Comparative Investigation Between Raw and Stir-Frying Processed Cuscutae Semen Based on HPLC Fingerprints Coupled With Chemometric Methods.

BACKGROUND: The curative effect of Cuscutae Semen (CS) could be adjusted after stir-frying, and it is difficult to distinguish between the raw CS and stir-fried processed Cuscutae Semen (SFCS) in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: The paper aims to establish the fingerprints of raw and fried Cuscutae Semen products by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) so that the compounds in raw and stir-fried products could be analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. At the same time, the chemometrics method was used to evaluate the difference between CS and SFCS to provide reference for the research of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) CS. METHOD: The raw and SFCS products' related substances were separated on a C18 column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) maintained at 30 °C (column temperature). The mobile phase comprised 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution (A) and acetonitrile (B), and a detection wavelength of 328 nm. The data were imported into statistical software for chemometric analysis. RESULTS: The developed HPLC method exhibits good linearity and has good systematic applicability. The content of these 12 compounds in the samples was further determined and the data analyzed by chemometrics. The results showed that the composition of CS changed on heating, and HCA showed that CS and SFCS could be clearly distinguished. PCA showed that six components caused differences, namely neochlorogenic acid, cryptophyllogenic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin, isorhamnetin, and kaempferol. CONCLUSIONS: This study unequivocally establishes a chromatographic fingerprint method intended for the extensive analysis of raw and stir-fried processed CS, which could substantially enhance the quality control of CS and the rational development and utilization of TCM resources. HIGHLIGHTS: This method for the simultaneous quantification of multiple compounds in CS and SFCS revealed the components responsible for the differences between raw and processed products. This will provide support for quality control of this herbal medicine.

Investigation and analysis of knowledge and behavior of iodine deficiency disorders prevention and treatment among pregnant women in iodine deficiency areas in Anhui Province / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective:To understand the knowledge and behavior changes of pregnant women on iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) prevention and treatment in iodine deficiency areas in Anhui Province before and after the implementation of the intervention measures, and to provide a scientific basis for pregnant women's iodine nutrition improvement.Methods:From March to December 2018, from Lujiang County, an iodine deficiency area in Anhui Province, Lucheng and Nihe towns were selected as the survey sites. Relying on the township health centers, pregnant women in early pregnancy (≤12 weeks) were selected as the survey subjects, and long-term follow-up was conducted. The edible salt samples of pregnant women in early pregnancy were collected and salt iodine content was detected by direct titration method. The urine samples of pregnant women in the morning in early, middle (13 - 28 weeks) and late pregnancies (≥29 weeks) were collected, urinary iodine content was determined by arsenic-cerium catalytic spectrophotometry. Baseline questionnaire survey was conducted for pregnant women in early pregnancy, mainly including basic information, IDD prevention and treatment knowledge (pregnant women prone to iodine deficiency, the harm of iodine deficiency in pregnant women, suitable iodine supplement methods for pregnant women and foods with high iodine content), and the consumption frequency of iodine-rich foods. After the baseline survey, the knowledge publicity on IDD prevention and treatment was carried out in townships, and iodine-rich foods such as kelp and laver were recommended to supplement iodine. The intervention activities lasted for 6 months, and retrospective questionnaire survey was conducted on pregnant women in late pregnancy.Results:A total of 128 edible salt samples were collected from the families of pregnant women in early pregnancy, and the median salt iodine was 21.5 mg/kg. The iodized salt coverage rate was 99.2% (127/128), the qualified rate of iodized salt was 98.4% (125/127), and the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt was 97.7% (125/128). A total of 129, 95 and 70 urine samples were collected from pregnant women in early, middle and late pregnancies, the medians urinary iodine were 179.0, 185.5 and 189.7 μg/L, respectively, all of which were at the appropriate iodine level. The total awareness rates of IDD prevention and treatment before and after intervention were 22.4% (28/125) and 64.6% (82/127), respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (χ 2 = 45.538, P < 0.01). Compared with the awareness rates before the intervention, the awareness rates of the harm of iodine deficiency in pregnant women, suitable iodine supplement methods for pregnant women and foods with high iodine content were all higher after the intervention ( P < 0.01). There were statistically significant differences in the frequency of eating kelp, laver and other iodine-rich foods among pregnant women in early, middle and late pregnancies (χ 2 = 163.170, 102.373, P < 0.01). Before the intervention, 57 (45.2%) pregnant women had not eaten kelp, which decreased to 1 (0.8%) pregnant woman after the intervention. Before the intervention, 72 (57.1%) pregnant women had not eaten laver and other iodine-rich foods, which decreased to 7 (5.5%) pregnant women after the intervention. Conclusions:After the intervention, the awareness rate of IDD prevention and treatment knowledge and the frequency and proportion of iodine-rich foods consumption among pregnant women in iodine deficiency areas in Anhui Province have increased significantly. It is recommended to carry out publicity and education on IDD prevention and treatment knowledge in early pregnancy.

