Caffeinated beverages intake and risk of deep vein thrombosis: A Mendelian randomization study.

This study aimed to explore the potential link between coffee and tea consumption and the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) through Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Employing the MR, we identified 33 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as instrumental variables (IVs) for coffee intake and 38 SNPs for tea intake. The investigation employed the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method to evaluate the causal impact of beverage consumption on DVT risk. Additionally, MR-Egger and MR-PRESSO tests were conducted to assess pleiotropy, while Cochran's Q test gauged heterogeneity. Robustness analysis was performed through a leave-one-out approach. The MR analysis uncovered a significant association between coffee intake and an increased risk of DVT (odds ratio [OR] 1.008, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.001-1.015, P = 0.025). Conversely, no substantial causal effect of tea consumption on DVT was observed (OR 1.001, 95% CI = 0.995-1.007, P = 0.735). Importantly, no significant levels of heterogeneity, pleiotropy, or bias were detected in the instrumental variables used. In summary, our findings suggest a modestly heightened risk of DVT associated with coffee intake, while tea consumption did not exhibit a significant impact on DVT risk.

Boron-mediated amelioration of copper toxicity in Citrus sinensis seedlings involved reduced concentrations of copper in leaves and roots and their cell walls rather than increased copper fractions in their cell walls.

Little information is available on how boron (B) supplementation affects plant cell wall (CW) remodeling under copper (Cu) excess. 'Xuegan' (Citrus sinensis) seedlings were submitted to 0.5 or 350 µM Cu × 2.5 or 25 µM B for 24 weeks. Thereafter, we determined the concentrations of CW materials (CWMs) and CW components (CWCs), the degree of pectin methylation (DPM), and the pectin methylesterase (PME) activities and PME gene expression levels in leaves and roots, as well as the Cu concentrations in leaves and roots and their CWMs (CWCs). Additionally, we analyzed the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra of leaf and root CWMs. Our findings suggested that adding B reduced the impairment of Cu excess to CWs by reducing the Cu concentrations in leaves and roots and their CWMs and maintaining the stability of CWs, thereby improving leaf and root growth. Cu excess increased the Cu fractions in leaf and root pectin by decreasing DPM due to increased PME activities, thereby contributing to citrus Cu tolerance. FTIR and XRD indicated that the functional groups of the CW pectin, hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin could bind and immobilize Cu, thereby reducing Cu cytotoxicity in leaves and roots.

Compatibility Theory of Yiqi Zengmian Prescription as Vaccine Adjuvant / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveThis study explored the application of Yiqi Zengmian prescription as a vaccine adjuvant， aiming to provide a new scheme for the prevention and control of corona virus disease 2019（COVID-19） with traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）. By analyzing the compatibility and efficacy， this paper examines the compatibility effect of Yiqi Zengmian prescription， which is modified from the classic tonifying agent Si Junzitang， as a vaccine adjuvant. MethodUsing the Database of Ancient Classical Prescriptions， this paper analyzed the composition of Yiqi Zengmian prescription and probed into the theoretical basis for the compatibility of this prescription from the properties， medicine combination， and efficacy. Furthermore， the compatibility effect of this prescription with vaccines was analyzed. ResultAs a TCM prescription， Yiqi Zengmian prescription focuses on the lung and spleen and enhances the Qi in the two organs. The lung governs Qi movement. The body breathes fresh air through the lungs and exchanges the turbid gas in the lungs， and the gas circulates alternately in the lungs to ensure the normal breathing of the human body. The spleen governing transportation and transformation is the hub for Qi movement， and Qi is the embodiment of metabolic function. By regulating qi movement and enhancing the functions of Qi and blood， Yiqi Zengmian prescription can enhance the immunogenicity of the vaccine， which provides a theoretical basis for enhancing the immune effects of vaccines. ConclusionYiqi Zengmian prescription has the effects of replenishing Qi and invigorating spleen， regulating Qi and drying dampness， and enhancing immunity. The in-depth analysis of the TCM theory of Yiqi Zengmian prescription as a vaccine adjuvant and the results of clinical and laboratory studies suggest that Yiqi Zengmian prescription may enhance the induction of immune response after vaccination and maintain the immune memory. However， the mechanism of Yiqi Zengmian prescription in regulating the complex immune network remains to be elucidated.

