Yinhuang buccal tablet alters airway microbiota composition and metabolite profile in healthy humans.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Perturbations in airway microbiota composition and disruption of microbe-metabolite interactions have been observed in respiratory infectious diseases (RIDs). The Yinhuang (YH) buccal tablet, as an ancient Chinese medicinal formula, has been traditionally employed for the management of upper RIDs. However, there is a lack of evidence for the effects of YH buccal tablets on upper respiratory tract microbiota and circulating metabolites. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in respiratory microbiota composition and circulating metabolite profile after YH buccal tablets administration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Throat swab samples and serum samples were collected from 60 healthy subjects for high-throughput 16S ribosomal RNA gene (16S rRNA) sequencing and non-targeted Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) analysis. RESULTS: Airway microbial composition changed significantly after YH administration. The abundance of Actinomyces and Prevotella_7 increased, while the abundance of potentially pathogenic Pseudomonas and Corynebacterium decreased. A total of 168 significant HMDB taxonomic metabolites were identified in serum samples, of which lipid metabolites accounted for the largest proportion. Correlation analysis showed that circulatory metabolites were significantly correlated with changes in airway microbiota composition. CONCLUSIONS: YH buccal tablets can inhibit opportunistic pathogens, increase beneficial microorganisms in the upper respiratory tract, and regulate the body's metabolic pathways. These findings provide insights into the mechanism of action of YH buccal tablets in the treatment and prevention of respiratory diseases.

Integrated Network Pharmacology and Experimental Approach to Investigate the Protective Effect of Jin Gu Lian Capsule on Rheumatoid Arthritis by Inhibiting Inflammation via IL-17/NF-κB Pathway.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the main pharmacological action and underlying mechanisms of Jin Gu Lian Capsule (JGL) against rheumatoid arthritis (RA) based on network pharmacology and experimental verification. Methods: Network pharmacology approaches were performed to explore the core active compounds of JGL, key therapeutic targets, and signaling pathways. Molecular docking was used to predict the binding affinity of compounds with targets. In vivo experiments were undertaken to validate the findings from network analysis. Results: A total of 52 targets were identified as candidate JGL targets for RA. Sixteen ingredients were identified as the core active compounds, including, quercetin, myricetin, salidroside, etc. Interleukin-1 beta (IL1B), transcription factor AP-1 (JUN), growth-regulated alpha protein (CXCL1), C-X-C motif chemokine (CXCL)3, CXCL2, signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), prostaglandin G/H synthase 2 (PTGS2), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)1, inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase subunit beta (IKBKB) and transcription factor p65 (RELA) were obtained as the key therapeutic targets. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis showed that the efficacy of JGL was functionally involved in regulating immune-mediated inflammation, in which IL-17/NF-κB signaling was recommended as one of the main pathways. Molecular docking suggested that the core active compounds bound strongly to their respective targets. Experimentally, JGL treatment mitigated inflammation, showed analgesic activity, and ameliorated collagen-induced arthritis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that JGL effectively reduced the serum levels of cytokines, chemokines, and MMPs. Immunohistochemistry staining showed that JGL markedly reduced the expression of the targets in IL-17/NF-κB pathway including IL-17A, IL-17RA, NF-κB p65, C-X-C motif ligand 2, MMP1 and MMP13. Conclusion: This investigation provided evidence that JGL may alleviate RA symptoms by partially inhibiting the immune-mediated inflammation via IL-17/NF-κB pathway.

Using radish (Raphanus lativus L.) germination to establish a benchmark dose for the toxicity of ozonated-petroleum byproducts in soil.

