Efficacy of Dan'e Fukang Soft Extract in Moderate Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome for Concurrent Treatment of Blood and Fluid Guided by the "Triple Prevention" Principle.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of Dan'e Fukang soft extracts in moderate ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) for the simultaneous treatment of blood and fluid, guided by the traditional Chinese medicine principle of "triple prevention". Methods: This study conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical data from outpatients who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection embryo transfer (ICSI-ET). A total of 2245 cases were included and divided into a treatment group (1002 cases) and a control group (1243 cases). Patients in the treatment group were administered Dan'e Fukang soft extracts orally in addition to conventional Western medicine. Comparative assessments were made between the two groups on pelvic ascites volume, maximum ovary diameter, dysmenorrhea incidence post-oocyte retrieval, and safety indicators. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the treatment group and the control group in terms of general characteristics or the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteotropic hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), or progesterone (P) at the time of gonadotropin (Gn) initiation. The groups did not differ significantly when we compared the levels of LH, E2, or P on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection and during ovarian hyperstimulation protocols (P > 0.05 for all indicators). The differences in the volume of pelvic ascites, the maximum ovarian diameter, and the incidence of dysmenorrhea after oocyte retrieval were statistically significant between the treatment group and the control group (P < 0.05 in both). There were no instances of adverse reactions in either group. Conclusion: Based on the traditional Chinese medicine principle of "triple prevention", the use of Dan'e Fukang soft extracts for the simultaneous treatment of blood and fluid in moderate OHSS significantly improved the absorption of pelvic ascites, promoted ovarian recovery, and reduced the incidence of dysmenorrhea after oocyte retrieval.

[Characterization and phylogenetic analysis of complete chloroplast genome of cultivated Qinan agarwood].

"Tangjie" leaves of cultivated Qinan agarwood were used to obtain the complete chloroplast genome using high-throughput sequencing technology. Combined with 12 chloroplast genomes of Aquilaria species downloaded from NCBI, bioinformatics method was employed to determine the chloroplast genome characteristics and phylogenetic relationships. The results showed that the chloroplast genome sequence length of cultivated Qinan agarwood "Tangjie" leaves was 174 909 bp with a GC content of 36.7%. A total of 136 genes were annotated, including 90 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Sequence repeat analysis detected 80 simple sequence repeats(SSRs) and 124 long sequence repeats, with most SSRs composed of A and T bases. Codon preference analysis revealed that AUU was the most frequently used codon, and codons with A and U endings were preferred. Comparative analysis of Aquilaria chloroplast genomes showed relative conservation of the IR region boundaries and identified five highly variable regions: trnD-trnY, trnT-trnL, trnF-ndhJ, petA-cemA, and rpl32, which could serve as potential DNA barcodes specific to the Aquilaria genus. Selection pressure analysis indicated positive selection in the rbcL, rps11, and rpl32 genes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that cultivated Qinan agarwood "Tangjie" and Aquilaria agallocha clustered together(100% support), supporting the Chinese origin of Qinan agarwood from Aquilaria agallocha. The chloroplast genome data obtained in this study provide a foundation for studying the genetic diversity of cultivated Qinan agarwood and molecular identification of the Aquilaria genus.

A Network Pharmacology Prediction and Molecular Docking-Based Strategy to Explore the Potential Pharmacological Mechanism of Astragalus membranaceus for Glioma.

Glioma treatment in traditional Chinese medicine has a lengthy history. Astragalus membranaceus, a traditional Chinese herb that is frequently utilized in therapeutic practice, is a component of many Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas that have been documented to have anti-glioma properties. Uncertainty persists regarding the molecular mechanism behind the therapeutic effects. Based on results from network pharmacology and molecular docking, we thoroughly identified the molecular pathways of Astragalus membranaceus' anti-glioma activities in this study. According to the findings of the enrichment analysis, 14 active compounds and 343 targets were eliminated from the screening process. These targets were mainly found in the pathways in cancer, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, protein phosphorylation, inflammatory response, positive regulation of phosphorylation, and inflammatory mediator regulation of Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels. The results of molecular docking showed that the active substances isoflavanone and 1,7-Dihydroxy-3,9-dimethoxy pterocarpene have strong binding affinities for the respective targets ESR2 and PTGS2. In accordance with the findings of our investigation, Astragalus membranaceus active compounds exhibit a multicomponent and multitarget synergistic therapeutic impact on glioma by actively targeting several targets in various pathways. Additionally, we propose that 1,7-Dihydroxy-3,9-dimethoxy pterocarpene and isoflavanone may be the main active ingredients in the therapy of glioma.

