Bioassay-guided isolation of α-Glucosidase inhibitory constituents from Hypericum sampsonii / 中国天然药物

This study employed the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity model as an anti-diabetic assay and implemented a bioactivity-guided isolation strategy to identify novel natural compounds with potential therapeutic properties. Hypericum sampsoniiwas investigated, leading to the isolation of two highly modified seco-polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs) (1 and 2), eight phenolic derivatives (3-10), and four terpene derivatives (11-14). The structures of compounds 1 and 2, featuring an unprecedented octahydro-2H-chromen-2-one ring system, were fully characterized using extensive spectroscopic data and quantum chemistry calculations. Six compounds (1, 5-7, 9, and 14) exhibited potential inhibitory effects against α-glucosidase, with IC50 values ranging from 0.050 ± 0.0016 to 366.70 ± 11.08 μg·mL-1. Notably, compound 5 (0.050 ± 0.0016 μg·mL-1) was identified as the most potential α-glucosidase inhibitor, with an inhibitory effect about 6900 times stronger than the positive control, acarbose (IC50 = 346.63 ± 15.65 μg·mL-1). A docking study was conducted to predict molecular interactions between two compounds (1 and 5) and α-glucosidase, and the hypothetical biosynthetic pathways of the two unprecedented seco-PPAPs were proposed.

Efficacy of astragalus in the treatment of radiation-induced lung injury based on traditional Chinese medicine: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 25 RCTs.

BACKGROUND: Astragalus (Hedysarum Multijugum Maxim., Huangqi) is a Chinese herbal medicine, and according to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Chinese medicinal preparations containing astragalus can be used clinically to treat radiation-induced lung injury (RILI). To systematically review the efficacy and safety of Chinese medicinal preparations containing astragalus in the prevention and treatment of RILI by means of meta-analysis. METHODS: A systematic literature on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of prescriptions containing astragalus in the treatment of RILI by Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database, WANFANG Database. The retrieval time is from the establishment of the database to January 18, 2022. Meta-analysis, heterogeneity test and sensitivity analysis were performed on eligible RCTs using Revman 5.4 software and STATA 17.0 software, and a "funnel plot" was used to analyze potential publication bias. RESULTS: A total of 25 RCTs were included, including 1762 patients, and the most widely used drugs were heat-clearing and detoxifying, yin-nourishing and qi-nourishing. The prescriptions containing astragalus can significantly reduce the total incidence of RILI (P < .01), improve the total effective rate and cure rate of RILI (P < .01), improve the quality of life of patients, alleviate breathing difficulties and reduce the expression of inflammatory factors (P < .01), and no adverse reactions related to TCM treatment were reported. CONCLUSION: The traditional Chinese medicinal preparation containing astragalus can effectively alleviate the clinical symptoms of RILI, reduce the toxic side effects, and is safe to use in clinic.

Effects of electroacupuncture on the expression of hypothalamic neuropeptide Y and ghrelin in pubertal rats with polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome often starts in puberty, and its pathogenesis is not clear. This study aimed to explore the pathogenesis of pubertal polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and assess the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture on pubertal PCOS. METHODS: Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) was used to induce rat models of pubertal PCOS. pubertal rats with PCOS were randomly divided into a model group (M), an electroacupuncture group (EA), and a sham acupuncture group (SA). Age-matched normal rats were regarded as normal controls (N). Rats were treated with EA or SA five times a week for 25 minutes during their 6th-7th week. At the end of the experiment, we observed any changes in ovarian morphology; detected levels of metabolic indices in serum, the hypothalamus and pancreas. RESULTS: EA significantly improved estrous cycle disorders and the ovarian polycystic morphology in pubertal rats with PCOS, but SA only improved disorders of the estrous cycle. The serum levels of insulin, neuropeptide Y(NPY) and fasting blood glucose(FBG) increased significantly (both p < 0.01), while the serum levels of ghrelin(GHRL) decreased in the model group (p < 0.01). After treatment with EA, the levels of NPY (p < 0.01) and FBG (p < 0.05) went into decrease, whereas the levels of GHRL (p < 0.05) and insulin (p < 0.01) increased. There was few differences in the hypothalamic expression of galanin (GAL), galanin-like peptide (GALP) and ghrelin receptor(GHSR) between the four groups. The upregulation of NPY mRNA and neuropeptide Y2 receptor(NPY2R) mRNA and the downregulation of GHRL protein and mRNA in the hypothalamus, and the increased expression of NPY and NPY2R as well as the decreased expression of GHRL in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) can be rescued by EA. But, surprisingly, SA seem to make no difference to the levels of FBG and insulin, and the protein expression of ghrelin in the hypothalamus and ARC. Co-expression of kisspeptin and GHSR, and co-expression of gonadotrophin releasing hormone(GnRH) and NPY2R were observed in ARC. No differences were found between groups in protein of GAL, GALP and GHRL expression in the pancreas. Neither EA nor SA can attenuate the upregulated kisspeptin protein expression in the pancreas of PCOS model rats. CONCLUSIONS: EA and SA improved the symptoms of pubertal PCOS rats, and the mechanism might be associated with regulating hypothalamic NPY and ghrelin levels.