The concentration-response relationship between the germination outcome of radish (Raphanus lativus L.) and ozonated petroleum residuals was determined experimentally. The outcomes were used to produce an ecological risk assessment model to predict the extra risk of adverse outcomes based on the concentration of ozonated residuals. A test soil with low organic matter (0.5% w/w) was mixed with raw crude oil, artificially weathered, and treated at three doses of ozone (O3) gas (5 g, 10 g, and 40 g O3 per 600 g of soil). Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and produced dissolved organic carbon (DOC) were measured. TREATMENT categories (control, petroleum, petroleum + 5 g O3, petroleum + 10 g O3, and petroleum + 40 g O3) were then used to create a dilution series using different proportions of the test soil and a commercially available potting mix (∼75% w/w organic matter) to evaluate the effects of background organic matter (b-ORGANIC) in conjunction with TPH and DOC. Multivariable logistic regression was performed on the adverse germination outcome as a function of TPH, DOC, TREATMENT, and b-ORGANIC. The parameters controlling germination were the continuous variable DOC and the categorical variables TREATMENT and b-ORGANIC. Radish germination was strongly harmed by DOC from ozonation, but DOC's ecotoxicity decreased with increasing O3 dose and the presence of b-ORGANIC beyond 10% (w/w). We used the germination outcome of radish to produce a logistic regression model that computes margins of DOC (± std. error) that create 10%, 25%, and 50% extra risk of adverse germination effects.

Study and exploration of the pharmacokinetics of traditional Tibetan medicine Ruyi Zhenbao tablets after single and long-term administration.

Tibetan medicine is one of the oldest traditional medicine systems in the world. Taking the Ruyi Zhenbao tablet (RYZB) as an example, which is a widely used classic oral Tibetan medicine, this article discusses the pharmacokinetics of single administration and long-term treatment and analyzed its metabolic properties and tissue distribution in vivo. After single administration, blood samples were collected before administration and at different time points after administration in different groups of rats. In the study of long-term treatment effects, blood samples were collected from the animals in each group on days 1, 15, and 30 and on day 15 after withdrawal. The results showed that after a single administration, the dose change had no significant effect on the T1/2 and Tmax of agarotetrol, isoliquiritigenin, and piperine (p > 0.05). There was a certain correlation between the increase in AUC0-t and the Cmax of agarotetrol, isoliquiritigenin, piperine, and the increase in dosage, with a dose range of 0.225-0.900 g/kg. There were no significant differences in Cmax and AUC0-t of ferulic acid at different doses (p > 0.05). Meanwhile, there was no significant sex-based difference in the pharmacokinetic parameters of these four components in rats. After long-term administration, the distribution agarotetrol in various tissues of rats was kidney > liver > heart > brain; the tissue distribution in low- and medium-dose groups of isoliquiritigenin was liver > kidney > heart > brain, and in the high-dose group, kidney > liver > heart > brain. The tissue distribution of piperine in each dose group was liver > kidney > heart > brain, and that of ferulic acid in each dose group was kidney > liver > heart > brain. Through the establishment of the previously developed methodology, the pharmacokinetic properties of RYZB were analyzed after a single administration and long-term administration. Our findings confirmed this approach for the exploration and establishment of a pharmacokinetic evaluation of Tibetan medicine, to support its guiding role in clinical application, but also to accelerate research into Tibetan medicine theory and medicine and to provide a solid foundation for the translation of Tibetan medicine throughout the world.

Ginsenoside Rg1 protects mice against 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-induced liver injury by inhibiting CYP1A1 through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (ginseng) is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine that has played a beneficial role in the treatment of various diseases, including liver diseases. Ginsenoside Rg1 is a saponin isolated and purified from ginseng that exerts protective effects on the liver in some liver injury models. 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a ubiquitous dioxin found mostly in food products that causes liver injury and other human diseases. Although significant efforts have been made to reduce the burden of liver disease, there is still a lack of effective treatment methods. AIM OF THE STUDY: Although ginsenoside Rg1 was reported to inhibit TCDD-mediated cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) induction in HepG2 cells, we sought to verify its hepatoprotective effects and elucidate its mechanism in a TCDD-induced liver injury model in mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The mouse liver injury model was established by intraperitoneal TCDD injection, followed by treatment with various doses of ginsenoside Rg1 (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg). Clinical indicators of liver injury, such as an increase in serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels, as well as histopathological changes were evaluated. RESULTS: The common clinical indicators of liver injury were detected following TCDD injection, including an increase in serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, increased relative liver weight, and histopathological changes. Following treatment with ginsenoside Rg1, the levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase decreased significantly, and the liver histology was improved. In addition, ginsenoside Rg1 competitively inhibited TCDD-induced Cyp1a1 mRNA transcription through the modulation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) nuclear translocation. CONCLUSION: Ginsenoside Rg1 is a potent partial AhR agonist that has potential as an effective medication for protecting against TCDD-associated liver injury.

