Magnetically Controlled Photothermal, Colorimetric, and Fluorescence Trimode Assay for Gastric Cancer Exosomes Based on Acid-Induced Decomposition of CP/Mn-PBA DSNBs.

The accurate quantification of cancer-derived exosomes, which are emerging as promising noninvasive biomarkers for liquid biopsies in the early diagnosis of cancer, is becoming increasingly imperative. In our work, we developed a magnetically controlled photothermal, colorimetric, and fluorescence trimode aptasensor for human gastric cancer cell (SGC-7901)-derived exosomes. This sensor relied on CP/Mn-PBA DSNBs nanocomposites, created by decorating copper peroxide (CP) nanodots on polyethyleneimine-modified manganese-containing Prussian blue analogues double-shelled nanoboxes (PEI-Mn-PBA DSNBs). Through self-assembly, we attached CD63 aptamer-labeled CP/Mn-PBA DSNBs (Apt-CP/Mn-PBA DSNBs) to complementary DNA-labeled magnetic beads (cDNA-MB). During exosome incubation, these aptamers preferentially formed complexes with exosomes, and we efficiently removed the released CP/Mn-PBA DSNBs by using magnetic separation. The CP/Mn-PBA DSNBs exhibited high photoreactivity and photothermal conversion efficiency under near-infrared (NIR) light, leading to temperature variations under 808 nm irradiation, correlating with different exosome concentrations. Additionally, colorimetric detection was achieved by monitoring the color change in a 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) system, facilitated by PEI modification, NIR-enhanced peroxidase-like activity of CP/Mn-PBA DSNBs and their capacity to generate Cu2+ and H2O2 under acidic conditions. Moreover, in the presence of Cu2+ and ascorbic acid (AA), DNA sequences could form dsDNA-templated copper nanoparticles (CuNPs), which emitted strong fluorescence at around 575 nm. Increasing exosome concentrations correlated with decreases in temperature, absorbance, and fluorescence intensity. This trimode biosensor demonstrated satisfactory ability in differentiating gastric cancer patients from healthy individuals using human serum samples.

Determination of oxidative deterioration in edible oils by high-pressure photoionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Since lipid oxidation often causes serious food safety issues worldwide, determination of oil's oxidative deterioration becomes quite significant, which still calls for efficient analytical methods. In this work, high-pressure photoionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPPI-TOFMS) was firstly introduced for rapid detection of oxidative deterioration in edible oils. Through non-targeted qualitative analysis, oxidized oils with various oxidation levels were successfully discriminated for the first time by coupling HPPI-TOFMS with the orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). Furthermore, by targeted interpretation of the HPPI-TOFMS mass spectra and the subsequent regression analysis (signal intensities vs TOTOX values), good linear correlations were observed for several predominant VOCs. Those specific VOCs were promising oxidation indicators, which would play important roles as TOTOX to judge the oxidation states of tested samples. The proposed HPPI-TOFMS methodology can be used as an innovative tool for accurate and effective assessment of lipid oxidation in edible oils.

[Discrimination of cultivation modes of Dendrobium nobile based on content of mineral elements and ratios of nitrogen stable isotopes].

This study explored the feasibility of mineral element content and ratios of nitrogen isotopes to discriminate the cultivation mode of Dendrobium nobile in order to provide theoretical support for the discrimination of the cultivation mode of D. nobile. The content of 11 mineral elements(N, K, Ca, P, Mg, Na, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, and B) and nitrogen isotope ratios in D. nobile and its substrate samples in three cultivation methods(greenhouse cultivation, tree-attached cultivation, and stone-attached cultivation) were determined. According to the analysis of variance, principal component analysis, and stepwise discriminant analysis, the samples of different cultivation types were classified. The results showed that the nitrogen isotope ratios and the content of elements except for Zn were significantly different among different cultivation types of D. nobile(P<0.05). The results of correlation analysis showed that the nitrogen isotope ratios, mineral element content, and effective component content in D. nobile were correlated with the nitrogen isotope ratio and mineral element content in the corresponding substrate samples to varying degrees. Principal component analysis can preliminarily classify the samples of D. nobile, but some samples overlapped. Through stepwise discriminant analysis, six indicators, including δ~(15)N, K, Cu, P, Na, and Ca, were screened out, which could be used to establish the discriminant model of D. nobile cultivation methods, and the overall correct discrimination rates after back-substitution test, cross-check, and external validation were all 100%. Therefore, nitrogen isotope ratios and mineral element fingerprints combined with multivariate statistical analysis could effectively discriminate the cultivation types of D. nobile. The results of this study provide a new method for the identification of the cultivation type and production area of D. nobile and an experimental basis for the quality evaluation and quality control of D. nobile.

