Comparison of characteristics and anti-MDA5 antibody distribution and effect between clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis and classic dermatomyositis: a retrospective case-control study.

Background: Clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis (CADM) is a distinct subtype of dermatomyositis (DM) characterized by typical DM cutaneous findings but with minimal or no evidence of myositis. It possesses unique features different from classic DM (CDM). Anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) antibodies were found in CADM and are thought to increase the risk of rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD) and are present in both CADM and CDM patients, affecting their condition and prognosis. Nevertheless, no large-sample studies have compared all aspects concerning patients with CADM and those with CDM. This study aimed to investigate differences in clinical characteristics and risk factors for mortality between CADM and CDM and to clarify the distribution and impact of anti-MDA5 antibodies in patients with these conditions. Methods: A retrospective case-control study included 330 patients and collected and analyzed their clinical data from The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between January 2015 and July 2022; all patients were followed up to evaluate changes in their condition and prognosis. Several new cohorts were designed around anti-MDA5 antibodies to explore their distribution and impact in CADM and CDM. Results: We found CADM to be associated with higher rates of mortality, 1-year mortality, interstitial lung disease (ILD), and RP-ILD than CDM. In CADM, RP-ILD, anti-MDA5 antibodies, and high ferritin and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were identified as independent risk factors for death. In CDM, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, anti-MDA5 antibodies, and high ferritin levels were shown to be independent risk factors for death, whereas mechanic's hand was considered a protective factor against it. Anti-MDA5 antibody-positive patients did not exhibit any significant difference based on whether they belonged to the CADM or CDM groups. When no anti-MDA5 antibody-positive patients participated, the ferritin levels and rates of RP-ILD and ILD were still higher in CADM than in CDM; however, such differences decreased, whereas the LDH levels, rates of mortality, and 1-year mortality did not differ. Anti-MDA5 antibody-positive patients consistently showed higher LDH and ferritin levels, lower lymphocyte levels, higher probability of RP-ILD and ILD, and worse prognosis than anti-MDA5 antibody-negative patients, irrespective of whether the patients had DM, CADM, or CDM. Conclusion: Patients with CADM exhibit relatively worse symptoms, serological findings, and prognosis than those with CDM. Furthermore, patients with CADM and those with CDM have commonalities and differences in risk factors for death. Moreover, CADM may necessitate earlier and more aggressive treatment strategies than CDM. Anti-MDA5 antibodies occur at a high level in patients with CADM, not only affecting the symptoms and prognosis of DM but also having a non-negligible impact on the differences between CADM and CDM. Hence, screening for anti-MDA5 antibodies in patients with CADM and CDM is extremely essential.

Characterization of two O-methyltransferases involved in the biosynthesis of O-methylated catechins in tea plant.

Tea is known for having a high catechin content, with the main component being (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has significant bioactivities, including potential anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activity. The poor intestinal stability and permeability of EGCG, however, undermine these health-improving benefits. O-methylated EGCG derivatives, found in a few tea cultivars in low levels, have attracted considerable interest due to their increased bioavailability. Here, we identify two O-methyltransferases from tea plant: CsFAOMT1 that has a specific O-methyltransferase activity on the 3''-position of EGCG to generate EGCG3''Me, and CsFAOMT2 that predominantly catalyzes the formation of EGCG4″Me. In different tea tissues and germplasms, the transcript levels of CsFAOMT1 and CsFAOMT2 are strongly correlated with the amounts of EGCG3''Me and EGCG4''Me, respectively. Furthermore, the crystal structures of CsFAOMT1 and CsFAOMT2 reveal the key residues necessary for 3''- and 4''-O-methylation. These findings may provide guidance for the future development of tea cultivars with high O-methylated catechin content.

Research trends in complementary and alternative treatments for insomnia over the past decade: A bibliometrics analysis.

Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, with persistent insomnia being associated with greater risk and leading to a range of functional consequences that place a heavy burden on patients and healthcare systems. A weight of evidence has shown that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) seems to have a positive effect on improving sleep. However, the research trends of CAM intervention for insomnia have not been studied systematically through bibliometrics. We searched the relevant literature over the past decade in the Web of Science Core Collection database on September 20, 2022 and used CiteSpace and gCLUTO to visually analyze and cluster countries, institutions, authors, journals and keywords. Through screening, 1655 papers were included. In the past decade, the number of articles published in this field shown an annual trend of growth, with explosive growth in 2020. The USA has the largest number of publications, the University of Hong Kong is the leading institution in this field, and the most cited journal is Sleep. Mental condition and quality of life in patients with insomnia, insomnia related to cancer, effect of mindfulness meditation, yoga and aromatherapy on insomnia and the psychiatric symptoms resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic are at the forefront of this field. In this study, bibliometrics and visualization analysis were performed on related studies on CAM intervention for insomnia. This will be the focus and development direction of insomnia treatment in the future to formulate structured treatment plans for traditional Chinese medicine-related CAM, validate large-scale clinical trials, solve cancer comorbidity insomnia and related psychiatric symptoms and deal with mental health-related insomnia after public health outbreaks.

Amygdalin Ameliorates Liver Fibrosis through Inhibiting Activation of TGF-ß/Smad Signaling.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of amygdalin on liver fibrosis in a liver fibrosis mouse model, and the underlying mechanisms were partly dissected in vivo and in vitro. METHODS: Thirty-two male mice were randomly divided into 4 groups, including control, model, low- and high-dose amygdalin-treated groups, 8 mice in each group. Except the control group, mice in the other groups were injected intraperitoneally with 10% carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-olive oil solution 3 times a week for 6 weeks to induce liver fibrosis. At the first 3 weeks, amygdalin (1.35 and 2.7 mg/kg body weight) were administered by gavage once a day. Mice in the control group received equal quantities of subcutaneous olive oil and intragastric water from the fourth week. At the end of 6 weeks, liver tissue samples were harvested to detect the content of hydroxyproline (Hyp). Hematoxylin and eosin and Sirius red staining were used to observe the inflammation and fibrosis of liver tissue. The expressions of collagen I (Col-I), alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), CD31 and transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß)/Smad signaling pathway were observed by immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. The activation models of hepatic stellate cells, JS-1 and LX-2 cells induced by TGF-ß1 were used in vitro with or without different concentrations of amygdalin (0.1, 1, 10 µmol/L). LSECs. The effect of different concentrations of amygdalin on the expressions of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) dedifferentiation markers CD31 and CD44 were observed. RESULTS: High-dose of amygdalin significantly reduced the Hyp content and percentage of collagen positive area, and decreased the mRNA and protein expressions of Col-I, α-SMA, CD31 and p-Smad2/3 in liver tissues of mice compared to the model group (P<0.01). Amygdalin down-regulated the expressions of Col-I and α-SMA in JS-1 and LX-2 cells, and TGFß R1, TGFß R2 and p-Smad2/3 in LX-2 cells compared to the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, 1 and 10 µmol/L amygdalin inhibited the mRNA and protein expressions of CD31 in LSECs and increased CD44 expression compared to the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Amygdalin can dramatically alleviate liver fibrosis induced by CCl4 in mice and inhibit TGF-ß/Smad signaling pathway, consequently suppressing HSCs activation and LSECs dedifferentiation to improve angiogenesis.

[Effect of Biyanning Granules on local symptoms and immune function of chronic rhinosinusitis].

