[Breeding of a new cultivar "Chuanjianghuang 1" of Sichuan Dao-di herbs Curcumae Longae Rhizoma and Curcumae Radix].

The systematic breeding method was adopted to breed a new good cultivar of Curcuma longa, named "Chuanjianghuang 1". From 2014 to 2015, two consecutive years of multi-point test were carried out in Shuangliu, Chongzhou and Wenjiang. The biological characters, phenology, agronomic characters, yield and quality indexes of "Chuanjianghuang 1" were comprehensively evaluated. The results showed that compared with local traditional species, the rhizome yield of the new cultivar "Chuanjianghuang 1" increased by 20.61%.The average content of volatile oil was higher than 24.17% and the average content of curcumin in root tuber was higher than 26.62%. The yield of root tuber increased by 54.59%.The average content of volatile oil is higher than 36.28% and the average content of curcuminoids is higher than 25.31%. Compared with "Huangsi Yujin 1", "Chuanjianghuang 1" increased the average yield of rhizome by 123.68%,the volatile oil increased by an average of 7.69%and the curcumin content increased by an average of 58.23%. The average content of volatile oil is higher than 52.82% and the average content of curcuminoids in root tuber was higher than 38.34%. The new variety "Chuanjianghuang 1" has better yield than the local traditional species, and the internal quality of rhizome and root tuber is better. Compared with "Huangsi Yujin 1", the yield of rhizome is significantly increased, and the internal quality of rhizome and root tuber is better, especially the content of curcumin in rhizome and curcuminoids in root tuber is significantly higher than that of "Huangsi Yujin 1". "Chuanjianghuang 1" is high yield, good quality, good stability and strong adaptability, which is suitable for cultivation and promotion in Chengdu Jinma River Basin, such as Shuangliu, Chongzhou, Wenjiang.

A DFT+U study of the catalytic degradation of 1,2-dichloroethane over CeO2.

The catalytic degradation of 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE) at CeO2(111) was investigated using periodic density functional theory calculations corrected by on-site Coulomb interactions. From thorough calculations of possible elementary steps, we are able to identify the lowest energy reaction pathway for the catalytic oxidation of DCE at CeO2(111). It proceeds via two successive C-Cl bond breaking processes to form adsorbed CH2CH2 species, and after further dehydrogenation and C-C bond scission, the surface species are finally oxidized to CO2 and H2O. The surface oxygen vacancies were found to be important for the catalytic decomposition of DCE, by providing the adsorption sites, as well as for charge transfer to favor C-Cl bond breaking. We are also able to illustrate the effect of H2O on the catalytic activity of CeO2(111) for DCE oxidation.

[Correlation Analysis of Curcuminoids and Color Index L* , a* and b* of Curcumae Longae Rhizoma Powder].

Objective: To study the relationship between the component content of curcuminoids in Curcumae Longae Rhizoma and powder color indeces L*, a* and b* those were measured by chromaticity instrument, in order to provide scientific basis for quality assessment of Curcuma longa medicinal materials. Methods: Detect the content of curcumin,demethoxycurcumin,bisdemethoxycurcumin,then detect the content of curcuminoids by the Chinese Pharmacopoeia method. Measure the color indeces L*, a* and b* of Curcumae Longae Rhizoma powder by colorimeter. Finally, the relationship between the content and the color was analyzed by using the Grey Relational Analysis, Pearson correlation coefficient and regression analysis. Results: There was positive correlation between the content of curcuminoids and a*. But there was no definitely relation between the content of curcuminoids and b* or L*. Conclusion: The content of curcuminoids is closely related with the degree of the color red, the higher the content, the red is deeper. a* could be recognized as an important basis of Curcumae Longae Rhizoma medicinal materials quality.

Chemical activity of oxygen vacancies on ceria: a combined experimental and theoretical study on CeO2(111).

The chemical activity of oxygen vacancies on well-defined, single-crystal CeO2(111)-surfaces is investigated using CO as a probe molecule. Since no previous measurements are available, the assignment of the CO ν1 stretch frequency as determined by IR-spectroscopy for the stoichiometric and defective surfaces are aided by ab initio electronic structure calculations using density functional theory (DFT).

