Identifying the geographical origin and processing technology of Moyao () on the basis of near-infrared spectroscopy combined with chemometrics.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of Moyao (Myrrh) in the identification of the geographical origin and processing of the products. METHODS: Raw Moyao (Myrrh) and two kinds of Moyao (Myrrh) processed with vinegar from three countries were identified using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy combined with chemometric techniques. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to reduce the dimensionality of the data and visualize the clustering of samples from different categories. A classical chemometric algorithm (PLS-DA) and two machine learning algorithms [K-nearest neighbor (KNN) and support vector machine] were used to conduct a classification analysis of the near-infrared spectra of the Moyao (Myrrh) samples, and their discriminative performance was evaluated. RESULTS: Based on the accuracy, precision, recall rate, and F1 value in each model, the results showed that the classical chemometric algorithm and the machine learning algorithm obtained positive results. In all of the chemometric analyses, the NIR spectrum of Moyao (Myrrh) preprocessed by standard normal variation or Multivariate scattering correction combined with KNN achieved the highest accuracy in identifying the geographical origins, and the accuracy of identifying the processing technology established by the KNN method after first-order derivative pretreatment was the best. The best accuracy of geographical origin discrimination and processing technology discrimination were 0.9853 and 0.9706 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: NIR spectroscopy combined with chemometric technology can be an important tool for tracking the origin and processing technology of Moyao (Myrrh) and can also provide a reference for evaluations of its quality and the clinical use.

Differential metabolite analysis of the pharmacodynamic differences between different ratios of Dahuang ()-Taoren () herb pair.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the material basis of the difference of efficacy of Dahuang (Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei Palmati)-Taoren (Semen Persicae) (DT) drugs with different proportions. METHODS: Samples of different ratios of Dahuang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei Palnati, DH) to Taoren (Semen Persicae, TR) (Group A 1:1, B 2:3, C 3:2) were analyzed based on gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry untargeted metabolomics technique. RESULTS: A total of 240 primary metabolites were detected. Forty-one differential metabolites involved nine differential metabolic pathways, of which four were closely related to the efficacy of DT in the treatment of heat and blood stasis syndrome. These pathways included the biosynthesis of amino acid (phenylalanine tyrosine and tryptophan), flavonoids, unsaturated fatty acids, and the glycolysis/glycogenesis pathway. CONCLUSION: There are significant differences in the efficacy of different ratios of DT drugs, and their optimal ratio for the treatment of heat and blood stasis syndrome should be 1:1.

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 involved in the analgesic effects of total flavonoids extracted from Longxuejie ().

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the analgesic effects of total flavonoids of Longxuejie (Resina Dracaenae Cochinchinensis) (TFDB) and explore the possible analgesic mechanism associated with transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1). METHODS: Whole-cell patch clamp technique was used to observe the effects of TFDB on capsaicin-induced TRPV1 currents. Rat experiments in vivo were used to observe the analgesic effects of TFDB. Western blot and immunofluorescence experiments were used to test the change of TRPV1 expression in DRG neurons induced by TFDB. RESULTS: Results showed that TFDB inhibited capsaicin-induced TRPV1 receptor currents in acutely isolated dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons of rats and the half inhibitory concentration was (16.7 ± 1.6) mg/L. TFDB (2-20 mg/kg) showed analgesic activity in the phase Ⅱ of formalin test and (0.02-2 mg per paw) reduced capsaicin-induced licking times of rats. TFDB (20 mg/kg) was fully efficacious on complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammatory thermal hyperalgesia and capsaicin could weaken the analgesic effects. The level of TRPV1 expressions of DRG neurons was also decreased in TFDB-treated CFA-inflammatory pain rats. CONCLUSION: All these results indicated that the analgesic effect of TFDB may contribute to their modulations on both function and expression of TRPV1 channels in DRG neurons.