[Yigong Powder regulates CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling to reduce glutamate release and prevent cognitive decline in mouse model of aging].

This study aims to explore the effect of preventive administration of Yigong Powder on the learning and memory abilities of the mouse model of aging induced by D-galactose and decipher the underlying mechanism, so as to provide a basis for the application of Yigong Powder in the prevention and treatment of cognitive decline. Forty KM mice were randomized into control, model, donepezil(1.5 mg·kg~(-1)), and high-dose(7.5 g·kg~(-1)) and low-dose(3.75 g·kg~(-1)) Yigong Powder groups. The mice in other groups except the control group were injected with D-galactose(200 g·kg~(-1)) at the back of the neck for the modeling of aging. At the same time, the mice were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage for one month. Morris water maze was used to examine the learning and memory abilities of the mice. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was employed to observe the pathological and morphological changes of the hippocampus. The immunofluorescence assay was employed to detect the expression of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1(IBA1), glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP), chemokine C-X-C-motif ligand 12(CXCL12), chemokine C-X-C-motif receptor 4(CXCR4) in the hippocampus and observe the positional relationship between IBA1, GFAP, and CXCR4. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of extracellular regulated kinase(ERK), p-ERK, and tumor necrosis factor receptor 1(TNFR1). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of glutamate and tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α) in the brain tissue and the level of TNF-α in the serum and spleen. Yigong Powder significantly shortened the escape latency, increased the times crossing platforms, and prolonged the cumulative time in quadrants of the aging mice. It alleviated the nerve cell disarrangement, increased intercellular space, and cell degeneration or death in the hippocampus and reduced the pathology score of the damaged nerve. Moreover, Yigong Powder reduced the positive area of IBA1 and GFAP, reduced the levels of TNF-α in the brain tissue, serum, and spleen, and decreased spleen index. Furthermore, Yigong Powder decreased the average fluorescence intensity of CXCL12 and CXCR4, reduced CXCR4-positive astrocytes and microglia, down-regulated the protein levels of p-ERK/ERK and TNFR1, and lowered the level of glutamate in the brain tissue. This study showed that the preventive administration of Yigong Powder can ameliorate the learning and memory decline of the D-galactose-induced aging mice by regulating the immune function of the spleen and the CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling in the brain to reduce glutamate release. However, the mechanism of Yigong San in preventing and treating dementia via regulating spleen and stomach function remains to be studied.

Rapid Identification of Adulteration in Extra Virgin Olive Oil via Dynamic Headspace Sampling and High-Pressure Photoionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry.

High-pressure photoionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPPI-TOFMS) combined with dynamic headspace sampling was developed for rapid identification of adulteration in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). The volatile organic compound (VOC) fingerprints of EVOO, refined rapeseed oil (r-RO), peanut oil (PO), corn oil (CO), fragrant rapeseed oil (f-RO), and sunflower oil (SO) were obtained in just 1.5 min, which enabled satisfactory classification of different edible oils. 1,4-Bis(methylene)cyclohexane and dimethyl disulfide were unique VOCs in r-RO and f-RO, respectively, while 2,5-dimethylpyrazine and 2-methylpyrazine were distinctive VOCs in PO. Percentages as low as 3% r-RO, 1% PO, and 1% f-RO in r-RO-EVOO, PO-EVOO, and f-RO-EVOO mixtures, respectively, were successfully identified based on the characteristic VOCs. Linear regression equations of these VOCs were established and utilized for predicting the adulteration proportions. The good agreements between the actual adulteration proportions and the predicted ones demonstrated that HPPI-TOFMS was reliable for the quantification of EVOO adulteration.