Network pharmacology-based strategy to investigate the active ingredients and molecular mechanisms of Scutellaria Barbata D. Don against radiation pneumonitis.

INTRODUCTION: Herbal medicines combined with radiotherapy significantly reduced the incidence of radiation pneumonitis (RP), and the Scutellaria barbata D. Don (SBD) is a perennial herb that has been reported to protect against radiation-induced pneumonitis. However, the exact molecular mechanism is not known. The objective of this research was to investigate the against radiation pneumonitis ingredients and their functional mechanisms in SBD. METHODS: Based on the network pharmacology approaches, we collected active ingredients and target genes in SBD against RP through Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology (TCMSP) Database, and the "Herb-Ingredients-Target Genes-Disease" Network was constructed by using of Cytoscape. STRING analysis was performed to reveal the protein-protein interactions, and then we applied enrichment analysis on these target proteins, gene function, and pathways. RESULTS: A total of 18 ingredients in SBD regulate 65 RP related target proteins, which show that quercetin, luteolin, baicalein, wogonin may be the key active ingredients, while IL6, AKT1, VEGFA, MMP9, CCL2, prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) (cyclooxygenase-2 [COX-2]), CXCL8, IL1B, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK1), and IL10 were identified as critical targets. Besides, the results of Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis indicated that predicted targets of SBD are mostly associated with the pathological process of oxidative stress and inflammation. AGE- Receptor of Advanced Glycation Endproducts (RAGE) signaling pathway in diabetic complications, IL-17 signaling pathway, hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway, NF-kappa B signaling pathway might serve as the principal pathways for RP treatment. CONCLUSION: In our study, the pharmacological and molecular mechanism of SBD against RP was predicted from a holistic perspective, and the results provided theoretical guidance for researchers to explore the mechanism in further research.

First Determination of Glycidyl Ester Species in Edible Oils by Reverse-Phase Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with an Evaporative Light-Scattering Detector.

In this work, a new ultra-performance liquid chromatograph-evaporative light-scattering detector (UPLC-ELSD) method for quantitation of glycidyl esters (GE) contents in edible oils is presented. The method features complete separation of five GE species within 20 min by a C18 column and gradient elution with a mobile phase consisting of 85% and 2.5% methanol aqueous solutions. The coefficients of regression (R2) were all ≥0.9999 for the linear-quadratic regression curves of GE species in a concentration range of 5~80 µg/mL. The intraday and interday recoveries (%) of GE species in solvent were in a range of 81.3~107.3%, and the intraday and interday coefficients of variation (CVs, %) were all ≤8.6%. The average recovery (%) of GE species spiked in extra-virgin olive oil samples ranged from 88.3~107.8% and the intermediate precision (CV, %) of ≤14% indicated acceptable accuracy and precision. The method exhibited limit of quantification (LOQ) for each GE species (0.6 µg glycidol equivalents/g oil). The method was applied to determine GE concentrations of six commercial oil samples, and total glycidol equivalents were consistent with data obtained by GC-MS method. This UPLC-ELSD method could be adopted for precursory screening and research purposes to improve food safety when MS detectors are unavailable.

