Clinical observation on different frequency of auricular bloodletting combined with auricular point sticking for acne vulgaris / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical efficacy of different treatment frequency of auricular bloodletting combined with auricular point sticking for acne vulgaris.@*METHODS@#A total of 90 patients with acne vulgaris were randomized into a treatment group 1 (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off), a treatment group 2 (30 cases, 4 cases dropped off) and a treatment group 3 (30 cases, 5 cases dropped off). Combination therapy of auricular bloodletting and auricular point sticking at Fei (CO14), Shenmen (TF4), Neifenmi (CO18) and Shenshangxian (TG2p) were given once a week, twice a week and 3 times a week in the treatment group 1, the treatment group 2 and the treatment group 3 respectively, 4 weeks were as one course and totally 3 courses were required in the 3 groups. Before treatment and after 1, 2, 3 courses of treatment, the scores of global acne grading system (GAGS), skin lesion and quality of life-acne (QoL-Acne) were observed, the clinical efficacy was evaluated after 3 courses of treatment and the recurrence rate was evaluated in follow-up of 1 month after treatment in the 3 groups.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the scores of GAGS and skin lesion were decreased at each time point in the 3 groups (P<0.05), the QoL-Acne scores were increased after 1 course of treatment in the treatment group 3 and after 2, 3 courses of treatment in the 3 groups (P<0.05). There were no statistical differences in scores of GAGS, skin lesion and QoL-Acne among the 3 groups (P>0.05). There were no statistical differences in effective rate and recurrence rate among the 3 groups (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Different frequency of auricular bloodletting combined with auricular point sticking have similar efficacy in treating acne vulgaris, all can improve the skin lesion and quality of life in patients with acne vulgaris, and have a cumulative effect and good long-term curative effect.

Research progress on Astragali Radix and prediction of its quality markers (Q-markers) / 中国中药杂志

Astragali Radix, a medicinal herb for invigorating Qi, has anti-aging, anti-tumor, immunoregulatory, blood sugar-and lipid-lowering, anti-fibrosis, anti-radiation and other pharmacological effects. This article reviewed the studies about the chemical components and pharmacological effects of Astragali Radix. According to the theory of quality markers(Q-markers) of Chinese medicinal materials, we predicted the Q-markers of Astragali Radix from traditional efficacy, chemical component validity, measurability, plant phylogeny, and pharmacokinetis. The results showed that total polysaccharides, flavonoids(e.g., calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, formononetin, calycosin, quercetin, and ononin), and saponins(e.g., astragalosides Ⅱ, Ⅲ, and Ⅳ) can be taken as the main Q-markers. This review lays a foundation for regulating the quality research and standard establishment of Astragali Radix, and benefits the control and quality supervision of the production process of Astragali Radix and its related products.

Clinical efficacy of Tuina manipulations for lumbar disc herniation and its influence on posture-associated indicators / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of sinew-bone balancing manipulation in treating lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and offer clinical evidence to support the concept of paying equal attention to sinew and bone. Methods: Sixty LDH patients were randomized into an observation group and a control group, with 30 cases in each group. The observation group was treated with the sinew-bone balancing manipulation, and the control group received conventional Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage) manipulation. The clinical efficacy and posterior muscle chain tone effect were compared between the two groups by observing the visual analog scale (VAS) score, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and posture-associated indicators. Results: The total effective rate was 86.7％ in the observation group, higher than 76.7％ in the control group, but the between-group difference in efficacy was statistically insignificant (P>0.05). After treatment, the VAS and JOA scores, angle-dependent muscle tone indicator of the posterior muscle chain, and lumbar posture symmetry showed significant changes in both groups (P<0.05). The VAS and JOA scores, angle-dependent muscle tone indicator of the posterior muscle chain, and lumbar posture symmetry in the observation group were significantly different from those in the control group after treatment (P<0.05), but the between-group difference in the general posture symmetry was statistically insignificant (P>0.05). Conclusion: Both the sinew-bone balancing and conventional Tuina manipulations can reduce pain in LDH patients, improve lumbar function, and adjust the angle-dependent muscle tone coefficient of the posterior muscle chain and lumbar posture symmetry; except for the general posture symmetry of the posterior muscle chain, the sinew-bone balancing manipulation wins out over the conventional Tuina manipulation.

