Objective: This study aims to investigate the anatomical relationship among the nerve roots, intervertebral space, pedicles, and intradural rootlets of the cervical spine for improving operative outcomes and exploring neuroventral decompression approach in posterior endoscopic cervical discectomy (PECD). Methods: Cervical computed tomography myelography imaging data from January 2021 to May 2023 were collected, and the RadiAnt DICOM Viewer Software was employed to conduct multiplane reconstruction. The following parameters were recorded: width of nerve root (WN), nerve root-superior pedicle distance (NSPD), nerve root-inferior pedicle distance (NIPD), and the relationship between the intervertebral space and the nerve root (shoulder, anterior, and axillary). Additionally, the descending angles between the spinal cord and the ventral (VRA) and dorsal (DRA) rootlets were measured. Results: The WN showed a gradual increase from C4 to C7, with measurements notably larger in men compared to women. The NSPD decreased gradually from the C2–3 to the C5–6 levels. However, the NIPD showed an opposite level-related change, notably larger than the NSPD at the C4–5, C5–6, and C7–T1 levels. Furthermore, significant differences in NIPD were observed between different age groups and genders. The incidence of the anterior type exhibited a gradual decrease from the C2–3 to the C5–6 levels. Conversely, the axillary type exhibited an opposite level-related change. Additionally, the VRA and DRA decreased as the level descended, with measurements significantly larger in females. Conclusion A prediction of the positional relationship between the intervertebral space and the nerve root is essential for the direct neuroventral decompression in PECD to avoid damaging the neural structures. The axillary route of the nerve root offers a safer and more effective pathway for performing direct neuroventral decompression compared to the shoulder approach.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the anatomical relationship among the nerve roots, intervertebral space, pedicles, and intradural rootlets of the cervical spine for improving operative outcomes and exploring neuroventral decompression approach in posterior endoscopic cervical discectomy (PECD). Methods: Cervical computed tomography myelography imaging data from January 2021 to May 2023 were collected, and the RadiAnt DICOM Viewer Software was employed to conduct multiplane reconstruction. The following parameters were recorded: width of nerve root (WN), nerve root-superior pedicle distance (NSPD), nerve root-inferior pedicle distance (NIPD), and the relationship between the intervertebral space and the nerve root (shoulder, anterior, and axillary). Additionally, the descending angles between the spinal cord and the ventral (VRA) and dorsal (DRA) rootlets were measured. Results: The WN showed a gradual increase from C4 to C7, with measurements notably larger in men compared to women. The NSPD decreased gradually from the C2–3 to the C5–6 levels. However, the NIPD showed an opposite level-related change, notably larger than the NSPD at the C4–5, C5–6, and C7–T1 levels. Furthermore, significant differences in NIPD were observed between different age groups and genders. The incidence of the anterior type exhibited a gradual decrease from the C2–3 to the C5–6 levels. Conversely, the axillary type exhibited an opposite level-related change. Additionally, the VRA and DRA decreased as the level descended, with measurements significantly larger in females. Conclusion A prediction of the positional relationship between the intervertebral space and the nerve root is essential for the direct neuroventral decompression in PECD to avoid damaging the neural structures. The axillary route of the nerve root offers a safer and more effective pathway for performing direct neuroventral decompression compared to the shoulder approach.

