Mitochondrial Properties in Skeletal Muscle Fiber.

Mitochondria are the primary source of energy production and are implicated in a wide range of biological processes in most eukaryotic cells. Skeletal muscle heavily relies on mitochondria for energy supplements. In addition to being a powerhouse, mitochondria evoke many functions in skeletal muscle, including regulating calcium and reactive oxygen species levels. A healthy mitochondria population is necessary for the preservation of skeletal muscle homeostasis, while mitochondria dysregulation is linked to numerous myopathies. In this review, we summarize the recent studies on mitochondria function and quality control in skeletal muscle, focusing mainly on in vivo studies of rodents and human subjects. With an emphasis on the interplay between mitochondrial functions concerning the muscle fiber type-specific phenotypes, we also discuss the effect of aging and exercise on the remodeling of skeletal muscle and mitochondria properties.

Individualized Nursing Interventions in Patients with Comorbid Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Chronic Heart Failure.

Objective: Individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are more likely to develop heart failure (HF) compared with the general population, and the presence of HF may contribute to reduced quality of life (QoL), increased hospitalizations and worse survival rates in patients with COPD. Our study examined the exercise capacity, QoL, mental health, family burden and rehospitalization rate of patients with comorbid COPD and chronic heart failure (CHF) after individualized inpatient and outpatient nursing care. Methods: A total of 100 patients with comorbid COPD and CHF admitted to Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University January 2021 to July 2022 were enrolled in our study and then randomly assigned to one of two groups of 50 patients: patients receiving traditional nursing care and patients receiving individualized nursing care. Exercise capacity, mental health, QoL and family burden were assessed by means of the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), Zung's Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), the short-form health survey (SF-36) and the Perceived Family Burden Scale (PFBS). Results: The patients receiving individualized nursing care had notable differences regarding distance walked in the 6MWT, the scores in all domains of both the physical and mental composites, SAS and SDS scores and PFBS scores of patients at on admission (T0), at discharge (T1) and at 2 months after discharge (T2) (P < .05). The patients receiving individualized nursing care walked longer distances on the 6MWT, more scores reflecting improved QoL and reduced SAS and SDS scores at both T1 and T2 compared with patients receiving traditional nursing care (P < .05). The patients receiving individualized nursing care exhibited decreased PFBS scores at T2 compared with patients receiving traditional nursing care (P < .05). None of the patients receiving individualized nursing care were rehospitalized, but 2 patients receiving traditional nursing care were rehospitalized due to acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) and acute HF, respectively. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that individualized inpatient and outpatient nursing care can enhance exercise capacity and improve QoL and mental health in patients with comorbid COPD and CHF.

Comparing high-dose dual therapy with bismuth-containing quadruple therapy for the initial eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection on Hainan Island: A randomized, multicenter clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Traditional bismuth-containing quadruple therapy, as a first-line eradication treatment for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), has several disadvantages, including drug side effects, low medication adherence, and high costs. Trials of high-dose dual treatment have demonstrated its advantages, which include good safety and adherence profiles. In this study, we investigated the efficacy, safety, and compliance of a high-dose dual therapy when compared with bismuth-based quadruple treatment for the initial eradication of H. pylori infection on Hainan Island, China. METHODS: We randomized 846 H. pylori-infected patients into two groups. A bismuth-containing quadruple therapy group was administered the following: esomeprazole 20 mg, amoxicillin 1000 mg, and clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily, and colloidal bismuth pectin in suspension 150 mg three times/day for 2 weeks. A high-dose dual therapy group was administered the following: esomeprazole 20 mg four times/day and amoxicillin 1000 mg three times/day for 2 weeks. Patients were given a 13C urea breath test at 4 weeks at treatment end. Adverse effects and compliance were evaluated at follow-up visits. RESULTS: Eradication rates in the high-dose dual therapy group were: 90.3% (381/422, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 87.1%-92.9%) in intention-to-treat (ITT) and 93.6% (381/407, 95% CI: 90.8%-95.8%) in per-protocol (PP) analyses. Eradication rates were 87.3% in ITT (370/424, 95% CI: 83.7%-90.3%) and 91.8% in PP analyses (370/403, 95% CI: 88.7%-94.3%) for quadruple therapy, with no statistical differences (P = 0.164 in ITT and P = 0.324 in PP analyses). Adverse effects were 13.5% (55/407) in the dual group and 17.4% (70/403) in the quadruple group (P = 0.129). Compliance was 92.4% (376/407) in the dual group and 86.6% (349/403) in the quadruple group (P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: High-dose dual therapy had high eradication rates comparable with bismuth-based quadruple treatment, with no differences in adverse effects, however higher adherence rates were recorded.