[Repeated transcranial acupuncture combined with electroacupuncture for flat descending sudden deafness: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect of repeated transcranial acupuncture combined with electroacupuncture on flat descending sudden deafness. METHODS: A total of 80 patients with flat descending sudden deafness were randomly divided into an acupuncture and medication group (39 cases, 1 case dropped off) and a western medication group (39 cases, 1 case dropped off). Patients in the western medication group were treated with glucocorticoid + batroxobin + ginkgo leaf preparation. On the basis of the western medication group, patients in the acupuncture and medication group were treated with acupuncture at Baihui (GV 20), Ningshen, Yunting area, Mastoid 1 point, Mastoid 2 point, Fengchi (GB 20), Gongxue, Tinghui (GB 2), etc., repeated transcranial acupuncture was applied at Baihui (GV 20), Ningshen and Yunting area; Mastoid 1 point and Mastoid 2 point, Fengchi (GB 20) and Gongxue of the affected side were connected to the electroacupuncture instrument, continuous wave, 2 Hz in frequency. The needle was retained for 30 min, once a day, and rest for 1 d after 6 d of continuous treatment. All patients were treated for 3 weeks. The average hearing threshold, tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) score, dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) score and speech discrimination test score were compared between the two groups before and after treatment, and the clinical effect was evaluated. RESULTS: After treatment, the average hearing threshold, THI and DHI scores of the two groups were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), and above indexes in the acupuncture and medication group were lower than those in the western medication group (P<0.05). The speech discrimination test scores of the two groups were higher than those before treatment (P<0.05), and the score in the acupuncture and medication group was higher than that in the western medication group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 87.2% (34/39) in the acupuncture and medication group, which was higher than 74.4% (29/39) in the western medication group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Repeated transcranial acupuncture combined with electroacupuncture can improve the hearing level of patients with flat descending sudden deafness, relieve tinnitus and vertigo symptoms.

[Effect of processing with vinegar on efficacy of Curcuma longa in treatment of dysmenorrhea in rats with syndrome of liver depression and Qi stagnation].

