1.Remote Virtual Companion via Tactile Codes and Voices for The People With Visual Impairment
Song GE ; Xuan-Tuo HUANG ; Yan-Ni LIN ; Yan-Cheng LI ; Wen-Tian DONG ; Wei-Min DANG ; Jing-Jing XU ; Ming YI ; Sheng-Yong XU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(1):158-176
ObjectiveExisting artificial vision devices can be divided into two types: implanted devices and extracorporeal devices, both of which have some disadvantages. The former requires surgical implantation, which may lead to irreversible trauma, while the latter has some defects such as relatively simple instructions, limited application scenarios and relying too much on the judgment of artificial intelligence (AI) to provide enough security. Here we propose a system that has voice interaction and can convert surrounding environment information into tactile commands on head and neck. Compared with existing extracorporeal devices, our device can provide a larger capacity of information and has advantages such as lower cost, lower risk, suitable for a variety of life and work scenarios. MethodsWith the latest remote wireless communication and chip technologies, microelectronic devices, cameras and sensors worn by the user, as well as the huge database and computing power in the cloud, the backend staff can get a full insight into the scenario, environmental parameters and status of the user remotely (for example, across the city) in real time. In the meanwhile, by comparing the cloud database and in-memory database and with the help of AI-assisted recognition and manual analysis, they can quickly develop the most reasonable action plan and send instructions to the user. In addition, the backend staff can provide humanistic care and emotional sustenance through voice dialogs. ResultsThis study originally proposes the concept of “remote virtual companion” and demonstrates the related hardware and software as well as test results. The system can not only achieve basic guide functions, for example, helping a person with visual impairment to shop in supermarkets, find seats at cafes, walk on the streets, construct complex puzzles, and play cards, but also can meet the demand for fast-paced daily tasks such as cycling. ConclusionExperimental results show that this “remote virtual companion” is applicable for various scenarios and demands. It can help blind people with their travels, shopping and entertainment, or accompany the elderlies with their trips, wilderness explorations, and travels.
2.A study on job preferences of CDC staffs at the prefectural-levels in Shandong province:Based on a discrete choice experiment
Ze-Gui TUO ; Si-Si CHEN ; Yi-Xuan CHEN ; Hao YAN ; Xue-Feng SHI
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2024;17(1):60-67
Objective:This study discusses the job preferences of Center for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC)staffs at the prefectural-level,and provides a basis for the development of an effective incentive mechanism.Method:This study used a combination of stratified sampling and purposive sampling to research online 455 staffs from six prefectural-level CDCs in Shandong Province,analyzed the data using a mixed logit model and latent class model,and calculated willingness to pay and relative importance.Result:In the mixed logit model,income,benefit level,establishment,workload,recognition and respect from the public,personal career development opportunities,and training opportunities all had significant influences(P<0.05)on the job selection preferences of the CDC staffs,with hygiene factors such as establishment(β =2.636)and income(β =0.083)having a greater degree of influence than motivation factors.The latent class model shows that relatively young CDC staffs with lower monthly incomes value income more;older CDC staffs with higher monthly incomes value establishment more.Conclusion:Prefectural-level CDC staffs prefer jobs with establishment,higher incomes,very good benefit levels,recognition and respected from the public,lower workloads,many opportunities for personal career advancement and abundant training opportunities.It is recommended that the total number of establishments be rationally controlled and dynamically adjusted to balance the differences between working conditions within and outside the establishment and that the financial input to CDC be increased and the pay performance system be improved;that attention be paid to both hygiene factors and motivation factors,and that a variety of measures work together to incentivize CDC staffs development;and that differentiated incentives be adopted for different categories of CDC staffs.