Impact of Low Frequency Electro-acupuncture on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Unmarried PCOS Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) on glucose and lipid metabolism in unmarried patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).@*METHODS@#Fifty-four PCOS patients were equally randomized into true acupuncture group and sham acupuncture group (control) for totally 16 weeks of treatment by random method with a computerized randomization program. Patients in true acupuncture group accepted traditional acupuncture methods with EA and two sets of acupoint groups were used alternatively. The first set consisted of Zhongji (CV 3), Qihai (CV 6), Guilai (ST 29), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Hegu (LI4) and Baihui (GV 20), and the second set consisted of Tianshu (ST 25), ST 29, CV 3, CV 6, SP 6, Taichong (LR 3), Neiguan (PC) 6 and GV 20. Patients in the sham acupuncture group accepted shallow acupuncture methods through EA without electricity at 4 non-meridian points in each shoulder and upper arm. Outcome measures included body mass index (BMI), waist-hip-ratio (WHR), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), insulin release test, glucose and lipid metabolism indicators such as total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, adiponectin, leptin, visfatin, resistin, and interleukin (IL-6).@*RESULTS@#Twenty-six subjects in the true acupuncture group and 20 subjects in the sham group completed the clinical trial. After 16 weeks of treatment, no significant difference in the outcome measures were observed between the two groups (P>0.05). However, as compared with baseline data, a reduction in weight, BMI, hipline, WHR, fasting glucose, homeostatic model assessment of insulin sensitivity, visfatin and HDL-C, and an increase in resistin and IL-6 were observed in the true acupuncture group (P<0.05). In addition, a reduction in visfatin and an increase in TC were also observed in the sham group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Acupuncture may have a beneficial effect in the treatment of PCOS by improving glucose and lipid metabolism. Moreover, the sham acupuncture may be not completely ineffective. Sham acupuncture may improve some of the aspects of the glucose and lipid metabolism of PCOS patients through a placebo effect. (Registration Nos. ChiCTR-TRC-12002529 and NCT01812161).

Study on the angle of needling Yamen (GV 15) in atlanto-axial dislocation patients / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To compare the risk angle and safety angle of needling Yamen (GV 15) between the atlanto-axial dislocation (AAD) patients and healthy subjects. Methods: A total of 177 AAD patients diagnosed and treated at the Center of Upper Cervical Vertebra of Beijing China-Japan Friendship Hospital between January 2010 and January 2018 were included in the AAD group. Another 207 healthy subjects were included in the normal group. There were totally 191 males and 193 females. The MRI scan was performed for the cervical vertebrae to measure the risk angle and safety angle of acupuncture at Yamen (GV 15) on the sagittal image. Results: In the AAD group, the risk angle was (13.14±3.99)° and the relative safety angle was (10.31±3.23)° for the perpendicular needling, while the oblique needling risk angle was (9.09±3.09)° for the male; the risk angle was (12.12±2.74)° and the relative safety angle was (10.56±2.09)° for the perpendicular needling, while the oblique needling risk angle was (9.70±2.95)° for the female. In the normal group, the risk angle was (7.89±1.59)° and the relative safety angle was (10.21±3.55)° for the perpendicular needling, while the oblique needling risk angle was (16.07±1.77)° for the male; the risk angle was (6.93±1.45)° and the relative safety angle was (10.70±2.94)° for the perpendicular needling, while the oblique needling risk angle was (14.89±2.18)° for the female. The perpendicular needling risk angles for the males and females in the AAD group were larger than those in the normal group, and the differences were statistically significant (bothP<0.01); for the inner-group comparison, there was no significant difference in the perpendicular needling risk angle between the male and the female in the AAD group (P>0.05); however, the perpendicular needling risk angle for the male was larger than the female, and the difference was statistically significant in the normal group (P<0.01). There were no significant differences in the relative safety angle for both the male and the female between the AAD group and the normal group (bothP>0.05). For the inner-group comparison, there was no significant difference in the relative safety angle between the male and the female (P>0.05). The oblique needling risk angles for both the males and females were smaller in the AAD group than those in the normal group, and the differences were statistically significant (bothP<0.01); the oblique needling risk angle for the male was not significantly different from that for the female in the AAD group (P>0.05); in the normal group, the oblique needling risk angle for the male was larger than that for the female, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). Conclusion: Under the AAD condition, the risk angle and safety angle of acupuncture at Yamen (GV 15) change significantly, perpendicular needling should be better if performed slightly lower than the horizontal direction, and the oblique needling should be safer across the occipital foramen toward the occipital bone.

