Muyocoxanthones O-S: Undescribed xanthones with antioxidative damage bioactivity to cardiomyocytes from the endophytic fungus Muyocopron laterale.

The metabolites from the endophytic fungus Muyocopron laterale hosted in the medicinal plant Tylophora ovata were investigated, and five undescribed xanthones, muyocoxanthones O-S, along with seven known compounds were isolated. Their structures were elucidated by HR-ESI-MS, NMR, and ECD calculations. Compounds were evaluated for their anti-cardiomyocyte oxidative damage activity using a model of oxidative damage induced by cell hypoxia incubation. Muyocoxanthones O-Q and blennolide L exhibited moderate activity against oxidative damage to cardiomyocytes with relative viabilities of 62.4, 54.8, 60.3 and 54.9%, respectively.

Undescribed meleagrin alkaloids from the endophytic fungus Penicillium commune.

Six undescribed meleagrin analogues, isomeleagrin, meleagrin F, meleagrin G, methylmeleagrin G, isomethylmeleagrin G and meleagrin H, were isolated from the endophytic fungus Penicillium commune, which was obtained from the fresh leaves of a toxic medicinal plant, Tylophora ovata. The structures of these analogues were elucidated through extensive spectroscopic data analysis, and their absolute configurations were characterized by calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD). Structurally, meleagrin F features an undescribed skeleton with an aniline moiety, which is linked to meleagrin through a C-C bond at C8-C26. Connecting N19-C3' through the C-N bond in meleagrin G, methylmeleagrin G, isomethylmeleagrin G and meleagrin H was rare for amino acid condensation. The cytotoxicity activity of these undescribed compounds was evaluated, and isomeleagrin exhibited a selective cytotoxicity activity against HGC27 cells with an IC50 value of 2.01 µM.

Innovative ochre processing and tool use in China 40,000 years ago.

Homo sapiens was present in northern Asia by around 40,000 years ago, having replaced archaic populations across Eurasia after episodes of earlier population expansions and interbreeding1-4. Cultural adaptations of the last Neanderthals, the Denisovans and the incoming populations of H. sapiens into Asia remain unknown1,5-7. Here we describe Xiamabei, a well-preserved, approximately 40,000-year-old archaeological site in northern China, which includes the earliest known ochre-processing feature in east Asia, a distinctive miniaturized lithic assemblage with bladelet-like tools bearing traces of hafting, and a bone tool. The cultural assembly of traits at Xiamabei is unique for Eastern Asia and does not correspond with those found at other archaeological site assemblages inhabited by archaic populations or those generally associated with the expansion of H. sapiens, such as the Initial Upper Palaeolithic8-10. The record of northern Asia supports a process of technological innovations and cultural diversification emerging in a period of hominin hybridization and admixture2,3,6,11.

Induction chemotherapy with lobaplatin and fluorouracil versus cisplatin and fluorouracil followed by chemoradiotherapy in patients with stage III-IVB nasopharyngeal carcinoma: an open-label, non-inferiority, randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial.

