Objective To explore the effect of propranolol on femoral fracture healing in mice through regulation of microRNA-92a-3p(miR-92a-3p)and its mechanism.Methods C57BL/6J male mice were randomly divided into sham group(equal amount of 0.9％NaCl),model group(equal amount of 0.9％NaCl),experimental group(50 mg·kg-1 propranolol administration),inhibitor group(mice were injected with 100 mg·kg-1 miR-92a-3p inhibitor via tail vein on the basis of the experimental group).Femur was severed and molded in all mice except sham operation group.X-ray was used to observe bone healing.Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of miR-92a-3p in femur tissues.The expression level of bone formation and bone metabolism markers was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.Western blot was used to detect the expression of pathway-related proteins.Results The X-ray scores of femur in sham group,model group and experimental group were 11.20±2.60,4.70±1.50 and 9.60±2.40,respectively;the relative expression levels of miR-92a-3p in sham operation group,model group,experimental group and inhibitor group were 1.00±0.09,0.73±0.06,0.90±0.07 and 0.78±0.06;alkaline phosphatase levels were(35.21±2.63),(43.16±3.29),(67.58±5.37)and(49.62±4.05)U·L-1,respectively;crosslaps levels were(4.57±0.52),(8.41±0.91),(4.26±0.67)and(5.73±0.84)ng·mL-1,respectively;the relative expression levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor were 1.00±0.14,0.58±0.05,0.83±0.09 and 0.71±0.06,respectively;the relative expression levels of phospho-tyrosine kinase receptor B were 1.00±0.12,0.62±0.05,0.89±0.08 and 0.76±0.07,respectively;the relative expression levels of phospho-extracellular regulated protein kinases were 1.00±0.11,0.54±0.04,0.78±0.07 and 0.65±0.05,respectively.The above indexes in the model group were compared with those in the sham group,those in the experimental group were compared with those in the model group,and those in the inhibitor group were compared with those in the experimental group,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05,P＜0.001).Conclusion Propranolol can promote femoral fracture healing in mice,which may be achieved by up-regulating miR-92a-3p activation of brain derived neurotrophic factor/tyrosine kinase receptor B/extracellular regulated protein kinases signaling pathway.

Objective To observe the clinical and symptomatic improvement three months after uterine artery embolization(UAE),and to analyze the value of apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC)in MR diffusion weighted imaging(DWI)in assessing the response of fibroids volume after UAE.Methods A total of 40 patients with uterine fibroids were included.The volume changes of fibroids,clinical and symptomatic improvement before and after treatment were recorded,and the efficacy of UAE was comprehensively analyzed.All patients underwent MR DWI before UAE and were evaluated at three months postoperatively by outpatient MR follow-up,with fibroids vol-ume and ADC quantitative measurements were performed to compare the changes in ADC values of fibroids preoperatively and post-operatively at each b value.Pearson correlation analysis was performed to analyze the correlation between baseline ADC values and postoperative fibroids volume reduction.Regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between ADC and fibroids volume reduction after UAE.And the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve were plotted to analyze the predictive value of ADC values for evaluating fibroids volume reduction of more than 30％after UAE.Results The patients'clinical symptoms was improved in the three months after surgery,the volume of fibroids was significantly reduced,and the life quality was improved,the difference was sta-tistically significant(P＜0.05).There was no significant effect on ovarian function,hormone levels did not change significantly com-pared to before surgery,with no statistical significance(P＞0.05).When b=50,1 000 s/mm2,the changes in ADC values before and after uterine fibroids treatment were not significant,with no statistical significance(P＞0.05).However,the changes in ADC values before and after uterine fibroids treatment were significant when b=800 s/mm2 and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).Under the condition of b=800 s/mm2,Pearson correlation analysis showed ADC value had a positive correlation with postoperative uterine fibroids volume reduction rate(r=0.45,P＜0.05),and the area under the curve(AUC)for ADC value to predict the reduction rate of uterine fibroids volume by more than 30％after UAE was 0.787.The cut-off value was 1.143 × 10-3 mm2/s,with sensitivity and specificity of 0.793 and 0.818,respectively.Conclusion UAE is more effective in treating uterine fibroids.The baseline ADC value of uterine fibroids correlated significantly with the volume reduction after UAE.The ADC value can be used to assess the volume response after UAE.

