Comparative efficacy and safety of acupuncture and Western medicine for poststroke thalamic pain.

Poststroke thalamic pain (PSTP) is one of the most common sequelae following stroke. Analgesics, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and surgical treatment are conventional treatment methods of PSTP, but these methods have limited efficacy, cost more, and cause a likelihood of adverse reactions. Clinical studies have shown that acupuncture has a significant analgesic effect on PSTP without obvious side effects. But, there is a lack of high-quality evidence concerning its effectiveness and safety to support its use. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture versus Western medicine for the treatment of PSTP to provide evidence to support clinical PSTP treatment. Searches were conducted to identify randomized controlled trials investigating the use of acupuncture for PSTP across six databases, including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang Database, and the Chinese Scientific Journal Database VIP. RevMan 5.3 software was used for the meta-analysis. The results showed that compared with Western medicine, acupuncture had a higher total effective rate for the treatment of PSTP, reduced visual analog scale scores, increased beta-endorphin content, and decreased incidence of adverse reactions. However, the sample sizes of the included studies were insufficient, and the quality of the articles was relatively poor. In future studies, the clinical study design should be standardized and the sample size should be expanded to validate these results.

4D label-free quantitative proteomics analysis to screen potential drug targets of Jiangu Granules treatment for postmenopausal osteoporotic rats.

Background: Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) is a disease with a high prevalence in postmenopausal women and is characterized by an imbalance in bone metabolism, reduced bone mass, and increased risk of fracture due to estrogen deficiency. Jiangu granules (JG) is a compound prescription used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat PMOP. However, its definitive mechanism in PMOP is unclear. This study used a 4D label-free quantitative proteomics method to explore the potential therapeutic mechanism of JG in an ovariectomy (OVX) rats' model. Materials and methods: A rat model of PMOP was established by removing the ovaries bilaterally. Nine 3-month-old specific-pathogen-free female SD rats. The nine rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 3 in each group): the sham-operated group (J), the ovariectomy group (NC), and the JG treatment (ZY) group. Proteins extracted from the bone tissue of the lumbar spine (L3, L4) of three groups of rats were analyzed by 4D label-free quantitative proteomics, and proteins differentially expressed after JG treatment and proteins differentially expressed after de-ovulation were intersected to identify proteins associated with the mechanism of PMOP by JG treatment. Result: There were 104 up-regulated and 153 down-regulated differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the J group vs. NC group, 107 up-regulated and 113 down-regulated DEPs in the J group vs. ZY group, and 15 up-regulated and 32 down-regulated DEPs in the NC group vs. ZY group. Six potential target proteins for JG regulation of osteoblast differentiation in OVX rats were identified by taking intersections of differential proteins in the J group vs. NC group and NC group vs. ZY group. Conclusion: JG may exert therapeutic effects by modulating the expression levels of target proteins associated with osteoblast differentiation to enhance osteoblast differentiation in OVX rats. These results further uncovered the target proteins and specific mechanisms of JG in treating PMOP, providing an experimental basis for the clinical application of JG in treating PMOP.

[Comparative analysis on seedling growth dynamics and physiological indices of Bupleurum smithii var. parvifolium and B. scorzonerifolium].

With Bupleurum smithii var. parvifolium and B. scorzonerifolium as test objects, in order to provide a theoretical basis for the introduction and domestication of B. smithii var. parvifolium, the growth and development dynamics of seedlings, biomass accumulation, the content of malonaldehyde(MDA), the activity of antioxidase such as SOD, POD, CAT and APX between them were comparatively analyzed by direct sowing culture in the open field. The results indicated that the morphological index and the biomass accumulation of B. smithii var. parvifolium such as root diameter, root length, plant height and leaf number were inferior to B. scorzonerifolium, the antioxidase SOD and POD activity of B. smithii var. parvifolium was significantly inferior to B. scorzonerifolium (P<0.05), the antioxidase CAT and APX activity of B. smithii var. parvifolium was inferior to B. scorzonerifolium but the difference wasn't significant, while MDA content was superior to B. scorzonerifolium(P<0.05). Thus, compared with cultivated B. scorzoneri folium, the plant growth velocity of wild B. smithii var. parvifolium was relatively slower and its resistance was relatively weaker after introduction and domestication.

Molecular mechanisms of the inhibitory effects of jiangu granule­containing serum on RANKL­induced osteoclastogenesis.

