The ROS/SIRT1/STAR axis as a target for melatonin ameliorating atrazine-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and steroid disorders in granulosa cells.

The granulosa cells (GCs) of birds are essential for the reproduction and maintenance of populations in nature. Atrazine (ATR) is a potent endocrine disruptor that can interfere with reproductive function in females and Diaminochlorotriazine (DACT) is the primary metabolite of ATR in the organism. Melatonin (MT) is an endogenous hormone with antioxidant properties that plays a crucial role in development of animal germ cells. However, how ATR causes mitochondrial dysfunction, abnormal secretion of steroid hormones, and whether MT prevents ATR-induced female reproductive toxicity remains unclear. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate the protective effect of MT against ATR-induced female reproduction. In the present study, the GCs of quail were divided into 6 groups, as follows: C (Serum-free medium), MT (10 µM MT), A250 (250 µM ATR), MA250 (10 µM MT+250 µM ATR), D200 (200 µM DACT) and MD200 (10 µM MT+200 µM DACT), and were cultured for 24 h. The results revealed that ATR prevented GCs proliferation and decreased cell differentiation. ATR caused oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to disruption of steroid synthesis, which posed a severe risk to GC's function. However, MT supplements reversed these changes. Mechanistically, our study exhibited that the ROS/SIRT1/STAR axis as a target for MT to ameliorate ATR-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and steroid disorders in GCs, which provides new insights into the role of MT in ATR-induced reproductive capacity and species conservation in birds.

[Clinical symptoms and distribution characteristics traditional Chinese medicine syndromes of pulmonary nodules].

A cross-sectional study method combined with two types of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) syndrome differentiation methods was adopted to investigate the clinical symptoms and distribution characteristics of TCM syndromes in patients with pulmonary nodules from the perspectives of number, size, nature, and stability of pulmonary nodules by using the χ~2 test, systematic clustering and Apriori algorithm correlation analysis. The common clinical symptoms of pulmonary nodules were fatigue(77.35%) and irritability(75.40%), and 40 symptoms were clustered into 3 groups(digestive system symptoms, respiratory system symptoms, and emotional and systemic symptoms) and 8 major symptom categories. The proportion of cold and heat in complexity syndrome(63.43%) was higher based on cold-heat syndrome differentiation. The top two syndromes were Qi deficiency syndrome(88.03%) and Qi depression syndrome(83.17%) based on disease syndrome differentiation. Yang deficiency syndrome(60.52%) was more than Yin deficiency syndrome(50.16%). There were higher proportions of phlegm syndrome(78.67%) and Yang deficiency syndrome(69.33%) of so-litary pulmonary nodules in terms of the number of pulmonary nodules. In terms of size, the proportion of phlegm syndrome decreased as the mean diameter of pulmonary nodules increased, while the proportions of Yang deficiency syndrome and blood stasis syndrome increased. The distribution of Qi depression syndrome was more in those with mean diameter<10 mm(85.02%, P=0.044) and cold syndrome was more in those with mean diameter ≥10 mm(16.67%, P=0.024). In terms of the nature of pulmonary nodules, the proportions of Qi depression syndrome and heat syndrome decreased with the increase in solid components of pulmonary nodules, while the proportions of Yin deficiency syndrome and cold and heat in complexity syndrome increased. The blood stasis syndrome accounted for a higher proportion of pulmonary nodules with solid components. In terms of the stability of pulmonary nodules, dampness syndrome(72.97%), blood stasis syndrome(37.84%), and cold and heat in complexity syndrome(70.27%) accounted for higher proportions. In addition, patients with new nodules presented higher proportions in Qi inversion syndrome(52.00%, P=0.007) and cold and heat in complexity syndrome(66.00%, P=0.008). Meanwhile, 11 syndromes were associated and 4 common compound syndromes were obtained(Qi deficiency and depression syndrome, Qi depression and phlegm coagulation syndrome, Qi deficiency and phlegm coagulation syndrome, and Qi deficiency and dampness obstruction syndrome). Qi deficiency syndrome and Qi depression syndrome could be associated with other syndromes. The results show that the main clinical symptoms of pulmonary nodules are fatigue and irritability. The main TCM syndromes of pulmonary nodules are Qi deficiency syndrome, Qi depression syndrome, Yang deficiency syndrome, and cold and heat in complexity syndrome. The distribution of TCM syndromes is significantly correlated with the size of pulmonary nodules and the presence or absence of new nodules. The common compound syndromes are Qi deficiency and depression syndrome, Qi depression and phlegm coagulation syndrome, Qi deficiency and phlegm coagulation syndrome, and Qi deficiency and dampness obstruction syndrome.