Moxibustion improves experimental colitis in rats with Crohn's disease by regulating bile acid enterohepatic circulation and intestinal farnesoid X receptor / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#This study was conducted to explore the mechanism of intestinal inflammation and barrier repair in Crohn's disease (CD) regulated by moxibustion through bile acid (BA) enterohepatic circulation and intestinal farnesoid X receptor (FXR).@*METHODS@#Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control group, CD model group, mild moxibustion group and herb-partitioned moxibustion group. CD model rats induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid were treated with mild moxibustion or herb-partitioned moxibustion at Tianshu (ST25) and Qihai (CV6). The changes in CD symptoms were rated according to the disease activity index score, the serum and colon tissues of rats were collected, and the pathological changes in colon tissues were observed via histopathology. Western blot, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence were used to evaluate the improvement of moxibustion on intestinal inflammation and mucosal barrier in CD by the BA-FXR pathway.@*RESULTS@#Mild moxibustion and herb-partitioned moxibustion improved the symptoms of CD, inhibited inflammation and repaired mucosal damage to the colon in CD rats. Meanwhile, moxibustion could improve the abnormal expression of BA in the colon, liver and serum, downregulate the expression of interferon-γ and upregulate the expression of FXR mRNA, and inhibit Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) mRNA. The IHC results showed that moxibustion could upregulate the expression of FXR and mucin2 and inhibit TLR4 expression. Western blot showed that moxibustion inhibited the protein expression of TLR4 and MyD88 and upregulated the expression of FXR. Immunofluorescence image analysis showed that moxibustion increased the colocalization sites and intensity of FXR with TLR4 or nuclear factor-κB p65. In particular, herb-partitioned moxibustion has more advantages in improving BA and upregulating FXR and TLR4 in the colon.@*CONCLUSION@#Mild moxibustion and herb-partitioned moxibustion can improve CD by regulating the enterohepatic circulation stability of BA, activating colonic FXR, regulating the TLR4/MyD88 pathway, inhibiting intestinal inflammation and repairing the intestinal mucosal barrier. Herb-partitioned moxibustion seems to have more advantages in regulating BA enterohepatic circulation and FXR activation. Please cite this article as: Shen JC, Qi Q, Han D, Lu Y, Huang R, Zhu Y, Zhang LS, Qin XD, Zhang F, Wu HG, Liu HR. Moxibustion improves experimental colitis in rats with Crohn's disease by regulating bile acid enterohepatic circulation and intestinal farnesoid X receptor. J Integr Med. 2023; 21(2): 194-204.

Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) supplement in beagle dogs after castration: Effects on the haematology and serum chemistry profiles, immune response, and oxidative stress status.

