Polymers from Plant Oils Linked by Siloxane Bonds for Programmed Depolymerization.

The increased production of plastics is leading to the accumulation of plastic waste and depletion of limited fossil fuel resources. In this context, we report a strategy to create polymers that can undergo controlled depolymerization by linking renewable feedstocks with siloxane bonds. α,ω-Diesters and α,ω-diols containing siloxane bonds were synthesized from an alkenoic ester derived from castor oil and then polymerized with varied monomers, including related biobased monomers. In addition, cyclic monomers derived from this alkenoic ester and hydrosiloxanes were prepared and cyclized to form a 26-membered macrolactone containing a siloxane unit. Sequential ring-opening polymerization of this macrolactone and lactide afforded an ABA triblock copolymer. This set of polymers containing siloxanes underwent programmed depolymerization into monomers in protic solvents or with hexamethyldisiloxane and an acid catalyst. Monomers afforded by the depolymerization of polyesters containing siloxane linkages were repolymerized to demonstrate circularity in select polymers. Evaluation of the environmental stability of these polymers toward enzymatic degradation showed that they undergo enzymatic hydrolysis by a fungal cutinase from Fusarium solani. Evaluation of soil microbial metabolism of monomers selectively labeled with 13C revealed differential metabolism of the main chain and side chain organic groups by soil microbes.

Cucurbitacin B induces ferroptosis in oral leukoplakia via the SLC7A11/mitochondrial oxidative stress pathway.

BACKGROUND: Oral leukoplakia (OLK), characterized by abnormal epithelial hyperplasia, is the most common precancerous oral mucosa lesion and is closely related to oxidative stress. Cucurbitacin B (CuB), a tetracyclic triterpenoid molecule derived from plants, has shown promising anti-proliferative and antioxidant effects in preclinical studies. However, whether CuB can play an antiproliferative role in OLK by regulating oxidative stress remains elusive. PURPOSE: To investigate the role of CuB in inhibiting the malignant progression of oral leukoplakia and to further explore its underlying mechanisms of action. METHODS: In vitro, the effect of CuB on the proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and cell cycle of OLK cells DOK was detected. The core genes and key pathways of OLK and CuB were analyzed in the transcriptome database, by using immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and Western blot to evaluate the expression levels of the ferroptosis markers ROS, GSH, MDA, Fe2+, and marker genes SLC7A11, GPX4, and FTH1. Immunohistochemistry of human tissue was performed to investigate the expression of the SLC7A11. In vivo, the model of OLK was established in C57BL/6 mice and the biosafety of CuB treatment for OLK was further evaluated. RESULTS: CuB substantially suppressed the proliferation of DOK cells. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the core targets of OLK crossing with CuB include SLC7A11 and that the essential pathways involve ROS and ferroptosis. In vitro experiments indicated that CuB might promote ferroptosis by down-regulating the expression of SLC7A11. We observed a gradual increase in SLC7A11 expression levels during the progression from normal oral mucosa to oral leukoplakia with varying degrees of epithelial dysplasia. In vivo experiments demonstrated that CuB inhibited the malignant progression of OLK by promoting ferroptosis in OLK mice and exhibited a certain level of biosafety. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated for the first time that CuB could effectively inhibit the malignant progression of OLK by inducing ferroptosis via activating the SLC7A11/ mitochondrial oxidative stress pathway. These findings indicate that CuB could serve as the lead compound for the future development of anti-oral leukoplakia drugs.

Pharmacologically significant constituents collectively responsible for anti-sepsis action of XueBiJing, a Chinese herb-based intravenous formulation.

