Ethanol extract of Cyathulae Radix inhibits osteoclast differentiation and bone loss.

Cyathulae Radix, a traditional Chinese medicine and a common vegetable, boasts a history spanning millennia. It enhances bone density, boosts metabolism, and effectively alleviates osteoporosis-induced pain. Despite its historical use, the molecular mechanisms behind Cyathulae Radix's impact on osteoporosis remain unexplored. In this study, we investigated the effects and mechanisms of Cyathulae Radix ethanol extract (CEE) in inhibiting osteoporosis and osteoclastogenesis. Eight-week-old female mice underwent ovariectomy and were treated with CEE for eight weeks. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) assessed histomorphometric parameters, bone tissue staining observed distal femur histomorphology, and three-point bending tests evaluated tibia mechanical properties. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measured serum estradiol (E2), receptor activator for nuclear factor B ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels. Osteoclastogenesis-related markers were analyzed via Western blotting (WB) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Additionally, CEE effects on RANKL-induced osteoclast formation and bone resorption were investigated in vitro using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, qRT-PCR, and WB assay. Compared with the ovariectomy (OVX) group, CEE treatment enhanced trabecular bone density, maximal load-bearing capacity, and various histomorphometric parameters. Serum E2 and OPG levels significantly increased, while Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK) decreased in the CEE group. CEE downregulated matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9), Cathepsin K (CTSK), and TRAP gene and protein expression. In bone marrow macrophages (BMMs), CEE reduced mature osteoclasts, bone resorption pit areas, and MMP-9, CTSK, and TRAP expression during osteoclast differentiation. Compared with DMSO treatment, CEE markedly inhibited RANK, TNF receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF6), Proto-oncogene c-Fos (c-Fos), Nuclear factor of activated T-cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) expressions, and Extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), NF-kappa B-p65 (p65) phosphorylation in osteoclasts. In conclusion, CEE significantly inhibits OVX-induced osteoporosis and RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis, potentially through modulating the Estrogen Receptor (ER)/RANK/NFATc1 signaling pathway.

Dietary choline activates the Ampk/Srebp signaling pathway and decreases lipid levels in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei).

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) to evaluate the effects of dietary choline supplementation on choline transport and metabolism, hepatopancreas histological structure and fatty acid profile, and regulation of lipid metabolism. Six isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were formulated to contain different choline levels of 2.91 (basal diet), 3.85, 4.67, 6.55, 10.70 and 18.90 g/kg, respectively. A total of 960 shrimp (initial weight, 1.38 ± 0.01 g) were distributed randomly into twenty-four 250-L cylindrical fiber-glass tanks, with each diet assigned randomly to 4 replicate tanks. The results indicated that dietary choline significantly promoted the deposition of choline, betaine and carnitine (P < 0.05). The diameters and areas of R cells, total lipid and triglyceride contents in hepatopancreas, and triglyceride and non-esterified fatty acid contents in hemolymph were negatively correlated with dietary choline level. The contents of functional fatty acids in hepatopancreas, the activity of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (Acc), and the mRNA expression of fas, srebp and acc were highest in shrimp fed the diet containing 4.67 g/kg choline, and significantly higher than those fed the diet containing 2.91 g/kg, the lowest level of choline (P < 0.05). The number of R cells, content of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), activities of carnitine palmitoyl-transferase (Cpt1), lipoprotein lipase and hepatic lipase, and the mRNA expression levels of cpt1, fabp, fatp, ldlr, and ampk in hepatopancreas increased significantly as dietary choline increased (P < 0.05). In addition, hepatopancreas mRNA expression levels of ctl1, ctl2, oct1, badh, bhmt, ck, cept, and cct were generally up-regulated as dietary choline level increased (P < 0.01). In conclusion, dietary choline promoted the deposition of choline and its metabolites by up-regulating genes related to choline transport and metabolism. Moreover, appropriate dietary choline level promoted the development of hepatopancreas R cells and maintained the normal accumulation of lipids required for development, while high dietary choline not only promoted hepatopancreas lipid export by enhancing VLDL synthesis, but also promoted fatty acid ß-oxidation and inhibited de novo fatty acid synthesis by activating the Ampk/Srebp signaling pathway. These findings provided further insight and understanding of the mechanisms by which dietary choline regulated lipid metabolism in L. vannamei.