BACKGROUND: Castration is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in dogs. However, based on increasing evidence, male animals experience significant pain after castration. Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), one of the main bioactive components in A. membranaceus bunge, has been widely used as part of Fu-Zheng therapy to enhance natural defense mechanisms. INTRODUCTION: This study was carried out to determine the effects of supplementing different doses of Astragalus polysaccharide (APS; control, 0 mg/kg; APSL, 400 mg/kg; and APSH, 800 mg/kg) for 8 weeks on the haematology and serum chemistry profiles, immune response, and oxidative stress status in weanling beagle dogs. METHODS: After adapting to the experimental environment for 1 week, 18 male beagle dogs (Sichuan Institute of Musk Deer Breeding, China; average initial weight, 3.80 ± 0.43 g; age, 3-month-old) were randomly allotted to diets supplemented with three doses of APS (Control, 0 mg/kg; low, 400 mg/kg; and high, 800 mg/kg), referred to as control, APSL, and APSH, respectively; six dogs were assigned to each treatment. The dogs were fed the respective diets twice daily at 08:30 and 16:30 h in sufficient quantity to supply the metabolizable energy requirements for 8 weeks. On day 43 (19 weeks old), the dogs were castrated. On days 42 (prior to castration, 19 weeks old), 50 (day 7 after castration, 20 weeks old), and 57 (day 14 after castration, 21 weeks old) to measure the haematology, blood chemistry, immune response, and oxidative stress status parameters. RESULTS: Based on our findings, the APSH diet decreased weight gain and increased the feed to gain ratio in dogs (P < 0.05). At 14 days after castration, the wound was almost closed, slightly swollen, dry, and clean in the groups supplemented with APS. In addition, optimal APS supplementation was found to decrease erythrocyte count (RBC), haematocrit (HCT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels, and cortisol and protein carbonyl (PC) concentrations (P < 0.05). Moreover, the mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and platelet (PLT) levels, interleukin 10 (IL-10) and glutathione (GSH) content, and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (Se-GPx) activities were increased in the APS supplemented groups (P < 0.05) CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that supplementing weanling beagle dogs with optimum APS could positively affect wound healing by improving their haematological profile (decreased RBC and HCT content, increased MCH and PLT levels), serum biochemical parameters (decreased ALP and ALT content), immune status (decreased CRP, IL-1ß, and TNF-α levels; increased IL-10 content), and antioxidant defense (decreased cortisol and PC content; increased GSH content, and SOD1, CAT, and Se-GPx activities). However, the detailed mechanism whereby APS regulates these changes requires further investigation. In addition, the results of this study suggest that 400 mg/kg diet is the optimum APS dose for beagle dogs.

Traditional Herbal Medicine: A Potential Therapeutic Approach for Adjuvant Treatment of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer in the Future.

Lung carcinoma is the primary reason for cancer-associated mortality, and it exhibits the highest mortality and incidence in developed and developing countries. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and SCLC are the 2 main types of lung cancer, with NSCLC contributing to 85% of all lung carcinoma cases. Conventional treatment mainly involves surgery, chemoradiotherapy, and immunotherapy, but has a dismal prognosis for many patients. Therefore, identifying an effective adjuvant therapy is urgent. Historically, traditional herbal medicine has been an essential part of complementary and alternative medicine, due to its numerous targets, few side effects and substantial therapeutic benefits. In China and other East Asian countries, traditional herbal medicine is increasingly popular, and is highly accepted by patients as a clinical adjuvant therapy. Numerous studies have reported that herbal extracts and prescription medications are effective at combating tumors. It emphasizes that, by mainly regulating the P13K/AKT signaling pathway, the Wnt signaling pathway, and the NF-κB signaling pathway, herbal medicine induces apoptosis and inhibits the proliferation and migration of tumor cells. The present review discusses the anti-NSCLC mechanisms of herbal medicines and provides options for future adjuvant therapy in patients with NSCLC.

Cool Temperature Enhances Growth, Ferulic Acid and Flavonoid Biosynthesis While Inhibiting Polysaccharide Biosynthesis in Angelica sinensis.

Angelica sinensis, a perennial herb that produces ferulic acid and phthalides for the treatment of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, prefers growing at an altitude of 1800-3000 m. Geographical models have predicted that high altitude, cool temperature and sunshade play determining roles in geo-authentic formation. Although the roles of altitude and light in yield and quality have been investigated, the role of temperature in regulating growth, metabolites biosynthesis and gene expression is still unclear. In this study, growth characteristics, metabolites contents and related genes expression were investigated by exposing A. sinensis to cooler (15 °C) and normal temperatures (22 °C). The results showed that plant biomass, the contents of ferulic acid and flavonoids and the expression levels of genes related to the biosynthesis of ferulic acid (PAL1, 4CLL4, 4CLL9, C3H, HCT, CCOAMT and CCR) and flavonoids (CHS and CHI) were enhanced at 15 °C compared to 22 °C. The contents of ligustilide and volatile oils exhibited slight increases, while polysaccharide contents decreased in response to cooler temperature. Based on gene expression levels, ferulic acid biosynthesis probably depends on the CCOAMT pathway and not the COMT pathway. It can be concluded that cool temperature enhances plant growth, ferulic acid and flavonoid accumulation but inhibits polysaccharide biosynthesis in A. sinensis. These findings authenticate that cool temperature plays a determining role in the formation of geo-authentic and also provide a strong foundation for regulating metabolites production of A. sinensis.

18[Formula: see text]-Glycyrrhetinic Acid Inhibits TGF-[Formula: see text]-Induced Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Targeting STAT3.

