Traditional Chinese medicine symptom normalization approach leveraging hierarchical semantic information and text matching with attention mechanism.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom normalization is difficult because the challenges of the symptoms having different literal descriptions, one-to-many symptom descriptions and different symptoms sharing a similar literal description. We propose a novel two-step approach utilizing hierarchical semantic information that represents the functional characteristics of symptoms and develop a text matching model that integrates hierarchical semantic information with an attention mechanism to solve these problems. In this study, we constructed a symptom normalization dataset and a TCM normalization symptom dictionary containing normalization symptom words, and assigned symptoms into 24 classes of functional characteristics. First, we built a multi-label text classifier to isolate the hierarchical semantic information from each symptom description and count the corresponding normalization symptoms and filter the candidate set. Then we designed a text matching model of mixed multi-granularity language features with an attention mechanism that utilizes the hierarchical semantic information to calculate the matching score between the symptom description and the normalization symptom words. We compared our approach with other baselines on real-world data. Our approach gives the best performance with a Hit@ 1, 3, and 10 of 0.821, 0.953, and 0.993, respectively, and a MeanRank of 1.596, thus outperforming significantly regarding the symptom normalization task. We developed an approach for the TCM symptom normalization task and demonstrated its superior performance compared with other baselines, indicating the promise of this research direction.

Advances in Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder with Chinese Medicine / 中国结合医学杂志

"Timely, near, and expectation" is the main principle of battlefield rescue for military combat stress reaction (CSR). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the most common form of CSR and a long-term persistent mental disorder that is caused by unusual threatening or catastrophic psychological trauma. Chinese medicine (CM) has abundant resources, is simple, easy to master, with few side effects. This article summarizes the cellular and animal experimental mechanisms of CM treatment on PTSD, suggesting that traditional Chinese herbs and acupuncture can protect brain functional areas, and adjust hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. Traditional Chinese herbs and acupuncture have shown good anti-stress efficacy and fewer side effects in clinical application, which may improve the CSR in the battlefield.

Mechanism of Qingke Pingchuan Granule in Treatment of Acute and Chronic Bronchitis Complicated with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease： An Exploration Based on Network Pharmacology / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To explore the potential mechanism of Qingke Pingchuan granule in treating acute and chronic bronchitis complicated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD） by network pharmacology. Method:The Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform （TCMSP） was retrieved to collect the active components of Qingke Pingchuan granule and predict the action targets， followed by the construction of component-target network using Cytoscape 3.8. GeneCards， Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man（OMIM）， and DrugBank were used to harvest disease targets， whose names were put into UniProt for standardization. The treatment targets of Qingke Pingchuan Granule against the two diseases were obtained based on Venn diagram， which were then imported into the STRING platform for constructing the protein-protein interaction （PPI） network. Following the gene ontology（GO） and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes（KEGG） pathway enrichment analysis based on MetaScape， the active component-common target-signaling pathway network of Qingke Pingchuan granule against acute and chronic bronchitis complicated with COPD was finally constructed. The accuracy of the target was confirmed by literature. Result:A total of 165 active components， 374 related targets， 512 disease-related targets， and 130 common targets were obtained. Among them， the 14 core therapeutic targets were further subjected to GO enrichment analysis， which yielded 390 biological processes， nine cell components， and 23 molecular functions. The KEGG pathway analysis revealed 22 signaling pathways. Conclusion:Qingke Pingchuan granule alleviates the diseases possibly by regulating such targets as vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2（KDR）， transforming growth factor beta-1 （TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁）， caveolin 1（CAV1）， hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha（HIF-1<italic>α</italic>）， and interleukin-2（IL-2）， affecting the synthesis and transport of regulatory factors in cytoplasm， and controlling the cell proliferation and apoptosis.