This study discusses the effect of Biyanning Granules on local symptoms and systemic immune function of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps(CRSwNP) within the 6 months of treatment by glucocorticoid nasal spray after surgical treatment. To be specific, a total of 237 CRSwNP patients, treated in Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery in Shanxi Bethune Hospital, were enrolled. All patients were treated by nasal endoscopy and classified into hormone group(Budesonide Nasal Spray after surgery), Chinese medicine group(Biyanning Granules after surgery), and combination group(Budesonide Nasal Spray+Biyanning Granules after surgery) with random number table method, 79 cases in each group, and the treatment lasted 3 months. The follow-up was performed from the day of discharge to 12 months after the surgery. The clinical effect was observed. The visual analogue scale(VAS) scores and sino-nasal outcome test-20(SNOT-20) scale scores were used to assess patient's subjective symptoms and quality of life. Lund-Kennedy endoscopic score(LKES), Japanese T&T olfactometry, and standard olfactory test were used to evaluate the objective curative effect on patients. The levels of interleukin(IL)-21, CD4~+CD25~+Foxp3~+Treg, and CD4~+Th17 in peripheral blood were analyzed. The incidence of complications, recurrence rate, and adverse reactions during treatment were also recorded. The total effective rate after treatment in the combination group was higher than that in the hormone group and Chinese medicine group(P<0.05). VAS scores and SNOT-20 scale scores were lower in the three groups after treatment than before treatment and lower in the combination group than in the other two groups(P<0.05). The improvement in LKES and T&T standard olfactometry test was better in the combination group than in the other two groups(P<0.05). Serum levels of IL-21 and CD4~+Th17 in the three groups were lower than before treatment. The levels in the combination group were lower than those in the other two groups and lower in the hormone group than in the Chinese medicine group(P<0.05). Serum CD4~+CD25~+Foxp3~+Treg level was higher in the three groups after treatment than before, higher in the combination group than in the other two groups, and higher in the Chinese medicine group than in the hormone group(P<0.05). During the treatment, no serious adverse reactions were observed. After treatment, the combination group showed no significant difference in the incidence and recurrence rate of complications from the hormone group and Chinese medicine group. In the treatment of CRSwNP with glucocorticoid, Biyanning Granules reduced the side effects of glucocorticoid and assisted glucocorticoid in alleviating the symptoms of patients. It significantly improved the curative effect, regulated immune imbalance, accele-rated the recovery of immune function, reduced the recurrence rate of inflammatory reaction, and improved the quality of life. The combination of Chinese and western treatment is more effective than glucocorticoid alone and warrants further clinical study in large sample size.

Tai Chi for anxiety and depression symptoms in cancer, stroke, heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Many middle-aged and older adults have more than one chronic health condition. It is therefore important to explore the effectiveness of interventions for multiple chronic conditions. Tai Chi is widely used in China and other countries, and many studies have examined the effect of Tai Chi on anxiety and depression. However, there are no systematic reviews of the effect of Tai Chi on anxiety and depression in various chronic conditions. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of Tai Chi on anxiety and depression symptoms in four chronic conditions: cancer, stroke, heart failure (HF), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: We searched Chinese and English databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), Wanfang Database, and Sinomed) from inception to October 2020. Review Manager version 5.2 and Stata version 12.0 were used to perform a systematic review. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The study was registered with the PROSPERO database (number CRD42020209594). RESULTS: Of the 596 studies identified, we included 25 randomized controlled trials involving 1819 participants. Combined analysis of the four diseases showed statistically significant differences between the Tai Chi and control groups for anxiety symptoms (SMD -0.99, 95%CI: -1.5, -0.47; P < 0.01) and depressive symptoms (SMD 0.70, 95%CI: -1.01, -0.39; P < 0.01). Subgroup analyses showed statistically significant differences between the Tai Chi and control groups for depressive symptoms in stroke (SMD -0.43, 95%CI: -0.67, -0.18; P < 0.01) and HF (SMD -0.57, 95%CI: -0.8, -0.33; P < 0.01). However, no statistically significant differences were found for depressive symptoms in COPD or cancer. There were statistically significant differences between the Tai Chi and control groups for anxiety symptoms in stroke (SMD -0.60, 95%CI: -0.88, -0.32; P < 0.01) and cancer (SMD -0.69, 95%CI: -1.22, -0.17; P < 0.01), but not in COPD or HF. Subgroup, sensitivity, meta regression, and publication bias analyses showed high heterogeneity correlated with a single study and study quality. Sensitivity analysis showed that most meta-analysis results had good stability, but those for anxiety symptoms in COPD were unstable; therefore, careful interpretation is required. CONCLUSION: Tai Chi has a positive effect on anxiety and depression, especially for patients with cancer, stroke, and HF. However, given the weak evidence, this approach is not a substitute for psychiatric treatment.

Resveratrol (RV): A pharmacological review and call for further research.

