Complete chloroplast genome of Lonicera ligustrina Wall. (Caprifoliaceae) and its phylogenetic implications.

Lonicera ligustrina is a folk medicinal herb in China and India with highly potential medicinal value. Here, we reported the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of L. ligustrina (GenBank accession number: ON968694). The cp genome was 155,330 bp long, with a large single-copy region (LSC) of 88,855 bp and a small single-copy region (SSC) of 18,647 bp separated by a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) of 23,914 bp. We also reconstructed the phylogeny of Lonicera using maximum likelihood (ML) method, including our data and previously reported cp genomes of related taxa. The current study indicated that L. ligustrina is sister with the Nintooa clade of subgen. Lonicera.

Factors that contribute to trait mindfulness level among hospitalized patients with major depressive disorder.

Mindfulness training among patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) reduces symptoms, prevents relapse, improves prognosis, and is more efficient for those with a high level of trait mindfulness. Upon hospital admission, 126 MDD patients completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief, Five-Factor Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), and the Rumination Response Scale (RRS). The 65 patients that scored less than the median of all subjects on the FFMQ were placed into the low mindfulness level (LML) group. The other 61 patients were placed in the high mindfulness level (HML) group. All facet scores were statistically different between the mental health assessment scores of the HML and LML groups except for RRS brooding and FFMQ nonjudgement. Trait mindfulness level exhibited a negative and bidirectional association with MDD severity primarily through the facets of description and aware actions. Trait mindfulness was also related positively with age primarily through the facets of nonreactivity and nonjudgement. Being married is positively associated with trait mindfulness levels primarily through the facet of observation and by an associated increase in perceived quality of life. Mindfulness training prior to MDD diagnosis also associates positively with trait mindfulness level. Hospitalized MDD patients should have their trait mindfulness levels characterized to predict treatment efficiency, help establish a prognosis, and identify mindfulness-related therapeutic targets.

[Acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking for girls aged 3-8 years with incomplete precocious puberty: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking for girls aged 3-8 years with incomplete precocious puberty (IPP). METHODS: Sixty girls with IPP were randomly divided into an observation group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (30 cases, 2 cases were eliminated). The girls in the control group were treated with healthy diet and proper exercise for 12 weeks. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, the girls in the observation group were treated with acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking. The acupuncture was applied at Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), Guilai (ST 29), etc., the needles were retained for 20 min, acupuncture was given twice a week (once every 3 days). The auricular point sticking was applied at Luanchao (TF2), Neishengzhiqi (TF2), Neifenmi (CO18), Yuanzhong (AT2,3,4i), etc., twice a week. The treatment was given for 12 weeks. Before treatment, after treatment and in follow-up after 12 weeks of treatment completion, the Tanner stage of breast, serum contents of sex hormone (luteinizing hormone [LH], follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], estradiol [E2]) were observed. The ovarian volume, the number of follicles with diameter>4 mm, and the uterine volume were measured by abdominal color Doppler ultrasound. In addition, the safety of the observation group was evaluated. RESULTS: Compared with before treatment, the Tanner stage of breast in the observation group was improved after treatment and in follow-up (P<0.05); after treatment and in follow-up, the Tanner stage of breast in the observation group was better than that in the control group (P<0.05). Compared with before treatment, the serum levels of LH and E2 in the observation group were increased (P<0.05), and the volume of bilateral ovaries was larger (P<0.05) in follow-up. Compared with before treatment, the serum contents of LH, FSH and E2 in the control group were increased (P<0.05), the volume of bilateral ovaries was larger (P<0.05), and the number of follicles was increased (P<0.05) after treatment and in follow-up. The serum levels of LH, FSH and E2 in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05), the volume of bilateral ovaries was smaller than that in the control group (P<0.05), and the number of follicles was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). Compared with before treatment, the uterine volume in the two groups was larger in follow-up (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups after treatment and in follow-up (P>0.05). During the treatment, 3 cases in the observation group had slight abdominal pain and subcutaneous blood stasis, without serious adverse reactions. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking could improve the Tanner stage of breast, reduce the level of sex hormone, slow down the development and maturation of ovary and follicle, and control the degree and speed of sexual development in girls aged 3-8 years with IPP.

[Modern research progress in external application of traditional Chinese medicine to acupoints].

