Benefit-risk assessment of traditional Chinese medicine preparations of sinomenine using multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: A multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) model was used to evaluate the benefits and risks of traditional Chinese medicine preparations of sinomenine alone or in combination with conventional drugs in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to provide a basis for the rational clinical application of sinomenine. METHODS: A study search was performed using six major databases, and Review Manager 5.3 was used for data analysis. Then, an MCDA model evaluation system was established for the treatment of RA with sinomenine preparations, and the benefit values, risk values, and total benefit-risk values of sinomenine preparations alone or in combination with conventional drugs were calculated using Hiview 3.2 software. Finally, Monte Carlo simulations were performed using Crystal Ball embedded in Excel software to calculate the 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), and the probability of the differences between the 2 drug regimens was determined to optimize the evaluation results. RESULTS: Forty-four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Quantitative assessment of the MCDA model showed that the sinomenine preparation alone offered less benefits than when combined with conventional drugs with a benefit difference of 20 (95% CI 3.06, 35.71). However, the risk of the combination was significantly lower with a risk difference of 13(95% CI -10.26, 27.52). The total value of the benefit-risk of sinomenine alone and in combination with conventional drugs was 46 and 53 at 60% and 40% of the benefit-risk ratio of the two dosing regimens, respectively, with a difference of 7 (95% CI -4.26, 22.12). The probability that the comprehensive score of the combined regimen is greater than that of sinomenine alone is 90.1%, and the evaluation was steady. CONCLUSION: The benefit-risk of the combined application regimen of sinomenine is greater than that of sinomenine alone.

Clinical observation of Xiaozhang Paster in the treatment of postprandial discomfort syndrome of qi stagnation functional dyspepsia / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To explore the clinical observation of Xiaozhang Plaster for external use in the treatment of postprandial discomfort syndrome of qi stagnation functional dyspepsia.Methods:Randomized controlled trial. From January 2019 to January 2022, 128 patients with postprandial discomfort syndrome of functional dyspepsia of qi stagnation type in our hospital were selected and divided into two groups by random number table, with 64 cases in each group. Both groups were orally treated with mosapride citrate tablets. On this basis, the treatment group was combined with external use of Xiaozhang Plaster, and the control group was combined with placebo patch. Both groups were treated for 2 weeks. Traditional Chinese Medicine syndrome score, symptom severity and attack frequency score were performed before and after treatment. The quality of life of the patients was assessed with SF-36 Short-form health survey-36 (SF-36), anxiety and depression were assessed with Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the growth hormone releasing peptide (Ghrelin), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) The levels of gastrin 17 (G-17), pepsinogen I (PG I) and pepsinogen Ⅱ (PG Ⅱ) levels were observed by ELISA, and clinical efficacy was evaluated.Results:The total effective rate was 96.88% (62/64) in the treatment group and 81.25% (52/64) in the control group. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( χ2=8.02, P<0.05). After treatment, the score and total score of epigastric distension, epigastric distension and pain, fullness of both flanks, loss of appetite in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t=38.43, 32.39, 38.43, 32.87, 33.74, P<0.01), the score of symptom severity and attack frequency were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t=61.42, 33.46, P<0.01), and the score of SF-36 was significantly higher than that in the control group ( t=8.26, P<0.01); The score of HADS was significantly lower than that of the control group ( t=38.06, P<0.01). After treatment, the levels of CGRP and G-17 in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t values were 6.22, 29.51, P<0.01), the level of Ghrelin, and the levels of PG Ⅰ, PG Ⅱ were significantly higher than those in the control group ( t=23.85, 13.26, 19.53, P<0.01). Conclusion:On the basis of basic drug treatment, the application of Xiaozhang Plaster for external use to intervene patients with postprandial discomfort syndrome of qi stagnation functional dyspepsia can improve the quality of life, gastrointestinal hormones, anxiety and depression symptoms, and the effect is remarkable.

