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Energy security is a critical component of national security and a prerequisite for the green and low-carbon transition of the energy system. The concept of energy security has broadened from a traditional focus on fossil fuel supply to include the stable supply and sustainable utilization of energy resources. This study constructs a new energy security assessment framework targeting green and low-carbon transition, analyzing the evolution of energy security in 18 countries worldwide. The findings are as follows: (1) within a diversified evaluation system aligned with green and low-carbon objectives, energy security has significantly improved in countries with limited oil and gas resources, such as the United Kingdom, Japan, and China. Conversely, the dominant position of countries like the United Arab Emirates and Russia in the international energy market has been reduced. Continued development in renewable energy will reinforce this trend. (2) A strong positive correlation exists between energy security and sustainable development levels in the context of a green and low-carbon transition. Countries with higher sustainability levels have greater advantages in the energy transition process. (3) Sensitivity analysis reveals that although fossil fuel supply remains a key factor in energy security, the importance of diversified supply and sustainable utilization has significantly increased. Therefore, it is recommended that China seize the transition opportunity by leveraging China’s resource advantages in renewable energy, enhancing the energy governance system, and focusing on sustainable development. These actions will improve energy security and support China in increasing its influence and proactivity in the international energy market.

The trajectory prediction model of traditional weapon control algorithm cannot effectively predict the complex trajectory of drones. Besides, the single UAV is usually considered in current research on complex trajec-tory prediction, which has huge amount of calculation. To predict the trajectory of UAV drone swarm quickly and accurately, a method of trajectory prediction for UAVs is proposed. After obtaining the trajectory of drone swarm,the clustering is conducted firstly based on DBSCAN(density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise)method to judge the category of each UAV in drone swarm. Then the trajectory complexity of UAV is judged based on fractal algorithm. Finally, Kalman filter is used for simple trajectory prediction, and the long short-term memory (LSTM) network method is used for complex trajectory prediction. The results show that the prediction error of the proposed trajectory prediction method for UAVs is less than that of Kalman filter, and the prediction time is less than that of LSTM network method, which can predict the trajectory of different swarm UAVs in drone, and provide scientific basis for anti-UAV swarm calculation.

Objective To investigate the mechanism of matrine inhibiting the proliferation and migration of thyroid cancer cell line TPC-1 through down-regulated miRNA-182-5p TPC-1. Methods TPC-1 cells were transfected after 24 hours with 0.5 mg/mL matrine or without 0.5 mg/mL matrine, the experiments were divided into: inhibitor-NC, inhibitor against miR-182-5p (inhibitor), mimic-NC, miRNA-182-5p-mimics, mimic-NC+matrine and miR-182-5p- mimics+matrine. miR-182-5p, E-cadherin, N-cadherin and vinmentin gene were detected by PCR. TPC-1 cells proliferation and migration were detected using CCK-8 and Transwell assay. The expression of E-cadherin、N-cadherin and vinmentin protein was determined by Western blot. Results Compared with Nthy-ori3-1 (NT), miR-182-5p was highly expressed in TPC-1 cells (P＜0.01); down-regulation to the expression of miRNA-182-5p inhibited the proliferation and migration of TPC-1 cells (P＜0.01); Compared to the 0 mg/mL matrine group, 0.5 mg/mL matrine significantly reduced the miR-182-5p level (P＜0.05) and inhibited proliferation, migration of TPC-1 cells and also reduced N-cadherin and vinmentin expression but increased E-cadherin expression in TPC-1 cells (P＜0.01); Over-expression of miR-182-5p partly abolished the matrine-inhibited proliferation and migration of TPC-1 cells and the increased E-cadherin expression, decreased miR-182-5p,N-cadherin and vinmentin expression (P＜0.01). Conclusions Matrine is a potential therapeutic drug for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and miR-182 may be an effective target for the treatment of PTC.