This study compared the effects of Curcuma longa before and after processing with vinegar on the rat model of dysmenorrhea with the syndrome of liver depression and Qi stagnation to reveal the mechanism of vinegar processing in improving the role of C. longa in soothing liver and relieving pain. The rat model of dysmenorrhea with the syndrome of liver depression and Qi stagnation was established according to the Preparation of the Animal Model of Dysmenorrhea(Draft) and the chronic unpredictable stress me-thod. The changes in the body weight, organ indexes, writhing latency, writhing score, and serum levels of six liver function indicators, sex hormones, pain factors, and blood rheological indicators were measured to evaluate the efficacy of C. longa processed with vinegar or not in treating dysmenorrhea in the rats with syndrome of liver depression and qi stagnation. Compared with the model group, the C. longa group(processed with vinegar or not) showed slow weight loss, increase in writhing latency, and decrease in writhing response(P<0.05). The inhibition rates on writhing in raw C. longa, vinegar-processed C. longa, and positive groups were 33.780%, 64.611%, and 62.466%, respectively. The significantly higher inhibition rate of the vinegar processing group indicated that vinegar-processed C. longa demonstrated more significant therapeutic effect. The vinegar-processed C. longa group showed lower levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT), alkaline phosphatase(ALP), aspartate aminotransferase(AST), direct bilirubin(DBIL), and total bilirubin(TBIL) and higher level of albumin(ALB)(P<0.05), which indicated that vinegar processing enhanced the therapeutic effect of C. longa on liver injury. The serum levels of estradiol(E_2) and oxytocin(OT) were lower in the vinegar-processed C. longa group(P<0.05), indicating that the vinegar-processed C. longa could regulate the sex hormone levels, reduce the activity of uterine smooth muscle and contraction of uterus, and alleviate the symptoms of dysmenorrhea in rats. Moreover, the vinegar-processed C. longa group showed lower interleukin-6(IL-6) and arginine vasopressin(AVP) levels and higher beta-endorphin(ß-EP) level(P<0.05), which indicated that vinegar-processed C. longa regulated the levels of pain factors to exert the pain-relieving effect. Drug intervention decreased the whole blood viscosity low-cut, medium-cut and high-cut values, plasma viscosity, whole blood reduction viscosity low-cut and high-cut values, erythrocyte cumulative pressure, and equation K value of erythrocyte sedimentation rate(P<0.05), and the vinegar-processed C. longa group outperformed other groups. This result indicated that vinegar processing enhanced the function of C. longa in improving the local blood rheology. C. longa processed with vinegar can enter the liver to relieve the da-mage to the heart, liver, kidney, and uterus, repair the liver function, and recover the sex hormone levels and immune function by regulating the levels of sex hormones and pain factors and improving the blood rheology. It activates the pain-relieving mechanism to relieve the pain, protect the liver, and fight inflammation, which is consistent with the theory that vinegar processing facilitates C. longa entering the liver to sooth liver and relieve pain.

Astragalus polysaccharide alleviates alcoholic-induced hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting polymerase I and transcript release factor and the TLR4/JNK/NF-κB/MyD88 pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Astragali Radix (AR), the root of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. or Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao, known as Huangqi in traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions for acute and chronic liver injury. AR was the most important medicine in a Chinese traditional prescription called Huangqi Decoction (HQD), has been used to treat chronic liver diseases since the 11th century. In particular, its major active ingredient, Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), has demonstrated promising effects on inhibiting hepatic fibrosis. However, to date, the effect of APS against alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis and its underlying molecular mechanisms remains unknown. AIMS OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to explore the effect and potential molecular mechanisms of APS against alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis by using network pharmacology and experimental validation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The potential targets and underling mechanism of AR in alcoholic liver fibrosis were first predicted using network pharmacology, followed by experimental validation using SD rat model with alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis. Further, the predicted candidate signaling pathways and potential target polymerase I and transcript release factor (PTRF) were combined to explore the multifaceted mechanism of APS against alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis. Finally, overexpression of PTRF was explored to reveal the role of PTRF in the mechanism of APS against alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis. RESULT: APS exerted potent anti-hepatic fibrosis effects by downregulating genes involved in the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/JNK/NF-κB/MyD88 pathway. Notably, APS treatment ameliorated the hepatic damage by inhibiting the overexpression of PTRF and decreasing the co-localisation of TLR4/PTRF. Overexpression of PTRF induced reversal of the protective effects of APS on alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that APS may alleviate alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting the activation of PTRF and TLR4/JNK/NF-κB/MyD88 pathway, which provides a scientific elucidation for the mechanisms of APS on the anti-hepatic fibrosis activity and presents a promising therapeutic approach for treating hepatic fibrosis.

Adjuvant therapy following curative treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma: current dilemmas and prospects.

Curative surgical treatments, mainly liver resection, are still one of the optimal options for patients with early-, mid-, and even progression-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the recurrence rate within 5 years after surgery is as high as 70%, especially in patients with high risk factors for recurrence, most of whom experience early recurrence within 2 years. Effective adjuvant therapy may improve prognosis, previous studies found that adjuvant transarterial chemoembolization, antiviral, and traditional Chinese medicine et al. were helpful in preventing HCC recurrence. Nevertheless, due to controversial results or lack of high-level evidence, there is no standardized postoperative management protocol worldwide at present. Continued exploration of effective postoperative adjuvant treatments to improve surgical prognosis is necessary.