Narrow-Band Intense Pulsed Light as Treatment for Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea can be successfully treated using various laser and light-based devices. However, the use of narrow-band intense pulsed light for the treatment of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea has not been investigated in detail. This retrospective study aimed to analyze the clinical efficacy of narrow-band intense pulsed light (500-600 nm) for the treatment of erythematotelangiectatic rosacea among Chinese individuals.  Methods: Patients with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea who had completed 3 sessions of treatment with narrow-band intense pulsed light and follow-up from July 2016 to December 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. Clinical improvement was assessed by 2 blinded dermatologists based on photographs obtained at each follow-up visit using the clinician erythema assessment scale and 5-grade scale. RESULTS: Forty-five patients with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea treated with narrow-band intense pulsed light were included in this study. The effectiveness and excellent rates after 3 treatment sessions were 68.9% and 35.6%, respectively. An average of 2 treatment sessions was required among patients who achieved good or excellent clearance of erythema and telangiectasia. Except for transient erythema and edema, no severe adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Narrow-band intense pulsed light is a safe and effective treatment for erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. Even with a small number of treatment sessions, narrow-band intense pulsed light can deliver a significant therapeutic effect, which may be applicable in clinical practice. J Drugs Dermatol. 2023;22(11):1095-1098     doi:10.36849/JDD.4920.

Opportunities and challenges for ribosome-inactivating proteins in traditional Chinese medicine plants.

Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) are a class of cytotoxic rRNA N-glycosylase, which widely exist in higher plants in different taxonomy, including many traditional Chinese medicinal materials and vegetables and fruits. In this paper, the traditional Chinese medicinal plants containing RIPs protein were sorted out, and their pharmacological effects and clinical applications were analyzed. Since many RIPs in traditional Chinese medicine plants exhibit antiviral and antitumor activities and show great clinical application potential, people's interest in these proteins is on the rise. This paper summarizes the possible mechanism of RIPs's anti-virus and anti-tumor effects, and discusses its potential problems and risks, laying a foundation for subsequent research on how to exert its anti-virus and anti-tumor effects.

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of a 730 nm picosecond titanium sapphire laser and a 755 nm picosecond alexandrite laser for the treatment of freckles in Asian patients: A two-center randomized, split-face, controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The 730 nm picosecond titanium sapphire laser is a novel laser that shows promising results in treating freckles. This study aimed to further investigate the efficacy and safety of the 730 nm picosecond titanium sapphire laser for treating freckles in Asian patients compared with those of the 755 nm picosecond alexandrite laser. METHODS: Each face of 86 participants was split into two parts and randomly assigned either one session of 730 or 755 nm picosecond-laser treatment each. Efficacy and safety were determined based on blinded visual evaluations and self-reports at each follow-up visit. RESULTS: The treatment outcomes of the 730 nm picosecond laser for the treatment of freckles were comparable to those of the 755 nm picosecond laser, with 68.99 ± 7.42% and 69.27 ± 7.75% clearance, respectively (p > 0.05). Participants achieved similar Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale scores (4.04 ± 0.31 vs. 4.02 ± 0.30, respectively [p > 0.05]). Additionally, the 730 nm picosecond laser was perceived to be less painful than the 755 nm picosecond laser (4.69 ± 1.63 vs. 5.65 ± 1.80 nm, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The 730 nm picosecond laser is safe and effective for the treatment of freckles in Asian patients. Besides, the 730 nm picosecond laser is less painful than the 755 nm picosecond laser.

Lanthanum-loaded peanut shell biochar prepared via one-step pyrolysis method for phosphorus removal and immobilization.