Therapeutic Effect of Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimutang on Osteoporosis in Rats Based on RANKL/OPG / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effect of Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimutang （GSZT） on the osteoporosis （OP） in SD female rats induced by ovariectomy （OVX） combined with glucocorticoid injection and its related mechanisms. Method:The rats were divided into a sham operation group and an experimental group for OVX. One week later， the experimental rats were divided into an OP model group， a calciferol （positive control， 0.1 mg·kg^-1） group， and low（0.8 g·kg^-1）， medium（1.6 g·kg^-1）， and high-dose （3.2 g·kg^-1） GSZT groups. Except for those in the sham operation group， the rats received an intramuscular injection of dexamethasone （1 mg·kg^-1） twice per week for six weeks. After the rats were treated correspondingly for eight weeks， the rats were sacrificed for thighbone sample collection. The computer microtomography （Micro CT） was used to analyze the parameters of bone mineral density （BMD）， bone volume （BV）， tissue volume （TV）， structure model index （SMI）， connectivity density （Conn.D）， trabecular number （Tb.N）， trabecular thickness （Tb.Th）， trabecular pattern factor （Tb.Pf）， and trabecular separation （Tb.Sp）. In addition， hematoxylin-eosin （HE） and Masson staining was used for the histopathological examination of the thighbone. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase （TRAP） staining was used to analyze osteoclasts in bone tissues. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to determine matrix metalloproteinase-9 （MMP-9）， cathepsin K （CTSK）， and TRAP5b in bone tissues， and Western blot was carried out to determine receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand （RANKL）， osteoprotegerin （OPG）， alkaline phosphatase （ALP） in bone tissues. Result:Compared with normal group， the number of bone trabeculae in cancellous part of OP model rats decreased significantly， the spacing widened， the thickness became thinner， and the continuity was poor. Compared with model group， GZST medium and high-dose groups could improve the changes of femoral bone trabecular cancellous bone. Masson staining showed that compared with the normal group， the growth plate thickness of the distal femur epiphysis was thinner and the area of new bone was smaller in the OP model group， while the reduction of new bone was inhibited in the high dose group of calcitol and GZST. TRAP staining results showed that the number of osteoclasts in OP group was significantly increased compared with the normal group， and the number of osteoclasts in medium-high dose GZST group was reduced. Micro CT results showed that compared with normal group， BMD， BV， Tb.N， Tb.Th and Conn.D of OP rats were decreased， SMI and Tb.Sp were significantly increased（<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Compared with model group， medium and high dose of GZST could improve the degree of osteoporosis in OP rats， BV， Tb.N were significantly increased， SMI， Tb.Sp were significantly decreased （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. ELISA results revealed that compared with the sham operation group， the OP model group showed decreased ALP content （<italic>P</italic><0.01） and increased MMP-9， TRAP5b， and CTSK （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Compared with the OP model group， the high-dose GSZT group showed increased ALP content （<italic>P</italic><0.01） and decreased MMP-9， TRAP5b， and CTSK （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Western blot results demonstrated that compared with the OP model group， the calciferol group and the high-dose GSZT group showed inhibited expression of the RANKL protein （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， and increased OPG expression （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Conclusion:The findings suggest that GZST has a potential therapeutic effect on OP caused by OVX combined with glucocorticoids in rats， and the underlying mechanism is associated with the regulation of RANKL/OPG in bone tissues. This study is expected to lay a preliminary foundation for its clinical application and modern preparation development.