Effect of vitamin D supplementation on glucose control in mid-late gestation: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: It is unclear whether vitamin D supplementation contributes to gestational glucose control and whether the specific effects vary in individuals with diverse genetic and metabolic contexts. The study aimed to assess the effect of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy on subsequent glucose levels and to identify factors modulating the response to vitamin D3 intake. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter randomized controlled trial, 1720 pregnant women recruited from the three antenatal clinics of Hefei city, China, who were allocated to receive either 1600 IU/d vitamin D3 (n = 858) or 400 IU/d vitamin D3 (n = 862) for 2 months at 24-28 weeks' gestation. Outcomes were changes in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels from baseline, 32-36 weeks' gestation to delivery (37-41 weeks) quantified using a linear mixed model. RESULTS: After 2 months, FPG levels of the control group significantly increased by 0.22 mmol/L (from 4.6 [0.4] mmol/L to 4.8 [1.2] mmol/L, P < 0.001) at delivery, but that of the intervention group had no significant variation (from 4.6 [0.4] mmol/L to 4.7 [1.1] mmol/L; between-group difference in changes, -0.2 mmol/L, 95% CI, -0.3 to -0.08, P = 0.015). And differences in FPG variation were found in participants with the ApaI SNP CC genotype, or BsmI-CC, TaqI-AA, FokI-AA, respectively. Pregnant women with basal 25(OH)D concentrations higher than 50 nmol/L subgroup showed the greatest decline in FPG levels (between-group difference, -0.3 mmol/L; 95% CI, -0.5 to -0.1, P < 0.001). Moreover, pregnant women with GDM, multiple pregnancies or who were overweight were more likely to have FPG decline from vitamin D treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D supplementation significantly protected glucose homeostasis in mid-late gestation, and glycemic response to vitamin D may be dependent on basal 25(OH)D status, VDR gene polymorphism or their metabolic profiles. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR2100051914. URL OF REGISTRATION: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=134700.

Prenatal Exposure to Air Pollution and Pre-Labor Rupture of Membranes in a Prospective Cohort Study: The Role of Maternal Hemoglobin and Iron Supplementation.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to air pollution in prenatal period is associated with prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM). However, the sensitive exposure time windows and the possible biological mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to identify the sensitive time windows of exposure to air pollution for PROM risk. Further, we examined whether maternal hemoglobin levels mediate the association between exposure to air pollution and PROM, as well as investigated the potential effect of iron supplementation on this association. METHOD: From 2015 to 2021, 6,824 mother-newborn pairs were enrolled in the study from three hospitals in Hefei, China. We obtained air pollutant data [particulate matter (PM) with aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5µm (PM2.5), PM with aerodynamic diameter ≤10µm (PM10), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO)] from the Hefei City Ecology and Environment Bureau. Information on maternal hemoglobin levels, gestational anemia, iron supplementation, and PROM was obtained from medical records. Logistic regression models with distributed lags were used to identify the sensitive time window for the effect of prenatal exposure to air pollutant on PROM. Mediation analysis estimated the mediated effect of maternal hemoglobin in the third trimester, linking prenatal air pollution with PROM. Stratified analysis was used to investigate the potential effect of iron supplementation on PROM risk. RESULTS: We found significant association between prenatal exposure to air pollution and increased PROM risk after adjusting for confounders, and the critical exposure windows of PM2.5, PM10, SO2 and CO were the 21th to 24th weeks of pregnancy. Every 10-µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 and PM10, 5-µg/m3 increase in SO2, and 0.1-mg/m3 increase in CO was associated with low maternal hemoglobin levels [-0.94g/L (95% confidence interval (CI): -1.15, -0.73), -1.31g/L (95% CI: -1.55, -1.07), -2.96g/L (95% CI: -3.32, -2.61), and -1.11g/L (95% CI: -1.31, -0.92), respectively] in the third trimester. The proportion of the association between air pollution and PROM risk mediated by hemoglobin levels was 20.61% [average mediation effect (95% CI): 0.02 (0.01, 0.05); average direct effect (95%): 0.08 (0.02, 0.14)]. The PROM risk associated with exposure to low-medium air pollution could be attenuated by maternal iron supplementation in women with gestational anemia. CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal exposure to air pollution, especially in the 21st to 24th weeks of pregnancy, is associated with PROM risk, which is partly mediated by maternal hemoglobin levels. Iron supplementation in anemia pregnancies may have protective effects against PROM risk associated with exposure to low-medium air pollution. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11134.