The integrated sintering of low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) substrate and silicon-aluminum shell has mature and extensive applications in aerospace T/R module industry. However, it is inevitable to face the reparation of some LTCC substrates due to unqualified properties of the module in practical production. The failure reasons of LTCC substrate were analyzed in this paper. It was advised that the interspace between different LTCC substrates should be 0.1 mm above for the modules with multiple closely-arrayed substrates. It is better to prepare the nickel coating by electroless nickel plating prior to nickel electroplating for silicon-aluminum shells to be repaired, and the thickness of electroplated nickel coating should be more than 2 µm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to use the byproducts of the soybean processing process fully the waste residues were used to prepare the cellulose film after polysaccharide was extracted by ammonium oxalate and sodium citrate and the performance of two cellulose films were tested and analyzed.Contact angle test results show that the contact angle of the ACF rapidly changes from 62.79 ° to 59.35 ° with the rate of decline of 5.48%.Whereas the contact angle of the SCF changes from 76.83 ° to 72.69 ° with the rate of decline of 5.39%.The ACF is more hydrophilic.The results of FTIR spectrum show that there is a little protein in the fiber.The results of scanning electron microscope show that the surface of ACF is rough and has many micropores, while the surface of sodium SCF is smooth and has few microspores and large area of layer accumulation. The thermogravimetric study shows that the initial decomposition temperature of ACF and SCF is about 220, the final decomposition temperature of ACF is about 540, while the SCF is about 480 which is 11.1% lower than that of ACF. Light transmittance analysis shows that the transmittance of SCF is higher than ACF at 200-1 000 nm the cellulose films have the highest light transmittance at 1 000 nm.The light transmittance of the SCF is 12%the light transmittance of the ACF is 7.96% so the overall performance of SCF is better than ACF. The results provide technical support for the preparation of plant cellulose films with renewable degradationwhite pollution mitigation and environment protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to understand the effect of exocarp removal on the seed germination and seedling growth of Ardisia violacea which was a rare and endangered plant, two treatments, peeled and unpeeled, were set up with four replicates to study the seed germination and growth traits of Ardisia violacea. The results showed that the emergence time of the unpeeled seeds of Ardisia violacea was delayed by 19 days, which was significantly later than that of the peeled seeds (P<0. 05) ; The seed emergence rate was 70. 3% - 75. 6 %, and there was no significant difference between the unpeeled and peeled seeds (P> 0. 05) ; The growth of Ardisia violacea seedlings showed an "S-shaped" curve of "slow-fast-slow". By the end of the growth, the plant height, ground diameter, leaf length and leaf width were respectively in the range of 5. 32 to 5. 34 cm, 0. 12 to 0. 13 cm, 4. 40 to 4. 96 cm, 2. 08 to 2. 12 cm, and the number of leaves ranged from 13. 4 to 14. 8, so there was no significant difference between the unpeeled and peeled treatments (P>-0. 05). In conclusion, the existence of pericarp had no significant effect on the germination and seedling growth of Ardisia violacea, and the seedlings could be directly sown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An artificial ligament tensile and torsion fatigue testing device was designed aiming at the implant failure of artificial ligaments due to stretching and torsion in vivo. The device was composed of a computer, a fabric strength tester, a mechanical sensor, an upper clamping device and a torsion fatigue device component that simulates the shear load of the anterior cruciate ligament of the human body. Two self-made artificial ligaments with braiding structures were used for tensile and torsion fatigue testing to verify the feasibility of the device. The results indicate that the apparent morphology of the artificial ligament is partially altered after fatigue loading and that fiber dislocation due to the torsional shear loading may cause postoperative complications, in addition to a loss of tensile and elastic recovery properties of the artificial ligament. The device has good simulation and testing stability, which can provide guidance for the research and development, industrialization and clinical use of the artificial ligament. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical constituents from the ethanol extract of Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora were isolated and purified by column chromatography. Their structures were identified by HR-MS, 1D and 2D-NMR, and their cytotoxicity was assessed by CCK-8 assay. Four compounds were isolated and identified as follows: 2β-D-glucosyloxy-3β,16α,20β-trihydroxy-9-methyl-19-norlanosterol-5,25-diene-22-one(1), 2β-D-glucosyloxy-3β,16α,20β-trihydroxy-9-methyl-19-norlanosta-5,24-diene-22-one(2), 25-acetoxy-2β-glucosyloxy-3β,16α,20β-trihydroxy-9-methyl-19-norlanosta-5-ene-22-one(3) and 25-acetoxy-2β-glucosyloxy-3β,16α,20β-trihydroxy-9-methyl-19-norlanosta-5,23-(E)-diene-22-one(4). Compound 1 represents a new cucurbitane glycoside. The half inhibitory concentrations of the 4 compounds exceeded 100 μmol·L~(-1) against four tumor cell lines, indicating no significant cytotoxicity.