Resveratrol (RV) is a well-known polyphenolic compound in various plants, including grape, peanut, and berry fruits, which is quite famous for its association with several health benefits such as anti-obesity, cardioprotective neuroprotective, antitumor, antidiabetic, antioxidants, anti-age effects, and glucose metabolism. Significantly, promising therapeutic properties have been reported in various cancer, neurodegeneration, and atherosclerosis and are regulated by several synergistic pathways that control oxidative stress, cell death, and inflammation. Similarly, RV possesses a strong anti-adipogenic effect by inhibiting fat accumulation processes and activating oxidative and lipolytic pathways, exhibiting their cardioprotective effects by inhibiting platelet aggregation. The RV also shows significant antibacterial effects against various food-borne pathogens (Listeria, Campylobacter, Staphylococcus aureus, and E. coli) by inhibiting an electron transport chain (ETC) and F0F1-ATPase, which decreases the production of cellular energy that leads to the spread of pathogens. After collecting and analyzing scientific literature, it may be concluded that RV is well tolerated and favorably affects cardiovascular, neurological, and diabetic disorders. As such, it is possible that RV can be considered the best nutritional additive and a complementary drug, especially a therapeutic candidate. Therefore, this review would increase knowledge about the blend of RV as well as inspire researchers around the world to consider RV as a pharmaceutical drug to combat future health crises against various inhumane diseases. In the future, this article will be aware of discoveries about the potential of this promising natural compound as the best nutraceuticals and therapeutic drugs in medicine.

[Market survey of Caryophylli Flos specifications].

The present study aimed to regulate the market circulation of Caryophylli Flos and formulate standards for commodity specifications and grades of Caryophylli Flos. Market survey was carried out in four major medicinal material markets with 48 samples of Caryophylli Flos collected. The property, 100-seed weight, impurity percentage, moisture, and eugenol content in Caryophylli Flos of different specifications from different producing areas were determined and analyzed. The results showed that 27.1% of the samples surveyed on the markets did not meet the requirements of Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2020 edition). The 100-seed weight and the property are important factors for the classification of Caryophylli Flos specifications. There were significant differences in the property, 100-seed weight, impurity percentage, and eugenol content in Caryophylli Flos samples of different specifications from different producing areas, and also differences in the proportions of different specifications in Caryophylli Flos samples from different producing areas. The African-originated Xiaohong(medium grade) and Guangxi-originated Xiaohong(medium grade) accounted for 70% and 66.7% respectively, the Indonesian-originated Dahong(top grade) for 56.2%. In conclusion, there are many problems in the circulation of Caryophylli Flos at present, mainly including the loss of origin information, no standards for specifications, non-implementation of grade standards, excessive impurities, and no evidence for authenticity identification. According to the classification of Caryophylli Flos specifications in this study, the average eugenol content of Xiaohong is significantly higher than the Dahong by 4.74%.

Synthesis of Icariin-Zinc and its Protective Effect on Exercise Fatigue and Reproductive System Related Glands in Male Rats.

Background: Icariin, a traditional Chinese medicine, plays a protective role in the treatment of exercise fatigue. Zinc, a trace element, plays an important role in the reproductive system. Therefore, we aimed to synthesize an Icariin-Zinc complex (by chemical means) and verify its protective effect on exercise fatigue and the reproductive system using animal experiments. Methods: The icariin-zinc complex was prepared by the reaction of icariin carbonyl and zinc ions (molar ratio 1:3). The molecular formula and structural formula of the complex were identified and tested. Fifty-six rats selected by swimming training were randomly divided into six groups: static control, exercise control, icariin, gluconate zinc (G-Zn group), icariin glucose zinc and icariin-zinc exercise ( low, high dose/L-E group, H-E group) groups. These groups respectively received the following doses: 1 ml/100 g, daily gavage with NS (for the first two groups), 45 mg/kg icariin, 110 mg/kg Gluconate Zinc, Icariin glucose zinc (45 mg/kg Icariin and 110 mg/kg Gluconate Zinc), 60 mg/kg icariin zinc and 180 mg/kg icariin zinc. After 3 weeks of gavage, we conducted 6 weeks of exhaustive swimming training. Test indices such as exhaustive swimming time of rats and body weight were evaluated after the last training exercise. The seminal vesicles, testes, and prostate gland were weighed, and their indices were calculated. The levels of testosterone (in the plasma) and glycogen (in the liver and muscle homogenates) were also evaluated using ELISA. Results: Compared with the static control group, the exhaustive swimming time of the rats in each group was prolonged. Compared with the other groups, the exhaustive swimming time of the L-E and H-E groups was significantly longer (p < 0.01); the Icariin-Zinc complex significantly increased the exhaustive swimming time of the rats. Compared with the static control group, the plasma testosterone content of the L-E and H-E groups increased significantly (p < 0.05). Compared with the exercise control group and G-Zn group, the plasma testosterone content of the H-E group also increased significantly (p < 0.01). The Icariin-Zinc complex significantly increased the serum levels of testosterone in rats. Compared with the control group, the muscle glycogen reserves of each group decreased, indicating that the muscle glycogen reserves of the rats decreased after swimming. Compared with other groups, the Icariin-Zinc complex can reduce the level of glycogen in the muscles, indicating that it can increase the utilization efficiency of glycogen in muscles. Compared with the static control and exercise control groups, the testicular weight of rats in the administration groups increased slightly. The Icariin-Zinc complex increased the testicular weight, indicating that the function of the reproductive system was improved to some extent. Conclusion: Icariin-Zinc can significantly prolong the exhaustive swimming time, improve exercise ability, and increase the plasma testosterone level (which is beneficial for improving the reproductive ability of male rats). Moreover, the beneficial effect of Icariin-Zinc on the glycogen content, testis index, and other reproductive system glands is dose-dependent.