Association between promoter polymorphisms of interleukin-4 gene and allergic rhinitis risk: a meta-analysis.

The relationship of interleukin-4 (IL-4) C-33T and C-590T (C-589T) gene polymorphisms with allergic rhinitis was analyzed. Data about the case control studies of IL-4 gene promoter polymorphisms [C-33T and C-590T (C-589T)] and their association with allergic diseases and correlation between serum IL-4 levels and allergic rhinitis were retrieved. The Stata 12.0 statistical software was applied to analyze the correlation between IL-4 gene polymorphisms and allergic rhinitis. The meta-analysis result of TT/CC genotype of -590 (-589) polymorphism showed a significant association with allergic diseases [OR=1.93, 95% CI (1.61-2.31), P=0.00]. Meta-analysis of the TT+TC versus CC genotype of IL-4 C-33/T polymorphism revealed significant associations with allergic diseases [OR=3.23, 95% CI (1.13-9.25), P=0.03]. Meanwhile, there was a significant correlation between serum IL-4 levels and allergic rhinitis [OR=2.52, 95% CI=(1.80-3.23), P=0.00]. IL-4 gene -590 TT genotype may increase the risk of allergic rhinitis and the T allele mutation of -33 might be correlated with allergic rhinitis.

Heterologous functional analysis of the Malus xiaojinensis MxIRT1 gene and the His-box motif by expression in yeast.

Malus xiaojinensis is an important, iron-efficient rootstock germplasm. Iron uptake is an elaborately controlled process in plant roots, involving specialized transporters. MxIRT1, a Fe(II) transporter gene of M. xiaojinensis, is homologous to other iron transporters at the amino acid level. In the current study, the plasmid pYES2.0-MxIRT1, containing MxIRT1 cDNA, was constructed and transformed into yeast mutants. The results indicated that it could reverse the phenotype of yeast strain DEY1453, an iron uptake mutant. Complementation tests suggested that it might not be a specific transporter, as it was able to restore the phenotypes of other yeast mutant strains, including Mn, Cu and Zn uptake mutants. The functions of the critical histidine residues in the His-box of MxIRT1 were tested by transforming mutant yeast strain DEY1453 with different His residues altered by directed mutagenesis. The His-box of MxIRT1 was found to be necessary for iron transport, with different histidine residues (H(1-4)) playing different roles in the transport.

[Protective effect of valproic acid on ischemia-reperfusion induced injury in retina of rat].

OBJECTIVE: To study the protective effects and the related mechanism of valproic acid (VPA) on ischemia-reperfusion-induced injury in retina of rat. METHODS: Experimental study. Ninety Wistar rats were divided randomly into three groups: normal (blank) control group, retinal ischemia-reperfusion (experimental control) group treated with PBS, retinal ischemia-reperfusion (experimental) group treated with VPA. Retinal ischemia was induced by acute high intraocular pressure. Rats were executed at 6, 12, 24, 48 h and 7 d after reperfusion. The eyeballs were enucleated for retinal histopathological examination. The fluoro-gold retrograde labeling was performed and the survival of retinal ganglion cells was analyzed by calculating the densities in fluoro-gold labeled retinal ganglion cell. The protein expression of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) and the acetylation of transcription factor Sp1 were analyzed by Western blot assay. The levels of bcl-2 and bax mRNA were analyzed by RT-PCR assay. To determine the significance of differences, analysis of paired-samples t-test was carried out. RESULTS: (1) The HE staining of retinal histological section showed that the edema of retina were attenuated significantly by VPA in experimental group, the difference between the experimental group and the experimental control group was statistically significant (t = 7.491, P < 0.05). The fluoro-gold retrograde labeling showed that the survival of retinal ganglion cells in experimental group [(1629 ± 63)/mm(2)] was significantly higher than experimental group [(908 ± 65)/mm(2)], the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (t = 7.248, P < 0.05). (2) The immuno-blot analysis showed that VPA resulted in significant increase in expression of Hsp70 protein in ischemic retinas, the difference between experimental group and experimental control group was statistically significant (t = 6.176, P < 0.05). The acetylation of Sp1 was significantly higher in experimental group than experimental control group, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (t = 11.264, P < 0.05). The RT-PCR analysis showed that VPA increased the expression of bcl-2 mRNA in experimental group (0.403 ± 0.009), the difference between experimental group and experimental control group (0.314 ± 0.012) was statistically significant (t = 5.489, P < 0.05). VPA attenuated the expression of bax mRNA in experimental group (0.383 ± 0.009), the difference between experimental group and experimental control group (0.492 ± 0.016) was statistically significant (t = 5.723, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: (1) VPA protected retina from ischemic injury. (2) The upregulation of Hsp70 and bcl-2, downregulation of bax maybe involved in the mechanism of the protection.