Safety and feasibility of laparoscopic double-flap technique in digestive tract reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy for esophagogastric junction tumors larger than 5 cm / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic double-flap technique (Kamikawa) in digestive tract reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy for esophagogastric junction (EGJ) leiomyoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) with the maximum diameter >5 cm. Methods: A descriptive case-series study was used to retrospectively analyze the data of patients with EGJ leiomyoma and GIST undergoing laparoscopic-assisted proximal gastrectomy and double-flap technique (Kamikawa) at the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangdong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from September 2017 to March 2019. All the tumors invaded the cardia dentate line, and the maximum diameter was >5 cm. After the exclusion of patients requiring emergency surgery and complicating with severe cardiopulmonary diseases, a total of 4 patients, including 3 males and 1 female with age of 29-49 years, were included in this study. After laparoscopic-assisted proximal gastrectomy, the residual stomach was pulled out of the abdominal cavity and marked with methylene blue at the proximal end 3~4 cm from the anterior wall of the residual stomach in the shape of "H". The gastric wall plasma muscular layer was cut along the "H" shape, and the space between the submucosa and the muscular layer was separated to both sides along the longitudinal incision line to make the seromuscular flap. The residual stomach was put back into the abdominal cavity. Under laparoscopy, 4 stitches were intermittently sutured at the upside of "H" shape and 4-5 cm from the posterior wall of the esophageal stump. The stump of the esophagus was cut open, and the submucosa and mucosa were cut under the "H" shape to enter the gastric cavity. The posterior wall of the esophageal stump was sutured continuously with the gastric stump mucosa and submucosa under laparoscopy. The anterior wall of the esophageal stump was sutured continuously with the whole layer of the residual stomach. The anterior wall of the stomach was sutured to cover the esophagus. The anterior gastric muscle flap was sutured and embedded in the esophagus to complete the reconstruction of digestive tract. The morbidity of intraoperative complications and postoperative reflux esophagitis and anastomosis-related complications were observed. Results: All the 4 patients completed the operation successfully, and there was no conversion to laparotomy. The median operative time was 239 (192-261) minutes, the median Kamikawa anastomosis time was 149 (102-163) minutes, and the median intraoperative blood loss was 35 (20-200) ml. The abdominal drainage tube and gastric tube were removed, and the fluid diet was resumed on the first day after surgery in all the 4 patients. The median postoperative hospitalization time was 6 (6-8) days. Postoperative pathology revealed 3 leiomyomas and 1 GIST. There were no postoperative complications such as anastomotic leakage or stenosis, and no reflux symptoms were observed. The median follow-up time was 22 (11-29) months after the operation, and no reflux esophagitis occurred in any of the 4 patients by gastroscopy. Conclusion: For >5 cm EGJ leiomyoma or GIST, double-flap technique (Kamikawa) used for digestive tract reconstruction after proximal gastrectomy is safe and feasible.

Comparative study on the academic thought of bloodletting for expelling pathogens between Jin-Yuan Dynasties and Ming-Qing Dynasties / 中国针灸

The relevant provisions of bloodletting for expelling pathogens are collected from the works of the medical representative scholars in Jin-Yuan Dynasties and Ming-Qing Dynasties respectively to construct the databases of bloodletting for expelling pathogens of Jin-Yuan Dynasties and Ming-Qing Dynasties. Using frequency analysis, the bloodletting device, bloodletting location, bloodletting volume, the related pathogens and indications are compared between these two times so that the evidences could be provided for the inheritance and development of the academic thought of bloodletting for expelling pathogens. It is found that the three-edge needle is the most commonly used device for bloodletting in Jin-Yuan Dynasties and Ming-Qing Dynasties and

In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluations of ß-Lactam/ß-Lactamase Mono- and Combined Therapies against Carbapenem-Nonsusceptible Enterobacteriaceae in Taiwan.

