κB p65， and TLR4 and up-regulated protein levels of ACE2 （P<0.05， P<0.01） compared with model group， with the 6×goat horn- and antelope horn-containing Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills groups showcasing the best effect. ConclusionReplacing antelope horn with 6×goat horn in Fufang Lingjiao Jiangya pills can achieve consistent blood pressure-lowering effect with the original prescription. The prescription may exert the effect by inhibiting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system （RAAS） and TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways.

Objective To identify easily confused Chinese herbal pieces by micro-macroscopical identification method,and study its application value in quality acceptance of Chinese herbal pieces in medical institutions.Methods Using the method of micro-macroscopical identification,with the help of related instruments,the microscopic characteristics of 10 groups of 31 kinds of Chinese herbal pieces,which were easy to be confused and could not be observed by naked eye and ordinary magnifying glass,were analyzed and summarized according to the classification of different medicinal parts,such as flowers,fruits,seeds,whole grass,roots and rhizomes,stems,and others,and pictures were taken to save them.Results The micro-characters of 10 groups of 31 easily confused Chinese herbal medicines,including Eriocauli flos,Eriocaulon sexangulare,Eriocaulon australe,Aurantii fructus,Citrus changshan-huyou,Chaenomelis fructus,Chaenomeles cathayensis,Perillae fructus,Perillae fructus(Physalis alba),Perillae fructus(Wild),Astragali complanati semen,Astragalus chinensis,Selaginellae herba,Selaginella pulvinata,Selaginella moellendorfii,Selaginella doederleinii,Selaginella uncinata,Lysimachiae herba,Lysimachia hemsleyana,Desmodium styracifolium,Dryopteris crassirhizoma,Woodwardia japonica,Brainea insignis,root of Valvate actinidia,Actinidia arguta,Tripterygium wilfordii,root of Romanet grape,Trogopterus dung,Bat dung,Hare dung and Silkworm sand were observed.The various traditional Chinese medicines possessed unique identification characteristics.Flower-based medicines could be studied for their color,tissue structure,and surface features such as texture and trichomes.Fruit-based medicines could be studied for their fruit peel structure,color,degree of development,and outer characteristics such as cuticle layer and wax.Seed-based medicines could be studied for their morphology,size,color,and texture.Whole plant-based medicines could be studied for leaf length-to-width ratio,widest point,surface characteristics,and splitting situation,as well as stem trichomes and stomata.Root-based medicines,rhizome-based medicines,and stem-based medicines could be studied for their bark,wood structure,and the morphology and arrangement of vascular bundles or ducts.Other kinds of medicines could be studied from their sources,and these unique micro-characteristic identification features could be easily discovered with the help of a microscope.Conclusion Compared with the traditional characteristic identification,micro-macroscopical identification is more capable of improving the accuracy of Chinese herbal pieces identification,which is economical,practical,simple and intuitive,and can be popularized as a commonly used identification method of herbal medicines in medical institutions,and it is a feasible solution to realize the rapid inspection of herbal medicines.

Objective To explore the validity and security of treatment of different operation approach under nasal endoscope in patients with benign maxillary sinus lesions.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 80 patients with benign maxillary sinus lesions diagnosed and treated from January 2020 to January 2022,and they were divided into group A(n = 40)and group B(n = 40)according to the operative method.Group A was treated with middle nasal meatus combined with Caldwell-Luc operation under nasal endoscope,and group B was treated with middle nasal meatus antrostomy first and anterior lacrimal recess approach later under nasal endoscope.The clinical efficacy,operation index,visual analogue scale(VAS),Lund-Kennedy endoscopic score,adverse reactions and recurrence rate of both groups were compared before and after operation.Results The total effective rate was sensibly higher in group B than that in group A,the intraoperative blood loss was sensibly less in group B than that in group A,the operation and hospitalization time were sensibly shorter in group B than those in group A,6 months after operation,the VAS and Lund-Kennedy scores were sensibly decreased in comparison with those before operation,and group B was sensibly decreased in comparison with those in group A,the total incidence rate of adverse reactions and recurrence rate were sensibly lower in group B than those in group A,the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion The surgical treatment of patients with benign maxillary sinus lesions through the middle nasal meatus and the anterior lacrimal recess approach under nasal endoscope is effective and can relieve the pain of patients with high safety.It is worthy of clinical application.

