Integrated serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology to explore the mechanism of Yi-Shan-Hong formula in alleviating chronic liver injury.

BACKGROUND: Chronic liver injury (CLI) is a complex condition that requires effective therapeutic interventions. The Yi-Shan-Hong (YSH) formula is an empirically derived remedy that has shown effectiveness and safety in the management of chronic liver damage. However, the bioactive components and multifaceted mechanisms of YSH remain inadequately understood. PURPOSE: To examine the bioactive compounds and functional processes that contribute to the therapeutic benefits of YSH against CLI. METHODS: Serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology were employed to identify active compounds and possible targets of YSH in CLI. In addition, YSH was also given in three doses to d-(+)-galactosamine hydrochloride (D-GalN) -induced CLI rats to test its therapeutic efficacy. RESULTS: The analysis of serum samples successfully detected 25 compounds from YSH. Searches on the databases resulted in 277 genes as being correlated with chemicals in YSH, and 397 genes associated with CLI. In vivo experiments revealed that YSH displayed a notable therapeutic impact on liver injury caused by d-GalN. This was evidenced by enhanced liver function and histopathological improvements, reduced oxidative stress response, proinflammatory factors, and fibrosis levels. Importantly, no discernible adverse effects were observed. Furthermore, the administration of YSH treatment reversed the activation of AKT phosphorylation caused by d-GalN, aligning with the findings of the network pharmacology study. CONCLUSION: These findings provide preclinical evidence of YSH's therapeutic value in CLI and highlight its hepatoprotective action via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Toddalia asiatica extract attenuates adjuvant-induced arthritis by modulating colon Th17/Treg balance and colony homeostasis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Given the adverse effects of the current principal treatments, there is still a great need for effective cures for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an immune-mediated disease. Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam is a traditional medicinal herb that can be used for RA treatment because of its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the possible effects of Toddalia asiatica extract (TAE) on intestinal immunity and the intestinal bacterial flora in a rat model of RA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The anti-arthritis effect of TAE was evaluated in arthritis rats induced by complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA). Arthritis index (AI) scores, systemic inflammation scores, histopathologic changes in the colon and ankle were detected by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Western blot analysis was performed to assess the protein expression of IL-17A, RORC, IL-1ß, IL-6, FOXP3, IL-10 in the colon. RT-PCR was performed to assess the expression of the colon's mRNA. Finally, changes to the gut microbiome by sequencing 16S rDNA. Microbial function prediction was performed using PICRUSt with the KEGG databases and correlation analysis was carried out by computing Spearman's rank correlations. RESULTS: demonstrated that TAE administration at a dose of 3 g/kg dramatically decreased AI scores, systemic inflammation scores, and histopathologic lesions of the ankle and colon in AIA rats. TAE was found to significantly reduce the expression levels of Th17-related proteins and mRNAs (IL-17A, RORC, IL-1ß and IL-6) in the colon, while increasing the expression levels of Treg-related proteins and mRNA (IL-10 and FOXP3), which helped restore the balance of Th17/Treg immune cells in the colon. Meanwhile, TAE was also found to be capable of remodeling the gut microbiota in AIA rats. Depleting RA-associated genera and thereby increasing α-diversity enriched the gut microbiota's diversity and shifted the community composition dramatically, leading to the increase of Firmicutes_unclassified, Ruminococcaceae_unclassified, Muribaculum, Subdoligranulum, Lachnospira, Marvinbryantia, and the reduction of RA-related bacteria Ligilactobacillus, Streptococcus and Eubacterium-eligens-group. Furthermore, PICRUSt analysis revealed that metabolic pathways were associated with TAE treatment, with metabolic pathways dominating. Among them, metabolic pathways were predominant. Correlation studies showed that a total of 9 microorganisms, including Ligilactobacillus, Eubacterium-eligens-group and Subdoligranulum, were significantly associated with Th17/Treg expression. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that TAE is a low-toxicity poly alkaline drug that can rapidly and effectively improve joint symptoms in RA rats and increases beneficial intestinal bacteria and decreases harmful ones, which is associated with modulating Th17/Treg interactions in intestinal T cells and reversing microbial disorders.

