TCMSSD: A comprehensive database focused on syndrome standardization.

BACKGROUD: Quantitative and standardized research on syndrome differentiation has always been at the forefront of modernizing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory. However, the majority of existing databases primarily concentrate on the network pharmacology of herbal prescriptions, and there are limited databases specifically dedicated to TCM syndrome differentiation. PURPOSE: In response to this gap, we have developed the Traditional Chinese Medical Syndrome Standardization Database (TCMSSD, http://tcmssd.ratcm.cn). METHODS: TCMSSD is a comprehensive database that gathers data from various sources, including TCM literature such as TCM Syndrome Studies (Zhong Yi Zheng Hou Xue) and TCM Internal Medicine (Zhong Yi Nei Ke Xue) and various public databases such as TCMID and ETCM. In our study, we employ a deep learning approach to construct the knowledge graph and utilize the BM25 algorithm for syndrome prediction. RESULTS: The TCMSSD integrates the essence of TCM with the modern medical system, providing a comprehensive collection of information related to TCM. It includes 624 syndromes, 133,518 prescriptions, 8,073 diseases (including 1,843 TCM-specific diseases), 8,259 Chinese herbal medicines, 43,413 ingredients, 17,602 targets, and 8,182 drugs. By analyzing input data and comparing it with the patterns and characteristics recorded in the database, the syndrome prediction tool generates predictions based on established correlations and patterns. CONCLUSION: The TCMSSD fills the gap in existing databases by providing a comprehensive resource for quantitative and standardized research on TCM syndrome differentiation and laid the foundation for research on the biological basis of syndromes.

IiAGL6 participates in the regulation of stamen development and pollen formation in Isatis indigotica.

The AGL6 (AGMOUSE LIKE 6) gene is a member of the SEP subfamily and functions as an E-class floral homeotic gene in the development of floral organs. In this study, we cloned IiAGL6, the orthologous gene of AGL6 in Isatis indigotica. The constitutive expression of IiAGL6 in Arabidopsis thaliana resulted in a late-flowering phenotype and the development of curly leaves during the vegetative growth period. Abnormal changes in floral organ development were observed during the reproductive stage. In woad plants, suppression of IiAGL6 using TRV-VIGS (tobacco rattle virus-mediated virus-induced gene silencing) decreased the number of stamens and led to the formation of aberrant anthers. Similar changes in stamen development were also observed in miRNA-AGL6 transgenic Arabidopsis plants. Yeast two-hybrid and BiFC tests showed that IiAGL6 can interact with other MADS-box proteins in woad; thus, playing a key role in defining the identities of floral organs, particularly during stamen formation. These findings might provide novel insights and help investigate the biological roles of MADS transcription factors in I. indigotica.

The association between the essential metal mixture and fasting plasma glucose in Chinese community-dwelling elderly people.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies about the effect of essential metal mixture on fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels among elderly people are sparse. The object of this study was to examine the associations of single essential metals and essential metal mixture with FPG levels in Chinese community-dwelling elderly people. METHODS: The study recruited 2348 community-dwelling elderly people in total. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry was adopted to detect the levels of vanadium (V), selenium (Se), magnesium (Mg), cobalt (Co), calcium (Ca), and molybdenum (Mo) in urine. The relationships between single essential metals and essential metal mixture and FPG levels were evaluated by linear regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models, respectively. RESULTS: In multiple-metal linear regression models, urine V and Mg were negatively related to the FPG levels (ß = - 0.016, 95 % CI: - 0.030 to - 0.003 for V; ß = - 0.021, 95 % CI: - 0.033 to - 0.009 for Mg), and urine Se was positively related to the FPG levels (ß = 0.024, 95 % CI: 0.014-0.034). In BKMR model, the significant relationships of Se and Mg with the FPG levels were also found. The essential metal mixture was negatively associated with FPG levels in a dose-response pattern, and Mg had the maximum posterior inclusion probability (PIP) value (PIP = 1.0000), followed by Se (PIP = 0.9968). Besides, Co showed a significant association with decreased FPG levels in older adults without hyperlipemia and in women. CONCLUSIONS: Both Mg and Se were associated with FPG levels, individually and as a mixture. The essential metal mixture displayed a linear dose-response relationship with reduced FPG levels, with Mg having the largest contribution to FPG levels, followed by Se. Further prospective investigations are necessary to validate these exploratory findings.