Increasing carbapenem resistance rates worldwide underscored the urgent need of novel antimicrobials. Ceftazidime-avibactam and aztreonam-avibactam combinations are developed to combat carbapenem resistance, but biological and geographic variations must be considered for antibiotic susceptibility patterns varied. Thus, we sought to assess the susceptibilities of ceftazidime-avibactam and aztreonam-avibactam against 660 carbapenem-nonsusceptible Enterobacteriaceae isolates (472 Klebsiella pneumoniae and 188 Escherichia coli) collected during an earlier Taiwan surveillance study. Agar dilution method was used to determine ceftazidime-avibactam and aztreonam-avibactam susceptibility. Metallo-carbapenemase's contribution to resistance were investigated with EDTA addition. The in vivo efficacies were evaluated using a Caenorhabditis elegans model. High susceptibility rates were observed for ceftazidime-avibactam and aztreonam-avibactam against the 472 carbapenem-nonsusceptible K. pneumoniae (CnsKP) (85.2% and 95.3%, respectively) and 188 carbapenem-nonsusceptible E. coli (CnsEC) isolates (91.5% and 94.1%, respectively). For non-metallo-carbapenemase producers, the susceptibility rates for ceftazidime-avibactam were 93.6% for CnsKP and 97.7% for CnsEC, whereas only 7.1% CnsKP and 11.1% CnsEC in metallo-carbapenemase producers were susceptible to ceftazidime-avibactam. Of all isolates, 95.3% CnsKP and 94.1% CnsEC were susceptible to aztreonam-avibactam. In C. elegans model, ceftazidime-avibactam and aztreonam-avibactam revealed effective against a blaKPC-producing K. pneumoniae isolate in vivo. Our results propose a positive therapeutic approach for both combinations against carbapenem-nonsusceptible Enterobacteriaceae in Taiwan.

ROS Mediate xCT-Dependent Cell Death in Human Breast Cancer Cells under Glucose Deprivation.

xCT, also known as solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), the light chain of the cystine/glutamate antiporter, is positively correlated with cancer progression due to antioxidant function. During glucose deprivation, the overexpression of xCT does not protect cancer cells but instead promotes cell death. Further understanding the mechanism of glucose deprivation-induced cell death is important for developing anticancer treatments targeting the glucose metabolism. In this study, we found that breast cancer cells with a high expression of xCT demonstrated increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and were more sensitive to glucose deprivation than the cells with a low expression of xCT. However, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) did not significantly affect glucose-deprivation-induced cell death. The antioxidant N-acetyl-cysteine prevented glucose-deprivation-induced cell death, and the glutathione biosynthesis inhibitor L-buthionine-S, R-sulfoximine enhanced glucose-deprivation-induced cell death. The inhibition of xCT by sulfasalazine or a knockdown of xCT reduced the glucose-deprivation-increased ROS levels and glucose-deprivation-induced cell death. Glucose deprivation reduced the intracellular glutamate, and supplementation with α-ketoglutarate prevented the glucose-deprivation-increased ROS levels and rescued cell death. The knockdown of sirtuin-3 (SIRT3) further enhanced the ROS levels, and promoted xCT-related cell death after glucose deprivation. In conclusion, our results suggested that ROS play a critical role in xCT-dependent cell death in breast cancer cells under glucose deprivation.

Pharmacological development of the potential adjuvant therapeutic agents against coronavirus disease 2019.

As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19, also called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2) outbreak accelerates, vigorous and diverse efforts were made in developing treatment strategies. In addition to direct acting agents, increasing evidence showed some potential adjuvant therapies with promising efficacy against COVID-19. These therapies include immunomodulators (i.e. intravenous immunoglobulin, thymosin α-1, interleukin [IL]-6, tocilizumab, cyclosporine, thalidomide, fingolimod), Chinese medicines (i.e. glycyrrhizin, baicalin, Xuebijing), anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (bevacizumab), estrogen modulating drugs, statins, and nutritional supplements (i.e. vitamins A, B, C, D, E and zinc). This article reviewed the pharmacological development of potential adjuvants for COVID-19 treatment.