18[Formula: see text]-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) is the active ingredient of the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Glycyrrhizae radix et rhizoma. We previously demonstrated that GA inhibited tumor growth in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the effect of GA on transforming growth factor-[Formula: see text] (TGF-[Formula: see text]-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis were still unclear. In this study, in vitro transwell assays and immunofluorescence (IF) demonstrated that GA inhibited TGF-[Formula: see text]-induced migration, invasion and EMT of HCC cells. However, it had little effect on the inhibition of proliferation by TGF-[Formula: see text]. Moreover, we confirmed that GA suppressed the metastasis of HCC cells in vivousing an ectopic lung metastasis model. Furthermore, we found that GA inhibited TGF-[Formula: see text]-induced EMT mainly by reducing the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), which played an essential role in TGF-[Formula: see text]-induced EMT and cell mobility. Mechanistically, GA inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3 by increasing the expression of Src homology 2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatases 1 and 2 (SHP1 and SHP2). Therefore, we concluded that GA inhibited TGF-[Formula: see text]-induced EMT and metastasis via the SHP1&SHP2/STAT3/Snail pathway. Our data provide an attractive therapeutic target for future multimodal management of HCC.

Regulatory effect of mild moxibustion on P2X3 receptors in spinal cord, anterior cingulate cortex and thalamic ventral posterolateral nucleus of rats with IBS visceral hyperalgesia / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the therapeutic effect of mild moxibustion on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) visceral hyperalgesiamodel rats and its regulatory effect on P2X3 receptors in the spinal cord, anterior cingutate cortex (ACC) and thalamic ventral posterolateral nucleus (VPL). Methods: Thirty 8-day-old newborn rats were randomly divided into a normal group (n=6) and a modeling group (n=24) according to the completely random number table method. Rats in the normal group were bred routinely, and those in the modeling group were subjected to preparing IBS chronic visceral hyperalgesia model using colorectal distention (CRD) in stimulation method. Rats successfully modelled were re-divided into a model group, a mild moxibustion group, a P2X3 receptor antagonist group, and a normal saline group according to the completely random number table method with 6 rats in each group. Rats in each group received corresponding interventions from the 37-day old, once a day for 7 consecutive days. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot assays were used to detect P2X3 protein expressions in the spinal cord, ACC and VPL of rats. Results: Under different intensities of CRD stimulation, the abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scores of the model group were significantly increased versus the normal group (all P<0.05); the AWR scores of the mild moxibustion group and the P2X3 receptor antagonist group were significantly reduced versus the model group (all P<0.01). The P2X3 protein expressions in rat spinal cord, ACC and VPL tissues of the model group were significantly increased versus the normal group (all P<0.01); the P2X3 protein expressions in rat spinal cord, ACC and VPL tissues of the mild moxibustion group and the P2X3 receptor antagonist group were significantly reduced versus the model group (all P<0.01). Conclusion: Mild moxibustion can inhibit the P2X3 receptor expressions in the spinal cord, ACC, and VPL tissues of IBS visceral hyperalgesia model rats, which may be the mechanism of mild moxibustion in relieving the central sensitization of rats with IBS visceral hyperalgesia.

[Particle size of "Cuo San" of famous classical formulas and decoction process with Xiebai San for example].

In this experiment, the decoction process of famous classical formula Xiebai San was determined by optimizing the particle size of "Cuo san" and investigating the decoction process parameters, such as boiling container, water volume and duration. Xiebai San was taken as an example to explore the study method of the "Cuo san" in the famous classical formulas. The specific chromatogram of Xiebai San and the determination method of glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhizic acid in Xiebai San were established. Different particle sizes of "Cuo san" and decoction parameters were optimized based on the similarity of specific chromatogram, the specific chromatogram's peak area, the content of glycyrrhizin, the content of glycyrrhizic acid and extract yield rate.The particle size of Xiebai San powder was determined to be 2.00-4.75 mm(by four-mesh sieves). The decoction process was determined as follows: put the prescription amount into a ceramic pot, add 420 mL of water, and boil and simmer until the volume is 300 mL.The similarity of specific chromatogram was above 0.9, the specific chromatogram's peak area was larger, the content of glycyrrhizin was 0.12%, the content of glycyrrhizic acid was 0.21%,and the extract yield rate was 15.05%. The finally determined particle size of "Cuo san" can better represent the quality of Xiebai San, and is easy to prepare and suitable for industrial production.This experimental research method can comprehensively investigate the quality of Xiebai San as a whole, the content of active ingredients, and the situation of extract yield.It is a more comprehensive and objective evaluation method, and can provide experimental basis and reference for the study of other "Cuo san" famous classical formulas.