Long-term efficacy and safety of Huangqi ()-based Traditional Chinese Medicine in diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the long-term effectiveness of Huangqi (Radix Astragali Mongolici, HQ)-based Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). METHODS: Nine databases were searched to retrieve available randomized controlled trials that compared HQ-based TCM and Western Medicines in the treatment of DPN. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane bias risk tool, and RevMan 5.4 was used for data analysis. The effect estimates of interest were risk ratio (RR), mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: The results from 48 available studies assessing 3759 patients demonstrated that cases administered HQ-based TCM [RR = 1.30, 95% CI (1.21, 1.40), P < 0.000 01] or HQ-based TCM combined with Western Medicines [RR = 1.25, 95% CI (1.19, 1.31), P < 0.000 01] exhibited higher total efficacy rates than individuals who received Western Medicine alone. The results showed that the HQ-based TCM group had decreased Toronto Clinical Scoring System scores [MD =－1.50, 95% CI (－1.83, －1.17), P < 0.000 01], and reduced serum interleukin 6 [SMD = －0.57, 95% CI (－0.87, －0.27), P = 0.0002] and tumor necrosis factors-α levels [SMD = －0.60, 95% CI (－0.95, －0.25), P = 0.0009]. In addition, both HQ-based TCM and HQ-based TCM combined with Western Medicine increased nerve conduction velocity and decreased glycaemia compared with Western Medicine alone. In terms of blood lipids, oxidative stress and adverse drug reactions, there were no significant differences between the HQ-based TCM groups and the Western Medicine control group. CONCLUSION: The current Meta-analysis revealed that HQ-based TCM yields higher efficacy and safety than Western Medicine alone for the treatment of DPN, although further well-designed RCTs are required to validate these findings.

Yemazhui () ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury modulation of the toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa-B/nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 protein signaling pathway and intestinal flora in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of Yemazhui (Herba Eupatorii Lindleyani, HEL) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) and explore its underlying mechanism in vivo. METHODS: The chemical constituents of HEL were analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry method. Then, HEL was found to suppress LPS-induced ALI in vivo. Six-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: control, LPS, Dexamethasone (Dex), HEL low dose 6 g/kg (HEL-L), HEL medium dose 18 g/kg (HEL-M) and HEL high dose 54 g/kg (HEL-H) groups. The model rats were intratracheally injected with 3 mg/kg LPS to establish an ALI model. Leukocyte counts, lung wet/dry weight ratio, as well as myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were determined followed by the detection with hematoxylin and eosin staining, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Besides, to explore the effect of HEL on ALI-mediated intestinal flora, we performed 16s rRNA sequencing analysis of intestinal contents. RESULTS: HEL attenuated LPS-induced inflammation in lung tissue and intestinal flora disturbance. Mechanism study indicated that HEL suppressed the lung coefficient and wet/dry weight ratio of LPS-induced ALI in rats, inhibited leukocytes exudation and MPO activity, and improved the pathological injury of lung tissue. In addition, HEL reduced the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta (IL-1ß) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum, and inhibited nuclear displacement of nuclear factor kappa-B p65 (NF-κBp65). And 18 g/kg HEL also reduced the expression levels of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88, NF-κBp65, phosphorylated inhibitor kappa B alpha (phospho-IκBα), nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 protein (NLRP3), IL-1ß, and interleukin-18 (IL-18) in lung tissue, and regulated intestinal flora disturbance. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, our findings revealed that HEL has a protective effect on LPS-induced ALI in rats, and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting TLR4/ NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway and improving intestinal flora disturbance.

Estimation of size-specific dose estimate (SSDE) of CT scans using an effective diameter electron density.

OBJECTIVE: An assessment of the effective diameter of a patient's body using electron densities of tissues inside the scan area (Deffρe) was proposed to overcome challenges associated with the estimation of water-equivalent diameter (Dw), which is used for size-specific dose estimate (SSDE). The aims of this study were to (1) investigate the Deffρe method in two different forms using a wide range of patient sizes and scanning protocols, and (2) compare between four methods used to estimate the patient size for SSDE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Under IRB approval, a total of 350 patients of varying sizes have been collected retrospectively from the Hospital. The Dw values were assessed over six different CT body protocols: (1) chest with contrast media, (2) chest High-Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) without contrast media, (3) abdomen-pelvis with contrast media, (4) abdomen-pelvis without contrast media, (5) chest-abdomen-pelvis with contrast media, and (6) pelvis without contrast media. A MATLAB-based code was developed in-house to assess the size of each patient using the conventional effective diameter method (Deff), Deffρe by correcting either both the lateral (LAT) and anterior-posterior (AP) dimensions (Deff,LAT+APρe) or LAT only (Deff,LATρe), and Dw at the mid-CT slice of the patient images. RESULTS: The results of Deff,LAT+APρe and Deff,LATρe provided a better estimation for the chest protocols with the averages of absolute percentage difference (PD) values in the range of 3 - 7 % for all patient sizes as compared to the Dw method, whereas the averages of PD values for the Deff method were 9 - 15 %. However, Deff gave a better estimation for Dw values for the other body protocols, with differences of 2 - 4 %, which were lower than those obtained with the Deff,LAT+APρe and Deff,LATρe methods. For the chest protocols, statistically significant differences were found between Deff and the other methods, but there were no significant differences between all the methods for the other scanning protocols. The results show that the correction of both dimensions, LAT and AP, did not improve the accuracy of the Deffρe method, and, for most protocols, Deff,LAT+APρe gave larger range differences compared to those based on correction of the LAT dimension only. CONCLUSION: If the Dw cannot be assessed, the Deff,LATρe method may only be considered for the chest protocols as an alternative approach. The Deff method may also be used for all regions taking into account the application of a correction factor for the chest protocols to avoid a significant under or overestimation of the patient dose.

