Online pharmaceutical process analysis of Chinese medicine using a miniature mass spectrometer:Extraction of active ingredients as an example / 药物分析学报

The automation of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)pharmaceuticals has driven the development of process analysis from offline to online.Most of common online process analytical technologies are based on spectroscopy,making the identification and quantification of specific ingredients still a challenge.Herein,we developed a quality control(QC)system for monitoring TCM pharmaceuticals based on paper spray ionization miniature mass spectrometry(mini-MS).It enabled real-time online qualitative and quantitative detection of target ingredients in herbal extracts using mini-MS without chromatographic separation for the first time.Dynamic changes of alkaloids in Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata(Fuzi)during decoction were used as examples,and the scientific principle of Fuzi compatibility was also investigated.Finally,the system was verified to work stably at the hourly level for pilot-scale extraction.This mini-MS based online analytical system is expected to be further developed for QC applications in a wider range of pharmaceutical processes.

Efficacy of high-dose dual therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection eradication in servicemen: a randomized controlled trial / 中华内科杂志

Objective: To assess the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of high-dose dual therapy compared with bismuth-containing quadruple therapy for treating Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) infection in servicemen patients. Methods: A total of 160 H. pylori-infected, treatment-naive servicemen, including 74 men and 86 women, aged from 20 years to 74 years, with a mean (SD) age of 43 (13) years, tested in the First Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from March 2022 to May 2022 were enrolled in this open-label, randomized controlled clinical trial. Patients were randomly allocated into 2 groups: the 14-day high-dose dual therapy group and the bismuth-containing quadruple therapy group. Eradication rates, adverse events, patient compliance, and drug costs were compared between the two groups. The t-test was used for continuous variables, and the Chi-square test for categorical variables. Results: No significant difference in H. pylori eradication rates were found between high-dose dual therapy and bismuth-containing quadruple therapy by ITT, mITT and PP analysis[ITT:90.0% (95%CI 81.2%-95.6%) vs. 87.5% (95%CI 78.2%-93.8%), χ2=0.25, P=0.617;mITT:93.5% (95%CI 85.5%-97.9%) vs. 93.3% (95%CI 85.1%-97.8%), χ2<0.01, P=1.000; PP: 93.5% (95%CI 85.5%-97.9%) vs. 94.5% (95%CI 86.6%-98.5%), χ2<0.01, P=1.000 ]. The dual therapy group exhibited significantly less overall side effects compared with the quadruple therapy group [21.8% (17/78) vs. 38.5% (30/78), χ2=5.15,P=0.023]. There were no significant differences in the compliance rates between the two groups [98.7%(77/78) vs. 94.9%(74/78), χ2=0.83,P=0.363]. The cost of medications in the dual therapy was 32.0% lower compared with that in the quadruple therapy (472.10 RMB vs. 693.94 RMB). Conclusions: The dual regimen has a favorable effect on the eradication of H. pylori infection in servicemen patients. Based on the ITT analysis, the eradication rate of the dual regimen is grade B (90%, good). Additionally, it exhibited a lower incidence of adverse events, better compliance and significantly reduced cost. The dual regimen is expected to be a new choice for the first-line treatment of H. pylori infection in servicemen but needs further evaluation.

Research progress in chemical constituent and pharmacological activity of Punica granatum L / 中国药科大学学报

@#Punica granatum L.(pomegranate) is a medicinal plant belonging to the genus Punica Linn..The peel, seed, flower, leaf and root of P.granatum is widely used as traditional medicine in China.Phytochemical studies showed that the major chemical constituents of P.granatum were tannins, flavonoids, terpenes, alkaloids, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, fatty acids, etc.Biological studies on extracts and active ingredients of P.granatum show some bioactivities, such as antioxidant, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antibacterial activities.Herein, the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of different parts of pomegranate were reviewed, providing a theoretical basis for the further research and utilization of pomegranate.

Acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking for girls aged 3-8 years with incomplete precocious puberty: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking for girls aged 3-8 years with incomplete precocious puberty (IPP).@*METHODS@#Sixty girls with IPP were randomly divided into an observation group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (30 cases, 2 cases were eliminated). The girls in the control group were treated with healthy diet and proper exercise for 12 weeks. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, the girls in the observation group were treated with acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking. The acupuncture was applied at Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), Guilai (ST 29), etc., the needles were retained for 20 min, acupuncture was given twice a week (once every 3 days). The auricular point sticking was applied at Luanchao (TF2), Neishengzhiqi (TF2), Neifenmi (CO18), Yuanzhong (AT2,3,4i), etc., twice a week. The treatment was given for 12 weeks. Before treatment, after treatment and in follow-up after 12 weeks of treatment completion, the Tanner stage of breast, serum contents of sex hormone (luteinizing hormone [LH], follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], estradiol [E2]) were observed. The ovarian volume, the number of follicles with diameter>4 mm, and the uterine volume were measured by abdominal color Doppler ultrasound. In addition, the safety of the observation group was evaluated.@*RESULTS@#Compared with before treatment, the Tanner stage of breast in the observation group was improved after treatment and in follow-up (P<0.05); after treatment and in follow-up, the Tanner stage of breast in the observation group was better than that in the control group (P<0.05). Compared with before treatment, the serum levels of LH and E2 in the observation group were increased (P<0.05), and the volume of bilateral ovaries was larger (P<0.05) in follow-up. Compared with before treatment, the serum contents of LH, FSH and E2 in the control group were increased (P<0.05), the volume of bilateral ovaries was larger (P<0.05), and the number of follicles was increased (P<0.05) after treatment and in follow-up. The serum levels of LH, FSH and E2 in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05), the volume of bilateral ovaries was smaller than that in the control group (P<0.05), and the number of follicles was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). Compared with before treatment, the uterine volume in the two groups was larger in follow-up (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups after treatment and in follow-up (P>0.05). During the treatment, 3 cases in the observation group had slight abdominal pain and subcutaneous blood stasis, without serious adverse reactions.@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking could improve the Tanner stage of breast, reduce the level of sex hormone, slow down the development and maturation of ovary and follicle, and control the degree and speed of sexual development in girls aged 3-8 years with IPP.

Effect of Bushen Chushi() decoction combined with platelet-rich plasma on regulating TGF-β1 and Smad-1 expression in serum of knee osteoarthritis patient / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of Bushen Chushi decoction combined with platelet-rich plasma(PRP) to treat knee osteoarthritis(KOA) in early and middle stage and its regulation on TGF-β1 and Smad-1 expression in serum.@*METHODS@#Total of 45 patients with KOA in early and middle stage from May 2020 to April 2022 were treated and divided into control group and observation group. In control group, there were 30 patients including 12 males and 18 females, aged from 43 to 69 years old with an average of(57.3±6.5) years old and disease duration ranged from 1.5 to 5.0 years with an average of(3.8±1.7) years, and there were 8 cases in gradeⅠ, 13 cases in gradeⅡ, and 9 cases in grade Ⅲ according to Kellgren-Lawrence Grade, PRP 5 ml was injected into knee joint on the first day of No1, 3 week together for 2 times. In the observation group, there were 15 cases including 7 males and 8 females, aged from 45 to 70 years old with an average of (56.7±6.2) years old and disease duration ranged from 1.8 to 5.7 years with an average of (4.0±1.8) years, there were 4 cases in gradeⅠ, 9 cases in gradeⅡand 4 cases in grade Ⅲ according to the Kellgren-Lawrence Grade, PRP 5 ml were injected into knee joints that the time and frequency were the same as those in the control group, and at the same time Bushen Chushi decoction orally were taken 1 dose per day with a total of 28 doses. All patients were treated for four weeks. Visual analogue scale(VAS) and Lequesne MG score before and after treatment were used to evaluate improvement of knee pain and joint function. The TGF-β1 and Smad-1 levels in serum were measured before and after treatment in two groups. The incidence of complications in two groups was observed.@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up for 26 to 30 days with an average of (28.0±0.6) days. There was no significant difference in VAS and knee Lequesne MG scores between two groups before treatment(P>0.05). The scores of VAS and knee Lequesne MG on the first day after treatment in both groups were lower than those before treatment(P<0.05). The VAS and knee Lequesne MG scores in observation group were lower than those in control group(P<0.05) on the first day after treatment. The TGF-β1 level in serum after treatment were higher significantly than that before treatment in two groups(P<0.05). After treatment, TGF-β1 level in serum in observation group were lower than those in control group with statistically significant differences(P<0.05). The Smad-1 levels in serum after treatment in observation group were higher significantly than that in control group(P<0.05). The levels of Smad-1 were not statistically significant between before and after treatment(P>0.05). There was no significant difference in postopertaive complications between two groups (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The efficacy of Bushen Chushi decoction combined with PRP in treatment of early and middle KOA is better than that of PRP injection alone. The combined treatment could reduce TGF-β1 level and increase Smad-1 level in serum, which may be a mechanism to inhibit inflammation and alleviate cartilage degeneration to some extent.