[SUN Shen-tian's clinical experience in treating Tourette's syndrome with acupuncture].

To introduce the clinical experience of professor SUN Shen-tian in treatment of Tourette's syndrome (TS) with acupuncture. TS is a psychosomatic disease and the core pathogenesis refers to blood deficiency producing internal wind. The disease is located in the heart and liver. Acupoints are selected according to the functional orientation of the cerebral cortex. The extrapyramidal system area is preferred for tic disorder, and the emotional area is for behavioral disorder. The treatment focuses on regulating the mind by multiple methods, including manual needling technique used the transcranial repeated acupuncture, and regulating the mind by taking multiple acupoints, Baihui (GV 20), Neiguan (PC 6), Shenmen (HT 7) and Dazhong (KI 4) are stimulated. For abdominal twitching and mental symptoms of TS children, the first and third abdominal areas are selected. The target symptoms (biao) are treated specially by local acupoints, the combination of the starting and ending acupoints of the affected meridian, or the acupoints of the meridians with same name. The modified chaihu longgu muli decoction and siwu decoction are prescribed to sooth liver, nourish blood and soothe wind. In association with the characteristics and target symptoms of TS, the sequential therapy is used with filiform needling, intradermal needling, Chinese herbal medication and psychotherapy.

Anemia in pregnancy and sleep of 6-month-old infants: A prospective cohort study.

Objective: Anemia has been reported to adversely influence sleep in infants. However, the association between anemia in pregnancy and infant sleep remains unclear. We aimed to examine the association between maternal anemia in pregnancy and sleep parameters of 6-month-old infants. Methods: We enrolled 2,410 mother-infant pairs between 2018 and 2021 in Hefei. Data on maternal hemoglobin concentration were collected at 24-28 gestational weeks from the electronic medical records of the hospitals. Nocturnal and daytime sleep duration, number of night awakenings, nocturnal wakefulness, and sleep latency of infants aged 6 months were measured using the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire with five items. A restricted cubic spline model was used to examine the relationship between maternal hemoglobin concentration and infant nocturnal sleep duration after adjusting for potential confounders. Results: In our study, 807 (33.5%) mothers had anemia during pregnancy. Compared to infants born to mothers without anemia, infants born to mothers with anemia in pregnancy had shorter nocturnal sleep duration [mean (SD), 560.29 (79.57) mins vs. 574.27 (75.36) mins] at the age of 6 months. Subgroup analysis showed consistent significant differences in nocturnal sleep duration between infant born to anemic and non-anemic mothers, except in case of stratification by preterm birth [mean difference (mins), 2.03 (95% CI, -20.01, -24.07)] and pre-pregnancy obesity [mean difference (mins), -0.85 (95% CI, -16.86, -15.16)]. A J-shaped nonlinear correlation curve was observed between maternal hemoglobin concentration and infant nocturnal sleep duration. Compared with mothers without daily iron supplementation, mothers who had daily iron supplementation had higher hemoglobin concentrations [mean (SD), 112.39 (11.33) g/L vs. 110.66 (10.65) g/L] at delivery and their infants had longer nocturnal sleep duration [mean (SD), 565.99 (82.46) mins vs. 553.66 (76.03) mins]. Conclusion: Anemia in pregnancy may have an adverse influence on the sleep of 6-mon-old infants, and the relationship between maternal hemoglobin concentration and nocturnal sleep duration is nonlinear.