Objectives: To observe the effect of catgut embedding at "Feishu"(BL13), "Dingchuan" (EX-B1) and "Danzhong" (CV17) on expression of phosphorylated p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p-p38 MAPK), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and changes of airway epithelial cells (AEC) in the lung tissue of bronchial asthma (BA) rats, so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of BA., Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly and equally divided into blank control, model, dexamethasone (DEX) and catgut embedding groups. The BA model was established by intraperitoneal injection of suspension of ovalbumin and aluminum hydroxide. Rats of the DEX group received intraperitoneal injection of DEX (1.5 mg/kg), once daily for 2 weeks, and those of the catgut embedding group received catgut embedding at BL13, EX-B1 and CV17 only one time. The rats' sneezing times per miniute in each group were recorded. H.E. staining was used to observe the histopathological changes of the lung tissue under light microscope. A transmission electron microscope (TEM) was used to observe the ultrastructural changes of AEC in the lung tissue, including the thickness of bronchial wall and bronchial smooth muscle by using an image analysis software. The protein expressions of p-p38 MAPK, IL-4 and INF-γ in the lung tissue were determined using Western blot., Results: Morphological observation revealed that in the model group, light microscope showed deformed and swollen bronchial tube wall with increased folds and thickened bronchial smooth muscle；and TEM showed a large number of autophagy vesicles containing swollen and deformed organelles in the AEC, and apparent reduction of intracellular mitochondria, these situations were obviously milder in both DEX and catgut embedding groups. Compared with the blank control group, the sneezing times, thickness of bronchial wall and bronchial smooth muscle in the model group were significantly increased ( P <0.01), and the expressions of p-p38 MAPK and IL-4 in lung tissue were significantly increased ( P <0.01), while the expression of IFN-γ was significantly decreased ( P <0.01) in the model group. In comparison with the model group, the sneezing times, thickness of bronchial wall and bronchial smooth muscle, protein expressions of p-p38 MAPK and IL-4 were significantly decreased ( P <0.01), while the expression of IFN-γ was obviously increased ( P <0.01) in both the DEX and catgut embedding groups., Conclusions: Acupoint catgut embedding can reduce the expression of IL-4 and increase the expression of IFN-γ by inhibiting p38 MAPK signal pathway of lung tissues in BA rats, which may contribute to its effect in alleviating the degree of airway epithelial cells damage.

The paper explores the evolution of "bone-approaching" acupuncture, its effect target and mechanism. The concrete operation procedure of "bone-approaching" method is recorded originally in Huangdi Neijing (Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor) as short needling and Shu needling (referring to the category of the five needling technique). The periosteum is the most effective stimulation target of "bone-approaching" acupuncture for analgesia, regaining consciousness and regulating spirit. The "bone-approaching" acupuncture is not only prominently effective on bone bi syndrome, but also has the unique effect on painful, encephalogenic and emotional diseases. The paper summarizes and improves "bone-approaching" acupuncture, i.e. "touching bone surface" with needle tip by slow insertion, "touching bone surface" without pain by swift insertion and "touching bone" with needle body by oblique insertion. It contributes to the inheritance, development and supplementation to the bone needling techniques in Huangdi Neijing and is significant for broadening the clinical application range of acupuncture.

