ObjectiveBased on multi-index and multi-method detection， the quality of Rukuaixiao preparations was systematically evaluated from the perspective of characteristic components， and the existing problems were analyzed. MethodsLiquid chromatography-mass spectrometry（LC-MS） for the determination of 16 characteristic components was established to evaluate the quality of 129 batches of Rukuaixiao preparations. High performance liquid chromatography（HPLC） was established to determine the contents of salvianolic acids and tanshinones， investigate the rationality of quality control index of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in the standard for Rukuaixiao preparations in the 2020 edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China（hereinafter referred to as Chinese Pharmacopoeia） （volume Ⅰ）， and trace the causes of significant difference among different batches. The processing and different extraction methods of Vaccariae Semen were tested， analyzing the impact of formulation changes across different editions of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The LC-MS was established for determining the changes in the ratio of toosendanin and isotoosendanin after water extraction of Toosendan Fructus. The contents of active components in different parts of Gleditsiae Spina were determined to identify the reason of the low contents of characteristic components in some enterprises. ResultsBased on the comprehensive analysis of the samples from different dosage forms， the contents of characteristic components of Vaccariae Semen and Gleditsiae Spina in tablets from manufacturer B and granules from manufacturer D were significantly higher than those in tablets from manufacturer A， and tablets and capsules from manufacturer C. The contents of tanshinones in some batches of products from manufacturer A were abnormally high， potentially linked to the use of 70% ethanol reflux during extraction of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. All samples from manufacturer C exhibited abnormally high proportions of salvianic acid A and 3，4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde（salvianolic acid degradation products） to the total seven phenolic acids， indicating a risk of blindly pursuing tanshinol content and neglecting more effective components. The extraction rate of the characteristic components from Vaccariae Semen by decocting with water was obviously higher than that by reflux extraction with 70% ethanol. However， using the stir-fried Vaccariae Semen could reduce the loss of ingredients. The content ratio of toosendanin and isotoosendanin decreased from the crude herb to the prepared medicine when Toosendan Fructus was prepared by water decoction. The reason for the low component content of Gleditsiae Spina may be attributed to manufacturers using excessive non-medicinal parts in their formulations. ConclusionIt is suggested that enterprises should ensure the quality of raw material inputs， especially those without quality-control items in the standard， reduce the use of non-medicinal parts， and prohibit arbitrary alterations to manufacturing methods or processes. It is also recommended that Vaccariae Semen in Rukuaixiao capsules and granules should be changed to the stir-fried processed products. Isotoosendanin should be taken into consideration in the drug supervision when Toosendan Fructus is prepared into medicine by water decoction. Salvianolic acid B should be set as a quality control index for Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma when revising the pharmacopoeia standard of Rukuaixiao preparations.

ObjectiveBased on multi-index and multi-method detection， the quality of Rukuaixiao preparations was systematically evaluated from the perspective of characteristic components， and the existing problems were analyzed. MethodsLiquid chromatography-mass spectrometry（LC-MS） for the determination of 16 characteristic components was established to evaluate the quality of 129 batches of Rukuaixiao preparations. High performance liquid chromatography（HPLC） was established to determine the contents of salvianolic acids and tanshinones， investigate the rationality of quality control index of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in the standard for Rukuaixiao preparations in the 2020 edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China（hereinafter referred to as Chinese Pharmacopoeia） （volume Ⅰ）， and trace the causes of significant difference among different batches. The processing and different extraction methods of Vaccariae Semen were tested， analyzing the impact of formulation changes across different editions of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The LC-MS was established for determining the changes in the ratio of toosendanin and isotoosendanin after water extraction of Toosendan Fructus. The contents of active components in different parts of Gleditsiae Spina were determined to identify the reason of the low contents of characteristic components in some enterprises. ResultsBased on the comprehensive analysis of the samples from different dosage forms， the contents of characteristic components of Vaccariae Semen and Gleditsiae Spina in tablets from manufacturer B and granules from manufacturer D were significantly higher than those in tablets from manufacturer A， and tablets and capsules from manufacturer C. The contents of tanshinones in some batches of products from manufacturer A were abnormally high， potentially linked to the use of 70% ethanol reflux during extraction of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. All samples from manufacturer C exhibited abnormally high proportions of salvianic acid A and 3，4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde（salvianolic acid degradation products） to the total seven phenolic acids， indicating a risk of blindly pursuing tanshinol content and neglecting more effective components. The extraction rate of the characteristic components from Vaccariae Semen by decocting with water was obviously higher than that by reflux extraction with 70% ethanol. However， using the stir-fried Vaccariae Semen could reduce the loss of ingredients. The content ratio of toosendanin and isotoosendanin decreased from the crude herb to the prepared medicine when Toosendan Fructus was prepared by water decoction. The reason for the low component content of Gleditsiae Spina may be attributed to manufacturers using excessive non-medicinal parts in their formulations. ConclusionIt is suggested that enterprises should ensure the quality of raw material inputs， especially those without quality-control items in the standard， reduce the use of non-medicinal parts， and prohibit arbitrary alterations to manufacturing methods or processes. It is also recommended that Vaccariae Semen in Rukuaixiao capsules and granules should be changed to the stir-fried processed products. Isotoosendanin should be taken into consideration in the drug supervision when Toosendan Fructus is prepared into medicine by water decoction. Salvianolic acid B should be set as a quality control index for Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma when revising the pharmacopoeia standard of Rukuaixiao preparations.