Treatment of Psoriasis Vulgaris with Medicated Thread Moxibustion of Zhuang Medicine: A Multicenter Randomized, Parallel Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the efficacy and safety of Zhuang medicine medicated thread moxibustion (ZMTM) on psoriasis vulgaris. METHODS: A multicenter, randomized, parallel controlled clinical trial was designed. A total of 241 outpatients with psoriasis vulgaris were randomly divided into a control group (120 cases) and a treatment group (121 cases) using a central block randomization from June 2015 to May 2018. The control group was treated with Western medicines alone including pidotimod dispersible tablets, vitamin B compound tablets, and compound cod liver oil-zinc oxide ointment. The treatment group was treated with ZMTM every 2 days combined with Western medicines. The two groups received continuous intervention for 30 days. The primary outcome was Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), and the secondary outcomes included Itch Rating Scale, Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), as well as PASI response rate. Meanwhile, adverse events were evaluated during the whole clinical trial. Follow-up was carried out 30 days after treatment. RESULTS: There were 5 cases of shedding in this trial. In intention-to-treat analysis, 236 cases were included and each group contained 118 cases. On the 30th and 60th days, PASI scores of patients in each group were significantly lower than that at baseline (P<0.01) and the PASI score reduction of the treatment group was greater than that of the control group (P<0.01). Itch Rating Scale, DLQI, and HAMA scale were decreased in both groups after treatment, and the treatment group showed a better therapeutic effect (P<0.01). The response rates of PASI 50 and 75 were significantly higher than those in the control group [81.4% (96/118), 43.2% (51/118) vs. 41.5% (49/118), 11.0% (13/118), respectively, P<0.05]. During follow-up, the improvements in scores of PASI, Itch Rating Scale, DLQI, and HAMA of the treatment group were significantly greater than those of the control group (P<0.01). The response rates of PASI 50 and 75 in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group, respectively (both P<0.05). No obvious adverse reaction was found in either group. CONCLUSION: ZMTM combined with Western medicines showed a better therapeutic effect in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris without obvious adverse reaction. (Trial Registration No. ChiCTR-IOR-16008159).

Chinese herbal compound prescription for Endometriosis: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis (EMT) is one of the common diseases of women of childbearing age. EMT destroys the anatomical structure of the pelvis, which leads to abnormal ovulation and endocrine abnormalities. It also affects embryo implantation and makes patients infertile. Recently, it is confirmed that Chinese medicine also have an excellent clinical efficacy on EMT. Compared with the conventional western medicine treatment, it effectively relieve pain and other concomitant symptoms. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The following databases will be searched for relevant information before July 2020: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and CNKI. MAJOR RESULTS: the overall effective rate, VAS score. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: blood serum estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), adverse events. Data will be collected independently by 2 researchers, and the risk of bias in meta-analysis will be evaluated according to "Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions". All data analysis will be conducted using Review Manager V.5.3. and Stata V.12.0. RESULTS: The curative effect and safety of Chinese herbal compound prescription treatment for EMT patients will be evaluated systematically. CONCLUSION: The systematic review of this study will summarize the currently published evidence of Chinese herbal compound prescription treatment for EMT to further guide its promotion and application. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The private information from individuals will not be published. This systematic review also will not involve endangering participant rights. Ethical approval is not required. The results may be published in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated in relevant conferences. OPEN SCIENCE FRAMEWORK (OSF) REGISTRATION NUMBER:: https://osf.io/p5nrk.