Location Analysis of Volatile Oil in Angelicae Sinensis Radix by Frozen Section and Fluorescence Imaging / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo establish a simple， fast and accurate method for locating the volatile oil in Angelicae Sinensis Radix based on frozen section and fluorescence imaging technology， and to reveal the distribution and accumulation of volatile oil in the roots of this herbal medicine. MethodAngelicae Sinensis Radix was used as the research material， the best frozen section conditions for the research material were established by comparing the effects of different cryoprotectants on the quality of frozen sections of Angelicae Sinensis Radix. The suitability of Sudan Ⅲ chemical staining and fluorescence localization for positioning the volatile oil were compared according to the loss of volatile oil and the complexity of operation process. ResultA new method for evaluating the quality of frozen sections of Angelicae Sinensis Radix was established. According to the evaluation equation， it was found that the highest score was obtained when the head， body and tail positions of Angelicae Sinensis Radix were treated with 20% glycerol， 15% glycerol and 20% sucrose， respectively. There was yellowish-brown oily substance in the oil chambers of phelloderm and secondary phloem， and oil canal of the secondary xylem of Angelicae Sinensis Radix， which could be stained orange red or orange yellow by Sudan Ⅲ， and there was green spontaneous fluorescence in the same part under the fluorescence microscope. ConclusionThe relatively complete section of Angelicae Sinensis Radix can be obtained after being treated with cryoprotectant. The volatile oil exists in the oil chambers of phelloderm and secondary phloem， and oil canal of the secondary xylem of Angelicae Sinensis Radix. This study can provide reference for observation of the accumulation sites of volatile oil in other plants.

Current Situation and Outlook of Mechanization in Production of Rhizome-type Chinese Herbal Medicines in Sichuan Province / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Sichuan province is extremely rich in Chinese herbal medicine resources，and the Chinese herbal medicine industry is an integral part of the "10+3" industrial system of modern agriculture. However，it has been long constrained by factors such as hilly terrain and scattered planting patterns，which hinders the mechanization development of the Chinese herbal medicine planting industry. Committed to promoting the application and development of the whole-process mechanization of Chinese herbal medicine production， the research group investigated the current situation and mechanization application of the Chinese herbal medicine planting industry in Sichuan province，and clarified the core advantages of the industry in Sichuan province and the urgent need for mechanization production. The current situation of mechanization of key links in producing rhizome-type Chinese herbal medicines such as planting，fertilization，pest and weed controlling，harvesting，and primary processing in production areas were analyzed. The key factors and existing problems in the whole-process mechanization development as well as the key future research directions were discussed，and the mechanization development trend of Ophiopogonis Radix，Chuanxiong Rhizoma and other herbal medicines in the Chinese herbal medicine planting areas of Chengdu Plain were forecasted. This paper focused on the bottleneck of the mechanization application in producing Chinese herbal medicines in Sichuan province，and introduced key technologies and equipment for the whole-process mechanization of rhizome-type Chinese herbal medicine production，which is conducive to transforming and upgrading the Chinese herbal medicine production industry，accelerating the application of high-tech information technology，and promoting the mechanization and intelligentization of the planting industry.