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has a long history and abundant experience in external therapy, which marks human wisdom. In the early history of human, people found that fumigation, coating, and sticking of some tree branches and herb stems can help alleviate scabies and remove parasites in productive labor, which indicates the emergence of external therapy. Pathogen usually enters the body through the surface, so external therapy can be used to treat the disease. External therapy is among the major characteristic of surgery of TCM. As one of the external therapies in TCM, external application to acupoints smooths the zang-fu organs through meridians and collaterals, thereby harmonizing yin and yang. This therapy emerged in the early society, formed the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, improved in the Song and Ming dynasties, and matured in the Qing dynasty. With the efforts of experts in history, it has had a mature theory. According to modern research, it can avoid the first-pass effect of liver and the gastrointestinal irritation and improve the bioavailability of Chinese medicine. Based on the effect of Chinese medicine and the theory of meridian and collateral, it can stimulate the acupoints, exert regulatory effect on acupoints, and give full play to the efficacy of TCM and the interaction of the two. Thereby, it can regulate qi and blood and balance yin and yang, thus being widely used in the treatment of diseases. In this paper, the use of external application to acupoints, the effect on skin immunity, the regulation of neuro-inflammatory mechanism, the relationship between acupoint application and human circulation network, and the development of its dosage form were summarized through literature review. On this basis, this study is expected to lay a foundation for further research.

[Effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation combined with auricular acupressure on sexual hormone level and gonadal development in girls with precocious puberty].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) combined with auricular acupressure on serum sexual hormone level, and the ovarian, follicular and uterine development in the girls with precocious puberty. METHODS: Sixty girls with precocious puberty were randomly divided into a control group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a treatment group (30 cases, 3 cases dropped off). In both the control group and the treatment group, the healthy life-style intervention was provided for 12 weeks. Besides, in the treatment group, TEAS was delivered for 20 minutes each time, twice a week; and bilateral auricular acupressure was combined. The duration of treatment was 12 weeks. The levels of serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E2), as well as ovarian volume, maximum follicular diameter and uterine volume before and after treatment were detected, and the safety was evaluated separately. RESULTS: Compared with before treatment, the contents of serum LH and FSH were increased (P<0.05), and the ovarian volume and the maximum follicle diameter were increased (P<0.05) in the control group after treatment; the contents of serum FSH and E2 were decresed (P<0.05), and the maximum follicular diameter was reduced significantly (P<0.05) in the treatment group after treatment. Compared with the control group, the contents of serum LH, FSH and E2 were decreased (P<0.05), while the ovarian volume and the maximum follicle diameter were decreased (P<0.05) in the treatment group after treatment. CONCLUSION: TEAS combined with auricular acupressure can effectively decrease the level of sex hormone, improve the ovarian and uterine development and retard the gonadal development. Such combined therapy is of high safety and conductive to regulating the development for the girls with precocious puberty.

A novel and alternative therapy for persistent allergic rhinitis via intranasal acupuncture: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Acupuncture is used to treat allergic rhinitis (AR) in traditional Chinese medicine, and the ST2 and ST36 acupoints are generally selected in clinical practice. We report a new intranasal acupuncture method at the Neiyingxiang (EX-HN9) and Biqiu points for the treatment of persistent AR (PAR). Here, the efficacy and safety of this method were evaluated. METHODS: A total of 120 patients diagnosed with PAR were randomly allocated (2:1 ratio) to intranasal acupuncture or Western medicine groups, the basic principle of random grouping is SAS random grouping method. The applicator held a nasal endoscope and a 0.30 × 75 mm filiform needle in their left and right hands, respectively. When aiming at the Neiyingxiang or Biqiu point, the applicator quickly inserted the needle to a 20-mm depth as parallel as possible to the inferior turbinate or middle turbinate, without special reinforcing and reducing techniques (the needle remained for 20 min). The intranasal acupuncture groups received acupuncture treatment three times per week for 2 weeks. The Western medicine group was treated with budesonide nasal spray (two sprays/nostril, twice/day) and loratadine (one tablet/night) for 2 weeks. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores were the primary outcome. Quality of life, medication dosages and adverse events were secondary outcomes measured using the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (RQLQ). Confidence assessments were performed to evaluate data from the treatment and follow-up periods. RESULTS: The results were as follows: (1) VAS and RQLQ scores were significantly lower in the intranasal acupuncture group than in the Western medicine group on day 1 (i.e., first treatment) (P < 0.05; 95% CI - 13.1 to - 9.6 VAS points) (P < 0.05; 95% CI - 20.27 to - 12.28 RQLQ points). Overall symptoms (95% CI - 2.86 to - 1.86 points), nasal obstruction (95% CI - 6.33 to - 5.36 points), olfactory function (95% CI - 2.91 to - 1.75 points), sleep (95% CI - 5.05 to - 3.57 points), actual problems (95% CI - 2.03 to - 0.06 points), nasal symptoms (95% CI - 6.62 to - 4.5 points), and emotional problems (95% CI - 5.05 to - 3.5 points) were significantly improved. (2) VAS and RQLQ scores in the two groups were significantly improved at week 2; however, there were no significant group differences in the VAS (P > 0.05; 95% CI - 1.21 to - 1.38 points) and RQLQ (P > 0.05; 95% CI - 0.33 to - 3.46 points) scores. Olfactory function symptoms were significantly improved (95% CI - 1.58 to - 0.21 points). (3) During the follow-up period, there was a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05) with higher RQLQ and VAS scores in the intranasal acupuncture group than in the Western medicine group. VAS scores on rhinobyon symptoms, nasal itch, rhinorrhea and olfactory function and RQLQ scores for activities, non-nasal/eye symptoms, actual problems, nasal symptoms, and eye symptoms were significantly improved. (4) No adverse events were observed in either group during treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Intranasal acupuncture has good efficacy and safety in the treatment of PAR. Moreover, VAS and RQLQ scores were much lower in the intranasal acupuncture group than in the Western medicine group, and acupuncture had an immediate impact, especially for improving nasal congestion, olfactory function and sleep.