BACKGROUND: Cisplatin-based induction chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma has been recommended in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines. However, cisplatin is associated with poor patient compliance and has notable side-effects. Lobaplatin, a third-generation platinum drug, has shown promising antitumour activity against several malignancies with less toxicity. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of lobaplatin-based induction chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy over a cisplatin-based regimen in patients with locoregional, advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma. METHODS: In this open-label, non-inferiority, randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial done at five hospitals in China, patients aged 18-60 years with previously untreated, non-keratinising stage III-IVB nasopharyngeal carcinoma; Karnofsky performance-status score of at least 70; and adequate haematological, renal, and hepatic function were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive intravenously either lobaplatin-based (lobaplatin 30 mg/m2 on days 1 and 22, and fluorouracil 800 mg/m2 on days 1-5 and 22-26 for two cycles) or cisplatin-based (cisplatin 100 mg/m2 on days 1 and 22, and fluorouracil 800 mg/m2 on days 1-5 and 22-26 for two cycles) induction chemotherapy, followed by concurrent lobaplatin-based (two cycles of intravenous lobaplatin 30 mg/m2 every 3 weeks plus intensity-modulated radiotherapy) or cisplatin-based (two cycles of intravenous cisplatin 100 mg/m2 every 3 weeks plus intensity-modulated radiotherapy) chemoradiotherapy. Total radiation doses of 68-70 Gy (for the sum of the volumes of the primary tumour and enlarged retropharyngeal nodes), 62-68 Gy (for the volume of clinically involved gross cervical lymph nodes), 60 Gy (for the high-risk target volume), and 54 Gy (for the low-risk target volume), were administered in 30-32 fractions, 5 days per week. Randomisation was done centrally at the clinical trial centre of Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Centre by means of computer-generated random number allocation with a block design (block size of four) stratified according to disease stage and treatment centre. Treatment assignment was known to both clinicians and patients. The primary endpoint was 5-year progression-free survival, analysed in both the intention-to-treat and per-protocol populations. If the upper limit of the 95% CI for the difference in 5-year progression-free survival between the lobaplatin-based and cisplatin-based groups did not exceed 10%, non-inferiority was met. Adverse events were analysed in all patients who received at least one cycle of induction chemotherapy. This trial is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-TRC-13003285 and is closed. FINDINGS: From June 7, 2013, to June 16, 2015, 515 patients were assessed for eligibility and 502 patients were enrolled: 252 were randomly assigned to the lobaplatin-based group and 250 to the cisplatin-based group. After a median follow-up of 75·3 months (IQR 69·9-81·1) in the intention-to-treat population, 5-year progression-free survival was 75·0% (95% CI 69·7-80·3) in the lobaplatin-based group and 75·5% (70·0 to 81·0) in the cisplatin-based group (hazard ratio [HR] 0·98, 95% CI 0·69-1·39; log-rank p=0·92), with a difference of 0·5% (95% CI -7·1 to 8·1; pnon-inferiority=0·0070). In the per-protocol population, the 5-year progression-free survival was 74·8% (95% CI 69·3 to 80·3) in the lobaplatin-based group and 76·4% (70·9 to 81·9) in the cisplatin-based group (HR 1·04, 95% CI 0·73 to 1·49; log-rank p=0·83), with a difference of 1·6% (-6·1 to 9·3; pnon-inferiority=0·016). 63 (25%) of 252 patients in the lobaplatin-based group and 63 (25%) of 250 patients in the cisplatin-based group had a progression-free survival event in the intention-to-treat population; 62 (25%) of 246 patients in the lobaplatin-based group and 58 (25%) of 237 patients in the cisplatin-based group had a progression-free survival event in the per-protocol population. The most common grade 3-4 adverse events were mucositis (102 [41%] of 252 in the lobaplatin-based group vs 99 [40%] of 249 in the cisplatin-based group), leucopenia (39 [16%] vs 56 [23%]), and neutropenia (25 [10%] vs 59 [24%]). No treatment-related deaths were reported. INTERPRETATION: Lobaplatin-based induction chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy resulted in non-inferior survival and fewer toxic effects than cisplatin-based therapy. The results of our trial indicate that lobaplatin-based induction chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy might be a promising alternative regimen to cisplatin-based treatment in patients with locoregional, advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma. FUNDING: National Science and Technology Pillar Program, International Cooperation Project of Science and Technology Program of Guangdong Province, Planned Science and Technology Project of Guangdong Province, and Cultivation Foundation for the Junior Teachers at Sun Yat-sen University. TRANSLATION: For the Chinese translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Identification of genes associated with the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acid and oil accumulation in herbaceous peony 'Hangshao' (Paeonia lactiflora 'Hangshao') seeds based on transcriptome analysis.

