Bioactive Components of Areca Nut: An Overview of Their Positive Impacts Targeting Different Organs.

Areca catechu L. is a widely cultivated tropical crop in Southeast Asia, and its fruit, areca nut, has been consumed as a traditional Chinese medicinal material for more than 10,000 years, although it has recently attracted widespread attention due to potential hazards. Areca nut holds a significant position in traditional medicine in many areas and ranks first among the four southern medicines in China. Numerous bioactive compounds have been identified in areca nuts, including alkaloids, polyphenols, polysaccharides, and fatty acids, which exhibit diverse bioactive functions, such as anti-bacterial, deworming, anti-viral, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor effects. Furthermore, they also display beneficial impacts targeting the nervous, digestive, and endocrine systems. This review summarizes the pharmacological functions and underlying mechanisms of the bioactive ingredients in areca nut. This helps to ascertain the beneficial components of areca nut, discover its medicinal potential, and guide the utilization of the areca nut.

Fu's subcutaneous needling as an adjunctive therapy for diaphragmatic dysfunction in a critically ill patient with severe neurologic disability: A case report.

RATIONALE: Diaphragmatic dysfunction is prevalent among intensive care unit patients. The use of Fu's subcutaneous needling (FSN) for respiratory problems is a new issue and few study has been conducted so far. PATIENT CONCERNS: Despite conventional treatments, the patient continued using noninvasive ventilation after discharge from the intensive care unit due to diaphragmatic dysfunction. DIAGNOSIS: Diaphragmatic dysfunction. INTERVENTIONS: After the myofascial trigger points were confirmed in the neck, chest, and abdomen area, FSN therapy was performed using disposable FSN needles. FSN needles were penetrated into the subcutaneous layer. OUTCOMES: The patient dyspnea and tachypnea improved, and noninvasive ventilation time dropped significantly. The patient was successfully weaned from the ventilator after 3 sessions of FSN therapy, and there was an increase in diaphragmatic excursion and tidal fraction of the diaphragm via the ultrasound imaging. We found no evidence of relapse 12 months after treatment. LESSONS: FSN therapy has potential as an alternative strategy for patients with diaphragmatic dysfunction and severe neurologic disabilities who do not respond well to conventional therapies, but further research is still required to establish the effects of FSN on diaphragmatic function.

Dietary naringin supplementation on hepatic yolk precursors formation and antioxidant capacity of Three-Yellow breeder hens during the late laying period.

In this study, the effects of naringin on hepatic yolk precursors formation and antioxidant capacity of Three-Yellow breeder hens during late laying period were evaluated. A total of 480 (54-wk-old) Three-Yellow breeder hens were randomly assigned to 4 groups (6 replicates of 20 hens): nonsupplemented control diet (C), and control diet supplemented with 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.4% of naringin (N1, N2, and N3), respectively. Results showed that dietary supplemented with 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.4% of naringin for 8 wk promoted the cell proliferation and attenuated the excessive fat accumulation in the liver. Compared with C group, increased concentrations of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (T-CHO), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and decreased contents of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were detected in liver, serum and ovarian tissues (P < 0.05). After 8 wk of feeding with naringin (0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.4%), serum estrogen (E2) level, expression levels of proteins and genes of estrogen receptors (ERs) increased significantly (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, naringin treatment regulated expression of genes related to yolk precursors formation (P < 0.05). Furthermore, dietary naringin addition increased the antioxidants, decreased the oxidation products, and up-regulated transcription levels of antioxidant genes in liver tissues (P < 0.05). These results indicated that dietary supplemented with naringin could improve hepatic yolk precursors formation and hepatic antioxidant capacity of Three-Yellow breeder hens during the late laying period. Doses of 0.2% and 0.4% are more effective than dose of 0.1%.

Tanshinone IIA and hepatocellular carcinoma: A potential therapeutic drug.