[GAO Wei-bin's clinical experience in treatment of neurogenic bladder with acupuncture].

The paper introduces GAO Wei-bin's clinical experience in acupuncture treatment for neurogenic bladder. In association with the etiology, the location and types of neurogenic bladder and in accordance with nerve anatomy and meridian differentiation, the acupoints are selected accurately in treatment. Four acupoint prescriptions are allocated. For frequent urination and urinary incontinence, the foot-motor-sensory area of scalp acupuncture, Shenshu (BL 23) and Huiyang (BL 35) are used. For all kinds of urine retention, especially the patients who are not suitable for acupuncture at the lumbar region, Zhongji (CV 3), Qugu (CV 2), Henggu (KI 11) and Dahe (KI 12) are selected. For all kinds of urine retention, Zhongliao (BL 33) and Ciliao (BL 32) are applicable. For the patients with both dysuria and urinary incontinence, Zhongliao (BL 33), Ciliao (BL 32) and Huiyang (BL 35) are chosen. In treatment of neurogenic bladder, both biao (root causes) and ben (primary symptoms) are considered, as well as the accompanying symptoms; and electroacupuncture is combined accordingly. During the delivery of acupuncture, the sites where the acupoints located are detected and palpated so as to rationally control the depth of needle insertion and the operation of reinforcing and reducing needling techniques.

Anti-Oxidative, Anti-Apoptotic, and M2 Polarized DSPC Liposome Nanoparticles for Selective Treatment of Atherosclerosis.

Purpose: Oxidative stress is one of the main pathogenic factors of atherosclerosis. However, no antioxidants have brought positive effects on the treatment of atherosclerosis. To selectively treat atherosclerosis, various means such as antioxidation, anti-apoptosis, and M2 polarization are used. The ultimate goal is that multiple regulatory pathways can help to treat atherosclerosis. Patients and Methods: In this study, Simvastatin (SIM) as a model drug, EGCG as an antioxidant agent, and distearyl phosphatidylcholine (DSPC) as major carriers were used to make liposome nanoparticles (SE-LNPs). The cytotoxicity, phagocytosis, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties of nanoparticles were tested in vitro. ApoE-/- atherosclerotic mice were treated with nanoparticles. The changes of aortic Oil red staining, blood lipid, HE, and Masson sections of the aortic root were observed. Results: SE-LNPs exhibited a sustained release profile, potentially enabling the accumulation of the majority amount of drugs at the atherosclerotic plaque. The phagocytosis effect was stronger in RAW. The anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects of the formulation were verified in vitro. SE-LNPs promoted the polarization of M2 macrophages. The therapeutic effect of SE-LNPs was assessed in the ApoE-/- mice model of atherosclerosis. SE-LNPs reduced reactive oxygen species and lipids in vivo. The results of Oil red staining, blood lipid, HE, and Masson sections of the aortic root showed the recovery of the focus. Conclusion: Studies have shown that SE-LNPs could resist oxidation, and apoptosis, promote M2 polarization, and reduce blood lipids and lesions, which is a reliable and selective treatment for atherosclerosis.

Topological insulator Bi2Se3 based electrochemical aptasensors for the application of sensitive detection of interferon-γ.

Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) is one of the crucial inflammatory cytokines as an early indicator of multiple diseases. A fast, simple, sensitive and reliable IFN-γ detection method is valuable for early diagnosis and monitoring of treatment. In this work, we creatively developed an electrochemical aptasensor based on the topological material Bi2Se3 for sensitive IFN-γ quantification. The high-quality Bi2Se3 sheet was directly exfoliated from a single crystal, which immobilized the synthesized IFN-γ aptamer. Under optimal conditions, the electrochemical signal revealed a wide linear relation along with the logarithmic concentration of IFN-γ from 1.0 pg mL-1 to 100.0 ng mL-1, with the limit of detection as low as 0.5 pg mL-1. The topological material Bi2Se3 with Dirac surface states improved the electrochemical signal/noise ratio and thus the sensitivity of the sensors. Furthermore, this electrochemical aptasensor exhibited excellent specificity and stability, which could be attributed to the large-scale smooth surface of the Bi2Se3 sheet with few defects decreasing the non-specific absorption. The developed biosensor has the same good performance as the ELISA method for detecting the real serum samples. Our work demonstrates that the developed electrochemical aptasensors based on topological materials have great potential in the field of clinical determination.