Purpose: To measure the wall width in mandibular second molars with C-shaped canals before and after root canal therapy using cone-beam CT(CBCT)., Methods: A total of 55 mandibular second molars from 38 patients which met the criteria for inclusion at Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University from January 2020 to July 2021 were analyzed．From this sample, ten teeth had been treated, while another 45 of them not. CT images of the teeth were reestablished by Mimics software 20.0. Then we made a section every 1mm perpendicular to the long axis of the teeth from apex to pulp floor. The first slice from apex to pulp chamber was named the slice 1. Along the slice 1 to crown 1 mm was called slice 1, and so forth. The wall thickness at different locations of all the slices was measured. The data was entered into SPSS 20.0 software package for analysis., Results: Regardless of whether the teeth were treated or not, both the mesial and distal canal walls' average width were thicker than 1mm in all slices. At the same time, the mesial and distal canal walls' width were thicker than the width of buccal and lingual canal walls in all the slices from C-shaped root canal, except slices which were near pulp chamber(P＜0.05). As for the C-shaped root canals without root canal therapy, the width of lingual wall in the slice 1 to 4, as well as apex third root, was thinner than 1 mm. The width of buccal canal wall was thicker than the width of lingual canal wall in all slices except slice 11 and 12. As for the C-shaped root canals with root canal therapy, the width of buccal canal wall in slice 1 to 5, equivalent of apex half root, and the width of lingual wall in the slice 1 to 7, amount to apex two-thirds of root, was thinner than 1 mm. The width of buccal canal wall was thicker than the width of lingual wall in all slices except slice 1 and 9. There was no significant difference between the distal canal walls' width of C-shaped canals with and without root canal therapy(P＞0.05) . There was significant difference between the buccal canal walls' width of C-shaped canals with and without root canal therapy, as same as the mesial canal walls' width and the width of lingual canal wall (P＜0.05)., Conclusions: The lingual canal walls' width in apex third root of C-shaped root canal were thin before canal preparation. The buccal walls' width in apex half root and the lingual canal walls' in apex two-thirds of root of C-shaped root canal were thin after canal preparation.

This study systematically evaluated the clinical efficacy and safety of Fengliao Changweikang prescription for treating acute gastroenteritis(AGE). The databases of CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, Medline, Cochrane Library and two clinical trial registration platforms were retrieved from inception to August 30, 2022, to collect randomized controlled trial(RCT) on Fengliao Changweikang prescription treating AGE. Two researchers independently conducted literature screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment according to pre-established inclusion and exclusion criteria. RevMan 5.4.1 was used for data analysis. Finally, 18 RCTs were included, involving 3 489 patients. Meta-analysis showed that compared with conventional western medicine, Fengliao Changweikang prescription improved the relief rate of abdominal pain(RR=1.27, 95%CI[1.17, 1.38],P&lt;0.000 01); Fengliao Changweikang prescription + conventional western medicine increased the cure rate(RR=1.43, 95%CI[1.12, 1.82], P=0.004), shortened the duration of diarrhoea(RR=-1.65, 95%CI[-2.44,-0.86], P&lt;0.000 1), abdominal pain(RR=-1.46, 95%CI[-2.00,-0.92], P&lt;0.000 01), vomiting(RR=-2.16, 95%CI[-2.51,-1.81], P&lt;0.000 01) and fever(RR=-2.61, 95%CI[-4.00,-1.23], P=0.000 2), down-regulated the level of interleukin-8(IL-8)(RR=-1.07, 95%CI[-1.26,-0.88], P&lt;0.000 01), IL-6(RR=-8.24, 95%CI[-8.99,-7.49], P&lt;0.000 01) and hypersensitive C-reactive protein(hs-CRP)(RR=-3.04, 95%CI[-3.40,-2.69], P&lt;0.000 01) and recurrence of AGE(RR=0.20, 95%CI[0.05, 0.90], P&lt;0.04). In conclusion, Fengliao Changweikang prescription was safe in clinical application. It was beneficial to alleviate the clinical symptoms of diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever, and down-regulate the levels of some serum inflammatory factors in AGE patients. However, considering that few high-quality studies have evaluated the efficacy and safety of Fengliao Changweikang prescription in treatment of AGE, further evidence is needed in the future.