1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 supplementation alleviates perfluorooctanesulfonate acid-induced reproductive injury in male mice: Modulation of Nrf2 mediated oxidative stress response.

Perfluorooctanesulfonate acid (PFOS) is a typical persistent organic pollutant that widely exists in the environment. To clarify the toxic effects and mechanisms of PFOS and to find effective intervention strategies have been attracted global attention. Here, we investigated the effects of PFOS on the male reproductive system and explored the potential protective role of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1α,25(OH)2 D3 ). Our results showed that 1α,25(OH)2 D3 intervention significantly improved PFOS-induced sperm quality decline and testicular damage. Moreover, 1α,25(OH)2 D3 aggrandized the total antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, after PFOS exposure, the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid-related factor 2 (Nrf2) was adaptively increased together with its target genes, such as HO-1, NQO1, and SOD2. Meanwhile, 1α,25(OH)2 D3 ameliorated PFOS-induced augment of Nrf2 and target genes. These findings indicated that 1α,25(OH)2 D3 might attenuate PFOS-induced reproductive injury in male mice via Nrf2-mediated oxidative stress.

Antitumor effects of polysaccharides from Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg via regulation of intestinal flora and enhancing immunomodulatory effects in vivo.

Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine with high medicinal value, and antitumor, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory biological activities. However, while several studies have focused on flavonoids in Tetrastigma hemsleyanum tubers, there are few studies on the enhanced immune effect of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum polysaccharides (THP). In this study, we evaluated the antitumor effect of THP in a lung tumor model and explored the mechanism of antitumor activity through intestinal flora. In addition, a cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppression model was used to declare the immunomodulatory effect of THP in the immunosuppressive state induced by antitumor drugs. The results showed that THP increased the content of ileum secreted immunoglobulin A (SIgA) and cecum short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and improved microbial community diversity, regulating the relative abundance of dominant microbiota flora from the phylum level to the genus level, and recovering the intestinal microflora disorder caused by tumors. Additionally, THP can increase the organ indices and improve immune organ atrophy. THP can upregulate routine blood counts and stimulate the production of the serum cytokines. THP also promoted the macrophage phagocytic index, NK-cell activation, and complement and immunoglobulin (IgG, IgA, IgM) levels. The detection of Splenic lymphocyte proliferation and T lymphocyte subsets also sideways reflects that THP can restore CTX-induced immune inhibition in mice. In conclusion, this study suggests that THP can effectively achieve the enhanced antitumor effects, regulate gut microbiota and improve the immunosuppression induced by antitumor drugs. Therefore, THP can enhance the immune capacity and provide novel immunomodulatory and antineoplastic adjuvant agents.

Dietary choline promotes growth, antioxidant capacity and immune response by modulating p38MAPK/p53 signaling pathways of juvenile Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei).

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of dietary choline levels on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, innate immunity and hemocyte apoptosis of Litopenaeus vannamei. Six isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were formulated to contain different choline levels: 2.91 (basal diet), 3.85, 4.67, 6.55, 10.70 and 18.90 g kg-1choline, respectively. The results indicated that shrimp fed diet with 4.67 g kg-1 choline had the highest final body weight (FBW), percent weight gain (PWG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed efficiency (FE), and activities of alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and phenoloxidase (PO) in hemolymph among all treatments. Shrimp fed diet with 18.90 g kg-1 choline exhibited significantly lower crude lipid in hepatopancreas than those fed diets with 2.91, 3.85, 4.67 and 6.55 g kg-1 choline (P < 0.05). The concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis rate in hemocytes significantly decreased with the increase of dietary choline levels (P < 0.05). Shrimp fed diets with 6.55, 10.70 and 18.90 g kg-1 choline had significantly higher scavenging ability of hydroxyl radical (SAHR) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in hemolymph than those fed diet with 2.91 g kg-1 choline (P < 0.05). Dietary choline supplementation down-regulated the expression of genes related to apoptosis such as caspase-1, caspase-3, caspase-8, p53, and p38MAPK in hemocytes (P < 0.05), while up-regulated the expression of anti-apoptosis gene bcl2 in hemocytes (P < 0.05). Overall, the results of the present study demonstrated that appropriate dietary choline could improve growth performance and feed utilization, enhance antioxidant capacity and innate immunity, and mitigate apoptosis in Litopenaeus vannamei. Moreover, the inhibition of hemocyte apoptosis by dietary choline may be regulated by the p38MAPK-p53 signaling pathway.