Auricular acupuncture for premature ovarian insufficiency: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: A lot of attention has been given to premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) as it poses considerable health risks to women. It is characterized by oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea, infertility, autoimmune disorders, and ischemic heart disease, with increased mortality. Previous research indicates that auricular acupuncture is proven effective in treating POI in clinical practice. However, systematic review has not been carried out. Therefore, this study aims at evaluating the curative effect and safety of auricular acupuncture treatment for POI through systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The following databases will be searched for relevant information before August 2020: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and CNKI. MAJOR RESULTS: levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estrogen (E2). Secondary results: modified Kupperman Index, imaging results including ovarian size, antral follicle count, and blood flow changes in the ovary using color Doppler ultrasound; total effective rate, adverse event and intervention, and hospitalization expenses. Data will be collected independently by 2 researchers, and the risk of bias in meta-analysis will be evaluated according to "Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions". All data analysis will be conducted using Review Manager V.5.3. and Stata V.12.0. RESULTS: The curative effect and safety of auricular acupuncture treatment for POI patients will be evaluated systematically. CONCLUSION: In the systematic review, the published evidence of auricular acupuncture treatment for POI will be summarized to provide guidance for promotion and application. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The private information from individuals will not be published. This systematic review also will not involve endangering participant rights. Ethical approval is not required. The results may be published in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated in relevant conferences.Open Science Framework (OSF) registration number: http://osf.io/tg9mw.

Traditional therapies of Zhuang medicine improve pain and joint dysfunction of patients in rheumatoid arthritis: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease, which can lead to joint destruction, dysfunction, finally deformity. Currently, Western medicine treats it with disease-modifying antireheumatic drugs, NSAIDs, glucocorticoid, biological agents, etc, which can induce adverse drug reactions. And now, as an important mean of treating RA, Zhuang medicine has been widely used in clinics, and has achieved significant efficacy. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The following databases will be searched for relevant information before July 2020: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. MAJOR RESULTS: levels of C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, Rheumatoid factor. Secondary results: morning stiffness time, range of motion, arthralgia, joint tenderness index, joint swelling index, total effective rate, adverse event. Data will be collected independently by 2 researchers, and the risk of bias in meta analysis will be evaluated according to "Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions". All data analysis will be conducted using Review Manager V.5.3. and Stata V.12.0. RESULTS: The curative effect and safety of traditional therapies of Zhuang Medicine treatment for RA patients will be evaluated systematically. CONCLUSION: The systematic review of this study will summarize the currently published evidence of traditional therapies of Zhuang Medicine treatment for RA to further guide its promotion and application.Open Science Framework (OSF) registration number: https://osf.io/c4xv3/.

Active Ingredients and Anti-Arthritic Mechanisms of Ba-Wei-Long-Zuan Granule Revealed by 1 H-NMR-Based Metabolomics Combined with Network Pharmacology Analysis.

Ba-Wei-Long-Zuan granule (BWLZ) is a traditional herbal preparation. It has been widely used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, its active ingredients and mechanisms of action are still unclear. The present study aims to reveal the active compounds and anti-arthritic mechanisms of BWLZ against collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) by using 1 H-NMR-based metabolomics, molecular docking and network pharmacology methods. After 30 days of administration, BWLZ could effectively improve the metabolic disorders in CIA rats. The anti-arthritic effect of BWLZ was related to its restoration of 16 disturbed serum metabolites. Molecular docking and network analysis showed that 20 compounds present in BWLZ could act on multiple targets. Among them, coclaurine and hesperidin showed the highest hit rates for target proteins related to both metabolic regulation and RA, indicating that these two compounds might be potential active ingredients of BWLZ. Moreover, pathway enrichment analysis suggested that the anti-arthritic mechanisms of BWLZ might be attributed to its network regulation of several biological processes, such as steroid hormone biosynthesis, mTOR signaling pathway, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, and synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies. These results provide further evidence for the anti-arthritic properties of BWLZ and are beneficial for its quality control and clinical application. The potential targets and biological processes found in this study may provide valuable information for further studying the molecular mechanisms of BWLZ against RA. In addition, our work provides new insights for revealing the active ingredients and regulatory mechanisms of complex herbal preparations.

Efficacy of electroacupuncture combined with probiotics for depression and chronic diarrhea in patients and effect on serum inflammatory cytokines, NE and BDNF.