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Biling Weitong Granules in the treatment of stomach ache disorder. Randomized controlled trial(RCT) of Biling Weitong Granules in the treatment of digestive diseases with stomach ache disorder as the primary symptom was retrieved from Chinese and English electronic databases and trial registration platforms from database inception to June 10, 2022. Two investigators conducted literature screening and data extraction according to the screening criteria. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool(v 2.0) was used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. Analyses were performed using RevMan 5.4 and R 4.2.2, with summary estimates measured using fixed or random effects models. The primary outcome indicators were the visual analogue scale(VAS) scores and stomach ache disorder symptom scores. The secondary outcome indicators were clinical recovery rate, Helicobacter pylori(Hp) eradication rate, and adverse reaction/events. Twenty-seven RCTs were included with a sample size of 2 902 cases. Meta-analysis showed that compared with conventional western medicine treatments or placebo, Biling Weitong Granules could improve VAS scores(SMD=-1.90, 95%CI[-2.18,-1.61], P&lt;0.000 01), stomach ache disorder symptom scores(SMD=-1.26, 95%CI[-1.71,-0.82], P&lt;0.000 01), the clinical recovery rate(RR=1.85, 95%CI[1.66, 2.08], P&lt;0.000 01), and Hp eradication rate(RR=1.28, 95%CI[1.20, 1.37], P&lt;0.000 01). Safety evaluation revealed that the main adverse events in the Biling Weitong Granules included nausea and vomiting, rash, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and bitter mouth, and no serious adverse events were reported. Egger's test showed no statistical significance, indicating no publication bias. The results showed that Biling Weitong Granules in the treatment of digestive system diseases with stomach ache disorder as the primary symptom could improve the VAS scores and stomach ache disorder symptom scores of patients, relieve stomach ache disorder, and improve the clinical recovery rate and Hp eradication rate, with good safety and no serious adverse reactions. However, the quality of the original studies was low with certain limitations. Future studies should use unified and standardized detection methods and evaluation criteria of outcome indicators, pay attention to the rigor of study design and implementation, and highlight the clinical safety of the medicine to provide more reliable clinical evidence support for clinical application.

Purpose: To investigate the possible role of circRASA2 in periodontitis and its potential regulatory mechanism., Methods: Periodontitis cell model was established by lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced periodontal ligament cells(PDLCs). Cell proliferation activity was detected by CCK-8 assay, cell migration ability was detected by Transwell chamber assay, and the expression of osteogenic differentiation-related proteins in cells was detected by Western blot. The target miRNA of circRASA2 and its downstream target genes were predicted using the databases circinteractome and starBase, respectively, and the targeting relationship between the target genes was verified by dual-luciferase reporter gene experiment. GraphPad Prism 8.0 software package was used to analyze the data., Results: circRASA2 was highly expressed in LPS-treated PDLCs cells. LPS-induced PDLCs cell proliferation activity, migration ability and osteogenic differentiation ability decreased, while knockdown of circRASA2 promoted proliferation, migration and osteogenic differentiation ability of PDLCs under LPS treatment. circRASA2 targeted and negatively regulated the expression of miR-543, and overexpression of miR-543 promoted proliferation, migration and osteogenic differentiation of PDLCs under LPS treatment. TRAF6 was a downstream target gene of miR-543, knockdown of circRASA2 down-regulated the expression of TRAF6 through the sponge action of miR-543. Overexpression of TRAF6 reversed the promotion of circRASA2 knockdown on proliferation, migration and osteogenic differentiation of PDLCs., Conclusions: circRASA2 accelerated the pathological process of periodontitis in vitro through miR-543/TRAF6 axis, and might improve periodontitis by targeting down the expression of circRASA2.