Excess iron supplementation induced hepatopancreas lipolysis, destroyed intestinal function in Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei.

So far, the adverse effects of excess Fe in shrimp have been ignored for years as it was thought that extra Fe supplementation was not needed in the practical diets. Nowadays, Fe concentration in commercial shrimp feed from feed enterprises could be around 301.34-545.5 mg/kg, which is mainly due to the fish meal containing up to 1500 mg/kg Fe. Therefore, the purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effects of Fe supplementation on the growth performance, tissue Fe deposition, hepatopancreas lipid metabolism, intestinal function in L. vannamei. The results showed that although growth performance was not influenced by the dietary Fe supplementation, excess Fe supplementation (955.00 mg/kg) significantly increased hepatopancreas Fe deposition and induced lipolysis. Moreover, excess Fe supplementation impaired intestinal immune function and disrupted microbiota homeostasis. These findings might provide partial theoretical evidence for the effect of dietary Fe supplementation on physiological metabolism in L. vannamei.

Effects of dietary vitamin D3 supplementation on the growth performance, tissue Ca and P concentrations, antioxidant capacity, immune response and lipid metabolism in Litopenaeus vannamei larvae.

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary vitamin D3 supplementation on the growth performance, tissue Ca and P concentrations, antioxidant capacity, immune response and lipid metabolism in Litopenaeus vannamei larvae. A total of 720 shrimp (initial weight 0·50 ± 0·01 g) were randomly distributed into six treatments, each of which had three duplicates of forty shrimp per duplicate. Six isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were formulated to contain graded vitamin D3 (0·18, 0·23, 0·27, 0·48, 0·57 and 0·98 mg/kg of vitamin D3, measured) supplementation levels. The results revealed that L. vannamei fed diet containing 0·48 mg/kg of vitamin D3 achieved the best growth performance. Compared with the control group, supplementing 0·48 mg/kg of vitamin D3 significantly increased (P < 0·05) the activities of catalase, total antioxidative capacity, alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase in serum and hepatopancreas. Expression levels of antioxidant and immune-related genes were synchronously increased (P < 0·05). Carapace P and Ca concentrations were increased (P < 0·05) with the increased vitamin D3 supplementation levels. Further analysis of lipid metabolism-related genes expression showed that shrimp fed 0·48 mg of vitamin D3 per kg diet showed the highest value in the expression of lipid synthesis-related genes, while shrimp fed 0·98 mg of vitamin D3 per kg diet showed the highest value in the expression of lipolysis-related genes. In conclusion, the results of present study indicated that dietary supplementation of 0·48 mg/kg of vitamin D3 could increase Ca and P concentrations, improve antioxidant capacity and immune response, and influence lipid metabolism in L. vannamei.

[Potential targets of Euodiae Fructus in treatment of insomnia based on network pharmacology].

The acupoint application of Euodiae Fructus at Yongquan(KI1) can significantly improve the sleep quality of patients with insomnia with berberine as the main effective component for the efficacy. Nineteen active compounds and 203 drug targets were screened out from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP). After comparison with GeneCards and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM), 24 common genes of diseases and drugs were obtained. STRING 11.0 was used to construct a protein-protein interaction(PPI) network of the overlapping genes, and Matthews correlation coefficient(MCC) was employed to screen the core genes, which were then subjected to enrichment analysis with gene ontology(GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG). The results revealed that the main compounds of Euodiae Fructus, such as berberine and rutaecarpine, participated in the biological processes(such as neurotransmitter receptor activity) by regulating C-reactive protein(CRP), estrogen receptor 1(ESR1), 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT) receptor, and interleukin-6(IL-6) to exert sedative, anxiolytic, and antidepressant effects. Sixty 4-week-old SPF mice were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, a positive drug(diazepam tablets) group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose berberine groups. Medication with corresponding drugs was performed for one week. The results demonstrated that berberine was potent in reducing the activities and standing times of mice, down-regulating the levels of CRP and IL-6 mRNA in the hypothalamus, and up-regulating the expression of 5-HT(P<0.01); however, no significant effect on ESR1 was observed. The network of Euodiae Fructus in treating insomnia was constructed by network pharmacology and verified by tests. The findings indicated that the therapeutic efficacy of Euodiae Fructus in treating insomnia was achieved by participating in multiple biological processes, such as neurotransmitter receptor activity, which provided a scientific basis for its clinical application.