[Acupuncture combined with Heixiaoyao powder for children with cerebral palsy and its effect on serum immune indexes and nerve growth related protein].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy of acupuncture combined with Heixiaoyao powder for children with cerebral palsy (liver-qi stagnation, spleen-kidney deficiency syndrome) and its effect on serum immune indexes and nerve growth related protein. METHODS: A total of 180 children with cerebral palsy were randomly divided into a combined group (60 cases, 2 cases dropped off), an acupuncture group (60 cases, 4 cases dropped off) and a Chinese medication group (60 cases, 5 cases dropped off). On the basis of conventional treatment, the children in the combined group were treated with acupuncture [Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), Shenting (GV 24), Benshen (GB 13), 30 min each time, twice a day] and Heixiaoyao powder; the children in the acupuncture group were treated with acupuncture, and the children in the Chinese medication group were treated with Heixiaoyao powder, the treatment was same with the combined group. All the children were treated for 6 consecutive days and rest for 1 day, totaling for 8 weeks. The Gesell developmental schedules (GDS) and TCM symptom scores were recorded before treatment, after treatment and at 3-month, 6-month and 12-month follow-up visit; the serum immune indexes (IgA, IgG and IgM) and nerve growth related protein [myelin basic protein (MBP), high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1), neuronspecific enolase (NSE)] were detected before and after treatment. The clinical efficacy of each group was evaluated. RESULTS: The total effective rate was 91.4% (53/58) in the combined group, which was higher than 80.4% (45/56) in the acupuncture group and 78.2% (43/55) in the Chinese medication group (P<0.05). Compared before treatment, the GDS scores in the three groups were increased and the TCM symptom scores were reduced after treatment and at 3-month, 6-month and 12-month follow-up visit (P<0.05). The GDS score in the combined group was higher than that in the acupuncture group and the Chinese medication group, and the TCM symptom score was lower than that in the acupuncture group and Chinese medication group (P<0.05). After treatment, the serum levels of IgA, IgG and IgM in the combined group were increased (P<0.05), and the serum levels of MBP, HMGBl and NSE were decreased (P<0.05), and the improvements were superior to those in the acupuncture group and the Chinese medication group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture combined with Heixiaoyao powder could effectively improve the development quotient in children with cerebral palsy (liver-qi stagnation, spleen-kidney deficiency syndrome), regulate the serum immune indexes and nerve growth related protein levels.

Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad (Bitter Apple Fruit): Promising Traditional Uses, Pharmacological Effects, Aspects, and Potential Applications.