Dietary supplementation of Geotrichum candidum improves growth, gut microbiota, immune-related gene expression and disease resistance in gibel carp CAS â ¢ (Carassius auratus gibelio).

Geotrichum candidum is a filamentous fungus mostly used in the dairy industry for cheese ripening and flavoring. The current study was designed to evaluate the potential probiotics effect of dietary supplementation of G. candidum on growth, digestive enzymes activities, gut microbiota and immune-related gene expression and disease resistance in Gibel carp CAS Ⅲ (Carassius auratus gibelio) against A. hydrophila infections. For this purpose, 420 healthy fish (initial body weight: 7.09 ± 0.02g) were randomly divided into 7 feeding groups in triplicates of 20 fish in each tank. Seven isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets were prepared, supplemented with 6 different doses of G. candidum viz; C: 0, T1:106, T2:107, T3:108, T4:109, T5:1010, T6:1011 CFU/kg diet and fed to fish twice a day for 60 days. Results showed significantly higher weight gain (WG) and feed efficiency (FE) in groups fed 106 and 108 CFU/kg diet compared to the control (P < 0.05). All G. candidum fed groups showed higher intestinal α-amylase activity (P < 0.05) while no difference in lipase and trypsin activity compared to the control group. Before challenge test, gut microbial diversity analysis revealed relatively more abundance of bacteria belonging to phylum Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteriodetes in group fed G. candidum supplemented diet and higher percentage of pathogenic bacteria belonging to order Aeromonadales and Vibrionales in control post-challenge. After challenge test immune response expressed numerically higher survival rate (P > 0.05) and significantly higher (P < 0.05) Respiratory Burst Activity(RBA), Immunoglobulin M level (IgM), Aspartate Transaminase activity (AST) and improved (P > 0.05) lysozyme activity, and Alanine Transaminase activity (ALT) in groups fed 106 and 108 CFU/kg G. candidum supplemented diet. The expression of immune related gene (IL-I ß, TNF- α, HSP70 and TLR-2) in liver of the fish were significantly affected (P < 0.05) by supplementation of G. candidum post bacterial challenge. The results showed that G. candidum is a potential probiotic as it could improve feed utilization, immunity and cause no harmful effects on growth of gibel carp at higher supplementation levels. The productive results can be achieved by using the lower dose as 106-108 CFU/kg diet.

Investigating Clinical Efficacy and Mechanism of Qingfei Paidu Decoction for Treatment of COVID-19 Based on Integrative Pharmacology / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:Potential targets and pathways of Qingfei Paidu decoction（QFPD）for treating coronavirus disease-2019（COVID-19） were analyzed based on the integrative pharmacology，the efficacy and material basis was predicted.This study provide a reference for the development and clinical application of QFPD. Method:Based on the integrative pharmacology of traditional Chinese medicine（TCMIP V2.0），the key targets and pathways of the intervention of QFPD on COVID-19 were enriched，the interaction network of "formula-herb-disease-targets-pathways" was constructed to explored the molecular mechanism of QFPD for the treatment of COVID-19. Result:The research results show that key-targets such as cell tumor antigen p53（tp53），protein kinase B1（Akt1），Nuclear factor nuclear transcription factor-κB（NF-κB）p105 subunit（NFKB1），nuclear factor p65 subunit（RELA），human NF-κB inhibited protein α（NFKBIA），ect.Closely associated with lung damage.The pathways such as interleukin signaling，adrenoceptors，7 members of the family of c-type lectin domains A（CLEC7A）/inflammasome pathway，phosphoinositide-3-kinase（PI3K）/protein kinase B（Akt）inflammatory signaling pathway，tp53 regulates transcription of DNA repair ect. may be the key pathways related with QFPD's effect on the treatment of COVID-19 accompany with lung injury， fever， cough and other symptoms.The results show that QFPD has many clinical effects， such as anti-inflammatory， anti-virus， strengthening immunity， inhibit the development of pulmonary fibrosis， protecting heart and lungs， treating asthma， regulating gastrointestinal tract， etc.In addition， there is a good synergism between the original prescription and the combined prescription， and each original prescription has its own emphasiscan prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Conclusion:QFPD plays a role in balancing immunity and eliminating inflammation，and it can treat COVID-19 by multi-pathway，multi-channel，multi-target and multi-link.This study also provides a new idea for the research of prevention and treatment of modern infectious diseases by use the traditional Chinese medicine.