Use of MRI-based vertebral bone quality score (VBQ) of S1 body in bone mineral density assessment for patients with lumbar degenerative diseases.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of the modified and simplified vertebral bone quality (VBQ) method based on T1-weighted MRI images of S1 vertebrae in assessing bone mineral density (BMD) for patients with lumbar degenerative diseases. METHODS: We reviewed the preoperative data of patients with lumbar degenerative diseases undergoing lumbar spine surgery between January 2019 and June 2022 with available non-contrast T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) images and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). S1 vertebral bone quality scores (S1 VBQ) and S1 CT Hounsfield units were measured with picture archiving and communication system (PACS). One-way ANOVA was applied to present the discrepancy between the S1 VBQ of patients with normal bone density (T-score ≥ - 1.0), osteopenia (- 2.5 < T-score < - 1.0) and osteoporosis (T-score ≤ - 2.5). The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was drawn to analyze the diagnostic performance of S1 VBQ in distinguishing low BMD. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 207 patients were included. The S1 VBQ were significantly different between groups (p < 0.001). Interclass correlation coefficient for inter-rater reliability was 0.86 (95% CI 0.78-0.94) and 0.94(95% CI 0.89-0.98) for intra-rater reliability. According to the linear regression analysis, the S1 VBQ has moderate-to-strong correlations with DEXA T-score (r = - 0.48, p < 0.001). The area under the ROC curve indicated a predictive accuracy of 82%. A sensitivity of 77.25% with a specificity of 70% could be achieved for distinguishing low BMD by setting the S1 VBQ cutoff as 2.93. CONCLUSIONS: The S1 VBQ was a promising tool in distinguishing poor bone quality in patients with lumbar degenerative diseases, especially in cases where the previously reported VBQ method based on L1-L4 was not available. S1 VBQ score could be useful as opportunistic assessment for screening and complementary evaluation to DEXA T-score before surgery.

Selenium attenuates the association of co-exposure to arsenic, cadmium, and lead with cognitive function among Chinese community-dwelling older adults.

The effects of interactions between the toxic and essential metal mixtures on cognitive function are poorly understood. This study aims to identify the joint association of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) with cognitive function in older adults and the moderating role of selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) in this association. This study included 1000 community-dwelling older adults. Cognitive function was assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Blood concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, Se, Zn, and Cu were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Linear regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models were applied to assess the individual and joint associations of As, Cd, and Pb with cognitive function and to examine whether Se, Zn, and Cu (individually and as a mixture) modified these associations. In the adjusted single-metal models, both Cd (ß = - 0.37, 95% CI: - 0.73 to - 0.01) and Pb (ß = - 0.44, 95% CI: - 0.86 to - 0.02) were associated with MMSE scores, while Se (ß = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.30 to 1.13) exhibited a positive relationship with MMSE scores. Univariate exposure-response functions from BKMR models showed similar results. Moreover, the toxic metal mixture (As, Cd, and Pb) exhibited a significant negative association with MMSE scores in a dose-response pattern, with Pb being the greatest contributor within the mixture. The negative association of Pb alone or the toxic metal mixture with MMSE scores became weaker at higher concentrations of Se within its normal range, especially when Se levels were greater than the median (89.18 µg/L). Our findings support that Se can attenuate the negative associations of exposure to single Pb or the As, Cd, and Pb mixtures with cognitive function. Future prospective studies are needed to replicate our findings.

Forsythiaside A improves Influenza A virus infection through TLR7 signaling pathway in the lungs of mice.