Citrus peel extract protects against diesel exhaust particle-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-like lung lesions and oxidative stress.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death worldwide and characterized by emphysema, small airway remodeling and mucus hypersecretion. Citrus peels have been widely used as food spices and in traditional Chinese medicine for chronic lung disease. Given that citrus peels are known for containing antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, we hypothesize that citrus peel intake can suppress oxidative stress and inflammatory response to air pollution exposure, thereby alleviating COPD-like pathologies. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of citrus peel extract, namely Guang Chenpi (GC), in preventing the development of COPD induced by diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) and its potential mechanism. DEP-induced COPD-like lung pathologies, inflammatory responses and oxidative stress with or without GC treatment were examined in vivo and in vitro. Our in vivo study showed that GC was effective in decreasing inflammatory cell counts and inflammatory mediator (IL-17A and TNF-α) concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Pretreatment with GC extract also significantly decreased oxidative stress in the serum and lung tissue of DEP-induced COPD rats. Furthermore, GC pretreatment effectively reduced goblet cell hyperplasia (PAS positive cells) and fibrosis of the small airways, decreased macrophage infiltration as well as carbon loading in the peripheral lungs, and facilitated the resolution of emphysema and small airway remodeling in DEP-induced COPD rats. An in vitro free radical scavenging assay revealed robust antioxidant potential of GC in scavenging DPPH free radicals. Moreover, GC demonstrated potent capacities in reducing ROS production and enhancing SOD activity in BEAS-2B cells stimulated by DEPs. GC treatment significantly attenuated the increased level of IL-8 and MUC5AC from DEP-treated BEAS-2B cells. Mechanistically, GC treatment upregulated the protein level of Nrf-2 and could function via MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways by suppressing the phosphorylation of p38, JNK and p65. Citrus peel extract is effective in decreasing oxidative stress and inflammatory responses of the peripheral lungs to DEP exposure. These protective effects further contributed to the resolution of COPD-like pathologies.

Retrospective Clinical Study on Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine in Treatment of Limited-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of integrated Chinese and Western medicine extending the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) patients after the first-line chemoradiotherapy. METHODS: The data of 67 LS-SCLC patients who received combined treatment of CM and Western medicine (WM) between January 2013 and May 2020 at the outpatient clinic of Guang'anmen Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Thirty-six LS-SCLC patients who received only WM treatment was used as the WM control group. The medical data of the two groups were statistically analyzed. Survival analysis was performed using the product-limit method (Kaplan-Meier analysis). The median OS and PFS were calculated, and survival curves were compared by the Log rank test. The cumulative survival rates at 1, 2, and 5 years were estimated by the life table analysis. Stratified survival analysis was performed between patients with different CM administration time. RESULTS: The median PFS in the CM and WM combination treatment group and the WM group were 19 months (95% CI: 12.357-25.643) vs. 9 months (95% CI: 5.957-12.043), HR=0.43 (95% CI: 0.27-0.69, P<0.001), respectively. The median OS in the CM and WM combination group and the WM group were 34 months (95% CI could not be calculated) vs. 18.63 months (95% CI: 16.425-20.835), HR=0.40 (95% CI: 0.24-0.66, P<0.001), respectively. Similar results were obtained in the further stratified analysis of whether the duration of CM administration exceeded 18 and 24 months (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The combination treatment of CM and WM with continuing oral administration of CM treatment after the first-line chemoradiotherapy for LS-SCLC patients produced better prognosis, lower risks of progression, and longer survival than the WM treatment alone. (Registration No. ChiCTR2200056616).

[Exploration of the construction of semantic framework of meridians and acupoints based on top-level ontology].

