The evolution of the marine carbonate factory.

Calcium carbonate formation is the primary pathway by which carbon is returned from the ocean-atmosphere system to the solid Earth1,2. The removal of dissolved inorganic carbon from seawater by precipitation of carbonate minerals-the marine carbonate factory-plays a critical role in shaping marine biogeochemical cycling1,2. A paucity of empirical constraints has led to widely divergent views on how the marine carbonate factory has changed over time3-5. Here we use geochemical insights from stable strontium isotopes to provide a new perspective on the evolution of the marine carbonate factory and carbonate mineral saturation states. Although the production of carbonates in the surface ocean and in shallow seafloor settings have been widely considered the predominant carbonate sinks for most of the history of the Earth6, we propose that alternative processes-such as porewater production of authigenic carbonates-may have represented a major carbonate sink throughout the Precambrian. Our results also suggest that the rise of the skeletal carbonate factory decreased seawater carbonate saturation states.

Exploring global research trends in Chinese medicine for atherosclerosis: a bibliometric study 2012-2023.

Background: While Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) boasts an extensive historical lineage and abundant clinical expertise in addressing atherosclerosis, this field is yet to be penetrated adequately by bibliometric studies. This study is envisaged to evaluate the contemporary scenario of TCM in conjunction with atherosclerosis over the preceding decade while also identifying forthcoming research trends and emerging topics via the lens of bibliometric analysis. Methods: Literature pertaining to TCM and atherosclerosis, circulated between January 1, 2012 and November 14, 2023, was garnered for the purpose of this research. The examination embraced annual publications, primary countries/regions, engaged institutions and authors, scholarly journals, references, and keywords, utilizing analytical tools like Bibliometrix, CiteSpace, ScimagoGraphica, and VOSviewer present in the R package. Result: This field boasts a total of 1,623 scholarly articles, the majority of which have been contributed by China in this field, with significant contributions stemming from the China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Moreover, this field has received financial support from both the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the National Key Basic Research Development Program. Wang Yong tops the list in terms of publication count, while Xu Hao's articles take the lead for the total number of citations, positioning them at the core of the authors' collaborative network. The Journal of Ethnopharmacology leads with the most publications and boasts the greatest total number of citations. Principal research foci within the intersection of Chinese Medicine and Atherosclerosis encompass disease characteristics and pathogenic mechanisms, theoretical underpinnings and syndrome-specific treatments in Chinese medicine, potentialities of herbal interventions, and modulation exerted by Chinese medicines on gut microbiota. Conclusion: This analysis offers a sweeping survey of the contemporary condition, principal foci, and progressive trends in worldwide research related to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and atherosclerosis. It further delves into an in-depth dissection of prominent countries, research institutions, and scholars that have made noteworthy strides in this discipline. Additionally, the report analyzes the most cited articles, research developments, and hotspots in the field, providing a reference for future research directions for clinical researchers and practitioners.

Exploring global research status and trends in anti-obesity effects of traditional Chinese medicine through intestinal microbiota: a bibliometric study.

Background: The intestinal microbiota (IM) has been found to contribute to metabolic disorders that lead to excessive fat accumulation, systemic and chronic low-grade inflammation, and insulin resistance in the host. Current research highlights a pivotal interaction between IM and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in mitigating obesity-related diseases. Undeniably, IM stands as a central focus in TCM research aimed at preventing and treating obesity. Therefore, tracing the progress and trends in this field can offer valuable references and insights for future studies. Methods: On June 17, 2023, we conducted a literature search on the topic of "IM and obesity in TCM" spanning the period from 2009 to 2023. We extracted the primary information of the publications, which includes complete records and reference citations, from the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-E) within the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). To visualize and analyze the literature, we utilized CiteSpace and VOSviewer for bibliometric analysis. Results: During the past fifteen years, a rapid increase in the number of publications has been observed. The cooperative networks demonstrate China, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, and Food & Function as the most active countries, organizations, and journals in this field, respectively. Liu Bin has contributed the most publications. A paper by Xu Jia, published in 2014, holds the highest Local Citation Score (LCS). Analyses of keyword co-occurrence and reference co-citation indicate that the research hotspots of IM and obesity in TCM are primarily focused on the metabolic benefits driven by endogenous functional metabolic molecules generated by TCM regulation of IM. Other focal points include the mechanism by which TCM regulates IM to restore the intestinal mucosal barrier This is a provisional file, not the final typeset article, and manages the gut-organ axis, the metabolic advantages of acupuncture's regulation of IM, and the process by which Chinese medicine small molecules transform IM. Conclusion: This research offers a comprehensive understanding of the current status, hotspots, and trends in global TCM research. Additionally, it provides a comprehensive summary and exploration of the latest advancements in this field, thereby emphasizing the essence of TCM more effectively.