Study on the acupoints belonging to the three yin meridians of foot reflecting the variation pattern of uterine qi and blood in women with moderate constitution / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the blood perfusion volume variation pattern in the body surface microcirculation at the Yuan-Primary and the Xi-Cleft points during the menstrual cycle in female college students with moderate constitution under normal physiological state of the uterus; to explore the specific laws of the body surface microcirculation at the Yuan-Primary and Xi-Cleft points in response to the uterine qi and blood changes under normal physiological conditions, and to provide the experimental basis for the specificity of acupoints reflecting the uterine function. Methods: Forty-three healthy and moderate constitution female college students with regular menstrual cycles, without dysmenorrhea and not yet giving birth were recruited. Bilateral Yuan-Primary points [Taichong (LR 3), Taibai (SP 3) and Taixi (KI 3)] and Xi-Cleft points [Zhongdu (LR 6), Diji (SP 8) and Shuiquan (KI 5)], belonging to the three yin meridians of foot and adjacent to the spinal cord segment of the uterus, were selected as the detection acupoints; the crossing point of the three yin meridians of foot [Sanyinjiao (SP 6)], the uterus-related meridian acupoint [Xuehai (SP 10)], the uterus-non-related meridian acupoint [Xuanzhong (GB 39)], and the non-meridian non-acupoint point were selected as the control points. The laser speckle blood flow imaging technique was used to monitor the blood perfusion volume in skin microcirculation at the above points at the menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases of the subjects. Results: The blood perfusion volume in the body surface microcirculation at the right Zhongdu (LR 6) at the ovulatory phase was higher than that at the menstrual, follicular and luteal phases (all P<0.05); there was no significant difference in the microcirculation blood perfusion volume at the other points among different phases (all P>0.05). Conclusion: The blood perfusion volume in the body surface microcirculation at Zhongdu (LR 6), the Xi-Cleft point of the Liver Meridian, shows a specific response to qi and blood changes in the uterus of women with moderate constitution.

Effect of San'ao Decoction on ovalbum induced asthmatic mice and expression of TRPV2 in lung / 中国中药杂志

To observe the efficacy of San'ao Decoction(SAD) in diffusing the lung and relieving asthma, and its intervention effect on the expression of transient receptor potential V2(TRPV2) during alleviating asthma, this study replicated an ovalbumin(OVA)-induced asthmatic mice model, and investigated the intervention effect of SAD on the airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. The regulatory mechanisms of SAD on the mRNA and protein expressions of TRPV2 in lung tissues and the levels of interleukin-4(IL-4),-10(IL-10), nerve growth factor(NGF), prostaglandin D_2(PGD_2) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF) were discussed. Compared with the control group, the model group showed typical asthmatic phenotype, the level of eosinophils(EOS) in peripheral blood and BALF as well as the airway hyperresponsiveness were increased(P<0.01), and pathological damage in lung tissue was serious. The mRNA and protein expressions of TRPV2 in lung tissue were increased significantly, while the levels of IL-4, IL-10, NGF and PGD_2 in BALF were elevated(P<0.05,P<0.01). SAD could relieve bronchial asthma manifested as repaired lung patholo-gical changes(P<0.05), reduce the level of EOS in blood and BALF(P<0.05, P<0.01), and improve pulmonary resistance and lung compliance(P<0.05, P<0.01). SAD could also regulate the inflammatory cytokine levels of IL-4, IL-10, NGF, PGD_2 in BALF, and reduce the gene and protein expression of TRPV2 in the lung tissue(P<0.05, P<0.01). It is verified that SAD could reduce the lung inflammation, and improve lung function in asthmatic mice. The regulatory mechanism of SAD on asthma induced by OVA might be related to the regulation of TRPV2 expression and the induced decrease of Th2-related cytokines and neuropeptides, which provides the evidences for the treatment of asthma with SAD.

Experience of Professor Fan Yongsheng in treating arthralgia with insect drugs / 中国中药杂志

National-level famous traditional Chinese medicine( TCM) doctor Professor Fan Yong-sheng has high-level accomplishments in the treatment of arthralgia. According to clinical diagnosis and dialectic,TCM with appropriate medicinal properties were flexibly applied,with a remarkable efficacy. Especially in the application of insect drugs,he has accumulated abundant clinical experience.According to the main syndromes of arthralgia and pathogenic site,patient' s constitution,Scorpio,Scolopendra,Pheretima,Vespae Nidus,Bombyx Batryticatus,Manis Squama,Bungarus Parvus,Zaocys,Agkistrodon,Cicadae Periostracum,Aspongopus,Eupolyphaga Steleophaga,Silkworm Sand were properly selected. Attention was also paid to the compatibility between insect drugs and antirheumatic drugs,blood-activating drugs and tonifying drugs. In the premise of safe and effective application in the treatment of arthralgia,insect drugs show such efficacies as antipyretic,activating collaterals and relieving pain.

