Stigma and Efficacy of Zhizhu Kuanzhong Capsules Versus Doxepin in the Treatment of Refractory Functional Dyspepsia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background/Aims@#Stigma related with antidepressants is prevalent in patients with functional dyspepsia. It affects medication compliance and efficacy.Herbal medicine acquired a deep-rooted cultural identity in relieving dyspeptic symptoms in Asians. The research was designed to compare the effectiveness of Zhizhu Kuanzhong capsules (ZZKZ) versus doxepin hydrochloride (doxepin) on alleviating stigma and medication nonadherence among patients with refractory FD (rFD). @*Methods@#Patients with rFD from February 2021 to February 2022 were randomly allocated to receive either doxepin (n = 56) or ZZKZ (n = 57) combined with omeprazole for 4 weeks. Medication possession ratio (MPR), the disease- and medication-associated stigma were analyzed. The scales were utilized to assess dyspeptic symptoms (Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire) and psychological conditions (Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire and Patient Health Questionnaire). @*Results@#The MPR values for ZZKZ were significantly higher than those for doxepin (P < 0.001). The stigma scores decreased in ZZKZ group while increased in doxepin group compared to baseline after treatment. The proportion of patients showing ZZKZ-associated stigma was significantly lower than doxepin-associated stigma (P < 0.001). The MPR values were negatively correlated with posttreatment stigma scores in both groups (P < 0.001). Dyspeptic symptoms and psychological condition were improved in both groups after treatment, with no significant difference on post-treatment Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire, or Patient Health Questionnaire scores between 2 groups. @*Conclusion@#ZZKZ is superior to doxepin in alleviating stigma and medication non-adherence, with comparable efficacy in improving dyspeptic symptoms and psychological condition of patients with rFD.

Content determination of 3 alkaloids in different origins of Tibetan Corydalis pallida by UPLC-MS/MS / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To establish and apply a method for simultaneous determination of the contents of dicentrine， protopine and coptisine in Tibetan Corydalis pallida of different origins， and to provide reference for origin determination and quality control of the kind of medicinal materials. METHODS Ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry method was used. The determination was performed on Agilent EC-C18 column （100 mm×2.1 mm， 2.7 μm） with mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid by gradient elution. The flow rate was 0.2 mL/min， and the column temperature was set at 35 ℃ . MS detection was carried out by electrospray ionization in positive modes， multiple reaction monitoring mode was used for quantitative analysis. RESULTS The injection mass concentrations of dicentrine， protopine， coptisine ranged from 5.88 to 117.60， 53.70 to 1 074.00， and 4.85 to 97.00 ng/mL， respectively， showing a good linear relationship with their respective peak areas （r＝0.998 2， 0.991 9， and 0.999 6， respectively）. The limits of quantitation were 2.35， 1.07 and 1.46 ng/mL； the limits of detection were 1.17， 0.54， 0.49 ng/mL， respectively. RSDs of precision， stability （24 h） and repeatability tests were all lower than 2.0％. The average recovery rates were 97.41%， 98.89% and 105.44%（ all RSDs＜5.0％， n＝6）. CONCLUSIONS The established method has good selectivity and high accuracy， and is suitable for the rapid analysis of dicentrine， protopine and coptisine in Corydalis. The total contents of three alkaloids in different original medicinal materials are from high to low in order of C. chrysosphaera， C. mucronifera， C. pygmaea， C. hendersonii and C. conspersa. The alkaloid contents in C. chrysosphaera and C. mucronifera are relatively similar， but no dicentrine has been detected in C. conspersa and C. hendersonii.