Safety depth of acupuncture at Yamen (GV 15) in patients with atlantoaxial dislocation / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To explore and compare the safety depths of perpendicular and oblique acupuncture at Yamen (GV 15) in patients with atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) and healthy volunteers.@*METHODS@#One bundred and seventy-seven patients with atlantoaxial dislocation were selected as an AAD group, and 207 patients without atlantoaxial dislocation and with normal anatomical structure were selected as a normal group. All participants were moderately sized. The MRI scanning of the cervical vertebra was performed, and the safety depth of perpendicular and oblique acupuncture at Yamen (GV 15) was calculated on the sagittal image.@*RESULTS@#In the AAD group, the safety depth of men was (45.33±5.17) mm for perpendicular acupuncture and (48.58±4.41) mm for oblique acupuncture; the safety depth of women was (44.17±7.80) mm for perpendicular acupuncture and (47.49±7.32) mm for oblique acupuncture. In the normal group, the safety depth of men was (47.72±5.06) mm for perpendicular acupuncture and (42.69±5.53) mm for oblique acupuncture; the safety depth of women was (44.63±5.85) mm for perpendicular acupuncture and (39.88±6.18) mm for oblique acupuncture. The safety depth of men and women for oblique acupuncture was longer than that for perpendicular acupuncture in the AAD group (0.05); the safety depth of perpendicular and oblique acupuncture for men was longer than that for women in the normal group (0.05), while the safety depth of oblique acupuncture in the AAD group was longer than that in the normal group (<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#The safe depth of acupuncture at Yamen (GV 15) has significantly changed under AAD, so during the clinical acupuncture the needle insertion should be less than its safe depth.

Ibrutinib inactivates BMX-STAT3 in glioma stem cells to impair malignant growth and radioresistance.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most lethal primary brain tumor and is highly resistant to current treatments. GBM harbors glioma stem cells (GSCs) that not only initiate and maintain malignant growth but also promote therapeutic resistance including radioresistance. Thus, targeting GSCs is critical for overcoming the resistance to improve GBM treatment. Because the bone marrow and X-linked (BMX) nonreceptor tyrosine kinase is preferentially up-regulated in GSCs relative to nonstem tumor cells and the BMX-mediated activation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is required for maintaining GSC self-renewal and tumorigenic potential, pharmacological inhibition of BMX may suppress GBM growth and reduce therapeutic resistance. We demonstrate that BMX inhibition by ibrutinib potently disrupts GSCs, suppresses GBM malignant growth, and effectively combines with radiotherapy. Ibrutinib markedly disrupts the BMX-mediated STAT3 activation in GSCs but shows minimal effect on neural progenitor cells (NPCs) lacking BMX expression. Mechanistically, BMX bypasses the suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3)-mediated inhibition of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), whereas NPCs dampen the JAK2-mediated STAT3 activation via the negative regulation by SOCS3, providing a molecular basis for targeting BMX by ibrutinib to specifically eliminate GSCs while preserving NPCs. Our preclinical data suggest that repurposing ibrutinib for targeting GSCs could effectively control GBM tumor growth both as monotherapy and as adjuvant with conventional therapies.

Food Therapy in Sinosphere Asia.

Traditional Chinese Food Therapy has long been an integral part of dietary practices in Sinosphere Asia. This therapy is defined by the classification of foods into cooling (Yin) and heaty (Yang) and the manipulation of dietary intake of these foods as a therapeutic strategy for chronic diseases. Both functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are chronic, functional gut disorders widely prevalent in Sinosphere Asia. Diet is increasingly recognized as a symptom trigger in FD and IBS, and the evidence suggesting the utility of diet therapies as front-line management is growing, particularly in the West. Specifically, a diet low in Fermentable, Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols is an efficacious therapy for patients with IBS. In contrast, a proportion of patients with IBS in Sinosphere Asia utilize Chinese Food Therapy for symptom management. Chinese Food Therapy provides an attractive target for integration with evidence-based Western dietary therapies as a management strategy in FD and IBS. However, significant gaps in research exist with the utility of Chinese Food Therapy that first need to be addressed. This includes a lack of standardization for heaty and cooling classification, limited mechanistic rationale or clinical studies supporting its efficacy in FD and IBS, and the lack of an ideal practitioner for implementation of Chinese Food Therapy. Hence, the review provides a summary of the role of diet and nutrition in Sinosphere Asia with an emphasis on FD and IBS, and an examination of how modern dietary practices may be able to be integrated into practices in this region.

Novel sesquiterpenoids isolated from Chimonanthus praecox and their antibacterial activities / 中国天然药物

In the present study, four new sesquiterpenoids, chimonols A-D (compounds 1-4), together with four known compounds (5-8) were isolated from the EtOAc extract of Chimonanthus praecox Link. The structures of these new compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic techniques (UV, IR, MS, and 1D and 2D NMR), and their absolute configurations were established by comparing experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Compounds 1-8 were evaluated for antimicrobial activities and the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by the broth microdilution method in 96-well culture plates. Compounds 1, 2, and 7 exhibited weak antibacterial effects for S. aureus (ATCC 6538), E. coli (ATCC 11775), and P. aeruginosa (ATCC 10145) with MIC values being 158-249 µg·mL. Compounds 3-7 showed activities against C. glabrata (ATCC 2001) and S. aureus (ATCC 43300) with MIC values being 128-197 µg·mL. Compounds 1-4 showed activity against S. aureus (ATCC 25923) with MIC values being 162-254 µg·mL. The present study provided a basis for future evaluation of these compounds as antibacterial agents.