3.Innovation of Methods for Efficacy Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine Compound Prescriptions: Establishment of Characterization System for Simultaneous Treatment/Regulation Based on Correlation Patterns of Five Zang-organs
Yujie LI ; Tuo LIU ; Luqi WANG ; Lina CHEN ; Yan LIANG ; Chengcheng LIU ; Yu LI ; Xiaoxin ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(23):19-26
The clinical efficacy advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound prescriptions have always been inadequately characterized in experimental research,which has become a bottleneck restricting the development of TCM pharmacology and even the progress of TCM. The concept of simultaneous treatment/regulation,guided by the theory of mutual generation and restriction of five zang-organs,has guiding significance in the clinical practice of TCM throughout history and is still widely used in the current clinical practice. However,this unique and clinically valuable diagnostic and therapeutic medication system based on the syndrome differentiation has been completely ignored in the modern research of TCM pharmacology,which might be one of the key factors restricting the pharmacological characterization of the therapeutic advantages of TCM compound prescriptions. On the basis of systematically summarizing the phased progress and achievements of the efficacy evaluation of TCM compound prescriptions,this article explores the path of exploring the pharmacological advantages of TCM compound prescriptions on simultaneous treatment/regulation on the basis of the correlation patterns of five zang-organs,from the theory of Zangxiang,the core concept of five zang-organs,and the TCM disease recognition based on the theory of mutual generation and restriction of five zang-organs. With the heart-lung correlation as a breakthrough point,this study explored a new characterization method for the pharmacological advantages of TCM,aiming to provide new ideas for evaluating the efficacy of TCM compound prescriptions.
4.Effect of Changju Zhidong Prescription on Intestinal Flora in Children with Tic Disorder
Qiang ZHANG ; Tuo LIU ; Junhong WANG ; Yurou YAN ; Ting SUN ; Chengcheng LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(23):104-110
ObjectiveTo investigate the regulatory effect of Changju Zhidong prescription on gut microbiota structure of children with tic disorder(TD). MethodTwenty-four children with TD who visited the pediatric outpatient clinic of Dongzhimen Hospital of Bejjing University of Chinese Medicine from November 2020 to January 2022 were selected as the observation group, and eight healthy children were selected as the normal group. The observation group was treated with Changju Zhidong prescription for 12 weeks, and the clinical efficacy was observed by Yale global tic severity scale(YGTSS), traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) syndrome score, and score of TCM symptom evaluation scale for pediatric gastrointestinal tract. Meanwhile, The fecal samples of the observation and normal groups were collected before and after treatment, and 16S rDNA sequencing was used to explore the effects of Changju Zhidong prescription on the distribution of gut microbiota of the children. ResultCompared with the pre-treatment, the YGTSS, TCM syndrome score, and score of TCM symptom evaluation scale for pediatric gastrointestinal tract of the observation group were significantly reduced after 12 weeks of treatment(P<0.05), Simpson and Pieloue indices in alpha diversity were significantly reduced(P<0.05). Before treatment, the relative abundance of Streptococcus parasanguini in the observation group was significantly higher than that of the normal group, while the relative abundances of Citrobacter, Lactobacillus, Lacticaseibacillus, Muribaculaceae unclassified, Odoribacter and 7 other bacterial groups were significantly lower than that in the normal group. Compared with the pre-treatment, the observation group showed a significant decrease in Ruminococcus torques group unclassified and Ruminococcus torques group, and a significant increase in Olsenella, Acetivibrio and 4 other bacterial groups. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the main pathways of Changju Zhidong prescription regulating gut microbiota were bacterial secretion system, insect hormone biosynthesis, limonene and pinene degradation, novobiocin biosynthesis, tropane piperidine and pyridine alkaloid biosynthesis. ConclusionThe pathogenesis of children with TD is accompanied by intestinal flora disorders, and Changju Zhidong prescription can improve core and gastrointestinal symptoms, increase the abundance of beneficial and decrease the abundance of harmful gut microbiota in children with TD, and its mechanism may be through the metabolism of terpenoids and polyketides.