Salt-like transcription factor 4 promotes laryngeal cancer progression through transcriptional activation of ubiquitin-specific protease 21 to stabilize Yin Yang 1.

Laryngeal cancer (LC) is a rare and challenging clinical problem. Our aim was to investigate the mechanism of salt-like transcription factor 4 (SALL4) in LC. LC tissue and paracancerous tissue were collected. Relative mRNA or protein levels were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction or Western blot. MTT, wound healing, and transwell assay were performed to evaluate cell proliferation, migration and invasion. The binding relationship between SALL4 and USP21 promoter was verified by dual-luciferase assay and ChIP. Co-IP and glutathione-S-transferase (GST)-pull down were performed to measure the protein interaction between USP21 and YY1. Additionally, YY1 ubiquitination level was analyzed. It was found that SALL4 mRNA and SALL4 protein levels were elevated in LC clinical tissues and various LC cells. Knockdown of SALL4 inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of LC cells. USP21 was transcriptionally activated by SALL4. Co-IP and GST-pull down confirmed USP21 interacted with YY1. USP21 protected YY1 from degradation through deubiquitination. Furthermore, overexpression of USP21 reversed the effect of knockdown of SALL4 on YY1 and EMT in LC cells. In general, SALL4 facilitated EMT of LC cells through modulating USP21/YY1 axis.

[Effects of electroacupuncture on sexual development and ovarian estrogen receptor ß expression in female adolescent obese rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture on sexual development and ovarian estrogen receptor ß(ER-ß) expression in female adolescent obese rats induced by high-fat diet, so as to explore its underlying mechanisms of improving adolescent obesity. METHODS: Female SD rats (age of 21 days) were randomly divided into control, model and acupuncture groups, with 6 rats in each group. The obese model was established by feeding high-fat diet for 6 weeks. Rats of the acupuncture group received electroacupuncture(2 Hz, 0.5-1.2 mA)stimulation at bilateral "Sanyinjiao"(SP6), "Fenglong"(ST40) and "Zusanli"(ST36) for 30 min, once a day for 14 days. The body mass and abdominal circumference of rats were measured before and after treatment. The contents of serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol (E2) were detected by ELISA. The number of corpus luteum and follicle were observed by HE staining. The expression levels of ER-ß mRNA and protein in ovary were detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot, respectively. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the body mass and abdominal circumference, the contents of serum FSH and E2, and the expression levels of ER-ß mRNA and protein in ovary were significantly increased (P<0.05)in the model group, while the number of mature follicles and corpus luteum increased significantly. Compared with the model group, the body mass and abdominal circumference, the contents of serum FSH and E2, and the expression levels of ER-ß mRNA and protein in ovary were significantly decreased (P<0.05) in the acupuncture group, while the number of mature follicles and corpus luteum decreased significantly. CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture can effectively improve the levels of sex hormone and the development of ovary, down-regulate the expression levels of ER-ß mRNA and protein in ovary, so as to regulate the process of sexual development of female adolescent obese rats induced by high-fat diet.