Because of its high prevalence and poor long-term clinical treatment effect, liver disease is regarded as a major public health problem around the world. Among them, viral hepatitis, fatty liver, cirrhosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and autoimmune liver disease are common causes and inducements of liver injury, and play an important role in the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Tanshinone IIA (TsIIA) is a fat soluble polyphenol of Salvia miltiorrhiza that is extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza. Because of its strong biological activity (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant), it is widely used in Asia to treat cardiovascular and liver diseases. In addition, TsIIA has shown significant anti-HCC activity in previous studies. It not only has significant anti proliferation and pro apoptotic properties. It can also play an anti-cancer role by mediating a variety of signal pathways, including phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/rapamycin (mTOR), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB). This review not only reviews the existing evidence and molecular mechanism of TsIIA's anti-HCC effect but also reviews the liver-protective effect of TsIIA and its impact on liver fibrosis, NAFLD, and other risk factors for liver cancer. In addition, we also conducted network pharmacological analysis on TsIIA and HCC to further screen and explore the possible targets of TsIIA against hepatocellular carcinoma. It is expected to provide a theoretical basis for the development of anti-HCC-related drugs based on TsIIA.

Electroacupuncture Treats Myocardial Infarction by Influencing the Regulation of Substance P in the Neurovascular to Modulate PGI2/TXA2 Metabolic Homeostasis via PI3K/AKT Pathway: A Bioinformatics-Based Multiomics and Experimental Study.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the most severe form of coronary heart disease caused by ischemia and hypoxia. The study is aimed at investigating the role of neuropeptides and the mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) treatment. Compared with the normal population, a significant increase in substance P (SP) was observed in the serum of patients with AMI. PGI2 expression was increased in the SP-treated AMI mouse model, and TXA2 expression was decreased. And PI3K pathway-related genes, including Pik3ca, Akt, and Mtor, were upregulated in myocardial tissue of SP-treated AMI patients. Human cardiomyocyte cell lines (HCM) treated with SP increased mRNA and protein expression of PI3K pathway-related genes (Pik3ca, Pik3cb, Akt, and Mtor). Compared to MI control and EA-treated MI rat models, Myd88, MTOR, Akt1, Sp, and Irak1 were differentially expressed, consistent with in vivo and in vitro studies. EA treatment significantly enriched PI3K/AKT signaling pathway genes within MI-associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) according to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Furthermore, it was confirmed by molecular docking analysis that PIK3CA, AKT1, and mTOR form stable dockings with neuropeptide SP. PI3K/AKT pathway activity may be affected directly or indirectly by EA via SP, which corrects the PGI2/TXA2 metabolic imbalance in AMI. MI treatment is now better understood as a result of this finding.

Effects of treatment with montelukast alone, budesonide/formoterol alone and a combination of both in cough variant asthma.

BACKGROUND: Whether cysteinyl-leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) have a similar antitussive effect to inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting ß2-agonist (ICS/LABA), and that LTRA plus ICS/LABA is superior to LTRAs alone or ICS/LABA alone in treating cough variant asthma (CVA) remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate and compare the efficacy of montelukast alone, budesonide/formoterol alone and the combination of both in the treatment of CVA. METHODS: Ninety-nine CVA patients were assigned randomly in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive montelukast (M group: 10 mg, once daily), budesonide/formoterol (BF group: 160/4.5 µg, one puff, twice daily), or montelukast plus budesonide/formoterol (MBF group) for 8 weeks. The primary outcomes were changes in the cough visual analogue scale (VAS) score, daytime cough symptom score (CSS) and night-time CSS, and the secondary outcomes comprised changes in cough reflex sensitivity (CRS), the percentage of sputum eosinophils (sputum Eos%) and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). CRS was presented with the lowest concentration of capsaicin that induced at least 5 coughs (C5). The repeated measure was used in data analysis. RESULTS: The median cough VAS score (median from 6.0 to 2.0 in the M group, 5.0 to 1.0 in the BF group and 6.0 to 1.0 in the MBF group, all p < 0.001), daytime CSS (all p < 0.01) and night-time CSS (all p < 0.001) decreased significantly in all three groups after treatment for 8 weeks. Meanwhile, the LogC5 and sputum Eos% improved significantly in all three groups after 8 weeks treatment (all p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in the changes of the VAS score, daytime and night-time CSSs, LogC5 and sputum Eos% among the three groups from baseline to week 8 (all p > 0.05). The BF and MBF groups also showed significant decreases in FeNO after 8 weeks treatment (p = 0.001 and p = 0.008, respectively), while no significant change was found in the M group (p = 0.457). Treatment with MBF for 8 weeks significantly improved the FEV1/FVC as well as the MMEF% pred and decreased the blood Eos% (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Montelukast alone, budesonide/formoterol alone and a combination of both were effective in improving cough symptom, decreasing cough reflex sensitivity and alleviating eosinophilic airway inflammation in patients with CVA, and the antitussive effect and anti-eosinophilic airway inflammation were similar. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01404013.