Dietary chromium modulates glucose homeostasis and induces oxidative stress in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei).

While chromium (Cr) has been recognized as an essential nutrient for all animals, and dietary supplementation can be beneficial, it can also be toxic. The present study aimed to investigate the contrasting effects of dietary chromium in Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. Five experimental diets were formulated to contain Cr at levels of 0.82 (Cr0.82, unsupplemented diet), 1.01 (Cr1.01), 1.22 (Cu1.22), 1.43 (Cr1.43) and 1.63 (Cr1.63) mg/kg and were fed to shrimp for 8 weeks. Highest weight gain was recorded in shrimp fed the diet containing 1.22 mg/kg Cr. Shrimp fed the diet containing the highest level of Cr (1.63 mg/kg) showed the lowest weight gain and clear signs of oxidative stress and apoptosis as evidenced by higher levels of H2O2, malondialdehyde and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, and expression of caspase 2, 3, 5, and lower contents of total and oxidized glutathione, and expression of Cu/Zn sod, cat, gpx, mt, bcl2. Chromium supplementation promoted glycolysis and inhibited gluconeogenesis as shown by increased activities of hexokinase, phosphofructokinase and pyruvate kinase, and reduced activity of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase in shrimp fed the diet containing 1.43 mg/kg Cr. Shrimp fed the diet with 1.63 mg/kg Cr had lowest contents of crustacean hyperglycemic hormone and insulin like peptide in hemolymph. Expression of genes involved in insulin signaling pathway and glycose metabolism including insr, irs1, pik3ca, pdpk1, akt, acc1, gys, glut1, pk, hk were up-regulated, and foxO1, gsk-3ß, g6pc, pepck were down-regulated in shrimp fed the diets supplemented with Cr. This study demonstrated that optimum dietary supplementation of Cr had beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis and growth, whereas excess caused oxidative damage and impaired growth. The results contribute to our understanding of the biological functions of chromium in shrimp.

Environmental salinity and dietary lipid nutrition strategy: Effects on flesh quality of the marine euryhaline crab Scylla paramamosain.

The quality of crustaceans' flesh has direct impact on consumers' purchase choices, with water environment and dietary nutrition being effective ways to regulate flesh quality. The aim of present study was to investigate the impacts of water salinity (low, 4 and medium, 23) and dietary lipid source (fish oil and soybean oil) on nutritional values, texture, taste and odor of flesh of mud crab. While water salinity had no significant influence on nutritional values of crab flesh, crabs fed soybean oil displayed significantly lower contents of amino acids and n-3 PUFAs in muscle. However, crabs reared at low salinity showed reduced flesh hardness, chewiness and gumminess likely related to altered myofiber structure, that impacted muscle texture. Furthermore, low salinity and dietary soybean oil weakened umami taste and aroma characteristics of crab flesh associated with decreased contents of free amino acids, flavor nucleotides, inorganic ions and odor active compounds in flesh.

MR T1 mapping for quantifying brain manganese deposition in type C hepatic encephalopathy rats.