Moderate sedation with single-dose remimazolam tosilate in elderly male patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate with spinal anesthesia: a prospective, single-arm, single-centre clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Remimazolam tosilate (RT) is a newly listed benzodiazepine for sedation and anesthesia featuring quick onset of effects, short maintenance and recovery times, which is currently under research. This trial was conducted to determine the median effective dose (ED50) and the 95% effective dose (ED95) of single-dose remimazolam for moderate sedation in elderly patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) under spinal anesthesia, and to evaluate its efficacy and safety. METHODS: Thirty male patients aged 65-80 years old were recruited for selective TURP. Remimazolam was administered intravenously to pain-free patients (VAS score < 1) within 1 min of successful spinal anesthesia by the same anesthesiologist. We used modified Dixon's up-and-down sequential allocation method to determine the ED50 and ED95 of the agent with an initial dosage of 0.1 mg/kg. Successful sedation was defined as an MOAA/S score ≤ 3 and above 1. A score of > 3 was deemed as failed sedation. Recruitment continued until ten independent pairs (from successful sedation to failed sedation) would give a reliable estimation of the ED50 and ED95 of RT and their 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The ED50 of remimazolam was 0.063 (95% C.I. 0.045-0.073) mg/kg. Its ED95 was 0.079 (95% C.I. 0.07-0.137) mg/kg. Remimazolam was safe in its application. CONCLUSIONS: A single-dose of RT proves to be safe for assisted sedation during TURP in elderly male patients under spinal anesthesia with a lower incidence of adverse events. Its ED50 and ED95 were 0.063 mg/kg and 0.079 mg/kg, respectively. TRIAL REGISTRATION: http://www.chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR2100051912).

[Pharmacokinetic behavior and brain tissue distribution of paeoniflorin combined with normal and toxic doses of strychnine in rats after percutaneous administration].

This study aims to establish a rapid and sensitive UPLC-MS/MS method for simultaneously determining the content of strychnine and paeoniflorin in plasma and brain tissue of rats, and compare the pharmacokinetic behavior and brain tissue distribution of paeoniflorin combined with normal and toxic doses of strychnine in rats after percutaneous administration. Compared with those in the toxic-dose strychnine group, the AUC_(0-t), AUC_(0-∞), and C_(max) of strychnine decreased by 51.51%, 45.68%, and 46.03%, respectively(P<0.01), and the corresponding values of paeoniflorin increased by 91.41%, 102.31%, and 169.32%, respectively(P<0.01), in the compatibility group. Compared with the normal-dose strychnine group, the compatibility group showed insignificantly decreased C_(max), AUC_(0-t), and AUC_(0-∞) of strychnine, increased C_(max) and T_(max) of paeoniflorin(P<0.01), 66.88% increase in AUC_(0-t), and 70.55% increase in AUC_(0-∞) of paeoniflorin. In addition, the brain tissue concentration of strychnine decreased and that of paeoniflorin increased after compatibility. The combination of paeoniflorin with normal dose and toxic dose of strychnine can inhibit the percutaneous absorption of strychnine, and greatly promote the percutaneous penetration of paeoniflorin, whereas the interaction mechanism remains to be explored. The UPLC-MS/MS method established in this study is easy to operate and has good precision. It is suitable for in vivo study of pharmacokinetic behavior and brain tissue distribution of paeoniflorin and strychnine after percutaneous administration in rats, which provides reference for the safe and rational clinical use of strychnine and the combined use of drugs, and lays a solid foundation for the development of external preparations containing Strychni Semen.