Dietary naringin supplementation on laying performance and antioxidant capacity of Three-Yellow breeder hens during the late laying period.

In this study, the effects of 3 graded dietary levels (0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.4%) of naringin were studied in Three-Yellow breeder hens during the late laying period (55-62 wk). A total of 480 Three-Yellow breeder hens (54-wk-old) were randomly divided into 4 groups (6 replicates of 20 hens): basal diet group (C), and basal diets supplemented with 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.4% of naringin (N1, N2, and N3), respectively. Results showed that dietary supplementation with 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.4% of naringin for 8 wk increased the laying rate and egg mass, enhanced egg yolk color, and decreased the feed egg ratio (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, compared with hens in C group, there were more preovulatory follicles and higher ovarian index as well as an enhanced ovarian somatic cell proliferation in hens of N2 and N3 groups (P < 0.05). With 0.2% and 0.4% naringin, glutathione concentration, the activity of catalase and total superoxide dismutase, and the total antioxidant capacity of ovarian tissues and serum increased (P < 0.05), while the contents of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide decreased (P < 0.05). Moreover, compared to C group, the transcription levels of antioxidant genes in ovarian tissues increased in hens from N2 and N3 groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation with 0.2% and 0.4% naringin both could improve the laying rate, ovarian and serum antioxidant capacity of Three-Yellow breeder hens during the late laying period.

Implantable Electronic Medicine Enabled by Bioresorbable Microneedles for Wireless Electrotherapy and Drug Delivery.

A combined treatment using medication and electrostimulation increases its effectiveness in comparison with one treatment alone. However, the organic integration of two strategies in one miniaturized system for practical usage has seldom been reported. This article reports an implantable electronic medicine based on bioresorbable microneedle devices that is activated wirelessly for electrostimulation and sustainable delivery of anti-inflammatory drugs. The electronic medicine is composed of a radio frequency wireless power transmission system and a drug-loaded microneedle structure, all fabricated with bioresorbable materials. In a rat skeletal muscle injury model, periodic electrostimulation regulates cell behaviors and tissue regeneration while the anti-inflammatory drugs prevent inflammation, which ultimately enhance the skeletal muscle regeneration. Finally, the electronic medicine is fully bioresorbable, excluding the second surgery for device removal.

Effects of Early Acupuncture Combined with Rehabilitation Training on Limb Function and Nerve Injury Rehabilitation in Elderly Patients with Stroke: Based on a Retrospective Cohort Study.