Efficacy of bioactive compounds of Chaihu () on glaucomatous optic atrophy through interleukin-6/hypoxia inducible factor-1α signal pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the bioactive compounds of Chaihu (Radix Bupleuri Chinensis) (RB) on glaucomatous optic atrophy (GOA), and to study the pharmacological mechanism. METHODS: We collected information on the bioactive compounds of RB from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). Targets related to bioactive compounds and GOA were also obtained. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and network analyses were performed to investigate the potential mechanism of RB against GOA. Subsequently, the main bioactive compounds of RB and targets of GOA were docked by Autodock software. Moreover, a GOA model of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) induced by cobalt chloride was established to verify the effect of RB on GOA. RESULTS: There were 17 main bioactive compounds and 46 key targets were screened as potential players in GOA. The compound-target network mainly contained 17 compounds and 46 corresponding targets, and the key targets consisted of interleukin-6 (IL-6), hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF1A), Caspase-3, estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1), MYC proto-oncogene (MYC), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA). Forty-nine significantly enriched GO terms, and 134 KEGG signaling pathways were identified (P < 0.05), including HIF-1, tumor necrosis factor, VEGF, prolaction, and other signaling pathways. Molecular docking results showed that the main bioactive compounds of RB exhibited the strongest binding activity with IL-6. Furthermore, experimental validation showed that the RB extract inhibited the activity and promoted apoptosis of RGCs in a dose-dependent manner. The RB extract also suppressed the expression of Bax, Caspase-3, and Caspase-9 and regulated malonaldehyde, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxide by inhibiting the IL-6/HIF-1α signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provided insights into the mechanism of RB on GOA. RB mainly reverses GOA by inhibiting the IL-6/HIF-1α signaling pathway.

Active compounds of Caodoukou () inhibit the migration, invasion and metastasis of human pancreatic cancer cells by targeting phosphoinosmde-3-kinase/ protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To detect the effects of active compounds of Caodoukou () (ACAK) on the proliferation, migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer, and explain the possible molecular mechanism of ACAK interacting with these processes. METHODS: Cell counting kit-8 method, cell scratch repair experiment, Transwell migration and invasion experiment, immunohistochemistry, western blot assay and real-time polymerase chain reaction experiment were used to evaluate the effect of ACAK on the proliferation, migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells. The levels of active molecules involved in the phosphoinosmde-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signal transduction were detected by Western blot assay. In addition, the function of ACAK was evaluated by xenotransplantation tumor model in nude mice. RESULTS: The inhibitory effect of ACAK on the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells showed certain time-dose dependence. The results of scratch repair test, Transwell test, Western blotting and real time polymerase chain reaction assay showed that ACAK could inhibit the migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells . In addition, the regulatory effect of ACAK on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is partly attributed to PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. The experimental results showed that ACAK regulated the development of pancreatic cancer. CONCLUSIONS: ACAK can partly inhibit the activity of EMT and matrix metallopeptidases by down-regulating the downstream proteins of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal pathway, thus inhibiting the ability of migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer.

Effectiveness of Fuling () and its extracts against spleen deficiency in rats tonifying spleen.