Objective: To investigate the association of parental weight related knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) with abdominal obesity among primary and middle school students and to provide evidence for related intervention measures. Methods: In September 2013, the multistage random sampling method was used to select 17 307 primary and secondary school students with normal waist circumference in seven provinces/municipalities in China. After nine month follow up, 14 118 students aged 6-18 years were included in the final analysis. Questionnaires were used to assess parental weight related KAP, and students’ waist circumference was measured objectively at baseline and follow up. Multiple linear regression and multivariate Logistic regression were conducted to analyze the relationship between parents’ KAP with the change of students waist circumference and abdominal obesity, respectively. Results: The nine month cumulative incidence of pre and abdominal obesity among students was 6.67% and 0.85%, respectively. The scoring rates of parents knowledge, attitude and practice were 80.17%, 78.17%, 50.50%, respectively. The score of parents weight related attitude was inversely associated with the changes of waist circumference ( β=-0.18, 95%CI = -0.26- -0.10) and cumulative incidence of pre and abdominal obesity ( OR=0.90, 95%CI =0.82-0.98)( P <0.05). Conclusion Parental positive and correct weight related attitude is inversely associated with the incidence of abdominal obesity among children and adolescents. Interventions targeting establishing parents correct beliefs may be an effective way to prevent abdominal obesity in children and adolescents.

Biofilm formation is closely related to pathogenicity and antibiotic resistance of bacteria, and plays important roles in a number of chronic and subchronic infections. Animal models are widely used in the research of bacterial biofilm-associated infections, and provide a powerful scientific tool for investigating its pathogenesis and control strategies. This review summarized the application of mammalian models (e.g. mouse, rabbit, and pig) and non-mammalian models (e.g. Drosophila melanogaster, Zebrafish, and Caenorhabditis elegans) in bacterial biofilm studies, and prospects the application of animal models in biofilm. This review may facilitate the selection of suitable animal models in the study of biofilm-associated infections, so as to prevent and control the potential adverse effects.
Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Bacteria ; Bacterial Infections ; Biofilms ; Caenorhabditis elegans ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drosophila melanogaster ; Mammals ; Mice ; Models, Animal ; Rabbits ; Swine ; Zebrafish

Objective:To observe the effects of estradiol on expression of plasma membrane Ca 2+-ATPase isoform 2 in inner ear of rats. Methods:Twenty-five Three-months-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly and equally divided into five groups by random number table mathod,with five rats in each group. Animals in Sham group were sham-operated while others were bilateral ovariactmized. One month after modeling, the OVX groups were supplemented with estradiol (E2 group), progesterone (P group), estradiol and progesterone (E2+P group)and vehicle sesame oil (Veh group), while the Sham operation group (Sham group) was supplemented with vehicle sesame oil.All rats were sacrificed and otocysts were obtained immediately. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the changes in serum estradiol and progesterone levels of each group of rats before operation, before treatment and before sacrifice. Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to detect the expression of total PMCA2 protein and mRNA in the inner ear of each group.Results:There was no significant difference in serum estradiol and progesterone levels among the five groups before operated( P>0.05). Before treatment, the serum estradiol and progesterone levels of rats in each group were significantly lower than those in Sham group ( P<0.05). The serum estradiol level in E2 group and E2+P group was not significantly different from that in Sham group ( P>0.05), while the serum estradiol level in P group and Veh group was significantly different from that in Sham group ( P<0.05). The level of progesterone in P group and E2+P group was higher than that in Sham group ( P<0.05), while the level of progesterone in Veh group and E2 group was lower than that in Sham group ( P<0.05). Protein and mRNA expression of PMCA2 in P and Veh groups were significantly decreased compared with that of Sham group ( P<0.05) while the expression levels underwent no significantly change in E2 and E2+P groups ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The decrease of serum estradiol level can reduce the expression of otolith regulatory protein PMCA2 in rats, and then affect otolith metabolism, which may be an important link of estrogen affecting otolith metabolism.