Objective: A case-control study was conducted to explore the effect of acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training on limb function and nerve injury rehabilitation in elderly patients with stroke. Methods: A total of 72 elderly patients with stroke treated from March 2019 to June 2021 in our hospital were enrolled as the object of study. The clinical data were collected and divided into two groups according to their different treatment methods. The patients cured with routine treatment combined with rehabilitation training were taken as the control group and the patients cured with acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training as the study group. The clinical efficacy was recorded, and the cognition and activities of daily living were evaluated by Terrell Cognitive Assessment scale, limb motor function score, and activities of daily living scale. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) were employed to compare the neurological function before and after treatment. Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) and Disability Rating Scale (DRS) were adopted to evaluate the functional prognosis. The simplified Fugl-Meyer assessment of motor recovery score was employed to evaluate the limb function of the patients. The Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) score was adopted to evaluate the functional rehabilitation effect of the patients. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to determine the serum neurological function indexes such as nerve growth factor, Smur100B protein, and glial fibrillary acidic protein. The cerebral blood flow (CBF), peak time, average transit time, and cerebral blood volume were measured by CT perfusion imaging, and the incidence of side effects during treatment was recorded. Results: Regarding the recovery of cognitive function and daily function after treatment, after treatment, the MoCA and ADL scores were increased, and the comparison indicated that the MoCA and ADL scores of the study group were remarkably higher compared to the control group (P < 0.05). With regard to the FMA-UE scores after treatment, the Fugl-Meyer scores were gradually increased, and the Fugl-Meyer scores in the study group were remarkably higher compared to the control group (P < 0.05) in the next two months. After 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 6 weeks of treatment, the WMFT scores gradually increased, and the WMFT score of the study group was remarkably higher compared to the control group. After treatment, the levels of nerve growth factor and S-100B protein were decreased, and the level of glial fibrillary acidic protein was increased. Comparison between the two groups, it indicated the improvement degree of each neurological function index in the study group was remarkably better (P < 0.05). With regard to cerebral hemodynamic indexes after treatment, 1 week after treatment, the CBF and average transit time of the observation group were remarkably higher compared to the control group, and the levels of cerebral blood volume and peak time were remarkably lower compared to the control group (P < 0.05). After 4 weeks of treatment, the cerebral hemodynamic indexes of the observation group did not change remarkably, and they were all lower than 1 week after the treatment. In the terms of side effects, 1 case of limb dysfunction, 1 case of swallowing dysfunction, 1 case of electrolyte disturbance, and none of infection in the study group, the incidence of adverse reactions was 8.33%. In the control group, there were 3 cases of limb dysfunction, 2 cases of swallowing dysfunction, 2 cases of electrolyte disturbance, and 3 cases of infection, and the incidence of adverse reactions was 27.78%. Compared between groups, the incidence of adverse reactions in the study group was lower (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Early use of acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training has a remarkable therapeutic effect on elderly stroke patients. It can remarkably promote the recovery of the patient's condition, remarkably enhance their neurological function, cognitive function, motor function, and daily life function, and effectively strengthen the patient's prognosis score. It has important clinical application value to reduce the incidence of adverse reactions.

PTPN18 Stimulates the Development of Ovarian Cancer by Activating the PI3K/AKT Signaling.

Objective: To illustrate the functions of protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 18 (PTPN18) in the progression of ovarian cancer and the potential molecular mechanism. Methods: Differential PTPN18 expression in ovarian cancer samples was determined. Following PTPN18 knockdown, changes in proliferation and migration in ovarian cancer cells were detected. Nude mice with ovarian cancer were used to uncover the effects of PTPN18 on ovarian cancer growth in vivo. Results: PTPN18 was significantly upregulated in ovarian cancer samples and linked to pathological staging and metastasis rate. PTPN18 displayed prognostic and diagnostic potentials in ovarian cancer. Knockdown of PTPN18 and treatment of the PI3K inhibitor could inhibit proliferative and migratory abilities in ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, PTPN18 was capable of inactivating PI3K/AKT signaling. In vivo knockdown of PTPN18 suppressed ovarian cancer growth in nude mice. Conclusions: PTPN18 is upregulated in ovarian cancer, which stimulates the malignant development by activating PI3K/AKT signaling. The PTPN18 level is also associated with pathological staging and metastasis in ovarian cancer patients, which may be utilized as a hallmark predicting the malignant level.

Differences in egg yolk precursor formation of Guangxi Ma chickens with dissimilar laying rate at the same or various ages.