OBJECTIVE: To observe and explore the effect of Fuling () in alleviating the spleen deficiency symptom pattern (SDSP). METHODS: We established an animal model of SDS in Sprague-Dawley () rats by treating them with deficiency-inducing factors, including irregular feeding and tail clamping. Mice were administered Fuling () and its extracts (raw/cooked powder, aqueous/alcohol extract) by gavage once a day for 21 d. The body weight, rectal temperature, and spleen and thymus organ coefficients were calculated. The levels of motilin (MTL), gastrin (GAS), aquaporin 2 (AQP2), interleukin 2 (IL-2), IL-4, and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the serum and the level of AQP2 in the kidneys were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Fuling () and its extracts did not change the body weight, rectal temperature, and organ coefficients of the spleen and thymus. However, it reduced the levels of MTL and GAS and increased the levels of IL-2 and AQP2. In addition, the levels of IL-4 and 5-HT showed no significant alteration. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested the crucial function of () in SDSP, especially promoting digestive function and water metabolism.

Mechanism underlying Fanmugua () leaf multicomponent synergistic therapy for anemia: data mining based on hematopoietic network.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the underlying mechanism of Fanmugua (Fructus Caricae) Leaf (CPL) multicomponent synergistic therapy for anemia. METHODS: The components were identified in the literature. Six databases were searched for targets of CPL. Enrichment analysis was used to determine the targets associated with anemia and in bone marrow. Based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database, pathways and targets related to hematopoiesis were obtained. The key targets were obtained by protein-protein interaction analysis. Molecular docking was used to analyze the binding ability of key targets and active components. Bone marrow cells were used as an experimental model to verify the drug efficacy. RESULTS: A total of 139 components and 1868 targets of CPL were retrieved from the literature. By disease enrichment analysis, 543 targets for hemorrhagic anemia, 223 targets for aplastic anemia, and 126 targets for sickle cell anemia were obtained. Target organ enrichment yielded 27, 29, and 20 targets of bone marrow. Based on KEGG pathway enrichment, a total of 47 shared hematopoietic pathways and 42 related targets were found. The key targets were vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), interleukin 10 (IL-10), platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM1), C-C motif chemokine 2 (CCL2), and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1). The CPL active components included ursolic acid, quercetin, and hesperidin. The expression of VEGFA was significantly increased after CPL treatment. Quercetin and ursolic acid acted on VEGFA. Quercetin and Hesperidin acted on VCAM1. Quercetin acted on IL-10, CCL2, VCAM1, and VEGFA. Cell experiments revealed that CPL could promote the proliferation and migration of bone marrow cells. CONCLUSIONS: CPL has the synergistic efficacy of treating anemia through multiple components, targets, and pathways.

Gouqizi () seed oil reduces D-galactose induced inflammation in testis of rats Janus kinase 1/signal transducerand activator of transcription 1/nuclear factor-κB and.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of Gouqizi () seed oil (FLSO) on D-gal induced inflammation in testis of rats and . METHODS: In aging Sertoli cells (TM4 cells) induced by D-galactose (D-gal), the expression of upregulated aging-related proteins. The number of cells counted by cell counting kit (CCK)-8 assay showed a high number of cells disposed with FLSO at 50, 100 and 150 µg/mL compared to that for the aging model. , male Sprague-Dawley rats ( = 50, 8-week-old, 230-255 g) were randomly categorized into control, aging model, and FLSO (low-, medium-, and high-dose) groups. The expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and its upstream factors [Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) and signal transducerand activator of transcription 1 (STAT1)] was detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence, related inflammatory factors quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Evaluation of testicular tissue by Johnsen score, the spermatogenic function was explored. RESULTS: The expression of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) ( < 0.05), IL-6 ( < 0.001), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) ( < 0.05) was decreased significantly, while that of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) ( < 0.001) and IL-10 ( < 0.05) was increased in cells disposed with FLSO 100 µg/mL. FLSO inhibited the expression of NF-B and declined p-p65/p65 ( < 0.01), as detected by Western blotting. In, the levels in serum of IL-1ß ( < 0.001), IL-6 ( < 0.05), and TNF-( < 0.01) declined while IL-10 ( < 0.05) was upregulated post-FLSO treatment. In addition, the expression of JAK-1 and STAT1 increased significantly in testicular tissue of rats treated with FLSO as compared to the aging model of rats ( < 0.001), while the expression of NF-κB ( < 0.001) declined in the testis in the FLSO group, as assessed by immunofluorescence. The levels of inhibor B and testosterone in serum both increased (< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this study determined the protective effects of FLSO to tolerate inflammatory injury in the testis, indicating that FLSO alleviates inflammation JAK-1/STAT1/NF-κB pathway.