Molecular Mechanism of Shengxiantang in Treating Myasthenia Gravis： Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo predict the pharmacodynamic basis and core target of Shengxiantang in the treatment of myasthenia gravis （MG） by network pharmacology and molecular docking and to further verify the molecular mechanism through animal experiment. MethodThe active components and potential targets of Shengxiantang were retrieved from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform （TCMSP）， and the disease-related targets from GeneCards and other databases. Then the common targets of the decoction and the disease were screened out， followed by the construction of protein-protein interaction （PPI） network， and Gene Ontology （GO） term enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） pathway enrichment of the common targets based on STRING database and Cytoscape 3.8.2. Afterward， Cytoscape 3.8.2 was employed to construct the disease-active component-target network. AutoDock and PyMOL were used for molecular docking of key components and hub genes. Finally， we used the Rα97-116 peptide to induce experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis （EAMG） in rats and then verified the core target yielded in the docking with the model rats. ResultA total of 655 disease-related targets， 118 active components of the decoction， 21 common targets of the disease and the decoction， and 3 hub genes were screened out. The common targets were mainly involved in the GO terms of regulation of active oxygen metabolism， positive regulation of protein transport， and positive regulation of protein localization， and the KEGG pathways of toll-like receptor signaling pathway， phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt） signaling pathway， hypoxia inducible factor-1 （HIF-1） signaling pathway， and T cell receptor signaling pathway. The results of molecular docking showed that quercetin and Akt1 had the lowest and stable binding energy and interacted with each other through the amino acid residue LYS-30. Western blot demonstrated that Shengxiantang significantly inhibited the expression of p-Akt protein in the spleen of EAMG rats. ConclusionThe pharmacological mechanism of Shengxiantang in the treatment of MG may be that the main chemical components regulate the expression of the core protein Akt， and then may participate in and affect PI3K/Akt signaling pathways， laying a theoretical and experimental basis for further research.

Research progress on chemical compositions and pharmacological action of Drynariae Rhizoma / 中国中药杂志

Drynariae Rhizoma is warm in nature and bitter in taste, mainly acting on liver and kidney systems. It is a common Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of fracture and bone injury. The chemical compositions of Drynariae Rhizoma mainly include flavonoids, triterpenoids, phenylpropanoids and lignans. At present, modern pharmacological and clinical studies have shown that Drynariae Rhizoma has the effects of anti osteoporosis, promoting fracture healing, kidney protection, anti-inflammatory, promoting tooth growth, preventing and treating aminoglycoside ototoxicity and lowering blood lipid. In addition, the toxicity evaluation experiment of Drynariae Rhizoma has also shown that it has no obvious toxic and side effects. Naringin is a kind of dihydroflavone in Drynariae Rhizoma. Many studies have shown that naringin and other total flavonoids play an important role in anti-osteoporosis, promoting fracture healing, anti-inflammation, promoting tooth growth and lowering blood lipid. In this study, the research progresses on chemical consti-tuents and pharmacological activities of Drynariae Rhizoma in recent years were reviewed, and some mechanisms of action were summarized, to provide references for the further research and development of Drynariae Rhizoma.