Traditional Chinese medicine is a useful and promising alternative strategy for treatment of Sjogren's syndrome: A review / 中西医结合学报

Primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune disease involving exocrine glands. Current studies have found that the occurrence of the disease is closely related to genetic, environmental and neuroendocrine factors, as well as abnormal activation of T and B lymphocytes. The etiology and pathogenesis of pSS is complex, and there is a lack of specific targeted drugs. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have been comprehensively investigated for their treatment effects on pSS. Through a systematic review of the literature, we summarized the TCMs used to treat pSS, and find that there are four major ways that TCMs are used, including upregulation of aquaporin proteins, suppression of cell apoptosis, suppression of the abnormal activation of B lymphocytes and suppression of the abnormal activation of T lymphocytes (balancing T helper type [Th]1/Th2 & Th17/Treg and suppressing follicular helper T [Tfh] cells). However, there are not enough data about the active constituents, quality control, pharmacokinetics, toxicity and modern preparations of these TCMs; therefore, more investigations are needed. This paper highlights the importance of TCMs for treating pSS and provides guidance for future investigations.

The "Traditional Chinese medicine regulating liver regeneration" treatment plan for reducing mortality of patients with hepatitis B-related liver failure based on real-world clinical data / 医学前沿

On the basis of real-world clinical data, the study aimed to explore the effect and mechanisms of the treatment plan of "traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) regulating liver regeneration." A total of 457 patients with HBV-related liver failure were retrospectively collected. The patients were divided into three groups: the modern medicine control group (MMC group), patients treated with routine medical treatment; the control group combining traditional Chinese and Western medicine (CTW), patients treated with routine medical treatment plus the common TCM formula; and the treatment group of "TCM regulating liver regeneration" (RLR), patients treated with both routine medical treatment and the special TCM formula of RLR. After 8 weeks of treatment, the mortality of patients in the RLR group (12.31%) was significantly lower than those in the MMC (50%) and CTW (29.11%) groups. Total bilirubin level significantly decreased and albumin increased in the RLR group when compared with the MMC and CTW groups (P < 0.05). In addition, there were significant differences in the expression of several cytokines related to liver regeneration in the RLR group compared with the MMC group. RLR treatment can decrease jaundice, improve liver function, and significantly reduce the mortality in patients with HBV-related liver failure. The mechanism may be related to the role of RLR treatment in influencing cytokines related to liver regeneration.

Spectrum-effect relationship between HPLC fingerprint and free radicals scavenging in Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Decoction / 中国中药杂志

To establish the spectrum-effect relationship between HPLC fingerprint and free radicals activity scavenging in Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Decoction( GSZD),and provide a basis for the quality evaluation and modernization of classical prescriptions. Shimadsu GL-science C18 column( 4. 6 mm×250 mm,5 μm) was used with acetonitrile-0. 1% formic acid solution as the mobile phase for gradient elution. The detective wave length was 254 nm; the column temperature was set at 32 ℃; the injection volume was 20 μL; and the flow rate was 1. 0 m L·min-1.10 batches of primary standard samples of GSZD were detected,and their HPLC fingerprint was established by using the similarity evaluation system for chromatographic fingerprint of traditional Chinese medicine( TCM). The activity of scavenging free radicals was studied by 1,1-diphenyl-2-trinitrophenylhydrazine( DPPH) method,and the spectrum-effect relationship was studied by Pearson bivariate correlation analysis. The common mode of GSZD fingerprints was established,and 26 common peaks were marked,with similarities ranging from 0. 929 to 0. 998. Eight of the chromatographic peaks were identified by using the control comparison method: gallic acid,mangiferin,paeoniflorin,glycyrrhizin,asparagus,5-O-methylvisamicin,cinnamic acid,and ammonium glycyrrhetate. Among them,the content changes of No. 14( paeoniside),20,12( mangiferin),13 and 23( cinnamic acid) common peaks were negatively correlated with free radical scavenging activity. The fingerprint showed high precision,repeatability and stability,and the common peaks were well separated,so it can be used for the quality evaluation of GSZD,and could provide reference for further studies on the material basis of GSZD.