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) is characterized by increased bone loss due to enhanced osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption. A Chinese herbal formula, jiangugranule (JG), exhibited great efficacy in the clinical treatment of PMOP. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects remain unclear. The present study aimed to examine the effects of JG­containing serum on receptor activator of nuclear factor­κB (NF­κB) ligand (RANKL)­induced osteoclastogenesis. Osteoclast precursor RAW264.7 cells were cultured and treated with JG­containing serum in the presence of RANKL. Following 6 days of culture, the cells were stained with tartrate­resistant acid phosphatase and the rate of differentiation was calculated. In addition, cells were treated with JG­containing serum for 24, 48 and 96 h and total RNA and proteins were extracted for reverse transcription­quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis to detect mRNA and protein expression, respectively, of key molecules in the RANK/RANKL signaling pathway, including RANK, tumor necrosis factor receptor­associated factor 6, NF­κB (p50 and p52 subunits), c­Fos and nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1). The results revealed that JG­containing serum inhibited RANKL­induced osteoclastogenesis and reduced mRNA and protein expression of RANK, c­Fos and NFATc1. The results suggested that JG may regulate osteoclast differentiation through the RANK/RANKL signaling pathway, which may be a possible mechanism for the therapeutic effects of JG on PMOP.

[Effects of Different Altitudes and Sowing Dates on Direct Sowing Angelica sinensis Yield and Quality].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of different altitudes and sowing dates on direct sowing Angelica sinensis biomass, yield and quality, and to provide a theoretical basis for Angelica sinensis direct sowing cultivation techniques. METHODS: Two factors trials were used to research the influence of altitude and sowing dates on yield and quality of direct sowing Angelica sinensis. The altitudes were located at 2500, 2000 and 1500 m, and the sowing dates were set up at autumn August 29, and Spring April 3 and April 24. The experiments were designed with split plot. RESULTS: Under the same altitude, roots and aboveground biomass of direct sowing Angelica sinensis were higher when sowing earlier. In the same sowing date, the root and aboveground biomass was the maximum at 2 000 m altitude, followed by elevation of 1 500 m. At 2 500 m altitude, Angelica sinensis root and aboveground biomass was the minimum. Sowing at 2 000 m altitude at August 29 direct sowing Angelica sinensis showed the highest biomass and yield, reaching 13 840.95 kg/hm2, significantly higher than the other treatments. Compared with transplanting Angelica sinensis in this region, the production of direct sowing Angelica sinensis was also 15. 3% higher. Angelica sinensis medicinal grade was significantly higher than the rest of the process. Angelica sinensis extract, volatile oil and ferulic acid content had reached the standard of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. CONCLUSION: Angelica sinensis sowed in late August at 2000 m altitude has the best yield and quality on root length, root diameter, plant height, leaf number, dry and fresh matter accumulation, followed by 1500 m altitude, and 2500 m worst. Therefore, altitude range of Angelica sinensis direct sowing cultivation area can be reduced to 1500-2000 m. CONCLUSION: Angelica sinensis sowed in late August, at 2000 m altitude, the indicators like root length,root diameter,plant height,leaf number,and dry and fresh matter accumulation showed the best, followed by 1500 m altitude, 2500 m worst. Therefore, altitude range of Angelica sinensis direct sowing cultivation area can be reduced to 1500~2000 m.

[Comparative study of growth potential on hardwood cutting of Lycium barbarum strains].

OBJECTIVE: To lay foundation of strains selection through primary selection of 44 strains of Lycium barbarum. METHODS: Used the single plant selection. RESULTS: Screened out 22 strains of Lycium barbarum by preliminary determination of germination rates and seeding rates of hardwood cutting, the growth potential of 2009-26, 2009-21, 2009-17, 2009-29, 2009-2 were better than those of others strains. CONCLUSION: 2009-26 has better growth potential except the length of root, the result provides a basis for further screening can focus on research for 2009-26.

[Effects of covering on growth potential and chlorophyll content of hardwood cutting of Lycium barbarum].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of plastic film covering, straw covering, plastic film covering in greenhouse and no-covering cutting on growth and Chlorophyll content of Lycium barbarum hardwood cutting seedlings. METHODS: Single factor randomized block design method was used in this research. RESULTS: The effect of different covering treatments on germination rate, seedling rate and growth potential were all plastic film covering in greenhouse > plastic film covering > straw covering > no-covering cutting. Chlorophyll a, Chlorophyll b, Chlorophyll a + b content and Ca/Cb were significantly different with different coverings in different periods. CONCLUSION: The optimal covering on hardwood cutting of Lycium barbarum is plastic film covering in greenhouse. Both plastic film and straw covering are better than no-covering cutting.

[Study on effects of fertilizer on polysaccharide and flavonoids of Radix Hedysari in different growth stage].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of fertilizer on polysaccharide content, flavonoids content and output of Radix Hedysari in different growth stage. METHODS: The content of polysaccharide and flavonoids in different part of Radix Hedysari was examined in different growth stage by using spectrophotometric method. RESULTS: Fertilizer could improve polysaccharide content of Radix Hedysari aerial part and total flavonoids content of root, increase polysaccharide accumulation amount of Radix Hedysari root in middle and late growth stage. The output of Radix Hedysari in the fertilizer group was 1430 kg/hm2 higher than that of no treatment group. CONCLUSION: Fertilizer can improve output and quality at harvest time in Radix Hedysari cultivation.

[Response of applying palygorskite and fertilization on growth rules of Radix Hedysari].