BACKGROUND: Paeonia lactiflora 'Hangshao' is widely cultivated in China as a traditional Chinese medicine 'Radix Paeoniae Alba'. Due to the abundant unsaturated fatty acids in its seed, it can also be regarded as a new oilseed plant. However, the process of the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids in it has remained unknown. Therefore, transcriptome analysis is helpful to better understand the underlying molecular mechanisms. RESULTS: Five main fatty acids were detected, including stearic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid, and their absolute contents first increased and then decreased during seed development. A total of 150,156 unigenes were obtained by transcriptome sequencing. There were 15,005 unigenes annotated in the seven functional databases, including NR, NT, GO, KOG, KEGG, Swiss-Prot and InterPro. Based on the KEGG database, 1766 unigenes were annotated in the lipid metabolism. There were 4635, 12,304, and 18,291 DEGs in Group I (60 vs 30 DAF), Group II (90 vs 60 DAF) and Group III (90 vs 30 DAF), respectively. A total of 1480 DEGs were detected in the intersection of the three groups. In 14 KEGG pathways of lipid metabolism, 503 DEGs were found, belonging to 111 enzymes. We screened out 123 DEGs involved in fatty acid biosynthesis (39 DEGs), fatty acid elongation (33 DEGs), biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acid (24 DEGs), TAG assembly (17 DEGs) and lipid storage (10 DEGs). Furthermore, qRT-PCR was used to analyze the expression patterns of 16 genes, including BBCP, BC, MCAT, KASIII, KASII, FATA, FATB, KCR, SAD, FAD2, FAD3, FAD7, GPAT, DGAT, OLE and CLO, most of which showed the highest expression at 45 DAF, except for DGAT, OLE and CLO, which showed the highest expression at 75 DAF. CONCLUSIONS: We predicted that MCAT, KASIII, FATA, SAD, FAD2, FAD3, DGAT and OLE were the key genes in the unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis and oil accumulation in herbaceous peony seed. This study provides the first comprehensive genomic resources characterizing herbaceous peony seed gene expression at the transcriptional level. These data lay the foundation for elucidating the molecular mechanisms of fatty acid biosynthesis and oil accumulation for herbaceous peony.

Gastrointestinal Motility and Improvement Efficacy of Shenhuang Plaster Application on Shenque: Identification, Evaluation, and Mechanism.

Constipation, a gastrointestinal function disorder, is one of the side effects of paclitaxel (PTX) chemotherapy. Shenhuang plaster (SHP) application on the Shenque acupoint promotes gut motility in clinical settings. In this study, we elucidated the ingredients in SHP and evaluated its effects on PTX-induced constipation using a tumour-bearing mouse model. SHP was prepared using the traditional Chinese plaster preparation method. The ingredients were analysed using UPLC-MS/MS and identified via screening in a standard drug database. The gastrointestinal transit was evaluated by the movement of a fluorescein-labelled dextran in the gastrointestinal tract. A histological study of the mucosa was carried out after haematoxylin and eosin staining. mRNA expression was assessed using real-time RT-PCR, and the foetal microbiota composition was elucidated through 16 s rDNA sequencing and BLAST analysis. Our results indicate that the application of SHP attenuated weight gain inhibition by PTX; however, no inhibitory effect was observed on tumour growth. PTX-induced sluggish intestine, villus, and mucosal base layer damage were significantly improved following the application of SHP. Further, SHP enhanced the stimulation efficiency of PTX on TLR4 and its downstream cytokines, as well as on IL-1ß in intestinal cells. SHP combined with PTX reshaped the microbiota, which showed beneficial effects on health. Hence, these results provide evidence that SHP alleviates PTX-induced constipation and intestinal morphological damage but augments the effects of PTX on the expression of cytokines in the TLR4 pathway and IL-1ß. Therefore, we propose that SHP stimulates the host immune response to eradicate cancer cells.

Nanoparticles of Antroquinonol-Rich Extract from Solid-State-Cultured Antrodia cinnamomea Improve Reproductive Function in Diabetic Male Rats.