[Study on regulation of CYP450 enzyme system to reduce liver toxicity through compatibility of Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix Cocta with Chebulae Fructus and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma].

Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix Cocta is one of the most commonly used medicinal materials in Mongolian medicine. Due to the strong toxicity of Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix Cocta, Mongolian medicine often uses Chebulae Fructus, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma to reduce the toxicity, so as to ensure the curative effect of Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix Cocta while ensuring its clinical curative effect, but the mechanism is not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Chebulae Fructus, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix Cocta on the mRNA transcription and protein translation of cytochrome P450(CYP450) in the liver of normal rats. Male SD rats were randomly divided into negative control(NC) group, phenobarbital(PB) group(0.08 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), Chebulae Fructus group(0.254 2 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma group(0.254 2 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix Cocta group(0.254 2 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1))and compatibility group(0.254 2 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1),taking Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix Cocta as the standard). After continuous administration for 8 days, the activities of total bile acid(TBA), alkaline phosphatase(ALP), amino-transferase(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)in serum were detected, the pathological changes of liver tissue were observed, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of CYP1 A2, CYP2 C11 and CYP3 A1 were observed. Compared with the NC group, the serum ALP, ALT and AST activities in the Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix Cocta group were significantly increased, and the ALP, ALT and AST activities were decreased after compatibility. At the same time, compatibility could reduce the liver injury caused by Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix Cocta. The results showed that Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix Cocta could inhibit the expression of CYP1 A2, CYP2 C11 and CYP3 A1, and could up-regulate the expression of CYP1 A2, CYP2 C11 and CYP3 A1 when combined with Chebulae Fructus and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. The level of translation was consistent with that of transcription. The compatibility of Chebulae Fructus and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma with Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix Cocta could up-regulate the expression of CYP450 enzyme, reduce the accumulation time of aconitine in vivo, and play a role in reducing toxicity, and this effect may start from gene transcription.

The effectiveness of electro-acupuncture combined with dyclonine hydrochloride in relieving the side effects of gastroscopy: a controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to explore the effectiveness of electro-acupuncture (EA) in combination with a local anesthetic used in Western medicine in preventing the side effects of gastroscopy. METHODS: A sample group of 150 patients were divided into three groups based on treatment methods: an EA group, a dyclonine hydrochloride mucilage group, and a combined treatment group. In the EA group, EA stimulation was given at the Hegu, Neiguan, and Zusanli acupoints; in the dyclonine hydrochloride mucilage group, patients took 10 mL of dyclonine hydrochloride mucilage orally; in the combined treatment group, prevention of side effects was attempted by administration of both acupuncture and oral local anesthetic. The incidences of nausea, emesis, salivation, cough, restlessness, and breath holding during gastroscopy were observed and recorded for the three groups. Mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation were recorded before the examination, and changes in these measures were recorded as the gastroscope passed through the pylorus and after the examination. The visual analogue scale (VAS) values of nausea and emesis, the rate of successful first-pass intubation, and the time of gastroscopy were also recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using R-3.5.3 software. RESULTS: Incidences of side effects (e.g., nausea, emesis, salivation, restlessness, and breath holding) during the examination were lower in the combined treatment group than in the EA group and the dyclonine hydrochloride mucilage group (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). Furthermore, the changes in heart rate and oxygen saturation when the gastroscope passed through the pylorus and after the examination were better in the combined treatment group than in the EA group and dyclonine hydrochloride mucilage group (P<0.01). The VAS values of nausea and emesis, the first-pass success rate, and examination duration were also better for the combined treatment group than for the other two groups (P<0.05 and P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: EA combined with local anesthesia with dyclonine hydrochloride mucilage can alleviate side effects during gastroscopy, reduce patient pain, and improve the efficiency of the procedure.