Improving Clinician-Patient Communication Alleviates Stigma in Patients With Functional Dyspepsia Receiving Antidepressant Treatment

Background/Aims@#Antidepressants are effective in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD). However, stigma associated with FD and antidepressants may affect treatment adherence. This study aims to explore possible communication strategies to alleviate stigma and improve adherence in patients with FD. @*Methods@#In this randomized, single-center, and single-blind trial, 160 patients with FD initiating antidepressant treatment were recruited. Different communication strategies were performed when prescribing antidepressants. Participants in Group 1 were told that brain is the “headquarters” of gut, and that antidepressants could act as neuromodulators to relieve symptoms of FD through regulating the functions of gut and brain. Participants in Group 2 were told that antidepressants were empirically effective for FD. Stigma scores, medication-related stigma, treatment compliance, and efficacy were analyzed. @*Results@#After 8-week antidepressant treatment, the proportion of patients with FD with decreased stigma scores in Group 1 was significantly higher than in Group 2 (internalized stigma: 64.10% vs 12.00%; perceived stigma: 55.13% vs 13.33%; P < 0.01). Medication-related stigma was lower in Group 1 than in Group 2 (P < 0.05 for 3 of 4 questions). Concurrently, patients in Group 1 had better treatment compliance (0.71 ± 0.25 vs 0.60 ± 0.25, P < 0.01) and efficacy. In Group 1, participants with decreased post-treatment stigma scores showed better treatment compliance and efficacy than those with non-decreased scores. Decrease in stigma scores positively correlated with treatment compliance. @*Conclusion@#Improving knowledge of patients with FD of the disease and antidepressants via proper communication may be an effective way to alleviate stigma and promote adherence.

Role of Activin-A in spinal inflammatory response in rats with incisional pain: relationship with p38 MAPK signaling pathway / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effect of Activin-A on spinal inflammatory response in rats with incisional pain and the relationship with p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway.Methods:Forty-eight SPF healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 1 month, weighing 100-150 g, were divided into 4 groups ( n=12 each) by the random number table method: sham operation group (S group), incisional pain group (I group), sham operation + antagonist group (SA group) and incisional pain + antagonist group (IA group). The rat model of incisional pain was prepared in group I and group IA.At the first 30 min of model preparation, the antagonist follicle statin 5 μg/kg was intraperitoneally injected in SA and IA groups, and the normal saline 5 μg/kg was intraperitoneally injected in S and I groups.At 24 h before model preparation (T 0) and 2, 6 and 24 h after model preparation (T 1-3), 3 rats in each group were randomly selected to measure the thermal paw withdrawal latency (TWL). Then 3 rats in each group were randomly sacrificed, and the spinal cord L 4-6 segments were taken for determination of the expression of Activin-A and p38 MAPK mRNA (by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction) and contents of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-1β (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Results:Compared with group S, the TWL was significantly shortened, the contents of TNF-α and IL-1β were increased, and the expression of Activin-A and p38 MAPK mRNA was up-regulated at T 1-3 in I and IA groups ( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in each parameter in group SA ( P>0.05). Compared with group SA, the TWL was significantly shortened, the contents of TNF-α and IL-1β were increased, and the expression of Activin-A and p38 MAPK mRNA was up-regulated at T 1-3 in I and IA groups ( P<0.05). Compared with group I, the TWL was significantly prolonged, the contents of TNF-α and IL-1β were decreased, and the expression of Activin-A and p38 MAPK mRNA was down-regulated at T 1-3 in group IA ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Activin-A is involved in spinal inflammatory response through activating the p38 MAPK signaling pathway in rats with incisional pain.

Role of 5-HT 1A and 5-HT 3 receptors in sevoflurane-induced cerebral neurotoxicity in aged rats / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To preliminarily investigate the relationship between the mechanism of sevoflurane-induced cerebral neurotoxicity and receptors of 5-HT 1A and 5-HT 3 in aged rats. Methods:Twenty-four clean-grade healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 18-20 months, weighing 600-750 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=8 each) using a random number table method: group C, group LS and group HS.In group C, group LS and group HS, 50% O 2, 1.5% sevoflurane plus 50% O 2 and 3% sevoflurane plus 50% O 2 were inhaled for 2 h, respectively.Open field test was performed at 1 day before inhalation of sevoflurane and at 1 day after the end of inhalation, the time spent in the central square, the number of crossing the grid and the number of standing on the back legs were recorded.The Morris water maze test was performed at 6 days before inhalation of sevoflurane and at 1 day after the end of inhalation, the escape latency, the total swimming distance and the number of crossing the platform were recorded.Immediately after the end of behavioral testing, the hippocampal tissues were obtained for determination of 5-HT 1A and 5-HT 3 receptors mRNA expression and the number of positive cells (using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay and immunohistochemical method). Results:Compared with group C, the time spent in the central square was significantly prolonged, the number of crossing the grid and the number of standing on the back legs were decreased, the escape latency was prolonged, the total swimming distance was increased, the number of crossing platform was decreased, the mRNA expression of 5-HT 1A and 5-HT 3 was down-regulated, and the number of positive cells was decreased in HS group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The mechanism of cerebral neurotoxicity induced by sevoflurane may be related to the down-regulation of the activities of 5-HT 1A and 5-HT 3 receptors in aged rats.