Sepsis, a life-threatening health issue, lacks effective medicine targeting the septic response. In China, treatment combining the intravenous herbal medicine XueBiJing with conventional procedures reduces the 28-day mortality of critically ill patients by modulating septic response. In this study, we identified the combined active constituents that are responsible for the XueBiJing's anti-sepsis action. Sepsis was induced in rats by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The compounds were identified based on their systemic exposure levels and anti-sepsis activities in CLP rats that were given an intravenous bolus dose of XueBiJing. Furthermore, the identified compounds in combination were assessed, by comparing with XueBiJing, for levels of primary therapeutic outcome, pharmacokinetic equivalence, and pharmacokinetic compatibility. We showed that a total of 12 XueBiJing compounds, unchanged or metabolized, circulated with significant systemic exposure in CLP rats that received XueBiJing. Among these compounds, hydroxysafflor yellow A, paeoniflorin, oxypaeoniflorin, albiflorin, senkyunolide I, and tanshinol displayed significant anti-sepsis activities, which involved regulating immune responses, inhibiting excessive inflammation, modulating hemostasis, and improving organ function. A combination of the six compounds, with the same respective doses as in XueBiJing, displayed percentage survival and systemic exposure in CLP rats similar to those by XueBiJing. Both the combination and XueBiJing showed high degrees of pharmacokinetic compatibility regarding interactions among the six active compounds and influences of other circulating XueBiJing compounds. The identification of XueBiJing's pharmacologically significant constituents supports the medicine's anti-sepsis use and provides insights into a polypharmacology-based approach to develop medicines for effective sepsis management.

Nutritional support therapy after GLIM criteria may neglect the benefit of reducing infection complications compared with NRS 2002-Re analysis based on a prospective cohort study / 中华临床营养杂志

The inconsistency of diagnostic criteria for malnutrition has confused clinicians since the 1980s. After the implementation of disease diagnosis related group payment (DRG) in China's public hospitals, the diagnosis of malnutrition and the correct documentation of nutrition-related diagnosis on the front sheet of medical records are related to the correct classification of the disease group and the medical insurance payment. Therefore, the reliable diagnostic criteria for malnutrition, especially disease-related malnutrition, is urgently needed in clinical practice. In September 2018, The global leadership Iinitiative on malnutrition (GLIM) diagnostic criteria consensus was launched. GLIM aimed to provide the explicit and unified diagnostic criteria for malnutrition in adult hospitalized patients. However, GLIM criteria was based on the voting by nutritional experts and was merely a consensus in nature. The clinical validity of GLIM criteria needs prospective verification, i.e., to demonstrate that patients with malnutrition as per GLIM criteria could have improved clinical outcomes with reasonable nutritional interventions. In November 2020, the article titled Nutritional support therapy after GLIM criteria may neglect the benefit of reducing infection complications compared with NRS 2002 was published on the journal Nutrition. It was the first study comparing nutritional risk screening 2002 (NRS 2002) and GLIM malnutrition diagnostic criteria among Chinese patients for the indication of nutritional support therapy. The clinical effectiveness of the two tools was retrospectively verified as well. Here we discussed the key points of this retrospective study, including the critical research methods, to inform the currently ongoing prospective validation of the GLIM malnutrition diagnostic criteria (the item of reduced muscle mass not included).

Effects of combined acupuncture and medication on hyperarousal state and serum copeptin in patients with chronic insomnia / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To observe the effect of combined acupuncture and medication on hyperarousal state and serum copeptin(CPT)in patients with chronic insomnia(CI),and to explore its possible mechanism of action.Methods:A total of 70 CI patients meeting the inclusion criteria were divided into an observation group and a control group by the random number table method,with 35 cases in each group.The control group was given estazolam tablets before bedtime,1 mg/time,once a day.The observation group was treated with additional Yi Nao An Shen acupuncture therapy(acupuncture for benefiting the brain and tranquillization)on the basis of the medication treatment,4 times a week.After 4 weeks of treatment,the Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI)score,insomnia severity index(ISI)score,pre-sleep arousal scale(PSAS)score,hyperarousal scale(HAS)score,and the change in serum CPT level were compared between the two groups.Results:During the study,there were 2 dropout cases in the observation group and 1 dropout case in the control group.After treatment,the PSQI,ISI,PSAS,and HAS scores and the serum CPT level in both groups decreased compared with the same group before treatment,and the intra-group differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).After treatment,changes in each above scale score and the serum CPT level in the observation group were much more significant and were statistically different from those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Acupuncture plus medication can improve sleep quality,reduce the degree of insomnia,and regulate hyperarousal state in patients with CI,and its mechanism of action may be related to the down-regulation of serum CPT level.