Based on the top-level ontology and the existing ontology methodology, the related concepts of meridians and acupoints were discriminated, defined and classified; the relationship of core concepts were established, e.g. meridians, acupoints and zangfu. It was attempted to build an ontological semantic framework of meridians and acupoints. Through the investigation on the classification mode of the top-level ontology, it is proposed that the meridians and acupoints, as the unique concepts of traditional Chinese medicine, exist in the form of "emptiness" and belong to "immaterial entity". Meridians refer to the three-dimensional channels in the human body, and acupoints are divided into ontological acupoints and body surface ones. Ontological acupoints are regarded as a three-dimensional structure within the human body, whereas, body surface ones are the optimal sites for acupuncture needle insertion on the body surface, meaning, the zero-dimensional point on the body surface. The main relationships between meridians and acupoints include is-a, exterior-interior, located-in, correspondent-to, mapping, etc. The exploration of the semantic framework of meridians and acupoints is conductive to understanding the connotation of meridians, acupoints and their relationship.

Prevention of Radiodermatitis With Topical Chinese Herbal Medicine: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objectives: Topical Chinese herbal medicine (TCHM) is widely used to prevent radiodermatitis in patients who receive radiation therapy in China. However, evidence regarding its efficacy remains limited. The purpose of the review is to evaluate the effects of TCHM in preventing radiodermatitis. Methods: The protocol of this review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020220620). Relevant clinical trials were identified (from January 1, 2010, to April 24, 2022) through 11 electronic databases, including PubMed, SpringerLink, Proquest, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, the ProQuest Dissertation & Theses Global, PsycINFO, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Databases, Wangfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, and the Chongqing VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database. The quality of the included trials was assessed through a risk of bias assessment using Version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB 2.0). We included RCTs that compared TCHM single used or as adjunctive treatment with routine drugs, conventional therapy, or placebo for cancer patients who are about to start radiation therapy and do not possess any type of dermatitis or skin lesions at that time. Primary outcomes of interest were the incidence of radiodermatitis and the grade of radiodermatitis according to the RTOG (Radiation Therapy Oncology Group). Secondary outcomes included the recovery time of skin and mucosa, the occurrence time of radiodermatitis, the radiation dose, quality of life, and adverse events. Data were summarized using risk ratio (RR) calculations and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for binary outcomes or mean difference (MD) with 95% CI for continuous outcomes. Certainty of the evidence was assessed according to the GRADE criteria. Results: In this review, 38 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Risk of bias assessment through RoB 2.0 showed that two studies were rated as low risk, two studies were rated as high risk, and the rest were rated as having some concerns. Compared with routine drugs, TCHM may have an advantage in reducing RTOG grading (RR = 0.46, 95%CI 0.35-0.60), decreasing the recovery time of radiodermatitis (MD = -2.35, 95%CI 3.58 to -1.12 days), delaying the occurrence of radiodermatitis (MD = 2.36, 95%CI 1.74-2.98), and improving the quality of life of patients (RR = 1.46, 95%CI 1.03-2.06). Compared with conventional therapy, TCHM may also have an advantage in decreasing the grade of RTOG (RR = 0.28, 95%CI 0.21-0.38). Conclusion: Current low evidence revealed that TCHM may have better efficacy in the prevention of radiodermatitis; however, more high-quality RCTs are still warranted to testify this conclusion. Systematic Review Registration: (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020220620), identifier (PROSPERO 2020 CRD42020220620).

[The ancient literature source and flow of the point to point penetration acupuncture method].