Effect of oxiracetam on sevoflurane-induced cognitive dysfunction in mice: role of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effect of oxiracetam on sevoflurane-induced cognitive dysfunction in mice and the role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/serine/threonine protein kinase (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway.Methods:Eighty adult Kunming mice, half male and half female, weighing 35-55 g, were divided into 4 groups ( n=20 each) using a random number table method: control group (group C), sevoflurane group (group S), oxiracetam plus sevoflurane group (group OS), and LY294002 plus oxiracetam plus sevoflurane group (group LOS). Group S inhaled 2% sevoflurane for 6 h. A 2 h before sevoflurane anesthesia, oxiracetam 105 mg/kg was injected via the tail vein in group OS, oxiracetam 105 mg/kg and LY294002 0.3 mg/kg were injected via the tail vein in group LOS, and the equal volume of normal saline was injected in group S. The apoptosis rate of hippocampal neurons was detected using TUNEL.The expression of PI3K, phosphorylated PI3K (p-PI3K), Akt and phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) was determined by Western blot.Cognitive function was assessed using Y-maze at 14 days after the end of anesthesia. Results:Compared with group C, the apoptosis rate of hippocampal neurons was significantly increased, the total number of times and the number of errors required for 10 times of correct responses in Y-maze test were increased, and the expression of PI3K, Akt p-PI3K and p-Akt in hippocampal tissues was down-regulated in group S ( P<0.05). Compared with group S, the apoptosis rate of hippocampal neurons was significantly decreased, the total number of times and the number of errors required for 10 times of correct responses in Y-maze test were decreased, the expression of PI3K, Akt, p-PI3K and p-Akt in hippocampal tissues was up-regulated in group OS ( P<0.05), and no significant changes were found in the parameters mentioned above in group LOS ( P>0.05). Compared with group OS, the apoptosis rate of hippocampal neurons was significantly increased, the total number of times and the number of errors required for 10 times of correct responses in Y-maze test were increased, and the expression of PI3K, Akt, p-PI3K and p-Akt in hippocampal tissues was down-regulated in group LOS ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Oxiracetam can alleviate sevoflurane-induced cognitive dysfunction in mice, and the mechanism may be related to activating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and inhibiting apoptosis in neurons.

Efficacy and safety of Di-Tan Decoction for treating post-stroke neurological disorders: a systematic review and Meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials / 中国天然药物

The management of post-stroke complications plays an important role in the quality of life. Di-Tan Decoction (DTD; ) is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine. This study incorporated systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of DTD in post-stroke neurological disorders. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were searched from English, Chinese and Korean electronic medical databases, by including the keywords "Di-Tan Tang", "Di-Tan Decoction", "Scour Phlegm Decoction", "stroke", and "RCT. Each RCT included control (placebo, conventional therapy, or Western medicine) and experimental (DTD treatment) groups. For patients inflicted with stroke for 1-6 weeks, the outcomes of post-stroke neurological disorders were measured by scales for post-stroke symptoms and were classified as "completely healed", "markedly effective", "effective" and "ineffective". Totally, 11 RCTs (n = 490 controls and n = 502 DTD subjects) were selected from 210 articles identified in the initial search. A meta-analysis of evaluation criteria in post-stroke symptoms revealed that the overall odds ratio (ORs) for alleviating post-stroke neurological disorders were 0.30-fold lower (95% CI = 0.21-0.43) in the DTD group than the control (Western medicine) group (P < 0.000 01). Moreover, regardless of the type of stroke diagnostic scale applied (including NFA, HDS, and NIHSS), the overall post-stroke symptoms determined were less severe in the DTD group (n = 219) than the control group (n = 217). No adverse effects of DTD were observed in the 11 RCTs reviewed. All 11 studies used an appropriate method for randomization of subjects to evaluate the risk of bias (ROB), and 7 studies included allocation concealment as well as blinding of patients and practitioners. High-risk ROB was included in 6 RCTs. No significant publication bias was derived from the funnel plot. Our results indicate that the administration of DTD alone, and DTD in combination with Western medicine, exert greater efficacy for post-stroke complication therapy, than Western medicine administered alone. More rigorous and regulated studies are required to confirm the therapeutic efficacy of DTD for post-stroke neurological disorders. disorders.