5.Effect of Artemisinin and Its Derivatives in Treatment of Nervous System Diseases: A Review
Yan LIANG ; Shuiqing QU ; Yu LI ; Yue DAI ; Chengcheng LIU ; Luqi WANG ; Lina CHEN ; Tuo LIU ; Yujie LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(23):292-299
With the rapid development of social economy, the number of patients with nervous system diseases has increased, and the incidence of the population has a trend of younger, which has a serious impact on life health and social economy. Artemisinin is an active antimalarial component extracted and isolated from Artemisia annua, a Chinese medicinal material. Artemisinin and its derivatives, in addition to the antimalarial effect, also have anti-parasitic, anti-fungal, anti-viral, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory effects, showing a wide range of pharmacological activities. In the past five years, research on the new pharmacological effects of artemisinin and its derivatives has been deepening, and the efficacy of artemisinin and its derivatives in nervous system diseases has attracted much attention, including anti-neuroinflammation, anti-oxidative stress, maintaining the stability of the blood-brain barrier, regulating the release of neurotransmitters, repairing neuronal damage, and promoting neuronal regeneration. These pharmacological effects indicate that artemisinin and its derivatives are potentially capable of neuroprotection. By sorting out literature on the pharmacological activity of artemisinin and its derivatives in nervous system during 2019-2024, this paper systematically summarized the protective effects of artemisinin and its derivatives against nervous system diseases such as stroke, neurodegenerative diseases, neuroimmunological diseases, neuralgia, and nervous system tumors. This review is expected to provide clues and evidence for new indication expansion of artemisinin drugs, innovative drug development, and clinical treatment of nervous system diseases.
6.Mechanisms of Outdoor Air Pollution Affecting Cardiovascular Diseases: A Review
Chengcheng LIU ; Yu LI ; Yan LIANG ; Shuiqing QU ; Yue DAI ; Tuo LIU ; Lina CHEN ; Luqi WANG ; Yujie LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(23):318-326
The impact of air pollution on human health has always been a research hotspot in the global health field. Outdoor air pollutants composed of multiple components can enter the human body through various pathways. Cardiovascular diseases are a group of diseases caused by outdoor air pollutants. Studies have shown that the incidence of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, arrhythmia, and heart failure, is significantly increased among people exposed to air pollution environments. Air pollutants such as fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide are closely related to the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases, and short-term and long-term exposure causes different cardiovascular risks. By reviewing the relevant research reports from 2019 to 2024, this article summarizes the epidemiological evidence of cardiovascular diseases caused by different air pollutants. It generalizes the pathways through which air pollutants accelerate the progression of cardiovascular diseases. These pathways include oxidative stress, inflammatory response, thrombosis, extracellular vesicle release, endoplasmic reticulum stress, apoptosis, endothelial dysfunction, autonomic nervous system imbalance, and their interactions. Based on the different mechanisms of air pollution on cardiovascular diseases, the article analyzes the main progress in drug intervention and summarizes the roles of various active ingredients and compound prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine in treating air pollution-related cardiovascular diseases, providing reference for the research on the mechanisms and drug interventions of air pollution-related cardiovascular diseases.