A study on the processing technology for Rhizoma Coptidis.

BACKGROUND: The present study intends to optimize the processing technology for the wine-processing of Rhizoma Coptidis, using alkaloids as indicators. METHOD: In the present study, the Box-Behnken design method was adopted to optimize the processing technology for Rhizoma Coptidis, using the alkaloid component quantities as the index. 100 g of Rhizoma Coptidis slices and 12.5 g of Rhizoma Coptidis wine were used. After full mixing, box-Behnken design method was used to optimize the processing time, processing temperature and processing time of coptis chinensis by taking alkaloid content as index. After mixing well, these components were fried in a container at 125 °C for 6 min and exhibited good parallelism. RESULTS: The content of alkaloids in coptis chinensis was the highest after roasting at 125 °C for 6 min. The characteristic components were berberine hydrochloride, and the relative content was about 15.96%. And showed good parallelism. The effective components of Rhizoma Coptidis were primarily alkaloids. CONCLUSION: The optimized processing technology for Rhizoma Coptidis is good.

Meta-analysis on the effect of combining Lianhua Qingwen with Western medicine to treat coronavirus disease 2019 / 中西医结合学报

BACKGROUND@#Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a worldwide life-threatening pandemic. Lianhua Qingwen is believed to possess the ability to treat or significantly improve the symptoms of COVID-19. These claims make it important to systematically evaluate the effects of using Lianhua Qingwen with Western medicine to treat COVID-19.@*OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the safety and efficacy of combination therapy, employing Lianhua Qingwen with Western medicine, to treat COVID-19, using a meta-analysis approach.@*SEARCH STRATEGY@#China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, VIP Database, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies evaluating the effect of Lianhua Qingwen-Western medicine combination therapy in the treatment of COVID-19.@*INCLUSION CRITERIA@#(1) Research object: hospitalized patients meeting the diagnostic criteria of COVID-19 were included. (2) Intervention measures: patients in the treatment group received Lianhua Qingwen treatment combined with Western medicine, while the control group received either Western medicine or Chinese medicine treatment. (3) Research type: randomized controlled trials and retrospective study were included.@*DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS@#Two researchers extracted the first author, the proportion of males and females, age, body temperature, course of treatment, rate of disappearance of main symptoms, duration of fever, adverse reactions, and total effectiveness from the literature. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used as the effect value for count data, and mean difference (MD) and 95% CI were used as the effect value for measurement data.@*RESULTS@#Six articles met the inclusion criteria, including a total of 856 COVID-19 patients. The meta-analysis showed that Lianhua Qingwen combination therapy achieved higher rates of fever reduction (OR = 3.43, 95% CI [1.78, 6.59], P = 0.0002), cough reduction (OR = 3.39, 95% CI [1.85, 6.23], P < 0.0001), recovery from shortness of breath (OR = 10.62, 95% CI [3.71, 30.40], P < 0.0001) and recovery from fatigue (OR = 2.82, 95% CI [1.44, 5.53], P = 0.003), higher total effectiveness rate (OR = 2.51, 95% CI [1.73, 3.64], P < 0.00001), and shorter time to recovery from fever (MD = -1.00, 95% CI [-1.04, 0.96], P < 0.00001), and did not increase the adverse reaction rate (OR = 0.65, 95% CI [0.42, 1.01], P = 0.06), compared to the single medication control.@*CONCLUSION@#The Lianhua Qingwen and Western medicine combination therapy is highly effective for COVID-19 patients and has good clinical safety. As only a small number of studies and patients were included in this review, more high-quality, multicenter, large-sample-size, randomized, double-blind, controlled trials are still needed for verification.