The vitamin D nutritional status in Chinese urban women of child-bearing age from 2010 to 2012 / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective@#To evaluate the vitamin D nutritional status in Chinese women of child-bearing age by analyzing serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level in 2010-2012.@*Methods@#Data were obtained from the China Nutrition and Health Survey in 2010-2012. Using cluster sampling and proportional stratified random sampling, 1 514 women of child-bearing age (18-44 years old) from 34 metropolis and 41 small and medium-sized cities were included in this study. Demographic information was collected by questionnaire and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration was determined by radioimmunoassay, in accordance with the 2010 Institute of Medicine of the National Academies standards. We compared differences in vitamin D levels, specifically serious deficiency, lack of deficiency, insufficiency, and excess.@*Results@#The overall serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of Chinese urban women of child-bearing age (P50 (P25-P75)) was 20.1 (15.1-26.3) ng/ml; minorities had a significantly higher serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of 22.0 (15.9-27.5) ng/ml compared with women of Han nationality (19.8 (14.9-26.2) ng/ml) (χ2=7.02, P=0.008). The proportions of women with serious deficiency, lack of deficiency, insufficiency, and excess vitamin D were 11.6% (n=175), 37.9% (n=574), 35.1% (n=531), and 0.3% (n=5), respectively. Only 15.1% (n=229) of women of child-bearing age had normal vitamin D nutritional status. No significant differences in vitamin D nutritional status were observed according to age, body mass index, city, nationality, educational level, marital status, or household income per capita (P>0.05).@*Conclusion@#Most Chinese urban women of child-bearing age have poor vitamin D levels and require vitamin D supplementation.

The effects of reciprocal inhibition on motor function and brain functional network connectivity of stroke patients / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of reciprocal inhibition on motor function connectivity in the brains of stroke patients.Methods Thirty patients with stroke were randomly divided into a treatment group (n =15) and a control group (n =15).The control group underwent normal limb positioning,medium frequency electrotherapy,circulated compression of the limbs,etc.The treatment group received conventional rehabilitation treatment plus reciprocal inhibition treatment for 30 min daily,6 times a week for 4 weeks.All of the patients were assessed before and after treatment using the Canadian neurological scale (CNS),the Frenchay activities index (FAI),the motricity index (MI) and functional magnetic resonance imaging of the motor cortex in a resting state (rs-fMRI).Results In both groups the average CNS,FAI and MI scores improved significantly.Compared with the control group,the changes in FAI and MI scores in the treatment group improved significantly more.The coefficient of functional connectivity of the bilateral motor cortex decreased significantly after treatment in both groups.In the treatment group the motor cortex functional connectivity correlated significantly with the improvements in MI scores.Conclusions Reciprocal inhibition can accelerate the improvement of extremity motor function and ability in the activities of daily living significantly after stroke.It reduces functional connectivity in the bilateral motor cortex in ways significantly correlated with improvements in motor function.

