Irregular initial solidification by mold thermal monitoring in the continuous casting of steels:A review

Occasional irregular initial solidification phenomena,including stickers,deep oscillation marks,depressions,and surface cracks of strand shells in continuous casting molds,are important limitations for developing the high-efficiency continuous casting of steels.The application of mold thermal monitoring(MTM) systems,which use thermocouples to detect and respond to temperature variations in molds,has become an effective method to address irregular initial solidification phenomena.Such systems are widely applied in numerous steel companies for sticker breakout prediction.However,monitoring the surface defects of strands remains immature.Hence,indepth research is necessary to utilize the potential advantages and comprehensive monitoring of MTM systems.This paper summarizes what is included in the irregular initial solidification phenomena and systematically reviews the current state of research on these phenomena by the MTM systems.Furthermore,the influences of mold slag behavior on monitoring these phenomena are analyzed.Finally,the remaining problems of the formation mechanisms and investigations of irregular initial solidification phenomena are discussed,and future research directions are proposed.

Sex Disparities in the Association of Blood Pressure Parameters and Arterial Sclerosis Risk

Cardiovascular disease(CVD)is the leading cause of death worldwide[1].Arterial sclerosis(AS)and hypertension are the main risk factors and pathological bases of CVD.Higher pulse wave velocity(PWV)measurements could reflect early progression of atherosclerosis.Based on the structure-function properties of the vascular wall and hemodynamics,strong evidence suggests that any increase in blood pressure levels can mechanically impair the ability of the endothelium to maintain vascular homeostasis[2].High levels of blood pressure parameters,such as systolic blood pressure(SBP),diastolic blood pressure(DBP),pulse pressure(PP),and mean arterial pressure(MAP)have been identified as essential risk biomarkers for atherosclerosis.

高糖对人角膜上皮细胞创伤修复中Cyclin D1蛋白表达的影响

目的:研究高糖环境对人角膜上皮细胞损伤修复的影响,初步探讨Cyclin D1蛋白在高糖培养的角膜上皮细胞创伤愈合中表达的意义。方法:模拟糖尿病角膜病变的高糖微环境,人角膜上皮细胞经复苏、培养传代后,分别设置等体积蒸馏水的DMEM完全培养基的正常对照组和含25mmol/L葡萄糖的DMEM完全培养基高糖处理组的两组细胞,细胞长满后进行划伤刺激,倒置相差显微镜下观察比较各组细胞生长状况及其变化,于不同时间点(0、12、24、48和72h)利用Western blot检测分析高糖培养的角膜上皮细胞中Cyclin D1蛋白的表达,qRT-PCR检测Cyclin D1 mRNA水平相对表达情况。结果:体外高糖处理条件下,人角膜上皮细胞划伤后修复速度减慢,漂浮细胞增多,细胞重新贴壁少,细胞间距增加,随着高糖处理时间的延长,细胞状态变差,生长速度慢;正常组细胞损伤修复较快,细胞密度增大,且形态规则,细胞膜光滑。Western blot检测划伤刺激上调Cyclin D1的表达,但随着时间延长上调作用呈逐渐减弱,两组Cyclin D1最高表达量均出现在12h。高糖处理组Cyclin D1表达量低于正常对照组。qRT-PCR结果显示:高糖处理后,Cyclin D1 mRNA表达呈上调趋势,但随着高糖处理时间延长,上调作用减弱,且在48h处mRNA水平恢复至与对照组同一水平。结论:在角膜上皮细胞创伤愈合过程中,高糖呈负性调节,抑制Cyclin D1蛋白的表达,且与角膜上皮细胞增殖能力下降及凋亡相关。

A nomogram based on age, prostate-specific antigen level, prostate volume and digital rectal examination for predicting risk of prostate cancer