Objective: This study aims to overcome challenges in lumbar spine imaging, particularly lumbar spinal stenosis, by developing an automated segmentation model using advanced techniques. Traditional manual measurement and lesion detection methods are limited by subjectivity and inefficiency. The objective is to create an accurate and automated segmentation model that identifies anatomical structures in lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging scans. Methods: Leveraging a dataset of 539 lumbar spinal stenosis patients, the study utilizes the residual U-Net for semantic segmentation in sagittal and axial lumbar spine magnetic resonance images. The model, trained to recognize specific tissue categories, employs a geometry algorithm for anatomical structure quantification. Validation metrics, like Intersection over Union (IOU) and Dice coefficients, validate the residual U-Net’s segmentation accuracy. A novel rotation matrix approach is introduced for detecting bulging discs, assessing dural sac compression, and measuring yellow ligament thickness. Results: The residual U-Net achieves high precision in segmenting lumbar spine structures, with mean IOU values ranging from 0.82 to 0.93 across various tissue categories and views. The automated quantification system provides measurements for intervertebral disc dimensions, dural sac diameter, yellow ligament thickness, and disc hydration. Consistency between training and testing datasets assures the robustness of automated measurements. Conclusion Automated lumbar spine segmentation with residual U-Net and deep learning exhibits high precision in identifying anatomical structures, facilitating efficient quantification in lumbar spinal stenosis cases. The introduction of a rotation matrix enhances lesion detection, promising improved diagnostic accuracy, and supporting treatment decisions for lumbar spinal stenosis patients.

Objective: This study aims to overcome challenges in lumbar spine imaging, particularly lumbar spinal stenosis, by developing an automated segmentation model using advanced techniques. Traditional manual measurement and lesion detection methods are limited by subjectivity and inefficiency. The objective is to create an accurate and automated segmentation model that identifies anatomical structures in lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging scans. Methods: Leveraging a dataset of 539 lumbar spinal stenosis patients, the study utilizes the residual U-Net for semantic segmentation in sagittal and axial lumbar spine magnetic resonance images. The model, trained to recognize specific tissue categories, employs a geometry algorithm for anatomical structure quantification. Validation metrics, like Intersection over Union (IOU) and Dice coefficients, validate the residual U-Net’s segmentation accuracy. A novel rotation matrix approach is introduced for detecting bulging discs, assessing dural sac compression, and measuring yellow ligament thickness. Results: The residual U-Net achieves high precision in segmenting lumbar spine structures, with mean IOU values ranging from 0.82 to 0.93 across various tissue categories and views. The automated quantification system provides measurements for intervertebral disc dimensions, dural sac diameter, yellow ligament thickness, and disc hydration. Consistency between training and testing datasets assures the robustness of automated measurements. Conclusion Automated lumbar spine segmentation with residual U-Net and deep learning exhibits high precision in identifying anatomical structures, facilitating efficient quantification in lumbar spinal stenosis cases. The introduction of a rotation matrix enhances lesion detection, promising improved diagnostic accuracy, and supporting treatment decisions for lumbar spinal stenosis patients.