Randomized Controlled Observation of Acupuncture Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To compare the therapeutic effects of tug-of-war needling method versus conventional electroacupuncture on knee osteoarthritis, seek a better method for treating this disease and prove the importance of needling and moxibustion techniques. Method One hundred patients meeting the criteria of knee osteoarthritis were allocated, in order of visits, to an electroacupuncture group of 50 cases and a tug-of-war needling group of 50 cases. In the tug-of-war needling group of patients, points Zusanli(ST36) and Heding(EX-LE2) were mainly selected and after the arrival of qi following needle insertion, forward pushing or backward pulling was repeatedly made like tug of war to strengthen or eliminate the needling sensation. In the electroacupuncture group, local points were mainly selected according to the routine, and after the arrival of qi, a G6805-1 type electric acupuncture therapeutic instrument was connected and sparse-dense waves were used. Reactions were recorded in the two groups of patients after two courses of treatment. Joint function was assessed using the VAS and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Result Both groups of patients were followed up at six months after the end of treatment. There were statistically significant pre-/post-treatment differences in the VAS score and the WOMAC sub-scores and total score in the two groups (P＜0.01). The VAS score and the WOMAC sub-scores and total score decreased more in the tug-of-war needling group of patients than in the electroacupuncture group (P＜0.01). The total efficacy rates in the tug-of-war needling and electroacupuncture groups were 92.0% and 90.0%, respectively, at the end of treatment and 94.0% and 92.0%, respectively, at the follow-up;there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups and between at the end of treatment and at the follow-up in the two groups (P>0.05). However, the cure and marked efficacy rates in the two groups of patients were 68.0%and 52.0%, respectively, at the end of treatment and 68.0%and 54.0%, respectively, at the follow-up. It was statistically higher in the tug-of-war needling group than in the electroacupuncture group (P＜0.05). Conclusion Both tug-of-war needling and electroacupuncture have a good and very stable therapeutic effect on knee osteoarthritis. Tug-of-war needling is better than electroacupuncture in improving the clinical symptoms.

Theoretical study on thirteen or fourteen incompatible medicaments and opposite drug properties of Tujia ethnic medical science / 中国中药杂志

Tujia ethnic medical science is an important sub-discipline of China's ethnic medicine system, which has rooted in major Tujia ethnic area such as Hunan, Hubei, Guizhou and Chongqing. It has its own theory, medication characteristic and experi-ence towards ethnic drugs. Particularly, in medication incompatibility, it has formed the principle of thirteen or fourteen incompatible medicament of traditional Tujia ethnic drugs, which play a certain role in guiding the usage and compatibility of tens of thousands of herbs. Focusing on the incompatibility that is abided by Tujia medical workers, the essay makes a textual study on the origin of herbs and conducts a preliminary study on the theoretical basis of thirteen or fourteen incompatible medicaments in terms of four properties of drugs and toxic and side-effect by reference to the records on nature and flavor and effectiveness, with a view of providing a preference to improve the incompatibility theory of traditional Chinese medicines and new ideas to further studies on the development and application of traditional ethnic drugs.

Effect of electroacupuncture on therapeutic effects and onset time of paroxetine for mild or moderate depression patients / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture on onset time and effectiveness of Paroxetine for mild or moderate depression patients and on the scores of Hamilton depression rating scale for depression(HAMD) and self-rating depression scale(SDS). Methods Fifty-five patients with mild or moderate depression were randomly divided into A group( Paroxetine group,29 patients) and B group (Electroacupuncture combining with Paroxetine group,26 patients). Therapeutic periods for the two groups were 6 weeks. HAMD and SDS were used to evaluate the efficacy before the research and after treatment on 1 week,2 weeks,4 weeks,6 weeks.Results HAMD scores and SDS scores for A group were significant difference after 2 weeks treatment compared with the beginning of the research (P＜ 0.05 ) ;HAMD scores and SDS scores for B group were significant difference after 1 week treatment compared with the beginning of the research(P＜0. 05 ). Total effective rate of HAMD for A group was 71.4% ,total effective rate of SDS for A group was 75% ,total effective rate of HAMD for B group was 88% ,total effective rate of SDS for B group was 84%. The total effective rate between the two groups ordered by the individual chi-square test was significant difference( X2 = 4. 1790, P= 0. 0408). Conclusion Electroacupuncture can shorten the onset time and increase the effectiveness of paroxetine for mild or moderate depression patients.