Objective: To investigate the associations of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and screen time (ST) with emotional and behavioral problems in children and to provide evidence for related intervention measures. Methods: In March 2017, a total of 4 922 children aged 6-12 years from 5 primary schools in Guangzhou were enrolled using stratified random cluster sampling method. Questionnaires were used to assess children s socio demographic information, MVPA, ST and emotional and behavioral problems. The associations of MVPA and ST with behavioral problems were explored by using generalized linear mixed models. Results: Students with MVPA≥60 min per day accounted for 37.5%, and with ST≤2 h per day accounted for 87.7%. Children who were physically active showed lower scores for total difficulties, hyperactivity, and peer problems and higher score for prosocial than inactive peers( t =2.80, 2.47, 2.56, -1.97, all P <0.05). Also, children who spent less than 2 h ST per day reported lower scores for total difficulties, emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, and peer problems and higher score for prosocial compared to those with high ST( t =3.18, 3.35, 3.70, 3.80, -3.21, 4.97, all P <0.05). Children who met neither MVPA nor ST recommendations had significantly increased risks of total difficulties( OR=1.73, 95%CI =1.12-2.68), conduct problems( OR=1.45, 95%CI =1.02-2.05), peer problems( OR=1.93, 95%CI =1.11-3.36), and prosocial ( OR=1.55, 95%CI =1.08-2.23) than those who met both. Conclusion MVPA and ST are independently related to children s emotional and behavioral problems, and the risks of emotional and behavioral problems increased in children with insufficient MVPA and longer ST.

Objective: To investigate the association between sedentary bouts and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, and to provide a reference for controlling and reducing the incidence of CVD in children. Methods: Cluster random sampling was used to select 356 students from five primary schools in Guangzhou. Sedentary behavior and physical activity were assessed using ActiGraph GT3X accelerometers, which were worn for 7 consecutive days. According to the sedentary bout duration of each participant, sedentary time was classified into categories of 1-<5, 5-<10, 10-<15, 15-<20 and ≥20 min bouts. Physical examinations were carried out to identify cardiometabolic risk factors. Multivariate linear regression was performed to analyze the relationship between sedentary bouts and CVD risk factors. Results: After adjusting for confounding factors, the time accumulated in sedentary bouts of 5-<10, 10-<15, 15-<20 min in duration were positively associated with higher cardiometabolic risk scores ( B =1.24， 2.01 ，2.40), negatively associated with lower HDL ( B =-0.13，-0.21，-0.27). The time accumulated in sedentary bouts of 1-<5, 5-<10 , 10-<15, 15-<20 min in duration were positively associated with BMI levels ( B =1.07，1.89，2.86，3.65), and waist circumference ( B =2.79，4.81，8.04，10.14)( P <0.05). Conclusion These results suggested that sedentary bouts of 5-<20 min were associated with an unfavorable cardiometabolic risk profile. Our finding suggests no more than 20 min accumulated sedentary time for children.

Objective: To examine the association of sedentary behaviors with visual acuity among primary school children, and to provide a reference basis for the prevention and control of poor vision. Methods: Using stratified random cluster sampling method, a total of 4 969 students in grade 1-4 were selected from 5 primary schools in Guangzhou in 2017, and then were followed up in 2019. A validated questionnaire was used to collect data on children s sedentary behaviors, including doing homework, watching TV, playing computer/video games, and taking the bus/car between home and school. Visual acuity was measured in the baseline and the follow up using a 5 m standard logarithmic visual acuity chart. Multiple linear regression and Logistic regression were conducted to analyze the relationship between sedentary behaviors and visual changes. Results: The two year cumulative incidence of poor vision was 48.74%. Homework time was inversely associated with visual acuity of left eye( β=-0.012, 95%CI =-0.023- -0.002 ). Homework time was positively correlated with poor vision( OR =1.16, 95% CI =1.05-1.27). However, total sedentary time, screen time and bus/car time were not statistically associated with changes in visual acuity( P >0.05). Conclusion Increased homework time was associated with poorer vision in primary school students. Interventions to reduce the academic burden should be taken.

Objective: To investigate the associations between early life factors and the incidence of overweight and obesity and to provide a reference for childhood overweight and obesity prevention. Methods: A total of 5 172 children aged 6-11 years from 5 primary schools in Guangzhou were enrolled using stratified random cluster sampling method. After two years follow up, 3 315 children were included in the final analysis. Questionnaire was used to collect children s early life factors. Height and weight were measured objectively at baseline and follow up. Results: The incidence of overweight and obesity was 8.7% in children. After adjustment for confounders, results from the Logistic regression analysis showed that maternal pre pregnancy underweight was negatively associated with the incidence of childhood overweight and obesity( OR=0.54, 95%CI =0.38-0.76)( P <0.05). While excessive gestational weight gain during pregnancy( OR=1.55, 95%CI =1.14-2.10) and caesarean section ( OR=1.30, 95%CI =1.00-1.68) were positively associated with the incidence of childhood overweight and obesity( P <0.05). Conclusion Both excess gestational weight gain and caesarean section would increase the risk of the overweight and obesity of their offspring, while maternal pre pregnancy underweight would reduce the risk of childhood overweight and obesity.