Comparison of Effects of Liuzijue Exercise and Conventional Respiratory Training on Patients after Cardiac Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the feasibility and safety of Liuzijue exercise (LE) for the clinical effect in patients after cardiac surgery.@*METHODS@#Totally 120 patients who underwent cardiac surgery and were admitted to the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital between July and Oclober, 2022 were allocated to the LE group, the conventional respiratory training (CRT) group, and the control group by a random number table at a ratio of 1:1:1; 40 patients in each group. All patients received routine treatment and cardiac rehabilitation. LE group and CRT group respectively performed LE and CRT once a day for 30 min for 7 days. Control group did not receive specialized respiratory training. The forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, peak inspiratory flow rate, peak expiratory flow rate, maximum inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure, modified Barthel index (MBI), and Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A) were evaluated before, after 3 and 7 days of intervention. In addition, the postoperative length of hospital stay (LOS) and the adverse events that occurred during the intervention period were compared.@*RESULTS@#A total of 107 patients completed the study, 120 patients were included in the analysis. After 3 days of intervention, the pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, MBI and HAM-A of all 3 groups improved compared with that before the intervention (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the control group, pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength were significantly improved in the CRT and LE groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). MBI and HAM-A were significantly improved in the LE group compared with the control and CRT groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). On the 7th day after intervention, the difference was still statistically significant (P<0.01), and was significantly different from that on the 3rd day (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In addition, on the 7th day of intervention, the pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength in the LE group were significantly improved compared with those in the CRT group (P<0.01). MBI and HAM-A were significantly improved in the CRT group compared with the control group (P<0.01). There were no significant differences in postoperative LOS among the 3 groups (P>0.05). No training-related adverse events occurred during the intervention period.@*CONCLUSIONS@#LE is safe and feasible for improving pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, the ability to complete activities of daily living and for relieving anxiety of patients after cardiac surgery (Registration No. ChiCTR2200062964).

Novel assays for quality evaluation of XueBiJing:Quality variability of a Chinese herbal injection for sepsis management / 药物分析学报

XueBiJing is an intravenous five-herb injection used to treat sepsis in China.The study aimed to develop a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS)-or liquid chromatography-ultraviolet(LC-UV)-based assay for quality evaluation of XueBiJing.Assay development involved identifying marker constituents to make the assay therapeutically relevant and building a reliable one-point cali-brator for monitoring the various analytes in parallel.Nine marker constituents from the five herbs were selected based on XueBiJing's chemical composition,pharmacokinetics,and pharmacodynamics.A selectivity test(for"similarity of response")was developed to identify and minimize interference by non-target constituents.Then,an intercept test was developed to fulfill"linearity through zero"for each analyte(absolute ratio of intercept to C response,＜2％).Using the newly developed assays,we analyzed samples from 33 batches of XueBiJing,manufactured over three years,and found small batch-to-batch variability in contents of the marker constituents(4.1％-14.8％),except for senkyunolide I(26.5％).

Meaning， Efficacy and Mechanism of Huoxin Pills in Treating Coronary Heart Disease with Qi Deficiency and Blood Stasis Syndrome / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Cardiovascular diseases， with high incidence and high mortality， belong to the category of "chest impediment and heart pain" in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）. Chinese medicines have unique effect on the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases with little side effects. Huoxin pills， one of the National Essential Drugs， is formulated based on the basic pathogenesis of weak pulse at Yang and wiry pulse at Yin and the pathological basis of myocardial ischemia and hypoxia and used for treating angina pectoris of coronary heart disease （Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome）. This medicine is derived from the classic famous prescription and is composed of ten precious Chinese medicinal herbs. It can replenish Qi， activate blood， and warm collaterals to diffuse impediment by enhancing myocardial contractility and cardiac output to improve micro-circulation and increase coronary blood flow， regulating immune functions， alleviating inflammation， detoxifying， and tranquilizing mind. Clinically， it is suitable for patients with angina pectoris caused by the lack of heart Yang， chest tightness， shortness of breath， palpitation， fear of cold for limbs and so on， especially for the elderly with Yang deficiency or the patients with a history of myocardial infarction. On the basis of the available research reports， this paper explains the formula meaning of Huoxin pills from the perspective of the basic pathogenesis of coronary heart disease and predicts its action targets， location and links. Furthermore， we expound the mechanism of action of Huoxin pills based on basic research and clinical evidence-based research， aiming to provide data support and evidence for the clinical application of this medicine.