High-Content Screening of a Taiwanese Indigenous Plant Extract Library Identifies Syzygium simile leaf Extract as an Inhibitor of Fatty Acid Uptake.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common liver disease in the recent decades in both developed and developing countries, and is predicted to be the major etiology for liver transplantation in the next decade. Thus, pharmacological strategies to treat NAFLD are urgently needed. Natural products are considered an excellent source for drug discovery. By utilizing an image-based high-throughput screening with a library containing 3000 Taiwanese indigenous plant extracts, we discovered that the extract of Syzygium simile leaves (SSLE) has an anti-lipid droplet (LD) accumulation effect in hepatic cell lines. Analyses of the expression profile of genes involved in lipid metabolism revealed that SSLE suppressed the mRNA expression of CD36, fatty acid translocase. In agreement with this observation, we showed that SSLE inhibited CD36 protein expression and fatty acid uptake and has only limited effects on pre-formed LDs. Moreover, SSLE reduced LD accumulation and CD36 expression in enterocyte and macrophage cell lines. In conclusion, our findings suggest that SSLE could serve as a potential source for the discovery of novel therapeutic modalities for NAFLD and that the suppression of CD36 expression and fatty acid uptake could contribute to the lipid-lowering effect of SSLE.

The bioenergetics mechanisms and applications of sulfate-reducing bacteria in remediation of pollutants in drainage: A review.

Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), a group of anaerobic prokaryotes, can use sulfur species as a terminal electron acceptor for the oxidation of organic compounds. They not only have significant ecological functions, but also play an important role in bioremediation of contaminated sites. Although numerous studies on metabolism and applications of SRB have been conducted, they still remain incompletely understood and even controversial. Fully understanding the metabolism of SRB paves the way for allowing the microorganisms to provide more beneficial services in bioremediation. Here we review progress in bioenergetics mechanisms and application of SRB including: (1) electron acceptors and donors for SRB; (2) pathway for sulfate reduction; (3) electron transfer in sulfate reduction; (4) application of SRB for economical and concomitant treatment of heavy metal, organic contaminants and sulfates. Moreover, current knowledge gaps and further research needs are identified.

Effects of agkistrodon in different dosage forms on collagen-induced arthritis in rats / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the effective dosage and formulation of agkistrodon in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>CIA was induced by injection of collagen in complete/incomplete Freund's adjuvant. Agkistrodon decoction, agkistrodon powder, and agkistrodon wine were administered daily starting from the onset of arthritis. Paw swelling degree was measured by using a volume-measuring instrument every 7 days after primary immunization. Arthritis index was measured and calculated using the "five scoring method" every 7 days. The levels of serum interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and type II collagen IgG antibodies were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Finally, all ankles were removed, and X-ray radiography was performed with In-vivo Imaging System FX. Samples were counterstained with hematoxylin and eosin for analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among the various dosage formulations of agkistrodon, high-dose powder, which was equivalent to an amount of 6 g/day in adults, showed better effects on the inhibition of joint swelling and reduction of arthritis index score. The relatively low levels of serum IL-1 and anti-type II collagen IgG antibodies, as well as the X-ray radiography and pathology results, further proved the superiority of the high-dose powder over the other formulations. The effect of decoction on inhibiting joint swelling was inversely proportional to the dosage. Other effects, such as reduction of arthritis index score and the levels of serum IL-1 and anti-type II collagen IgG antibodies, were directly proportional to the dosage. While the use of large dose agkistrodon wine led to negative effects.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>These data highlight the potential function of high-dose agkistrodon powder, which was equivalent to an amount of 6 g/day in adults. The powder can quickly relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and prevent aggravation of disease, especially during the early period.</p>

Research on application status of Chinese herbal decoction pieces based on clinical survey / 中国中药杂志