Salvianolic acid B inhalation solution enhances antifibrotic and anticoagulant effects in a rat model of pulmonary fibrosis.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the antifibrotic effect and anticoagulant ability of salvianolic acid B (SAB) inhalation solution on bleomycin (BLM)-induced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in rats. We investigated how the osmotic pressure and concentration of SAB in an aerosol exerted effects. We also determined the aerodynamic particle size distribution and the uniformity of the delivery dose; these parameters were found to be suitable for inhalation. Compared with BLM group, the levels of hydroxyproline (HYP), collagen-1 (Col-1), tissue factor (TF) / coagulation factor VII (TF-VIIa), activated coagulation factor X (FXa), thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), fibrinogen degradation product (FDP) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) decreased in SAB group. The increased expression of coagulation factor Ⅱ (FⅡ), coagulation factor X (FX), tissue type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and urokinase type plasminogen activator (u-PA) proved that SAB has obvious antifibrotic and anticoagulant effects. Western blotting and immunofluorescence further showed that compared with the BLM group, the SAB group of rats exhibited significant reductions in the expression levels of protease-activated receptors-1 (PAR-1) and phospho-protein kinase C (p-PKC) and increased expression levels of protein kinase C (PKC) in lung tissue. Furthermore, SAB reduced the infiltration of lymphocytes and neutrophils, protected the basic structure of the lung from destruction, inhibited the proliferation of fibrous tissue. Collectively, our data revealed that SAB may exert its antifibrotic and anticoagulant effects by preventing the expression of PAR-1 and phosphorylation of PKC.

Protocol for developing clinical practice guidelines on traditional Chinese medicine therapy for influenza.

BACKGROUND: Influenza is the most prevalent acute respiratory infection worldwide. There are many different traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapies, which could reduce the duration of fever during influenza. However, there are no clinical practice guidelines (CPG) involving TCM therapies for influenza. Therefore, the present study aimed to establish a protocol for the development of CPG on TCM therapy for influenza. METHODS: The CPG will be developed according to the Institute of Medicine, the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II, and the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline handbook, and will provide recommendations based on systematic reviews. We have established a guideline working group (including a guideline steering group, a guideline development group, a guideline secretary group, and a system evaluation group), and will formulate clinical questions based on the population, intervention, comparison, and outcomes format. The recommendations will be formed via evidence search, syntheses, and the nominal group technique method. We will also consider patients' values or preferences, peer review results, and declarations of interest in the CPG. The CPG is registered on the International Practice Guidelines Registry Platform (registration no. IPGRP-2019CN044). RESULTS: The protocol will provide a roadmap to develop an evidence-based CPG for influenza treated by TCM systematically. These guidelines would be the first CPG on TCM therapy for influenza, based on the WHO Handbook for Guideline Development, and will provide the necessary evidence for treating influenza using TCM.

[Thoughts and suggestions on analysis of death cases report during COVID-19 epidemic].

It is an essential task to discuss the death cases for clinicians. During the emergent public events, the report and analysis of death cases is of far-reaching significance. The epidemic of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) has brought huge losses to China, and the medical system has been sustaining tremendous pressure. The best weapon to defeat the epidemic is medical data and related scientific research, of which the systematic analysis and efficient use of death cases is a key step. Based on the incomplete record of death case report, the lack of humanistic perspective and patient report, every department and institution is facing great challenge in terms of data management. Given that the relevant systems need to be improved, and that the integration of standardized reports and clinical research is not mature,as well as other problems, we put forward several methodological suggestions: ① Establish national medical and health data center and improve relevant laws and regulations. ② Increase investment in medical data management and start data collection and analysis as early as possible during the epidemic. ③ Refine the content of death case report and promote the standardization of report. ④ Pay close attention to the report of death cases, review, summary and analysis. More importantly, we should continue to build and improve platforms and programs related to disease control, carry out epidemic-associated scientific research, enhance the managing efficiency of public health data, elevate the anti-risk capability of our medical system, and promote the steady progress of the health China strategy.

Comparative study of the efficacy and pharmacokinetics of reduning injection and atomization inhalation.