A Convolutional Neural Network-Based Model for Supply Chain Financial Risk Early Warning.

At present, there are widespread financing difficulties in China's trade circulation industry. Supply chain finance can provide financing for small- and medium-sized enterprises in China's trade circulation industry, but it will produce financing risks such as credit risks. It is necessary to analyze the causes of the risks in the supply chain finance of the trade circulation industry and measure these risks by establishing a credit risk assessment system. In this article, a supply chain financial risk early warning index system is established, including 4 first-level indicators and 29 third-level indicators. Then, on the basis of the supply chain financial risk early warning index system, combined with the method of convolution neural network, the supply chain financial risk early warning model of trade circulation industry is constructed, and the evaluation index is measured by the method of principal component analysis. Finally, the relevant data of trade circulation enterprises are selected to make an empirical analysis of the model. The conclusion shows that the supply chain financial risk early warning model and risk control measures established in this article have certain reference value for the commercial circulation industry to carry out supply chain finance. It also provides guidance for trade circulation enterprises to deal with supply chain financial risks effectively.

Effects of estrogen on collagen gel contraction by human retinal glial cells.

BACKGROUND: There are definite gender differences in patients with macular holes. Menopausal women over 50 years are most affected. We aimed to observe the effect of estrogen on collagen gel contraction by cultured human retinal glial cells. It is speculated that estrogen could strengthen the tensile stress of the macula by maintaining the correct morphology and contraction. METHODS: Estrogen was used to determine its effects on collagen gel contraction, and its function was measured using morphological changes in cells. Human retinal glial cells were cultured in collagen solution. The cells were then exposed to collagen gels and the degree of contraction of the gel was determined. RESULTS: Estrogen at differing concentrations had no effect on the growth of human retinal glial cells. However, after exposed to collagen gel block, less contraction was noted in the estrogen-treated group than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Estrogen can inhibit collagen gel contraction by glial cells. These results suggest a mechanism for macular hole formation, which is observed in menopausal females.

[Impacts of electroacupuncture on left hippocampus NAA/Cr for patients of Uygur and Han nationality with mild cognitive impairment].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) for patients of Uygur and Han nationality and explore the national diversity among the patients with MCI. METHODS: Twenty-five cases were divided into Han nationality group (15 cases) and Uygur nationality group (10 cases) according to patient's nationality. In either group, EA was applied to Baihui (GV 20), Fengchi (GB 20), Xuanzhong (GB 39), Fuliu (KI 7), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Taixi (KI 3), once per day, 15 treatments made one session and there were 5 days at the interval among the sessions. Totally, 3 sessions of treatment were required. The proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) was used to observe the changes in the ratio of N-acetylaspartate and creatine (NAA/Cr) on the left hippocampus for the patients in two groups before and after treatment as well as the changes in the results of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) separately. RESULTS: NAA/Cr in Uygur nationality group was higher than that in Han nationality group before treatment (1.659 +/- 0.418 vs 1.137 +/- 0.190, P < 0.05). After treatment, MMSE and MoCA scores all increased apparently as compared with those before treatment in two groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), and NAA/Cr on the left hippocampus in either group was up-regulated as compared with that before treatment (both P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: EA can improve the overall cognitive function for the patients with MCI. There is the national diversity in the partial brain metabolite level between Uygur patients and Han patients with MCI.