Efficacy of electroacupuncture combined with probiotics for depression and chronic diarrhea in patients, and its effect on the levels of serum inflammatory cytokines, norepinephrine (NE) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were investigated. A total of 104 patients with depression and chronic diarrhea admitted to The First Clinical Faculty, Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from July 2014 to June 2018 were randomly divided into the observation group (n=56) and the control group (n=48). The observation group was treated with electroacupuncture combined with probiotics, and the control group was given conventional drugs for depression and chronic diarrhea. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) score and the abdominal symptom score were evaluated before treatment and at 3 weeks after treatment. Changes in the levels of serum inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-6, IL-2 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α] as well as the levels of NE and BDNF in the two groups of patients before and after treatment were determined using radioimmunoassay. Compared with those in the control group, the symptoms of depression and diarrhea in the observation group were remarkably alleviated (p<0.05). After treatment, the serum cytokine levels in the two groups of patients were decreased, and the decreased level of serum inflammatory cytokines in the observation group was not obviously different from that in the control group. Besides, the serum BDNF level in the observation group was also reduced (p<0.05). The overall efficacy of the observation group was superior to that of the control group, showing a statistical difference. Electroacupuncture combined with probiotics brings good efficacy to patients with depression and chronic diarrhea, which is worthy of clinical promotion and development.

Chemical Composition of Bawei Longzuan Granule and Its Anti-Arthritic Activity on Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Rats by Inhibiting Inflammatory Responses.

Bawei Longzuan granule (BLG) is a representative Zhuang medicine preparation. The present work aims to characterize the chemical constituents of BLG and evaluate its anti-arthritic activity. The major chemical constituents of BLG were tentatively identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS), which revealed the presence of some alkaloids (e. g., magnoflorine, sinomenine and nitidine) and flavonoids (e. g., hesperidin, diosmin and sinensetin) that may be partly responsible for the anti-arthritic effect of BLG. In addition, the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model in rats was induced by intradermal injection of bovine collagen-II in complete Freund's adjuvant at the base of tail. The CIA rats received oral administration of BLG (1.25, 2.5 and 5 g/kg) for 30 days. Then, various indicators were determined to evaluate its anti-arthritic activity, including paw swelling, arthritic score, body weight, knee joint pathology, thymus index and spleen index. Additionally, the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-4 and IL-10 were measured to determine the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that BLG efficiently ameliorated the severity of arthritis in CIA rats by decreasing paw swelling and arthritis score and improving the histological lesions of knee joint. Moreover, the serum levels of several pro-inflammatory cytokines (i. e., IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-6 and IFN-γ) were downregulated, whereas two anti-inflammatory factors (i. e., IL-4 and IL-10) were upregulated after BLG administration. These results indicated that BLG possessed promising therapeutic effect on collagen-induced arthritis by inhibiting inflammatory responses. BLG can be used as a complementary or alternative traditional medicine to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

A Network Pharmacology Approach to Explore Mechanism of Action of Longzuan Tongbi Formula on Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Longzuan Tongbi Formula (LZTB) is an effective proved prescription in Zhuang medicine for treating active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, its active ingredients, underlying targets, and pharmacological mechanism are still not clear in treating RA. We have applied network pharmacology to study LZTB and found that 8 herbs in LZTB and 67 compounds in the 8 herbs are involved in the regulation of RA-related genes; we have conducted pathway analysis of overlapping genes and found that 7 herbs participate in the regulations of 24 pathways associated with RA and that 5 herbs in the 7 herbs and 25 compounds in the 5 herbs participate in the regulation of hsa05323 (rheumatoid arthritis). The results indicated that all herbs in LZTB and some compounds in those herbs participate in the treatment of RA; 25 compounds are main active ingredients and hsa05323 (rheumatoid arthritis) is the major pathway in the treatment of RA. We have also found that three pathways (inflammatory mediator regulation of TRP channels, PPAR signaling pathway, and mTOR signaling pathway) might have some effect on the treatment of RA.

Chinese Medicines in the Treatment of Prostate Cancer: From Formulas to Extracts and Compounds.