Effect of Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum Cum Alumine Polysaccharides on MUC5AC mRNA in Lung Tissues of Allergic Asthma Model Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To observe the effect of Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum Cum Alumine polysaccharides(PRPCAP)on airway mucus secretion in rats with allergic asthma, in order to study the material basis of the "macromolecule" component of the polysaccharides as the original medicinal materials. Method: The 60 SPF-grade Wistar rats were induced by intraperitoneal injection of chicken ovalbumin (OVA) and aluminum-magnesium adjuvant, except for the normal control group. The OVA solution was aerosolized to establish a rat model of allergic asthma. After successful modeling, the rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, namely allergic asthma model group, positive drug group (montalurast sodium,5 mg·kg-1), high-dose PRPCAP group (400 mg·kg-1), middle-dose PRPCAP group (200 mg·kg-1) and low-dose PRPCAP group (100 mg·kg-1). The contents of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) supernatant were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the count of eosinophils (EOS) was detected by BALF sediment. The histopathological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining in lung tissue. The mRNA expression of mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) was detected by Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). Result: Compared with the normal control group, serum IL-4 level in the allergic asthma model group was significantly increased (Pγ level was significantly decreased (PPPPPγ in serum (PPPPConclusion: The "macromolecule" component of polysaccharides in the Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum Cum Alumine may be the material basis for the efficacy of eliminating dampness and eliminating phlegm.

Quantitative Study of Yang-tonifying Herbs Distributing to Kidney Meridian by Using Maximum Similarity Algorithm / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To set a criterion for determining whether herbs distribute to kidney meridian from the perspective of tissue expression of protein receptors, so as to provide new ideas and a new method for the quantitative study of meridian tropism. Method: The 9 Yang-tonifying herbs were selected as the training set, and 2 Yang-tonifying herbs were used as the verification set. The TCMSP2.3,PubChem,Uniprot and other database were used to collect the active compounds and targets of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). The core target proteins of Yang-tonifying herbs were obtained by using the Maximum Similarity Algorithm for TCM in the training set. The THPA database was used to collect expressions of tissues and target proteins. The empirical regression equation was constructed to explore the tissue distribution of the receptors in the training set, and the criterion for determining whether herbs distribute to kidney meridian was established. The criteria model was tested through validation set data. Result: The herb-active ingredient-protein receptor-tissue expression data library was constructed. A total of 39 core target proteins of Yang-tonifying herbs were acquired. The equations in the training set were highly consistent, with no statistical difference (P=0.999 7). The data of the combined training set was finally fitted to a judgment equation. The model was successfully tested with herbs in the validation set. The accuracy of the model was 100%. Conclusion: This study explored a new method for judging whether TCM distributes to kidney meridian, established an effective criterion model and verified the reliability of the new method. It provides a theoretical basis for the modernization of meridian tropism of traditional Chinese medicine, and is of great significance for the rapid development of traditional Chinese medicine.

Evaluation of efficacy and safety for Brucea javanica oil emulsion in the control of the malignant pleural effusions via thoracic perfusion.

BACKGROUND: Brucea javanica oil emulsion (BJOE) is traditional Chinese medicine with implicated anti-tumor activity, which has been used for treating lung cancer in China. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effects and safety of intrapleural injection of BJOE in treating malignant pleural effusion (MPE). METHODS: The randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects and safety of BJOE in treating MPE were searched from electronic medical database including MEDLINE, SCI, EMBASE, Cochrance Library and CNKI. A total of 14 RCTs with 1085 patients were involved in this meta-analysis. RESULTS: The overall response rate (ORR) of traditional chemotherapy drugs plus BJOE was higher than that of traditional chemotherapy drugs alone (p = 0.001; odds ratio = 1.39). Meanwhile, the combination of BJOE and traditional chemotherapy drugs improved the quality of life (QOL) of patients with MPE (p < 0.001; odds ratio = 1.56) compared with traditional chemotherapy drugs alone. Moreover, the participation of BJOE reduced the myelotoxicity and digestive reactions caused by traditional chemotherapy drugs (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy and safety of traditional chemotherapy drugs plus BJOE was superior to traditional chemotherapy drugs alone via intrapleural injection in controlling MPE, which suggested that BJOE can be used to treat MPE.