To provide proof of the evidence-based medicine and decision-making information for the clinical decision of functional gastrointestinal disorders(FGIDs), this study evaluated and compared the efficacy, safety, and economy of four oral Chinese patent medicines(CPMs) in the treatment of FGIDs using the method of rapid health technology assessment. The literature was systematically retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, EMbase, PubMed, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov from the establishment of the databases to May 1, 2022. Two evaluators screened out the literature, extracted data, evaluated the quality of the literature, and descriptively analyzed the results according to the prepared standard. Eventually, 16 studies were included, all of which was rando-mized controlled trial(RCT). The results showed that Renshen Jianpi Tablets, Renshen Jianpi Pills, Shenling Baizhu Granules, and Buzhong Yiqi Granules all had certain effects on the treatment of FGIDs. Renshen Jianpi Tablets treated FGIDs and persistent diarrhea. Shenling Baizhu Granules treated diarrhea with irritable bowel syndrome and FGIDs. Buzhong Yiqi Granules treated diarrhea with irritable bowel syndrome, FGIDs, and chronic diarrhea in children. Renshen Jianpi Pills treated chronic diarrhea. The four oral CPMs all have certain effects on the treatment of FGIDs and have specific advantages for specific patients. Compared with other CPMs, Renshen Jianpi Tablets have higher clinical universality. However, there are problems such as insufficient clinical research evidence, generally low quality of evidence, lack of comparative analysis among medicines, and lack of academic evaluation. More high-quality clinical research and the economic research should be carried out in the future, so as to provide more evidence for the evaluation of the four CPMs.

Objective: To investigate the effects of acupuncture on phosphorylated P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-P38MAPK), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), interferon γ (IFN-γ), and eosinophilic granulocytes (EOS) in lung tissue of asthmatic rats, and to explore the mechanism of acupuncture in regulating the apoptosis of EOS., Methods: Clean-grade male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal, model, dexamethasone and acupuncture groups, 8 rats in each group. The asthmatic model was established by intraperitoneal injection of mixture suspension (1 mL) of 10% ovalbumin and 10% Al(OH)&#95;3+ normal saline, followed by inhalation of atomized 1% ovalbumin solution for 30 min, once daily for 2 weeks to trigger occurrence of asthmatic symptoms. The rats in dexamethasone group were intraperitoneally injected with 0.9 mg/kg dexamethasone since day 15 once a day for two consecutive weeks. In the acupuncture group, bilateral "Feishu" (BL13), "Pishu" (BL20), "Shenshu" (BL23), "Dingchuan" (EX-B1), and "Danzhong" (CV17) were selected for acupuncture treatment once every other day since day 15 for two consecutive weeks. Uniform reinforcing and reducing manipulation was carried out, and the needles were retained for 30 min. The pathological changes of the lung tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The apoptosis of EOS in the lung tissue of rats was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The expression of p-P38MAPK in the lung tissue was detected by Western blot. The protein and mRNA levels of ICAM-1 and IFN-γ in the lung tissue were determined by immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR, respectively., Results: The results of HE staining showed that the pulmonary alveoli and surrounding tissues were intact with no inflammatory cell infiltration in the normal group. The model group showed massive exudation of inflammatory materials and thickened pulmonary interstitium. The dexamethasone group and acupuncture group showed less damage of the alveolar structure and only a small number of inflammatory cells around the airway. Compared with the normal group, the apoptosis rate of EOS in lung tissue was decreased ( P <0.01), the expression levels of p-P38MAPK and ICAM-1 proteins and mRNAs in the lung tissue were up-regulated ( P <0.01), while the expression levels of IFN-γ protein and mRNA in the lung tissue were down-regulated ( P <0.01) in the model group. Compared with the model group, the apoptosis rate of EOS in the lung tissue was increased ( P <0.05), the expression levels of p-P38MAPK and ICAM-1 proteins and mRNAs in the lung tissue were down-regulated ( P <0.01, P <0.05), while the expression levels of IFN-γ protein and mRNA were up-regulated ( P <0.05, P <0.01) in the dexamethasone and acupuncture groups., Conclusion: Acupuncture may inhibit the P38MAPK signaling pathway, down-regulate ICAM-1 expression, and up-regulate IFN-γ expression to promote the apoptosis of EOS and reduce EOS aggregation, thus alleviating the inflammatory response of airway in asthma.