Advances in Basic Studies on Antitumor Effect and Underlying Molecular Mechanisms of Sinomenine / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Tumors are new organisms formed by uncontrollable cell proliferation of local tissues driven by various oncogenic factors. The cause of tumors is unknown with life-threating outcome. Tumors can be classified into benign tumors， borderline tumors， and malignant tumors according to their pathological properties. Among them， malignant tumor is commonly known as cancer， with no specific medicines or reliable cure means， so this is a hot spot and difficult point in current medical research. In ancient literatures， there are many records about the efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine in treating tumor， and modern pharmacological researches have shown that more and more active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） have gradually highlighted their inhibitory effect on various types of tumor. Caulis sinomenii has been used for treatment of rheumatic diseases in TCM for a long history. Sinomenine is a major bioactive alkaloid presented in C. sinomenii， which has demonstrated a wide range of pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammation， immunosuppression， analgesia and sedation， and due to its slightly soluble in water， it is commonly used in clinic in the form of hydrochloride， with its commercial name of Zhengqing Fengtongning. Recent studies show that sinomenine alone or combined with chemoradiotherapy can inhibit growth of several tumors significantly or in a synergistic way， so it is termed as an inhibitor of tumors. Anti-tumor effect of sinomenine involve inhibition of tumor cell proliferation， induction of tumor cell apoptosis， blockade of tumor cell cycle， suppression of tumor invasion and metastasis， induction of autophagy of tumor cells， and reversal of multidrug resistance of tumor cells. Upon combination with nanomaterials， it can enhance efficiency and reduce toxicity. Here we summarized and reviewed recent advances on basic anti-tumor research of sinomenine， and then made a classification and description according to its in vivo and in vitro pharmacological action and mechanism of action， so as to elucidate the great potential of sinomenine as a promising anti-tumor drug， and provide reference for further research on its anti-tumor mechanism.

Prescription for NAFLD Based on Relationship Between Intestinal Microecology and Spleen-stomach's Ascending and Descending Theory / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a kind of metabolic stress liver injury, which has become one of most common chronic liver diseases in China and even world. Therefore, the occurrence and development of NAFLD and its prevention and treatment have been attracted more and more attention. The disturbance of intestinal microecology, especially intestinal flora, is one of important factors leading to NAFLD. The syndrome traceability, etiology and pathogenesis of nafld in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are related to imbalance of spleen-stomach's ascending and descending. The effect of NAFLD treatment depends on spleen-stomach's ascending and descending. The intestinal tract is main part for realizing spleen-stomach function according to principle of TCM. Intestinal flora is a regulation factor affecting host metabolism, which is consistent with biological connotation of TCM principle of spleen-stomach's ascending and descending. Because spleen-stomach's ascending and descending disorder is consistent with symptoms of intestinal flora imbalance, intestinal flora is closely related to spleen-stomach's ascending and descending in TCM. Based on modern intestinal micro-ecosystem, this paper expounds theoretical basis for treatment of NAFLD based on relationship between spleen-stomach's ascending and descending in TCM, and on that basis, ideas of prescription and medication for NAFLD were put forward, mainly including: invigorating spleen and replenishing Qi and ascending clearity, regulating Qi-flowing and regulating stomach and descending turbidity, resolving phlegm, activating blood circulation and dissipating accumulation, and dominant role in coordinating spleen-stomach's ascending and descending and intestinal microecology is highlighted in treatment of NAFLD. Soothing liver and regulating Qi, dispersing and descending lung-Qi, ascending clearity and descending turbidity, and warming and activating kidney-Yang, synergistic factors for onset of NAFLD were taken into account to promote spleen-stomach's ascending and descending functions, and therapeutic effect shall be considered from perspective of intestinal microecology. After retention enema with Chinese herbs, transporting function of large intestine might be activated to help stomach-Qi descending and coordinate spleen-stomach's ascending and descending, and intestinal microecological mechanism of drug delivery channel intervening NAFLD may be studied based on 16s rDNA gene pathway. With deepening of research on intestinal flora, relationship between it and spleen-stomach's ascending and descending and NAFLD will be further revealed, which not only inherits China's long history of applying spleen-stomach's ascending and descending to treat liver diseases, but also expand perspective of regulating intestinal microecolog(intestinal flora) in treatment of NAFLD.

Clinical Efficacy of Modified Sanzi Yangqintang and Colon Hydrotherapy on Treatment of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease with Phlegm-dampness / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::To explore the clinical efficacy of modified Sanzi Yangqintang combined with colon hydrotherapy in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with phlegm-dampness. Method::Totally 100 patients with NAFLD were selected and randomly divided into treatment group (50 cases) and control group (50 cases). Both groups were orally given silybin and glycyrrhizic acid diamine capsules.The treatment group was also added with modified Sanzi Yangqintang and colon hydrotherapy.The treatment lasted for 7 days.The control group was also added with saline colon hydrotherapy.Main traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores and liver function indexes before and after treatment [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamate transpeptidase (GGT)], blood lipid routine [cholesterol (TCH), triglyceride (TG)], inflammatory factors [interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)], FibroScan measurement [liver stiffness measurement (LSM), controlled attenuation parameters (CAP)], uric acid and body weight changes were observed.Adverse reactions were observed, and the patient's medication safety was evaluated. Result::TCM syndrome score, liver enzyme index, blood lipid index, inflammatory factor index, FibroScan CAP, uric acid and body weight of the two groups were significantly reduced than those before treatment(P<0.05, P<0.01) .There was no significant difference in liver enzymes, TCH, IL-6 and LSM between treatment group and control group.And TCM syndrome scores, UA, TNF-α, FibroScan CAP decreased were significantly different from control group (P<0.05). Conclusion::Modified Sanzi Yangqintang combined with colon hydrotherapy can not only alleviate NAFLD with phlegm-dampness symptoms, but also significantly reduce triglyceride, tumor necrosis factor and FibroScan CAP and body mass, with certain clinical efficacy in a short term.