The effects of Reduning injection and nebulized inhalation for treating upper respiratory tract infections were compared, including anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, anti-tussive, and anti-phlegm. Using chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, and geniposide as the index components, the pharmacokinetics and tissue distributions were compared. Influenza virus PR8-infected mice in the Reduning groups showed significantly reduced mortality and prolonged survival time. The white blood cell count was significantly reduced in the 20- and 10-min groups. Inhalation significantly decreased the temperature from 2 h in the 20- and 10-min groups. Inhalation significantly reduced the cough rate but not cough latency. Phenol red excretion was significantly increased in all Reduning groups. The elimination half-life of geniposide after inhalation in male and female rats was 2.05-5.28 and 4.03-10.4 h, respectively, which was much greater than after injection. Regarding tissue distribution, the injection dose (2 mL/kg) was 50 times the inhalation dose, and maximum serum concentration (Cmax) and AUCINF_obs of the four components in the trachea and lung were 0.95-11.1 and 0.59-4.36 times the inhalation values, respectively. Plasma Cmax and AUCINF_obs were 160-637 and 22.7-180 times the inhalation values, respectively. Atomized Reduning dose was equivalent to 1/90 of the mouse injection dose, and the effects of inhalation were similar or superior to those of injections. Atomization inhalation is targeted to the lungs, so systemic drug exposure was greatly reduced and lung concentration was high, which may increase the efficacy and reduce the safety risks associated with injections.

LC-electrolyte switch in a contiguous time segments to analyze multi-components: Simultaneous determination of phenolic acids and iridoids in rat plasma after inhalation administration of Reduning aerosol.

The optimization of electrolytes, kinds and concentrations, in mobile phase for multiple constituents analyzing using high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS) was usually compromised to ensure good LC separation of partial components. However, the compromised electrolytes could lead to ionization suppression of some of the analytes. To solve the compromise of electrolytes within various components, taking phenolic acids and iridoids as a case, we used electrolyte switch in contiguous running time segments of UPLC-ESI-MS/MS to ensure chromatographic separation of chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid and cryptochlorogenic acid and improve the response of geniposide. Then the method was applied for pharmacokinetic study of the four components in rat after inhaling Reduning aerosol for the first time. The complete separation of the three chlorogenic acid isomers was achieved and the LLOQs of neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, and geniposide were 1, 1, 3, and 0.2 ng/mL, respectively. In conclusion, we developed a sensitive and time-saving LC-MS/MS method for the quantitative analysis of chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, and geniposide in rat plasma, and this method appears to be useful for pharmacokinetic studies of Reduning aerosol. The method provided a sight to alleviate compromise of electrolytes in mobile phase for HPLC-ESI-MS in analyzing multi-components.

Clinical practice guideline on traditional Chinese medicine therapy alone or combined with antibiotics for sepsis.

BACKGROUND: To develop the clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of sepsis with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy alone or TCM combined with antibiotics. METHODS: The methods and process for developing the international clinical practice guidelines were fully consulted between a group of doctors. A total of 25 experts from 14 units were involved in the development of this guideline. The major clinical questions that needed to be solved were raised first, and the best available evidence to solve them was researched. Finally, according to the principle set by the GRADE system, the available evidence was graded with levels ranging from high to low. This formed the recommendation strengths, which included strong recommendation and weak recommendation, or an expert consensus recommendation. RESULTS: The guideline identified the terms and definition for sepsis. For example, it identified its epidemiological characters, the advantages of TCM treatment on sepsis, the diagnosis and its features, the complications, and its rehabilitation and health maintenance. The guideline has put forward 14 recommendations, among which 4 were strong recommendations and 6 were weak recommendations, in addition to 4 expert consensus recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: The methods and processes for developing international clinical practice guidelines were fully consulted under the guide of relevant laws and regulations, and relevant technical documents. Based on the best existing evidence, and combined with the characteristics of TCM and the clinical realities, we developed Clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of sepsis with TCM therapy alone or TCM combined with antibiotics, with full reference to the experts' experience and patients' preferences.

[Analysis on microdialysis probe recovery of baicalin in vitro and in vivo based on LC-MS/MS].