Hypoglycemic Mechanism of Ziya Biti Tablet Based on LC-MS Metabolomics Technique / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To observe the hypoglycemic effect of Uygur medicine Ziya Biti tablet on the type 2 diabetic rats, and analyze the hypoglycemic mechanism based on metabolomic techniques. Method: According to the results of clinical research about different origins of Ziya Biti tablet, the optimal composition was screened out; type 2 diabetic rats were taken as an experimental object in the pharmacodynamic experiments;the control group and model group were given the same dose of normal saline, Ziya Biti bablet group was given 300 mg·kg-1, the metformin group was given 300 mg·kg-1 metformin hydrochloride. The fasting blood and weight changes of the experimental group after the treatment were recorded and compared with normal group; ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-linear ion trap/electrostatic field orbit trap combined-type high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-LTQ/Orbitrap MS) technology was used to conduct the metabolomics analysis on the rat serum, and principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) on different groups of rat serum metabolites were performed to identify potential biomarkers. Result:Compared with the model group, the rats in the Uygur medicine Ziya Biti tablet showed a healthy states, and the blood glucose were decreased(PPPConclusion:The experimental results showed that Uygur medicine Ziya Biti tablet can reduce the blood glucose of type 2 diabetic rats and allivate general physiological characteristics. The mechanism of action may be related to the improvement of amino acid metabolism and lipid metabolism.

Effect of Canna edulis Type 3 Resistant Starch in Reducing Body Weight, Serum Lipid and Acute Toxicity / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To evaluate effect of Canna edulis type 3 resistant starch(RS3) on weight loss and lipid reduction in obese hyperlipidemia mice and acute toxicity in mice. Method: KKAy mice were fed with high-fat diet for 20 weeks to establish a hyperlipidemia model and then randomly divided into model group,positive group (4 mg·kg-1), high-dose resistant starch group and low-dose resistant starch group (2,1 g·kg-1).Mice in normal group were fed with standard diet. The medication groups received corresponding drugs by gavage. Normal group and high-fat model group were given equal volume of deionized water. After 8 weeks,mice were put to death. The levels of total cholesterol (TC),triglyceride (TG),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C),aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in serum of mice were measured,and weigh fat mass,fat/body ratio,body fat rate and Lee's index were calculated accurately. The pathological changes of liver and adipose tissue were observed byhematoxylin-eosin (HE). The acute toxicity of RS3 to mice was evaluated by limit test. The mice were continuously observed for 14 days, and the toxicity of mice was recorded. Result: The indicators of high-dose RS3 group were significantly reduced,such as body weight,fat mass,body fat rate,fat/body ratio,Lee's index,and serum TC,TG,LDL-C,AST,ALT levels(P-1 was administered,no toxic reaction and death occurred in the animals. Conclusion: RS3-type Canna Edulis Resistant Starch has a good effect in reducing body weight and serum lipid,with a better effect in the high-dose group and no toxicity. And the commonly used clinical dose is safe and reliable.