Research on X-ray diffraction fingerprints of crude and processed pyritum / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish the X-ray diffraction fingerprints of crude and processed pyritum.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>X-ray diffraction fingerprint was used to analyze the crude and processed pyritum of different habitat and batch.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The crude pyritum has 19 common peaks, while the processed ones has 11.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The X-ray diffraction can express characteristic of the crude and processed pyritum, which is specificity, accuracy and reliability and can be used for the quality control of crude and processed pyritum.</p>

Review of pharmacological effects of Glycyrrhiza radix and its bioactive compounds / 中国中药杂志

Glycyrrhiza Radix is a commonly used Chinese herbal medicine, derived from the dried roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, G. glabra and G. inflata. The main bioactive constituents of licorice are triterpene saponins and flavonoids. There are various types of pharmacological properties of licorice are proved, including antiulcer, antiinflammation, spasmolysis, antioxidative, contravariance, antiviral, anticancer activities, hepatoprotective, eliminating phlegm and reinforcing remembrance effects. Triterpene saponins are the main components of Glycyrrhiza Radix and its pharmacological activities are comparatively thorough and clear. In recent years, licorice flavonoids, proved to have a variety of pharmacological activities, become one of the hot of pharmacological studies. In this review, we summarized the latest five-year progress in pharmacological activities of licorice extract, its triterpenoid saponins and flavonoids, and experimental researches indicated that licorice had both accommodation and protection activity on the digestive system, respiratory system, nervous system, and endocrine system, etc.

Clinical Observation of Nerve-near Needling for Occipital Neuralgia / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of nerve-near needling for occipital neuralgia.Methods:Eighty-two subjects were randomly allocated into two groups:treatment group in which 46 cases was treated by nerve-near needling[points Tianzhu(BL 10)and Tianyou(TE 16)were selected],and control group in which 36 cases were treated by conventional acupuncture[points Tianzhu(BL 10),Fengchi(GB 20),Baihui(GV 20),Shimian Ⅱ (Extra),Wangu(GB 12)and Hegu(LI 4)were selected].One course of treatment consisted of 3.5 times,and three courses of treatment were given at most before calculating efficacy.Results:The short-term total effective rate was 93.5%in the treatment group and 69.4%in the control group,with a statistically significant difference between the two groups(P＜0.01);the long-term total effective rate Was 64.1%in the treatment group and 43.3%in the control group,with a statistically significant difierence between the two groups(P＜0.05).Conclusion:Nerve-near needling is better than conventional acupuncture in treating occipital neuralgia.

Effect of differential electroacupuncture frequencies on behavior of acute stress depression model of C57BL/6 mice / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective To explore the effect of different frequencies interference of electoracupuncture on acute stress of C57BL/6 mice. Methods Thirty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into model group,2Hz electroacupunture group and 100 Hz electroacupunture group.After interfering 7 days by electroacupuncture,all the mice were carried forced swimming tests and tail suspension test,and the immobility time in 5 minutes were taken down. Results The immobility time of forced swimming test and tail suspension test of 2 Hz eletroacupuncture group(32.00±14.73)s,(72.50±20.44)s was shorter than those of 100 Hz electoracupuncture group(145.60±34.62)s,(124.22±21.67)s( P <0.05); and the immobility time of 2 Hz eletroacupuncture group was shorter than that of model group(129.50±33.94)s,(142.23±20.05)s( P <0.05); but the immobility time of 100 Hz electroacupuncture group was no difference with that of model group( P >0.05). Conclusions The effect of 2 Hz eletroacupuncture could improve the behaviors of the acute stress of C57BL/6 mice and had the more effectiveness on anti-depression.

Bioavailability of Oral Drugs Following Chinese Materia Medica's Action on CYP3A4 and P-gp in Intestine / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To promote rational combined use of Chinese Chinese materia medica with western medicines.METHODS:The mechanisms for Chinese materia medica and its chemical compositions to change the bioavailability of orally taken substrates by its inhibiting or inducing intestinal CYP3A4 and P-gp were summarized,and which were analyzed by combining the literature.RESULTS:Fructus Schisandrae,Radix Angelicae Dahuricae,Radix Angelicae Sinensis,Rutaecarpine,Ginkgolide A etc could inhibit or induce the CYP3A4 enzyme;Radix Scutellariae,common St.Johnwort herb with root,Naringenin,Hypericin etc could inhibit or induce P-gp.The change of the parameters of the bioavailability of substrate drugs caused by Chinese materia medica and its chemical compositions through acting on intestinal CYP3A4 and P-gp could influence the drug safety and efficacy.CONCLUSION:Clinicians and pharmacists should attach importance to the drug interactions in the concomitant use of Chinese traditional medicines and western drugs so as to promote rational drug use.