Yinyanghuo () and its components for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: preclinical evidence and possible mechanisms.

OBJECTIVE: To integrate Meta-analysis and bioinformatics strategies in the preliminary exploration of the potential mechanism of Yinyanghuo () and its extract in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: First, Meta-analysis was carried out. The Chinese and English literature of Yinyanghuo () in treating COPD was searched using the systematic strategy of combining subject words with free words. The included studies were evaluated by the SYRCLE risk bias assessment tool, after which the review manager software was used to combine the effect quantities for statistical analysis. Then, based on bioinformatics technology, the active ingredients and their targets of Yinyanghuo () were screened, and the intersection genes were obtained by mapping and comparing with the targets of COPD. The "medicinal materials-compounds-targets model" was constructed, and the key pathways were annotated. Finally, the core target was docked with important compounds. RESULTS: A total of 8 studies were included in the Meta-analysis. The results showed that the Yinyanghuo (Herba Epimedii Brevicornus) group could significantly down-regulate pro-inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-8 and increase the expression of anti-inflammatory factors and antioxidant factors such as IL-10 and phospho-protein kinase B (p-AKT) in the COPD model (all P < 0.05). A total of 23 active components and 102 corresponding target genes of Yinyanghuo (Herba Epimedii Brevicornus) were obtained by bioinformatics technology, among which 17 compounds and 63 targets were closely related to COPD. The results of enrichment analysis mainly included TNF signaling pathway, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway, cancer signaling pathway, and other inflammatory reactions, oxidative stress, and tumor-related pathways. The molecular docking results showed that the binding energy fractions of the top five components of 24-epicampesterol with 10 core targets such as IL-6 were all less than ï¹£5.0 kcal/mol, suggesting good binding ability. CONCLUSIONS: Meta-analysis and bioinformatics results indicated that the therapeutic effect of Yinyanghuo () and its components on COPD might be related to antagonizing inflammation and oxidative stress. The above findings provide a preliminary basis for the development of Yinyanghuo () as a natural drug for preventing and treating COPD.

Efficacy of active ingredients in Qingdai on ulcerative colitis: a network pharmacology-based evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the protective effect of Qingdai (, QD) on ulcerative colitis (UC) by means of and approaches. METHODS: A systems pharmacology analysis was per-formed to predict the active components of QD whereas the putative biological targets of QD against UC were obtained through target fishing, network cons-truction and enrichment analyses. Meanwhile, we examined the ameliorative effect of QD in a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. During the 10-day experiment, the control and diseased mice were given with oral gavages of QD (1.3 g raw herbs·kg·d) or 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA, 100 mg·kg·d) every day. The underlying pharma-cological mechanisms of QD in UC were determined using polymerase chain reaction tests, histological staining, enzyme-linked immunoassays, and Western blotting analysis. RESULTS: Searching from various network pharmacology databases, 29 compounds were identified in QD. According to the screening criteria suggested by TCMSP (i.e. OB ≥ 30% and DL ≥ 0.18), nine of them were considered the active ingredients that contribute to the ameliorative effects of QD on different mouse models of colitis. Most importantly, the protective effect of QD on DSS-induced colitis was significantly associated with modulations of the expression levels of glycogen synthase kinase 3-ß (Gsk3-ß) and forkhead box p3 (Foxp3), which are widely considered as important regulators of excessive inflammatory responses. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study provide solid scientific evidence for the use of QD or its core active components in the clinical management of UC.

Efficacy of Qiancao () and Haipiaoxiao (), a traditional Chinese herb pair, on abnormal uterine bleeding in rats with incomplete abortion.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the most effective weight ratio of Qiancao () and Haipiaoxiao () used to produce decoction for the treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) in rats with incomplete abortion, and to study the possible mechanism. METHODS: The models of AUB were established by incomplete drug abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol in pregnant rats. The therapeutic effects of decoctions made by eight different weight ratios of Qiancao () and Haipiaoxiao () were observed. RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed that the most effective weight ratio of Qiancao () and Haipiaoxiao () to treat AUB in this study was 2∶1. CONCLUSION: The insights gained from this study would improve understanding of the mechanisms involved in the effect of Qiancao () and Haipiaoxiao () on AUB.

Studying the nature of ascending-descending-floating-sinking of Chinese medicines based on gonadotropin-releasing hormone.