Effect and Mechanism of Mori Folium on Insulin Resistance in 3T3-L1 Cells / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To observe effect of Mori Folium-containing serum on glucose consumption and cell activity of fat cell line 3T3-L1 insulin resistance (IR) model, in order to screen out the optimal concentration of drug-containing serum, detect effect of Mori Folium on the content of inflammatory factors, and explore the possible mechanism. Method: 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in logarithmic growth phase were selected, and induced with 10 mg·L-1 insulin (Ins), 0.25 mmol·L-1 dexamethasone (DEX) and 0.5 mmol·L-1 3-isobutyl-methylxanthine(IBMX) for 48 h and then with 10 mg·L-1 Ins for 48 h. After the cells were differentiated into mature adipocytes, they were induced with 1 μmol·L-1 DEX for 96 h to establish IR model. Glucose content in the supernatant of cells was detected by glucose oxidase after serum containing Mori Folium cultured for 12,24,36, 72 h. Methyl-thiazdyl-tetrazolium(MTT) was used to detect the effect of serum containing Mori Folium on IR cells activity. The content of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Meanwhile, the effects of inflammatory factors on the expressions of insulin signaling pathway proteins insulin receptor (InsR), insulin receptor substrate (IRS), p-IRS1 and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) were determined by Western blot. Result: Serum containing Mori Folium could significantly increase the glucose consumption rate and cell activity of IR cells (Pα (PPPConclusion: Mori Folium can significantly improve IR status of 3T3-L1 cells, and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting TNF-α and promoting the expressions of insulin signaling pathway proteins.

Gait Analysis in Patients with Cerebral Infarction: Study with Treadmill Walking / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To observe the characteristics of plantar pressure and walking cycle in hemiplegic patients with cerebral infarction. Methods:From April, 2017 to November, 2018, 24 hemiplegic patients with cerebral infarction were analyzed the gait with FDM-T Gait Analysis System. The walking cycle, plantar pressure distribution and plantar spatial-temporal parameters were compared between the paralyzed side and the non-paralyzed side. Results:Compared with the non-paralyzed side, the standing phase decreased in the paralyzed side (t = -3.343, P < 0.01), as well as the middle stage of standing (t = -3.241, P < 0.01); while the walking phase increased (t = 3.342, P < 0.01), the maximum pressure of the middle foot (t = -2.513, P < 0.05) and the maximum strength time of the middle foot (t = -2.631, P < 0.05) decreased, and foot angle increased (t = 3.072, P < 0.01). Conclusion:Standing weight bearing and standing balance training on paralyzed side to extense standing phase, knee joint control training in the middle stage of standing, and correction of metatarsal flexion, pronation and foot deviation, are beneficial to improve walking ability and gait.

Effect of curcumin on lidocaine-induced nerve injury in rats: the role of Akt and ERK1∕2 signaling pathway / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective To evaluate the effect of curcumin on lidocaine-induced nerve injury and the role of protein kinase B ( Akt) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1∕2 ( ERK1∕2) signaling pathway in rats. Methods Eighty SPF male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 8-10 weeks, weighing 220-250 g, were di-vided into 8 groups ( n=10 each) using a random number table method: control group ( group C) , sham operation group (group S), lidocaine group ( group L), dimethyl sulfoxide ( DMSO) group, low-dose curcumin group ( group CL ) , high-dose curcumin group ( group CH ) , curcumin plus ERK inhibitor PD98059 group (group P) and curcumin plus Akt inhibitor MK-2206 group (group M). The model of nerve injury was established by injecting 2％ lidocaine 10μl via the catheter in anesthetized rats in the other six groups except for C and S groups. Drugs were injected through a microcatheter for 14 consecutive days starting from 3rd day after IT catheterization as follows: DMSO 10μl, curcumin 100μg∕10μl and curcu-min 500 μg∕10 μl were injected once a day in D, CL and CH groups, respectively; curcumin 500 μg∕10μl was injected once a day, and D9805910μg and MK-220612μg ( in 5μl DMSO) were intraperitoneal-ly injected once a week in P and M groups, respectively. The mechanical paw withdrawal threshold ( MWT) and thermal paw withdrawal threshold ( TWL) on the operated side were measured on 1 day before IT catheterization, before administration on 3rd day after IT catheterization, and on 14th day after adminis-tration. The spinal cord was removed on 1st day after the end of administration for determination of the ex-pression of ERK1∕2, phosphorylated ERK1∕2 (p-ERK1∕2), Akt, phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt), c-fos, Bcl-2 and Bax ( by Western blot) and expression of ERK1∕2 and Akt mRNA ( by real-time polymerase chain reaction) . Results Compared with group C, the MWT was significantly decreased, the TWL was short-ened, the expression of ERK1∕2 protein and mRNA, p-ERK1∕2, c-fos, Akt protein and mRNA, p-Akt and Bcl-2 was down-regulated, and the expression of Bax was up-regulated in group L (P<0. 05). Com-pared with group L, the MWT was significantly increased, and the TWL was prolonged in CL, CH, P and M groups, the expression of p-ERK1∕2, c-fos, p-Akt and Bcl-2 was up-regulated, and the expression of Bax was down-regulated in CL and CH groups, the expression of p-Akt and Bcl-2 was up-regulated, and the expression of Bax was down-regulated in group P , and the the expression of p-ERK1∕2 and c-fos was up-regulated in group M ( P<0. 05) . Compared with group CH, the MWT was significantly decreased, and the TWL was shortened in P and M groups, the expression of p-ERK1∕2 and c-fos was down-regulated in group P, and the expression of p-Akt and Bcl-2 was down-regulated, and the expression of Bax was up-reg-ulated in group M ( P<0. 05) . Conclusion Curcumin can reduce lidocaine-induced nerve injury, and the mechanism may be partly related to enhancing the activity of Akt and ERK1∕2 signaling pathway in rats.