Objective: This study aims to overcome challenges in lumbar spine imaging, particularly lumbar spinal stenosis, by developing an automated segmentation model using advanced techniques. Traditional manual measurement and lesion detection methods are limited by subjectivity and inefficiency. The objective is to create an accurate and automated segmentation model that identifies anatomical structures in lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging scans. Methods: Leveraging a dataset of 539 lumbar spinal stenosis patients, the study utilizes the residual U-Net for semantic segmentation in sagittal and axial lumbar spine magnetic resonance images. The model, trained to recognize specific tissue categories, employs a geometry algorithm for anatomical structure quantification. Validation metrics, like Intersection over Union (IOU) and Dice coefficients, validate the residual U-Net’s segmentation accuracy. A novel rotation matrix approach is introduced for detecting bulging discs, assessing dural sac compression, and measuring yellow ligament thickness. Results: The residual U-Net achieves high precision in segmenting lumbar spine structures, with mean IOU values ranging from 0.82 to 0.93 across various tissue categories and views. The automated quantification system provides measurements for intervertebral disc dimensions, dural sac diameter, yellow ligament thickness, and disc hydration. Consistency between training and testing datasets assures the robustness of automated measurements. Conclusion Automated lumbar spine segmentation with residual U-Net and deep learning exhibits high precision in identifying anatomical structures, facilitating efficient quantification in lumbar spinal stenosis cases. The introduction of a rotation matrix enhances lesion detection, promising improved diagnostic accuracy, and supporting treatment decisions for lumbar spinal stenosis patients.

Objective: This study aims to overcome challenges in lumbar spine imaging, particularly lumbar spinal stenosis, by developing an automated segmentation model using advanced techniques. Traditional manual measurement and lesion detection methods are limited by subjectivity and inefficiency. The objective is to create an accurate and automated segmentation model that identifies anatomical structures in lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging scans. Methods: Leveraging a dataset of 539 lumbar spinal stenosis patients, the study utilizes the residual U-Net for semantic segmentation in sagittal and axial lumbar spine magnetic resonance images. The model, trained to recognize specific tissue categories, employs a geometry algorithm for anatomical structure quantification. Validation metrics, like Intersection over Union (IOU) and Dice coefficients, validate the residual U-Net’s segmentation accuracy. A novel rotation matrix approach is introduced for detecting bulging discs, assessing dural sac compression, and measuring yellow ligament thickness. Results: The residual U-Net achieves high precision in segmenting lumbar spine structures, with mean IOU values ranging from 0.82 to 0.93 across various tissue categories and views. The automated quantification system provides measurements for intervertebral disc dimensions, dural sac diameter, yellow ligament thickness, and disc hydration. Consistency between training and testing datasets assures the robustness of automated measurements. Conclusion Automated lumbar spine segmentation with residual U-Net and deep learning exhibits high precision in identifying anatomical structures, facilitating efficient quantification in lumbar spinal stenosis cases. The introduction of a rotation matrix enhances lesion detection, promising improved diagnostic accuracy, and supporting treatment decisions for lumbar spinal stenosis patients.

Objective: This study aims to overcome challenges in lumbar spine imaging, particularly lumbar spinal stenosis, by developing an automated segmentation model using advanced techniques. Traditional manual measurement and lesion detection methods are limited by subjectivity and inefficiency. The objective is to create an accurate and automated segmentation model that identifies anatomical structures in lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging scans. Methods: Leveraging a dataset of 539 lumbar spinal stenosis patients, the study utilizes the residual U-Net for semantic segmentation in sagittal and axial lumbar spine magnetic resonance images. The model, trained to recognize specific tissue categories, employs a geometry algorithm for anatomical structure quantification. Validation metrics, like Intersection over Union (IOU) and Dice coefficients, validate the residual U-Net’s segmentation accuracy. A novel rotation matrix approach is introduced for detecting bulging discs, assessing dural sac compression, and measuring yellow ligament thickness. Results: The residual U-Net achieves high precision in segmenting lumbar spine structures, with mean IOU values ranging from 0.82 to 0.93 across various tissue categories and views. The automated quantification system provides measurements for intervertebral disc dimensions, dural sac diameter, yellow ligament thickness, and disc hydration. Consistency between training and testing datasets assures the robustness of automated measurements. Conclusion Automated lumbar spine segmentation with residual U-Net and deep learning exhibits high precision in identifying anatomical structures, facilitating efficient quantification in lumbar spinal stenosis cases. The introduction of a rotation matrix enhances lesion detection, promising improved diagnostic accuracy, and supporting treatment decisions for lumbar spinal stenosis patients.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the difference in the therapeutic effect of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) or cyclophosphamide (CTX) in children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) of different age groups. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 135 children with HSPN who were treated with MMF or CTX in the Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics, from October 2018 to October 2020. According to the immunosuppressant used, they were divided into two groups: MMF group and CTX group, and according to the age, each group was further divided into two subgroups: ≤12 years and >12 years, producing four groups, i.e, the ≤12 years MMF subgroup (n=30), the >12 years MMF subgroup (n=15), the ≤12 years CTX subgroup (n=71), and the >12 years CTX subgroup (n=19). All children were followed up for at least 12 months, and the above groups were compared in terms of clinical outcomes and the incidence rate of adverse reactions. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the complete response rate between the MMF group and the CTX group after 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment (P>0.05). There were no significant difference in the complete response rate and the incidence rate of adverse reactions between the >12 years MMF subgroup and the ≤12 years MMF subgroup at 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment (P>0.05). The >12 years CTX subgroup had a significantly lower complete response rate than the ≤12 years CTX subgroup at 6 and 12 months of treatment (P<0.05). The >12 years CTX subgroup had a significantly higher incidence rate of adverse reactions than the >12 years MMF subgroup (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The efficacy and adverse reactions of MMF are not associated with age, but the efficacy of CTX is affected by age, with a higher incidence rate of adverse reactions. CTX should be selected with caution for children with HSPN aged >12 years.
Child ; Humans ; Mycophenolic Acid/adverse effects* ; IgA Vasculitis/drug therapy* ; Retrospective Studies ; Cyclophosphamide/adverse effects* ; Immunosuppressive Agents/adverse effects* ; Vasculitis/drug therapy* ; Nephritis/complications*