BACKGROUND: Influenza A virus infection due to drug resistance and side effects of the conventional antiviral drugs yet remains a serious public health threat for humans and animals. Forsythiaside A is an effective ingredient isolated from the Chinese herbal medicine forsythia. It has various pharmacological effects and has a good therapeutic effect against a variety of infectious diseases. This study aimed to further explore the immunological mechanism of Forsythiaside A in the treatment of influenza virus-infected mice and its effect on the Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) signaling pathway in the lungs of these mice. METHODS: C57/BL6J mice and TLR7-/- mice were infected with the FM1 strains (H1N1 and A/FM/1/4) of the Influenza A virus. Each group of experimental mice were divided into the mock, virus, oseltamivir, and Forsythiaside A groups. Weight change, lung index change, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of key factors in the TLR7 signaling pathway were detected. Flow cytometry was used to detect the changes in the Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg ratios. RESULTS: After infection with the Influenza A virus, the weight loss of C57/BL6J mice treated with forsythoside A and oseltamivir decreased, and the pathological tissue sections showed that the inflammatory damage was reduced. The expression levels of the key factors, TLR7, myeloid differentiation factor 88(Myd88), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in the TLR7 signaling pathway were significantly reduced. Flow cytometry showed that Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg ratios decreased after Forsythiaside A treatment. In the TLR7-/- mice, there was no significant change after Forsythiaside A treatment in the virus group. CONCLUSIONS: Forsythiaside A affects the TLR7 signaling pathway in mouse lung immune cells and reduces the inflammatory response caused by the Influenza A virus FM1 strain in mouse lungs.

The chromosome-scale genomes of Dipterocarpus turbinatus and Hopea hainanensis (Dipterocarpaceae) provide insights into fragrant oleoresin biosynthesis and hardwood formation.

Dipterocarpaceae are typical tropical plants (dipterocarp forests) that are famous for their high economic value because of their production of fragrant oleoresins, top-quality timber and usage in traditional Chinese medicine. Currently, the lack of Dipterocarpaceae genomes has been a limiting factor to decipher the fragrant oleoresin biosynthesis and gain evolutionary insights into high-quality wood formation in Dipterocarpaceae. We generated chromosome-level genome assemblies for two representative Dipterocarpaceae species viz. Dipterocarpus turbinatus Gaertn. f. and Hopea hainanensis Merr. et Chun. Our whole-genome duplication (WGD) analysis revealed that Dipterocarpaceae underwent a shared WGD event, which showed significant impacts on increased copy numbers of genes related to the biosynthesis of terpene, BAHD acyltransferases, fatty acid and benzenoid/phenylpropanoid, which probably confer to the formation of their characteristic fragrant oleoresin. Additionally, compared with common soft wood plants, the expansion of gene families was also found to be associated with wood formation, such as in CESA (cellulose synthase), CSLE (cellulose synthase-like protein E), laccase and peroxidase in Dipterocarpaceae genomes, which might also contribute to the formation of harder, stronger and high-density timbers. Finally, an integrative analysis on a combination of genomic, transcriptomic and metabolic data from different tissues provided further insights into the molecular basis of fragrant oleoresins biosynthesis and high-quality wood formation of Dipterocarpaceae. Our study contributes the first two representative genomes for Dipterocarpaceae, which are valuable genetic resources for further researches on the fragrant oleoresins and superior-quality timber, genome-assisted breeding and improvement, and conservation biology of this family.

Comprehensive transcriptional analysis reveals salt stress-regulated key pathways, hub genes and time-specific responsive gene categories in common bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.) roots.