[Effect of intranasal acupuncture on neurogenic inflammation in allergic rhinitis rabbits].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of intranasal acupuncture on allergic rhinitis (AR), and expression of substance P (SP), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) proteins in the nasal mucosa and contents of serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin 4 (IL-4) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in AR rabbits, so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of AR. METHODS: New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into normal control, AR model, non-acupuoint acupuncture (NAA) and intranasal acupuncture (INA) groups, with 8 rabbits in each group. The AR model was established by intra-peritoneal injection of egg protein and nasal mucosal stimulation. In the INA group, bilateral "Neiyingxiang" (EX-HN9) within the nasal cavity (the anterior attachment area of the inferior turbinate, about 1 cm away from the nasal limen) were acupunctured by mani-pulating the filiform needles for a while with uniform reinforcing and reducing methods, followed by keeping the needles for 20 min. In the NAA group, shallow acupuncture was applied to the skin of the outer margin of the cheeks, followed by keeping the needle for 20 min. The acupuncture treatment was conducted once every other day for 7 days. The symptoms of sneezing frequency, nasal secretion amount and nasal itching were scored. The expression levels of SP, VIP and NPY in the nasal mucosa tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry, and the serum IgE, IL-4, and IFN-γ contents were detected by ELISA. RESULTS: After modelling, the symptom score, expression of SP and VIP, and serum IgE and IL-4 contents were significantly higher (P<0.01,P<0.05), NPY expression and serum IFN-γ content significantly lower (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the model group than in the normal control group. Following the intervention, the symptom scores, expressions of SP and VIP, and serum IgE and IL-4 contents were remarkably decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the NPY expression and serum IFN-γ content were significantly up-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the INA group than in the model group. The effects of INA group were significantly superior to those of NAA group in reducing symptom score, SP and VIP expression, and serum IgE and IL-4 contents and up-regulating NPY expression and IFN-γcontent (P<0.05, P<0.01). There were a positive correlation between the expressions of SP and VIP and contents of serum IgE and IL-4 (P<0.05), and a negative correlation between the expressions of SP and VIP and IFN-γ content (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: INA treatment can relieve symptoms of AR in AR rabbits, which may be associated with its effects in regulating the expression of SP, VIP and NPY of the nasal mucosa, and contents of serum IgE, IL-4 and IFN-γ to improve neurogenic inflammation.

Comparative study on protective effect of different selenium sources against cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity via regulating the transcriptions of selenoproteome.

Cadmium (Cd) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant, which mainly input to the aquatic environment through discharge of industrial and agricultural waste, can be a threat to human and animal health. Selenium (Se) possesses a beneficial role in protecting animals and ameliorating the toxic effects of Cd. However, the comparative antagonistic effects of different Se sources such as inorganic, organic Se and nano-form Se on Cd toxicity are still under-investigated. Hence, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the comparative of Se sources antagonism on Cd-induced nephrotoxicity via oxidative stress and selenoproteome transcription. In the present study, Cd-diet disturbed in the system balance of 5 trace elements (Zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Se, Cd) and impaired renal function. Se sources, including nano- Se (NS), Se- yeast (SY), sodium selenite (SS) and mixed selenium (MS) significantly recovered the balance of 4 trace elements (Zn, Cu, Cd, Se) and renal impaired indexes (blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CREA)). Histological appearance of Cd-treated kidney indicated renal tubular epithelial vacuoles, particle degeneration and enlarged capsular space. Ultrastructure observation results illustrated that Cd-induced mitochondrial cristae reduction, membrane disappearance, and nuclear deformation. Treatment with Se sources, NS appeared a better impact on improving kidney tissues against the pathological alterations resulting from Cd administration. Meanwhile, NS reflected a significant impact on relieving Cd-induced kidney oxidative damage, and significantly restored the antioxidant defense system of the body. Our findings also showed NS ameliorated the Cd-induced downtrends expression of selenoproteome and selenoprotein synthesis related transcription factors. Overall, NS was the most effective Se source in avoiding of Cd cumulative toxicity, improving antioxidant capacity and regulating of selenoproteome transcriptome and selenoprotein synthesis related transcription factors expression, which contributes to ameliorate Cd-induced nephrotoxicity in chickens. These results demonstrated diet supplement with NS may prove to be an effective approach for alleviating Cd toxicity and minimizing Cd -induced health risk.

Mechanisms of P-Glycoprotein Modulation by Semen Strychni Combined with Radix Paeoniae Alba.

Semen Strychni has been extensively used as a Chinese herb, but its therapeutic window is narrowed by the strong toxicity of the compound, which limits its effectiveness. Radix Paeoniae Alba has been reported to reduce the toxic effects and increase the therapeutic effects of Semen Strychni, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. This research aimed to explore the mechanism through which P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is modulated by Semen Strychni combined with Radix Paeoniae Alba in vitro. An MTT assay was used to study cytotoxicity in an MDCK-MDR1 cell model. Rh123 efflux and accumulation were measured to assess P-gp function. The expression levels of MDR1 mRNA and P-gp protein in MDCK-MDR1 cells were investigated. A P-gp ATPase activity assay kit was applied to detect the effect on P-gp ATPase activity. Semen Strychni combined with Radix Paeoniae Alba could induce P-gp-mediated drug transport by inhibiting brucine and strychnine transport in MDCK-MDR1 cells, enhancing the P-gp efflux function, upregulating the P-gp expression and MDR1 mRNA levels, and stimulating P-gp ATPase activity.