Phosphorus (P) is a nutrient element triggering eutrophication. Therefore, the removal of excess phosphorus has become an emergent demand. In this study, lanthanum-loaded biochar (La-BC) was prepared via a simple one-step pyrolysis method. Its surface properties and structural characteristics were analyzed by SEM, XRD, FTIR and pHpzc. The phosphate removal by the La-BC was systematically investigated in batch mode. Results showed that the phosphorus adsorption obeyed the pseudo-second-order model and Langmuir isotherm. The calculated maximum adsorption capacities were 31.94, 33.06 and 33.98 mg/g at 25, 35 and 45°C, respectively. Except for SO42- and CO32-, phosphate adsorption by the La-BC showed strong anti-interference to coexisting ions. For real water samples, the phosphate concentrations in the effluents were below 0.02 mg/L after treatment. The P loaded the La-BC was difficult to be desorbed, suggesting that the La-BC was not only a P-capping agent but also a P-immobilizing agent. More interestingly, a large number of stable LaPO4 nanofibers were formed on the La-BC surface via the reaction between the dissolved phosphate anions and La(OH)3 loaded on the adsorbent. Their intertwining facilitated the formation of the floc, which was conducive to the solid-liquid separation. Hence, the developed La-BC can be used as a potential adsorbent for natural waterbody remediation.

Preliminary Discussion on Post-marketing Comprehensive Evaluation Indicator System of Ancient Famous Classical Formula Preparations / 中国实验方剂学杂志

The construction of the comprehensive evaluation index system of the famous classical formula preparations after the marketing has both theoretical and practical significance. In this study， literature related to the post-marketing comprehensive evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） compound preparations was retrieved from China National Knowledge Infrastructure（CNKI）， China Science and Technology Journal Database（VIP）， Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform（WanFang） and SinoMed from January 1， 2000 to April 30， 2022. CiteSpace 6.1.R2， a scientometrics software， was used to visualize the keywords involved， and to analyze the dynamic evolution trend and research hotspots in this field. Then， the existing comprehensive post-marketing evaluation index system of TCM compound preparations was screened and extracted， and the research status was systematically analyzed by mathematical statistics. It was found that there were problems such as the generalized boundaries between assessment dimensions and assessment elements， the lack of data sources for individual evaluation indexes， unset weight of some index system and insufficient application degree. In addition， according to the characteristics of famous classical formulas， the authors discuss the importance of evidence evaluation based on combination of disease and syndrome， pharmacovigilance of famous classical formulas preparations， and whole-process quality control of famous classical formulas， and put forward the construction strategy of comprehensive post-marketing evaluation of the famous classical formula preparations， which is oriented by clinical value， centered on evidence evaluation， and guaranteed by the whole-process quality control.

CiteSpace knowledge map analysis of Angong Niuhuang Pills in recent twenty years / 中国中药杂志

Angong Niuhuang Pills, a classical formula in traditional Chinese medicine, are lauded as one of the "three treasures of febrile diseases" and have been widely used in the treatment of diverse disorders with definite efficacy. However, there is still a lack of bibliometric analysis of research progress and development trend regarding Angong Niuhuang Pills. Research articles on Angong Niuhuang Pills in China and abroad(2000-2022) were retrieved from CNKI and Web of Science. CiteSpace 6.1 was used to visualize the key contents of the research articles. In addition, the research status of Angong Niuhuang Pills was analyzed by information extraction to allow insight into the research trends and hotspots about Angong Niuhuang Pills. A total of 460 Chinese articles and 41 English articles were included. Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and Sun Yat-Sen University were the research institutions that have published the largest amount of research articles in Chinese and English. The keyword analysis showed that the Chinese articles focused on cerebral hemorrhage, stroke, neurological function, coma, cerebral infarction, craniocerebral injury, and clinical application, while the English articles focused on the mechanisms of cerebral ischemia, stroke, heavy metal, blood-brain barrier, and oxidative stress. Stroke, blood-brain barrier, and oxidative stress were presumably the research hotspots in the future. At present, the research on Angong Niuhuang Pills is still in the developing stage. It is necessary to highlight the in-depth research on the active components and mechanism of action and carry out large-scale randomized controlled clinical trials to provide references for the further development and application of Angong Niuhuang Pills.

Standard on classification of Traditional Chinese Medicine ancient books / 国际中医中药杂志

The standardization of classification methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) ancient books can provide a clear and reliable reference for all kinds of TCM ancient books collection units, which can also promote the sharing and utilization of TCM ancient books. We studied and investigated the classification methods of TCM ancient books in past dynasties. The standard on classification of TCM ancient books was formulated by compared with the classification table of Zhongguo Zhongyi Guji Zongmu, and referred to the classification table of Zhonghua Guji Zongmu. This standard specified three-level categories and classification principles of TCM ancient books, and mainly composed of basic categories, three-level category table, classification principles and examples, and instructions for use.

Efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with antihypertensive drugs in the treatment of essential hypertension: a meta-analysis / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with antihypertensive drugs in the treatment of essential hypertension through meta-analysis.Methods:RCTs about acupuncture combined with antihypertensive drugs in the treatment of essential hypertension were retrieved from CNKI, VIP, WANFANG, CBM, PubMed, Embase and Web of Science from the establishment of the databases to January 28, 2022. The risk and quality of literature publication bias were evaluated according to Cochrane 5.1.0 System Evaluation Manual, and relevant data were extracted. RevMan 5.4 software was used for meta-analysis.Results:A total of 36 RCTs involving 2 905 patients were included. Meta-analysis results showed that compared with antihypertensive drugs, acupuncture alone demonstrated advantages in reducing systolic blood pressure [ SMD=-0.70 (-1.05, -0.36), P<0.01], diastolic blood pressure [ SMD=-0.69(-1.06, -0.32), P<0.01], antihypertensive efficacy [ RR=1.11 (1.04, 1.19), P<0.01], symptomes efficacy [ RR=1.21 (1.11, 1.31), P<0.01] and comprehensive efficacy [ RR=1.35 (1.16, 1.57), P<0.01], without serious adverse reactions. Conclusion:Acupuncture alone has good clinical efficacy and safety in the treatment of essential hypertension, compared with antihypertensive drugs alone. However, researches with large samples and high quality are still needed to support the conclusion.

Nitidine chloride induces cardiac hypertrophy in mice by targeting autophagy-related 4B cysteine peptidase.

Nitidine chloride (NC) is a standard active component from the traditional Chinese medicine Zanthoxylum nitidum (Roxb.) DC. (ZN). NC has shown a variety of pharmacological activities including anti-tumor activity. As a number of anti-tumor drugs cause cardiotoxicity, herein we investigated whether NC exerted a cardiotoxic effect and the underlying mechanism. Aqueous extract of ZN (ZNE) was intraperitoneally injected into rats, while NC was injected into beagles and mice once daily for 4 weeks. Cardiac function was assessed using echocardiography. We showed that both ZNE administered in rats and NC administered in mice induced dose-dependent cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction, whereas administration of NC at the middle and high dose caused death in Beagles. Consistently, we observed a reduction of cardiac autophagy levels in NC-treated mice and neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, we demonstrated that autophagy-related 4B cysteine peptidase (ATG4B) may be a potential target of NC, since overexpression of ATG4B reversed the cardiac hypertrophy and reduced autophagy levels observed in NC-treated mice. We conclude that NC induces cardiac hypertrophy via ATG4B-mediated downregulation of autophagy in mice. Thus, this study provides guidance for the safe clinical application of ZN and the use of NC as an anti-tumor drug.