Nomograms for predicting the risk of prostate cancer developed using other populations may introduce sizable bias when applied to a Chinese cohort. In the present study, we sought to develop a nomogram for predicting the probability of a positive initial prostate biopsy in a Chinese population. A total of 535 Chinese men who underwent a prostatic biopsy for the detection of prostate cancer in the past decade with complete biopsy data were included. Stepwise logistic regression was used to determine the independent predictors of a positive initial biopsy. Age, prostate-specific antigen （PSA）, prostate volume （PV）, digital rectal examination （DRE） status, % free PSA and transrectal ultrasound （TRUS） findings were included in the analysis. A nomogram model was developed that was based on these independent predictors to calculate the probability of a positive initial prostate biopsy. A receiver-operating characteristic curve was used to assess the accuracy of using the nomogram and PSA levels alone for predicting positive prostate biopsy. The rate for positive initial prostate biopsy was 41.7% （223/535）. The independent variables used to predict a positive initial prostate biopsy were age, PSA, PV and DRE status. The areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for a positive initial prostate biopsy for PSA alone and the nomogram were 79.7% and 84.8%, respectively. Our results indicate that the risk of a positive initial prostate biopsy can be predicted to a satisfactory level in a Chinese population using our nomogram. The nomogram can be used to identify and counsel patients who should consider a prostate biopsy, ultimately enhancing accuracy in diagnosing prostate cancer.

Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection: An effective and safe therapy for upper gastrointestinal submucosal tumors originating from the muscularis propria layer

AIM To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection(STER) and compare its outcomes in esophageal and cardial submucosal tumors(SMTs) of the muscularis propria(MP) layer.METHODS From May 2012 to November 2017, 173 consecutive patients with upper gastrointestinal(GI) SMTs of the MP layer underwent STER. Overall, 165 patients were included, and 8 were excluded. The baseline characteristics of the patients and SMTs were recorded. The en bloc resection rate, complete resection rate,residual rate, and recurrence rate were calculated to evaluate the effectiveness of STER, and the complication rate was recorded to evaluate its safety. Effectiveness and safety outcomes were compared between esophageal and cardial SMTs.RESULTS One hundred and twelve men and 53 women with a mean age of 46.9 ± 10.8 years were included. The mean tumor size was 22.6 ± 13.6 mm. Eleven SMTs were located in the upper esophagus(6.7%), 49 in the middle esophagus(29.7%), 46 in the lower esophagus(27.9%), and 59 in the cardia(35.7%). Irregular lesions accounted for 48.5% of all lesions. STER achieved an en bloc resection rate of78.7%(128/165) for GI SMTs with an overall complication rate of 21.2%(35/165).All complications resolved without intervention or were treated conservatively without the need for surgery. The en bloc resection rates of esophageal and cardial SMTs were 81.1%(86/106) and 72.1%(42/59), respectively(P = 0.142), and the complication rates were 19.8%(21/106) and 23.7%(14/59), respectively,(P =0.555). The most common complications for esophageal SMTs were gas-related complications and fever, while mucosal injury was the most common for cardial SMTs.CONCLUSION STER is an effective and safe therapy for GI SMTs of the MP layer. Its effectiveness and safety are comparable between SMTs of the esophagus and cardia.

Current application situation of gastrointestinal endoscopy in China

AIM:To study the current application situation of gastrointestinal(GI) endoscopy in China's Mainland.METHODS:From 12 August,2011 to 15 February,2012,draft questionnaires were sent by e-mail to 289 hospital-based GI endoscopy units,including units with three levels(provincial,prefecture and county level) in China's Mainland.All the surveyed GI endoscopy units were state-owned and hospital-based.Proportions were compared using χ 2 tests.Comparisons between groups were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test.A probability of P < 0.05 was considered to represent a statistically significant difference.RESULTS:Based on satisfactory replies,169/279(60.6%) of units were enrolled in the survey,which covered 28 provinces(90.3%,28/31) in China's Mainland.Compared with published survey data,the number of GI endoscopes per unit has increased by nearly three times(from 2.9 to 9.3) in the past decade.About 33 of 169(19.5%) endoscopy units possessed an X-ray machine,which was mainly owned by provincial endoscopy units(43.2%,19/44).Video capsule endoscopes,which were almost unavailable ten years ago,were owned by 20.7%(35/169) of GI endoscopy units.Endoscopic submucosal dissection could be performed by 36.4%(19/44) of the provincial units,which was significantly higher than the prefecture level(9.9%,P < 0.01) and county level(0.0%,P < 0.01) units,respectively.CONCLUSION:Rapid development in GI endoscopy has been made in China's Mainland,and major diagnostic endoscopes and therapeutic endoscopy procedures are predominantly used in large endoscopy units.