Objective To investigate the high-frequency ultrasonic anatomical features of the adjacent C7 transverse process and its clinical value in stellate ganglion block(SGB).Methods High-frequency ultrasound was applied to obtain ultrasonographic anatomical sonogram features in the plane of bilateral C7 transverse processes in 52 cases(104 sides in total)of healthy adults and then stored for the operator to learn and correctly label each tissue structure.Fifty patients who underwent ultrasound-guided SGB were selected and divided into the BC7 group(25 cases before study)and AC7 group(25 cases after study).The operation time,SGB success rate,number of adjusted needle tips,dosage of anaesthetic and adverse reaction of patients in both group were recorded.Results The main muscles observed in the C7 plane were the longissimus and anterior scalene muscles,the ultrasonographic anatomical relationships of the vagus nerve located in the carotid sheath,the pleura located posterior to the subclavian artery,and the recurrent laryngeal nerve located in the vicinity of the branches of the inferior thyroid artery are described,and the stellate ganglion was illustrated as a flattened hypoechogenic structure visible on the deep surface of the prevertebral fascia in the region of the external cervical longissimus muscle,vertebral artery and vein,and the medial aspect of the anterior oblique muscle,and emanated the sonographic features of several hypoechoic nerve bundles.Ultrasound guided SGB was completed uneventfully in patients of both groups,and all patients developed Horner syndrome,with the SGB success rate of 100%.The operation time[(5.36±1.11)minutes]of patients in the BC7 group was longer than that in the AC7 group[(3.08±0.86)minutes],the number of adjusted needle tips[(4.20±1.00)times]of patients in the BC7 group was more than that in the AC7 group[(2.24±0.87)times],and the dosage of anaesthetic[(1.82±0.28)mL]of patients in the BC7 group was more than that in the AC7 group[(1.64±0.22)mL],all the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reaction between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion After ultrasonic learning of adjacent structures through C7 transverse process,SGB is safe and easy to perform.

Objective To observe the potential mechanism of electroacupuncture regulating the erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptor B2/erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptor-interacting B2/big mitogen-activated protein kinase 1(EphB2/EphrinB2/BMK1) signaling pathway to improve neural damage in vascular dementia rats. Methods Eighty SD male adult rats were randomly divided into a sham surgery group, a model group, a non acupoint electroacupuncture group, a nimodipine group, and an electroacupuncture three needle group. The vascular dementia rat model was made by the modified Pulsinelli four vessel occlusion method. After grouping, the rats in each group were subjected to water maze test, HE staining, Nissl staining, and transmission electron microscopy(TEM) to observe the pathological changes in the hippocampal CA1 area, and the expression of EphB2 and BMK1 in the hippocampal CA1 area was detected by immunohistochemistry; Detection of EphB2 and BMK1 protein expression in rat hippocampal CA1 region was detected by Western blotting. Results Compared with the model group, the escape latency of vascular dementia rats treated with electroacupuncture and nimodipine decreased (P<0.05), while the number of crossing platforms significantly increased (P<0.05); The result of HE staining, Nissl staining and TEM showed that compared with the model group, the neurons in hippocampal CA1 area of rats in the EA Zhisanzhen group and nimodipine group were arranged orderly, and the morphology and structure of cells and organelle were complete; Immunohistochemical method and Western blotting showed that the expression of EphB2 and BMK1 in the CA1 region of hippocampus in the model group was significantly lower than that in the sham surgery group (P<0.05); Compared with the model group, the expression of EphB2 and BMK1 in the hippocampal CA1 region of rats in the electroacupuncture Zhisanzhen group significantly increased (P<0.05), while the expression of EphB2 and BMK1 in the hippocampal CA1 region of rats in the non acupoint electroacupuncture group was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Compared with the nimodipine group, the expression of EphB2 and BMK1 in the hippocampal CA1 region of rats in the electroacupuncture Zhisanzhen group significantly increased (P<0.05). Conclusion Electroacupuncture may improve the damage of hippocampal neurons in vascular dementia rats by increasing the expression of EphB2 and BMK1 in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, thereby improving the learning and memory of vascular dementia rats.