[Effect of Acupuncture at Phenomaxillary Ganglia and Local Points for Allergic Rhinitis].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy of acupuncture at phenomaxillary ganglia and local acupoints for symptoms induced by allergic rhinitis (AR). METHODS: Fifty AR patients were randomly divided into treatment group (n=26) and control group (n=24). Patients of the treatment group were treated by needling in phenomaxillary ganglia, and then at Yingxiang (LI 20,bilateral) and Yintang (EX-HN 3) for 20 min,twice per week with a total treatment period of 4 weeks. Needling in left and right phenomaxillary ganglia was alternately performed. Patients in the control group were treated with oral loratadine tablets for 4 weeks. The clinical efficacy, AR symptoms score and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score were assessed before and after the treatment. RESULTS: The total clinical efficacy of the treatment and control groups was 76.91% (20/26) and 54.17% (13/24), respectively, the therapeutic effect of the treatment group was obviously superior to that of the control group (P<0.05). In the treatment group, both symptoms and VAS scores were lower after treatment compared with those before treatment(P<0.01)and those in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Needling in phenomaxillary ganglia and local points is effective in relieving AR-induced symptoms.

[Clinical Trials for Treatment of Acute Lumbar Sprain by Acupuncture Stimulation of "Yaotong" and Local Ashi-points in Combination with Patients' Lumbar Movement].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect of acupuncture stimulation of "Yaotong"-point (one acupoint of balance acupuncture therapy) and Ashi-points combined with patients' lumbar movement in the treatment of acute lumbar sprain. METHODS: Forty-six acute lumbar sprain patients were randomized into treatment group (26 cases) and control group (20 cases) using a random number table. The patients of the treatment group were treated by acupuncture stimulation of "Yaotong"-point[above Yintang (EX-HN 3)] and local Ashi-points for 20 min, and were asked to move the waist simultaneously during acupuncture stimulation. The treatment was conducted once every other day, 3 times a week, one week in total. Those of the control group were treated by oral administration of loxoprofen sodium tablets (60 mg, twice a day, for one week). The pain severity of lumbago and motor function were assessed by using visual analogue scale(VAS) and present pain intensity(PPI)and lumbar range of motion(ROM) separately. RESULTS: Following the treatment, of the 20 and 26 acute lumbar sprain patients in the control and treatment groups, 6(30.0%)and 14(53.8%)were cured, 9 (45.0%) and 11 (42.4%) experienced an improvement in their symptoms, 5 (25.0%) and 1 (3.8%) was invalid, with the effective rates being 75.0% and 96.2%, respectively. Compared with pre-treatment, the ROM and VAS scores were significantly decreased in both the control and treatment groups post-treatment (P<0.01), and the therapeutic effects of the treatment group were obviously superior to those of the control group in the effective rate and in the improvement of lumbar motion function and in pain relief (P<0.05,P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture treatment plus patients' lumbar movement is effective in reducing lumbar pain and improving lumbar motor function in the treatment of acute lumbar sprain.

[Fast measurement method based on near infrared spectroscopy in extraction process of Tianshu capsules].

Based on the near infrared spectroscopy, partial least square (PLS) method was used to respectively develop the quantitative calibration models to fast measure the contents of the total solid and ferulic acid in extraction process of Tianshu capsule extracts. The results showed that in the quantitative model of solid content, the correlation coefficients (R²) of calibration set and cross validation set were 0.967 301 and 0.947 726. The root-mean square error of calibration set (RMSEC) was 0.054 7 and root-mean square error of cross validation set (RMSECV) was 0.069 8. Besides, in the quantitative model of ferulic acid, the correlation coefficients (R²) of calibration set and cross validation set were 0.986 879 and 0.962 243. RMSEC was 1.402 6 and RMSECV was 2.400 2. When the established models were applied to on-line monitoring, the correlation coefficients of predicted results and measured values for total solid content and ferulic acid were 0.993 3 and 0.991 6; root-mean square error of predicted value (RMSEP) was 0.039 3 and 1.669 3 respectively; mean relative deviation of predicted value (RSEP) was 3.49% and 3.58%. The results indicated that the established models can be used to fast measure the contents of the total solid and ferulic acid in extraction process of Tianshu capsule extracts.