Acupuncture combined with western medication on chronic pelvic pain after pelvic inflammatory disease: a multi-center randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the therapeutic effect between acupuncture combined with ibuprofen sustained-release capsule and simple ibuprofen sustained-release capsule on chronic pelvic pain (CPP) after pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).@*METHODS@#A total of 144 patients were randomized into an observation group (72 cases, 10 cases dropped off) and a control group (72 cases, 9 cases dropped off). Ibuprofen sustained-release capsule was given orally in the control group, one capsule a time. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, acupuncture was applied at Guanyuan (CV 4), Shuidao (ST 28), Guilai (ST 29), Shenshu (BL 23) and Ciliao (BL 32), and Shuidao (ST 28), Guilai (ST 29), Shenshu (BL 23) and Ciliao (BL 32) were connected to electroacupuncture in the observation group. The treatment was given 10 days before menstruation, once a day for 3 menstrual cycles in both groups, and the follow-up was adopted 3 menstrual cycles after treatment. The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of hypogastrium and lumbosacral region before treatment, after treatment, and at the follow-up, the score of local signs and the score of World Health Organization quality of life questionnaire-brief version (WHOQOL-BREF) before and after treatment were observed in the both groups.@*RESULTS@#After treatment and at the follow-up, the VAS scores of hypogastrium and lumbosacral region were decreased compared before treatment in both groups (@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture combined with ibuprofen sustained-release capsule can effectively improve the symptoms, signs and quality of life in patients with CPP after PID, the therapeutic effect is superior to simple ibuprofen sustained-release capsule.

Analgesic effect of electroacupuncture on chronic pelvic pain in patients with sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on chronic pelvic pain in patients with sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease.@*METHODS@#A total of 144 patients with chronic pelvic pain were randomly divided into an observation group (72 cases, 10 cases dropped off) and a control group (72 cases, 9 cases dropped off). The patients in the control group were treated with ibuprofen sustained-release capsules 10 days before menstruation, 0.3 g each time, once a day. On the basis of the treatment of the control group, the patients in the observation group were treated with EA at Guanyuan (CV 4), Shuidao (ST 28), Guilai (ST 29), Shenshu (BL 23) and Ciliao (BL 32), disperse-dense wave, 2 Hz/15 Hz of frequency, once a day. The patients in both groups were treated for 10 days per menstrual cycle for 3 menstrual cycles. The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of lower abdomen and lumbosacral area, local sign score, quality of life scale score and pain disappearance rate were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.@*RESULTS@#The VAS scores of lower abdomen and lumbosacral area as well as each item score and total score of local signs in the observation group after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment and those in the control group (@*CONCLUSION@#EA can relieve the pain symptoms in patients with chronic pelvic pain and improve their quality of life.

Feasibility Analysis of Wumeiwan in Treatment of Advanced Biliary Tract Cancers / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Biliary tract cancers are group of highly heterogeneous malignant tumors derived from gallbladder and bile duct epithelium， including gallbladder cancer and cholangiocarcinoma， with a high degree of malignancy. When diagnosed， the course of disease often develops to the middle and late stage， with a poor prognosis. It is difficult to treat the advanced biliary tract cancers， with a lack of unified chemotherapy standard and targeted drugs. Traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） compound has multi-target， multi-link and multi-path characteristics， with effects in stabilizing tumor， alleviating clinical symptoms， alleviating side effect of radiotherapy and chemotherapy， and improving the quality of life. Especially in the treatment of advanced cancer patients， it plays an irreplaceable role. Therefore， it is concerned by many researchers. According to TCM， the pathogenesis of patients with advanced biliary tract cancers are mainly due to asthenia of healthy Qi and sthenia of pathogenic factors， Yin-Yang disharmony， and simultaneous occurrence of cold and heat. The location of the disease is related to liver， gallbladder， spleen， stomach and kidney. Because the advanced biliary tract cancers are similar to Jueyin syndrome in disease location， course and disease， Wumeiwan is often used in clinical treatment. Based on "theory， method， prescription and medicine" of TCM， Wumeiwan has the effect in regulating cold and heat， clearing the upper and lower temperature， warming the liver and supporting Yang， attacking and supplementing simultaneously， balancing the liver， spleen and kidney， which conforms to the TCM syndrome characteristics of advanced biliary tract cancers， according to modern Chinese medicine pharmacology， many effective ingredients in Wumeiwan have the effects in inducing tumor cell apoptosis， inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and reducing tumor cell proliferation， reducing inflammatory response in the body， inhibiting angiogenesis， reversing multidrug resistance of tumor cells and regulating immunity. This paper analyzes the feasibility of treatment of advanced biliary tract cancers with Wumeiwan from the perspective of traditional Chinese and Western medicine， so as to provide reference for clinical comprehensive treatment of advanced biliary tract cancers and the experimental study of TCM.