Novel sesquiterpenoids isolated from Chimonanthus praecox and their antibacterial activities / 中国天然药物

In the present study, four new sesquiterpenoids, chimonols A-D (compounds 1-4), together with four known compounds (5-8) were isolated from the EtOAc extract of Chimonanthus praecox Link. The structures of these new compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic techniques (UV, IR, MS, and 1D and 2D NMR), and their absolute configurations were established by comparing experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Compounds 1-8 were evaluated for antimicrobial activities and the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by the broth microdilution method in 96-well culture plates. Compounds 1, 2, and 7 exhibited weak antibacterial effects for S. aureus (ATCC 6538), E. coli (ATCC 11775), and P. aeruginosa (ATCC 10145) with MIC values being 158-249 µg·mL. Compounds 3-7 showed activities against C. glabrata (ATCC 2001) and S. aureus (ATCC 43300) with MIC values being 128-197 µg·mL. Compounds 1-4 showed activity against S. aureus (ATCC 25923) with MIC values being 162-254 µg·mL. The present study provided a basis for future evaluation of these compounds as antibacterial agents.

Clinical study on spinal cord decompression combined with traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the clinical effect between spinal card decompression combined with traditional Chinese medicine and simple spinal card decompression for cervical spondylotic myelopathy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From June 2012 to June 2015, 73 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy were treated, including 42 males and 31 females, aged from 29 to 73 years old with a mean of 50.9 years old. The patients were divided into the simple operation group (34 cases) and the operation combined with traditional Chinese medicine group(39 cases) according to the idea of themselves. The anterior discectomy or subtotal corpectomy with internal fixation or posterior simple open-door decompression with lateral mass screw fixation were performed in the patients. Among them, 39 cases were treated with traditional Chinese medicine after surgery. The Japanese orthopedic association (JOA) score of spinal cord function, the improvement rate of neural function, the neck dysfunction index (NDI) score and the governor vessel stasis syndrome score were compared between two groups preoperative and postoperative 1 week, 1 month and the final follow-up respectively. The internal fixation and the condition of spinal cord decompression were observed by CT, MRI and X-rays before and after operation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the operations were successful, no injuries such as dura mater, spinal cord and nerve root were found. All the wounds were healed without infection except one patient had a superficial infection. It was solved after intermittent debridement and anti-infective therapy. Hematoma occurred in 1 case, complicated with spinal cord compression, caused incomplete paralysis, and promptly performed the re-operation to remove the hematoma without any obvious sequelae. All the patients were followed up from 12 to 24 months, (14.6±0.8) months for simple operation group and (13.5±0.7) months for operation combined with traditional Chinese medicine group, and there was no significant difference(>0.05). The scores of JOA, NDI and the governor's vessel stasis syndrome in simple operation group were 8.31±3.15, 29.91±4.52, 6.58±1.31 before operation, and 10.21±2.58, 18.67±4.31, 8.24±1.18 one week after operation, and 11.38±2.85, 16.11±3.18, 8.91±2.11 one month after operation, and 12.21±3.12, 14.61±3.28, 9.12±1.56 at final follow-up, respectively; and in operation combined with traditional Chinese medicine group were 8.29±3.47, 30.83±4.14, 6.38±1.81before operation, and 10.48±2.39, 17.59±5.14, 8.33±1.57 one week after operation, and 12.14±3.12, 13.14±3.21, 9.55±2.49 one month after operation, and 13.85±3.34, 12.11±2.51, 10.33±1.95 at final follow-up, respectively. Postoperative JOA , NDI, and the governor vessel stasis syndrome score of two groups were significantly higher than preoperativee(<0.05). There was no significant difference in JOA, NDI, and the governor vessel stasis syndrome score between two groups one week after operation (>0.05). The above items in operation combined with traditional Chinese medicine group was better than that of simple operation group one month and final follow-up after operation (<0.05). The improvement rate of neural function in simple operation group was (67.59±10.78)%, and in operation combined traditional Chinese medicine group was (66.88±12.15)%, there was no significant difference between two groups(>0.05). There were no complications such as internal fixation failure or re-dislocation of atlas by postoperative CT, MRI and X-rays examination.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Spinal card decompression for the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy can extend the spinal canal, relieve the compression of nerve, achieve the deoppilation of governor vessel, the regulation of qi and blood, the restore of Yangqi, combined with traditional Chinese medicine of activating blood removing stasis, warming yang and activating meridians, reinforcing liver benefiting kidney, which may obtain better clinical effect.</p>