Neferine mitigates cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury in mice by regulating autophagy and apoptosis.

PURPOSE: The nephrotoxicity caused by cisplatin severely limits the application and affects related platinum-based therapeutics. Neferine is a dibenzylisoquinoline alkaloid extracted from a Chinese medicinal herb (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn), which can decrease cisplatin-induced apoptosis of NRK-52E cells by activating autophagy in vitro in our previous study. In this article, we aimed to further investigate the protective effect of neferine, against to the cispltain-induced kidney damage in mice. METHODS: Six groups were designed in our study. Renal index, mice serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels were detected after the mice were killed. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of each group. The apoptosis of mouse kidney tissue was detected by TUNEL. Immunofluorescence and Western blot were used to detect the expression of cleaved-caspase3 and LC3. The transmission electron microscope was used to reveal the changes of apoptosis and autophagy of renal tubular epithelial cells in different groups. RESULTS: In our findings, the pathological changes of acute kidney injury were easily observed in cisplatin-treated mice while those in the neferine-pretreated groups were significantly alleviated. The apoptosis induced by cisplatin in mice increased evidently compared with the control group, which was decreased in the mice with neferine pretreatment. What' more, we found that autophagy increased obviously in mice pretreated by neferine contrast to the cisplatin-treated mice. CONCLUSION: In our study, neferine can effectively alleviate cisplatin-induced renal injury in mice, as well act as an autophagy-regulator in kidney protection.

[GAO Wei-bin's clinical experience in treatment of medulla oblongata paralysis with nape acupuncture].

This paper introduces GAO Wei-bin's academic thought in treatment of medulla oblongata paralysis with acupuncture. Through analyzing the etiologies and locations of medulla oblongata paralysis, in accordance with "selecting the nearby acupoints of the affected area", the acupoints are selected from the nape region, the nape acupuncture therapy and the corresponding new points are developed. Based on the human anatomy of the nape region, the anatomic structures of new points (e.g. Gongxue, Tunyan-1, Tunyan-2, Fayin, Zhiqiang and Tiyan) and their effect mechanism are explained. The treatment principle, "distinguishing the symptoms from the root causes, mutual treatment for both symptoms and root causes", is proposed, and the importance of electric stimulation of nape acupuncture is suggested in treatment of medulla oblongata paralysis.

Dietary Glutamine Supplementation Alleviated Inflammation Responses and Improved Intestinal Mucosa Barrier of LPS-Challenged Broilers.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of glutamine (Gln) supplementation on intestinal inflammatory reaction and mucosa barrier of broilers administrated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimuli. A total of 120 1-d-old male broilers were randomly divided into four treatments in a 2 × 2 experimental arrangement, containing immune challenge (injected with LPS in a dose of 0 or 500 µg/kg of body weight) and dietary treatments (supplemented with 1.22% alanine or 1% Gln). The results showed that growth performance of broilers intra-abdominally injected with LPS was impaired, and Gln administration alleviated the adverse effects on growth performance induced by LPS challenge. Furthermore, Gln supplementation reduced the increased concentration of circulating tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 and interleukin-1ß induced by LPS challenge. Meanwhile, D-lactic acid and diamine oxidase concentration in plasma were also decreased by Gln supplementation. In addition, the shorter villus height, deeper crypt depth and the lower ratio of villus height to crypt depth of duodenum, jejunum and ileum induced by LPS stimulation were reversed by Gln supplementation. Gln administration beneficially increased LPS-induced reduction in the expression of intestine tight junction proteins such as zonula occludens protein 1 (ZO-1), claudin-1 and occludin except for the ZO-1 in duodenum and occludin in ileum. Moreover, Gln supplementation downregulated the mRNA expression of toll-like receptor 4, focal adhesion kinase, myeloid differentiation factor 88 and IL-1R-associated kinase 4 in TLR4/FAK/MyD88 signaling pathway. Therefore, it can be concluded that Gln administration could attenuate LPS-induced inflammatory responses and improve intestinal barrier damage of LPS-challenged broilers.