ObjectiveThrough qualitatively and quantitatively analysis of the differences in chemical composition between the combined decoction and single decoction of Huaganjian and comparison of their core efficacy， to explore the rationality of the flexible clinical application of Huaganjian compound preparations and single-flavored dispensing granules. MethodsUltra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry（UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS） was used to qualitatively analyze the combined decoction and single decoction samples of Huaganjian， and meanwhile， the contents of four index components（geniposide， paeoniflorin， hesperidin and paeonol） were quantitatively analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography（HPLC）. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease（NAFLD） rat model induced by high-fat diet was applied to compare the efficacy of combined decoction and single decoction of Huaganjian. A total of 30 male SD rats were randomly divided into the control group， model group， lovastatin group（1.8 mg·kg^-1）， combined decoction group（1.26 g·kg^-1） and single decoction group（1.18 g·kg^-1）. After successful modeling， lovastatin group， combined decoction group and single decoction group were given corresponding doses of drugs by intragastric administration every day， and the control group and model group were given equal amounts of normal saline by intragastric administration， after 4 weeks of administration， the serum and liver tissues were collected， and the contents of alanine aminotransferase（ALT）， aspartate aminotransferase（AST）， total cholesterol（TC）， triglyceride（TG）， low-density lipoprotein cholesterol（LDL-C） and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol（HDL-C） in serum of rats were detected， and the liver pathological examination was carried out by hematoxylin-eosin（HE） staining and oil red O staining， so as to compare differences of their efficacy. ResultsSeventy chemical components were initially identified and attributed from the lyophilized powder of the combined decoction and single decoction samples of Huaganjian， and there was no obvious difference in composition between the two. Further quantitative analysis showed that the contents of geniposide， paeoniflorin， hesperidin and paeonol in the combined decoction samples were significantly increased when compared with those of the single decoction samples（P<0.01）. The pharmacodynamic results showed that compared with the model group， both the combined and single decoction groups of Huaganjian could improve the liver index of NAFLD rats， reduce the serum levels of AST， ALT， TC， TG and LDL-C， increase the serum level of HDL-C， and ameliorate the pathological changes of liver cell steatosis and fat accumulation. However， there was no significant difference in pharmacodynamic effects between the combined decoction group and the single decoction group. ConclusionThere is no significant difference between the combined decoction and single decoction of Huaganjian in terms of chemical composition， but the contents of the four index components show significantly difference. Both of them can significantly improve the fat accumulation and liver function in NAFLD rats. This study provides a reference basis for the rational clinical application and evaluation of famous classical formula compound preparations and single-flavored dispensing granules.

Locomotion, a fundamental motor function encompassing various forms such as swimming, walking, running, and flying, is essential for animal survival and adaptation. The mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR), located at the midbrain-hindbrain junction, is a conserved brain area critical for controlling locomotion. This review highlights recent advances in understanding the MLR’s structure and function across species, from lampreys to mammals and birds, with a particular focus on insights gained from optogenetic studies in mammals. The goal is to uncover universal strategies for MLR-mediated locomotor control. Electrical stimulation of the MLR in species such as lampreys, salamanders, cats, and mice initiates locomotion and modulates speed and patterns. For example, in lampreys, MLR stimulation induces swimming, with increased intensity or frequency enhancing propulsive force. Similarly, in salamanders, graded stimulation transitions locomotor outputs from walking to swimming. Histochemical studies reveal that effective MLR stimulation sites colocalize with cholinergic neurons, suggesting a conserved neurochemical basis for locomotion control. In mammals, the MLR comprises two key nuclei: the cuneiform nucleus (CnF) and the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN). Both nuclei contain glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons, with the PPN additionally housing cholinergic neurons. Optogenetic studies in mice by selectively activating glutamatergic neurons have demonstrated that the CnF and PPN play distinct roles in motor control: the CnF drives rapid escape behaviors, while the PPN regulates slower, exploratory movements. This functional specialization within the MLR allows animals to adapt their locomotion patterns and speed in response to environmental demands and behavioral objectives. Similar to findings in lampreys, the CnF and PPN in mice transmit motor commands to spinal effector circuits by modulating the activity of brainstem reticular formation neurons. However, they achieve this through distinct reticulospinal pathways, enabling the generation of specific behaviors. Further insights from monosynaptic rabies viral tracing reveal that the CnF and PPN integrate inputs from diverse brain regions to produce context-appropriate behaviors. For instance, glutamatergic neurons in the PPN receive signals from other midbrain structures, the basal ganglia, and medullary nuclei, whereas glutamatergic neurons in the CnF rarely receive inputs from the basal ganglia but instead are strongly influenced by the periaqueductal grey and inferior colliculus within the midbrain. These differential connectivity patterns underscore the specialized roles of the CnF and PPN in motor control, highlighting their unique contributions to coordinating locomotion. Birds exhibit exceptional flight capabilities, yet the avian MLR remains poorly understood. Comparative studies suggest that the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPTg) in birds is homologous to the mammalian PPN, which contains cholinergic neurons, while the intercollicular nucleus (ICo) or nucleus isthmi pars magnocellularis (ImC) may correspond to the CnF. These findings provide important clues for identifying the avian MLR and elucidating its role in flight control. However, functional validation through targeted experiments is urgently needed to confirm these hypotheses. Optogenetics and other advanced techniques in mice have greatly advanced MLR research, enabling precise manipulation of specific neuronal populations. Future studies should extend these methods to other species, particularly birds, to explore unique locomotor adaptations. Comparative analyses of MLR structure and function across species will deepen our understanding of the conserved and evolved features of motor control, revealing fundamental principles of locomotion regulation throughout evolution. By integrating findings from diverse species, we can uncover how the MLR has been adapted to meet the locomotor demands of different environments, from aquatic to aerial habitats.