Effects of decompression combined with electro-acupuncture on rat with acute severe upper cervical spinal cord compression injury / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect and underlying mechanism of decompression(DE)combined with Governor Vessel(GV)electro-acupuncture(EA) on rats with acute severe upper cervical spinal cord compression injury.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty SPF rats were randomly divided into 5 groups(control group A, B and experiment group C, D, E), 6 rats in each group. The model of acute severe upper cervical spinal cord compression injury were made by forcing a balloon catheter put in atlas pillow clearance. The group A was blank one, the group B put balloon catheter in atlas pillow clearance without forcing, and the group C, D, E sustained compressed for 48 h. The group C received electric acupuncture intervention, selecting the Baihui and Dazhui point, having the continuous wave and frequency of 2 Hz, with the treatment time of 15 min and continuous treatment for 14 d; the group D received methylprednisolone intervention, injected by caudal vein; the group E did not received any intervention again. The arterial blood and injured spinal cord tissue of all the rats were obtained after 14 days' treatment, and BBB score was used to evaluate the change of each group hind limbs motor function, the contents of platelet activating factor(PAF) in injured spinal cord tissue and blood serum were assess by ELISA method; the Caspase-9 expression for each group after 14 days' treatment was assess by Western blot method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>BBB scores were(21.000±0.000) points at the 6 time points, that was, 1 h, 48 h after forcing in control group, 24 h, 3 d, 7 d, 14 d after treating in experiment group; the score of experimental groups (group C, D, E) were always lower than control groups(group A, B); compared with group E, group C and D were significantly higher(<0.05); and there was no significant difference between group C and group D(>0.05). The results of PAF by ELISA method to measure:the concentration of serum PAF, there was no statistical difference among group A, B, D, E (>0.05), group C was lower than the other groups (<0.05); the concentration of tissue PAF, there was no significant difference between group A and group B(>0.05), group D was significantly higher than that of group A, B, and C(<0.05), group E was the highest one than that of the other groups(<0.05). Western blot med tests showed that the Caspase-9 protein expression in group A and B was similar (>0.05), group C was higher than that of group A and B(<0.05), group D was higher than group A, B and C(<0.05), group E was the highest than that of group A, B, C and D (<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Decompression and Governor Vessel electro-acupuncture on acute severe upper cervical spinal cord compression injury had a better effect compare with decompression and methylprednisolone or simple decompression only, its mechanism may be related to lower the PAF levels and downregulating Caspase-9 protein expression in spinal injury tissue.</p>

Effect of Buyanghuanwu decoction on the expression of platelet activating factor after acute spinal cord injury in rats / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect and mechanism of Buyanghuanwu decoction on platelet activating factor expression in spinal cord tissue of model of acute upper cervical spinal cord injury in rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty SPF grade 3-month-old female Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group, methylprednisolone group and Buyanghuanwu decoction (Traditional Chinese Medicine group, TCM), with 15 rats in each group. The first day after the modeling, the methylprednisolone group were treated by injection of the tail vein for a total of 24 h, the first dose of 30 mg/kg, followed by a dose of 5.4 mg/kg·h, and 1 time per 4 h. The traditional Chinese medicine group was prepared with a medium dose of Buyanghuanwu decoction granules which were prepared into a solution containing 2 g/ml of granules, 3.5 g/kg per day gavage, was equivalent to 1 time the amount of adult consumption. The model group and the sham operation group were given equal volume of normal saline for 2 times a day for 2 weeks. The recovery of nerve function was evaluated by BBB classification at 1, 3, 7, 14 days after treatment. The expression of PAF in the segment of spinal cord injury was detected by double antibody sandwich (ELISA) method at 1, 7, and 14 d postoperatively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>At the first day after treatment, BBB score in model, TCM and methylprednisolone groups were lower than that of sham operation group(<0.01), but there was no difference among the three groups(>0.05). At 7, 14 days afer treatment, BBB score in TCM and methylprednisolone groups were higher than that of model group significantly(<0.01); but there were no significant difference between TCM group and methylprednisolone group(>0.05). PAF expression in TCM group and methylprednisolone group were lower than that of model group at 7, 14 day afer treatment significantly (<0.05); but there were no significant difference between TCM group and methylprednisolone group (>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Buyanghuanwu decoction treatment after acute upper cervical spinal cord injury can significantly improve locomotor recovery by inhibiting the expression of PAF.</p>