Classical Famous Prescription Zhenwutang in Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Chronic heart failure （CHF）， the end stage of heart disease due to a variety of causes， features high disability rate and mortality， which has become a hot spot in cardiovascular field. As recorded in Treatise on Cold Damage（《伤寒论》）， Zhenwutang is composed of Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata， Poria Cocos， Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae， Paeoniae Radix Alba， and Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens. With the functions of warming Yang and excreting water， it is a classical prescription for the treatment of CHF in clinical settings. By searching China National Knowledge Infrastructure （CNKI）， PubMed， Wanfang Data， and VIP， we find Zhenwutang exerts therapeutic effect on CHF through multiple targets and multiple pathways. Experiments show that it alleviates CHF by antagonizing the overactivation of neuroendocrine system， inhibiting immune-inflammatory response， suppressing cardiac remodeling， restricting apoptosis， regulating autophagy， improving myocardial energy metabolism， inhibiting oxidative stress injury， protecting endothelial function， and decreasing volume load. Clinical research shows that Zhenwutang can significantly alleviate the clinical symptoms of CHF patients in a safe manner with little adverse reactions. This paper systematically summarizes the mechanisms of and clinical research on Zhenwutang in the treatment of CHF in recent years， so as to provide theoretical and experimental data for the further research and development of Zhenwutang.

Jichuanjian： A Literature Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Jichuanjian，a famous classical formula with definite clinical efficacy in Jingyue Quanshu （《景岳全书》） by ZHANG Jing-yue in the Ming Dynasty， was included in the Catalogue of Ancient Famous Classical Formulas （The First Batch） published by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine（TCM） in 2018．By means of bibliometrics，43 relevant ancient book data were collected，including 26 ancient books of TCM. The historical origin and development，main indications and symptoms，composition and prescription，dosage，processing，and decoction and administration methods of Jichuanjian were systematically summarized to provide literature support for the development and clinical application of famous classic formulas. It was found that the main symptoms of Jichuanjian were expanded in the past dynasties from deficiency constipation， postpartum constipation， and qi stagnation recorded in the original formula to additional dryness accumulation， blood stasis， Yin constipation， infantile constipation， and lung（intestine）diseases induced by eye diseases. The applicable population of Jichuanjian was extended to children in addition to puerpera and adults，and the disease scope was extended to pediatrics， ophthalmology， and otorhinolaryngology in addition to internal medicine，gynecology and obstetrics．Although Jichuanjian was modified by doctors in the past dynasties，the compatibility of Angelicae Sinensis Radix，Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix，Cistanches Herba，Alismatis Rhizoma，Cimicifugae Rhizoma and Aurantii Fructus has been constant. The decoction and administration methods basically remained unchanged， i.e.， water decoction and administration before meals. Meanwhile， doctors in the Qing Dynasty made a lot of general comments on this formula with little controversy．

Honokiol: A naturally occurring lignan with pleiotropic bioactivities / 中国天然药物

Honokiol is the dominant biphenolic compound isolated from the Magnolia tree, and has long been considered as the active constituent of the traditional Chinese herb, 'Houpo', which is widely used to treat symptoms due to 'stagnation of qi'. Pharmacological studies have shown that honokiol possesses a wide range of bioactivities without obvious toxicity. Honokiol protects the liver, kidneys, nervous system, and cardiovascular system through reducing oxidative stress and relieving inflammation. Moreover, honokiol shows anti-diabetic property through enhancing insulin sensitivity, and anti-obese property through promoting browning of adipocytes. In vivo and in vitro studies indicated that honokiol functions as an anti-cancer agent through multiple mechanisms: inhibiting angiogenesis, promoting cell apoptosis, and regulating cell cycle. A variety of therapeutic effects of honokiol may be associated with its physiochemical properties, which make honokiol readily cross the blood brain barrier and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier, with high bioavailability. In the future, more clinical researches on honokiol are needed to fully authenticate its therapeutic values.