Comparison of central corneal thickness measurements by PachPen ultrasonic pachymetry and the other two optical measuring instruments / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

·AIM:To compare the similarities and differences of central corneal thickness (CCT) measured by different devices, so as to provide a safe, effective, simple and accurate method for measuring corneal thickness. ·METHODS: Totally 95 eyes of 95 cataract patients enrolled continuously for preoperative examination in ophthalmology department of Putuo Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from September 2016 to December 2016. Handheld automatic PachPen ultrasonic pachymetry (USP), anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and specular microscopy were respectively used to measure the central corneal thickness,and intraocular pressure was measured at the same time. The similarities and differences of these three different devices to measure the central corneal thickness and their correlations with intraocular pressure were observed. Then the data were analyzed statistically. · RESULTS: The CCT value measured by PachPen ultrasonic pachymetry was 544. 43 ± 36. 61μ m, the CCT value measured by AS-OCT was 527.09 ± 35.54μ m, and the CCT value measured by specular microscopy was 533.20 ± 30. 17μ m. There was significant difference between these three groups(F=6.272,P=0.002),and the CCT value measured by PachPen ultrasonic pachymetry was significantly higher than the other two groups. The correlation coefficients between the CCT values of these three groups and intraocular pressure were 0.290, 0.277 and 0.204 (P<0.05) respectively, of which the correlation between the CCT measured by PachPen ultrasonic pachymetry and the intraocular pressure was the highest. There was statistically significant correlation between the CCT values measured by these three measurements (P<0.001). ·CONCLUSION: The CCT value measured by PachPen ultrasonic pachymetry is the highest. The second CCT value is measured by specular microscopy, and the smallest CCT value is measured by AS-OCT. Obvious correlation and good consistency were found in the CCT values measured by three types of devices, and the CCT values were all correlated with intraocular pressure. Therefore,we should take more attention in clinic.

Ginseng Berry Extract Promotes Maturation of Mouse Dendritic Cells.

Ginseng extract has been shown to possess certain anti-virus, anti-tumor and immune-activating effects. However, the immunostimulatory effect of ginseng berry extract (GB) has been less well characterized. In this study, we investigated the effect of GB on the activation of mouse dendritic cells (DCs) in vitro and in vivo. GB treatment induced up-regulation of co-stimulatory molecules in bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs). Interestingly, GB induced a higher degree of co-stimulatory molecule up-regulation than ginseng root extract (GR) at the same concentrations. Moreover, in vivo administration of GB promoted up-regulation of CD86, MHC class I and MHC class II and production of IL-6, IL-12 and TNF-α in spleen DCs. GB also promoted the generation of Th1 and Tc1 cells. Furthermore, Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) and myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88) signaling pathway were essential for DC activation induced by GB. In addition, GB strongly prompted the proliferation of ovalbumin (OVA)-specific CD4 and CD8 T cells. Finally, GB induced DC activation in tumor-bearing mice and the combination of OVA and GB treatment inhibited B16-OVA tumor cell growth in C57BL/6 mice. These results demonstrate that GB is a novel tumor therapeutic vaccine adjuvant by promoting DC and T cell activation.