To evaluate magnetic resonance (MR) T1 mapping for quantifying brain manganese (Mn) deposition in type C hepatic encephalopathy (CHE) rats and to investigate the mechanism of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) therapy. Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into normal control group (NC, n = 6) and CHE groups (n = 24). Thioacetamide (TAA) was used for modeling CHE rats. CHE groups were further divided into 4 subgroups: TAA group, MgSO4 low dose (Mg-L) group, MgSO4 high dose (Mg-H) group and deionized water (DW) group (n = 6 for each group). TAA, Mg-L, Mg-H and DW groups were received intraperitoneal injections of 250 mg TAA/kg, twice a week for 8 weeks. Mg-L and Mg-H groups were orally received MgSO4 of 124 and 248 mg/kg daily, respectively, for another 8 weeks (without TAA). MR T1 mapping was performed in NC, TAA, Mg-L, Mg-H and DW groups at various time points. T1 value and Mn content in basal ganglia, hippocampus, cerebral cortex and cerebellum were evaluated. Morris water maze (MWM) and narrow beat test (NBT) were utilized to evaluate rats' learning, memory and motor ability. Contents of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) and calcium-binding adaptor 1 protein (Iba1) were evaluated. Reduced T1 values in basal ganglia, hippocampus and cerebral cortex (P < 0.01, P < 0.05 and P < 0.05, respectively); increased Mn content in basal ganglia, hippocampus and cerebral cortex (all P < 0.05); reduced times of head contacting with region of interest (ROI), reduced times of entrance into the target quadrant (both P < 0.05); increased NBT total time (P < 0.05); increased brain contents of IL-6 (P < 0.001), TNF-α (P < 0.01) and over-expression of Iba1 were found in TAA group compared to NC group. After treated by MgSO4, increased T1 value and reduced Mn content in basal ganglia, hippocampus and cerebral cortex (all P < 0.01); increased times of head contacting with ROI, increased times of entrance into the target quadrant (both P < 0.05); reduced NBT total time (P < 0.01); reduced brain content of IL-6, TNF-α (both P < 0.05) and reduced expression of Iba1 were found. T1 values were negatively correlated with Mn contents in basal ganglia (r = - 0.834, P < 0.01), hippocampus (r = - 0.739, P < 0.05), cortex (r = - 0.801, P < 0.05) and cerebellum (r = - 0.788, P < 0.05). T1 mapping could quantify brain Mn deposition in CHE rats. MgSO4 could improve cognition and motor ability of CHE rats by reducing brain Mn deposition, alleviating neurological inflammation and achieve the effective therapy for CHE. Mn may participate in the pathogenesis of CHE through neuroinflammation.

Effect of acupotomy in knee osteoarthritis patients: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is common in China. Pharmacological therapy is not the first recommendation because of its safety issues. Nonpharmacological therapy, such as lifestyle adjustments, weight loss, muscle strengthening, and aerobic exercise programs, is strongly recommended for KOA. However, these approaches may fail due to poor patient compliance. There is a lack of high-quality randomized controlled trials of acupotomy, an effective treatment for KOA. This study was designed to investigate the efficacy of acupotomy in patients with KOA. METHODS: A total of 136 patients will be enrolled at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine and assigned to the acupotomy group or sham acupotomy group according to the block randomization scheme. Patients in the acupotomy group will receive 2 sessions of acupotomy for 2 weeks (once a week). Patients in the sham group will receive 2 sessions of sham stimulation for 2 weeks (once a week). All patients will use indomethacin cream externally. The primary outcome will be the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and the secondary outcomes will be the visual analog scale (VAS) score, plantar pressure distribution test result, X-ray examination findings, musculoskeletal ultrasound findings, maximum knee circumference, joint mobility, and quality of life. Measurements will be taken at baseline, 1 week after the end of treatment, and at the 3- and 6-month follow-ups. DISCUSSION: To the best of our knowledge, this will be the first single-blind, sham-controlled study of acupotomy. The outcome assessors will also be blinded. The aim of this work is to demonstrate the efficacy of acupotomy in treating KOA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000033047 . Registered on 18 May 2020.

Dietary soybean oil aggravates the adverse effects of low salinity on intestinal health in juvenile mud crab Scylla paramamosain.

Salinity is one of the important factors affecting the physiological state of crustaceans in marine environments. Lipid plays major roles in energy supply and is main sources of essential fatty acids for membrane integrity, which is critical in adaptations to changes in salinity. Here we evaluated the effects of salinity (medium, 23 ppt and low, 4 ppt) and dietary lipid source (fish oil, FO and soybean oil, SO) on intestinal health of the marine crustacean mud crab Scylla paramamosain. The results indicated that low salinity and dietary SO (LSO group) significantly affected intestinal histomorphology, with a significant decrease of intestinal fold height and width as well as down-regulation of intestinal mRNA levels of tight junction genes compared to crab reared at medium salinity and fed FO diets (MFO group). Crabs reared at low salinity and fed SO showed an increased inflammatory response in intestine, which stimulated a physiological detoxification response together with apoptosis compared to crab in the MFO group. Low salinity and SO diets also could be responsible for multiply the pathogenic bacteria of Photobacterium and inhibit the beneficial bacteria of Firmicutes and Rhodobacteraceae in intestine, and act on a crucial impact on the development of intestinal microbial barrier disorders. The results of microbial function predictive analysis also support these inferences. The findings of the present study demonstrated that soybean oil as the main dietary lipid source could exacerbate the adverse effects of low salinity on intestinal health of mud crab, and provided evidence suggesting that dietary lipid source and fatty acid composition may play vital roles in intestinal health and the process of adaptation to environmental salinity in marine crustaceans.

Effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine for primary Raynaud's phenomenon: a systematic review and Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine for primary Raynaud's phenomenon (PRP). METHODS: The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and Wanfang Database were searched up to February 13, 2018. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on treatment of PRP with Chinese herbal medicine compared with placebo, blank control, lifestyle changes, or calcium antagonists were identified and reviewed. The quality of included trials was assessed using a risk of bias tool. RESULTS: Eight RCTs involving 674 participants were included. The methodological quality of the included trials was generally poor. Meta-analysis of two trials showed that Buyang Huanwu Tang plus Danggui Sini Tang produced greater improvement in global symptoms than nifedipine. One trial showed that Danggui Sini Tang and a self-composed Chinese herbal medicine decoction, respectively, produced greater improvement in global symptoms than nifedipine alone. In one trial, modified Danggui Sini Tang showed greater improvement in global symptoms and arterial peak systolic velocity compared with nifedipine. One trial showed that Jiejing Tongmi Tang produced greater improvement in global symptoms, plasma endothelin, and plasma nitric oxide than cinepazide maleate injection. However, Jiejing Tongmi Tang did not produce a significant difference in skin temperature and peripheral artery blood stream drawing after cold pressor testing compared with cinepazide maleate injection. None of the trials reported frequency of attacks, duration of attacks, participant preference scores, or adverse events. CONCLUSION: Chinese herbal medicine may have a positive effective on PRP. However, owing to weak methodology, the benefits of Chinese herbal medicine for PRP are inconclusive. More rigorously designed studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Clinical characteristics and factors affecting the duration of positive nucleic acid test for patients of COVID-19 in XinYu, China.

BACKGROUND: The outbreak of a new coronavirus, COVID-19, which was earliest reported in Wuhan, China, is now transmitting throughout the world. The aim of this study was to articulate the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 and to reveal possible factors that may affect the persistent time of positive SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test, so as to identify which patients may deteriorate or have poor prognoses as early as possible. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study was carried out on 47 patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection admitted to XinYu People's Hospital of JiangXi Province. Epidemiological, demographic, clinical, laboratorial, management, treatment, and outcome data were also collected and analyzed. RESULTS: In this study, patients were divided into two groups based on whether their SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid tests in respiratory specimens turn negative within (Group Rapid or Group R) or over (Group Slow or Group S) a week. There was no significant difference in age, sex, travel or exposure history, and smoking history between the two groups. Forty-two patients had been observed with comorbidities. Similar clinical manifestations, for instance fever, cough, sputum, and fatigue, have been observed among patients in both groups, except that patients in Group S were obviously more likely to get fatigue than patients in Group R. Both groups had shown decrease in white blood cell or lymphocyte counts. Chest X-ray or computed tomography scan showed unilateral or bilateral infiltrates. High proportion in both groups has used nasal cannula (89.47% vs. 85.71%) to inhale oxygen. 10.53% of Group S have applied high-flow nasal cannula, while Group R used none. The current treatment is mainly antibiotics, antiviral, and traditional Chinese medicine, while a couple of patients has used methylprednisolone. Only 1 patient out of both groups got even worse despite this active treatment. CONCLUSION: Clinical characteristics of COVID-19 include the exposure history and typical systemic symptoms such as fever, cough, fatigue, decreased WBC and lymphocyte counts, and infiltration in both lower lobes on CT imaging. Among them, fatigue appears to be an important factor that affects the duration of positive SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test in respiratory specimens.

Influence of dietary zinc on growth, zinc bioaccumulation and expression of genes involved in antioxidant and innate immune in juvenile mud crabs (Scylla paramamosain).