It has been the consensus of the academic community that the doctor DOU Han-qing in Jin-Yuan Dynasty was the pioneer of point to point penetration acupuncture method.The contents of several texts in Yuan-Ming-Qing Dynasties were combed on the basis of Dou Taishi Zhenjing(《》).The paradigm,the acupoints,basic elements and the characteristics of the main treatment of diseases were discussed,and the relationship between the point to point penetration acupuncture method with the penetration acupuncture method has been tried to distinguish from the perspective of technical philosophy. It was found that the specifications and quantity of the 28 "penetration and to" cases in Dou Taishi Zhenjing(《》)were sufficiently exemplary for future generations, and were the source documents of Yuan-Ming-Qing's texts,which basically followed its specifications and content and developed.For example,the Yulong Poetries(《》)in the books of Bianque Shenying Zhenjiu Yulong Jing(《》),Zhenjiu Dacheng(《》),Zhenfang Liuji(《》).The 37 cases in Zhenfang Liuji(《》) were the most in several texts.The 31 cases in Xunjing Kaoxue Bian(《》)had the characteristics of DOU Han-qing, YANG Ji-zhou and LING Yun, who developed the opposite direction penetration method with two or more needles on DOU Han-qing's one needle.There were five basic elements in the point to point penetration acupuncture method:the needle pri-cking inch(depth), the needle pricking angle, the needle pricking direction, the starting acupoint, the end acupoint.This method in Dou Taishi Zhenjing(《》)mostly treated local diseases and symptoms,some acupoints below the elbows and knees also treated far-end diseases.The point to point penetration acupuncture method has a specific intention structure, which cannot be confused with the penetration acupuncture method.

Xianling Gubao Capsule Prevents Cadmium-Induced Kidney Injury.

Xianling Gubao Capsule (XGC), a kind of capsule preparation of Chinese herbal officially approved for sale by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), has the effect of tonifying kidney and strengthening bones. Although the impact of XGC in treating bone diseases has been widely studied, the effect of XGC in kidney injury is unknown yet. The kidney injury model is established by intraperitoneal injection with cadmium chloride (CdCl2). Before model establishment, each XGC group was pregavaged with XGC for 10 d. After 10 d, CdCl2 was injected intraperitoneally into the model group and each XGC group, each XGC group continued to be gavaged with XGC for 4 weeks, and the control group was gavaged with equal doses of distilled water once daily. The level of serum urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Cr) is evaluated by kit. The effect of XGC on protecting kidney injury in mice with kidney injury is analyzed by histopathology (HE stain), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The results show that CdCl2 significantly increases the level BUN and Cr in serum and results in remarkable pathological changes in the nephron, including tubule edema, congestion, and necrosis. While oral administration of XGC can significantly decrease BUN and Cr in serum and prevent and protect the kidney from the above injuries. In addition, the protein expression of p-mTOR was remarkably reduced, and the ratio of LC3II/LC3I protein and mRNA was significantly increased in mice with oral administration of XGC. Our findings suggest that XGC can prevent and protect kidney injury by improving the state of renal tubular hyperemia and necrosis and reduce the level of BUN and Cr in cadmium poisoning mice.

[Biopharmaceutical classification and transport mechanism of 4 alkaloids in Mongolian herbal medicine Sophorae Flavescentis Radix].

In this study, we studied the solubility and permeability of matrine, oxymatrine, sophoridine, and oxysophocarpine, four alkaloids in the Mongolian herbal medicine Sophorae Flavescentis Radix, and evaluated the absorption mechanism with the Caco-2 cell model, so as to provide a basis for the new drug development and efficacy evaluation of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix. The results showed that all the four alkaloids had high solubility and high permeability and can be well absorbed, belonging to the class-I drugs of Biopharmaceutical Classification System(BCS). The absorption(AP→BL) and excretion(BL→AP) of matrine and oxymatrine were not affected by the concentration while the absorption depended on P-gp protein. The absorption(AP→BL) and excretion(BL→AP) of sophoridine and oxysophocarpine were positively related to the concentration and time, and the absorption process was independent from P-gp protein. The results provide scientific reference and an experimental basis for the development of Mongolian medical prescriptions containing Sophorae Flavescentis Radix.

Preliminary study on effect of Phellinus igniarius ethanol extract on serum uric acid metabolism and gut microbiome in rats / 中国中药杂志