Health consciousness and increased knowledge about the side effects of synthetic drugs have enhanced interest in traditional medicines. Medicinal plants offer cures for various diseases, leading to improved living standards. This has brought ethnomedicinal studies into the spotlight and increased demand for herb-based medicines. Citrullus colocynthis is an herbaceous plant containing an abundance of nutrients that play a key role in the improvement of wellbeing. C. colocynthis has many biological properties, such as antioxidative, hypoglycemic, antibacterial, anti-cancerous, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, gastrointestinal tract, reproduction, protection, anti-microbial, antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, antineoplastic, profibrinolytic, anti-allergic, pesticidal, and immune-stimulatory. There are numerous bioactive compounds like cucurbitacin, flavonoids, and polyphenols in C. colocynthis that give it medicinal properties. Herein, we have extensively compiled, reviewed, and analyzed significant information on C. colocynthhis from the best published available evidence in PubMed, Scopus (Embase), Web of Science (Web of Knowledge), Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar, etc. Scientific literature evidenced that owing to the bioactive constituents, including cucurbitacin, polyphenols, flavonoids, and other potent molecules, C. colocynthis has many pharmacological and physiological functions. It possesses multi-beneficial applications in treating various disorders of humans and animals. So, the primary purpose of this comprehensive review is to provide an overview of the findings of positive impacts and risks of C. colocynthis consumption on human health, especially in poultry and veterinary fields. In the future, this narrative article will be aware of discoveries about the potential of this promising natural fruit and its bioactive compounds as the best nutraceuticals and therapeutic drugs in veterinary and human medicine.

Acupuncture combined with / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the efficacy of acupuncture combined with @*METHODS@#A total of 180 children with cerebral palsy were randomly divided into a combined group (60 cases, 2 cases dropped off), an acupuncture group (60 cases, 4 cases dropped off) and a Chinese medication group (60 cases, 5 cases dropped off). On the basis of conventional treatment, the children in the combined group were treated with acupuncture [Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), Shenting (GV 24), Benshen (GB 13), 30 min each time, twice a day] and @*RESULTS@#The total effective rate was 91.4% (53/58) in the combined group, which was higher than 80.4% (45/56) in the acupuncture group and 78.2% (43/55) in the Chinese medication group (@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture combined with

Market survey of Caryophylli Flos specifications / 中国中药杂志

The present study aimed to regulate the market circulation of Caryophylli Flos and formulate standards for commodity specifications and grades of Caryophylli Flos. Market survey was carried out in four major medicinal material markets with 48 samples of Caryophylli Flos collected. The property, 100-seed weight, impurity percentage, moisture, and eugenol content in Caryophylli Flos of different specifications from different producing areas were determined and analyzed. The results showed that 27.1% of the samples surveyed on the markets did not meet the requirements of Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2020 edition). The 100-seed weight and the property are important factors for the classification of Caryophylli Flos specifications. There were significant differences in the property, 100-seed weight, impurity percentage, and eugenol content in Caryophylli Flos samples of different specifications from different producing areas, and also differences in the proportions of different specifications in Caryophylli Flos samples from different producing areas. The African-originated Xiaohong(medium grade) and Guangxi-originated Xiaohong(medium grade) accounted for 70% and 66.7% respectively, the Indonesian-originated Dahong(top grade) for 56.2%. In conclusion, there are many problems in the circulation of Caryophylli Flos at present, mainly including the loss of origin information, no standards for specifications, non-implementation of grade standards, excessive impurities, and no evidence for authenticity identification. According to the classification of Caryophylli Flos specifications in this study, the average eugenol content of Xiaohong is significantly higher than the Dahong by 4.74%.

Baiyacha, a wild tea plant naturally occurring high contents of theacrine and 3″-methyl-epigallocatechin gallate from Fujian, China.

Baiyacha (BYC) is a kind of wild tea plant growing and utilizing in the remote mountain area of Fujian province, Southeastern China. However, scientific studies on this plant remain limited. Our results showed that BYC exhibits the typical morphological characteristics of Camellia gymnogyna Chang, a closely related species of C. sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze, which was not found in Fujian before. Chemical profiling revealed that parts of BYC plants are rich in purine alkaloids and catechins, especially featuring high levels of theacrine and 3″-methyl-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG3″Me), chemical compounds with multiple biological activities that are rarely observed in regular tea plants. The contents of EGCG3″Me and theacrine in BYC both increased with the leaf maturity of tea shoots, whereas the caffeine content decreased significantly. The obtained results provide abundant information about the morphology and chemical compounds of BYC and may be used for tea production, breeding, and scientific research in the future.