In order to fully understand the progresses and achievements in Chinese medicines for the treatment of prostate cancer, we summarize all the available reports on formulas, extracts, and compounds of Chinese medicines against prostate cancer. A number of clinical trials verified that traditional Chinese formulas had some unique advantages in the treatment of prostate cancer. Many Chinese medicine extracts could protect against prostate cancer, and many compounds isolated from Chinese traditional medicines showed a clear anti-prostate cancer effect. However, Chinese medicines are facing many problems regarding their multicomponent nature, complicated mechanisms of action, and high doses required for therapy. Herein, we review the functions of Chinese medicines in prostate cancer and focus on their mechanisms. The review will deepen the understanding of Chinese medicines potential in the anti-prostate cancer field. In addition, we put forward a question concerning the current research on Chinese medicines: in order to better illustrate that Chinese medicines can be used in the clinical treatment of prostate cancer, should our research focus on formulas, extracts, or compounds?

Effects of Rubiadin isolated from Prismatomeris connata on anti-hepatitis B virus activity in vitro.

Prismatomeris connata was a kind of Rubiaceae plant for treatment of hepatitis, hepatic fibrosis and silicosis. Whereas, the effective components of Prismatomeris connata remains unexplored. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effects and mechanisms of Rubiadin isolated from Prismatomeris connata against HBV using HepG2.2.15 cells. The levels of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), and hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) in the supernatants or cytoplasm were examined using by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. HBV DNA was qualified q-PCR. Rubiadin was isolated by silica gel column. The structure of the compound was elucidated by HPLC, FT-IR, 1 H-NMR, 13 C-NMR and identified as 1,3-Dihydroxy-2-methyl-9, 10-anthraquinone. Rubiadin significantly decreased HBeAg,HBcAg secretion level and inhibit HBV DNA replication. Rubiadin inhibits the proliferation of the cells and HBx protein expression in a dose-dependent manner. The intracellular calcium concentration was significantly reduced. These results demonstrated that Rubiadin could inhibit HepG2.2.15 cells proliferation, reduce the level of HBx expression, and intracellular free calcium, which might become a novel anti-HBV drug candidate.

[Effects of Longzuan Tongbi Recipe on Fas/FasL Systems in Serum and Synovium of Collagen-in- duced Arthritis Rats].

Objective To observe the effect of Longzuan Tongbi Recipe (LTR) on Fas/FasL sys- tems in serum and synovium of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats. Methods Ten rats were randomly selected from 60 male Wistar rats as a normal control group. CIA model was prepared by injecting type II bovine collagen and incomplete Freund's adjuvant mixture in the rest 50 rats. After modeling rats were di- vided into the model group, the methotrexate (MTX) group, high, middle, and low dose LTR groups, 10 in each group. Normal saline was administered to rats in the model group by gastrogavage. MTX solution (0.27 mg/100 g) was administered to rats in the MTX group by gastrogavage, once per week for 4 succes- sive weeks. LTR (4.32, 2.16, 1.08 g/mL) was administered to rats in the 3 LTR groups by gastrogavage, twice per day for 30 successive days. Morphological changes of synovium were observed by HE staining. Expression levels of Fas/FasL in rat serum and synovium were quantitatively detected by ELISA. Results Normal synovium cells could be seen in the normal group. But they were obviously proliferated, fat cells in the lower synovium were reduced or deformed, fibroblasts were increased in the model group, accompa- nied with infiltration of lymphocytes and monocytes. All these changes were more obviously alleviated in the MTX group, and the 3 LTR groups. Compared withI the normal control group, Fas expression level in- creased in rat serum and synovium, serum FasL expression level decreased in the model group (P <0. 05, P <0. 01). Compared with the model group, Fas expression level decreased in rat serum and synovium in the MTX group, high and middle dose LTR groups; Fas expression level in rat serum increased in the MTX group and 3 LTR groups; Fas expression level in synovium increased in the MTX group, high and middle dose LTR groups (P <0. 05, P <0. 01). Compared with the MTX group, Fas expression level in serum of the low dose LTR group, and Fas expression level in synovium of low and middle dose LTR groups was elevat- ed; Fas expression level in serum and synovium of the high dose LTR group was reduced; FasL expres- sion level in serum and synovium of low and middle dose LTR groups was reduced; FasL expression level in serum and synovium increased of the high dose LTR group (P <0. 05, P <0. 01). Conclusion LTR could control and treat rheumatoid arthritis, and its mechanism might lie in regulating. Fas/FasL systems media- ted cell apoptosis, and relieving pathological reaction of rheumatoid arthritis.