Comparison of endoscopic ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in assessment of detailed structures of pancreatic cystic neoplasms

AIM To evaluate the advantages of endoscopic ultrasound(EUS) in the assessment of detailed structures of pancreatic cystic neoplasms(PCNs) compared to computed tomography(CT) and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).METHODS All patients with indeterminate PCNs underwent CT, MRI, and EUS. The detailed information, including size, number, the presence of a papilla/nodule, the presence of a septum, and the morphology of the pancreatic duct of PCNs were compared among the three imaging modalities. The size of each PCN was determined using the largest diameter measured. A cyst consisting of several small cysts was referred to as a motherdaughter cyst. Disagreement among the three imaging modalities regarding the total number of mother cysts resulted in the assumption that the correct number was the one in which the majority of imaging modalities indicated.RESULTS A total of 52 females and 16 males were evaluated. The median size of the cysts was 42.5 mm by EUS, 42.0 mm by CT and 38.0 mm by MRI; there was no significant difference in size as assessed among the three imaging techniques. The diagnostic sensitivity and ability of EUS to classify PCNs were 98.5%(67/68) and 92.6%(63/68), respectively. These percentages were higher than those of CT(73.1%, P < 0.001; 17.1%, P < 0.001) and MRI(81.3%, P = 0.001; 20.3%, P < 0.001). EUS was also able to better assess the number of daughter cysts in mother cysts than CT(P = 0.003); however, there was no significant difference between EUS and MRI in assessing mother-daughter cysts(P = 0.254). The papilla/nodule detection rate by EUS was 35.3%(24/68), much higher than those by CT(5.8%, 3/52) and MRI(6.3%, 4/64). The detection rate of the septum by EUS was 60.3%(41/68), which was higher than those by CT(34.6%, 18/52) and by MRI(46.9%, 30/64); the difference between EUS and CT was significant(P = 0.02). The rate of visualizing the pancreatic duct using EUS was 100%, whereas using CT and MRI it was less than 10%.CONCLUSION EUS helps visualize the detailed structures of PCNs and has many advantages over CT and MRI. EUS is valuable in the diagnosis and assessment of PCNs.

Prostate volume as an independent predictor of prostate ：ancer in men with PSA of 10-50 ng ml-1

Prostate volume （PV） has been shown to be associated with prostate cancer （PCa） detection rates in men with a prostate-specific antigen （PSA） in the ＇grey zone＇ （2.0-10.0 ng ml-1）. However, the PSA ＇grey zone＇ in Asian men should be higher because the incidence of PCa in Asian men is relatively low. Therefore, we evaluated the association between PV and PCa detection rates in men with PSAs measuring 10-50 ng ml-1, Men who underwent a 13-core prostatic biopsy with PV documentation participated in the study. A multivariate stepwise regression was used to evaluate whether the PV at time of prostate biopsy could predict the risk of PCa. The rates of PCa among men in different PSA ranges, stratified by PV medians （〈60 and ≥60 ml）, were calculated. There were 261 men included in the final analysis. PV was the strongest predictor of PCa risk （odds ratio, 0.02; P〈0.001） compared to other variables. The PCa rates in men with PVs measuring 〈60 and ≥ 60 ml in the 10-19.9 ng ml-1 PSA group were 40.6% and 15.1%, respectively, while the rates for men with PSAs measuring 20-50 ng ml- 1 were 65.1% and 26.8%. PV is an independent predictor of PCa in men with PSA measuring 10-50 ng ml-1. In clinical practice, particularly for those countries with lower incidences of PCa, PV should be considered when counselling patients with PSAs measuring 10-50 ng ml-1 regarding their PCa risks.

Improvement of tundish shape and optimization of flow control devices for sequence casting heavy steel ingots

The metallurgical effect of a round tundish used to cast heavy steel ingots in machine works at present was evaluated through water modeling experiments. The flow control devices of the improved oval tundish, which was used instead of the round tundish, had been optimized. The results show that the residence time of the round tundish is short, its inclusion removal efficiency is too low, and it has more dead zones and an unreasonable flow field. Compared with the round tundish, the improved oval tundish with the optimized weir and dam has a better effect： its minimum residence time is prolonged by 38.1 s, the average residence time is prolonged by 233.4 s, its dead volume fraction decreases from 26% to 15%, and the ratio of plug volume fraction to dead volume fraction increases from 0.54 to 1.27. The inclusion removal efficiency also increases by 17.5%.