Shegan-Mahuang Decoction ameliorates asthmatic airway hyperresponsiveness by downregulating Th2/Th17 cells but upregulating CD4+FoxP3+ Tregs.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Shegan-Mahuang Decoction (SMD), also named Yakammaoto or Shegan-Mahuang Tang, is a classic formula of traditional Chinese medicine with nine herbs, including Asarum sieboldii Miq., Aster tataricus L.f., Ephedra sinica Stapf, Belamcanda chinensis (L.) Redouté, Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit., Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill., Tussilago farfara L., Zingiber officinale Roscoe, and Ziziphus jujuba Mill. SMD was originally discovered by Zhang Zhongjing in Eastern Han dynasty. It has been widely used as traditional medicine to treat flu-like symptoms in China and Japan for around twenty centuries. It was also utilized for the treatment of the early stage of acute asthma. However, the immune mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects remain unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study was set to investigate the effects of SMD on asthmatic airway hyperresponsiveness and its impacts on adaptive immunity in a mouse model of asthma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The HPLC fingerprint profile of the water extract of SMD recorded 22 peaks, including those equivalent to guanosine, chlorogenic acid, tectoridin, 6-gingerol and wuweizisu B, as described previously (Yen et al., 2014). Airway hyperresponsiveness was assessed by measuring the airway resistance. Cellular infiltration was measured via H&E staining and immunochemistry while gene expression was analyzed using real-time RT-PCR. Treg frequency was determined through flow analysis whereas cytokine production in the supernatant was evaluated using ELISA. Finally, mTOR and NF-kB signalings were analyzed via Western blotting. RESULTS: We found that SMD largely corrected the imbalance of Th cell subsets in asthmatic mice with a significant inhibition of Th2 and Th17 cytokine production, thereby reducing asthmatic airway hyperresponsiveness. Moreover, lung function tests showed that SMD reduced airway hyperresponsiveness while immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated that SMD attenuated pulmonary infiltration of CD3+ and CD4+ T cells. Further, we observed a significant increase in the proportion of CD4+Foxp3+ Tregs in SMD-treated asthmatic mice. We also found that SMD downregulated gene expression of GATA3 and ROR-γt in murine lung tissue. In addition, both mTOR- and NF-kB-related protein expressions were reduced in the lung tissue of SMD-treated mice. SMD inhibited Th2/Th17 cytokine production by CD4+ T cells and also their mTOR activity in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that SMD attenuates asthmatic airway hyperresponsiveness by hindering Th2/Th17 differentiation, promoting CD4+FoxP3+ Treg generation and suppressing mTOR and NF-kB activities.

[Acupressure with activating blood and dissipating blood stasis prescription for early swelling of calcaneal fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To observe clinical effects of acupressure combined with activating blood and dissipating blood stasis prescription for the treatment of early swelling of calcaneal fractures. METHODS: From June 2016 to April 2018, 78 patients with calcaneus were divided into observation group and control group. There were 39 patients in observation group, including 36 males and 3 females aged from 28 to 61 years old with an average of(41.7±13.3) years old; 20 patients were caused by falling down, 10 patients were caused by traffic accident and 9 patients were caused by other injuries; The time from injury to medical treatment ranged from 0.5 to 10.5 h with an average of(4.6±3.2) h; 15 patients were type II, 17 patients were type III and 7 patients were type IV according to Sanders classification; the patients began to be pressed the three points of "Xuehai(SP 10)" "Sanyinjiao(SP 6)" "Zusanli(ST 36)" for 10 min from the day of hospital admission to the day of operation, 3 times a day, and taken prescription of activating blood and dissipating blood stasis prescription orally for 5 days, one dose per day and twice a day. There were 39 patients in control group, including 34 males and 5 females aged from 26 to 62 years old with an average of (43.3±12.3) years old; 19 patients were caused by falling down, 12 patients were caused by traffic accident and 8 patients were caused by other injuries; the time from injury to medical treatment ranged from 1 to 11 h with an average of (4.4±3.7) h; 15 patients were typeII, 18 patients were type III and 6 patients were type IV according to Sanders classification; patients were given 20% mannitol intravenously for 5 days, twice a day, 125 ml each time from hospital admission. During the 5 days of admission, the degree of swelling of the affected ankle was measured and calculated by water spillover method every day. The result which was measured and calculated on the first day of admission without treatment was the degree of swelling before treatment, compared degree of swelling before operation and 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th day after treatment; the time needed for the first positive skin fold sign in the affected ankle and the number of cases of tension blisters between two groups before operation were observed. RESULTS: The swelling of the affected ankle on the1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th day after treatment in the observation group separately were(12.67±0.82)%, (11.87±0.88)%, (10.65±0.92)%, (9.47±0.96)%, and lower than control group which separately were(13.31±0.98)%, (13.51±0.84)%, (12.22±0.94)%, (11.38±1.01)%; The time for the first appearance of the skin fold sign was (6.41±1.74) days in the observation group was earlier than that of the control group (8.15±2.01) days; There was no significant difference in occurrence of tension blisters between observation group(3 patients) and control group(9 patients). CONCLUSIONS: Acupressure combined with activating blood and dissipating blood stasis prescription for the treatment of early swelling of calcaneal fractures could accelerate the decline of swelling of the affected ankle, shorten the time of the first skin fold sign, reduce the incidence of tension blisters in the ankle, shorten the waiting time of operation, and the surgical treatment as soon as possible.

Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping for Theobromine and Caffeine Contents in Tea Plant ( Camellia sinensis).

Understanding the genetic basis of theobromine and caffeine accumulation in the tea plant is important due to their contribution to tea flavor. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analyses were carried out to identify genetic variants associated with theobromine and caffeine contents and ratio using a pseudo-testcross population derived from an intervarietal cross between two varieties of Camellia sinensis. A total of 10 QTL controlling caffeine content (CAF), theobromine content (TBR), sum of caffeine and theobromine (SCT), and caffeine-to-theobromine ratio (CTR) were identified over four measurement years. The major QTL controlling CAF, qCAF1, was mapped onto LG01 and validated across years, explaining an average of 20.1% of the phenotypic variance. The other QTL were detected in 1 or 2 years, and of them there were four, two, and three for TBR, SCT, and CTR, respectively. The present results provide valuable information for further fine mapping and cloning functional genes and for genetic improvement in tea plant.

Hongyacha, a Naturally Caffeine-Free Tea Plant from Fujian, China.

Hongyacha (HYC) is a type of new wild tea plant discovered in Fujian Province, China. This tea is helpful to the healing or prevention of disease in its original growing area. However, research on this tea is limited. Our results showed that HYC displayed obvious differences in its morphological characteristics compared with Cocoa tea ( Camellia ptilophylla Chang), a famous caffeine-free tea plant in China. Theobromine and trans-catechins, but not caffeine and cis-catechins, were the dominant purine alkaloids and catechins detected in HYC. HYC might contain abundant gallocatechin-(4 → 8)-gallocatechin gallate, 1,3,4,6-tetra- O-galloyl-ß-d-glucopyranose, and (-)-gallocatechin-3,5-di- O-gallate, which were not detected in regular tea. We also found that the TCS1 of HYC was distinct, and the responding recombinant protein exhibited only theobromine synthase activity. The obtained results showed that HYC is a new kind of caffeine-free tea plant and may be used for scientific protection and efficient utilization in the future.

A Novel F3' 5' H Allele with 14 bp Deletion Is Associated with High Catechin Index Trait of Wild Tea Plants and Has Potential Use in Enhancing Tea Quality.

Catechins are important chemical components determining the quality of tea. The catechin index (CI, ratio of dihydroxylated catechin (DIC)/trihydroxylated catechin (TRIC)) in the green leaf has a major influence on the amounts of theaflavins in black tea. In this work, the major catechin profiles of wild tea plants originating from Guizhou Province with high CI trait were investigated. We identified a novel flavonoid 3',5' hydroxylase gene ( F3' 5' H) allele with a 14 bp deletion in the upstream regulation region and developed an insertion/deletion (InDel) marker accordingly. The 14 bp deletion in the novel  F3' 5' H allele was associated with low F3' 5' H mRNA expression, thereby resulting in low TRIC content and high CI value. The allelic variant in the novel F3' 5' H allele associated with high CI values and DIC contents was confirmed by the introgression lines derived from a distant cross population. The novel F3' 5' H allele in wild tea plants is a valuable gene resource, which could be applied to breeding improvement on tea quality.