Objective To investigate the relationship between Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection and disease severity and pathological type of intestinal polyps in inpatients. Methods The data of 303 inpatients with intestinal polyps in the hospital from August 2022 to February 2025 were collected and analyzed. The clinical characteristics of patients were analyzed, and the influencing factors of pathological types of polyps were explored. Results Among the 303 inpatients with intestinal polyps, there were 135 Hp positive cases and 168 Hp negative cases. The number of polyps, maximum polyp diameter, number of ileocecus/ascending colon/transverse colon polyps, number of descending colon/sigmoid colon/rectal polyps and adenomatous polyps in the Hp-positive group were higher than those in the Hp-negative group (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that age [OR (95%CI)=1.03 (1.01-1.05)] and positive Hp[OR (95%CI)=2.61 (1.62-4.20)] were independent risk factors of occurrence of adenomatous polyps (P<0.05). ROC curve results revealed that the AUCs of age, positive HP and combination in the diagnosis of adenomatous polyps were 0.574, 0.608 and 0.646, and the 95%CI values were 0.509-0.638, 0.545-0.672 and 0.584-0.708 respectively. The efficiency of combination of the two indexes was higher than that of single diagnosis. Conclusion Hp infection is associated with disease severity in inpatients with intestinal polyps, and it may be involved in the occurrence and development of adenomatous polyps.

Objective To investigate the relationship between Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection and disease severity and pathological type of intestinal polyps in inpatients. Methods The data of 303 inpatients with intestinal polyps in the hospital from August 2022 to February 2025 were collected and analyzed. The clinical characteristics of patients were analyzed, and the influencing factors of pathological types of polyps were explored. Results Among the 303 inpatients with intestinal polyps, there were 135 Hp positive cases and 168 Hp negative cases. The number of polyps, maximum polyp diameter, number of ileocecus/ascending colon/transverse colon polyps, number of descending colon/sigmoid colon/rectal polyps and adenomatous polyps in the Hp-positive group were higher than those in the Hp-negative group (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that age [OR (95%CI)=1.03 (1.01-1.05)] and positive Hp[OR (95%CI)=2.61 (1.62-4.20)] were independent risk factors of occurrence of adenomatous polyps (P<0.05). ROC curve results revealed that the AUCs of age, positive HP and combination in the diagnosis of adenomatous polyps were 0.574, 0.608 and 0.646, and the 95%CI values were 0.509-0.638, 0.545-0.672 and 0.584-0.708 respectively. The efficiency of combination of the two indexes was higher than that of single diagnosis. Conclusion Hp infection is associated with disease severity in inpatients with intestinal polyps, and it may be involved in the occurrence and development of adenomatous polyps.

ObjectiveTo analyze the differences in color， odor and volatile components of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium（CRP） before and after being stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum， and to explore the material basis of enhancing the effect of strengthening spleen after processing and the scientific connotation of decoction pieces processed with Halloysitum Rubrum as the auxiliary material. MethodsThe volatile components of the samples before and after processing were identified and relatively quantified by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry（HS-GC-MS）， and the volatile components were analyzed by principal component analysis（PCA） and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis（OPLS-DA）. According to the principle of variable importance in the projection（VIP） value>1.5， volatile differential components before and after processing were screened. And combined with intelligent sensory technologies such as colorimeter and electronic nose， the chroma and odor information of CRP before and after being stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum were identified. Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between volatile differential components and chroma values. ResultsA total of 112 volatile components were identified from CRP and CRP stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum， of which 84 were from CRP and 97 were from CRP stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum. And 7 differential components were selected， including α-pinene， β-myrcene， linalool， sabinene， ocimene isomer mixture， A-ocimene， and δ-elemene. After being processed with Halloysitum Rubrum， the brightness value（L^*）， yellow-blue value（b^*） and total chromatic value（E^*_ab） of CRP were decreased（P<0.01）， and red-green value（a^*） was increased（P<0.01）， the response values of S4， S5， S10 and S13 sensors were significantly increased（P<0.05）， and the response values of S3 and S8 sensors were significantly decreased（P<0.05）. Correlation analysis showed that α-pinene and β-myrcene were negatively correlated with L^* and E^*_ab， but positively correlated with a^*. Sabinene was positively correlated with L^* and E^*_ab. Linalool was positively correlated with L^* and E^*_ab， and negatively correlated with a^*. The ocimene isomer mixture was positively correlated with the L^*. ConclusionAfter being processed with Halloysitum Rubrum， the appearance color， odor and volatile components of CRP change significantly， and α-pinene， β-myrcene， sabinene， linalool and A-ocimene are the characteristic volatile components before and after processing， which can provide references for the quality evaluation and clinical application of CRP and its processed products.