Clinical Application Analysis of Da Qinjiaotang Based on Ancient and Modern Literature / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Da Qinjiaotang is a common classical prescription for the treatment of stroke. It originates from Collection of Writings on the Mechanism of Disease， Suitability of Qi， and the Safeguarding of Life as Discussed in the Basic Questions （《素问病机气宜保命集》） by physician LIU Wansu， and is composed of Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix， Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma， Chuanxiong Rhizoma， Angelicae Sinensis Radix， Paeoniae Radix Alba， Asari Radix et Rhizoma， Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix， Saposhnikoviae Radix， Scutellariae Radix， Gypsum Fibrosum， Angelicae Dahuricae Radix， Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma， Rehmanniae Radix， Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata， Poria， and Angelicae Pubescentis Radix. Doctors of all dynasties have disputed the composition principle of the prescription and argued whether its treatment of stroke belongs to the theory of "internal wind" or "external wind". Through collating and analyzing ancient and modern literature related to the indications of Da Qinjiaotang， this paper was dedicated to the origin of syndrome differentiation and treatment of Da Qinjiaotang. According to LIU Wansu's original works， Da Qinjiaotang is a prescription for the treatment of "internal wind"， and in the prescription， wind medicinal herbs such as Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix， Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix and Angelicae Pubescentis Radix removes stagnation， clears sweat pore， and makes qi and blood channels flow smoothly. However， later generations， affected by the idea of "external wind"， believe that this prescription is used for the treatment of "external wind". Ancient physicians gradually supplemented the symptoms of stroke， such as wry eye and mouth， hemibody pain and limb numbness， which were treated by Da Qinjiaotang， and Da Qinjiaotang was also applied to the treatment of other diseases， such as tendon dryness， convulsion and arthralgia. Modern doctors still explain the disease pathogenesis from the theory of "external wind" as deficiency in channels and collaterals and the entry of pathogenic wind， and the prescription has the effect of dispersing wind， clearing heat and nourishing and activating blood. In clinical practice， Da Qinjiaotang is mainly used to treat cerebrovascular diseases and peripheral facial paralysis in nervous system diseases， gouty arthritis and rheumatic arthritis in the rheumatic immune system and skin diseases. The above findings facilitate the research and development of Da Qinjiaotang.

Disturbance of Fatty Acid Metabolism Promoted Vascular Endothelial Cell Senescence via Acetyl-CoA-Induced Protein Acetylation Modification.

Endothelial cell senescence is the main risk factor contributing to vascular dysfunction and the progression of aging-related cardiovascular diseases. However, the relationship between endothelial cell metabolism and endothelial senescence remains unclear. The present study provides novel insight into fatty acid metabolism in the regulation of endothelial senescence. In the replicative senescence model and H2O2-induced premature senescence model of primary cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), fatty acid oxidation (FAO) was suppressed and fatty acid profile was disturbed, accompanied by downregulation of proteins associated with fatty acid uptake and mitochondrial entry, in particular the FAO rate-limiting enzyme carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1A (CPT1A). Impairment of fatty acid metabolism by silencing CPT1A or CPT1A inhibitor etomoxir facilitated the development of endothelial senescence, as implied by the increase of p53, p21, and senescence-associated ß-galactosidase, as well as the decrease of EdU-positive proliferating cells. In the contrary, rescue of FAO by overexpression of CPT1A or supplement of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) acetate and propionate ameliorated endothelial senescence. In vivo, treatment of acetate for 4 weeks lowered the blood pressure and alleviated the senescence-related phenotypes in aortas of Ang II-infused mice. Mechanistically, fatty acid metabolism regulates endothelial senescence via acetyl-coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA), as implied by the observations that suppression of acetyl-CoA production using the inhibitor of ATP citrate lyase NDI-091143 accelerated senescence of HUVECs and that supplementation of acetyl-CoA prevented H2O2-induced endothelial senescence. Deficiency of acetyl-CoA resulted in alteration of acetylated protein profiles which are associated with cell metabolism and cell cycle. These findings thus suggest that improvement of fatty acid metabolism might ameliorate endothelial senescence-associated cardiovascular diseases.

[Evaluation of diagnostic efficacy of artery elasticity and endothelial function indexes for coronary heart disease with blood stasis syndrome in postmenopausal women by Logistic regression combined with ROC curve model].