To further study the brain behavior and the pharmacokinetics of baicalin in intercellular fluid of brain, and study the recovery rate and stability of brain and blood microdialysis probe of baicalin in vitro and in vivo. The concentration of baicalin in brain and blood microdialysates was determined by LC-MS/MS and the probe recovery for baicalin was calculated. The effects of different flow rates (0.50, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0，3.0 µL•min⁻¹) on recovery in vitro were determined by incremental method and decrement method. The effects of different drug concentrations (50.00, 200.0, 500.0, 1 000 µg•L⁻¹) and using times (0, 1, 2) on recovery in vitro were determined by incremental method. The probe recovery stability and effect of flow rate on recovery in vivo were determined by decrement method, and its results were compared with those in in vitro trial. The in vitro recovery of brain and blood probe of baicalin was decreased with the increase of flow rate under the same concentration; and at the same flow rate, different concentrations of baicalin had little influence on the recovery. The probe which had been used for 2 times showed no obvious change in probe recovery by syringe with 2% heparin sodium and ultrapure water successively. In vitro recovery rates obtained by incremental method and decrement method were approximately equal under the same condition, and the in vivo recovery determined by decrement method was similar with the in vitro results and they were showed a good stability within 10 h. The results showed that decrement method can be used for pharmacokinetic study of baicalin, and can be used to study probe recovery in vivo at the same time.

Interpreting Interactions between Ozone and Residual Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Soil.

We evaluated how gas-phase O3 interacts with residual petroleum hydrocarbons in soil. Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) were 18 ± 0.6 g/kg soil, and TPH carbon constituted ∼40% of the dichloromethane-extractable carbon (DeOC) in the soil. At the benchmark dose of 3.4 kg O3/kg initial TPH, TPH carbon was reduced by nearly 6 gC/kg soil (40%), which was accompanied by an increase of about 4 gC/kg soil in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and a 4-fold increase in 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5). Disrupting gas channeling in the soil improved mass transport of O3 to TPH bound to soil and increased TPH removal. Ozonation resulted in two measurable alterations of the composition of the organic carbon. First, part of DeOC was converted to DOC (∼4.1 gC/kg soil), 75% of which was not extractable by dichloromethane. Second, the DeOC containing saturates, aromatics, resins, and asphaltenes (SARA), was partially oxidized, resulting in a decline in saturates and aromatics, but increases in resins and asphaltenes. Ozone attack on resins, asphaltenes, and soil organic matter led to the production of NO3-, SO42-, and PO43-. The results illuminate the mechanisms by which ozone gas interacted with the weathered petroleum residuals in soil to generate soluble and biodegradable products.

System-level study on synergism and antagonism of active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine by using molecular imprinting technology.

In this work, synergism and antagonism among active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) were studied at system-level by using molecular imprinting technology. Reduning Injection (RDNI), a TCM injection, was widely used to relieve fever caused by viral infection diseases in China. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) synthesized by sol-gel method were used to separate caffeic acid (CA) and analogues from RDNI without affecting other compounds. It can realize the preparative scale separation. The inhibitory effects of separated samples of RDNI and sample combinations in prostaglandin E2 biosynthesis in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells were studied. The combination index was calculated to evaluate the synergism and antagonism. We found that components which had different scaffolds can produce synergistic anti-inflammatory effect inside and outside the RDNI. Components which had similar scaffolds exhibited the antagonistic effect, and the antagonistic effects among components could be reduced to some extent in RDNI system. The results indicated MIPs with the characteristics of specific adsorption ability and large scale preparation can be an effective approach to study the interaction mechanism among active ingredients of complex system such as TCM at system-level. And this work would provide a new idea to study the interactions among active ingredients of TCM.