PURPOSE: To characterize the nanoparticle of antroquinonol from A. cinnamomea and its ameliorative effects on the reproductive dysfunction in the diabetic male rat. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The chitosan-silicate nanoparticle was used as the carrier for the delivery of antroquinonol from solid-state-cultured A. cinnamomea extract (AC). The rats were fed with a high-fat diet and intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin to induce diabetes. The rats were daily oral gavage by water [Diabetes (DM) and Control groups], three different doses of chitosan-silicate nanoparticle of antroquinonol from solid-state-cultured A. cinnamomea (nano-SAC, NAC): (DM+NAC1x, 4 mg/kg of body weight; DM+NAC2x, 8 mg/kg; and DM+NAC5x, 20 mg/kg), solid-state-cultured AC (DM+AC5x, 20 mg/kg), or metformin (DM+Met, 200 mg/kg) for 7 weeks. RESULTS: The nano-SAC size was 37.68±5.91 nm, the zeta potential was 4.13±0.49 mV, encapsulation efficiency was 79.29±0.77%, and loading capacity was 32.45±0.02%. The nano-SAC can improve diabetes-induced reproductive dysfunction by regulating glucose, insulin, and oxidative enzyme and by increasing the level of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and sperm count as well as sperm mobility. In testicular histopathology, the seminiferous tubules of A. cinnamomea-supplemented diabetic rats showed similar morphology with the control group. CONCLUSION: The nanoparticle of antroquinonol from Antrodia cinnamomea can be used as an effective strategy to improve diabetes-induced testicular dysfunction.

Hydrogen alleviated organ injury and dysfunction in sepsis: The role of cross-talk between autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum stress: Experimental research.

AIMS: Sepsis is defined as a life-threatening organ dysfunction that is caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Although much progress has been made in understanding the pathophysiology of sepsis, further discussion and study of the detailed therapeutic mechanisms are needed. Autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum stress are two pathways of the complicated regulatory network of sepsis. Herein, we focus on the cellular mechanism in which autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum stress participate in hydrogen (H2)-protected sepsis-induced organ injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the following groups: control group, cecal ligation puncture (CLP) group, CLP + tunicamycin(TM) group, CLP + 4-phenyl butyric acid (4-PBA) group, CLP + rapamycin (Rap) group, CLP + 3-methyladenine (3-MA) group, CLP + H2 group, CLP + H2 + 3-MA group, and CLP + H2 + TM group. After the experiment was completed, autophagosome was detected by transmission electron microscopy; protein PKR-like ER kinase (PERK), p-PERK, Eukaryotic translation initiation factor-2α (eIF2α), p-eIF2α, inositol-requiring enzyme1α(IRE1α), C/EBP homologous protein(CHOP), activating transcription factor(ATF), XBP-1, microtubule-associated protein 1 light(LC3), Beclin1, PTEN-induced putative kinase 1(PINK1), Parkin, and p65 subunit of Nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κb) were measured by Western blot; myeloperoxidase(MPO) activity in lung, bronchoalveolar lavage(BAL) total protein, lung wet-to-dry(W/D) ratio, serum biochemical indicators, 7-day survival rate, and pathological injury scores of lung, liver, and kidney were tested; and cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), Interleukin(IL)-1ß, and IL-6 and high mobility group box protein (HMGB)1 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). RESULTS: We demonstrated that sepsis induced endoplasmic reticulum stress. Moreover, it was found that an increase in endoplasmic reticulum impaired autophagy activity in sepsis, and the absence of endoplasmic reticulum stress attenuated tissue histological injury and dysfunction of lung, liver, and kidney in septic mice. Intriguingly, hydrogen alleviated the endoplasmic reticulum stress via the autophagy pathway and also mitigated inflammation and organ injury. CONCLUSION: Hydrogen provided protection from organ injury induced by sepsis via autophagy activation and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway inactivation.

Efficiency comparison of PGBR extract and γ-oryzanol in antioxidative stress and anti-inflammatory properties against metabolic syndrome.

This research aims to delineate the anti-inflammatory effect of pregerminated brown rice extract (PE) and γ-oryzanol on improving metabolic features of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic syndrome (MetS) mouse model. C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into eight groups: regular diet (RD), HFD, HFD-combined treatment of 0.5, 5, or 10 mg kg-1  day-1 oral gavage γ-oryzanol, and 30, 300, or 600 mg kg-1  day-1 PE for 18 weeks. HFD-fed mice showed overweight, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia signs of metabolic disorder, and elevation of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, NO, PGE2 in serum and MAPKs, transcription factor p65, iNOS, and MDA in the liver. In contrast, HFD-fed mice showed lower levels of adiponectin in serum and antiperoxidation enzymes GPx, SOD, and catalase in the liver. While HFD-fed mice cotreated with PE or γ-oryzanol, HFD-induced metabolic disorders, ROS, and inflammation were improved. The anti-MetS, antioxidative stress and anti-inflammation properties of PE were more potent than γ-oryzanol. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Our study showed that PE or γ-oryzanol supplement could help control metabolic disorders, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and related complications.