The present study explored the correlation of coronary heart disease(CHD) with blood stasis syndrome in postmenopausal women with artery elasticity and endothelial function indexes and evaluated the diagnostic efficacy of the prediction model via logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve model. A retrospective comparison was made between 366 postmenopausal CHD patients from August 1, 2020, to September 30, 2021, in the Department of Cardiology of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine of China-Japan Friendship Hospital, who were divided into the blood stasis syndrome group(n=196) and the non-blood stasis syndrome group(n=170). General clinical characteristics of the two groups were compared. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to probe the correlation of CHD with blood stasis syndrome in postmenopausal women with brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity(baPWV), ankle-brachial index(ABI), and flow-mediated dilatation(FMD), and the ROC curve was drawn to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of the prediction model. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the correlation coefficients of CHD with blood stasis syndrome in postmenopausal women with baPWV, ABI, and FMD were 1.123, 0.109, and 0.719, respectively(P=0.004, P=0.005, P<0.001),and the regression equation for predicting probability P was P=1/[1+e~(-(3.131+0.116×baPWV-2.217×ABI-0.330×FMD))]. ROC curve analysis suggested that in the context of baPWV≥19.19 m·s~(-1) or ABI≤1.22 or FMD≤9.7%, it was of great significance to predict the diagnosis of CHD with blood stasis syndrome in postmenopausal women. The AUC of baPWV, ABI, FMD, and prediction probability P was 0.763, 0.607, 0.705, and 0.836, respectively. The AUC of prediction probability P was higher than that of each index alone(P<0.001), and the sensitivity and specificity were 0.888 and 0.647, respectively. The results demonstrate that baPWV, ABI, and FMD are independently correlated with CHD with blood stasis syndrome in postmenopausal women, and show certain independent predictive abilities(P<0.05). The combined evaluation of the three possesses the best diagnostic efficiency.

New anti-pulmonary fibrosis prenylflavonoid glycosides from Epimedium koreanum.

Four new prenylflavonoid glycosides, namely koreanoside H-K (1-4), together with eleven known ones (5-15) were isolated from the leaves of Epimedium koreanum Nakai. Their structures were elucidated by 1D NMR, 2D NMR, HR-ESI-MS, IR and UV. The identification of the sugar moieties was carried out by means of acid hydrolysis and HPLC analysis of their derivatives. It is worth noting that compound 3 and compound 4 were elucidated to contain fucose and quinovose moieties, which were two extremely rare sugar units from the genus Epimedium. The anti-pulmonary fibrosis activity of the new compounds was evaluated using A549 cell line. Compounds 1, 2 and 4 showed significant anti-pulmonary fibrosis activities.

Boron-mediated amelioration of copper-toxicity in sweet orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck cv. Xuegan] seedlings involved reduced damage to roots and improved nutrition and water status.

'Xuegan' (Citrus sinensis) seedlings were fertilized 6 times weekly for 24 weeks with 0.5 or 350 µM CuCl2 and 2.5, 10 or 25 µM H3BO3. Cu-toxicity increased Cu uptake per plant (UPP) and Cu concentrations in leaves, stems and roots, decreased water uptake and phosphorus, nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sulfur, boron and iron UPP, and increased the ratios of magnesium, potassium, calcium and sulfur UPP to phosphorus UPP and the ratios of leaf magnesium, potassium and calcium concentrations to leaf phosphorus concentration. Many decaying and dead fibrous roots occurred in Cu-toxic seedlings. Cu-toxicity-induced alterations of these parameters and root damage decreased with the increase of boron supply. These results demonstrated that B supplementation lowered Cu uptake and its concentrations in leaves, stems and roots and subsequently alleviated Cu-toxicity-induced damage to root growth and function, thus improving plant nutrient (decreased Cu uptake and efficient maintenance of the other nutrient homeostasis and balance) and water status. Further analysis indicated that the improved nutrition and water status contributed to the boron-mediated amelioration of Cu-toxicity-induced inhibition of seedlings, decline of leaf pigments, large reduction of leaf CO2 assimilation and impairment of leaf photosynthetic electron transport chain revealed by greatly altered chlorophyll a fluorescence (OJIP) transients, reduced maximum quantum yield of primary photochemistry (Fv/Fm), quantum yield for electron transport (ETo/ABS) and total performance index (PIabs,total), and elevated dissipated energy per reaction center (DIo/RC). To conclude, our findings corroborate the hypothesis that B-mediated amelioration of Cu-toxicity involved reduced damage to roots and improved nutrient and water status. Principal component analysis showed that Cu-toxicity-induced changes of above physiological parameters generally decreased with the increase of B supply and that B supply-induced alterations of above physiological parameters was greater in 350 µM Cu-treated than in 0.5 µM Cu-treated seedlings. B and Cu had a significant interactive influence on C. sinensis seedlings.