Uranium sequestration in sediment at an iron-rich contaminated site at Oak Ridge, Tennessee via. bioreduction followed by reoxidation.

This study evaluated uranium sequestration performance in iron-rich (30 g/kg) sediment via bioreduction followed by reoxidation. Field tests (1383 days) at Oak Ridge, Tennessee demonstrated that uranium contents in sediments increased after bioreduced sediments were re-exposed to nitrate and oxygen in contaminated groundwater. Bioreduction of contaminated sediments (1200 mg/kg U) with ethanol in microcosm reduced aqueous U from 0.37 to 0.023 mg/L. Aliquots of the bioreduced sediment were reoxidized with O2, H2O2, and NaNO3, respectively, over 285 days, resulting in aqueous U of 0.024, 1.58 and 14.4 mg/L at pH 6.30, 6.63 and 7.62, respectively. The source- and the three reoxidized sediments showed different desorption and adsorption behaviors of U, but all fit a Freundlich model. The adsorption capacities increased sharply at pH 4.5 to 5.5, plateaued at pH 5.5 to 7.0, then decreased sharply as pH increased from 7.0 to 8.0. The O2-reoxidized sediment retained a lower desorption efficiency at pH over 6.0. The NO3--reoxidized sediment exhibited higher adsorption capacity at pH 5.5 to 6.0. The pH-dependent adsorption onto Fe(III) oxides and formation of U coated particles and precipitates resulted in U sequestration, and bioreduction followed by reoxidation can enhance the U sequestration in sediment.

Anti-fibrotic Effects and Mechanism of Shengmai Injection () on Human Hepatic Stellate Cells LX-2 / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effects of Shengmai Injection (, SMI) on the proliferation, apoptosis and N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (NDRG2, a tumour suppressor gene) expression in varying densities of human hepatic stellate cells LX-2.@*METHODS@#LX-2 cells were cultured in vitro. Then, cells were plated in 96-well plates at an approximate density of 2.5×10 cells/mL and cultured for 48, 72, 96 or 120 h followed by the application of different concentrations of SMI (0.6, 1.2, 2.4, 4.8 or 6 μL/mL). Cell proliferation was measured after an additional 24 or 48 h using the 3(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The effects of SMI on different cell growth states (cultured for 48, 72, 96, or 120 h) were observed by light microscopy at 24 h after treatment. When the cells reached 80% conflfluence, apoptosis was detected by flflow cytometry after 24 h. Lastly, LX-2 cells were treated with different concentrations of SMI and extracted with protein lysis buffer. The levels of NDRG2 were measured by Western blot.@*RESULTS@#When the LX-2 cells grew for 48, 72, 96 and 120 h, 4.8 and 6 μL/mL of SMI significantly inhibited cell proliferation at 24 and 48 h after treatment (P<0.05). And 2.4 μL/mL of SMI also inhibited cell proliferation at 24 h after treatment when cell growth for 48 h (P<0.05) and at 48 h after treatment when cell growth for 72, 96 and 120 h (P<0.05). The NDRG2 expression level in the LX-2 cell was significantly increased when treated with SMI at concentrations of 1.2, 2.4, 4.8 or 6 μL/mL (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The inhibitory effects of SMI on the proliferation of LX-2 cells were related to not only concentration dependent but also cell density. In addition, SMI (2.4, 4.8 and 6 μL/mL) could accelerate apoptosis in LX-2 cells, and the mechanism might be associated with NDRG2 over-expression.