Egg yolk formation and deposition are quite vital for oocyte maturation and egg production in hens. There are great differences in egg production and number of preovulatory follicles among individuals in Guangxi Ma chickens at the same or various ages, however, the causes of this phenomenon remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the differences in yolk precursors formation among Guangxi Ma hens at the same or various ages with dissimilar egg laying rate via comparing the synthesis and transportation of yolk precursors, serum estradiol (E2) levels, as well as the antioxidant capacity of the liver and serum from hens of 32-week-old (32W), 50-week-old with higher laying rate (50WH), 50-week-old with lower laying rate (50WL), 72-week-old with higher laying rate (72WH), and 72-week-old with lower laying rate (72WL). The results showed that the contents of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (T-CHO), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) in the liver, serum and ovarian stroma, serum E2 levels, expression levels of proteins and genes related to yolk precursors formation, and the antioxidant capacity of liver and serum decreased significantly during aging process. TG, HDL-C and VLDL-C contents in serum and ovarian stroma, as well as HDL-C and VLDL-C levels in liver tissues of hens in 50WL and 72WL were significantly lower compared to hens in 50WH and 72WH, respectively. Meanwhile, expression levels of estrogen receptor ɑ and transcription levels of genes related to lipid transportation in liver tissues, and the antioxidant capacity of livers were remarkably lower in hens in 50WL and 72WL than those in 50WH and 72WH, respectively. However, no significant difference was detected in liver TG levels, serum E2 levels, genes related to fatty acids synthesis and serum antioxidant capacity between hens in 50WL and 50WH. In conclusion, the age-related decline of egg production in Guangxi Ma chicken maybe related to the age-related decreases in the synthesis and transportation of liver yolk precursor as well as the antioxidant capacity of liver and hens. And the non-age related decline of egg production may mainly attribute to the decreases in yolk precursors transportation ability and hepatic antioxidant capacity.

Roles of Gut Microbiota in Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease and Therapeutic Effects of Chinese Medicine.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive impairment. The pathogenesis of AD is complex, and its susceptibility and development process are affected by age, genetic and epigenetic factors. Recent studies confirmed that gut microbiota (GM) might contribute to AD through a variety of pathways including hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis and inflflammatory and immune processes. CM formula, herbs, and monomer enjoy unique advantages to treat and prevent AD. Hence, the purpose of this review is to outline the roles of GM and its core metabolites in the pathogenesis of AD. Research progress of CMs regarding the mechanisms of how they regulate GM to improve cognitive impairment of AD is also reviewed. The authors tried to explore new therapeutic strategies to AD based on the regulation of GM using CM.

Identification of Pheretima （Pheretima aspergillum） Formula Granule by Allele-specific PCR / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveIn order to ensure the safety and effectiveness of clinical drug use ， the identification method of mixed and adulterated specific polymerase chain reaction （PCR） identification of Pheretima aspergillum and its processed products was established. MethodBased on the cytochrome C oxidase subunit I sequence of P. aspergillum， primers were designed to cover the whole sequences， and the stable DNA ranges suitable for the identification of Pheretima （P. aspergillum） formula granule were screened out. Specific primers were designed according to the specific single nucleotide polymorphisms （SNP） of P. aspergillum in the stable DNA range. The P. aspergillum and its mixture were collected respectively， the PCR reaction system was established and optimized， and PCR reaction system and procedure were optimized， and the tolerance and applicability were investigated. ResultWhen the annealing temperature was 62 ℃ and the cycle number was 36， both P. aspergillum formula granule and its formula particles could amplify a single specific identification band of about 170 bp， and the other 20 adulterants and negative controls had no band. ConclusionThe allele-specific PCR identification method established in this study can quickly and accurately identify the P. aspergillum formula granule. The orgin of Chinese herbal medicine and decoction pieces and P. aspergillum were accurately identified. It can also provide a reference for other studies on the quality standard research of other Chinese herbal formula granule.