Enteral nutrition treatment on nutritional status of patients with esophageal cancer during radiotherapy in Chinese population: a meta-analysis / 预防医学

Objective To evaluate enteral nutrition treatment on nutritional status of patients with esophageal cancer during radiotherapy in Chinese population. Methods We searched domestic and foreign relevant databases (PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, Wanfang Data, Chinese Journal Database, VMIS) by key words (esophageal cancer, chemoradiotherapy, enteral nutrition) , meeting the conditions of the clinical randomized controlled trials, and evaluated the quality of each document. We used meta-analysis method to analysis the published literatures about clinical randomized controlled trials, which were enteral nutrition treatment on nutritional status of patients with esophageal cancer during radiotherapy in Chinese population.RevMan5.1 statistical analysis software were used. Results Seven separate clinical randomized controlled trials including 503 cases were included into the meta-analysis. The following five indexes of nutritional status in enteral nutrition treatment (ENT) group were superior to routine treatment (RT) group (P<0.05): body weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), hemoglobin, serum albumin, serum prealbumin. The MD Values and 95％CI (confidence interval) were 5.54 (3.61-7.46), 2.20 (2.02-2.39), 12.46 (5.86-19.05), 4.04 (2.48-5.61), 49.53 (20.93-78.13) .The funnel plot showed no significant publication bias in each indexes. Conclusion Enteral nutrition treatment can improve the nutritional status of patients with esophageal cancer during radiotherapy compare only with routine treatment.

Effect of sevoflurane on hippocampal cAMP-PKA-CREB signaling pathway in aged rats / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective To evaluate the effect of sevoflurane on hippocampal cyclic AMP (cAMP)-protein kinase A (PKA)-cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway in aged rats.Methods Sixty healthy aged male Sprague-Dawley rats,aged 18 months,weighing 600-750 g,were divided into control group (C group,n =30) and sevoflurane group (group Sev,n =30) using a random number table method.Group Sev inhaled 2％ sevoflurane for 4 h.Group C inhaled the mixture of 50％ air and oxygen (2 L/min) for 4 h.Morris water maze test was performed on 1-6 days before anesthesia and at 1 day after the end of anesthesia (at the corresponding time points in group C).The animals were sacrificed and hippocampi were removed at 1,3 and 7 days after anesthesia (at the corresponding time points in group C) for determination of the hippocampal cAMP content (using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and expression of hippocampal CREB,phosphorylated CREB (p-CREB) and PKA (using Western blot),and the p-CREB/CREB ratio was calculated.Results Compared with group C,the escape latency and swimming distance were significantly prolonged,the frequency of crossing the original platform was decreased,the time of staying at the original platform quadrant was shortened at 1 day after the end of anesthesia,and the expression of hippocampal cAMP and PKA was down-regulated at 1,3 and 7 days after the end of anesthesia,and the expression of CREB and p-CREB was down-regulated and p-CREB/CREB ratio was decreased at 1 day after the end of anesthesia in group Sev (P＜ 0.05).Conclusion The mechanism of sevoflurane-induced postoperative cognitive dysfunction may be related to inhibiting hippocampal cAMP-PKA-CREB signaling pathway in aged rats.