Resection might be a meaningful choice for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein thrombosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: According to the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system, the presence of portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) is considered to indicate an advanced stage of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with nearly no cure. Hepatic resection and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) have recently been recommended for treatment of HCC with PVTT. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review to compare the overall survival between patients with HCC and PVTT undergoing hepatectomy, TACE or conservative treatment including sorafenib chemotherapy. The PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. All relevant studies were considered. Hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for comparison of the cumulative overall survival. Ten retrospective studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. RESULTS: Overall survival was not higher in the hepatectomy group than TACE group. But survival rate was higher in hepatectomy group than conservative group. The subgroup analysis demonstrated that hepatectomy was superior in patients without PVTT in the main trunk than in patients with main portal vein invasion. In patients without main PVTT, hepatectomy has showed more benefit than TACE. However, there has been no significant difference between the hepatectomy and TACE groups among patients with main PVTT. CONCLUSION: For patients with resectable HCC and PVTT, hepatectomy might be more effective in patients without PVTT in the main trunk than TACE or conservative treatment.

[Study on benchmark preparation technology of boiled and powdered classical prescriptions by taking Houpo Wenzhong Decoction as an example].

In recent years,the development and application of classical famous prescriptions have attracted much attention. However,the differences between ancient and modern conditions lead to difficulties in carrying out practical work. In this paper,with Houpu Wenzhong Decoction as an example,the key technologies of boiling granularity,water addition,boiling time and sample pretreatment methods were investigated on the basis of sufficient literature research. The experimental results showed that there was no significant difference in the concentration of index components between those with different granularity( 2 mm and 3-5 mm) and different decocting time( 30 min and 60 min),but the extraction rate of index components was relatively high when the granularity of powder was 2 mm and decocting time was 30 min. With the increase of water content,the concentration of index components and the extraction rate were increased in varying degrees. A certain proportion of methanol aqueous solution was used as the resolvent before content determination of the reference sample of Houpu Wenzhong Decoction,which could take into account both the spectral information of water-soluble components and fat-soluble components in the prescription,and help to display the overall information of the prescription' s chemical components more comprehensively. At the same time,the boiling and dispersing classical prescriptions in the Catalogue of Ancient Classical Prescriptions( the first batch) were collected and summarized in this study; the key influencing factors of decocting process were analyzed from different angles,and preliminary research suggestions were put forward,so as to provide a certain direction and reference for the establishment of quality standard of Houpu Wenzhong Decoction,as well as for the development,research and clinical application of boiling and dispersing classical prescriptions.

[In vitro transdermal permeation of main compositions in Baimai Ointment].

To establish a determination method for the contents of ammonium glycyrrhetate,nardosinone,and curcumin in transdermal receptor liquid of Baimai Ointment,and investigate the percutaneous permeability of Baimai Ointment and the effects of two kinds of penetration enhancers on percutaneous absorption of three components. The contents of ammonium glycyrrhetate,nardosinone,and curcumin in transdermal receptor liquid were determined by high pressure liquid chromatography( HPLC). The vertical modified Franz diffusion cell was used to perform a transdermal experiment in vitro with the abdominal skin of mice( treated and untreated). The transdermal receptor liquid was preferably used to investigate the transdermal absorption rule of the Baimai Ointment and the effect of the penetration enhancer. The results showed that the comprehensive solubility of PEG-ET-NS( 3 ∶3 ∶4) was best among three types of receptor liquid PG-ET-NS( 3 ∶3 ∶4),PEG-ET-NS( 3 ∶3 ∶4),ET-NS( 3 ∶7). PEG-ET-NS was used as the receptor liquid for in vitro transdermal experiments. The cumulative permeation area of ammonium glycyrrhetate,nardosinone and curcumin within 24 h was 5. 73,18. 99,0. 38 µg·cm~(-2)respectively. Taking QEFand ER as comprehensive evaluation indicators of permeation performance,the comprehensive penetration-promoting performance of ammonium glycyrrhizinate: 3% PEG 400-ethanol-normal saline ≈ 1. 19 times( 3%azone) = 1. 94 times( blank); comprehensive penetration-promoting performance of nardosinone: 3% PEG 400-ethanol-normal saline≈1. 28 times( 3% azone) = 1. 37 times( blank); the comprehensive penetration performance of curcumin: 3% PEG 400-ethanol-normal saline≈1. 77 times( 3% azone) ≈3. 42 times( blank). The comprehensive penetration enhancement properties of the two penetration enhancers were as follows: 3% PEG 400-ethanol-normal saline>3%azone>blank. The transdermal absorption curve of ammonium glycyrrhetate,nardosinone and curcumin in Baimai Ointment were consistent with the zero-order equation,indicating that the transdermal absorption process was irrelevant to the concentration of three components,and its was a diffusion process. This experiment provides reference for the study of ointment transdermal preparations.