Objective: This cross-sectional investigation aimed to determine the incidence, clinical characteristics, prognosis, and related risk factors of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain in mainland China. Methods: Data of patients with SARS-CoV-2 from December 28, 2022, to February 21, 2023, were collected through online and offline questionnaires from 45 tertiary hospitals and one center for disease control and prevention in mainland China. The questionnaire included demographic information, previous health history, smoking and alcohol drinking, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, olfactory and gustatory function before and after infection, other symptoms after infection, as well as the duration and improvement of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction. The self-reported olfactory and gustatory functions of patients were evaluated using the Olfactory VAS scale and Gustatory VAS scale. Results: A total of 35 566 valid questionnaires were obtained, revealing a high incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain (67.75%). Females(χ2=367.013, P<0.001) and young people(χ2=120.210, P<0.001) were more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Gender(OR=1.564, 95%CI: 1.487-1.645), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), oral health status (OR=0.881, 95%CI: 0.839-0.926), smoking history (OR=1.152, 95%CI=1.080-1.229), and drinking history (OR=0.854, 95%CI: 0.785-0.928) were correlated with the occurrence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2(above P<0.001). 44.62% (4 391/9 840) of the patients who had not recovered their sense of smell and taste also suffered from nasal congestion, runny nose, and 32.62% (3 210/9 840) suffered from dry mouth and sore throat. The improvement of olfactory and taste functions was correlated with the persistence of accompanying symptoms(χ2=10.873, P=0.001). The average score of olfactory and taste VAS scale was 8.41 and 8.51 respectively before SARS-CoV-2 infection, but decreased to3.69 and 4.29 respectively after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and recovered to 5.83and 6.55 respectively at the time of the survey. The median duration of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions was 15 days and 12 days, respectively, with 0.5% (121/24 096) of patients experiencing these dysfunctions for more than 28 days. The overall self-reported improvement rate of smell and taste dysfunctions was 59.16% (14 256/24 096). Gender(OR=0.893, 95%CI: 0.839-0.951), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), history of head and facial trauma(OR=1.180, 95%CI: 1.036-1.344, P=0.013), nose (OR=1.104, 95%CI: 1.042-1.171, P=0.001) and oral (OR=1.162, 95%CI: 1.096-1.233) health status, smoking history(OR=0.765, 95%CI: 0.709-0.825), and the persistence of accompanying symptoms (OR=0.359, 95%CI: 0.332-0.388) were correlated with the recovery of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2 (above P<0.001 except for the indicated values). Conclusion: The incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain is high in mainland China, with females and young people more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Active and effective intervention measures may be required for cases that persist for a long time. The recovery of olfactory and taste functions is influenced by several factors, including gender, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status, history of head and facial trauma, nasal and oral health status, smoking history, and persistence of accompanying symptoms.
Female ; Humans ; Adolescent ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Smell ; COVID-19/complications* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; Incidence ; Olfaction Disorders/etiology* ; Taste Disorders/etiology* ; Prognosis

OBJECTIVE: To explore the similarities and variations of biological phenotype and cytotoxicity of human umbilical cord blood natural killer cells (hUC- NK) after human umbilical cord blood-derived mononuclear cells (hUC-MNC) activated and expanded by two in vitro high-efficient strategies. METHODS: Umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (MNC) from healthy donor were enriched by Ficoll-based density gradient centrifugation. Then, the phenotype, subpopulations, cell viability and cytotoxicity of NK cells derived from Miltenyi medium (denoted as M-NK) and X-VIVO 15 (denoted as X-NK) were compared using a "3IL" strategy. RESULTS: After a 14-day's culture, the contents of CD3^-CD56⁺ NK cells were elevated from 4.25%±0.04% (d 0) to 71%±0.18% (M-NK) and 75.2%±1.1% (X-NK) respectively. Compared with X-NK group, the proportion of CD3⁺CD4⁺ T cells and CD3⁺CD56⁺ NKT cells in M-NK group decreased significantly. The percentages of CD16⁺, NKG2D⁺, NKp44⁺, CD25⁺ NK cells in X-NK group was higher than those in the M-NK group, while the total number of expanded NK cells in X-NK group was half of that in M-NK group. There were no significant differences between X-NK and M-NK groups in cell proliferation and cell cycle, except for the lower percentage of Annexin V+ apoptotic cells in M-NK group. Compared with X-NK group, the proportion of CD107a⁺ NK cells in M-NK group were higher under the same effector-target ratio (E∶T) (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The two strategies were adequate for high-efficient generation of NK cells with high level of activation in vitro, however, there are differences in biological phenotypes and tumor cytotoxicity.
Humans ; Fetal Blood ; Killer Cells, Natural ; T-Lymphocytes ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear/metabolism* ; Cell Proliferation ; CD56 Antigen/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of Shenmai Injection (SMJ) on ferroptosis during myocardial ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats and the underlying mechanism. METHODS: A total of 120 SPF-grade adult male SD rats, weighing 220-250 g were randomly divided into different groups according to a random number table. Myocardial I/R model was established by occluding the left anterior descending artery for 30 min followed by 120 min of reperfusion. SMJ was injected intraperitoneally at the onset of 120 min of reperfusion, and erastin (an agonist of ferroptosis), ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1, an inhibitor of ferroptosis) and ML385 (an inhibitor of nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2)) were administered intraperitoneally separately 30 min before myocardial ischemia as different pretreatments. Cardiac function before ischemia, after ischemia and after reperfusion was analysed. Pathological changes in the myocardium and the ultrastructure of cardiomyocytes were observed, and the myocardial infarction area was measured. Additionally, the concentration of Fe²⁺ in heart tissues and the levels of creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), troponin I (cTnl), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in serum were measured using assay kits, and the expressions of Nrf2, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) were examined by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the sham group, I/R significantly injured heart tissues, as evidenced by the disordered, ruptured and oedematous myocardial fibres; the increases in infarct size, serum CK-MB, cTnI and MDA levels, and myocardial Fe²⁺ concentrations; and the decreases in SOD activity (P<0.05). These results were accompanied by ultrastructural alterations to the mitochondria, increased expression of ACSL4 and inhibited the activation of Nrf2/GPX4 signalling (P<0.05). Compared with I/R group, pretreatment with 9 mL/kg SMJ and 2 mg/kg Fer-1 significantly reduced myocardial I/R injury, Fe²⁺ concentrations and ACSL4 expression and attenuated mitochondrial impairment, while 14 mg/kg erastin exacerbated myocardial I/R injury (P<0.05). In addition, cardioprotection provided by 9 mL/kg SMJ was completely reversed by ML385, as evidenced by the increased myocardial infarct size, CK-MB, cTnI, MDA and Fe²⁺ concentrations, and the decreased SOD activity (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Ferroptosis is involved in myocardial I/R injury. Pretreatment with SMJ alleviated myocardial I/R injury by activating Nrf2/GPX4 signalling-mediated ferroptosis, thereby providing a strategy for the prevention and treatment of ischemic heart diseases.
Animals ; Male ; Rats ; Coenzyme A ; Creatine Kinase ; Ferroptosis ; Ligases ; Malondialdehyde ; Myocardial Infarction/drug therapy* ; Myocardial Ischemia/drug therapy* ; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury/pathology* ; Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism* ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism* ; Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism* ; Troponin I