Effectiveness and safety of dabigatran and warfarin in real-world US patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The recent availability of dabigatran, a novel oral anticoagulant, provided a new treatment option for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation beyond warfarin, the main therapy for years. Little is known about their real-world comparative effectiveness and safety, even less among patient demographic and clinical subgroups. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using a cohort of non-valvular AF patients initiating anticoagulation from October 2010 to December 2012 drawn from a large US database of commercial and Medicare supplement claims, we applied propensity score weights to Cox proportional hazards regression to assess the comparative effectiveness and safety of dabigatran versus warfarin. Analyses were repeated among clinical and demographic subgroups using stratum-specific propensity scores as an exploratory analysis. Of the 64 935 patients initiating anticoagulation, 32.5% used dabigatran. Compared with warfarin, dabigatran was associated with a lower risk of ischemic stroke or systemic embolism (composite adjusted Hazard Ratio [aHR], 95% CI: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.79 to 0.93), hemorrhagic stroke (aHR: 0.51, 0.40 to 0.65), and acute myocardial infarction (aHR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.77 to 0.99), and no relation was seen between dabigatran and the composite harm outcome (aHR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.87 to 1.01). However, dabigatran was associated with a higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (aHR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.22). Estimates of effectiveness and safety appeared to be mostly similar across subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Dabigatran could be a safe and potentially more effective alternative to warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation managed in routine practice settings.

[UFLC-PDA fingerprint of Tibetan medicine Pterocephalus hookeir].

This study was aimed to establish an UFLC fingerprint of Tibetan medicine Pterocephalus hookeir samples from different habitats. UFLC-PDA was adopted to analyse 21 batches of P. hookeir samples from different habitats. The chromatographic condition was as follow: Agilent proshell 120 SB-C18 column (4.6 mm x 100 mm, 2.7 microm) eluted with the mobile phases of acetonitrile and 0.2% phosphoric acid water in gradient mode. The flow rate was 1.0 mL x min(-1), and the detection wavelength was set at 238 nm. The fingerprints of 21 batches P. hookeir were carried out by similarity comparation, and 15 chromatographic peaks were extracted as the common peaks of fingerprint, of which 5 peaks were identified as chlorogenic acid, loganin, sweroside, sylvestroside III, triplostoside A. The similarity degrees of 18 batchs of samples were above 0.9, and the other 3 batchs of samples were below 0.9. This is the first established fingerprint of P. hookeir by using UFLC-PDA. This method has good precision, stability and repeatability that it could provide basis for quality control and evaluation of P. hookeir.

Auditory mismatch negativity in cochlear implant users: a window to spectral discrimination.

A cochlear implant (CI) can partially restore hearing in patients with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. However, the large outcome variability in CI users prompts the need for more objective measures of speech perception performance. Electrophysiological metrics of CI performance may be an important tool for audiologists in the assessment of hearing rehabilitation. Utilizing electroencephalography (EEG), it may be possible to evaluate speech perception correlates such as spectral discrimination. The mismatch negativity (MMN) of 10 CI subjects was recorded for stimuli containing different spectral densities. The neural spectral discrimination threshold, estimated by the MMN responses, showed a significant correlation with the behavioral spectral discrimination threshold measured in each subject. Results suggest that the MMN can be potentially used to obtain an objective estimate of spectral discrimination abilities in CI users.

Linking selenium biogeochemistry to the sulfur-dependent biological detoxification of arsenic.