OBJECTIVE: Study on the growth development and fertilizer requirement regularity of Radix Hedysari. METHODS: Adopted the field experiment, investigate the influence of Radix Hedysari by applying different amount of palygorskite and fertilization. RESULTS: The growth process of plant height and branch height of Radix Hedysari were divided into two stages, the stage from emergence to late July was fast growth phase, and the stage from late July was slow growth stage. The dry matter accumulation center of Radix Hedysari transferred from aerial part to underground part in late July. Single application of palygorskite (1500 kg/hm2) and single application of palygorskite (2250 kg/hm2) increased plant height, promoted dry matter accumulation in aerial part and root of Radix Hedysari. Combined application of palygorskite (1500 kg/hm2) and NPK fertilizer and combined application of palygorskite (2250 kg/hm2) and NPK fertilizer improved growth indexes of Radix Hedysari compared with single application of NPK fertilize. CONCLUSION: The yield of Radix Hedysari was improved by applying palygorskite and fertilization.

[Study on growth law of Glycyrrhiza uralensis under different planting density].

OBJECTIVE: To study the growth of Glycyrrhiza uralensis under different planting density for providing theoretic evidence for reasonable planting density. METHOD: The field experiment was designed by single factor randomized block. RESULT: The plant height, root diameter, main root length and branches of main stem were all decreased with increasing planting density of G. uralensis. Meanwhile, dry matter accumulation on root, leaf, aerial part and rhizome were all decreased with increasing planting density. CONCLUSION: Two hundred and seventy thousand plants/hm2 was feasible planting density.

[Influence of humic acid fertilizer on biomass accumulation and quality of Angelica sinensis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the influence of humic acid fertilizer on plant growth, assimilation base, dried biomass accumulation, yield, quality and disease infection of Angelica sinensis. METHOD: Three kinds of humic acid fertilizer and an amino acid liquid fertilizer were tested in randomized groups at 1 level with 3 times repeat. RESULT: T1 promoted plant and root growth effectively, increased dried biomass accumulation and fresh root average weight remarkably, the yield was increased, the content of ethanol extract was increased by 11.31%. T3 promoted plant and root growth quickly, enlarged leaves area and increased dried plant weight, but effect lasted shortly, the content of ethanol extract was increased by 5.23%. T4 increased more leaves in late growth period, enlarged leaves area, the yield was increased, the content of ethanol extract was increased by 3.09%. T2 increased fresh root average weight remarkably, the yield was increased. CONCLUSION: Humic acid fertilizer and amino acid liquid fertilizer could effectively promote plant growth, enlarge leaves area, promote dried biomass accumulation and transformation to root and increase yield and content of ethanol extract effectively.

[Effects of nitrogenous phosphorus and potassium fertilizer on yield of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of different fertilizer assortment (nitrogenous, phosphorus and potassium) on Bupleuram scorzonerifolium yield. METHODS: Three factors were designed by quadratic regression and D-optimum designation. RESULTS: As far as the biomass concerned, the best design of fertilizer was N 120. 3 - 333. 3 kg/hm(2) P2O5 0-939. 45 kg/hm(2), K2O 0 - 227. 25 kg/hm(2). As to R/T, the best design was N 62. 66 -333. 3 kg/hm(2), P2O5 0 -922. 54 kg/hm(2) , K2O 0 -227. 25 kg/hm(2). And for the root weight, the best design was N 34. 5 -333. 3 kg/hm(2), P2O5, 0 -939. 45 kg/hm2 , K2O 0-227. 25 kg/hm(2). CONCLUSION: Application quality of nitrogenous, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer are closely related with yield of B. Scorzonerifolium.

[Study on dynamic growth of Codonopsis pilosula].

OBJECTIVE: To study on the dynamic changes of Codnopsis pilosula for the guidance of the field management. METHOD: Using the random method the influences of the cultivating density and fertilizing weight at four different levels was observed. RESULT AND CONCLUSION: The dynamic changes of the biomass, growth period andbiological changes at different growth stages were found out. The most predominant combination of the two factors, the 1.05 million roots/hm2 of the cultivating density and 240 kg x hm(-2) of the fertilizing weight reached the highest accumulation of stems & leaves; 652 mg x d(-1) the 0.6 million roots/hm2 and 240 kg x hm(-2) reached the heaviest single fresh root. The results could be used for the cultivating, fertilizing and practicing SOP of C. pilosula.

[Study on biomass dynamic changes of Codnopsis pilosula under the planting density and fertilizing amount].

Study on the biomass dynamic changes of Codnopsis pilosula (Franch.) Naff. under the different planting density and fertilizing amount of the four levels respectively via the random methods have showed out: the best combination for the stems and leaves are 1.05 million plant/hm2 and 240 kg fertilizer/hm2. Its biomass accumulation can achieve 652 mg/d; That for the root are 0.6 million plant/hm2 and 240 kg fertilizer/hm2 and the weight of every fresh root achieved 14. 88g. The results will be helpful to cultivating and fertilizing of Codnopsis pilosula.