Effect of Qingfei Decoction on Nitric Oxide and 8-isoPG in Exhaled Breath Condensate of ARDS Patients / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the clinical significance of nitric oxide (NO) and 8-isoprostane (8-isoPG) changes in exhaled breath condensate ( EBC) of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients after treated by Qingfei Decoction (QD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 48 ARDS patients receiving mechanical ventilation were equally assigned to the QD treatment group and the control group by random digit table. EBC specimens were collected by modified Ecoscreen breath condensate collector (German JAEGER Company) on the first day and the fifth day after confirmed diagnosis of ARDS. Concentrations of NO and 8-isoPG in EBC were measured by ELISA. The oxygenation index and APACHE II scores were recorded at the same time.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) The fatality rate in the QD treatment group was lower than that in the control group (8.3% vs 37.5%, P < 0.05). (2) After treatment NO and 8-isoPG concentrations in EBC were lower in the QD treatment group (34.49 ± 5.67 µmol/L, 30.09 ± 7.89 ng/L) than in the control group (39.78 ± 9.27 µmol/L, 35.65 ± 8.90 ng/L; P < 0.05). (3) After treatment improved oxygenation index value was higher in the QD treatment group than in the control group (120.88 ± 35.16 vs 101.50 ± 37.70, P < 0.05). After treatment APACHEII scores was lower in the QD treatment group than in the control group (6.21 ± 3.51 vs 10. 26 ± 4.33, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Treatment of ARDS patients by QD was favorable in controlling inflammation, alleviating lung injury, and improving clinical efficacy.</p>

Effect of electroacupuncture on angiogenesis in rat ischemic hippocampus after focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion and its mechanism / 中国实验动物学报

Objective To explore the effect of electroacupuncture on CD 34 +VEGFR2 +endothelial progenitor cell (EPC)-derived vessels and stromal cell-derived factor-1α(SDF-1α)/CXCR4, and study its mechanism of promoting an-giogenesis in hippocampus after focal cerebral ischemia /reperfusion .Methods A total of 180 healthy male adult Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into sham operation (sham) group, model (I/R) group, electroacupuncture (I/RE) group, I/RE plus AMD3100 (A specific antagonist of CXCR4) group (I/REA) and AMD3100 (I/RA) group. The rats received filament occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery for 2 hours followed by reperfusion .Electroacupunc-ture was applied to “Baihui” (GV20)/“Siguan” (Hegu LI 4/Taichong LR 3) acupoints for 30 min, once a day.The mR-NA expression of SDF-1αand CXCR4 were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction ( RT-PCR) .Double immunofluorescence was used to stain CD 34 +VEGFR2 +EPC-derived vessels.Results Compared with the sham group, the mRNA expressions of SDF-1αand CXCR4 were significantly upregulated in I/R and I/RE group ( P<0.05 ) , but that in I/RE group was more significantly increased than I/R group(P<0.05).In addition, the mRNA expression of SDF-1αand CXCR4 were highly increased on day 1 in the I/REA group than that of I/RE group, but decreased than that of I/RE group on day 7 after reperfusion (P<0.01).CD34 +VEGFR2 +EPCs-derived vessels were obviously increased on 3d and 7d in the I/RE group compared with that of the I/R group, and significantly decreased on 7d in the I/REA group compared with that of the I/RE group ( P<0.01) .Conclusions Electroacupuncture can effectively promote an-giogenesis through upregulating the expression of SDF-1αand CXCR4 in rat ischemic hippocampus after focal cerebral is-chemia/reperfusion.

Stabilizing the bactericidal activity of hydrogen peroxide: a brand new function of certain Chinese herbs / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore natural herbs to maintain the bactericidal activity of hydrogen peroxide (H).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighteen extracts of Chinese herbs were prepared complying with the standard protocol. Each of the solutions was then mixed with 1% H2O2. The mixtures were handled with two approaches: autoclaved daily for one, two or three times; stored at room temperature from one through five years. Then the bactericidal activity were evaluated by assaying the minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus, ATCC25923) and Gram negative (Escherichia coli, ATCC12421) bacteria.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>While mixed with 1% H2O2, 10 out of 18 kinds of assessed Chinese herbs displayed MBC values at 1:12800 or higher after three times of autoclaving, and 8 of them preserved such level of MBC value after stored at room temperature for three years. Some Chinese herbs, i.e. R. Scutellariae, R. Coptidis, R. Bupleuri, H. Epimedii, C. Phelledendri and F. Chrysanthemi, can significantly maintain the bactericidal activity of diluted H2O2.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Certain Chinese herbs can effectively stabilize the bactericidal activity of H2O2 undergoing autoclave or long-term storage. This paper reported a brandnew pharmaceutical function of Chinese herbs and provided experimental data for the potential enhancement of H2O2 usage while its stability level is promoted.</p>