[Optimization of alcohol precipitation technology of Biqiu granules based on index components and pharmacodynamics].

To evaluate the rationality of alcohol precipitation technology of Biqiu granule by investigating its effect on serum histamine, IgE, IL-4, IFN and TNF-α. The contents of cafferic acid and rosmarinic acid were used as the evaluation indexes, and some factors affecting index were firstly evaluated by Plackett-Burman design; then alcohol precipitation technology was further optimized by Box-Behnken design to determine the optimal alcohol precipitation conditions. The best alcohol precipitation conditions were as follows: the relative density of herb liquor was 1.15 (65 ℃); the concentration of alcohol was 70%, and standing time was 12 hours. Optimal alcohol precipitation technology of Biqiu granules determined by pharmacodynamic screening, Plackett-Burman and Box-Behnken design tests, was stable and feasible with good predictability, providing reliable basis for the industrialization production of Biqiu granules.

[Optimization of one-step pelletization technology of Biqiu granules by Plackett-Burman design and Box-Behnken response surface methodology].

First with the qualified rate of granules as the evaluation index, significant influencing factors were firstly screened by Plackett-Burman design. Then, with the qualified rate and moisture content as the evaluation indexes, significant factors that affect one-step pelletization technology were further optimized by Box-Behnken design; experimental data were imitated by multiple regression and second-order polynomial equation; and response surface method was used for predictive analysis of optimal technology. The best conditions were as follows: inlet air temperature of 85 degrees C, sample introduction speed of 33 r x min(-1), density of concrete 1. 10. One-step pelletization technology of Biqiu granules by Plackett-Burman design and Box-Behnken response surface methodology was stable and feasible with good predictability, which provided reliable basis for the industrialized production of Biqiu granules.

[Optimization of spraying dry technology of Biqiu ranules ethanol extract by Box-Behnken response surface method].

With inlet temperature, specific gravity, feeding speed as independent variables, the comprehensive evaluating indexes of content of schisandrin and arctiin as dependent variable, the experimental data were fitted to a second order polynomial equation. Based on establishing the mathematical relationship between the comprehensive evaluating indexes and respective variables, Box-Benhnken central composite test and response surface analysis method was employed to optimize the spray drying technology of Biqiu granules ethanol extract. The optimal drying parameter was as follows: the inlet temperature was 175 degrees C, the specific gravity was 1.10, feeding speed was 32 r x min(-1). Under these conditions, the comprehensive evaluating indexes of spraying dry processes was 92.68, which was close to the model prediction. The spraying dry technology of Biqiu granules ethanol extract optimized by response surface methodology was accurate and feasible, which provided theoretical experiment basis for the industrialization production.

Protective roles of selenium on nitric oxide-mediated apoptosis of immune organs induced by cadmium in chickens.

Little is known about the influence of subchronic cadmium exposure on apoptosis in the immune organs of birds and the protective effects on apoptosis by selenium against cadmium. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of subchronic cadmium exposure on nitric oxide and apoptosis in the immune organs of chicken and the protective roles of selenium against cadmium-induced apoptosis. Two hundred ten 30-day-old chickens were randomly assigned to three groups and were fed a basal diet, cadmium+selenium (as 150 mg of CdCl2 per kg of diet+10 mg of Na2SeO3 per kg of diet ) or cadmium (as 150 mg of CdCl2 per kg of diet) in basic diets for 15, 30, 45, and 60 days. Then, the production of nitric oxide, messenger RNA (mRNA level), and the activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase, ultrastructural changes, TUNEL assay, and flow cytometric analysis of apoptosis and Bcl-2 and p53 mRNA levels in the immune organs were examined. The results showed that cadmium exposure caused ultrastructural damage and increased production of nitric oxide, mRNA level, and activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase, the degree, and the number of apoptotic cells in a time-dependent manner. Cadmium exposure decreased Bcl-2 mRNA level and increased p53 mRNA level in a time-dependent manner. Selenium supplementation during dietary cadmium reduced the production of nitric oxide, the mRNA level, and activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase, ultrastructural damage, and apoptosis in the immune organs of chicken. It indicated that cadmium induced nitric oxide-mediated apoptosis of immune organs, and selenium played protective effects against cadmium-induced apoptosis in the immune organs of chickens.