再次口服缓泻剂与清洁灌肠对普通结肠镜检查肠道准备不充分患者补救效果的对比研究

目的探讨再次口服缓泻剂与清洁灌肠对普通结肠镜检查肠道准备不充分患者的补救效果。方法回顾性分析2018年7月-2019年6月因肠道准备不充分[波士顿肠道准备评分(BBPS)总分<6分或3段结肠中任意一段评分<2分]于当天接受补救措施并继续行结肠镜检查的96例患者的临床资料。其中,采取再次口服2 L聚乙二醇电解质散(PEG)溶液(PEG组)59例,接受人工清洁灌肠37例(灌肠组)。比较两组补救处理后的结肠BBPS评分、肠道准备充分率、盲肠插管时间、息肉检出率、不良反应和患者接受度。结果PEG组全结肠[(7.9±1.8)和(7.1±1.7)分,t=2.17,P=0.033]、右结肠[(2.7±0.8)和(2.2±0.7)分,t=3.12,P=0.002]和横结肠[(2.7±0.8)和(2.3±0.7)分,t=2.50,P=0.014]BBPS评分明显高于灌肠组,肠道准备充分率(93.2%和73.0%,χ^2=7.48,P=0.006)明显高于灌肠组,患者接受度(91.5%和75.7%,χ^2=4.59,P=0.032)明显高于灌肠组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。两组患者左结肠BBPS评分、盲肠插管时间、息肉检出率和不良反应比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论再次口服2 L PEG溶液对普通结肠镜检查肠道准备不充分的补救效果优于清洁灌肠,且具有较好的可接受度。

Random dynamic analysis of vertical train–bridge systems under small probability by surrogate model and subset simulation with splitting

The response of the train–bridge system has an obvious random behavior.A high traffic density and a long maintenance period of a track will result in a substantial increase in the number of trains running on a bridge,and there is small likelihood that the maximum responses of the train and bridge happen in the total maintenance period of the track.Firstly,the coupling model of train–bridge systems is reviewed.Then,an ensemble method is presented,which can estimate the small probabilities of a dynamic system with stochastic excitations.The main idea of the ensemble method is to use the NARX(nonlinear autoregressive with exogenous input)model to replace the physical model and apply subset simulation with splitting to obtain the extreme distribution.Finally,the efficiency of the suggested method is compared with the direct Monte Carlo simulation method,and the probability exceedance of train responses under the vertical track irregularity is discussed.The results show that when the small probability of train responses under vertical track irregularity is estimated,the ensemble method can reduce both the calculation time of a single sample and the required number of samples.

Novel endoscopic papillectomy for reducing postoperative adverse events(with videos)

BACKGROUND Pancreatic adenoma can potentially transform into adenocarcinoma, so it is recommended to be resected surgically or endoscopically. Endoscopic papillectomy is one of the main treatments for papillary adenoma, and bleeding, perforation, and pancreatitis are the most frequent and critical adverse events that restrict its wider use. There is no standard procedure for endoscopic papillectomy yet. The procedure is relevant to postoperative adverse events.AIM To reduce the postoperative adverse event rates and improve patients' postoperative condition, we developed a standard novel procedure for endoscopic papillectomy.METHODS The novel endoscopic papillectomy had two main modifications based on the conventional method: The isolation of bile from pancreatic juice with a bile duct stent and wound surface protection with metal clips and fibrin glue. We performed a single-center retrospective comparison study on the novel and conventional methods to examine the feasibility of the novel method for reducing postoperative adverse events.RESULTS A total of 76 patients, of whom 23 underwent the novel procedure and 53 underwent the conventional procedure, were retrospectively evaluated in this study. The postoperative bleeding and pancreatitis rates of the novel method were significantly lower than those of the conventional method(0 vs 20.75%, P = 0.028, and 17.4% vs 41.5%, P = 0.042, respectively). After applying the novel method, the most critical adverse event, perforation, was entirely prevented, compared to a prevalence of 5.66% with the conventional method. Several postoperative symptoms, including fever, rapid pulse, and decrease in hemoglobin level, were significantly less frequent in the novel group(P = 0.042, 0.049, and 0.014, respectively). Overall, the total adverse event rate of the novel method was lower(0 vs 24.5%, P = 0.007) than that of the conventional method.CONCLUSION Patients who underwent the novel procedure had lower postoperative adverse event rates. This study demonstrates the potential efficacy and safety of the novel endoscopic papillectomy in reducing postoperative adverse events.