[Effect of regulating menstruation and promoting pregnancy acupuncture therapy on negative emotion in patients with premature ovarian insufficiency].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the influence of regulating menstruation and promoting pregnancy acupuncture therapy on negative emotions in patients with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). METHODS: A total of 60 patients with POI were randomly divided into an acupuncture group and a western medication group, 30 cases in each group. The acupuncture group was treated with regulating menstruation and promoting pregnancy acupuncture therapy at Baihui (GV 20), Shenting (GV 24), Guanyuan (CV 4), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Shenshu (BL 23), Ciliao (BL 32), etc. once a day, 5 times a week for 3 months. The western medication group was treated by oral administration of climen. The drug was given 1 tablet a day for 21 days and was stopped for 1 week as a course. The treatment was required 3 consecutive courses. The self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) score, modified Kupperman index (KI) score, agitated and depressive symptom scores in KI and serum level of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) before and after treatment were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, the SAS scores, KI scores and serum levels of FSH in the two groups and the scores of agitated and depressive symptom in the acupuncture group were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), and the acupuncture group was lower than the western medication group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Regulating menstruation and promoting pregnancy acupuncture therapy can effectively improve the negative emotions of patients with POI and reduce serum level of FSH .

Hepatoprotective Effects of Selenium-Enriched Probiotics Supplementation on Heat-Stressed Wistar Rat Through Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects.

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effects of selenium-enriched probiotics on the liver of heat-stressed Wistar rats. Ten-week-old male rats were assigned to four groups: control (Con); high temperature (HT); high temperature plus probiotics (HT + P: 1011 CFU/mL Lactobacillus acidophilus and 109 CFU/mL Saccharomyces cerevisiae); or high temperature plus selenium-enriched probiotics (HT + SeP: 0.3 mg/kg Se, 1011 CFU/mL L. acidophilus and 109 CFU/mL S. cerevisiae). The HT, HT + P, and HT + SeP groups were maintained at higher ambient temperature (40-42 °C), while the control group was kept at room temperature (25 °C). After 42 days of thermal exposure, blood and liver tissues were collected and analyzed for morphological and molecular markers of liver physiology. The body weight of rats in the HT group decreased but liver weight and live index were increased. Histological examination showed dilation of liver sinusoids and congestion of interstitial veins in HT group. Moreover, the histomorphology of the liver in HT + P and HT + SeP groups was restored, and the serum AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, and hepatic MDA level decreased significantly, but the serum total protein level and the liver SOD, T-AOC, and GSH-PX activities were increased significantly relative to the HT group. In addition, the mRNA level of Gpx1, SOD1, Nrf2, and Bcl-2 was significantly increased, while the expression level of Bax, IL-6, TNF-α, COX-2, NF-κB, α-SMA, TGFß1, Collagen I, HSP70, and HSP90 was significantly decreased in liver tissues after SeP supplementation. We concluded that SeP can protect Wistar rats from oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and liver fibrosis induced by heat stress.

The anti-glioma effects of borneol and RGD co-modified docetaxel loaded nanoparticles after intranasal administration / 药学学报

Borneol (Bo) and Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) co-modified docetaxel (DTX) loaded MPEG-PLGA nanoparticles (DTX-Bo-RGD-NPs) were prepared to improve the therapeutic effect of DTX against glioma after intranasal administration. DTX-Bo-RGD-NPs were prepared by emulsification-solvent evaporation method, and their morphology, particle size, zeta potential, drug loading capacity (DLC), stability, and in vitro release properties were investigated. The fluorescence probe coumarin-6 loaded NPs were prepared for investigating the NPs' uptake property on C6 and 16HBE cell models to evaluate in vitro targeting ability. The DiR loaded NPs were prepared for observing the fluorescence intensity at the brain tumor site after intranasal administration through in vivo imaging system in a C6 rat orthotropic model, evaluating the targeting ability in vivo. The anti-tumor effects of DTX-Bo-RGD-NPs were also investigated in such C6 rat orthotropic model in vivo. Animal welfare and experimental procedures are in compliance with the regulations of the Animal Ethics Committee of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The results showed that DTX-Bo-RGD-NPs were spherical and uniformly distributed, with a particle size of about 140 nm and a zeta potential of -20 to -30 mV. The drug delivery system showed good stability and sustained release property in vitro, and favorable brain tumor targeting effect in vitro and in vivo. Such novel drug delivery system significantly improved the accumulation of DTX-Bo-RGD-NPs in tumor sites and displayed a higher brain tumor targeting efficiency, providing promising therapeutics of DTX for the treatment of glioma after intranasal administration.