Electroacupuncture Improves Gastric Emptying in Critically Ill Neurosurgical Patients: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of combined electroacupuncture and metoclopramide treatment with that of metoclopramide only in improving gastric emptying in critically ill neurosurgical patients. METHODS: In this prospective case-control pilot study, a total of 16 adult critically ill mechanically ventilated patients who were treated in the surgical intensive care unit were enrolled. Electrical stimulation was applied to 4 pairs of points (maximum intensity < 9.8 mA at 2 Hz). Patients in the control group received standard treatment with intravenous metoclopramide only. Patients in the experimental group received intravenous metoclopramide plus electroacupuncture treatment once daily for 6 consecutive days. RESULTS: Gastric residual volume in the experimental group (n = 7) reduced gradually until the fourth day after treatment with electroacupuncture combined with routine metoclopramide administration. Beginning on the fourth day, residual volume was maintained at less than 200 ml per day for the following two days. In the control group (n = 9), there was a gradual reduction in residual volume during the first four days followed by a rebounding increase over the next two days. CONCLUSIONS: Electroacupuncture combined with intravenous metoclopramide is a more effective treatment for gastric emptying than metoclopramide alone in adult critically ill patients with impaired brain function.

Chlorella sorokiniana induces mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in human non-small cell lung cancer cells and inhibits xenograft tumor growth in vivo.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer related deaths worldwide. Marine microalgae are a source of biologically active compounds and are widely consumed as a nutritional supplement in East Asian countries. It has been reported that Chlorella or Chlorella extracts have various beneficial pharmacological compounds that modulate immune responses; however, no studies have investigated the anti-cancer effects of Chlorella sorokiniana (CS) on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: In this study, we evaluated the anti-cancer effects of CS in two human NSCLC cell lines (A549 and CL1-5 human lung adenocarcinoma cells), and its effects on tumor growth in a subcutaneous xenograft tumor model. We also investigated the possible molecular mechanisms governing the pharmacological function of CS. RESULTS: Our results showed that exposure of the two cell lines to CS resulted in a concentration-dependent reduction in cell viability. In addition, the percentage of apoptotic cells increased in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that CS might induce apoptosis in human NSCLC cells. Western blot analysis revealed that exposure to CS resulted in increased protein expression of the cleaved/activated forms of caspase-3, caspase-9, and PARP, except caspase-8. ZDEVD (caspase-3 inhibitor) and Z-LEHD (caspase-9 inhibitor) were sufficient at preventing apoptosis in both A549 and CL1-5 cells, proving that CS induced cell death via the mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathway. Exposure of A549 and CL1-5 cells to CS for 24 h resulted in decreased expression of Bcl-2 protein and increased expression of Bax protein as well as decreased expression of two IAP family proteins, survivin and XIAP. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that CS induces mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in NSCLC cells via downregulation of Bcl-2, XIAP and survivin. In addition, we also found that the tumors growth of subcutaneous xenograft in vivo was markedly inhibited after oral intake of CS.

Profiling on the Invention Patents of Uncaria rhynchophylla in China / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

U.rhynchophylla is an important herb in Chinese medical treasure with the functions of calming endogenous wind and arresting convulsion,clearing away heat and calming the liver,for the treatments of hypertension,epilepsy and convulsion,crying with fear in children.This paper retrieved and collated 3,304 items of application information in the invention patents over uncaria before July,2016.Data of the basic sciences were collected from Chinese Science Citation Database (CSCD) and those of situation analysis of patents from Patent Online Analysis System of Chinese Academy of Sciences.Year,region,patented technology,patentee and key technology were involved and analyzed in the system for profound investigation of the current situation and developing trend of invention patent application over uncaria.It was found that trace elements and chemical composition beneficial to human health were receiving favors from the market with rapt attention focusing on patent applications.However,there were still major limitations in the application and the patent quality needed improving.In conclusion,further development and the utilization of uncaria presented promising prospects.