Three-dimensional visualization of the functional fascicular groups of a long-segment peripheral nerve

The three-dimensional（3D） visualization of the functional bundles in the peripheral nerve provides direct and detailed intraneural spatial information. It is useful for selecting suitable surgical methods to repair nerve defects and in optimizing the construction of tissue-engineered nerve grafts. However, there remain major technical hurdles in obtaining, registering and interpreting 2D images, as well as in establishing 3D models. Moreover, the 3D models are plagued by poor accuracy and lack of detail and cannot completely reflect the stereoscopic microstructure inside the nerve. To explore and help resolve these key technical problems of 3D reconstruction, in the present study, we designed a novel method based on re-imaging techniques and computer image layer processing technology. A 20-cm ulnar nerve segment from the upper arm of a fresh adult cadaver was used for acetylcholinesterase（ACh E） staining. Then, 2D panoramic images were obtained before and after ACh E staining under the stereomicroscope. Using layer processing techniques in Photoshop, a space transformation method was used to fulfill automatic registration. The contours were outlined, and the 3D rendering of functional fascicular groups in the long-segment ulnar nerve was performed with Amira 4.1 software. The re-imaging technique based on layer processing in Photoshop produced an image that was detailed and accurate. The merging of images was accurate, and the whole procedure was simple and fast. The least square support vector machine was accurate, with an error rate of only 8.25%. The 3D reconstruction directly revealed changes in the fusion of different nerve functional fascicular groups. In conclusion. The technique is fast with satisfactory visual reconstruction.

Mathematical modeling of fluid flow, heat transfer and inclusion transport in a four strand tundish

Mathematical simulation was used for trouble-shooting and optimization. By the mathematical simulation, fluid flow and beat transfer of molten-steel in a four-strand tundish of a billet caster under different conditions （bare tundish and tundish with flow control device） were analyzed, The results showed that （1） the tundish with flow control device （FCD） has an important effect on the fluid pattern and temperature distribution; （2） the unsteady, solving method was used to model the inclusion motions at different time perthds, and it showed that the FCD is advantageous to separate the nonmetallic inclusions. According to the simulation results, the main problem existing in the industry preduction was found, and some helpful rneasurements were executed. Consequently, the large nonmetallic inclusions were separated, and the content of total oxygen was reduced. The qualily of steel was greatly improved.

Incidents and adverse events of endoscopic ultrasoundguided fine-needle aspiration for pancreatic cystic lesions

AIM To evaluate the diagnostic value and safety mainly regarding incidents of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration(EUS-FNA) for pancreatic cystic lesions(PCLs).METHODS A total of 150 consecutive patients with suspected PCLs were prospectively enrolled from April 2015 to November 2016. We finally enrolled 140 patients undergoing EUS-FNA. We compared the diagnostic accuracy of EUS-FNA and pathological diagnosis, which is regarded as the gold standard, for PCLs. Patients undergoing EUS-FNA at least 1 wk preoperatively were monitored for incidents and adverse events to evaluate its safety.RESULTS There were 88(62.9%) women and 52(37.1%) men among 140 patients, with a mean age of 50.1(± 15.4) years. There were 67 cysts located in the head/uncinate of the pancreas and 67 in the body/tail, and 6 patients had at least 1 cyst in the pancreas. There were 75 patients undergoing surgery and 55 undergoing EUS-FNA with interval at least 1 wk before other operations, with 3 patients undergoing the procedure twice. The accuracy of EUS-FNA in differentiating benign and malignant lesions was 97.3%(73/75), while the accuracy of characterizing PCL subtype was 84.0%(63/75). The incident rate was 37.9%(22/58), whereas only 1 AE was observed in 58 cases.CONCLUSION EUS-FNA is effective and safe for diagnosis of PCLs, however procedure-related incidents are common. Caution should be taken in patients undergoing EUSFNA.