The physical properties of ginkgo leaves extract(GLE) are the critical quality attributes for the control of the manufacturing process of ginkgo leaves preparations. In this study, 53 batches of GLE with different sources from the real world were used as the objects to carry out the research from 3 levels. First, based on micromeritics evaluation method, a total of 29 physical attribute quality parameters in five dimensions were comprehensively characterized, with a total of 1 537 data points. Further, with use of physical fingerprinting technology combined with similarity evaluation, the powder physical properties of 53 batches of GLE showed obvious differences from an overall perspective, and the similarity of the physical fingerprints was 0.876 to 1.000. Secondly, hierarchical clustering analysis(HCA) and principal component analysis(PCA) models were constructed to realize the reliable identification and differentiation of real-world materials produced by GLE from different sources. Multivariate statistical process control(MSPC) model was used to create GLE material Hotelling T~2 and squared prediction error(SPE) control charts. It was found that the SPE score of B_(21) powder exceeded the 99% confidence control limit by 22.495 9, and the SPE scores of A_1 and C_(10) powder exceeded the 95% confidence control limit by 16.099 2, realizing the determination of abnormal samples in the materials of GLE from the production in real world. Finally, the physical quality control method of GLE in the production process of ginkgo leaves preparations was established in this study, providing a reference for the quality control methods of ginkgo leaves preparations in their manufacturing process.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; Ginkgo biloba ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Plant Extracts ; Plant Leaves ; Powders ; Quality Control

Objective:To study the effects of different drought conditions on the growth and photosynthetic physiological parameters of Acanthopanax senticosus，in order to provide the theoretical basis for standardized planting and rational development and utilization of A. senticosus. Method:In this study，three-year-old A. senticosus was used as experimental samples. The growth parameters，photosynthetic parameters，and photosynthetic physiological parameters were determined to study the effects of different drought conditions on the growth and photosynthesis of A. senticosus. Result:The plant height and leaf number were significantly lower than the control group under drought stress conditions，and the leaf area was higher than the control group under drought stress. Net photosynthetic rate，stomata conductance and transpiration rate were not significantly different between the control group and the moderate drought stress group. They were significantly decreased in the severe drought stress group，while the intercellular carbon dioxide concentration increased with the severity of drought stress. With the treatment time，the initial fluorescence was higher in the severe drought stress group than in the control group，and the moderate drought stress group was lower than the control group，the maximum fluorescence was significantly lower in the severe drought stress group than in the control group， potential photochemical efficiency and maximum photochemical efficiency were significantly elevated in the moderate drought stress group. Conclusion:Drought stress can significantly inhibit the growth of A. senticosus. Severe drought conditions can significantly inhibit the photosynthesis of A. senticosus leaves. This effect is related to the regulation of stomatal size，but not related to the activity of photoreaction center.