BACKGROUND: Despite its good salt-tolerance level, key genes and pathways involved with temporal salt response of common bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.) have not been explored. Therefore, in this study, to understand the underlying regulatory mechanism following the different period of salt exposure, a comprehensive transcriptome analysis of the bermudagrass roots was conducted. RESULTS: The transcripts regulated after 1 h, 6 h, or 24 h of hydroponic exposure to 200 mM NaCl in the roots of bermudagrass were investigated. Dataset series analysis revealed 16 distinct temporal salt-responsive expression profiles. Enrichment analysis identified potentially important salt responsive genes belonging to specific categories, such as hormonal metabolism, secondary metabolism, misc., cell wall, transcription factors and genes encoded a series of transporters. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed that lavenderblush2 and brown4 modules were significantly positively correlated with the proline content and peroxidase activity and hub genes within these two modules were further determined. Besides, after 1 h of salt treatment, genes belonging to categories such as signalling receptor kinase, transcription factors, tetrapyrrole synthesis and lipid metabolism were immediately and exclusively up-enriched compared to the subsequent time points, which indicated fast-acting and immediate physiological responses. Genes involved in secondary metabolite biosynthesis such as simple phenols, glucosinolates, isoflavones and tocopherol biosynthesis were exclusively up-regulated after 24 h of salt treatment, suggesting a slightly slower reaction of metabolic adjustment. CONCLUSION: Here, we revealed salt-responsive genes belonging to categories that were commonly or differentially expressed in short-term salt stress, suggesting possible adaptive salt response mechanisms in roots. Also, the distinctive salt-response pathways and potential salt-tolerant hub genes investigated can provide useful future references to explore the molecular mechanisms of bermudagrass.

Determination of nine nucleosides in Rhizoma Paridis by quantitative analysis of multi-components via a single marker method.

In this work, a new quantitative analysis method of multi-components analysis via a single marker strategy coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, was proposed to analyze nine nucleosides (cytidine, uridine, 2'-deoxyuridine, inosine, guanosine, 2'-deoxyguanosine, thymidine, adenosine, and 2'-deoxyadenosine) as quality control markers in Rhizoma Paridis. Guanosine was set as the internal reference substance, whose content in Rhizoma Paridis was determined using conventional external standard method. Then, relative correction factors between guanosine and the other eight nucleosides were measured respectively. The amounts of the other eight components were calculated according to the relative correction factors by the quantitative analysis of multi-components via a single marker method. Finally, the result of vector angle cosine analysis showed that there was no significant difference of the contents between the external standard method and the quantitative analysis of multi-components via a single marker method, indicating that the quantitative analysis of multi-components via a single marker method can be applied for the quality control of Rhizoma Paridis. As far as we know, this is also the first report to analyze nucleosides by the quantitative analysis of multi-components via a single marker method, providing an efficient and promising quality assessment method for other traditional Chinese medicine containing nucleosides.

Assessing the Effect of Reactive Oxygen Species and Volatile Organic Compound Profiles Coming from Certain Types of Chinese Cooking on the Toxicity of Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells.

The International Agency of Research on Cancer identifies high-temperature frying, which features prominently in Chinese cooking, as producing group 2A carcinogens. This study simultaneously characterized particulate and gaseous-phase cooking emissions, monitored their reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentrations, and evaluated their impact on genetic damage and expression in exposed human bronchial epithelial cells. Five types of edible oil, three kinds of seasonings, and two dishes were assessed. Among tested edible oils, heating of soybean oil released the largest particle number concentration (2.09 × 1013 particles/(g cooking material and oil)·h) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions (12103.42 µg/(g cooking material and oil)·h). Heating of lard produced the greatest particle mass concentration (0.75 mg/(g cooking material and oil)·h). The main finding was that sunflower and rapeseed oils produced the highest ROS concentrations (80.48 and 71.75 nmol/(g cooking material and oil)·h, respectively). ROS formation most likely occurred during the autoxidation of both polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. Among all the tested parameters, only ROS concentrations exhibited consistency with cell viability and showed significant correlations with the expression levels of CYP1A1, HIF-1a, and especially with IL-8 (the marker for oxidative stress within the cell). These findings indicate that ROS concentration is potentially a suitable metric for direct assessment of exposure levels and potential toxicity.

Comparative transcriptomic analyses of chlorogenic acid and luteolosides biosynthesis pathways at different flowering stages of diploid and tetraploid Lonicera japonica.