Intervention Effect of Fuyuan Huoxuetang for Postoperative Syndrome of Partial Splenic Arterial Embolization in Patients with Hypersplenism of Blood Stasis Type Liver Cirrhosis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To analyze the effect of Fuyuan Huoxuetang for the postoperative syndrome of partial splenic arterial embolization (PSE) in patients with hypersplenism of blood stasis type hepatic cirrhosis. Method: 86 patients with hypersplenism of blood stasis type hepatic cirrhosis treated with PSE were divided into observation group (44 cases) and control group (42 cases). Patients in both groups were treated with routine liver protection, antiviral, postoperative prophylactic anti-infection and symptomatic supportive care. Patients in treatment group started to take the Fuyuan Huoxuetang on the first day after the operation of PSE. The degree of pain, duration of fever, abdominal distention, and biochemical index changes of the two groups were observed 7 days after surgery. Result: After postoperative treatment, both groups of patients showed significant increases in the levels of -glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and white blood cell(WBC)(PP(P0.05) after the treatment with oral Fuyuan Huoxuetang. As compared with control group, the pain score was significantly lower in observation group (PPPConclusion: Fuyuan Huoxuetang could effectively interfere with the postoperative syndrome of PSE in patients with hepatic cirrhosis combined with hypersplenism by reducing pain, shortening the duration of fever and relieving the degree of abdominal distension and constipation.

Oral health in China: from vision to action / 国际口腔科学杂志·英文版

Chinese president Xi Jinping made clear at the National Health and Wellness Conference that health is the prerequisite for people's all-around development and a precondition for the sustainable development of China. Oral health is an indispensable component of overall health in humans. However, the long neglect of oral health in overall health agendas has made oral diseases an increasing concern. With this perspective, we described the global challenges of oral diseases, with an emphasis on the challenges faced by China. We also described and analyzed the recently released health policies of the Chinese government, which aim to guide mid-term and long-term oral health promotion in China. More importantly, we called for specific actions to fulfill the larger goal of oral health for the nation. The implementation of primordial prevention efforts against oral diseases, the integration of oral health into the promotion of overall health, and the management of oral diseases in conjunction with other chronic non-communicable diseases with shared risk factors were highly recommended. In addition, we suggested the reform of standard clinical residency training, the development of domestic manufacturing of dental equipment and materials, the revitalization traditional Chinese medicine for the prevention and treatment of oral diseases, and integration of oral health promotion into the Belt and Road Initiative. We look forward to seeing a joint effort from all aspects of the society to fulfill the goal of Healthy China 2030 and ensure the oral health of the nation.

Effects of Selenium on Fusarium Growth and Associated Fermentation Products and the Relationship with Chondrocyte Viability / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

This study determined the effects of selenium on the growth of Fusarium strains and the effects of products extracted from the fungal cultures on relevant indicators of chondrocytes injury. The results showed that selenium supplementation resulted in differential effects on the mycelial growth of the strains. Levels of the chondrocyte injury indicators, including cell viability, proteoglycan and type II collagen contents and their mRNA expressions, were all reduced to varying degrees when the chondrocytes were incubated with fermentation extracts, the inhibitory effect varied depending on selenium content supplemented to fungal culture media. The results indicated that certain chain relations existed between the content of selenium in the environment, the production of some metabolites by fungi, and the occurrence of chondrocyte damage. The extent of this relationship and the role it plays in Kaschin-Beck disease pathogenesis merit further study.

Construction and optimization of a Pseudomonas putida whole-cell bioreporter for detection of bioavailable copper.

A Pseudomonas putida whole-cell bioreporter for detecting bioavailable copper was constructed by inserting a CueR-regulated sensor element upstream of a promoterless green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter gene. The constructed bioreporter cells expressed GFP only in response to Cu and Ag when cultivated in different metal salt solutions. M9 supplemented medium provided higher sensitivity compared with LB medium. The optimal test condition was cell suspension with an OD600 of 0.4-0.5 incubated at 30 °C. The detection range of Cu is 1-70 mg/l under optimal test condition in M9 supplemented medium.

A physically transient form of silicon electronics.

A remarkable feature of modern silicon electronics is its ability to remain physically invariant, almost indefinitely for practical purposes. Although this characteristic is a hallmark of applications of integrated circuits that exist today, there might be opportunities for systems that offer the opposite behavior, such as implantable devices that function for medically useful time frames but then completely disappear via resorption by the body. We report a set of materials, manufacturing schemes, device components, and theoretical design tools for a silicon-based complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology that has this type of transient behavior, together with integrated sensors, actuators, power supply systems, and wireless control strategies. An implantable transient device that acts as a programmable nonantibiotic bacteriocide provides a system-level example.