Investigation on the current cultural construction of public Traditional Chinese Medicine hospitals in Hunan province / 中华医院管理杂志

Objective:To investigate the cultural construction of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) hospitals in Hunan province, for reference in their cultural construction.Methods:A questionnaire was designed according to TCM Hospital Cultural Construction Guidelines by the National Traditional Chinese Administration.From May to June 2020, the questionnaire was used to survey the present situation, existing problems and development suggestions of TCM cultural construction at TCM hospitals of and above the county level in Hunan province. The data were analyzed by descriptive analysis.Results:The survey covered 117 public TCM hospitals in the province and 87 questionnaires were recovered, a rate of 74.4%. In terms of cultural construction in these institutions, various programs were in place at a relatively high proportion in the core cultural value construction. The development of behavioral norms teaching and inheritance was in place at a relatively low proportion, namely 78.8% at tertiary TCM hospitals, 51.8% at secondary TCM hospitals, and only 16.7% at secondary level-B TCM hospitals. In terms of environmental image construction, various programs were in place at a relatively high proportion, yet focusing on themed cultural wall posters culturol bulletin board and other forms of display. At present, the main problems were insufficient funding(86.9%) and talents(82.1%).Conclusions:TCM hospitals in Hunan province highly value the construction of cultural core value and environmental image, but their development in the code of conduct system and other connotation was weak.

Meta-analysis and systematic review of efficacy and safety of Lianhua Qingwen in adjuvant treatment of adult pneumonia / 中国中药杂志

To systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Lianhua Qingwen in the treatment of adult pneumonia. The randomized controlled trial of Lianhua Qingwen combined with conventional Western medicine in the treatment of pneumonia were retrieved from PubMed, EMbase, Wanfang database, VIP database, and CNKI from the establishment of database to March 2020. Two researchers independently conducted literature screening and data extraction, and the third researcher was in charge of arbitration in case of any disagreement. Outcome indicators included total clinical effective rate, symptom improvement time, and incidence of adverse events. R 3.6.1 was used for Meta-analysis, and RevMan 5.3 was used for quality evaluation. Twenty-two studies were included, with a total of 2 007 patients, including 1 017 patients in the experimental group and 990 patients in the control group. The results showed that the total clinical effective rate of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group(RR=1.11, 95%CI[1.08, 1.15], P<0.001), and the antifebrile time(MD=-1.81, 95%CI[-2.42,-1.21], P<0.001), cough duration(MD=-2.32, 95%CI[-2.89,-1.76], P<0.001), rale duration(MD=-2.19, 95%CI[-2.74,-1.63], P<0.001), imaging recovery time(MD=-2.17, 95%CI[-2.76,-1.58], P<0.001) and post-treatment CRP(MD=-4.07, 95%CI[-6.39,-1.75], P<0.001] were all significantly lower than those of the control group. However, it did not proved that the experimental group was safer than the control group(RR=0.84, 95%CI[0.57, 1.24], P=0.382). The results confirmed that Lianhua Qingwen combined with conventional Western medicine in the treatment of pneumonia could improve the clinical treatment efficiency, shorten the time of fever, cough, rale disappearance and imaging recovery, improve CRP index and accelerate the recovery of pneumonia patients. However, the literatures included in this study had a low quality, and the conclusions still need to be further confirmed by more high-quality, multi-center, rigorously designed randomized controlled trial.

Clinical observation on filiform fire-needling plus continuous passive motion therapy for frozen shoulder / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of filiform fire-needling plus continuous passive motion (CPM) therapy for frozen shoulder. Methods: A total of 72 patients were randomized into an observation group and a control group by the random number table method, with 36 cases in each group. Patients in the control group received celecoxib capsule plus CPM, while those in the observation group received filiform fire-needling plus CPM. The whole course of treatment lasted for 2 weeks in both groups. The visual analog scale (VAS), Constant-Murley score (CMS) and range of motion of shoulder joint were measured for therapeutic efficacy evaluation. Results: The total effective rate was 91.7％ in the observation group, higher than 72.2％ in the control group, and the between-group comparison showed statistical significance (P<0.05). After treatment, the VAS scores in the two groups dropped significantly, the CMS as well as the range of motion including abduction, forward flexion and extension were all increased significantly, and the intra-group comparisons showed statistical significance (all P<0.05). The betweengroup comparisons showed the improvements in these items in the observation group were more significant than those in the control group (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Filiform fire-needling plus CPM can produce more significant efficacy than celecoxib capsule plus CPM for frozen shoulder; it can alleviate pain, improve shoulder function and restore joint range of motion in such patients.