OBJECTIVE: to explore the nature of ascending-descending-floating-sinking of Traditional Chinese Medicine on normal rats using gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRh). METHODS: Normal male Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered six floating Chinese medicines and seven sinking Chinese medicines for 14 d. then, GnRh and relevant indicators were detected. Initially, the different effects of floating and sinking drugs on the body were explored. To verify the effects of floating and sinking drugs on the body, normal rats were orally administered Mahuang (Herba Ephedra Sinica) and Tinglizi (Semen Lepidii Apetali) for 14 d. Then, GnRh antagonists were administered. We observed the changes of relevant indicators and clarified the correlation between GnRh and the laws of floating and sinking. RESULTS: Floating Chinese medicines significantly increased the testicular coefficients; GnRh level in the serum; the protein level of GnRh receptor (GnRhR) in the testis; and the mRNA levels of androgen receptor (AR), small C-terminal domain phosphatase (SCP) 3, SCP2, SYCE1, SMC1B, SMC3, and Rec8 (P < 0.01 or < 0.05). Sinking Chinese medicines did not react similarly, while GnRh antagonists blocked the regulatory effect of Mahuang (Herba Ephedra Sinica) but did not affect Tinglizi (Semen Lepidii Apetali). CONCLUSIONS: GnRh may be closely related to the nature of ascending-descending-floating-sinking of Chinese medicine. Floating Chinese medicines may promote their medicinal properties by regulating GnRH level; however, sinking Chinese medicines did not affect GnRh level.

Antifungal potential, chemical composition of Chlorella vulgaris and SEM analysis of morphological changes in Fusarium oxysporum.

In pursuit of an environmentally benign fungicide alternative, the current study explored the antifungal activity of Chlorella vulgaris extracts against six plant pathogenic fungi (in vitro). The well diffusion agar method was used to investigate the growth inhibition of Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium sp., Fusarium solani, A. flavus, A. niger, and A. alternata using the three C. vulgaris extracts viz. methanol (CvME), acetone (CvAE), and diethyl ether (CvDE). Different concentrations of CvDE were also investigated against F. oxysporum. The morphological modifications in F. oxysporum treated with CvDE (5 mg/kg) were studied using SEM and the chemical composition of CvDE was also determined by GC-MS analysis. All extracts, with the exception of A. alternata, were found to be effective in inhibiting the growth of plant pathogenic fungi. The CvDE extract, followed by CvME and CvAE, was found to be efficient against tested fungi. The CvDE was most effective against F. oxysporum with a 73.3% growth inhibition. The effects of various CvDE concentrations on F. oxysporum were found to be dosage dependent. The SEM micrograph revealed that CvDE-treated F. oxysporum had substantially less conidia than the control. The CvDE treatment damaged the mycelial structure as well. Major chemical components detected in CvDE were Heptaldehyde (15.7%), Octadecenoic acid, methyl ester (12.6%), Hexadecanoic acid (12%), 3-Decyn-2-Ol (10.98%), (E)-3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadec-2-ene (9.76%), heptadecane-1,2,3,4,5-pentol (8.7%), Docosane, 4-methyl (7.28%).

S-Sulfocysteine - Investigation of cellular uptake in CHO cells.

For the generation of therapeutic proteins in cell culture, high producing clones are used. These clones have a high demand in amino acids to support cell growth and productivity. l-cysteine (Cys) is critical in highly concentrated feeds due to low stability of Cys and low solubility of the oxidation product cystine at neutral pH. S-sulfocysteine (SSC) was developed to substitute the Cys source and fed-batch experiments using SSC showed good cellular performance regarding viable cell density and titer, indicating uptake and metabolization of SSC by Chinese hamster ovary cells. However, the responsible transporter allowing cellular uptake remains unclear and was studied in this work. Due to the structure similarity of SSC with cystine and glutamate, it was proposed that the cystine/glutamate antiporter (xc-) allows cellular uptake of SSC. The uptake was assessed via transporter inhibition using sulfasalazine and transporter overexpression using either sulforaphane or sulforaphane-N-acetylcysteine during fed-batch experiments. Following daily addition of 50 µM and 100 µM sulfasalazine, the extracellular SSC concentration was increased by 65 % and 177 % respectively, suggesting a reduced uptake due to xc- inhibition. In contrast, enhanced transporter activity through 15 µM sulforaphane and sulforaphane-N-acetylcysteine treatment, induced a 60 % and 52 % reduced extracellular SSC concentration, respectively. These inverse uptake results strongly suggest that xc- is facilitating the transport of SSC.