Nutrition support therapy of inflammatory bowel disease / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Malnutrition is common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD). The therapeutic role of nutrition has attracted more and more attention in the development of IBD. In recent years, researches have demonstrated that nutrition support has its unique advantages in improving patients nutritional status and reducing adverse events, and it has been recommended as the first line therapy in children with active Crohn disease. Since there are no standardized guidelines of nutritional support therapy worldwide, this article is to review the relationship between nutrition and IBD, the choice of nutritional therapy mode, the duration of the nutritional treatment and evaluation of therapeutic effects based on Expert Consensus on Nutrition Support Therapy of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (2013·Shenzhen).

[Study on inter-individual variability of cerebral response to acupuncture with fMRI].

OBJECTIVE: Effects of inter-individual variability on fMRI of acupuncture were observed and the possible influencing factors were further analyzed. METHODS: Twenty-six healthy volunteers were selected. And acupuncture was applied at Zusanli (ST 36) on the left side with even manipulation. The same experimental designation and data collecting reference were adopted to collect functional data. Then, the same data processing method was applied for analyzing individual data. Data which did not confirm with data analyzing qualification were rejected. The 26 individual data which met the requirement were taken randomly for 5 times according to the principle of random group division. Five groups named with A, B, C, D and E were thus generated with 11 samples in each. Images were processed with the AFNI software for every group, and the activated brain areas were revealed. RESULTS: Activated areas in the brain were observed in all the 5 groups, and the results vary a lot among different groups. Decreased signals of activated brain areas were observed in group C, while increased signals were seen in group D. Partial increasing and partial decreasing signals appeared in the other 3 groups. Compared with other groups, group D demonstrated totally different activated areas. The rate of difference among different groups is 46.7%-100.0%, and most of the differences were over half of the activated areas. CONCLUSION: Under the pre-requisites of strict control of experimental designation, acupuncture method, data collecting and processing, great differences have been found in the activated areas of the brain. It indicates that obvious individual differences existes in the activated areas of the brain with acupuncture. And the difference may greatly influence the researching result of fMRI as well as conclusions of those results.

Post-stroke speech disorder treated with acupuncture and psychological intervention combined with rehabilitation training: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the clinical efficacy on post-stroke speech disorder treated with acupuncture and psychological intervention combined with rehabilitation training.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The multi-central randomized controlled study was adopted. One hundred and twenty cases of brain stroke were divided into a speech rehabilitation group (control group), a speech rehabilitation plus acupuncture group (observation group 1) and a speech rehabilitation plus acupuncture combined with psychotherapy group (observation group 2), 40 cases in each one. The rehabilitation training was conducted by a professional speech trainer. In acupuncture treatment, speech function area in scalp acupuncture, Jinjin (EX-HN 12) and Yuye (EX-HN 13) in tongue acupuncture and Lianquan (CV 23) were the basic points. The supplementary points were selected according to syndrome differentiation. Bloodletting method was used in combination with acupuncture. Psychotherapy was applied by the physician in psychiatric department of the hospital. The corresponding programs were used in each group. Examination of Aphasia of Chinese of Beijing Hospital was adopted to observe the oral speech expression, listening comprehension and reading and writing ability.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After 21-day treatment, the total effective rate was 92.5% (37/40) in observation group 1, 97.5% (39/40) in observation group 2 and 87.5% (35/40) in control group. The efficacies were similar in comparison among 3 groups. The remarkable effective rate was 15.0% (6/40) in observation group 1, 50.0% (20/40) in observation group 2 and 2.5% (1/40) in control group. The result in observation group 2 was superior to the other two groups (P<0.01, P<0.001). In comparison of the improvements of oral expression, listening comprehension, reading and writing ability, all of the 3 groups had achieved the improvements to different extents after treatment (P<0.01, P<0.001). The results in observation group 2 were better than those in observation group 1 and control group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupuncture and psychological intervention combined with rehabilitation training is obviously advantageous in the treatment of post-stroke speech disorder.</p>