[Qingrelishi-category Chinese medicine for chronic prostatitis: a systematic review].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Qingrelishi-category Chinese medicine (for dispelling heat and resolving dampness) in the treatment of chronic prostatitis. METHODS: Randomized clinical trials or controlled clinical trials comparing Qingrelishi with plant america, other herbal medicine and Western medicine in the treatment of chronic prostatitis were identified by electronic and manual retrieval and analysis. The methodological quality of the included trials was assessed and Meta-analysis was performed with Revman 4. 2 software. RESULTS: Forty-four randomized clinical trials or controlled clinical trials (n=5746) were identified. The methodological quality ranked high in three double-blind trials and the others ranked low. Meta-analysis indicated that Qingrelishi was more effective than Nankangpian( RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.10-1.35) and Prostate( RR 1.26, 95% CI 1.13-1.41) in the treatment of chronic prostatitis. Subgroup analysis revealed that Qingrelishi was more effective than Qianliekang (RR 1.32, 95% CI 1.19-1.45) and quinolones antibiotic (RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.15-1.57). There were no significant differences in efficacy either between Qingrelishi and a-receptor blocker and Puleanpian or between Qingrelishi plus quinolone antibiotics and quinolone antibiotics alone. Eighteen articles reported side effects and no serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: Qingrelishi may be effective in the treatment of chronic prostatitis. However, the evidence is not strong due to the generally low methodological quality and the variations of the herbs. More randomized clinical trials are required.

[The microstructure studies of penile cavernous tissue of erectile dysfunction rat models with chronic renal failure].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanism of erectile dysfunction (ED) in rat models with chronic renal failure (CRF). METHODS: Chronic renal failure was induced by adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, which were subjected to an excisional 5/6 nephrectomy. The rats in NCRF group and CRF group were divided into three groups randomly. Injected with apomorphine(APO, 80 microg/kg), penile erections of three groups were observed and noted by the 2nd week, 4th week respectively and 6th week from the 14th day of 5/6 nephrectomy and experimental models of ED with CRF were selected; NOS activity was examined and the microstructures of penile were observed under optical microscope with computer configuration image analysis system in selected rat models. RESULTS: Compared with the controls, the areas of smooth muscle and NOS activity in the penile cavernous tissue of ED rats with CRF decreased significantly (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05) , and collagen fibers slightly increased, and these alterations had close correlations with the duration of CRF. The CONCLUSIONS: Penile erection is seriously affected in rats with CRF. The decreases of areas of blood sinus had no obvious changes. the number of smooth muscles and NOS activity might be the most important factors.

[Clinical application research of feilinjian peroral liquid in the treatment of Chlamydia and Mycoplasma infectious prostatitis].

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the validity and security of Feilinjian peroral liquid in the treatment of chlamydia trachomatis (CT), mycoplasma hominis (Mh) and Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) infectious prostatitis. METHODS: Two hundred and three patients of CT, Mh or UU infectious prostatitis diagnosed by strict orientation examination were randomly divided into two groups, one given feilinjian peroral liquid, and the other azithromycin perorally, for one month as treatment period. RESULTS: The analytical results showed that 54 (42.86%) were clinically fully recovered, 32(32.39%) were significantly effective, and 13 (10.31%) were effective in feilinjian peroral liquid group, with total significantly effective rate 68.25% and total effective rate 78.57%, both obviously higher than those in the control group(50.64% and 57.14% respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Feilinjian peroral liquid is significantly better than azithromycin in ameliorating self-conscious symptoms, symptoms scoring of patients with CT, Mh and UU infection, with little side-effects.

[Therapeutic mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine for chronic prostatitis].

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has its unique therapeutic efforts on chronic prostatitis, a common disease of the adult male. This article systematically reviews several aspects below: anti-inflammation, anti-infection, anti-fibrosis, micro-circulation improvement, urodynamics improvement, immunomodulation, improvement of the pH value of prostatic fluid and percolation dynamics of prostatic drugs, adjustment of the microelement zinc, and the characteristics of TCM therapy. It also points out the gaps in recent researches and the focal points of future development.

[Laboratory research of the influence of keyouling on the proliferation of human prepuce epidermis cells and condyloma acuminatum cells].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the mechanism of the Chinese medicine Keyouling in the treatment of condyloma axuminatum (CA). METHODS: Human prepuce epidermis cells and CA cells were primarily cultured and subcultured. We determined the proliferation of human prepuce epidermis cells and CA cells, and observed the influence of Keyouling with different concentrations on the proliferation of human prepuce epidermis cells and CA cells by means of MTT colourimetry assay. RESULTS: The absorbance was directly proportional to the numbers of human prepuce epidermis cells (r = 0.9850, P < 0.001) and CA cells (r = 0.9892, P < 0.001). Keyouling had no effect on proliferation of the human prepuce epidermis cells, but it had significant inhibition on CA cells. The concentrations of Keyouling bore negative correlation with the proliferation percentage of CA cells(r = -0.4124, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Keyouling can significantly restrain the growth and proliferation of CA cells but has no damaging effect on normal organic cuticle cells. It is suggested that Keyouling might have anti-HPV effect.