Pre-germinated brown rice extract ameliorates high-fat diet-induced metabolic syndrome.

This study examined the effect of pre-germinated brown rice extract (PGBRE), containing no dietary fibers, but γ-oryzanol, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), flavonoids, and anthocyanidin, on high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced metabolic syndrome. C57BL/6 mice were divided into five groups: regular diet, HFD, HFD with oral PGBRE 30, 300, or 600 mg/kg per day for 18 weeks. In the HFD group, higher body and liver weight gain, hyperglycemia, HbA1c, and insulin; higher TG, TC, LDL-C, non-HDL, atherosclerosis index, lower HDL, adiponectin in blood; higher TG in the liver; higher TG, bile acid in feces; and lower protein levels of AMP-activated protein kinase, insulin receptor, insulin receptor substrate-1, insulin receptor substrate-2, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, Akt/PKB, glucose transporter-1, glucose transporter-4, glucokinase in the skeletal muscle; lower glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) in the intestine; higher sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1), stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD-1), fatty acid synthase (FAS), 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), and lower PPAR-α, low-density lipoprotein receptor, cholesterol-7α-hydroxylase in the liver; higher SREBP-1, SCD-1, FAS, and lower PPAR-α, adiponectin in the adipose tissue were found. In HFD + PGBRE groups, the above biochemical parameters were improved. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: According to the results, we suggested that dietary fibers played a minor role in this study. Extract of PGBR, excluding dietary fiber, showed beneficial activity to ameliorate metabolic syndrome. γ-oryzanol, GABA, flavonoids, and anthocyanidin in PGBRE can inhibit HFD-induced metabolic syndrome and we demonstrated clearly its action mechanisms. This is the first report to examine the relation between PGBRE, GLP-1, and PCSK9. Taken together, PGBRE can potentially be used to develop a good supplement to control metabolic syndrome.

Effects of Acupoint Application Therapy with TianGui Powder on Osteoporosis in Ovariectomized Rats through TGF-ß1 and Smad2/3 Signaling Pathway.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the effects of acupoint application therapy (AAT) with TianGui Powder (TGP) on the expressions of the transforming growth factor ß1 (TGF-ß1) and Smad-2/3 signaling pathway in ovariectomized osteoporosis rats. METHODS: Sixty rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal group (group A), model group (group B), TGP group (group C), and Western medicine group (group D). Group A had only the corresponding amount of adipose tissue around the ovary removed; rats in the other groups had bilateral ovariectomies. After 1 week, groups A and B were given 1 mL/100 mg normal saline solution by gavage, group C was treated with AAT with TGP on ShenQue acupoint (0.2 piece/rat, 6 h/time, 1 time/d) and group D was given calcium carbonate vitamin D3 (36 mg/kg/d) and alfacalcidol (0.05 µg/kg/d) tablet suspension. In this study, the bone mineral density (BMD) , the levels of BALP, TRAP-5b, and BGP in serum and the changes in bone histomorphology was detected. For acquiring lumbar experimental data, the expression of TGF-ß1, Smad-2/3 proteins and mRNA of TGF-ß1and Smad-2/3 were assessed. After 12 weeks, the data were collected for analysis. RESULTS: Compared with group A, the bone trabecula was thinner and significantly reduced in other groups. The result of BMD improved significantly in both groups C and D compared to group B after intervention (P < 0.05). In contrast, compared to group B, the levels of BALP, TRAP-5b, and BGP significantly declined in both groups C and D. In group C, the results of protein expressions in TGF-ß1, Smad-2/3 were 2.870 ± 0.270, 1.552 ± 0.111, and 1.420 ± 0.079, respectively. In groups C and D, those indications significantly declined compared to group B (P < 0.01). In group C, the level of mRNA expressions of TGF-ß1, Smad-2/3 were 1.872 ± 0.177, 1.672 ± 0.086, and 1.790 ± 0.136, respectively. Compared with group B, those indications had significant difference in groups C and D (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupoint application therapy with TGP could significantly improve the BMD. The TGF-ß1 and Smad-2/3 signaling pathway could be a therapeutic target of TGP in postmenopausal osteoporosis rats.