The Flos Lonicerae Japonicae (FLJ), Lonicera japonica Thunb, belonging to the Caprifoliaceae family, is an economically important plant that is highly utilized in traditional Chinese medicine as well as in Japanese medicine. The flowers of these plants are rich in chlorogenic acid (CGA) and luteoloside. Our previous study revealed that tetraploid L. japonica has higher fresh/dry weight, phenolic acids and flavonoids contents than those of diploid plants. However, why tetraploid L. japonica can yield higher CGA and luteolosides than that in diploid and what is the difference in the molecular regulatory mechanism of these pathways between diploid and tetraploids remained unclear. Therefore, in the present study, we performed comprehensive transcriptome analyses of different flowering stages of diploid and tetraploid L. japonica. The CGA content of tetraploid was found higher than that of diploid at all the growth stages. While the luteoloside content of diploid was higher than that of tetraploid at S4 and S6 growth stages. We obtained a high-quality transcriptome assembly (N50 = 2,055 bp; Average length = 1,331 bp) compared to earlier studies. Differential expression analysis revealed that several important genes involving in plant hormone signal transduction, carbon metabolism, starch/sucrose metabolism and plant-pathogen interaction were upregulated in tetraploid compared with the diploid L. japonica, reflecting the higher adaptability and resistance of tetraploid species. Furthermore, by associating the phenotypic data and gene expression profiles, we were able to characterize the potential molecular regulatory mechanism of important biosynthetic pathways at different flowering stages. Overall, our work provides a foundation for further research on these important secondary metabolite pathways and their implications in traditional Chinese/Japanese medicine.

Enhanced Population Coding for Rewarded Choices in the Medial Frontal Cortex of the Mouse.

Instrumental behavior is characterized by the selection of actions based on the degree to which they lead to a desired outcome. However, we lack a detailed understanding of how rewarded actions are reinforced and preferentially implemented. In rodents, the medial frontal cortex is hypothesized to play an important role in this process, based in part on its capacity to encode chosen actions and their outcomes. We therefore asked how neural representations of choice and outcome might interact to facilitate instrumental behavior. To investigate this question, we imaged neural ensemble activity in layer 2/3 of the secondary motor region (M2) while mice engaged in a two-choice auditory discrimination task with probabilistic outcomes. Correct choices could result in one of three reward amounts (single, double or omitted reward), which allowed us to measure neural and behavioral effects of reward magnitude, as well as its categorical presence or absence. Single-unit and population decoding analyses revealed a consistent influence of outcome on choice signals in M2. Specifically, rewarded choices were more robustly encoded relative to unrewarded choices, with little dependence on the exact magnitude of reinforcement. Our results provide insight into the integration of past choices and outcomes in the rodent brain during instrumental behavior.

[Treatment Status and Emission Characteristics of Volatile Organic Compounds from Typical Industrial Sources].

The status of treatment equipment, the emission characteristics, and the ozone formation potential (OFP) of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for 11 typical enterprises, which were categorized into the 8 major VOC emission industries identified by the emission inventory of a typical city in the Yangtze River Delta, are discussed in this paper. There was a large difference in the removal efficiency of non-methane hydrocarbon (NMHC) between different treatment techniques, and even an increase in concentration occurred after some of the treatments. The current treatment equipment for VOCs needs further optimization. The emissions of NMHC, benzene, toluene, and xylene in most of the surveyed enterprises exceeded their corresponding standards, with toluene the worst offender. The most abundant compounds in the eight emission industries were aromatic hydrocarbons and oxygenated VOCs, whereas aromatic hydrocarbons contributed the most to ozone formation potential. There were large differences in emission characteristics of VOCs from different industries. Priority should be placed on the industries that have large OFP when control strategies of VOCs are considered.

Quantitative analysis of near-implant magnesium accumulation for a Si-containing coated AZ31 cage from a goat cervical spine fusion model.