The aim of this paper was to investigate the effect of ethanol extract of Phellinus igniarius in lowering uric acid and changing the gut microbiome in hyperuricemia rats. A total of 36 SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group, model control group, positive drug control group, and high-dose, middle-dose and low-dose P. igniarius ethanol extract groups, with 6 rats in each group. Hyperuricemia rats were established by D-fructose combined with oteracil potassium(OAPS). One week later, the positive control group was given allopurinol 50 mg·kg~(-1) intragastrically, and P. igniarius ethanol extract groups were treated with 30, 60 and 90 mg·kg~(-1) drugs for 14 consecutive days. Body weight, blood glucose and serum uric acid(SUA) were monitored every week. After the model rats were administered with the ethanol extracts of P. igniarius by gavage for two weeks, the activities of creatinine, BUN, xanthine oxidase(XOD) and adenosine deaminase(ADA) were detected. The right kidney was taken to analyze the histological and morphological changes and the degree of damage to main organs of the extract of P. igniarius. The 16 S rDNA gene sequence technique was used to analyze the guts microbiota composition in feces. The results indicated that ethanol extract of P. igniarius could significantly lower the SUA level(P<0.01), while inhibiting the activities of XOD and ADA(P<0.05, P<0.01). Histological examination showed that the allopurine group showed slight renal tubular dilation and inflammatory cell infiltration compared with the normal group, with no significant difference between the P. igniarius ethanol extract groups and the normal group. The 16 S sequencing results showed that the composition of gut microbiota has changed in each group. Therefore, ethanol extracts of P. igniarius may reduce the level of SUA in rats by inhibiting the activities of XOD and ADA, with a certain effect on the composition of gut microbiota.

Analysis of clinical cross-control trial results of an smartphone application in screening neonatal jaundice / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective:To evaluate the correlation, consistency and safety of an smartphone application (APP) in screening neonatal jaundice using the smartphone based on the image-based bilirubin (IBB) and transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB).Methods:From July to October 2018, neonates with the age ≤28 d and gestational age ≥35 weeks who were admitted to Department of Neonatal and Obstetrics, Xuzhou Central Hospital without blue light phototherapy were recruited.They were randomly divided into two groups to measure the jaundice value of skin in front of sternum by a cross-control analysis.Jaundice level in group Ⅰ was first measured using the Nezhabaobei? APP in iPhone 6, and then measured using the JM-103 transcutaneous jaundice instrument as the control device.In group Ⅱ, jaundice level was sequencially measured by the control device and the Nezhabaobei? APP.Sex, age, gestational age, birth weight and the mean value of three consecutive tests were recorded.The Pearson′s correlation analysis, Bland-Altman plots consistency analysis, t test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used for statistical analysis. Results:A total of 185 eligible neonates were enrolled, including 99 males and 86 females, with the median age of 5 d (3-8 d), gestational age of (37.6 ± 1.7) weeks, and birth weight of (2 950 ± 645) g. There were good correlation ( r=0.860, P<0.05) and consistency (95.1% of the samples fall within the 95% consistency interval) between IBB and TcB.Good correlation and consistency were also yielded in subgroup analyses based on the sex, age, gestational age and birth weight.The consistency was better in subgroups of ≤7 d, >37 weeks and>2 500 g. The ability of IBB to predict TcB>256.5 μmol/L was better than that of TcB>171.0 μmol/L.The area under the ROC curve was 0.93, the cut-off value was 232.6 μmol/L, the sensitivity was 96.7%, and the specificity was 82.6%.The difference of the mean values of IBB and TcB detected for 3 times was significantly lower than that obtained in the first measurement of IBB and TcB [(12.0 ± 34.4) μmol/L vs.(14.4 ± 38.6) μmol/L, P=0.038]. There were no adverse events and no defects in the device itself. Conclusions:There are good correlation and consistency between IBB and TcB.The ability of IBB to predict TcB>256.5 μmol/L is better than that of TcB>171.0 μmol/L, which is safe in clinical use.