Influence of syndrome differentiation and diet on traditional Chinese medicine syndrome score of patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites based on "Gu Ben Kai Qu" theory / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To explore the effect of dialectical diet on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score of cirrhotic ascites patients based on "Gu Ben Kai Qu" theory.Methods:From March 2019 to January 2020, 84 patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites admitted to Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of TCM were randomly divided into two groups according to the different dialectical types of the subjects, 14 cases in each group. Three non-syndrome differentiation diet groups were given routine nursing care of liver cirrhosis ascites. On the basis of routine nursing, the corresponding medicinal diet was selected according to syndrome differentiation based on "Gu Ben Kai Qu" theory. Patients with spleen and kidney yang deficiency syndrome selected Shenqi lean meat decoction. Patients with Yin deficiency of liver and kidney selected Wolfberry and ophiopogon spareribs decoction. Patients with qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome selected Danggui Sanqi spareribs decoction. The TCM syndrome score scale for liver disease and the curative effect evaluation of cirrhosis ascites were used to evaluate the effect.Results:Eighty effective cases were included. On the first day of admission, the 14th day and the second week after discharge, the TCM syndrome scores of liver disease were as follows: the group (a1b1) with the spleen and kidney yang deficiency syndrome was 46.38±8.56, 34.20±8.42, 31.40±4.22, respectively. The group (a1b2) with the liver kidney yin deficiency syndrome was 41.50±8.71, 31.35±8.63, 31.12±4.94. The group(a1b3) with the qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome was 45.92±7.86, 35.17±7.57, 30.83±7.32, respectively. The non-syndrome differentiation diet group (a2b1) with the spleen and kidney yang deficiency syndrome was 46.29±8.38, 39.79±7.65, 36.64±6.83, respectively. The non-syndrome differentiation diet group (a2b2) with the liver and kidney yin deficiency syndrome was 40.50±8.12, 38.10±8.93, 35.38±8.24, respectively. The non-syndrome differentiation diet group (a2b3) with the qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome was 45.62±7.99, 41.83±7.31, 38.83±7.96, respectively. The comparison of TCM syndrome scores of liver disease at three time points was statistically significant ( χ2 value was 63.998, P<0.05), and the comparison between groups was statistically significant ( χ2 value was 20.993, P<0.05). On the 14th day and the second week after discharge, there were significant differences between the groups with the syndrome differentiation diet and another three groups with non-syndrome differentiation diet ( F values were 3.244, 3.489, all P<0.05). Conclusions:Based on the theory of "strengthening the foundation and opening channels", the syndrome differentiation group can effectively reduce the TCM syndrome score of patients with cirrhosis ascites, improve the symptoms and enhance the curative effect. With the development of time, the score of TCM syndrome in patients with liver disease become lower. On the 14th day of admission, patients with Yin deficiency of liver and kidney given medicated diets had significant effect; patients with spleen kidney yang deficiency syndrome or qi stagnation and blood stasis had significant effect in 2 weeks after discharge; which can effectively improve the clinical symptoms of patients with cirrhosis ascites to worthy of clinical application.