Chinese herbal decoction pieces are the basic approaches for clinical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), reflecting the features and advantages of TCM. In order to investigate the clinical application status and features of Chinese herbal decoction pieces, the questionnaire on application of commonly used Chinese herbal decoction pieces was designed in this study for analysis of the application situations of Chinese herbal decoction pieces from 56 medical institutions in 10 provinces. The results showed 549 varieties of Chinese herbs and 801 varieties of decoction pieces were used on clinic. They can be classified into 19 categories according to their effects. The varieties of Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), Huangqi (Astragali Radix), Dihuang (Rehmanniae Radix), Chuanxiong (Chuanxiong Rhizoma), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephale Rhizima), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Danggui (Angelicae Sinenses Radix), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) and Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix) were most common ones; the application of Chinese herbal decoction pieces from different medical institutions was differentiated from areas to areas. The survey results reflected the general situation about application of decoction pieces, providing the basic data for recording and completing Chinese herbal decoction pieces in essential drug system, with certain reference significance for the production of Chinese medicinal materials and the allocation of the varieties of Chinese herbal decoction pieces.

Study on incompatibility of traditional Chinese medicines / 中国中药杂志

The incompatibility of traditional Chinese medicines is related to the clinical medication safety, so has attracted wide attentions from the public. With the deepening of studies on the incompatibility of traditional Chinese medicines represented by 18 incompatible herbs, the incompatibility of theory traditional Chinese medicines has raised to new heights. From the origin of incompatibility theory of traditional Chinese medicines, relationship of herbs, harms of incompatible herbs and principle of prevention to toxic effects of specific incompatible medicines, the innovation and development of the traditional Chinese medicine incompatibility theory was explored. Structurally, the incompatibility of traditional Chinese medicines refers to the opposition of two herbs based on seven emotions and clinical experience. The combination of incompatible herbs may lead to human harms, especially latent harm and inefficacy of intervention medicines. The avoidance of the combination of incompatible herbs and the consideration of both symptoms and drug efficacy are the basic method to prevent adverse reactions. The recent studies have revealed five characteristics of incompatible herbs. Toxicity potentiation, toxication, efficacy reduction and inefficacy are the four manifestations of the incompatible relations. The material changes can reflect the effects of toxicity potentiation and toxication of opposite herbs. The accumulation of toxicity and metabolic changes are the basis for latent harms. The antagonistic effect of main efficacies and the coexistence of positive and negative effects are the distinctive part of the incompatibility. The connotation of incompatible herbs plays an important role in the innovation of the traditional Chinese medicine incompatibility theory.

On the Commonness of San'ao Decoction and Its Analogous Formulas in Facilitating Fei / 中国中西医结合杂志

San'ao Decoction (SD) and its analogous formulas derived in the following generations are common used prescriptions for treating pulmonary diseases with principal symptoms such as cough and asthma. They are usually compatible with Chinese herbs for facilitating Fei, dispelling wind, resolving phlegm and fluid retention. Material bases in these formulas are mainly derived from Chinese drugs, but dissolution contents of active components are changed and new components are produced after compatibility. By multilevel effect evaluation, these analogous formulas all have commonness in ventilating Fei and superiorities of evidence-based derivation. The effect pathway of commonness was involved in cell structure protection, anti-inflammation, antioxidant, and immunoregulation.

Effect of jiedu quyu zishen recipe on TLR9 signal pathway of murine macrophage cells / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore efficacy enhancing and detoxification roles of Jiedu Quyu Zishen Recipe (JQZR) in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by studying its effect on Toll like receptor 9 (TLR9) signal pathway of murine macrophage cells after JQZR stimulated CpG oligodeoxynucletide (CpG ODN).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Murine macrophage cells in vitro cultured were randomly divided into 4 groups, i.e., the blank serum group, the CpG ODN stimulus group, the CpG ODN + dexamethasone group, the CpG ODN + medicated serum group. Murine macrophage cells were collected after 24-h intervention. The expression of TLR9, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), NF-KB, IFN-α mRNA were analyzed by RT-PCR. The expression of TLR9 and NF-κB protein were analyzed by Western blot. Changes of the NF-KB transcriptional activity were assayed by Dual-Luciferase reporter assay system.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>mRNA expressions of TLR9, MyD88, NF-κB, and IFN-α, protein expressions of TLR9 and NF-κB, and NF-κB transcriptional activities were enhanced, showing statistical difference when compared with those of the blank serum group (P <0. 05, P <0. 01). Compared with the CpG ODN stimulus group, mRNA expressions of MyD88, NF-κB, and IFN-α, the protein expression of NF-κB and the NF-κB transcriptional activities decreased in the CpG ODN + dexamethasone group with statistical difference (P <0. 01). Compared with the CpG ODN stimulus group, mRNA expressions of TLR9, MyD88, NF-κB, and IFN-α, protein expressions of TLR9 and NF-κB, and NF-κB transcriptional activities were decreased in CpG ODN+ medicated serum group with statistical difference (P <0. 01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Efficacy enhancing and detoxification roles of JQZR in treatment of SLE might be realized through regulating TLR9 signal pathways.</p>