BACKGROUND: Magnesium (Mg) released from Mg-based implants degradation is believed to be effective in improving osteogenesis, however, studies focusing on Mg-based interbody cages are limited and fusion success was never reported. As excessive Mg accumulation can inhibit new bone formation, this study is designed to explain the possible reasons for the fusion failure of Mg-based cages by analyzing the relationships between the intervertebral Mg accumulation and the resulting interbody fusion. METHODS: The experimental cage was consisted of magnesium alloy (AZ31) substrate and Silicon (Si) -containing coating. C3/C4 and C5/C6 of 24 goats were implanted with cage or autologous iliac crest bone graft (Control group), which were analyzed at 3, 6, 12, and 24 weeks post-operatively. Intervertebral Mg concentrations, Mg-related Calcium (Ca)/ Phosphorus (P) ratios, radiological evaluations and histological findings were recorded for analyzing the relationships between the three of cage corrosion, Mg accumulation, and interbody fusion. RESULTS: Intervertebral Mg levels were significantly increased after cage implantation, especially in the areas that were closer to the cages at 3 weeks post-operatively, and these increased concentrations could persist up to 12 weeks post-operatively, indicating a relatively rapid corrosion process. Significantly lower Mg levels were only found at 24 weeks post-operatively, but these levels were still higher than those of the control group. In addition, Mg was found to be widely distributed at the intervertebral space since high Mg concentrations could even be detected at the posterior boundary of the vertebral body. Under this Mg accumulation profile, interbody fusion was not achieved, as indicated by the decreased Ca/P ratios, low CT fusion scores and negative histological results. CONCLUSIONS: Intervertebral excessive Mg accumulation might be the primary reason for interbody fusion failure. Quantitative Mg analysis can offer insight into the association between cage degeneration and biological response.

[Effects of compound ganshao paste on the levels of sex hormones and hepatic transaminases in polycystic ovarian syndrome rat model].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of Compound Ganshao Paste (CGP) on the levels of sex hormones and hepatic transaminases in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) rat model. METHODS: The PCOS rat model was established using Kafali modeling method. Rats were randomly divided into five groups, i. e., the normal control group, the PCOS model group, the Diane-35 group, the Compound Ganshao Caspule group, and the CGP group. The levels of sex hormones were detected using radioimmunoassay. The levels of hepatic transferases were detected using method of enzyme coupling ratio. RESULTS: Compared with the normal control group, the serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (T), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), and progesterone (P) decreased, showing statistical difference (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the serum levels of LH, T, and FSH decreased, while serum E2 and P increased in the three medication groups, showing statistical difference (P<0.05). There was insignificant difference in the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) among the normal control group, the model group, and the CGP group (P>0.05). Compared with the Diane-35 group and the Compound Ganshao Capsule group, the levels of hepatic transaminases of the CGP group was lower with statistical difference (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: CGP could improve the ovarian functions through adjusting the endocrine functions of PCOS model rats, thus stimulating the follicular development and ovulation. CGP did not add the hepatic burden.

[Effect of L-arginine on human coagulant factor VIII gene expression].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of L-arginine on expression of human FVIII gene. METHODS: Plasmid pcDNA6/V5-HisA-BDDhF VIII containing B domain deleted human coagulant factor VIII cDNA (BDDhF VIII cDNA) was constructed and transfected into human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). After 72 h incubation with L-arginine (final concentration was 10 mmol/L) , the supernatant was collected for determining the antigen and clotting activity of human FVIII (FVIII: Ag and FVIII: C ) with ELISA and one stage clotting assay respectively. HUVECs were harvested for detecting human FVIII mRNA by Northern blot analysis. The five functional domains of BDDhFVIII cDNA including A1, A2, A3, C1 and C2 were amplified with PCR and inserted into pcDNA6/V5-HisA to construct the expression plasmids pcDNA6/V5-Hi-sA-BDDhFVIII-A1, pcDNA6/V5-HisA-BDDhFVIII-A2, pcDNA6/V5-HisA-BDDhFVIII-A3, pcDNA6/V5-HisA-BDDhFVIII-C1 and pcDNA6/V5-HisA-BDDhFVIII-C2, respectively. HUVEC were transfected with the five plasmids respectively and incubated with L-arginine (at the final concentration of 10 mmol/L) for 72 h. Nucleoli were then isolated and underwent run-on assay. RESULTS: After 24 h incubation with L-arginine, FVIII: Ag and FVIII: C were increased markedly in the supernatant of HUVEC [FVIII: Ag was (146.08 +/- 4.78) ng/ ml, and FVIII: C (0.752 +/- 0.009) U/ml/10(6) cells x 24 h, while in control supernatant without L-arginine, FVIII: Ag was (34.66 +/- 3.98) ng/ml, and FVIII: C (0.171 +/- 0.006) U/ml/10(6) cell x 24 h, P < 0.01]. Northern blot analysis indicated that, after adding L-arginine, the transcription of human FVIII mRNA was intensified remarkably in HUVEC transfected with pcDNA6/V5-HisA-BDDhFVIII, but no any transcription in those transfected with pcDNA6/V5-HisA. Run-on assay demonstrated that with L-arginine induction, A1 and A2 domains transcription was increased obviously, while no change in A3, C1 and C2 domains transcription. CONCLUSION: L-arginine increases expression of human FVIII gene in HUVEC through enhancing its transcription, particularly, domain A1 and A2 within FVIII gene.