Shexiang Baoxin Pills Inhibited Proliferation and Migration of Human Coronary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells via PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway.

Background: Proliferation and migration of smooth muscle cells in the coronary artery contribute to the deterioration of coronary artery disease (CAD). Aim: This research was designed to study the function of Shexiang Baoxin pills (SBPs) on the proliferation and migration of human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (HCASMCs) and their mechanism. Methods: Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) was applied to stimulate the proliferation and migration of HCASMCs. The function of ox-LDL and SBP on HCASMCs was evidenced by the cell counting kit-8 assay, cell cycle, and Transwell assay. Network pharmacology was employed to predict the potential targets and pathways of SBP on CAD. Western blot assay and molecular docking were conducted to validate the potential targets and pathways. Results: The current research revealed that 2.5 mg/L SBP significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of HCASMCs. Besides, network pharmacology revealed 11 candidate targets. Molecular docking and Western blot assay validated that the activation of the top 2 targets STAT3 and MAPK14 was associated with the inhibition of HCASMCs. Moreover, the Western blot assay also detected that HCASMCs treated with ox-LDL promoted the phosphorylation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, and SBP inhibited the activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in HCASMCs stimulated by ox-LDL. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the treatment of CAD using SBP may result from the suppression of the proliferation and migration of HCASMCs. The mechanism of this function partly resulted from relieving the phosphorylation of targets STAT3 and MAPK14 and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. This study enhanced our comprehension of SBP and provides new targets for the treatment of CAD.

Tanshinones inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation by alleviating mitochondrial damage to protect against septic and gouty inflammation.

Tanshinones, the active ingredients derived from the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza, have been widely used as traditional medicinal herbs for treating human diseases. Although tanshinones showed anti-inflammatory effects in many studies, large knowledge gaps remain regarding their underlying mechanisms. Here, we identified 15 tanshinones that suppressed the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and studied their structure-activity relationships. Three tanshinones (tanshinone IIA, isocryptotanshinone, and dihydrotanshinone I) reduced mitochondrial reactive-oxygen species production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/nigericin-stimulated macrophages and correlated with altered mitochondrial membrane potentials, mitochondria complexes activities, and adenosine triphosphate and protonated-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide production. The tanshinones may confer mitochondrial protection by promoting autophagy and the AMP-activated protein kinase pathway. Importantly, our findings demonstrate that dihydrotanshinone I improved the survival of mice with LPS shock and ameliorated inflammatory responses in septic and gouty animals. Our results suggest a potential pharmacological mechanism whereby tanshinones can effectively treat inflammatory diseases, such as septic and gouty inflammation.

Robust W/O/W Emulsion Stabilized by Genipin-Cross-Linked Sugar Beet Pectin-Bovine Serum Albumin Nanoparticles: Co-encapsulation of Betanin and Curcumin.

Betanin and curcumin hold promise as natural colorants and antioxidants for food purposes due to their anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammation, and anti-tumor effects. However, the thermal stability and bioavailability of betanin and curcumin still need improvement. Here, we fabricated sugar beet pectin-bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (SBNPs) with a mean particle size of 180 ± 5.2 nm through a genipin cross-linking strategy to stabilize a type of Pickering water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) emulsion and co-encapsulated betanin and curcumin. First, the W1/O emulsion was homogenized with gelatin (the gelling agent) in the water phase and polyglycerol polyricinoleate (a lipophilic surfactant) in the oil phase. Later, W1/O was homogenized with another water phase containing SBNPs. The microstructure of the emulsion was regulated by the particle concentration (c) and W1/O volume fraction (Φ), especially the gel-like high internal phase emulsions were formed at the Φ up to 70%. In this case, betanin was encapsulated in the internal water phase (encapsulation efficiency = 65.3%), whereas curcumin was in the medium-chain triglyceride (encapsulation efficiency = 84.1%). Meanwhile, the shelf stability of betanin and curcumin was improved. Furthermore, the stability of bioactive compounds was potentiated by an emulsion gel in simulated gastrointestinal digestion, resulting in higher bioaccessibility. The aforementioned results suggest that SBNP-stabilized Pickering W/O/W emulsions could be a potential alternative to co-encapsulate betanin and curcumin with enhancement of shelf stability and bioaccessibility.