Controlled observation on combination of Shu-stream and Ying-spring acupoints for toothache / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the therapeutic effect between combination of Shu-stream and Ying-spring acupoints and routine acupoints selected by syndrome differentiation for toothache.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighty-five cases were randomly divided into a combination of Shu-stream and Ying-spring acupoints group (group A, 43 cases) and a routine acupionts group (group B, 42 cases). In group A, according to the corresponding relationship between viscera-meridians and different kinds of teeth, the Shu-stream and Ying-spring acupoints at both sides of the corresponding meridians were sleeted. The group B was treated with acupuncture at Jiache (ST 6), Xiaguan (ST 7), Hegu (LI 4), erjian (LI 2), Neiting (ST 44). Yifeng (TE 17) and Fengchi (GB 20) were added for wind and fire attacking; Lidui (ST 45) and Quchi (LI 11) were added for intense stomach fire; Taixi (KI 3) and Zhaohai (KI 6) were added for deficiency fire flaming up. Electroacupuncture was applied in two groups, once every day, ten treatments constituted one course, the differences of effect and recurrence rate were observed after one course and half a year later.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The cured rate were respectively 88.4% (38/43)and 69.0% (29/42) in group A and group B, with a significant difference (P < 0.05). The recurrence rates were respectively 23.7% (9/38) and 55.2% (16/29) in group A and group B, with a significant difference (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Both short-term and long-term therapeutic effects of combination of Shu-stream and Ying-spring acupoints are significantly better than those of routine acupoints in treating toothache.</p>

Acupuncture for post-stroke depression: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for post-stroke depression (PSD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The randomized, double-blind control study was designed. 43 post-stroke patients with current major depression episode (DSM-IV) were randomly assigned to an observation group (23 cases) and a control group (20 cases). The conventional symptomatic, supportive and anti-infection treatment in neurological internal medicine was applied to all of the cases in two groups. In observation group, acupuncture was applied to Baihui (GV 20), Yintang (EX-HN 3), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), Taichong (LR 3), etc. Additionally, the placebo was taken orally. In control group, acupuncture was applied to non-acupoint spots (5 mm lateral to the acupoints selected in observation group) with shallow needling technique. Moreover, Fluoxetine was taken orally. The treatment lasted for 6 weeks. Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Asberg antidepressant side effect scale (ASES), adverse response of acupuncture and efficacy were compared between two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total effective rate was 73.9% (17/23) in observation group and was 80.0% (16/20) in control group, indicating equivalent efficacy between two groups. After treatment, HAMD score was reduced remarkably as compared with that before treatment in two groups (P < 0.05). ASES scores in 4 weeks of treatment and after treatment in observation group and ASES score after treatment in control group were reduced remarkably as compared with those before treatment (all P < 0.05). ASES scores in 4 weeks of treatment and after treatment in observation group were reduced much more remarkably as compared with those in control group (both P < 0.05). The incidences of adverse response of acupuncture were 13.0% (3/23) and 15.0% (3/20) respectively in observation group and control group, indicating that the adverse response was transient and had not recurred after symptomatic measures.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupuncture for PSD is as effective as fluoxetine, without obvious drug-induced adverse reaction involved.</p>

Clinical study of method of strengthening body resistance and disintoxication disintoxication in patients with HCC of post-TACE / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To research the effect of a complex prescription of Chinese crude drug with the function of strengthening body resistance and disintoxication disintoxication in patients with HCC of post-TACE.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>45 patients with HCC of post-TACE, as the treatment group, were treated by a complex prescription of Chinese crude drug with the function of strengthening body resistance and disintoxication disintoxication and routine methods of protecting liver. Other 37 patients, as the control group, with the same clinical feature were treated by routine methods of protecting liver only. In the later 1 month, accumulated points of clinical symptom, hepatic function and AFP were observed in all of the patients. And the clinical effect of the two groups was compared.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>One week later, in the treatment group, there is no improvement in anorexia but nausea, abdominal distention and lassitude were improved more obviously than pretherapy in both a week and one month later (P < 0.01 or P <0.05). In the control group, anorexia were improved a week later (P <0.05), but there is no improvement in nausea, abdominal distention and lassitude at the same time, and one month later all of the indexes above improved (P <0.01 or P <0.05). Accumulated points of clinical symptom was decreased more obviously in the treatment group than in the control group in both a week and one month later (P <0.05). At the end of the therapy, in the both groups, ALT, TBIL and AFP all improved except ALB, (P <0.01 or P <0.05). And TBIL improved more obviously in the treatment group than in the control one month later (P <0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This complex prescription of Chinese crude drug can lighten the adverse reaction of post-TACE. And also it can promote the recovery of liver function and evaluate the quality of lives of such patients.</p>