Effect of sevoflurane on hippocampal CaMK Ⅱ/CREB signaling pathway in aged rats / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective To evaluate the effect of sevoflurane on hippocampal calcium/calmodulindependent protein kinase Ⅱ (CaMK Ⅱ)/cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway in aged rats.Methods Sixty pathogen-free healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats,aged 18 months,weighing 600-750 g,were divided into 2 groups (n=30 each) using a random number table:control group (group C) and sevoflurane group (group Sev).Group Sev inhaled 2％ sevoflurane in the mixture of 50％ air and oxygen (2 L/min) for 4 h.Group C inhaled the mixture of 50％ air and oxygen (2 L/min) for 4 h.Morris water maze test was performed on 6 days before anesthesia and 1 day after anesthesia.The escape latency,swimming distance,frequency of crossing the original platform and time of staying at the platform quadrant Ⅱ were recorded.On 1,3 and 7 days after anesthesia,the rats were sacrificed,and the hippocampus was obtained for determination of the expression of CaMK Ⅱ,phosphorylated CaMK Ⅱ,CREB and phosphorylated CREB by Western blot.Results Compared with group C,the escape latency and swimming distance were significantly prolonged,the frequency of crossing the original platform was decreased,and the time of staying at the platform quadrant Ⅱ was reduced on 5th day of training and 1 day after anesthesia,and the expression of CaMK Ⅱ,phosphorylated CaMK Ⅱ,CREB and phosphorylated CREB was down-regulated after anesthesia in group Sev (P＜ 0.05).Conclusion Sevoflurane leads to cognitive decline through inhibiting hippocampal CaMK Ⅱ/CREB signaling pathway in aged rats.

Yam polysaccharide improves sperm viability and protects sperm DNA integrity in vitro / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To clarify the roles of yam polysaccharide (YPS) in improving sperm viability and protecting sperm DNA integrity in vitro and provide a new approach to the treatment of oligoasthenozoospermia.@*METHODS@#We collected samples by masturbation from 36 normal fertile males aged 27－39 years. Each sample was divided into six groups: blank control or treated with normal saline, vitamin C solution, and YPS solution at low (0.25 mg/ml), medium (1.0 mg/ml) or high concentration (5.0 mg/ml). Using eosin-Y staining, sperm hypotonic swelling (HOS) and sperm chromatin diffusion (SCD) test, we observed the effects of different concentrations of YPS on sperm viability, membrane integrity and nuclear DNA.@*RESULTS@#After 24 and 48 hours of treatment, sperm viability was markedly reduced in the vitamin C (［28.5 ± 3.1］ and ［6.5 ± 1.2］%), low-YPS (［31.3 ± 3.5］ and ［6.5 ± 2.2］%), medium-YPS (［37.1 ± 3.5］ and ［9.5 ± 2.8］%) and high-YPS groups (［38.3 ± 3.3］ and ［9.0 ± 3.2］%) as compared with the blank control (［17.3 ± 2.1］ and ［3.2 ± 1.3］%) (P 0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Yam polysaccharide can improve sperm viability and protect sperm DNA integrity in vitro.

Effect of power-frequency electromagnetic fields on antioxidant indexes in operation personnel / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of the power-frequency electromagnetic field on antioxidant indexes in operation personnel. METHODS: By random sampling method,a total of 58 workers who work in 500 kV transformer substations for at least 5. 0 years were selected as the exposure group,and 60 administrative staffs in the same enterprise were included as the control group. The power frequency electromagnetic fields in the 2 groups were measured. The cumulative exposure dose of individual magnetic field was calculated. Peripheral venous blood was collected in these 2groups and was examined with the superoxide dismutase( SOD) activity,malondialdehyde( MDA) level and the relative gene expression level of manganese superoxide dismutase( MnSOD). RESULTS: There was no statistical significance in the SOD activity,MDA level and the relative gene expression level of MnSOD between the exposure group and the control group( P > 0. 05). The logistic regression analysis results indicated that cumulative exposure dose was not correlated with the SOD activity,MDA level and the relative gene expression level of MnSOD after adjusting confounding factors such as age,smoking,alcohol and tea drinking( P > 0. 05). CONCLUSION: Power-frequency electromagnetic field exposure has no significant effects on the SOD activity,MDA level and the relative gene expression level of MnSOD of operation workers.