[Jiarong Tablets combined with Testosterone Undecanoate Capsules for late-onset hypogonadism in males: A multicentered clinical trial].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Jiarong Tablets (JRT) combined with Testosterone Undecanoate Capsules (TUC) in the treatment of late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) in males. METHODS: This randomized open multicentered clinical trial included 200 cases of LOH meeting the inclusion, which were equally randomized into a control (aged ï¼»51.09 ± 5.6ï¼½ yr) and a trial group (aged ï¼»50.46 ± 5.2ï¼½ yr) to be treated with oral TUC (40 mg, bid) and TUC+JRT (0.92 g, tid) respectively for 12 successive weeks. We obtained the Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS) and IIEF-5 scores, serum total testosterone (TT) content, red blood cell (RBC) count, hepatic and renal function indexes and glucose and total PSA levels before and after treatment, and compared them between the two groups of patients. RESULTS: Totally, 191 of the LOH patients completed the experiment, 95 in the control and 96 in the trial group. After 12 weeks of treatment, the patients in the trial group, compared with the controls, showed significant improvement in the AMS score (20.6 ± 5.7 vs 31.9 ± 6.1, P < 0.05), IIEF-5 score (20.3 ± 3.1 vs 16.3 ± 3.8, P < 0.05) and serum TT level (ï¼»16.1 ± 3.9ï¼½ vs ï¼»12.7 ± 3.4ï¼½ nmol/L, P < 0.05). There were no significant adverse events or abnormalities in the RBC count, hepatic and renal functions, or glucose and total PSA levels in the two groups of patients before and after medication. CONCLUSIONS: JRT combined with TUC is safe and effective and superior to TUC alone in the treatment of LOH in males.

[Collection methods, stylistic layout and value of extraordinary points in Doutaishi Zhenjing (Master Dou's Canon of Acupuncture)].

The literature source, collection methods and stylistic layout, value and influence of 32 extraordinary points in Doutaishi Zhenjing (Master Dou's Canon of Acupuncture) were collected. The sources of the literature are extensive. The collection methods include 5 aspects, named inheritance, integration and repair; name rectification, identification and differentiation; new point explication on the base of extraordinary points; well arrangement of points and mutual use of three methods for stylistic layout; as well as integrative illustration with text and picture, and determined location. In reference to the holistic layout of name, location, techniques of acupuncture and moxibustion and indications of extraordinary points in Doutaishi Zhenjing (Master Dou's Canon of Acupuncture), it is the first time to make a standardized and unified collection of extraordinary points, which is valuable in the historical literature, the theoretic research and clinical practice of extraordinary points. It brings a great impact on the special articles or books after the Yuan dynasty and even the establishment of national standards at present.

[Evolution of the concept of extra ordinary point and standardization of related terms].

Through an analysis of the historical development of the concept of extra ordinary point, it is found that the terms of "Qi point" "extra ordinary point" "Loujing point" "extra meridian point" and "Bie point" used in the ancient medical books in the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties actually expressed two different concepts of "extra ordinary points with the magical effects" and "extra points other than the meridian points". The standardized term for the former concept should be "extra ordinary point" (Qi point for short), and the standardized term for the latter concept should be "extra meridian point", which is also called "Loujing point" and "Bie point". Since these two different concepts are not clarified in modern acupuncture textbooks, especially the misreading of "Jing Wai", no consensus has been reached on the definition of "extra ordinary point" and "extra meridian point", and the standardized terms have not been decided, which changed from "extra ordinary point" to "Qi point" and "extra point" and recently returned to "extra ordinary point". These confusions in textbooks have a direct impact on the determination of the related acupuncture terms used in national and international standards.

Selenium-Cultured Potamogeton maackianus in the Diet Can Alleviate Oxidative Stress and Immune Suppression in Chinese Mitten Crab (Eriocheir sinensis) Under Copper Exposure.

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for aquatic animals. The aquatic plant Potamogeton maackianus is an important natural food of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis). The aim of this study was to determine whether the antioxidant and immune responses of Chinese mitten crab are affected by including Se-cultured P. maackianus in the diet. Three groups of P. maackianus were cultured at levels of 0.02 mg/kg Se, 8.83 mg/kg Se, and 16.92 mg/kg Se, and the plants in these groups were used in experimental diets fed to crabs (dietary Se content of 0.05, 0.43, and 0.82 mg/kg, respectively). Compared with crabs in the 0.05 mg/kg group, those in the 0.82 mg/kg group showed significantly increased specific growth rate, protease and lipase activities, triglyceride and cholesterol contents, and Se content in the hepatopancreas and muscle (P < 0.05); increased activities of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and catalase in the antioxidant system; increased transcript levels of MT (encoding metallothionein); and decreased malondialdehyde content (P < 0.05). At the end of the rearing experiment, the crabs in the different groups were exposed to copper (Cu2+) stress for 96 h. All the juvenile crabs in the 0.43 and 0.82 mg/kg groups survived 96 h of Cu2+ stress. Crabs in the 0.82 mg/kg group showed enhanced antioxidant responses under Cu2+ stress, increased transcript levels of MT and LYZ, and increased resistance. Therefore, supplementation of the diet of Chinese mitten crab with increased levels of Se-cultured P. maackianus can reduce oxidative stress under Cu2+ exposure, activate the immune response, and benefit growth.