7.Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases in Diabetes Mellitus with Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Yu ZHANG ; Yu LI ; Zhongyuan ZHENG ; Yan LIANG ; Chengcheng LIU ; Yue DAI ; Luqi WANG ; Tuo LIU ; Lina CHEN ; Yujie LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(23):327-337
The complex pathophysiological mechanisms between diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases have not yet been fully elucidated, becoming one of the challenges in clinical care. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP1-RA) and sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2) are clinically used to reduce the cardiovascular risk of patients with diabetes mellitus. Traditional Chinese medicine has diverse biological activities and unique advantages in the treatment of chronic complex diseases due to its multi-component and multi-target effects. Based on recent reports, this paper reviewed the common risk factors of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases (e.g., hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and inflammation), related targets such as apolipoprotein C-Ⅲ (APOC3), S100 calcium-binding protein A8/A9 (S100A8/A9), growth/differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), and NACHT, LRR, and PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3), advanced glycation end products, insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and intestinal flora disorder. In addition, this paper summarized the research progress in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in diabetes mellitus with the active ingredients (e.g., baicalein, puerarin, curcumin, notoginsenoside, and tanshinone ⅡA), single herbal medicines (e.g., Astragali Radix, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Sophorae Flavescentis Radix, Cinnamomi Cortex, and Corni Fructus), and compound formulas (e.g., Buzang Tongluo Fang, Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue Fang, Shenqi Fang, Huangqisan, Danggui Buxue Tang, and Liuwei Dihuang Wan) of traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine mainly treats cardiovascular diseases in diabetes mellitus by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, ameliorating dyslipidemia and insulin resistance, protecting islet β cell function, repairing endothelial damage, inhibiting smooth muscle cell proliferation, foam cell formation, macrophage polarization, and cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, and regulating intestinal flora disorder. These processes involve insulin receptor substrate/ phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (IRS/PI3K/Akt), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α/γ (PPAR α/γ), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK), hypoxia-inducible factor-1-BCH domain-containing protein (HIF-1-BNIP), vascular endothelial growth factor/hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (VEGF/HIF-1α) and other signaling pathways. This review is expected to provide a theoretical basis and reference for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in diabetes mellitus with traditional Chinese medicine.
8.Effects of nobiletin on gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids in rats with simple obesity
Yan GUO ; Jinyuan ZHENG ; Jia ZHANG ; Yuxing TUO ; Mengping ZHANG ; Xia LIU
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2024;40(1):148-156
AIM:This study aims to investigate the impact of nobiletin(NOB)on the gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)in high-fat diet-induced obese rats.METHODS:A total of 22 SD rats were randomly di-vided into the control(CON)group and high-fat diet(HFD)group.The HFD induced obesity,upon successful modeling,the rats were further divided into the HFD and NOB group,each group consisting of 6 rats.The NOB group received nobi-letin solution(100 mg·kg-1·d-1)via gavage for 21 consecutive days.Body weight was measured bi-daily,and hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was employed to observe pathological changes in adipose tissue and liver.Serum lipid levels were as-sessed using an auto-biochemical analyzer.Analysis of the gut microbiota was performed using 16S ribosomal RNA(rRNA)sequencing,while high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry(LC-MS)was used to determine SCFAs levels in rat feces.RESULTS:Compared with CON group,HFD-fed demonstrated a substantial increase in body weight(P<0.01),accompanied by an augmentation in adipocyte diameter and the presence of hepatic cell vacuolization,indicative of cellular steatosis and inflammation.Moreover,there was a notable elevation in TG and TC levels(P<0.05).At the phylum level,the HFD rats exhibited an altered composition,characterized by an increase in Firmicutes and a con-current decrease in Bacteroidetes.At the genus level,Bacteroides,Lactobacillus and Blautia experienced a significant de-crease,while Colidextribacter showed an increase.Notably,there was a substantial reduction in the expression of propion-ic acid and butyric acid.In comparison to the HFD group,rats administered with NOB demonstrated a marked decrease in body weight(P<0.05),a reduction in adipocyte diameter,and an amelioration in hepatic cell vacuolization and cellular steatosis.Furthermore,TG and TC levels exhibited a significant decrease(P<0.05).At the phylum level,Firmicutes de-creased,and Bacteroidetes increased.At the genus level,Bacteroides,Lactobacillus and Blautia exhibited a significant in-crease,while Colidextribacter displayed a decrease.Additionally,there was an up-regulation of propionic acid and butyric acid levels in the NOB group.CONCLUSION:Nobiletin,through its multifaceted actions,demonstrates a potential anti-obesity effect by effectively reducing body weight in obese rats.This includes the regulation of gut microbiota structure,modulation of SCFAs content,and enhancement of lipid metabolism.