Effect of acupuncture on serum PYY and nesfatin-1 in obese patients with insulin resistance / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the effect of acupuncture on serum peptide YY (PYY) and nesfatin-1 in obese patients with insulin resistance. Methods: Ninety-eight obese patients with insulin resistance were divided into a control group and an observation group by the random number table method, with 49 cases in each group. The control group received exercise and dietary interventions, and the observation group received additional acupuncture treatment to the exercise and dietary interventions. The body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, fasting insulin (FINS), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and serum PYY and nesfatin-1 levels were compared before and after treatment. The efficacy was evaluated after treatment. Results: The total effective rate was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the BMI, body fat percentage, and serum TG and TC levels decreased significantly in both groups (P<0.05), and were significantly lower in the observation group than those in the control group (P<0.05). The FINS, FPG, HOMA-IR, and serum PYY and nesfatin-1 levels of the control group were not significantly changed after treatment (P>0.05). The FINS, FPG and HOMA-IR of the observation group decreased significantly after treatment (P<0.05), and were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The serum PYY and nesfatin-1 levels of the observation group increased significantly after treatment (P<0.05), and were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Based on exercise and dietary interventions, acupuncture is effective for obese patients with insulin resistance. It can reduce the BMI, body fat percentage, blood lipids, blood glucose, and serum insulin levels and improve insulin resistance. The action may be associated with the up-regulation of serum PYY and nesfatin-1.

Acupoint thread-embedding as adjuvant therapy for bronchial asthma in children and its effect on pulmonary function, serum IgA and IgE levels / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the efficacy of acupoint thread-embedding combined with fluticasone propionate aerosol for chronic persistent bronchial asthma of lung-spleen @*METHODS@#A total of 120 children with chronic persistent bronchial asthma were randomly divided into an observation group (60 cases, 9 cases dropped off) and a control group (60 cases, 7 cases dropped off). The control group was treated with fluticasone propionate aerosol (125 μg per inhalation), twice a day; based on the control group treatment, the observation group was treated with acupoint thread-embedding at Dingchuan (EX-B 1), Feishu (BL 13), Zusanli (ST 36) and Danzhong (CV 17), once half a month. Both groups were treated for 3 months. The pulmonary function, serum IgA, IgE levels and TCM symptom score were compared between the two groups before and after treatment, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the large airway function (peak expiratory flow [PEF], forced expiratory volume at the first second [FEV1]) and small airway function (maximal expiratory flow at 25% of the forced capacity [MEF25%], maximal expiratory flow at 50% of the forced capacity [MEF50%], maximal expiratory flow at 75% of the forced capacity [MEF75%] and midexpiratory flow 25%-75% [MEF25%-75%]) were higher than those before treatment (@*CONCLUSION@#Acupoint thread-embedding combined with fluticasone propionate aerosol could improve the pulmonary function, TCM symptoms and serum IgA and IgE levels in children with chronic persistent bronchial asthma of lung-spleen

[Application research of entropy weight-based grey systematic theory in quality evaluation of Angelicae Sinensis Radix slices].

In order to discuss the "entropy weight method" for weighting various indicators in the comprehensive evaluation of Angelicae Sinensis Radix slices(ASR), the quality of ASR was comprehensively evaluated by entropy weight-based gray systematic theory and cluster analysis. In this study, the contents of ferulic acid, volatile oil, polysaccharide, alcohol extract, water extract, moisture, total ash and acid-insoluble ash in 44 batches of ASR from different sources were determined. The entropy weight method was used for objective weighting. With relative correlation(r_i) as a measure, a multi-index comprehensive evaluation model was constructed for the quality of ASR. The results showed that the relative correlation value of 44 batches of ASR ranged from 0.301 9 to 0.662 9. There were certain differences in the quality of ASR from different sources. The ASR S1-S8, traceable and standardized in processing techno-logy, showed a high relative correlation degree and high quality ranking, indicating that the implementation of systemic management of the production chain of Chinese herbal pieces was beneficial to the quality control of ASR. The quality evaluation results of 44 batches of ASR were consistent with those of traditional geo-authentic habitats for ASR and the mainstream varieties of ASR on market, and basically consistent with the results of cluster analysis. This study suggests that the gray systematic theory based on the entropy weighting method can be used for the quality evaluation of ASR. The objective weighting of the entropy weight method improves the reliability of the gray correlation method and the scientificity of ASR quality evaluation.