Efficacy and effect on serum VEGF-C of mild moxibustion plus functional exercise for upper-limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To observe the efficacy of mild moxibustion combined with functional exercise in the treatment of upper-limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery and its effect on serum vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C). Methods: Seventy-eight patients were divided into a control group and an observation group by the random number table method, with 39 cases in each group. The control group received functional exercise and the observation group received mild moxibustion plus functional exercise. The differences in circumference between the two upper limbs, the lymphatic flow of the affected upper limb, the disability of arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score, the functional assessment of cancer therapy-breast (FACT-B) score and serum VEGF-C level between the two groups were compared before and after treatment. Efficacy was evaluated after treatment. Results: The total effective rate was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). The difference in circumference between the two upper limbs of the two groups decreased significantly after treatment (both P<0.05), but it was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). The lymphatic flow of the affected upper limb of the two groups increased significantly after treatment (both P<0.05), but it was significantly greater in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). The DASH scores of the two groups decreased significantly after treatment (both P<0.05), but it was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). The FACT-B scores of the two groups increased significantly after treatment (both P<0.05), but it was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the serum VEGF-C level increased significantly in the observation group (P<0.05), whereas the control group did not show significant change (P>0.05). The post-treatment serum VEGF-C level was significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The efficacy of mild moxibustion combined with functional exercise for upper-limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery is certain, which can reduce the difference in circumference between the two upper limbs, increase the lymphatic flow of the affected upper limb, improve the limb function and the quality of life, and regulate the serum VEGF-C level.

Non-invasive electrical neuromodulation techniques: analgesic effects and neural mechanisms / 生理学报

As non-pharmaceutical interventions, non-invasive electrical neuromodulation techniques are promising in pain management. With many advantages, such as low costs, high usability, and non-invasiveness, they have been exploited to treat multiple types of clinical pain. Proper use of these techniques requires a comprehensive understanding of how they work. In this article, we reviewed recent studies concerning non-invasive electrical peripheral nerve stimulation (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and transcutaneous vagus/vagal nerve stimulation) as well as electrical central nerve stimulation (transcranial direct current stimulation and transcranial alternating current stimulation). Specifically, we discussed their analgesic effects on acute and chronic pain, and the neural mechanisms thereof. We then contrasted the four kinds of nerve stimulation techniques, pointing out limitations of existing studies and proposing directions for future research. With more extensive and in-depth research to overcome these limitations, we shall witness more clinical applications of non-invasive electrical nerve stimulations to alleviate patients' pain and ease the crippling medical and economic burden imposed on patients, their families, and the entire society.

Effect of electroacupuncture combined with aerobic exercise on IGF-I /Akt pathway in skeletal muscle of aging rats / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effects of low-frequency electroacupuncture combined with aerobic exercise on sarocopenia, and the effects of IGF-I /Akt and its downstream signaling pathway-related protein.@*METHODS@#Naturally aging SD rats were used as research objects. Thirty-two 6-month-old male SD rats weighing 400 to 450 g were bred to 12-month-old and randomly divided into 4 groups according to body weight:Control group(YC, only grasp, fix, put back, without other intervention), electroacupuncture group (YA, electroacupuncture intervention), exercise group (YE, exercise intervention) and electroacupuncture+exercise group (YEA, electroacupuncture combined with exercise intervention). SD rats were continuously intervened from 12 months to 18 months of age. At the end of the experiment, the conditions of naturally aging rats in each group were observed:skeletal muscle wet weight / weight ratio;HE staining morphology of soleus muscle under light microscope; qPCR was used to detect the expression level of IGF-I mRNA in skeletal muscle;the expression of AKT, mTOR, p70S6K and p-p70S6K proteins in rat gastrocnemius was determined by Western blot.@*RESULTS@#In 18-month-old rats, the intervention period was 6 months. (1) Compared with YC group, YA group and YEA group significantly increased the wet weight / body weight ratio of gastrocnemius muscle in 18 months old rats. YEA group could significantly increase the wet weight / body weight ratio of soleus muscle compared with YC group YC group and YA group (@*CONCLUSION@#Electroacupuncture combined with aerobic exercise can attenuate sarocopenia in 18-month-old naturally aging rats. The molecular mechanism may be related to the promotion of protein synthesis by activating the IGF-I / Akt pathway.