Vitamin D status and hypertension: a review.

Vitamin D is a steroid prohormone synthesized in the skin following ultraviolet exposure and also achieved through supplemental or dietary intake. While there is strong evidence for its role in maintaining bone and muscle health, there has been recent debate regarding the role of vitamin D deficiency in hypertension based on conflicting epidemiological evidence. Thus, we conducted a scoping systematic literature review and meta-analysis of all observational studies published up to early 2014 in order to map trends in the evidence of this association. Mixed-effect meta-analysis was performed to pool risk estimates from ten prospective studies (n=58,262) (pooled risk for incident hypertension, relative risk [RR] =0.76 (0.63-0.90) for top vs bottom category of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25OHD]) and from 19 cross-sectional studies (n=90,535) (odds ratio [OR] =0.79 (0.73-0.87)). Findings suggest that the better the assessed quality of the respective study design, the stronger the relationship between higher 25OHD levels and hypertension risk (RR =0.67 (0.51-0.88); OR =0.77 (0.72-0.89)). There was significant heterogeneity among the findings for both prospective and cross-sectional studies, but no evidence of publication bias was shown. There was no increased risk of hypertension when the participants were of older age or when they were vitamin D deficient. Younger females showed strong associations between high 25OHD levels and hypertension risk, especially in prospective studies (RR =0.36 (0.18-0.72); OR =0.62 (0.44-0.87)). Despite the accumulating evidence of a consistent link between vitamin D and blood pressure, these data are observational, so questions still remain in relation to the causality of this relationship. Further studies either combining existing raw data from available cohort studies or conducting further Mendelian analyses are needed to determine whether this represents a causal association. Large randomized controlled trials are also needed to determine whether vitamin supplementation may be beneficial in the prevention or the treatment of hypertension.

Jiawei shentong zhuyu decoction prevented the occurrence of failed back surgery syndrome and its effect on serum TNF-alpha a clinical study / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the clinical roles of Jiawei Shentong Zhuyu Decoction (JSZD) in preventing the occurrence of failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), and to observe its effect on serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 100 patients prepared for surgical operation due to lumbar intervertebral disc herniation were randomly assigned to the treatment group and the control group according to random number table, 50 cases in each group. Patients in the treatment group additionally took JSZD, one dose per day, taken in two portions, once in the morning and once in the evening. Those in the control group took Celecoxib Capsule (200 mg each time, once per day) and Mecobalamin Tablet (0.5 mg each time, 3 times per day). They only took Mecobalamin Tablet from the 11th day. All patients were treated for 30 days. Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score was performed before treatment, at week 1, after treatment, at 6 months of followed-ups, and at 12 months of followed-ups. And the levels of TNF-alpha in the peripheral blood were observed before treatment and at one month after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Totally 93 patients completed the followed-up study. The JOA scores were improved after treatment, at 6 and 12 months of followed-ups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The JOA score at 6 months of followed-ups was superior in the treatment group to that of the control group (P < 0.05). Five patients (accounting for 10.6%) suffered from FBSS in the treatment group, while 9 (accounting for 19.6%) suffered from FBSS in the control group. The treatment group was superior to the control group (P < 0.05). The TNFalpha level was improved after treatment in the two groups. Of them, the improvement of TNF-alpha in the treatment group was better than that of the control group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The application of JSZD was effective for preventing the occurrence of FBSS, and improved the serum TNF-alpha level.</p>