[Quality-based soil fertility quality assessment of American ginseng main production areas in Shandong province].

The soil fertility quality is one of the most critical indicators of soil productivity. It directly affects the yield, quality and agricultural efficiency of Chinese medicinal materials. In order to establish the American ginseng planting soil fertility quality evaluation method based on the effective components of American ginseng, Wendeng district, Weihai city, Shandong province, the main producing area of American ginseng, was cited as a case for the study. Twenty-two 4-years American ginseng sampling sites are located at 7 towns. The samples of soil and plant root were collected in the autumn of 2017-2019. The saponin contents of American ginseng and 11 soil chemical properties were measured. The minimum data set(MDS) for assessment of the quality of soil fertility quality was established by correlation analysis and principal component analysis. The evaluation indexes were normalized by membership function. Soil quality index(SQI) that indicates soil comprehensive fertility quality level was calculated according to the critical value of membership function and weight value of each soil index in MDS. The results showed that the total saponin(Rg_1+Re+Rb_1) content of American ginseng in samples ranged from 1.76% to 7.94%. The yield of 8 plots in 2019 ranged from 3 818.7 kg·hm~(-2) to 8 996.4 kg·hm~(-2). MDS includes organic matter, alkaline nitrogen, exchangeable calcium, exchangeable magnesium, effective iron, effective copper, and effective zinc. Based on the mean of 4.825% of total saponin, threshold value of SQI for the region was determined to be 0.15, and 86.36% of soil samples in the county were above the threshold value. The methods and parameters are applicable to selection of high quality American ginseng planting sites and guiding rational fertilization. It also provides a reference for the evaluation of soil fertility quality of other medicinal plants.

Application research of entropy weight-based grey systematic theory in quality evaluation of Angelicae Sinensis Radix slices / 中国中药杂志

In order to discuss the "entropy weight method" for weighting various indicators in the comprehensive evaluation of Angelicae Sinensis Radix slices(ASR), the quality of ASR was comprehensively evaluated by entropy weight-based gray systematic theory and cluster analysis. In this study, the contents of ferulic acid, volatile oil, polysaccharide, alcohol extract, water extract, moisture, total ash and acid-insoluble ash in 44 batches of ASR from different sources were determined. The entropy weight method was used for objective weighting. With relative correlation(r_i) as a measure, a multi-index comprehensive evaluation model was constructed for the quality of ASR. The results showed that the relative correlation value of 44 batches of ASR ranged from 0.301 9 to 0.662 9. There were certain differences in the quality of ASR from different sources. The ASR S1-S8, traceable and standardized in processing techno-logy, showed a high relative correlation degree and high quality ranking, indicating that the implementation of systemic management of the production chain of Chinese herbal pieces was beneficial to the quality control of ASR. The quality evaluation results of 44 batches of ASR were consistent with those of traditional geo-authentic habitats for ASR and the mainstream varieties of ASR on market, and basically consistent with the results of cluster analysis. This study suggests that the gray systematic theory based on the entropy weighting method can be used for the quality evaluation of ASR. The objective weighting of the entropy weight method improves the reliability of the gray correlation method and the scientificity of ASR quality evaluation.

Armillariella Oral Solution Ameliorates Small Intestinal Damage in a Mouse Model of Chemotherapy-Induced Mucositis.