Guidance value of TOI classification for treatment of traumatic T-type atlantoaxial dislocation / 中华创伤杂志

Objective To investigate the guidance value of TOI classification in treating traumatic T-type atlantoaxial dislocation (ADD).Methods A retrospective case series study was made on 32 cases of traumatic TOI T-type ADD treated between January 2012 and December 2015.There were 19 males and 13 females,aged (38.4 ± 14.7) years.Fifteen cases of T1-type underwent external fixation or internal fixation without fusion,while 17 cases of T2-type underwent internal fixation with fusion.Symon-Lavender clinical standard,Japanese orthopedic association score (JOA),visual analogue scale (VAS),atlas-dens interval (ADI) and space available for the cord (SAC) were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect.Results Patients were followed up for 6-54 months (mean,32.4 months).At final follow-up,ADI was decreased to (2.3 ± 1.4) mm from preoperative (5.6 ± 1.6) mm,but SAC was increased to (15.4 ± 1.9) mm from preoperative (12.0 ± 2.9) mm(P ＜ 0.01).At final follow-up,cervical axial rotation range of motion was 102°-154° in T1-type cases and 57°-93° in T2-type cases.Range of motion for atlantoaxial joint was preserved in T1-type cases,but lost in T2-type cases.According to the Symon-Lavender clinical standard,there were 14 cases of mild disability,nine moderate disability,eight severe disability and one extremely severe disability before operation;there were 21 cases of mild disability,nine moderate disability and two severe disability at last follow-up.Significant difference was observed in the grades according to the Symon-Lavender clinical standard before operation and at last follow-up (P ＜0.05).At last follow-up,JOA score was increased to (14.6 ± 2.9) points from preoperative (9.9± 3.2) points,and VAS was decreased to (2.7 ± 1.3)points from preoperative (6.0 ± 1.6)points (P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions By using TOI classification,reconstruction of stability and improved neurological function can be achieved in treatment of traumatic T-type atlantoaxial dislocation.Non-fusion treatment of T1-type atlantoaxial dislocation can preserve range of motion for atlantoaxial joint.

Music Therapy Training for Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Modality to Foster Interest in Gerontological Nursing.

HOW TO OBTAIN CONTACT HOURS BY READING THIS ARTICLE INSTRUCTIONS 1.2 contact hours will be awarded by Villanova University College of Nursing upon successful completion of this activity. A contact hour is a unit of measurement that denotes 60 minutes of an organized learning activity. This is a learner-based activity. Villanova University College of Nursing does not require submission of your answers to the quiz. A contact hour certificate will be awarded once you register, pay the registration fee, and complete the evaluation form online at http://goo.gl/gMfXaf. To obtain contact hours you must: 1. Read the article, "Music Therapy Training for Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Modality to Foster Interest in Gerontological Nursing" found on pages 25-31, carefully noting any tables and other illustrative materials that are included to enhance your knowledge and understanding of the content. Be sure to keep track of the amount of time (number of minutes) you spend reading the article and completing the quiz. 2. Read and answer each question on the quiz. After completing all of the questions, compare your answers to those provided within this issue. If you have incorrect answers, return to the article for further study. 3. Go to the Villanova website listed above to register for contact hour credit. You will be asked to provide your name; contact information; and a VISA, MasterCard, or Discover card number for payment of the $20.00 fee. Once you complete the online evaluation, a certificate will be automatically generated. This activity is valid for continuing education credit until May 31, 2019. CONTACT HOURS This activity is co-provided by Villanova University College of Nursing and SLACK Incorporated. Villanova University College of Nursing is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. ACTIVITY OBJECTIVES 1. Identify the worldwide shortage of nurses specializing in gerontological nursing. 2. Describe the results of using music therapy to create positive attitudes toward older adults. DISCLOSURE STATEMENT Neither the planners nor the authors have any conflicts of interest to disclose. Nursing students generally have a negative attitude toward older adults. Preparing nurses to meet the care needs of an expanding aging population is a challenge for nursing educators. The purpose of the current study was to explore whether incorporating music therapy into a practical geriatric nursing course at a nursing home cultivates positive attitudes toward older adults, raises students' willingness to work with older adults, and increases their interest in specializing in gerontological nursing after graduation. Focus groups were conducted to collect data from three participant groups (N = 20). Verbatim transcripts of audiorecorded interviews were analyzed using content analysis, which revealed four themes: (a) better appreciation and understanding of music therapy, (b) role modeling instructors' successful experience and positive attitude toward older adults, (c) changing attitudes toward older adults, and (d) improving interaction skills with older adults. Results suggested music can be integrated into a gerontological nursing course to enhance students' motivation to learn, empathize, and approach older adults. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 42(6), 25-31.].