[~1H-NMR-based metabonomics analysis of the acute hepatotoxicity mechanism of Artemisia argyi essential oil].

This study based on~1H-NMR urine metabolomics technique combined with biochemical indicators to focus on studying the acute hepatotoxicity mechanism of Artemisia argyi essential oil( AAEO). In order to further explore the acute hepatotoxicity mechanism of AAEO,the researchers collected the urine nuclear magnetic data of rats in different periods of high and low doses of olive oil and AAEO group. Using the principal component analysis( PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discrimination analysis( OPLSDA) to analyze the endogenous small molecule metabolites in rat urine to study the effects of AAEO on the metabolic process of normal rats. The results showed there was a significant difference between the olive oil group and the AAEO group,the PCA scores chart demonstrated that there was no obvious separation tendency in the urine of olive oil group rats 0-6,6-12,12-24 h,and the metabolic components were distributed in aggregation pattern. The urinary metabolic trajectory of the rats in the AAEO group was conspicuously separated at 0-6,6-12,12-24 h. The experiments proved that the analysis of metabolites by~1H-NMR found that AAEO caused metabolic disorders in rats and produced acute hepatotoxicity. After metabolite differential comparison,it was speculated that the mechanism of acute hepatotoxicity may be involved in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and energy metabolism,while the citrate and oleanolic acid would be the potential biomarkers. This study discussed that the acute hepatotoxicity mechanism of AAEO was used to provide the experimental data for the clinical prescription of Artemisia argyi.

Clinical improvement following vitamin D3 supplementation in children with chronic tic disorders.

PURPOSE: Vitamin D deficiency has been found in children with chronic tic disorders (CTDs). Our previous data showed that serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level in children with CTDs was lower than that of the healthy controls and lower serum 25(OH)D level was associated with increased severity of the tic disorder. Thus, we intend to further verify this phenomenon and examine the effect of vitamin D3 on CTDs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In total, 120 children with CTDs and 140 normal controls were enrolled in this study, with 36/120 of those in the CTD group receiving vitamin D3 treatment for 3 months. The Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) and Clinical Global Impression of Severity of Illness (CGI-SI) were, respectively, used to evaluate the tic severity. High-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry were used to measure serum 25(OH)D level. RESULTS: Those children with CTDs exhibited significantly lower 25(OH)D levels than did healthy controls, and these reduced 25(OH)D levels were linked to increasing severity of tic symptoms. After treatment with supplemental vitamin D3, serum 25(OH)D level and scores of YGTSS total, motor tics, phonic tics, total tic, impairment, and CGI-SI improved significantly in children with CTDs without any adverse reactions. CONCLUSION: Supplementation vitamin D3, given its low cost and excellent safety, may be an effective means of improving symptoms in certain children with CTDs.

[Analysis on quality value transmitting of substance benchmarks of Linggui Zhugan Decoction].