Background: Armillariella oral solution (AOS) shows therapeutic effect on gastrointestinal disorders. We aimed to investigate the potential efficacy of AOS on chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis in mice. Methods: Intestinal mucositis was induced in C57BL/6 mice by daily intraperitoneal injection of 5-FU (50 mg/kg) for 7 days. Effects of AOS (at 1, 5, and 10 mL/kg), or combined Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus (CBL, 450 mg/kg) on the accompanying morphometry and histology, expression of Ki-67, caspase-3, Lgr5 and apoptosis of intestinal crypt cells were assessed. Results: Continuous administration of 5-FU to mice caused severe intestinal mucositis, which was histologically characterized by the destruction of intestinal crypts and shortening of villi, accompanied by diarrhea and body weight loss. Daily AOS administration dose-dependently reduced the severity of intestinal mucositis, diarrhea and body weight loss. Similar beneficial effects were observed with CBL. The expression of Ki-67 and Lgr5 decreased and the expression of caspase-3, and the number of apoptotic cells increased 24 h after the first 5-FU administration (P < 0.05), and these responses were significantly reduced by AOS treatment (P < 0.05, at 5 or 10 mL/kg). Conclusions: AOS can alleviate 5-FU-induced mucositis in mice via increasing Lgr5 expression and suppressing apoptotic responses in the intestinal crypt cells.

Effect of Acupuncture plus Intradermal Needle on Blood Pressure in Patients with Low-risk Mild Essential Hypertension / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To observe the regulatory effect of acupuncture plus intradermal needle on blood pressure in patients with low-risk mild essential hypertension. Method Sixty patients with low-risk mild essential hypertension were randomized into an experiment group and a control group. The experiment group was intervened by acupuncture plus intradermal needle in addition to life habit control; the control group was simply intervened by life habit control.The intervention lasted 4 weeks for both groups. Result Twenty-nine subjects in the experiment group and 30 subjects in the control group finished the trial, and thus a total of 59 cases were involved in the statistical analysis. After treatment, the systolic blood pressure (SBP) was (130.93±4.25) mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was (81.31±3.06) mmHg in the experiment group, versus (135.77±4.12) mmHg and (84.07±4.08) mmHg in the control group.The between-group differences in the SBP and DBP after treatment were statistically significant (P<0.05). After treatment, the SBP in the experiment group dropped by (17.27±6.08) mmHg and the DBP dropped by (6.48±5.69) mmHg, versus (12.36±5.54) mmHg and (2.73±4.66) mmHg in the control group. There were significant differences in the decreases of SBP and DBP between the two groups (P<0.05). Conclusion Acupuncture plus intradermal needle can produce satisfactory effect in down-regulating the blood pressure in patients with mild essential hypertension.

Investigation of aflatoxins,mycobiota,and toxigenic fungi during post-harvest handling of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen / 中国中药杂志

Ziziphi Spinosae Semen is one of the Chinese herbal medicine being susceptible to aflatoxins contamination. To investigate the sources of aflatoxins contamination and toxigenic fungi species on Ziziphi Spinosae Semen,32 samples were collected from multiple steps during the post-harvest processing in this study. Aflatoxins in these samples were determined by immunoaffinity column and HPLC coupled with post-column photochemical derivatization. The dilution-plate method was applied to the fungi isolation. The isolated fungi strains were identified by morphological characterization and molecular approaches. The results showed that aflatoxins were detected in 28 samples from every step during the processing of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen. Three samples were detected with aflatoxin B_1 and 2 samples with both aflatoxin B_1 and total aflatoxin exceeding the limit of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Especially the samples from the washing step,with the highest detected amounts of AFB_1 and AFs were reached 94. 79,121. 43 μg·kg~(-1),respectively. All 32 samples were contaminated by fungi. The fungal counts on the newly harvested samples were 2. 20 × 10~2 CFU·g~(-1). Moreover,it increased as tphreocessing progresses,and achieved 1. 16×10~6 CFU·g~(-1) after washing. A total of 321 isolates were identified to 17 genera. Aspergillus flavus was the main source of aflatoxins during the processing and storage of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen. One isolate of A. flavus was confirmed producing AFB_1 and AFB_2. The fungal count was significantly increased by composting,and Aspergillus was the predominant genus after shell breaking. The contamination level of aflatoxins was increased by composting and washing.