ObjectiveTo analyze the differences in color， odor and volatile components of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium（CRP） before and after being stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum， and to explore the material basis of enhancing the effect of strengthening spleen after processing and the scientific connotation of decoction pieces processed with Halloysitum Rubrum as the auxiliary material. MethodsThe volatile components of the samples before and after processing were identified and relatively quantified by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry（HS-GC-MS）， and the volatile components were analyzed by principal component analysis（PCA） and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis（OPLS-DA）. According to the principle of variable importance in the projection（VIP） value>1.5， volatile differential components before and after processing were screened. And combined with intelligent sensory technologies such as colorimeter and electronic nose， the chroma and odor information of CRP before and after being stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum were identified. Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between volatile differential components and chroma values. ResultsA total of 112 volatile components were identified from CRP and CRP stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum， of which 84 were from CRP and 97 were from CRP stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum. And 7 differential components were selected， including α-pinene， β-myrcene， linalool， sabinene， ocimene isomer mixture， A-ocimene， and δ-elemene. After being processed with Halloysitum Rubrum， the brightness value（L^*）， yellow-blue value（b^*） and total chromatic value（E^*_ab） of CRP were decreased（P<0.01）， and red-green value（a^*） was increased（P<0.01）， the response values of S4， S5， S10 and S13 sensors were significantly increased（P<0.05）， and the response values of S3 and S8 sensors were significantly decreased（P<0.05）. Correlation analysis showed that α-pinene and β-myrcene were negatively correlated with L^* and E^*_ab， but positively correlated with a^*. Sabinene was positively correlated with L^* and E^*_ab. Linalool was positively correlated with L^* and E^*_ab， and negatively correlated with a^*. The ocimene isomer mixture was positively correlated with the L^*. ConclusionAfter being processed with Halloysitum Rubrum， the appearance color， odor and volatile components of CRP change significantly， and α-pinene， β-myrcene， sabinene， linalool and A-ocimene are the characteristic volatile components before and after processing， which can provide references for the quality evaluation and clinical application of CRP and its processed products.

The general models for intermediates quality analysis in the production process of Yaobitong capsule were established by near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) combined with chemometrics, realizing the rapid determination of notoginsenoside R1, ginsenoside Rg1, ginsenoside Re, ginsenoside Rb1, ginsenoside Rd and moisture. The spray-dried fine powder and total mixed granule were selected as research objects. The contents of five saponins were determined by high performance liquid chromatography and the moisture content was determined by drying method. The measured contents were used as reference values. Meanwhile, NIR spectra were collected. After removing abnormal samples by Monte Carlo cross validation (MCCV), Monte Carlo uninformative variables elimination (MC-UVE) and competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) were used to select feature variables respectively. Based on the feature variables, quantitative models were established by partial least squares regression (PLSR), extreme learning machine (ELM) and ant lion optimization least squares support vector machine (ALO-LSSVM). The results showed that CARS-ALO-LSSVM model had the optimum effect. The correlation coefficients of the six index components were greater than 0.93, and the relative standard errors were controlled within 6%. ALO-LSSVM was more suitable for a large number of samples with rich information, and the prediction effect and stability of the model were significantly improved. The general models with good predicting effect can be used for the rapid quality determination of Yaobitong capsule intermediates.

As the number of patients with compromised immune function increases and fungal resistance develops, so does the risk of contracting deadly fungi in humans. Both fungi and humans are eukaryotes, so identifying unique targets for antifungal drug development is difficult. In addition, the existing antifungal drugs are limited by toxicity, drug interaction and drug resistance in practical application, which leads to the increasing incidence and fatal rate of fungal infections. Therefore, it is urgent to develop new antifungal drugs. The semi-synthetic technology using microbial fermentation products from natural sources as lead compounds has become the most used method in structural modification of antifungal drugs due to its advantages of few reaction steps and easy operation. This paper will introduce the current status of natural antifungal drugs in clinical use, as well as the latest progress in the research and development of new semi-synthetic antifungal drugs, and summarize their mechanism of action, structural modifications, advantages and disadvantages, so as to provide reference for the subsequent development of new antifungal drugs.