Influence of LBP alone or Combined with TRAIL on Apoptosis of MLL Rearranged Leukemic Cells / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) alone or combined with tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) on the apoptosis of leukemia cell lines with MLL gene-rearrangement, and to explore the cell apoptotic pathway after the combined action.@*METHODS@#MLL-ALL cell line KOCL44 and KOCL45 were selected as the research object, then the control and experimental groups were set up. The cell survival rate was measured by the trypan blue dye exclusion method, the cell early apoptosis and expression of death receptors on the cell surface were detected by flow cytometry with Annexin-V/PI double staining. The protein level of caspase-8, BID, caspase-3, caspase-9, BAD, BCL-2, as well as mitochondrial and cytosol Cyto-C were detected by Western blot.@*RESULTS@#LBF combined with TRAIL inhibited the growth of KOCL44 and KOCL-45 cells and showed the synergistic effect, the results of flow cytometry with Amnexiu V/PI double staining were consistent with above-mentioned results. After treatment of KOCL44 and KOCL45 cells with LBF plus TRAIL, the significant expression of DR4 on cell surface was not found, while the expression of DR4 receptor was enhanced significantly, the pro-apoptotic proteins including caspase-8, BID, caspase-3, caspase-9 and BAD were activated significantly and BCL-2 was suppressed significantly with time-dependent manner. The expression of mitochondria cyto-C in KOCL44 and KOCL45 decreased along with prolonging of treatment time (r=-0.95, r=-0.866), while the expression of cytosol cyto-C in KOCL44 and KOCL45 increased along with prolonging of treatment time (r=0.883, r=0.903).@*CONCLUSION@#The combination of LBP and TRAIL significantly increases the apoptosis of KOCL44 and KOCL45, and the LBP and TRAIL can up-regulate the expression of TRAIL death receptor-DR5 on the cell surface, activate the pathway of caspase and mito-chrondia mitachondria, thus enhance the sensitivity of KOCL44 and KOCL45 to TRAIL induced apoptosis through both mitochondrial and apoptotic pathway.

Observation of Instant Effect of Electroacupuncture at Quchi (LI 11) and Shangjuxu (ST 37) on Functional Bowel Disorders Based on R-fMRI / 上海针灸杂志

Objective By using resting-state fMRI (r-fMRI), to observe the effect of electroacupuncture at Quchi (LI 11) and Shangjuxu (ST 37) in changing brain activity pattern in functional bowel disorders (FBD), and to provide imaging evidence for seeking the central mechanism of Quchi (LI 11) and Shangjuxu (ST 37) in treating FBD.Method Twenty patients with functional constipation were taken as the constipation group, and 20 patients with functional diarrhea were taken as the diarrhea group. The constipation group was intervened by electroacupuncture at Shangjuxu (ST 37), while the diarrhea group was intervened by electroacupuncture at Quchi (LI 11). On the next day, the two groups both received electroacupuncture at the corresponding non-meridian point. The r-fMRI data of the two groups were collected before and after the interventions. With the functional connectivity taken as the observation index and right insular lobe as the seed point, MTLAB, DPARSF and REST were adopted to obtain the brain images functionally connected with the seed point, to further analyze the difference in brain functional connectivity before and after electroacupuncture.Result After electroacupuncture at Shangjuxu (ST 37), functional constipation patients presented positive activation in left cerebellar declive, left lingual gyrus, left middle occipital gyrus, right occipital lobe, right supramarginal gyrus, right gyrus cingula and left precuneus; the right subgyrus, right insular lobe and left insular lobe were negatively evoked. After electroacupuncture at Quchi (LI 11), patients with functional diarrhea showed significant differences in left cerebellar culmen and left posterior cingulate.Conclusion Electroacupuncture at Quchi (LI 11) and Shangjuxu (ST 37) can induce changes in brain functional connectivity related to visceral hypersensitivity in FBD patients, which is possibly associated with the effect of acupuncture in improving FBD.