This study evaluated the safety, efficacy, and cost effectiveness of Biantong Capsules(Tablets), Maren Runchang Pills, Qirong Runchang Oral Liquid, and Qihuang Tongmi Soft Capsules in the treatment of constipation by the rapid health technology assessment(RHTA) to provide evidence for clinical decision and references for rapid evaluation of Chinese patent medicine(CPM). CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched for research articles from database inception to February 2022. Two reviewers conducted literature screening, data extraction, and quality evaluation according to the predetermined standards. Descriptive analysis of the results combined with visual charts was performed. Sixty research articles were included, involving 44 randomized controlled trials(RCTs), 7 clinical controlled trials(CCTs), 4 systematic reviews/Meta-analyses, and 5 economic analysis studies. As revealed by the results, Biantong Capsules(Tablets) could be used for postoperative and senile constipation, in which some studies reported Biantong Capsules(Tablets) were superior to Maren Runchang Pills and Qirong Runchang Oral Liquid. Maren Runchang Pills were mainly used for senile constipation, and the efficacy was similar to that of conventional wes-tern medicine, but the cost was low and the compliance of patients was good. Qirong Runchang Oral Liquid was indicated for disease-derived or drug-induced constipation, chronic constipation, and senile constipation with fewer adverse reactions. Qihuang Tongmi Soft Capsules had good efficacy and safety in the treatment of functional constipation. Overall, compared with western medicine glycerine enema and lactulose, the number of clinical studies of the four CMPs was small, but they targeted constipation patients with different subtypes. In conclusion, the four CMPs have their advantages and characteristics in the treatment of constipation, but they are restric-ted by sparse existing evidence, low quality of evidence, and insufficient economic research. In the future, more high-quality and long-term follow-up studies should be carried out to obtain reliable evidence. Meanwhile, it is called for strengthening the economic evaluation of CMPs to provide evidence for decision-making.

Objective: To observe the effect of acupoint catgut embedment(ACE) on expression of p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38MAPK), intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and eosinophils (EOS) in lung tissue of asthmatic rats, so as to explore its mechanism underlying improvement of asthma., Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control, model, ACE and dexamethasone (DEX) groups, with 10 rats in each group. The asthmatic model was established by intraperitoneal injection of mixture suspension (1 mL) of ovalbumin (OVA,10%) and 10% Al (OH) 3 + normal saline, followed by inhalation of atomized 1% OVA solution for 30 min, once daily for 2 weeks to trigger occurrence of asthmatic symptoms. The ACE was applied once to "Feishu" (BL13), "Dingchuan" (EX-B1) and "Danzhong" (CV17). Rats of the DEX group were given intraperitoneal injection of DEX once a day for 2 weeks. H.E. staining was used to evaluate histopathological changes of the lung tissue. The relative number of EOS in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was detected by Wright Giemsa staining. The apoptosis level of EOS in the lung tissue was detected by TUNEL staining. The ultrastructural changes of EOS in the lung tissues were observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). The expression of p38MAPK, ICAM-1 and IL-4 mRNAs in the lung tissue was detected by quantitative real-time PCR., Results: Findings of optical microscope and TEM showed obvious bronchial deformation and inflammatory cell infiltration, rupture of EOS cell membrane, uneven cytoplasm with swelling and uneven density of eosinophilic granules in EOS of the model group, which was relatively milder in the ACE and DEX groups. Compared with the control group, the EOS number in BALF and the expressions of p38MAPK, ICAM-1 and IL-4 mRNAs in the lung tissue were significantly increased ( P <0.01), and the apoptosis index of EOS in the lung tissue was significantly decreased ( P <0.01) in the model group. After intervention, the EOS number in BALF and expression levels of p38MAPK, ICAM-1 and IL-4 mRNAs in the lung tissue of ACE and DEX groups were significantly decreased ( P <0.01, P <0.05), as well as the apoptosis index of EOS in the lung tissue was significantly increased in both ACE and DEX groups ( P <0.01) in comparison with the model group. The EOS number in BALF and expression of ICAM-1 mRNA were significantly lower in the DEX group than those in the ACE group ( P <0.05)., Conclusion: Catgut embedding at acupoints may alleviate the airway inflammatory response in asthma rats, which may be related with its effects in down-regulating p38MAPK signaling, ICAM-1 and IL-4 mRNA expression, reducing the aggregation of EOS, and promoting the apoptosis of EOS.