[Experimental research of PDE5 activity in corpora cavernosa of ganyu qizhi rat model].

OBJECTIVES: To study the PDE5 activity in corpora cavernosa of the Ganyu Qizhi model penis and the effect of the Chinese herbal medicine Shugan Liqi Huoxue (SLH) ointment on it. METHODS: Non-injury stress stimulus method similar to human spirit stress was used to extablish the Ganyu Qizhi animal(rat) model, and the PDE5 activity in corpora cavernosa of the rat penis was measured by the method of immunohistochemistry and computer image analysis. RESULTS: The PDE5 activity in corpora cavernosa of the high-dosage SLH group was significantly different from that of the model group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Ganyu Qizhi may increase the PDE5 activity in corpora cavernosa of the penis while SLH can reduce such activity.

[Effects of ZJG on the quality of sperm in male rat epididymis].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Chinese herbal composition Zengjing Granule (ZJG) on the quality of sperm in the epididymis of infertile rats, and to study its therapeutic mechanisms of improving sperm quality. METHODS: A total of 40 GTW infertile rats were divided into 4 groups of 10 rats each, including an infertility group[GTW 2 mg/(ml.100 g)], a high-dosage group[ZJG 0.67 g/(ml.100 g) + GTW 2 mg/(ml.100 g)], a medium-dosage group[ZJG 0.33 g/(ml.100 g) + GTW 2 mg/(ml.100 g)], a low-dosage group[ZJG 0.17 g/(ml.100 g) + GTW 2 mg/(ml.100 g)], and a normal control group(1% CMC). This study consisted of a 3-week modeling period and a 3-week ZJG period. The changes of sperm quality, the thickness of the epididymal gland canal wall and sexual organ coefficient were detected after 3-week ZJG period. RESULTS: Of the 3 ZJG groups, the sperm density was (59.6 +/- 3.72), (63.3 +/- 5.70) and (69.7 +/- 6.91) x 10(6)/ml, the sperm motility rates were (65.4 +/- 6.33)%, (69.3 +/- 10.96)% and (72.6 +/- 9.61)%, the sperm deformity rates were (52.3 +/- 7.47)%, (46.2 +/- 7.73)% and (33.2 +/- 7.97)% respectively. The ZJG groups showed significant difference from the infertility group (P < 0.05), whose sperm density, motility and deformity were (13.1 +/- 6.81) x 10(6)/ml, (7.6 +/- 5.87)%, and (77.2 +/- 8.75)% respectively. But there was no significant difference between ZJG groups and the normal control group (P > 0.05), whose sperm density, motility and deformity were (75.6 +/- 10.82) x 10(6)/ml, (83.00 +/- 8.02)%, and (8.80 +/- 3.49)% respectively. The thickness of the epididymal gland canal wall was (37.07 +/- 3.38), (37.16 +/- 6.69) and (43.42 +/- 10.23) nm in the three ZJG groups respectively, different from the infertility group[(28.65 +/- 6.96) nm] (P < 0.05) significantly, but not from the normal control group [(45.79 +/- 11.13) nm] (P > 0.05). The ZJG groups showed an increase in the organ coefficient of the epididymal gland canal wall. And these was obvious statistical difference compared with the infertility group (P < 0.05), but no statistical significance compared with the normal control group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: ZJG can obviously improve the sperm quality of infertile rats. Its therapeutic mechanisms can be summed up as follows: restoring the thickness of epididymal gland wall, increasing the organ coefficient of testes and epididymis, and hence improving the spermatozoa maturing function of epididymis of infertile rats.

[Experimental and clinical research of "Keyouling" on treatment of condyloma acuminata].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of traditional Chinese medicine "Keyouling" in treatment of condyloma acuminata (CA). METHODS: The effects of "Keyouling" at different concentrations on growth and proliferation of rabbits' prepuce epithelial cells and CA warts tissue were assessed by means of cellular primary culture and subculture, and the effects of "Keyouling" at different concentrations on the expression level of HPV6.11 DNA and expression level of HPV6.11 DNA of different area of CA patient's penis were quantitatively detected by means of FQ-PCR. RESULTS: "Keyouling" had no effect on growth and proliferation of rabbits' prepuce cuticle cells, but it had significant inhibition on CA warts tissue cells and expression of HPV6.11 DNA. Concentrations of "Keyouling" assumed negative correlated with cell proliferation rate of CA warts tissue and expression level of HPV6.11 DNA, and also had significant inhibition on expression of HPV6.11 DNA of negative cutaneous lesion area and cutaneous lesion area of CA patients. CONCLUSION: "Keyouling" had significant anti HPV6.11 effect, could significantly restrain growth and proliferation of CA warts tissue cells, while it had no damaging effect on normal organic cuticle cells. It was suggested that "Keyouling" was safe in clinical use and had good therapeutic effect on CA and subclinical infection.