Brain histopathological changes in WHBE rabbits fed with high cholesterol diet plus copper drinking water / 中国实验动物学报

Objective To observe the pathological changes of brain tissues in the WHBE rabbit model of sporadic Alzheimer disease (AD). Methods Thirty 3 -4-month old male WHBE rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups:normal control (NC) group, high cholesterol diet (HCD) group, high cholesterol diet + copper drinking water ( HCD+ Cu2+) group, 10 in each group. Another 10 senile (36-48-month old) male WHBE rabbits were taken as senile group. The NC group and the senile group were fed a normal basic diet, the HCD group fed a 2% cholesterol diet, and the HCD+Cu2+group fed a 2% cholesterol diet plus 0. 12 PPM copper drinking water for 12 weeks. The levels of total cholesterol (TC) and β-amyloid protein (Aβ) 1-42 were measured at 12 weeks. The activity of superoxide dismutase ( SOD) and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the cortex and the hippocampus were detected. In addition, the covered area of Aβ, β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1(BACE1) and phosphorylated tau (p-tau) protein in coronal sections of brain tissues were also observed by immunohistochemical staining. The senile plaques and the neurofibrillary tangles were observed by Congo red and Bielschowsky staining, respectively. Results The body weight of WHBE rabbits in the senile group was significantly higher than that of the NC group ( P ＜ 0. 01 ), and the plasma TC and Aβ1 -42 in each group were significantly higher than that in the NC group (P ＜ 0.05, P ＜ 0.01). The activity of SOD in brain tissues was significantly lower than that of NC group (P＜ 0. 05), and the MDA content was significantly higher than that of NC group (P＜ 0. 05, P ＜ 0. 01). Immunohistochemical staining showed that the covered area of Aβ, BACE1 and p-tau in brain tissues of all groups were significantly higher than that of NC group (P ＜ 0. 05, P ＜ 0. 01), and the covered area of BACE1 and p-tau protein in the brain tissues of HCD + Cu2+group was also significantly higher than that of the HCD group (P ＜ 0. 05, P ＜ 0. 01). Congo red and Bielschowsky staining showed that the number of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles were observed in the brain tissues of the HCD, HCD+Cu2+and senile groups. Conclusions High cholesterol diet or supplemented with trace copper drinking water can induce obvious AD pathological changes in WHBE rabbit models of sporadic AD with obvious oxidative damage, increased Aβ deposition and senile plaque in the brain, and pathological changes of tau. WHBE rabbit can be used in the study of animal models of neurodegenerative diseases.

Comparison of pathological characteristics of Wistar and Lewis rat models of collagen-induced rheumatoid arthritis / 中国比较医学杂志

Objective To study the differences of symptoms and pathological features of Wistar and Lewis rat models of collagen-induced rheumatoid arthritis. Methods Wistar and Lewis rats were injected with intermixture of bovine TypeⅡ collage and complete Freund's adjuvant(CFA)for first immunization, then strengthen it after 14 days and observed the incidence of Wistar-RA group and Lewis-RA group. The degree of paws swelling and the titer of serum anti CII antibody were determined. The pathological changes in toe and joint tissues were examined at 12 weeks, and the expressions of VEGF, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-17A in the synovial membrane of ankle joint were detected. Results After collagen induction,the Wistar and Lewis rats showed paw swelling after 10 d and 14 d,and peaked at 21 d and 24 d,the titer of serum anti CII antibody was significantly increased at third week(P< 0.01), and arthritis index(AI)was also significantly increased(P< 0.01). In the Wistar-RA rat group, the rate of molding was 80%, and at fifth weeks, the swelling of the paws subsided and went into a flat level. The molding rate of the Lewis-RA group was 100%,at the seventh week,the swelling of paws subsided and went into a flat level. At 12 weeks,the two model groups showed severe articular cartilage erosion, synovial hyperplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration, neovascularization and pannus formation in the joint synovium,and the bone mineral density of the femur and tibia of the hind limbs was significantly decreased(P<0.01). The expression of VEGF,IL-6 and IL-17A in synovium was significantly increased(P< 0.05,P< 0.01). The expression of IL-10 was obviously decreased(P< 0.01). Compared with the Wistar-RA group,the paw volume and paw thickness were increased for a longer time in the Lewis-RA group,AI was higher than that of the Wistar-RA group,synovial angiogenesis and pannus formation were more distinct, the expression of VEGF in synovium was significantly higher than that of Wistar-RA group(P< 0.05), while the expression of IL-17A was significantly lower than that in the Wistar-RA group(P< 0.05). Conclusions Both the Wistar-RA rat model and Lewis-RA rat model show joint swelling,deformation and decreased activity. AI is increased,the expression of VEGF,IL-6 and IL-17A increased,and the expression of IL-10 decreased,which are consistent with the clinical manifestation. The Wistar-RA rat model has a short duration of swelling, while the Lewis-RA rat model has a longer swelling duration and more severe joint damages. The neovascularization and pannus formation are more obvious. The expression of IL-17A in the Wistar-RA rat model is higher, while the Lewis-RA model has a highly expressed VEGF,which may be related to its pathological characteristics.