[Clinical study on professor Wu Lian-zhong's experience in acupuncture treatment for facial paralysis].

This paper introduce the professor WU Lian-zhong's clinical experience in acupuncture treatment for facial paralysis. Professor WU emphasizes the treatment based on syndrome differentiation. The appropriate theory, method, prescription and acupoints should be applied according to observing the subtle details of syndromes and differentiating the state of diseases development, so as to obtain effectiveness, to shorten the duration of treatment course and to reduce sequelae. The concrete methods of prognosis diagnosis for facial paralysis and three effective cases are introduced.

[Observation on therapeutic effect of acupoint sticking therapy on simple obesity].

OBJECTIVE: To probe into effectiveness and safety of acupoint sticking therapy for simple obesity. METHODS: One hundred and eight cases were randomly divided into an acupoint sticking group (n = 58) and an acupuncture group (n = 50). The acupoint sticking group were treated with TCM plaster sticking at Zhongwan (CV 12), Guanyuan (CV 4), Qihai (CV 6), etc. The acupuncture group were treated with simple acupuncture at Zhongji (CV 3), Guanyuan (CV 4), Qihai (CV 6), etc. Their therapeutic effects were observed after 3 therapeutic courses. RESULTS: The total effective rate was 84.5% in the acupoint sticking group, 86.0% in the acupuncture group with no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05); after treatment, the body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference decreased and the cumulative score of clinical symptoms decreased in the two groups with no significant difference between the two groups, but the waist-hip ratio did not significantly change. CONCLUSION: TCM acupoint sticking therapy has a definite therapeutic effect on simple obesity.

[Professor WU Lian-Zhong's special acupoints and effects in treatment of intractable insomnia].

Professor WU Lian-zhong not only has meticulous scholarship, great learning, rich clinical experience, obvious therapeutic effects, but also is good at exploration and writing, weeds through the old to bring forth the new. The present paper introduces that the authors apply "Wuxinxue" association summarized by professor WU to treat various kinds of intractable insomnia and achieves very good results, which is a convenient and unique method, and 5 successful samples are given.

[Observation on the therapeutic effect of acupoint application on constipation].

OBJECTIVE: To test the therapeutic effect, safety of acupoint application for treatment of constipation. METHODS: Forty-two cases were randomly divided into a treatment group of 22 cases and a control group of 20 cases. The treatment group were treated with acupoint application, with the cake made by Sanleng (Rhizoma Spargani), Ezhu (Rhizoma Zedoariae), Dahuang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) and Bingpian (Borneolum), which was applied at Tianshu (ST 25), Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4); the control group were treated with oral administration of Congrong Tongbian Oral Liquid. RESULTS: The total effective rate was 81.8% in the treatment group and 50.0% in the control group, the treatment group being better than the control group (P < 0.05); the first defecation time was (5.1 +/- 2.8) h in the treatment group and (10.1 +/- 7.3) h in the control group, with a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: TCM acupoint application therapy has a definite therapeutic effect on constipation.

[Advances of studies on treatment of dysmenorrhea with acupoint application].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize advances of studies on treatment of dysmenorrhea with acupoint application in recent 10 years so as to provide references and basis for scientific research and clinical works in future. METHODS: The literature about treatment of dysmenorrhea with acupoint application in the recent 10 years are reviewed from treatment based on syndrome types, acupoint selection, selection of excipients, application time, assessment of therapeutic effects, adverse effects and other aspects. CONCLUSION: Acupoint application has a definite therapeutic effect on dysmenorrhea, but with some problems in clinical research.

[Advances of clinical studies on acupuncture and moxibustion for treatment of obesity in recent 10 years].

OBJECTIVE: To Sum up advances of studies on acupuncture for treatment of obesity in recent 10 years and to put forward the problems should be paid attention to and the development direction in clinical scientific research. METHODS: Review the literature about acupuncture and moxibustion slimming therapy in recent 10 years from characteristics of acupuncture and moxibustion in selection of acupoints, analysis of various therapeutic methods, problems in clinical research. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of obesity has obvious therapeutic effect and less side-effects with flexible selection of acupoints and more methods.