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of dietary Zn level on growth performance, Zn bioaccumulation, antioxidant capacity and innate immunity in juvenile mud crabs (Scylla paramamosain). Six semi-purified diets were formulated to contain dietary Zn levels of 44·5, 56·9, 68·5, 97·3, 155·6 or 254·7 mg/kg. Dietary Zn level significantly influenced percentage weight gain (PWG), with the highest observed in crabs fed the diet containing 97·3 mg/kg Zn. Tissue Zn concentrations significantly increased as dietary Zn levels increased from 44·5 to 254·7 mg/kg. Retention of Zn in hepatopancreas increased with dietary Zn levels up to 68·5 mg/kg and then significantly decreased. Moreover, inadequate dietary Zn (44·5 and 56·9 mg/kg) reduced antioxidation markers including total superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Cu/Zn SOD activities and total antioxidant level. Crabs fed the diet with 44·5 mg/kg Zn also showed significantly lower expression of genes involved in antioxidant status, such as Cu/Zn SOD, glutathione peroxidase, catalase and thioredoxin than those fed diets containing 68·5 and 97·3 mg/kg Zn. The highest activities of phenoloxidase and alkaline phosphatase were recorded in crabs fed the diets containing 68·5 and 97·3 mg/kg Zn. Expression levels of prophenoloxidase and toll-like receptor 2 were higher in crabs fed the 97·3 mg/kg Zn diet compared with crabs fed the other diets. Based on PWG alone, the optimal dietary Zn level was estimated to be 82·9 mg/kg, with 68·5 to 97·3 mg/kg recommended for maintaining optimal Zn bioaccumulation, oxidation resistance and innate immune response of juvenile mud crabs.

Relaxation in the Chinese Hukou System: Effects on Psychosocial Wellbeing of Children Affected by Migration.

The hukou household registration system in China is being relaxed in small and medium-sized cities, which makes it easier for migrant worker parents to take their children with them to cities for work. The aim of this study was determine the potential impact on psychological well-being of this change for children by migration and hukou status. We conducted a cross-sectional survey using the Chinese version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in urban and migrant schools in the capital, Hangzhou, and in schools in two rural counties of Zhejiang Province. Completed questionnaires were obtained from 2965 children, aged 10 to 15: 867 urban children with urban hukou, 625 migrant children with rural hukou, 695 rural children with rural hukou living with parents, and 778 left behind children. The crude SDQ scores showed that children directly affected by migration (migrant children and left behind children) were most at risk of psychological problems; urban and rural children living with their parents in their accustomed environment were least vulnerable. After adjustment for confounders, migrant children were the most vulnerable to psychological problems. Given that migration with children is on the increase, efforts should be made to improve conditions in urban areas for these children, and especially to ensure access to urban public schools.

Effectiveness of acupuncture for recovery of flatulence after cesarean section: A case report.

RATIONALE: Postoperative ileus with flatulence is a common symptom in patients who have undergone cesarean section, and it can lead to peritonitis and intestinal perforation. However, few previous reports described therapeutic effects of acupuncture in women with flatulence after cesarean delivery. We reported a case of 29-year-old woman with abdominal flatulence after cesarean section. PATIENT CONCERNS: The patient developed right abdominal pain and distention with no discharging bowel movement or passage of gas through the anus after cesarean section. DIAGNOSIS: The computed tomography revealed bowel loops filled with gas. She was diagnosed with postoperative ileus. INTERVENTIONS: From the second day after cesarean section, acupuncture was administered at the bilateral Zusanli (ST36), Shangjuxu (ST37), Yinlingquan (SP9), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Zhigou (TE6), and Hegu (LI4) acupoints. OUTCOMES: The patient exhibited the successful passage of gas through the anus 30 minutes after acupuncture needles were removed. The time to first defecation with a normal total stool weight and moderate hardness was 3 hours after acupuncture treatment. LESSONS: Acupuncture can be an effective alternative treatment in patients with flatulence after cesarean section.

Grape seed procyanidin extract protects against Pb-induced lung toxicity by activating the AMPK/Nrf2/p62 signaling axis.

Lead (Pb) is one of the most relevant heavy metals contaminants which cause oxidative stress and threaten human health. The lung is one of the organs most severely damaged by Pb. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of grape seed procyanidin extract (GSPE) on Pb-induced lung injury in rats. We found that GSPE alleviated Pb-induced lung injury by relieving oxidative stress, reducing release of inflammatory factors, and inhibiting apoptosis. Furthermore, GSPE enhanced the antioxidant defense systems by activating the nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor (Nrf2) signaling pathway to promote downstream expression of heme oxygenase 1 and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1. The subsequent ubiquitin-binding protein p62 (sequestosome 1), a downstream target of Nrf2, formed a positive feedback loop with Nrf2 during oxidative stress responses. GSPE treatment resulted in activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which was highly involved in Nrf2 activation. Overall, our findings demonstrate that theprotective effect of GSPE on Pb-induced lung injury arises from activation of the AMPK/Nrf2/p62 signaling pathway, thus providing a new approach for treatment of Pb intoxication.