[Improving effect of Shengjingsan on spermatogenic function following testicular torsion/detorsion in rats and its mechanism].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of Shengjingsan on spermatogenic function following testicular torsion/detorsion in rats and its action mechanism. METHODS: Forty SD male rats were equally randomized to groups A (sham operation), B (control), C (low-dose Shengjingsan), D (medium-dose Shengjingsan) and E (high-dose Shengjingsan). The model of testicular torsion was established by 720 degrees clockwise torsion of the left testis for 4 hours. An hour before operation, the rats of group B received daily gavage of normal saline at 1 ml per kg per d, while those in groups C, D and E that of Shengjingsan at 0.01, 0.02 and 0.03 g per kg per d, all for 35 days. Then all the rats were sacrificed for measuring the semen parameters by CASA and detecting the expression of the CatSper1 gene in the sperm by RT-PCR. RESULTS: Compared with group A, Sperm concentration, the percentage of grade a + b sperm, sperm vitality and CatSper1 expression were significantly lower in group B ([15.30 +/- 6.30] %, [44.42 +/- 6.36] %, [21.00 +/- 6.14] x 10(6)/ml and 1.12 +/- 0.50) than in A ([51.30 +/- 6.60]%, [69.01 +/- 7.20]%, [40.53 +/- 7.01] x 10(6)/ml and 2.04 +/- 0.77) (P < 0.01). Compared with group B, the four parameters were increased remarkably in groups D ([51.63 +/- 3.20] %, [72.09 +/- 2.20]%, [55.30 +/- 5.90] x10(6)/ml and 2.11 +/- 0.20) andE ([55.93 +/- 3.17]%, [73.01 +/- 2.11]%, [58.33 + 4.90] x 10(6)/ml and 2.31 +/- 0.17) (P < 0.01), but not significantly in C ([18.02 +/- 0.23]%, [48.04 +/- 7.01]%, [22.87 +/- 2.10] x 10(6)/ml and 1.19 +/- 0.51) (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Shengjingsan can improve sperm parameters following testicular torsion/ detorsion in male rats by regulating their spermatogenic function and improving the expression of CatSper1 in the sperm.

Vitamin D status is associated with sun exposure, vitamin D and calcium intake, acculturation and attitudes in immigrant East Asian women living in Sydney.

Known determinants of vitamin D status (measured in serum as 25(OH)Dnmol/L) are exposure to sunlight and intake of vitamin D, either from foods or vitamin supplements. Recently, low vitamin D status in East Asian Australian immigrants has been reported. Thus the aim of this study was to investigate associations with vitamin D status in East Asian Australian immigrant women. In this cross-sectional study of women (n=152 aged 18-92), 25(OH)D levels were measured from serum samples (radio-immuno assay). Demographics, sun exposure patterns, dietary intake and acculturation factors were obtained by questionnaire. In spring, 53% of the study population had serum 25(OH)D levels <50nmol/L (deficiency); whereas in summer only 19% were deficient. Associations with vitamin D deficiency were younger age, higher education, more sun protection behavior, fewer minutes of sun exposure on weekends, low vitamin D and calcium intake through foods or supplements and less acculturation to Australian lifestyle. After multivariate adjustment, those who had no intake of vitamin D supplements (OR=5.6, CI=1.4-22), less sunlight exposure on weekends (OR=2.7, CI=1.0-7.3) and lower acculturation to Australian lifestyle (OR=2.5, CI=1.0-6.3) had increased risk of being deficient in vitamin D. Thus there is a need for vitamin D education in this "at-risk" population. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Vitamin D Workshop'.

Treating cervical spinal canal stenosis by open-door cervical laminoplasty combined modified buyang huanwu decoction / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the clinical efficacy of open-door cervical laminoplasty combined Modified Buyang Huanwu Decoction (MBHD) to treat cervical spinal canal stenosis (CSCS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 32 CSCS patients were randomly assigned to two groups, Group A (17 cases, treated by laminoplasty) and Group B (15 cases, treated by laminoplasty combined MBHD). All patients received open-door cervical laminoplasty. Those in Group B took MBHD additionally for 2 weeks after surgery. The visual analogue scale (VAS), the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, and the neck disability index (NDI) were measured preoperative, postoperative 3 months and 12 months, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was no statistical difference in preoperative VAS, JOA, or NDI (P > 0.05). The VAS, JOA, and NDI were obviously improved 3 months and 12 months after surgery in the two groups, showing statistical difference when compared with before surgery in the same group (P < 0.01). At 3 months after surgery the aforesaid indices in Group B were superior to those in Group A (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in the aforesaid indices between the two groups at 12 months after surgery (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>MBHD favorably improved early recovery of neural functions of CSCS patients (3 months after surgery).</p>