[The study of therapeutic effects of curcumin on hepatic fibrosis and variation of correlated cytokine].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate therapeutic effects of curcumin on hepatic fibrosis and the variation of correlated cytokine. METHODS: Rat models of hepatic fibrosis were made by carbon tetrachloride. Curcumin of 10, 20, 40 mg per 100 gram weight of rat were given to these rats of curcumin group respectively from ninth week. Normal, dissolvent, model and Salvia miltiorrhiza groups were made as controls. Serum levels of ALT, AST, HA, LN, PC-III were detected; Serum levels of TGF-beta1 and TNF-alpha were detected by ELISA method; Serum levels of NO were detected by chemical method. HE and Masson staining were conducted in hepatic tissues to observe pathological variations. Grades of hepatic fibrosis were evaluated according to SSS system. Immunohistochemical staining was executed for detecting PDGF-BB in liver, and professional software for image analysis was used. RESULTS: Curcumin could decrease serum levels of ALT, AST, HA, LN, PC-III obviously, P < 0.05, which were increased in fibrotic group. Curcumin could decrease cytokine levels of NO, TGF-beta1, TNF-alpha, P < 0.05. Curcumin could obviously improve liver pathological variations of fibrotic rats. The score of hepatic fibrosis in curcumin group reduced significantly, P < 0.05. Curcumin treatment could reduce the expression of PDGF-BB, P < 0.05. These effects were dose-dependent. CONCLUSION: Curcumin can heal rat hepatic fibrosis. Effects of reducing the expression of correlated cytokines may be mechanisms of therapeutic effects of curcumin on hepatic fibrosis.

[Clinical observation on analgesic effect of electroacupuncture at Neimadian after operation of extremities].

OBJECTIVE: To observe effectiveness and safety of electroacupuncture at Neimadian for analgesia in the extremities after orthopedic operation. METHODS: Two hundred cases enrolled were divided into two groups. The test group of 100 cases were treated with electroacupuncture at Neimadian and oral administration of placebo, and the control group of 100 cases with oral administration of tramadoli hydrochloride. RESULTS: The mean score for pain signs at all the time points before and after analgesic treatment in the test group had more decreases as compared with the control group (P < 0.001); and in the good rate after treatment, the test group was higher than the control group (P < 0.001, P < 0.05), and for safety, the test group was higher than the control group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The analgesic effect and safety of electroacupuncture at Neimadian are superior to the routine analgesic after operation of the extremities.

[Clinical observation on acupuncture at Neimadian for analgesia postoperation of extremities].

OBJECTIVE: To observe therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Neimadian on pain after operation of four limbs. METHODS: Sixty-two patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 31 cases in each group. The observation group were treated with electroacupuncture at Neimadian for 30 min, and the control group with oral administration of tramadoli hydrochloridum. Changes of pain within 24 hours were observed. RESULTS: The analgesic effect in the observation group was better than that in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Analgesic effect of acupuncture at Neimadian on pain after operation of four limbs is superior to that of oral administration of tramadoli.