Study on the Extraction Process of Herbal Pair Puerarin-Berberine by Plackett-Burman Design and Box-Behnken Response Surface Methodology / 中国药师

Objective:To optimize the alcohol extraction process of herbal pair puerarin-berberine.Methods:Based on the etha-nol reflux extraction,the extraction quantity of total flavonoids,total alkaloid,puerarin and berberine hydrochloride were used as the e-valuation index,and the independent variables included the drug particle,ratio of solid to liquid, ethanol concentration, reflux dura-tion and reflux times. Significance analysis was evaluated by Plackett-Burman design,and then the extraction process was optimized by Box-Behnken response surface methodology.Results:The optimal extraction conditions of drug pair puerarin-berberine were as follows:the drug particle was 80 mesh,the ratio of solid to liquid was 1:13,the ethanol concentration was 75%,the reflux time was 60 min, and the reflux times was 4. Under the above conditions, the extraction quantity of total flavonoids, alkaloid, puerarin and berberine hydrochloride was 120.34,56.99,109.63 and 39.26 mg ·ml-1, respectively.Conclusion: The extraction process of herbal pair puerarin-berberine is reasonable and feasible optimized by Plackett-Burman design and Box-Behnken response surface methodology.

Preliminary study on two analytical methods for evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes model in rats with blood stasis due to sleep deprivation / 中国中药杂志

The comparison on evaluating blood stasis syndrome in sleep deprived rats was carried out by using R, G, B image analysis of Tongue and palm as well as auricle, palm surface laser Doppler flow perfusion. The experiment was performed by means of a small platform on the water environment for sleep deprivation. The rats were weekly weighed at fixed time, and their macroscopic signs were observed; and their tongue and palm images of the control and model group were respectively collected by the SLR camera at the 2nd, 4th and 6th week. Then the color saturation analysis was performed by means of proofreading with the standard colorimetric card. At the same time, the laser dopper flowmetry was used to analyze the perfusion of auricle and foot flow in rats. It turned out that there was no significant difference in the R,G,B value of the tongue and palm in rats between normal group and model group at the first stage(at the 2nd week), so were the perfusion of auricle and foot flow in rats. But at the second stage (at the 4th week), the R value of tongue in model group rats was obviously lower than that in normal group(<0.01), and the other value (G,B) of tongue in module rats had a decease tendency, but there was no statistical significance. However, the perfusion of left and right auricle flow in model group rats were dramatically decreased as compared with the normal group(<0.01); there was still no significant difference in the perfusion of the palm between two groups. It was found that R,G,B value in model group had a lower trend as compared with the control group of the tongue and palm images at the third stage (at the 6th week), but no statistically significant difference. The perfusion of left and right auricle flow in model group was constantly decreased as compared with the normal group(<0.01).Right and left foot blood flow was lower than the normal group, but no statistically significant difference. We can safely conclude that the results of the R, G, B values of the tongue in rats could objectively reflect the characteristics of the rats with blood stasis syndrome, which were consistent with the diagnosis of clinical tongue image. As a method of microcirculation evaluation, the surface laser doppler perfusion of auricle can exhibit the characteristics of blood stasis in model rats, but also was more objective and reproducible. Therefore, the combination of R, G, B value of tongue as well as auricle laser doppler blood flow is more beneficial to the objective evaluation of index in the later study of traditional Chinese medicine blood stasis syndrome model.