By preparing 10 batches of the material reference of Linggui Zhugan Decoction,the methodology of the characteristic spectrum of the material reference was created. The creaming rate range,the contents and the transfer rate range of cinnamaldehyde,glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhizic acid,the characteristic peaks and the similarity range of the characteristic spectrum of Linggui Zhugan Decoction were determined to clarify key quality attributes of the material reference of Linggui Zhugan Decoction. In the 10 batches of the material reference of Linggui Zhugan Decoction,the similarity of characteristic spectrum was higher than 0. 9. Furthermore,after summarizing the characteristic peak information,we knew that Fuling had two characteristic peaks,Guizhi had six characteristic peaks,Baizhu had two characteristic peaks and Gancao had 11 characteristic peaks. The average creaming rate of the material reference of the ten batches was( 12. 13 ± 0. 35) %. The average content of cinnamaldehyde was 0. 32%,the average transfer rate was 10. 69%,the content of cinnamaldehyde in the different batches was between 0. 22% and 0. 42%,and the transfer rate was between 7. 48% and13. 90%. The average content of glycyrrhizin was 0. 84%,the average transfer rate was 50. 39%,the content of glycyrrhizin in the different batches was between 0. 42% and 1. 26%,and the transfer rate was between 35. 27% and 65. 51%. The average content of glycyrrhizic was 1. 88%,the average transfer rate was 40. 74%,the content of glycyrrhizic in the different batches was between 0. 94% and2. 82%,and the transfer rate was between 28. 52% and 52. 96%. In this paper,the quality value transmitting of substance benchmarks of Linggui Zhugan Decoction was analyzed by the combination of characteristic spectrum,creaming rate and the content of index component. A scientific and stable method was preliminarily established,which provided scientific basis for the quality control and formulation development of Linggui Zhugan Decoction.

Establishment of WHO/ISUP grading prediction model for renal clear cell carcinoma based on CT radiomics / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective@#A predictive model of WHO/ISUP grading of renal clear cell carcinoma was constructed based on CT radiomics.@*Methods@#The clinical data of 104 patients with ccRCC confirmed by operation or biopsy from March 2014 to December 2018 in the Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine were retrospectively analyzed. There were 70 males and 34 females, and the age was 61.2±11.7 years. The patients were randomly divided into development cohort (73 cases) and validation cohort (31 cases) by stratified sampling according to 7∶3 ratio. According to the WHO/ISUP pathological grading criteria of renal cancer in 2016, Ⅰ and Ⅱ were defined as low-grade group, Ⅲ and Ⅳ were defined as high-grade group. The radiomics features of ccRCC were calculated in cortical phase images of CT enhanced scanning. LASSO regression was used to reduce the radiomics feature dimensionality in the training group, and to establish radiomics risk scores. The binary logistic regression was used to build the prediction model, which was used in the validation group. Bootstrap method was used to validate the model of training and validation group. AUC, sensitivity and specificity were calculated respectively. Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test was used to evaluate model calibration degree.@*Results@#After dimensionality reduction, the radiomics risk score of ccRCC was established. The low and high-level risk scores of the training group were -2.49±1.73 and 1.23±2.17, with significant difference (t=-7.785, P < 0.01). The binary logistic regression multivariate analysis showed that the radiomics risk score was an independent risk factor in identifying low or high-grade ccRCC with odds ratio of (OR=3.576, 95%CI 1.964~6.513). The predictive model was Y=1/[1+ exp(-Z)], Z=1.274×radiomics risk score+ 0.072. The AUC of radiomics risk score in training group was 0.940 (95%CI 0.883-0.998) with 95.5% sensitivity and 88.2% specificity after internal verification by Bootstrap method, and good Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test (χ2=4.463, P>0.05). The low and high-level risk scores of the Validation group were -2.27±2.02 and 0.82±2.08, with significant difference (t=-3.832, P<0.01). The AUC in validation group was 0.859(95%CI 0.723-0.995) with 77.8% sensitivity and 81.8% specificity, and with good Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test (χ2=14.554, P=0.068) as well.@*Conclusions@#The prediction model based on CT radiomics has high accuracy in predicting high or low grade of ccRCC.

Research progress and application of 3D printing technology in preparation process / 中草药

With the development of high and new technology, such as material chemistry and computer technology, the formulation process is also constantly innovating and improving. In recent years, 3D printing technology has become a research hotspot in the formulation industry. Different from traditional preparation methods, 3D printing technology can realize personalized production and solve storage problems of drugs. Because of its advantages of simple production, convenient carrying, low cost and strong patient compliance, it may change the design and production mode of drugs in the future and have good development prospects in the field of preparation. This paper reviews principles, the latest research progresses, advantages and challenges of 3D printing by searching CNKI, SCI, Springer databases and collating relevant literatures, and forecasts the development of 3D printing technology in the field of traditional Chinese medicine preparations, aiming to provide some references for the application of the technology in the traditional Chinese medicine preparation industry.