[Effect of Sheshang capsule on platelet function of rabbits bitten by Trimeresurus stejnegeri and its mechanism].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of the Sheshang capsule on coagulation of the rabbits bitten by Trimeresurus stejnegeri and its mechanism. METHODS: The changes in platelet aggregation rate was observed after the establishment of rabbits model by subcutaneously injection with 0.75, 1.50, 2.25, and 3.00 mL/kg of Trimeresurus stejnegeri venom for 72 hours. Fifty New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into five groups, 10 rabbits in each group. Rabbit model was reproduced by subcutaneously injection with 0.75 mL/kg of Trimeresurus stejnegeri venom. The rabbits in sham group were injected with 0.75 mL/kg normal saline(NS). The rabbits were gavaged with 5, 10, 15 mL × kg⁻¹ × d⁻¹ of the Sheshang concoction to the low, intermediate and high dose groups respectively after 6 hours, and 10 mL × kg⁻¹ × d⁻¹ NS was fed in the sham group and model group. The platelet aggregation rate, platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), plateletcrit (PCT), platelet distribution width (PDW), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and protein kinase A (PKA) were determined after 1 week. RESULTS: (1) With the increase in the concentration of Trimeresurus stejnegeri venom, 1-min, 3-min, 5-min and maximum platelet aggregation rates showed a gradual declining trends. (2) Compared with the sham group, 5-min and maximum platelet aggregation rate in the model group were significantly decreased [35.5 (24.2, 42.5)% vs. 43.0 (38.2, 58.5)%, 39.5 (29.0, 45.0)% vs. 46.5 (39.2, 60.2)%, both P<0.05]. Compared with the model group, 5-min and maximum platelet aggregation rate in the intermediate dose group were significantly increased [44.0 (39.8, 45.0) % vs. 35.5 (24.2, 42.5) %, 45.5 (43.5, 46.2) % vs. 39.5 (29.0, 45.0) %, both P<0.05]. There was no significant difference in platelet aggregation rate among the other groups. Compared with the sham group, PLT count in model group was obviously reduced (410.3 ± 155.3 × 109/L vs. 724.5 ± 220.7 × 109/L, P<0.01), so as MPV and PCT done [MPV: 5.11 ± 1.09 fl vs. 6.34 ± 1.16 fl, P<0.01; PCT: 21.9 (18.6, 26.8) % vs. 34.8 (24.8, 45.4) %, P<0.05]. Compared with the model group, PLT and PCT in the low, intermediate and high dose groups were significantly increased [PLT: 702.4 ± 166.3 × 109/L, 648.5 ± 160.2 × 109/L, 789.3 ± 86.2 × 109/L vs. 410.3 ± 155.3 × 109/L, PCT: 38.8 (35.7, 42.9)%, 36.0 (29.8, 44.4)%, 43.1 (40.5, 48.8)% vs. 21.9 (18.6, 26.8)%, all P<0.01], and MPV in the intermediate dose group was significantly increased (6.26 ± 1.05 fl vs. 5.11 ± 1.09 fl, P<0.01). There was no significant difference in PDW among groups (P>0.05). Compared with the sham group, cAMP (47.57 ± 12.76 nmol/L vs. 36.67 ± 10.54 nmol/L) and PKA (14.68 ± 5.80 µg/L vs. 9.23 ± 4.05 µg/L) in the model group were significantly increased (both P<0.05). Compared with the model group, cAMP and PKA of each dose group were decreased, while cAMP in low dose group [(36.33 ± 11.08) nmol/L] and PKA in the intermediate dose group [(10.21 ± 5.31) µg/L] were significant decreased (both P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the range of experimental concentration (0-3 mL/kg), the higher the concentration, and the stronger the inhibition of platelet aggregation rate was. The Sheshang capsule can raise platelet aggregation rate and PLT, increase MPV and PCT, and act against inhibition of platelet aggregation effect of the venom, thus improve the haemostatic function of platelet. Sheshang capsule can be used to treat the coagulopathy induced by Trimeresurus stejnegeri venom through regulating cAMP/PKA pathways.

[Doctor HUANG Shi-ping's acupuncture with golden needles].

Taking Doctor HUANG Shi-ping as the representative, the school of Huang's golden needle is based on Chinese martial art. Golden needles are adopted as main tool. Attaching great importance on the combination of acupuncture and moxibustioin, it is also characterized with penetrating needling with long needles. Through the development of three generations, it once outshone other schools in the field of acupuncture, and became famous all over the world. It made great contribution to the development of the course of acupuncture. However, with the development of the history, the form of acupuncture education as well as apparatus were all undergone an unified reform. Therefore, Doctor HUANG Shi-ping's acupuncture school be lost gradually.