Effect of Xianxiong decoction on acute lung injury mice induced by lipopolysaccharide / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of Xianxiong decoction on the mice with acute lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Eighty female ICR mice were randomly divided into 8 groups: model group, Xianxiong decoction group, Daxianxiong decoction group, Xianxiong decoction group without Kansui Radix group, Xianxiong decoction group without Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma group, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Kansui Radix group, normal group and control group. Animals of each group, except normal group, were undertaken intraperitoneal injection and intranasal inhalation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on day 1, 2, 3 to establish acute lung injury (ALI) model. 30 min after modeling, 0.2 mL corresponding drugs were administrated to each mice, dexam ethasone and normal saline were given to the mice of control group and normal group respectively. White blood cell in blood, neutrophil percentage of blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) supernatant, the ratio of wet and dry lung tissue ( W/D), histopathological changes of lung tissue were estimated. Sixty ICR mice were randomly divided into normal, model, control, high, middle and low dose Xianxiong decoction groups and were modeled in the same way. ELISA was applied to detect the level of NF-kappaB, TNF-alpha and IL-6 in BALF, PCR for NF-kappaB and TNF-alpha mRNA in lung tissue, and Western blot for NF-kappaB and TNF-alpha. Half of 20 ICR mice were administrated with Xianxiong decoction of its maximum tolerant normal saline.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Compared with model group, the number of WBC in blood of Xianxiong decoction group mice decreased (P < 0.01), percentage of neutrophils in both blood and BALF decreased as well (P < 0.01, P < 0.05); it also significantly reduced the ratio of W/D (P < 0.01); and found the alveolar wall, the number of inflammatory cells infiltrating improved, compared with model group. Xianxiong decoction reduced the level of NF-kappaB, TNF-alpha and IL-6 in BALF (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.05); its high and low dose groups only found TNF-alpha level declined. Five mice died 24 h after administration of Xianxiong decoction which indicated its toxicity when other influential factors were considered.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Xianxiong decoction is effective on the ALI mice induced by LPS, but it is of toxicity at 3 g x mL(-1).</p>

Clinical study on aconite prescriptions with incompatible herbs in different areas based on association rules and analysis on compatibility features / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the current application and features of Aconite prescriptions with incompatible herbs in grade A class three hospitals in east China and central China through a clinical study and comparative analysis.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Clinical prescriptions containing Aconite with incompatible herbs were collected. Association rules were utilized to analyze the compatible features of these herbs.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>This analysis found that the frequently used incompatible herba; pairs are Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata-Pinelliae Rhizoma, with the support rate of 44.45%, occupying nearly half of the surveyed prescriptions; Pinelliae Rhizoma is the most frequently used herb in the two areas, with support rate up to 76.24%. Among the top 10 herbal pairs in the support rate, except for Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata and Pinelliae Rhizoma, the top 10 herbs in Central China were mostly for warming the middle jiao and tonifying qi, such as Zingiberis Rhizoma, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma and Codonopsis Radix; Whereas those in east China were mostly for activating and nourishing blood, such as Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, and Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. Among the top 10 herbal pairs in the support rate, except for Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata-Pinelliae Rhizoma, the core herbal pairs applied in central China were mainly for resolving phlegm and warming the middle jiao, such as Pinelliae Rhizoma-Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Pinelliae Rhizoma-Zingiberis Rhizoma; Whereas those in east China were principally for activating blood and tonifying qi, like Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma and Pinelliae Rhizoma, Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Pinelliae Rhizoma. Among the core herbal groups in the two areas, the most frequently used herbal groups in the two areas are Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Pinelliae Rhizoma with the support rate of 59.73%, accounting for the highest proportion among all of herbal groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There are the combined clinical application of Aconite with incompatible herbs, mostly with Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata-Pinelliae Rhizoma, but with differences in the combined application in east China and central China.</p>