Effects of puerarin on expression of nuclear factor kappaB after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rats / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the activation of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-KB) and the influence of puerarin on it after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury was induced by 90 min of middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion and followed by 2, 6, 12, 24, 72 h reperfusion. Puerarin or saline was intra-peritoneally injected 1h before MCA occlusion and then the drugs were administered once every six hours. The infarct volume and brain edema were determined by TTC stain. Level of NF-kappaB P65 subunit was determined by immunohistochemistry and western blot.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Immunohistochemistry revealed the translocation of NF-kappaB. A time course of NF-kappaB induction in brain showed that NF-kappaB P65 subunit obviously increased at 6 h, peaked at 24 h and then decreased by 72 h post-reperfusion. Puerarin decreased the level of NF-kappaB at 24, 72 h after reperfusion. There was a decrease trend in brain infarct volume between puerarin and control.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>NF-kappaB is translocated and its level is increased after ischemia-reperfusion. Puerarin may attenuate the ischemia-reperfusion injury through inhibition of NF-kappaB activation.</p>

Protective effect of shenqi fuzheng injection on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injured aged rats / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the protective effects of Shenqi Fuzheng Injection (SFI) on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injured aged rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Aged SD male rats, weighing 200-300 g, were randomly divided into 4 groups: the model group, the sham-operative group, the nimodipine positive control group (abbreviated as nimodipine group) and the SFI group. Focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injured rat model was established by modified Longa method. SFI was administered by intravenous dripping 1 week before ischemia. Nervous function disorder, brain infarction area, serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) levels, brain contents of Ca2+ , water, MDA and SOD levels were observed 3 hrs after ischemia and 3 hrs after reperfusion.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>perimental results showed that SFI could obviously improve the deficit of nerve function, decrease water content of brain, reduce the infarction area of brain, and inhibit Ca2 + aggregation. LDH and CK levels in serum and MDA in brain were obviously lower than those in the model group and SOD activity in cerebral tissue was obviously higher than that in the model group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>SFI had protective effect on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injured aged rats, whose mechanism might be related to the inhibition of lipid peroxidation and Ca2+ aggregation.</p>

Influence of Taurine Supplementation on Ultrastructure of Islet ? Cells in Neonatal Rats with Low Birth Weight / 实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To observe the influence of taurine supplementation during early postnatal life on body weight and ultrastructure of islet ? cells in neonatal rats with low birth weight(LBW).Methods LBW neonatal rats were made by feeding 20%(C group) or 10%(R group) protein diet to fetal rats during gestation and lactation.Half of femal rats in group R were given a supplementation with 2.5% taurine drinking water(RT group) only during lactation,while other femal rats freely drunk.At postnatal day 1 and 21,the neonatal rats were weighted and their pancreas were removed.The ultrastructural changes of ? cells were observed by electron microscopy.Results At postnatal 21 days,the body weight of offsprings in group RT was significantly highter than that in group R(P=0.003);and the ultrastructure of ? cells in group RT got more improvement than that in group R.Conclusion Taurine supplementation can improve the growth-catch-up and the ultrastructure of islet ? cells of neonateal rats with LBW.

Effect of mailuoning injection on calcitonin gene-related peptide expression in facial nerve of rabbits with facial spasm / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the mechanism of Mailuoning injection (MLN) in protecting facial nerve from injury.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The New Zealand white rabbit model with facial spasm was established by compressing superficial temporal artery to make artificial demyelinated lesion of the main peripheral facial nerve trunk. The successful establishment was confirmed by using electrophysiological technique to determine abnormal muscle response (AMR) which is a characteristic for facial spasm. MLN was injected continuously through ear marginal vein for 2 weeks. The change of CGRP expression in facial nerve was detected by immunohistochemical technique.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>As compared with the model group, CGRP expression in facial nerve was significantly increased in the MLN group (P <0.01), and CGRP immunoreactive positive fibers were not seen in the shamoperation group. In the model group, the facial nerve fibers degenerated obviously, myelin sheath loosened and dissociated, the turgent axons with vacuole or even completely disappeared. But the facial nerve lesion was lessened in the MLN group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>MLN has a significant protective effect on facial nerve demyelination in rabbits with facial spasm, which is closely related with its effect in improving CGRP expression in the facial nerve.</p>