New anti-pulmonary fibrosis prenylflavonoid glycosides from Epimedium koreanum / 中国天然药物

Four new prenylflavonoid glycosides, namely koreanoside H-K (1-4), together with eleven known ones (5-15) were isolated from the leaves of Epimedium koreanum Nakai. Their structures were elucidated by 1D NMR, 2D NMR, HR-ESI-MS, IR and UV. The identification of the sugar moieties was carried out by means of acid hydrolysis and HPLC analysis of their derivatives. It is worth noting that compound 3 and compound 4 were elucidated to contain fucose and quinovose moieties, which were two extremely rare sugar units from the genus Epimedium. The anti-pulmonary fibrosis activity of the new compounds was evaluated using A549 cell line. Compounds 1, 2 and 4 showed significant anti-pulmonary fibrosis activities.

Historical Evolution and Textual Research on Classical Prescription Taohe Chengqitang / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Taohe Chengqitang is a classical prescription published in The Catalogue of Ancient Classic Recipes (The First Batch). This study systematically summarized traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) ancient books and modern clinical reports on Taohe Chengqitang and investigated its origin， composition， basis, and historical evolution in processing requirements， dosage， preparation and administration， and functions. The findings indicated different opinions on drug basis， preparation of decoction pieces, and drug dosage conversion. Based on sufficient literature review, the actual development needs of classical prescriptions, and the usage habits of modern clinical practice， this study recommended dried mature seeds of Prunus persica or P. davidiana for Persicae Semen， dried twigs of Cinnamomum cassia for Cinnamomi Ramulus， honey-fried Glycyrrhiza uralensis for Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, raw Rheum palmatum, R. tanguticum, or R. offìcinale for Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, and mirabilite for Natrii Sulfas. In terms of drug dosage， the doses directed converted from weights and measures in the Han dynasty were large. According to the common doses in modern clinical practice, conversion was carried out based on 6 g of Cinnamomi Ramulus, 6 g of Natrii Sulfas, 6 g of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, and 12 g of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma. The weight of Persicae Semen should be determined according to the actual measurement. In terms of preparation and administration, the drugs in the pot were decocted with 1 400 mL of water to obtain 500 mL of decoction, which was filtered and slightly boiled in the presence of Natrii Sulfas. About 100 mL of warm decoction was taken before meals， three times a day. It was recorded in the ancient books that Taohe Chengqitang was indicated for the syndromes of heat invading the bladder and accumulating inside in the case of released exterior syndrome in Taiyang. After symptom-based flexible application by doctors, it is currently commonly used in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy， constipation， chronic renal failure, and other diseases.

Historical Evolution and Textual Research on Classical Prescription Taohe Chengqitang / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Taohe Chengqitang is a classical prescription published in The Catalogue of Ancient Classic Recipes (The First Batch). This study systematically summarized traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) ancient books and modern clinical reports on Taohe Chengqitang and investigated its origin， composition， basis, and historical evolution in processing requirements， dosage， preparation and administration， and functions. The findings indicated different opinions on drug basis， preparation of decoction pieces, and drug dosage conversion. Based on sufficient literature review, the actual development needs of classical prescriptions, and the usage habits of modern clinical practice， this study recommended dried mature seeds of Prunus persica or P. davidiana for Persicae Semen， dried twigs of Cinnamomum cassia for Cinnamomi Ramulus， honey-fried Glycyrrhiza uralensis for Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, raw Rheum palmatum, R. tanguticum, or R. offìcinale for Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, and mirabilite for Natrii Sulfas. In terms of drug dosage， the doses directed converted from weights and measures in the Han dynasty were large. According to the common doses in modern clinical practice, conversion was carried out based on 6 g of Cinnamomi Ramulus, 6 g of Natrii Sulfas, 6 g of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, and 12 g of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma. The weight of Persicae Semen should be determined according to the actual measurement. In terms of preparation and administration, the drugs in the pot were decocted with 1 400 mL of water to obtain 500 mL of decoction, which was filtered and slightly boiled in the presence of Natrii Sulfas. About 100 mL of warm decoction was taken before meals， three times a day. It was recorded in the ancient books that Taohe Chengqitang was indicated for the syndromes of heat invading the bladder and accumulating inside in the case of released exterior syndrome in Taiyang. After symptom-based flexible application by doctors, it is currently commonly used in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy， constipation， chronic renal failure, and other diseases.