“Four Methods for Blood Diseases”Applied in Blood Stasis in Chronic Nephrosis / 浙江中医药大学学报

Objective] To discuss the treatment of blood stasis in chronic nephrosis. [Method] With deep study on Tang Rongchuang ’s“four methods for blood diseases”, by combining with author’s clinical practice, it studies the application of it in stasis of chronic nephrosis. [Result] Blood stasis is one of basic pathogenesis and syndromes;hemostasis is the first method for bleeding, paying attention to micro-differentiation of signs of stasis, avoiding the later troubles by removing stasis to activate blood circulation, pointing to the causa morbi, tranquilizing blood to prevent over-active blood, finally tonifying blood to support the essence for good result. [Conclusion] The blood stasis runs through the chronic nephrosis; to smartly apply the “four methods for blood diseases”can be the aim of the simultaneous treatment of principal and subordinate symptoms and radically reforming, worth clinical application.

Organic erectile dysfunction and metabolic syndrome in young and middle-aged men: analysis of 154 cases / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the association of erectile dysfunction (ED) with metabolic syndrome ( MS) and the total testosterone ( tT) level in young and middle-aged men.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This study included 154 organic ED outpatients aged 20 -59 years and 103 age-matched men with normal sexual life. We obtained their waist circumference ( WC) , blood pressure ( BP) , fasting blood glucose ( FBG) , triglyceride ( TG) , high density lipoprotein ( HDL) , tT, IIEF -5 score, erectile function indexes and other relevant variables, and compared them between the ED and non-ED groups as well as between the ED patients with MS and those without MS.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The prevalence of MS was significantly higher in the ED patients than in the non-ED males ( 40. 9 vs 17.4%, P < 0. 01). Statistically significant differences were found between the ED and non-ED groups in WC ( [90. 80 ±4. 90] vs [87. 70 ±4. 60] em, P <0.01), SBP ([134.40±14.40] vs [129.90±12.40] mmHg, P<O.OS), DBP ([86.20±7.80] vs [83.60±8.60] mmHg, P <0.05), FBG ( [5.48 ±1.02] vs [5. 11 ±0. 91] mmol, P <0. 01), HDL ( [ 1.12 ±0. 27] vs [ 1. 26 ±0. 29] mmol, P < 0. 01) , and tT ( [ 15. 98 ± 6. 55] vs [ 17. 95 ± 7. 39] mmol, P < 0. 05) , as well as between the ED patients with MS and those without MS in such erectile function indexes as tT ( [ 14.49 ±6. 23] vs [ 17.01 ±6. 60] mmol, P <0. 05), erectile penile circumference ( [9. 67 ± 1.09] vs [10.16 ± 1.01] cm, P <0. 01), erectile penile length ( [ 10.40 ± 1. 20] vs [ 10.79 ± 1. 07] cm, P <0. 05), glans temperature ( [ 31. 33 ± 0. 65] vs [ 31. 80 ± 0. 82] °C , P < 0. 01) , and mean axial hardness of the penis ( [ 332. 60 ± 137. 90] vs [ 419. 20 ± 145. 80] g, P < 0. 01 ) . WC was significantly correlated with the incidence of ED ( P < 0. 01 ) .</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The prevalence of MS is significantly higher in young and middle-aged ED patients than in normal males, and MS is associated with a lower testosterone level and poorer erectile performance. Central obesity is closely correlated with ED in young and middle-aged men.</p>

Preliminary study on correlation between diversity of soluble proteins and producing area of Cordyceps sinensis / 中国中药杂志

To analyze the content and type of soluble proteins in Cordyceps sinensis from different producing areas and processed with different methods with bradford method and 2-DE technology, in order to discover significant differences in soluble proteins in C. sinensis processed with different methods and from different producing areas. The preliminary study indicated that the content and diversity of soluble proteins were related to producing areas and processing methods to some extent.