Geochemistry often reveals unexpected (anti)correlations. Arsenic (As) and selenium (Se) are cases in point. We explore the hypothesis that bacteria living in an As-replete environment recruited a biological process involving Se and sulfur to fulfil their need for As detoxification. In analogy with the formation of arsenolipids and arsenosugars, which are common non-toxic As metabolites derived from microbial and plant metabolism, we attempt to explain the prevalence of novel sulfur-containing As derivatives, in particular monothioarsenate, in the aqueous environment. Thiolated-As species have been overlooked so far mainly because of the difficulty of their identification. Based on comparative genomics, we propose a scenario where SelD and SelU proteins, commonly used to make selenophosphate and modify transfer RNA, have been recruited to make monothioarsenate, a relatively innocuous arsenical. This hypothesis is discussed in terms of the relative geochemical distribution of Se and As.

[Effects of medicated thread moxibustion of Zhuang medicine on sex hormone in ovariectomized rabbits].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of medicated thread moxibustion of Zhuang medicine (MTMZ) in treating perimenopausal period syndrome. METHODS: Thirty rabbits were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a medicated thread group, a no-medicated thread group and a sham operation group, 6 cases in each group. The model of perimenopausal period syndrome was established by ovariectomizing the ovary. The medicated thread group was treated with MTMZ at "Qizhou" acupoint (Extra), "Xiaguanyuan"(Extra), "Shenshu" (BL 23) and "Pishu" (BL 20), etc., once each day for 4 weeks. The no-medicated thread group was treated with no-medicated thread moxibustion at the same acupoints, and there is no treatment in the other groups. The changes of hormone level in each group before and after the treatment were observed. RESULTS: After ovariectomizing the ovary, the serum estradiol (E2) in the model group [(308.33 +/- 12.58) pmol/L], the medicated thread group [(304.96 +/- 13.85) pmol/L] and the no-medicated thread group [(303.43 +/- 10.57) pmol/L] were lower than that in the normal group [(478.09 +/- 12.23) pmol/L] and the sham operation group [(488.05 +/- 11.45) pmol/L] (all P < 0.01). After treatment, the E2 level in medicated thread group [(338.92 +/- 11.23) pmol/L] was higher than before (P < 0.01) and that in the model group [(300.53 +/- 13.68) pmol/L] and the no-medicated thread group [(309.74 +/- 13.59) pmol/L] (both P < 0.01), and the serum follicle stimulating hormone [FSH, (58.90 +/- 5.29) U/L] and luteinizing hormone [LH, (64.65 +/- 5.23) U/L] were lower than those in the model group [(65.41 +/- 5.19) U/L], [(71.85 +/- 5.30) U/L] (both P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: MTMZ can increase the serum E2 and reduce the serum FSH and LH in ovariectomized rabbits, and this may be one of the mechanisms of MTMZ for treatment of perimenopausal period syndrome.

[Observation on therapeutic effect of plum-blossom needle combined with medicated thread moxibustion of traditional zhuang nationality medicine on postherpetic neuralgia].

OBJECTIVE: To search for a better therapy for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) on the trunk. METHODS: One hundred and fifty cases with PHN on the trunk were randomly divided into group A, group B and group C, 50 cases in each group. The group A was treated with medicated thread moxibustion of traditional Zhuang nationality medicine at Kuihua point (special points of Zhuang nationality medicine), Jumei point (special points of Zhuang nationality medicine), Shousanli (LI 10), Neiguan (PC 6), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), etc; the group B with simple plum-blossom needle at Kuihua point and Jumei point; the group C with the above two therapies. The clinical effects of the three groups were compared. RESULTS: After 1 course of treatment, the effective rate was 88.0% (44/50) in the group C, being better than 72.0% (36/50) in the group A (P < 0.05) and 40.0% (20/50) in the group B (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). After 2 courses of treatment, the cured rate was 74.0% (37/50) in the group C, being better than 54.0% (27/50) in the group A (P < 0.05) and 22.0% (11/50) in the group B (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). No adverse reaction emerged during treatment. CONCLUSION: Plum-blossom needle combined with medicated thread moxibustion of traditional Zhuang nationality medicine has rapid therapeutic effect on PHN and is superior to that of simple medicated thread moxibustion of traditional Zhuang nationality medicine or plum-blossom needle therapy.