Preliminary experience of hybrid endoscopic submucosal dissection by duodenoscope for recurrent laterally spreading papillary lesions

BACKGROUND The management strategies for recurrent ampullary adenoma after endoscopic papillectomy are still controversial.Patients with the recurrent papillary lesions need to receive repetitive endoscopic interventions due to the limitations of conventional endoscopic techniques.AIM To assess the feasibility,efficacy,and safety of hybrid endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)by duodenoscope for recurrent,laterally spreading papillary lesions.METHODS We enrolled two patients with recurrent,laterally spreading,duodenal papillary adenomas with no intraductal extension confirmed by follow-up between March 2017 and September 2018.After marking the resection borders of the lesion using a dual knife,a submucosal cushion was created by injecting a mixture of saline solution,methylene blue,and adrenaline.A total circumferential incision and submucosal excision was performed by dual knife combined with insulated-tip diathermic knife,and then the lesion was ligated and resected using an electric snare.Endoscopic hemostasis was applied during the endoscopic procedures.Moreover,the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)procedures,including selective cannulation and stent implantation of biliary and pancreatic ducts,were performed.Additionally,we performed endoclip closure for mucosal defect after ESD.RESULTS Hybrid ESD using a duodenoscope and biliary and pancreatic stent placement were performed successfully in two patients.The endoscopic size of recurrent papillary lesions was no more than 2 cm.Generally,the average total procedure time was 95.5 min,and the procedure time of ESD and ERCP was 38.5 min and 15.5 min,respectively.No serious complications occurred during the intraoperative and postoperative periods.The histopathological examination revealed tubulovillous adenoma negative for neoplastic extension at the cut margin in both patients.The duodenoscopic follow-up and histopathology of biopsy specimens at 3 mo after ESD showed no residual or recurrent lesions in ampullary areas in both cases.Both cases have been followed up with no recurrence to June 2020.CONCLUSION Hybrid ESD by duodenoscope is technically challenging,and may be curative for recurrent,laterally spreading papillary adenomas<2 cm.It should be performed cautiously in selected patients by experienced endoscopists.

Study on the optimization of the combined blown converter process in Chongqing Iron and Steel Company

The effects of lance height and bottom blown flowrate on the mixed time, the splashing amount, the penetrating depth, and the level fluctuation of an 85 t combined blown converter have been studied using a water model. The results show that the maximal stirring energy is provided to the bath at the top lance height of about 50-100 mm. When the top lance height is in the range ofg0- 110 mm, the splashing amount caused by the top jet can reach the maximal value. The appropriate operational parameters of Chongqing Iron and Steel Company （CISC） converter have been established that the top lance height is 1600-1760 mm and the bottom blowing flowrate is 240-480 Nm^3/h in the primary phase of a heat, 1100-1300 mm and 160-200 Nm^3/h in the second phase, and 1040-1120 mm and 200-350 Nm^3/h in the end phase. Also, the trial shows that the metallurgical result of the studied blow pattern is better than that of the former pattern. At the starting 3-4 min of a heat, the strong splashing is eliminated. 2008 University of Science and Technology Beijing. All rights reserved.

Comparison of ankylosing spondylitis treatment efficacy between distal and proximal point acupuncture combined with drug treatment: a randomized controlled study

Background:Multiple meta-analyses have found that acupuncture combined with drug treatment can effectively improve the efficacy of clinical treatment for ankylosing spondylitis.The efficacy of acupuncture is based on nearby action and/or remote action,and there have been very few studies comparing the efficacy of these two actions in the treatment of active ankylosing spondylitis.Therefore,we designed this study to observe the clinical efficacy of different acupuncture methods combined with drug treatment for ankylosing spondylitis.Methods:Sixty patients with active ankylosing spondylitis were randomized into a test group and a control group.In addition to basic treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and empirical formula of Chinese medicine named heat-clearing,Yin-nourishing,and dehumidifying pills,the test group mainly adopted distal point acupuncture with needles manipulated once every 10 minutes and retained for 30 minutes at each of the nine acupoints,including Houxi(SI3),Shugu(BL65),Siguan(LI4),Quchi(LI11),Yanglingquan(GB34),Shenmai(BL62),Sanyinjiao(SP6),Taixi(KI3),and Zusanli(ST36),for five consecutive days per week(two days of rest per week)for two consecutive weeks.The control group mainly adopted proximal and local point acupuncture with needles manipulated once every 10 minutes and retained for 30 minutes at each of the six acupoints,including Jiaji(EX-B2),Dazhui(DU14),Tianzhu(BL10),Dachangshu(BL25),Shenshu(BL23),and Yaoyangguan(DU3),for five consecutive days per week(two days of rest per week)for two consecutive weeks.Changes between pretreatment and posttreatment ankylosing spondylitis disease activity score,McGill score,and Bath score were evaluated.Results:Ankylosing spondylitis,McGill,and Bath score were lower in both groups with a more significant drop in the test group.After the treatments were discontinued,ankylosing spondylitis,McGill,and Bath scores were lower for the test group compared to those immediately after the two-week treatment.For the control group,ankylosing spondylitis and McGill scores were higher compared to those immediately after the two-week treatment but lower than the pretreatment scores;the Bath score was lower compared to that immediately after the two-week treatment.The differences between the two groups were statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:Though both distal point and proximal point acupuncture combined with drug treatment can improve disease symptoms in patients with ankylosing spondylitis,the distal acupoint group had higher and longer-lasting clinical efficacy.