Improving effect of Shengjingsan on spermatogenic function following testicular torsion/detorsion in rats and its mechanism / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of Shengjingsan on spermatogenic function following testicular torsion/detorsion in rats and its action mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty SD male rats were equally randomized to groups A (sham operation), B (control), C (low-dose Shengjingsan), D (medium-dose Shengjingsan) and E (high-dose Shengjingsan). The model of testicular torsion was established by 720 degrees clockwise torsion of the left testis for 4 hours. An hour before operation, the rats of group B received daily gavage of normal saline at 1 ml per kg per d, while those in groups C, D and E that of Shengjingsan at 0.01, 0.02 and 0.03 g per kg per d, all for 35 days. Then all the rats were sacrificed for measuring the semen parameters by CASA and detecting the expression of the CatSper1 gene in the sperm by RT-PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with group A, Sperm concentration, the percentage of grade a + b sperm, sperm vitality and CatSper1 expression were significantly lower in group B ([15.30 +/- 6.30] %, [44.42 +/- 6.36] %, [21.00 +/- 6.14] x 10(6)/ml and 1.12 +/- 0.50) than in A ([51.30 +/- 6.60]%, [69.01 +/- 7.20]%, [40.53 +/- 7.01] x 10(6)/ml and 2.04 +/- 0.77) (P < 0.01). Compared with group B, the four parameters were increased remarkably in groups D ([51.63 +/- 3.20] %, [72.09 +/- 2.20]%, [55.30 +/- 5.90] x10(6)/ml and 2.11 +/- 0.20) andE ([55.93 +/- 3.17]%, [73.01 +/- 2.11]%, [58.33 + 4.90] x 10(6)/ml and 2.31 +/- 0.17) (P < 0.01), but not significantly in C ([18.02 +/- 0.23]%, [48.04 +/- 7.01]%, [22.87 +/- 2.10] x 10(6)/ml and 1.19 +/- 0.51) (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Shengjingsan can improve sperm parameters following testicular torsion/ detorsion in male rats by regulating their spermatogenic function and improving the expression of CatSper1 in the sperm.</p>

UPLC simultaneous determination of five active components in Cinnamomi Ramulus / 中国中药杂志

A rapid UPLC method for simultaneous determination of protocatechuic acid, coumarin, cinnamic alcohol, cinnamic acid and cinnamaldehyde in Cinnamomi Ramulus was established. The optimal conditions of separation and detection were achieved on an HSS T3 Column (2.1 mm x 100 mm, 1.8 microm) eluted with a gradient of acetonitrile and 0.05% aqueous phosphoric acid, at a flow rate of 0.5 mL x min(-1), detected at 254 nm. The linear response ranges of protocatechuic acid, coumarin, cinnamic alcohol, cinnamic acid and cinnamaldehyde were 0.359-3.59 mg x L(-1) (r = 0. 999 3), 2. 834-28.34 mg x L(-1) (r = 0.999 8), 0.574-5.74 mg x L(-1) (r = 0.999 8), 2.400-24.00 mg x L(-1) (r = 0.999 9), 32.57-325.7 mg x L(-1) (r = 0.999 8), respectively (n = 6). The mean recoveries (n = 9) of the five components were 96.7%-101.0%, RSD < 2.3%. The assay demonstrates that the method has adequate accuracy and selectivity to measure the concentration of protocatechuic acid, coumarin, cinnamic alcohol, cinnamic acid and cinnamaldehyde in Cinnamomi Ramulus.

Oxalate content of green tea of different origin, quality, preparation and time of harvest.

The purpose of the study was to analyse the oxalate content of green tea (Camellia sinensis) depending on origin, quality, time of harvest and preparation. Fifty-two green tea samples were received from different regions of China. The oxalate content of each tea infusion was measured using a validated HPLC-enzyme-reactor method. The soluble oxalate content of green tea ranged from 8.3 to 139.8 mg/l. In samples from known provenances, the highest oxalate concentration was found in green tea from Zhe Jiang. Low grade tea showed a tendency to lower oxalate concentration. Leaves reaped in the autumn when grown to full size yielded more oxalate than small and young leaves reaped in the spring. Modifications in steeping duration of tea leaves had no significant influence on the oxalate content of the beverage. Patients at risk for recurrent stone formation should take into account the oxalate content of green tea.