Selenium level does not differ in blood but increased in cerebrospinal fluid in Parkinson's disease: a meta-analysis.

Objective: Recent studies have found that selenium (Se) levels were associated with the risk of Parkinson's disease (PD), but the results were contradictory. Therefore, this meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the correlation between Se levels and PD.Methods: PubMed, Embase and Web of Science were searched published up to 28 October 2019. The differences between groups were analyzed by forest plots and results were pooled and assessed using a random-effect model. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to assess the association between Se levels and the risk of PD. Subgroup analysis, meta-regression, and sensitivity analysis were also conducted. Publication bias was estimated using Begg's regression asymmetry test.Results: Finally, 12 articles involving 601 PD patients and 749 controls were included in this meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed a significantly higher cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Se level in PD patients than those in controls (SMD = 1.22; 95%CI [0.05, 2.39]; p = 0.000). No publication bias was found.Conclusion: The meta-analysis indicated that CSF Se levels in PD patients were significantly higher than those in controls.

Hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities of volatile oils from fresh leaves of Michelia martini Levl.

.This study aimed to investigate the hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities of volatile oils from Michelia martini Levl. The antioxidant property of volatile oils from Michelia martini in vitro was investigated by establishment of various systems. High fat diet induced rats were used to assess the hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities of Michelia martini volatile oils in vivo. The level of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase in serum, and the activities of catalase, malondialdehyde, super oxide dismutase and glutathione in liver of rats were assayed by standard procedures. Our results showed that Michelia martini exhibits strong hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities both in vitro and vivo. Our data were also supplemented with histopathological studies on liver tissues and aorta sections of rats.

Clinical observation on therapeutic effect of bloodletting therapy for treatment of patients with piriformis injury syndrome / 中国中西医结合急救杂志

Objective To observe the curative effect of pricking bloodletting combined with acupuncture on patients with piriformis injury syndrome.Methods A prospective randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted, 84 patients with piriformis injury syndrome admitted to the Department of Acupuncture and Massage in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from May 2011 to May 2014 were enrolled, and they were divided into observation group and control group by random number table, each group being 42 cases. The patients in the observation group were treated with bloodletting once a week (after bloodletting no other treatment was given), and then once a day of acupuncture was performed for 4 days in a week, completing one therapeutic course; while in the control group, the patient was treated with routine acupuncture once a day for 5 days in a week, finishing one therapeutic course. The interval between two therapeutic courses was 2 days, two courses were carried out, and afterwards the clinical therapeutic effects were evaluated in the two groups. The changes of visual analogue scale (VAS) of two groups before and after treatment and the therapeutic effects were observed.Results The VAS score of the two groups after treatment was lower than that before treatment, and the degree of decrease of VAS score in the observation group was significantly lower than that of thecontrol group (1.50±1.35 vs. 2.69±1.68,P < 0.01); the total effective rate in the observation group was obviously higher than that in the control group [100.00% (42/42) vs. 69.05% (29/42),P < 0.01].Conclusion Pricking bloodletting combined with acupuncture therapy for treatment of piriformis injury syndrome can shorten the course of treatment.

Quantitatively metabolic profiles of salvianolic acids in rats after gastric-administration of Salvia miltiorrhiza extract.