Survey clinical evidence of acupuncture therapy for depressive neurosis / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the clinical studies of acupuncture for treatment of depressive neurosis, collect the high quality evidence relative to clinical acupuncture practice for clinical decision-making reference.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Around crucial common questions of acupuncture clinical practice, the documents of clinical study were comprehensively retrieved. According to 5-grade criterion of evidence-based medicine, the evidence from high to low level were selected to answer corresponding clincal questions and RevMan 5.0.20 was used to analyze the final indicator.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Nineteen documents of clinical study accord with the inclusive criterion were retrieved. Level-A evidence showed effectiveness of acupuncture. Acupuncture might be superior or equal to fluoxetine, with little adverse effect and high safety. Level-C evidence showed acupuncture might be superior or equal to Amitriptyline, with little adverse effect and high safety. And no relative clinicial evidence compared effect of acupuncture with that of psychotherapy or behavior therapy. Only one level-C evidence showed there was no effect difference between acupuncture combined with bloodletting therapy and bloodletting alone. Two level-C evidence showed the effect of acupuncture combined with western medicine was superior to that of medicine alone, eg. catgut embedding therapy combined with Fluoxetine, electroacupuncture combined with Seroxat.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupuncture for depressive nerosis has a positive effect. Acupuncture has an equal effect compared with western medicine, while strictly designed equivalent and non-inferior studies are demanded. The effect of acupuncture combined with medicine has some advantage, but need high quality studies to verify.</p>

Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate attenuates angiotensin II-induced collagen type I expression in cardiac fibroblasts in vitro

Cardiac fibrosis occurs after pathological stimuli to the cardiovascular system. One of the most important factors that contribute to cardiac fibrosis is angiotensin II (Ang II). Accumulating studies have suggested that reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays an important role in cardiac fibrosis and sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS) possesses antioxidant action. We therefore examined whether STS depresses Ang II-induced collagen type I expression in cardiac fibroblasts. In this study, Ang II significantly enhanced collagen type I expression and collagen synthesis. Meanwhile, Ang II depressed matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression and activity. These responses were attenuated by STS. Furthermore, STS depressed the intracellular generation of ROS, NADPH oxidase activity and subunit p47(phox) expression. In addition, N-acetylcysteine the ROS scavenger, depressed effects of Ang II in a manner similar to STS. In conclusion, the current studies demonstrate that anti-fibrotic effects of STS are mediated by interfering with the modulation of ROS.

Experimental study on cytochrome P450 enzymes after receiving ferment powder caterpillar fungus / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of ferment powder caterpillar fungus on cytochrome P450 isozymes CYP1A2, CYP3A4 and CYP2E1.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The methods of Cocktail probe drugs were used. The rats were randomly divided into two groups. One group were given ferment powder caterpillar fungus once daily orally for ten days. Another group received orally normal saline one daily as the blank control. After ten days of treatment, the rats were given probe drugs of coffine, dapsone and chlorzoxazone and the blood was taken out by femoral catheterization. The plasma concentration of probe drugs were determined by HPLC. Data of plasma drug level-time were disposed with DAS Ver 2.0.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The metabolism of caffeine and dapsone speeded up after receiving ferment powder caterpillar fungus, but the metabolism of chlorzoxazone was hardly changed.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>It suggested that ferment powder caterpillar fungus tended to be the inducer of CYP1A2 and CYP3A4. But the CYP2E1 was hardly affected.</p>