Effects of selenium levels on placental oxidative stress and inflammation during pregnancy: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Studies on the impact of Se levels in different pregnancy periods on placental function are limited. AIM: This cohort study sought to investigate the levels of the trace element Se and to assess their effects on placental oxidative stress (OS) and mRNA expression of inflammatory genes during pregnancy. METHODS: The study population consisted of 2519 pregnant women from the Ma'anshan birth cohort. Se levels were measured in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy and in cord blood using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Placental stress and mRNA expression of inflammatory genes were assessed using RT-PCR. RESULTS: A statistically significant negative association was noted between Se levels in the second trimester of pregnancy and mRNA expression of placental HO-1(ß = -0.009, p < .01), HIF1α (ß = -0.005, p = .010), GRP78 (ß = -0.011, p < .001), CRP (ß = -.007, p = .033) and CD68 (ß = -0.006, p = .019). A negative association was noted between Se levels in cord blood and mRNA expression of placental HO-1 (ß = -0.007, p = .004), HIF1α (ß = -0.006, p = .005) and GRP78 (ß = -0.009, p = .004). We found that prenatal Se status was associated with placental stress and mRNA expression of inflammatory genes. CONCLUSION: Se deficiency during pregnancy, especially in the second trimester, leads to the production of OS and an increase in inflammatory mediators, affecting the growth and development of the fetus. Monitoring of pregnant women's nutritional status is necessary to prevent nutritional imbalances and deficiencies in important micronutrients in the fetal.

[Head acupuncture combined with exercise therapy for nonspecific low back pain：a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical effect between head acupuncture combined with exercise therapy and conventional acupuncture for nonspecific low back pain. METHODS: A total of 64 patients with nonspecific low back pain were randomized into an observation group (32 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (32 cases, 2 cases dropped off). In the control group, conventional acupuncture was applied at Jiaji (EX-B 2) of L1 to L3, ashi point, Shenshu (BL 23), Dachangshu (BL 25), Yaoyangguan (GV 3) and Weizhong (BL 40). The observation group was treated with head acupuncture combined with exercise therapy, head acupuncture was applied at foot-motor-sensory area on the healthy side and Cuanzhu (BL 2), Tongziliao (GB 1) on the affected side, and McKenzie therapy was performed during retention. The needles were retained for 40 min, once a day, continuous treatment for 6 days with the interval of 1 day, 14 days were required in the two groups. Before and after treatment, the pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Oswestry disability index (ODI) score and infrared thermography temperature of pain area in the low back were compared in the two groups. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, the VAS and ODI scores after treatment were decreased in the two groups (P<0.01), and those in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.01). Compared before treatment, the infrared thermography temperature of pain area in the low back after treatment was increased in the two groups (P<0.01), and that in the observation group was higher than the control group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Head acupuncture combined with exercise therapy could relieve pain, improve dysfunction and increase the local temperature of pain area in patients with nonspecific low back pain, and its curative effect is better than conventional acupuncture.

[Essence of SUN Shen-tian's clinical features on acupuncture and moxibustion].

To summarize SUN Shen-tian's treatment ideas and clinical features. SUN applies meridian syndrome differentiation to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases; advocates that prevention and treatment of diseases should be regulated mind firstly; applies transcranial repetitive acupuncture combined modern cerebral cortex function positioning; emphasizes the application of multiple acupuncture methods and manipulation, and includes the meridian penetrating needling method, the flat needling and penetrating needling method, and the stagnant needle lifting method, pays attention to the importance of achieving qi and manipulation for the effect.