Mechanism of Qingre Yangyin Chushi Pill in the treatment of gout based on NLRP3/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway

Background:The study was conducted with the interest of exploring the effects of Qingre Yangyin Chushi pill as anti-inflammatory agent in gout treatment based on the NLRP3/GSDMD coke death pathway.Methods:In this study,48 male SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups,namely model group,blank control group(BC),Qingre Yangyin Chushi pill low-dose treatment group(MSD1),medium-dose treatment group(MSD2),high-dose treatment group(MSD3),and colchicine group(PC),with eight members in each group.The BC and model groups were administered with saline twice a day.The MSD1,MSD2,and MSD3 groups were administered with Qingre Yangyin Chushi pill at a dose of 1.8 g·kg^?1,3.6 g·kg^?1,and 7.2 g·kg^?1 twice a day.The colchicine group was administered with a colchicine suspension at a dose of 0.6×10^?3 g kg^?1 twice a day for 7 days.After gavage of animals in each group for 4 days,the rats'ankle joints were injected with sodium urate suspension×3 days to induce a gouty arthritis model.Then,serum and tissue samples were collected on the third and seventh day after gavage.The synovial tissue from the rat ankle joints was taken,and immunohistochemical technique was used to detect NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3),inflammatory bodies,cysteine protease-1(Caspase-1),and Gasdermin-D protein(GSDMD)expression.Image-Pro Plus image analysis system was used to measure the average integrated absorbance and calculate IHS.Integral enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the interleukin 1β(IL-1β)and interleukin 18(IL-18)expression of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α).Western blot was used to detect NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD(ASC)expression levels.Results:After 48 hours of modeling,compared with the PC group,the arthritis indices of the MSD1,MSD2,and MSD3 groups were insignificant(P>0.05).The levels of IL-1β,IL-18,and TNF-αwere lower in the PC and MSD2 groups compared with the BC group.However,compared with the control group,MSD1,MSD2,and PC groups had lower levels of IL-1βand IL-18.Regarding TNF-αlevels(P<0.05);compared with the PC group,the levels of IL-1β,IL-18,and TNF-αin MSD2 decreased more significantly(P<0.05).The levels of NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,ASC,IHS score,and mRNA were lower in the PC and MSD2 groups(P<0.05)compared with the control group.The MSD1 and MSD2 groups had lower levels of NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,ASC protein levels,IHS points,and mRNA levels(P<0.05)compared with the PC group.Moreover,NLRP3,Caspase-1,GSDMD,ASC protein levels,IHS points,and mRNA levels were more reduced in the MSD2 group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Qingre Yangyin Chushi pill can inhibit the activation of the NLPR3 inflammatory complex,reduce the production of GSDMD protein,regulate the occurrence of pyroptosis,reduce the expression of inflammatory factors,and thus reduce arthritis.All these processes are achieved through the NLRP3/GSDMD pathway.

From microelectronics to spintronics and magnonics

In this review,the recent developments in microelectronics,spintronics,and magnonics have been summarized and compared.Firstly,the history of the spintronics has been briefly reviewed.Moreover,the recent development of magnonics such as magnon-mediated current drag effect(MCDE),magnon valve effect(MVE),magnon junction effect(MJE),magnon blocking effect(MBE),magnon-mediated nonlocal spin Hall magnetoresistance(MNSMR),magnon-transfer torque(MTT)effect,and magnon resonant tunneling(MRT)effect,magnon skin effect(MSE),etc.,existing in magnon junctions or magnon heterojunctions,have been summarized and their potential applications in memory and logic devices,etc.,are prospected,from which we can see a promising future for spintronics and magnonics beyond micro-electronics.