This study aims to explore the core connotation of the compatibility of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata(Fuzi)-Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma(Gancao) herb pair under physiological and pathological conditions. The biochemical indicators of serum/myocardial tissue, pathological changes of the myocardial tissue, and serum metabolic profiles of normal rats and heart failure model rats treated with Fuzi Decoction and Fuzi Gancao Decoction were determined. Network pharmacology and metabolomics were employed to establish the metabolite-target-pathway network for Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in enhancing the efficacy and reducing the toxicity of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, Western blotting was employed to verify the representative pathways in the network. The results showed that both decoctions lowered the levels of creatine kinase and other indicators and mitigate myocardial pathological injury in model rats. However, they caused the abnormal rises in creatine kinase and other indicators and myocardial pathological injury in normal rats. The results indicated that the compatibility reduced the toxicity in normal rats and enhanced the efficacy in model rats. The results of metabolomics showed that Fuzi Gancao Decoction recovered more metabolites in model rats and had weaker effect on interfe-ring with the metabolites in normal rats than Fuzi Decoction. The association analysis showed that the network of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma enhancing the efficacy of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata involved 112 metabolites, 89 targets, and 15 pathways, including calcium and cAMP signaling pathways. The network of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma reducing the cardiotoxicity of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata involved 36 metabolites, 59 targets, and 11 pathways, including adrenergic signaling and tricarboxylic acid cycle in cardiomyocytes. The experimental results of protein expression verified the reliability of the association analysis. This study demonstrated that the core connotation of the herb pair of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata-Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma changed under physio-logical and pathological states, and the compatibility results of enhancing efficacy and reducing toxicity were achieved with different metabolic pathways and biological processes.

Objective:To understand main problems existing in the construction of advanced stroke centers in China and put forward solutions, for reference in promoting the standardization construction of advanced stroke centers and improving the efficiency of acute stroke treatment.Methods:The data were derived from relevant data of on-site export guidance in the construction of advanced stroke centers at 175 tertiary hospitals from 2020 to 2021, and the scores of on-site evaluation indicators for the establishment of stroke centers and their formal approval were compared and analyzed. Based on on-site investigation and expert consultation, the common problems existing in the construction of advanced stroke centers were summarized. All data were analyzed by descriptive analysis, the scores of on-site evaluation indicators were expressed by ± s, and paired t test was used for comparison between groups. Results:Compared with the total score(693.04±72.06) of on-site evaluation at the stage of project launch, the total score(747.94±78.10) of on-site evaluation for formal approval of stroke centers of 70 hospitals was higher, and the difference was significant( P<0.01). There were seven common problems in the construction of stroke centers in 175 hospitals, including insufficient attention paid by hospitals, lack of effective performance incentive policies, imperfect treatment procedures and medical norms, and so on. Conclusions:Experts on-site guidance plays an important role in the construction of stroke centers in China. At present, there were still problems to tackle in the construction of stroke centers in hospitals. In order to promote the standardized construction of stroke centers in China and improve the efficiency of stroke treatment, the authors suggest fuorther strengthening the importance attached by hospital leadership and the coordination and organization of functional departments, establishing stroke center models conforming to the actual situation of the hospital, seting up the post of brain and heart health manager, and improving the regional prevention and treatment level of acute stroke.