Salvianolic acids, the well-known active components in Salvia miltiorrhiza, have been shown to possess markedly pharmacological activities. However, due to the complex in vivo course after administration, the pharmacologically active forms are still poorly understood. In present study, we evaluated the stability of eight major salvianolic acids from Danshen extract under different chemical and physiological conditions. We also quantitatively explained the absorption, metabolism and excretion of these salvianolic acids in rats after gastric-administration, which was carried out by simultaneously determining the amounts of salvianolic acids and their metabolites in the rat gastrointestinal contents, gastrointestinal mucosa, plasma, bile and urine. We found that: 1) protocatechuic aldehyde (PAL) was much stable whether in acidic environment (pH4.0) or in alkaline environment (pH8.0), while other salvianolic acids were stable in acidic environment and instable in alkaline environment; 2) PAL, salvianoli acid A (SAA) and salvianolic acid B (SAB) were instable whether in rat stomach or in small intestine, while other salvianolic acids were stable in rat stomach and instable in small intestine; 3) after gastric-administration, except PAL and Danshensu (DSS), other phenolic acids would be metabolized into DSS and caffeic acid (CA) in the rat gastrointestinal tract before absorption, and only free and glucuronidated PAL, CA and DSS were detected in rat plasma, bile and urine. In conclusion, it was the free and glucuronidated PAL, CA and DSS rather than the prototypes of other salvianolic acids that were present in plasma with considerable concentrations after gastric-administration.

[Content of mineral elements of Gastrodia elata by principal components analysis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the content of mineral elements and the principal components in Gastrodia elata. METHOD: Mineral elements were determined by ICP and the data was analyzed by SPSS. RESULT: K element has the highest content-and the average content was 15.31 g x kg(-1). The average content of N element was 8.99 g x kg(-1), followed by K element. The coefficient of variation of K and N was small, but the Mn was the biggest with 51.39%. The highly significant positive correlation was found among N, P and K . Three principal components were selected by principal components analysis to evaluate the quality of G. elata. P, B, N, K, Cu, Mn, Fe and Mg were the characteristic elements of G. elata. CONCLUSION: The content of K and N elements was higher and relatively stable. The variation of Mn content was biggest. The quality of G. elata in Guizhou and Yunnan was better from the perspective of mineral elements.

[Effects of Different Planting Direction and Layer Combination on Gastrodia elata f. elata in Bionic Wild Cultivation].

OBJECTIVE: Combination of different planting direction and layer were set to choose the best technology of cultivation of Gastrodia elata f. elata. METHODS: To improve the yield and quality of Gastrodia elata f. elata, randomized block design experiments were carried out to investigate the yield and quality, and to analyze their economic effectiveness in bionic wild cultivation. RESULTS: Length, width, thickness and weight of southern direction's Gastrodia elata f. elata developed better than the northeast direction. The three planting layer levels on growth effect of Gastrodia elata f. elata was the 3rd layer > the 2nd layer > the 1st layer. In six treatments, combination of southern direction-the 3rd layer was the best technology of cultivation of Gastrodia elata f. elata, which had the best growth condition, the highest yield significantly higher than other treatments, and the best economic benefits. CONCLUSION: Southern direction associated with the 3rd layer is the best combination to planting Gastrodia elata f. elata in bionic wild cultivation. The planting ways not only improve the yield and quality, but also save land.

Content of mineral elements of Gastrodia elata by principal components analysis / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the content of mineral elements and the principal components in Gastrodia elata.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Mineral elements were determined by ICP and the data was analyzed by SPSS.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>K element has the highest content-and the average content was 15.31 g x kg(-1). The average content of N element was 8.99 g x kg(-1), followed by K element. The coefficient of variation of K and N was small, but the Mn was the biggest with 51.39%. The highly significant positive correlation was found among N, P and K . Three principal components were selected by principal components analysis to evaluate the quality of G. elata. P, B, N, K, Cu, Mn, Fe and Mg were the characteristic elements of G. elata.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The content of K and N elements was higher and relatively stable. The variation of Mn content was biggest. The quality of G. elata in Guizhou and Yunnan was better from the perspective of mineral elements.</p>

[Research on life history and phenological period of wild-stimulated cultivated Gastrodia elata f. elata in Guizhou].