A circadian rhythm-gated subcortical pathway for nighttime-light-induced depressive-like behaviors in mice.

Besides generating vision, light modulates various physiological functions, including mood. While light therapy applied in the daytime is known to have anti-depressive properties, excessive light exposure at night has been reportedly associated with depressive symptoms. The neural mechanisms underlying this day-night difference in the effects of light are unknown. Using a light-at-night (LAN) paradigm in mice, we showed that LAN induced depressive-like behaviors without disturbing the circadian rhythm. This effect was mediated by a neural pathway from retinal melanopsin-expressing ganglion cells to the dorsal perihabenular nucleus (dpHb) to the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Importantly, the dpHb was gated by the circadian rhythm, being more excitable at night than during the day. This indicates that the ipRGC→dpHb→NAc pathway preferentially conducts light signals at night, thereby mediating LAN-induced depressive-like behaviors. These findings may be relevant when considering the mental health effects of the prevalent nighttime illumination in the industrial world.

[Relationship between DOU Han-qing of the Jin and Yuan Dynasty and Taoist].

In order to explore the culture factors of the construction of acupuncture theory of DOU Han-qing, the medical master of the Jin and Yuan Dynasty, the authors studied the relationship between DOU Han-qing and Taoist by collecting DOU 's life material. With manual retrieval, some ancient historical literature was obtained. Additionally, Yijing Huiyuan: Zhenjiu Yuanshu: Dou Taishi Michuan Mihua Zhenjing Qiongyao Baojian, written by WU Jia-yan in the Ming Dynasty, collected in Japan, was analyzed. It was found that DOU Han-qing's acupuncture and moxibustion was influenced by Suwen Wangpian: Cifalun, the Taoism medicine of the early stage of the Song Dynasty, as well as by Jiaojing Baxue, passed on by SONG Zi-hua, the hermit. DOU Han-qing had been in contact with FAN Zhi-ying of the Taoist, but there was no clear record relevant with medicine. Dou Taishi Michuan Mihua Zhenjing Qiongyao Baojian may be the compilation by Taoism medical master, on the base DOU 's acupuncture and moxibustion. There is a kind of mutual influence and mutual promotion relationship between DOU Han-qing and Taoist.

Objective, approach and symbolic achievement of the standardization on extraordinary points / 中国针灸

Through sorting out the development of meridian points and the standardization of extraordinary points in dynasties, two objectives are discovered in the standardization of extraordinary points starting from the Tang Dynasty. The points with extraordinary effect are selected points and transferred to meridian points and the commonly-used key points are selected and developed to be standardized acupoints. Hence, 3 approaches are summarized. Approach No.1: a large number of "meridian-outside" points that are the potential supplementation but not included yet in meridian points are supplemented to meridian points. Approach No.2: based on the specified requirement, the key points are selected from the acupoints with determined locations and names, which is developed to be the standard of acupoints. Approach No.3: the acupoints with extraordinary effect are selected from the "meridian-outside" points and these points are collected for the formulation of the standard of extraordinary points. The latter two approaches provide for the development direction of teaching and standardization in the future.

Relationship between of the Jin and Yuan Dynasty and Taoist / 中国针灸

In order to explore the culture factors of the construction of acupuncture theory of -, the medical master of the Jin and Yuan Dynasty, the authors studied the relationship between - and Taoist by collecting 's life material. With manual retrieval, some ancient historical literature was obtained. Additionally, , written by - in the Ming Dynasty, collected in Japan, was analyzed. It was found that -'s acupuncture and moxibustion was influenced by , the Taoism medicine of the early stage of the Song Dynasty, as well as by , passed on by -, the hermit. - had been in contact with - of the Taoist, but there was no clear record relevant with medicine. may be the compilation by Taoism medical master, on the base 's acupuncture and moxibustion. There is a kind of mutual influence and mutual promotion relationship between - and Taoist.