Quantification of the sorption of organic pollutants to minerals via an improved mathematical model accounting for associations between minerals and soil organic matter.

The retention of organic pollutant (OP) in soils is commonly attributed to interactions with soil organic matter (SOM), perhaps overlooking substantial involvement of soil minerals. In this study, 36 soil samples with far-ranging ratios of clay to organic carbon were used to examine contribution of minerals on soil sorption of pentachlorophenol (PCP) and phenanthrene (PHE). Sorption isotherms (n = 216) were fit individually using three typical sorption models, with the most fitted Kd values screened out for quantification of the net mineral contribution to total sorption via development of mathematical model accounting for associations between minerals and SOM. Two mineral-relevant parameters [adsorption distribution coefficient (Kmin) and mineral contribution index (MCI)] were simultaneously defined. Previously reported soil sorption data of PCP, PHE and butachlor (13, 12 and 46, respectively) were also extracted and included to improve the credibility of mathematic model. The average MCI values were calculated as 0.421, 0.405 and 0.512 in PCP, PHE and butachlor treated soils, respectively, very close to or even over than the minerals dominant critical value (0.5). This suggested the significant, or even predominant, contribution of minerals - as compared to SOM. Significant dependence of MCI with four conventional parameters of soil property further offered the possibility to roughly evaluate mineral contributions based on estimated threshold values of soil property parameters (especially TOC). This study provides an accessible approach for predicting the contribution of minerals in soil OP retention, especially highlighting their predominant roles vs. SOM in regulating OP removal in most of subsurface soil or contaminated brownfields where organic carbon content of soil was very low, that was not like what previously believed.

Injury risk assessment based on pre-crash variables: The role of closing velocity and impact eccentricity.

Thorough evaluations on injury risk (IR) are fundamental for guiding interventions toward the enhancement of both the road infrastructure and the active/passive safety of vehicles. Well-established estimates are currently based on IR functions modeled on post-crash variables, such as velocity change sustained by the vehicle (ΔV); thence, these analyses do not directly suggest how pre-crash conditions can be modified to allow for IR reduction. Nevertheless, ΔV can be disaggregated into two contributions which enable its apriori calculation, based only on the information available at the impact instant: the Crash Momentum Index (CMI), representing impact eccentricity at collision, and the closing velocity at collision (Vr). By extensively employing the CMI indicator, this work assesses the overall influence of impact eccentricity and closing velocity on the risk for occupants to sustain a serious injury. As CMI synthesizes indications regarding ΔV, its use can be disjointed from the ΔV itself for the derivation of high-quality IR models. This feature distinguishes CMI from the other eccentricity indicators available at the state-of-the-art, allowing for the contribution of eccentricity on IR to be completely isolated. Because of this element of originality, special attention is given to the CMI variable throughout the present work. Based on data extracted from the NASS/CDS database, the influence of the CMI and Vr variables on IR is specifically highlighted and analyzed from several perspectives. The feature ranking algorithm ReliefF, whose use is unprecedented in the accident analysis field, is first employed to assess importance of such impact-related variables in determining the injury outcome: if compared to vehicle-related and occupant-related variables (as category and age, respectively), the higher influence of CMI and Vr is initially highlighted. Secondly, the relevance of CMI and Vr is confirmed by fitting different predictive models: the fitted models which include the CMI predictor perform better than models which neglect the CMI, in terms of classical evaluation metrics. As a whole, considering the high predictive power of the proposed CMI-based models, this work provides valuable tools for the apriori assessment of IR.

Theory of Fighting the Epidemic with Traditional Chinese Medicine Qigong () Therapy.

Qigong () therapy is an active self-paced exercise therapy and it has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). As early as the mention of it in the Huang Di Nei Jing ( Huangdi's Internal Classic), there is a record of using qigong therapy to prevent and treat pestilence. This thesis discusses the idea and methods of qigong therapy in TCM, such as daoyin (), expiration and inspiration, and meditation. These methods purpose to have the functions of strengthening and consolidating the primordial qi, improving health conditions, and resisting pestilent qi. Therefore, the core idea of fighting the epidemic with qigong therapy is to enhance the healthy qi, and to prevent the intrusion of pestilent qi into the human body. It embodies the TCM thought of "when there is sufficient healthy qi inside the body, the evil cannot invade the body."