9.Inhibitory effects of magnesium citrate on oxidative stress in chronic renal failure
Zhihui YAO ; Weidong MA ; Tuo HAN ; Yajie FAN ; Chunyan ZHANG ; Yan ZHANG ; Yanchao HU ; Congxia WANG
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2024;45(5):712-717
Objective To investigate the inhibitory effects of magnesium citrate(MgCit)on oxidative stress in chronic renal failure(CRF).Methods SD rats were divided into CRF model group,MgCit groups(375 and 750 mg/kg),normal control group,and MgCit control group(750 mg/kg).The morphology of mitochondria in thoracic artery vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs)was observed by transmission electron microscopy.The content of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and malonaldehyde(MDA)in rat aorta and plasma was detected by the kit.The VSMCs were divided into normal control group,CRF model group,and MgCit groups(1.5 and 3 mmol/L).The levels of superoxide anion(DHE)and apoptosis were quantitatively detected by flow cytometry.Results Compared with the control groups,the mitochondria were swollen and the cristae fractured or disappeared in the model group;MgCit intervention could reduce mitochondrial swelling,but not cristae fracture.In the model group,SOD level in aorta and plasma decreased(P<0.05)while MDA level increased(P<0.05).MgCit intervention could increase SOD in aorta and plasma,but decrease MDA level(P<0.05).In the CRF environment,the DHE content of VSMCs and apoptosis in CRF model group increased(P<0.05).MgCit intervention could decrease DHE content and inhibit apoptosis(P<0.05).Conclusion MgCit inhibits oxidative stress levels in vivo and in vitro in CRF.
10.Predictive value of visceraladiposity index in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in lean population:a cross-sectional study
Weidong MA ; Hong GONG ; Jing XIAO ; Xiyu GAO ; Yan ZHANG ; Chunyan ZHANG ; Fangyao CHEN ; Tuo HAN
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2024;45(5):776-781
Objective To explore the association between visceral adiposity index(VAI)and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)in lean population and the predictive value of VAI.Methods A total of 2 576 healthy subjects,body mass index(BMI)<24 kg/m2,from The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from June 2020 to May 2021 were randomly included and divided into lean NAFLD(n=213)and healthy control group(n=2 363).According to the VAI quartiles,they were divided into Q1-Q4 groups from low to high.The differences in biochemical parameters and the prevalence of NAFLD were compared among groups.The correlation between VAI and lean NAFLD was analyzed with restricted cubic spline(RCS),and the predictive value of VAI was explored by Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Results A total of 2 576 participants were included,and the prevalence of lean NAFLD was 8.3%(213 cases).The mean age,male ratio,BMI and waist circumference(WC)from group Q1 to group Q4 were significantly increased in a dose-response relationship(all P<0.001).Compared with those in group Q1,systolic blood pressure,diastolic blood pressure,white blood cell count,hemoglobin concentration,alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,γ-glutamyl transpeptidase,alkaline phosphatase,total cholesterol,triglyceride,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,blood uric acid,and fasting blood glucose levels in groups Q2 to Q4 were significantly increased,while direct bilirubin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were gradually decreased(both P<0.001).The prevalence rate of NAFLD in groups Q1-Q4 was 0.6%,3.3%,7.0%and 22.2%,respectively(P<0.001).RCS showed that the risk of NAFLD in lean population rose significantly with the increase of VAI(P<0.001),and there was a nonlinear relationship between them(P for nonlinear<0.001).Logistic regression showed that after adjusting other confounding factors,the risk of lean NAFLD in groups Q2,Q3 and Q4 was still 2.926 times(95%CI:0.971-8.811),3.435 times(95%CI:1.154-10.230),and 5.920 times(95%CI:1.873-18.719)that Q1 group.ROC curve showed that VAI had a good predictive value for lean NAFLD,with area under the curve of 0.815,critical value of 1.532,diagnostic sensitivity of 77.9%and specificity of 72.8%,which were better than BMI and WC.Conclusion VAI is significantly associated with the risk of NAFLD in lean population,and thus has a good predictive value.It can be used for early screening and diagnosis of lean NAFLD.

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