In order to get to know the imitation of wild Gastrodia elata in life history and phenology period, by G. elata f. elata forest wild simulated cultivation in Dafang county, Guizhou province, observing and recording its morphological characteristics of each growth and development stage. This experiment summarized the law of its life history over 24 months, amplified the characteristics of each 5 phenology periods over the sexual and asexual reproduction of wild simulated cultivated G. elata f. elata in Guizhou. Which the results could clear the process of wild simulated cultivated G. elata f. elata in Guizhou, and provide a theoretical support for the standard technical of the simulated wild G. elata.

Clinical approach on standardized treatment of patients with intractable hiccups by acupuncture combined with acupoint injection / 中国中西医结合急救杂志

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with acupoint injection for treatment of patients with intractable hiccups and to seek its standard therapeutic regimen. Methods A prospective study was conducted. Eighty-six patients with intractable hiccups in various clinical departments in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University met the inclusion criteria of this study were selected,and according to the different treatment options they were divided into observation group and control group with 43 cases in each group. In the observation group,on the basis of treatment for their primary diseases,the rules of soothing the chest oppression and regulating the flow of qi(Kuanxiong Liqi)and regulating the stomach and sending down abnormally ascending qi(Hewei Jiangni)were followed in treatment,and acupuncture was carried out at Danzhong,Neiguan(double=bilateral acupoints),Zusanli(double),Sanyinjiao(double),Taichong(double)with the needle staying for 20 minutes each time,1 mL metoclopramide injection was injected at each of the bilateral Zusanli acupoints,once a day. In the control group,the patients received intramuscular injection of 10 mg metoclopramide once a day. Both groups were treated for consecutive 7 days. After treatment for 3 days and 5 days,the clinical efficacy was observed,and before treatment and after treatment for 3,5,7 days,the changes of hiccups frequency and persistent duration were investigated. Results Compared with the control group,the total effective rates in observation group on the 3rd and 5th day after treatment were significantly increased〔3 days:88.4%(38/43)vs. 51.2%(22/43),5 days:95.3%(41/43)vs. 62.8%(27/43),both P<0.01〕. With the prolongation of therapy,the hiccups frequency was gradually decreased and the persistent duration of hiccup was gradually shortened,reaching the lowest degree on the 7th day after treatment,and the changes were more significant in the observation group〔hiccups frequency(times/day):0.57±0.08 vs. 2.04±1.78,hiccup duration time(minutes/time):1.07±0.68 vs. 9.23±5.69,both P<0.05〕. Conclusion The therapeutic effects of acupuncture combined with acupoint injection for treatment of patients with intractable hiccups are superior to signal western medicine therapy.

Higenamine Combined with [6]-Gingerol Suppresses Doxorubicin-Triggered Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Cardiomyocytes via Upregulation of PI3K/Akt Pathway.

Sini decoction is a well-known formula of traditional Chinese medicine, which has been used to treat cardiovascular disease for many years. Previously, we demonstrated that Sini decoction prevented doxorubicin-induced heart failure in vivo. However, its active components are still unclear. Thus, we investigated the active components of Sini decoction and their cardioprotective mechanisms in the in vitro neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and H9c2 cell line models of doxorubicin-induced cytotoxicity. Our results demonstrated that treatment with higenamine or [6]-gingerol increased viability of doxorubicine-injured cardiomyocytes. Moreover, combined use of higenamine and [6]-gingerol exerted more profound protective effects than either drug as a single agent, with effects similar to those of dexrazoxane, a clinically approved cardiac protective agent. In addition, we found that treatment with doxorubicin reduced SOD activity, increased ROS generation, enhanced MDA formation, induced release of LDH, and triggered the intrinsic mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathway in cardiomyocytes, which was inhibited by cotreatment of higenamine and [6]-gingerol. Most importantly, the cytoprotection of higenamine plus [6]-gingerol could be abrogated by LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor. In conclusion, combination of higenamine and [6]-gingerol exerts cardioprotective effect against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity through activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Higenamine and [6]-gingerol may be the active components of Sini decoction.