[Research progress in chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, and clinical application of Curcuma wenyujin and prediction of its quality markers].

Curcuma wenyujin, as one of the eight Daodi-herbs in Zhejiang province, is widely used. It has the effects of eliminating stasis and dissipating mass, moving Qi and activating blood, and clearing heart and relieving depression. Modern studies have shown that it has anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, anti-thrombus and liver-protecting effects and mainly contains sesquiterpenoids, monoterpenoids, diterpenoids, and curcumins. This paper reviews the research progress in the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of C. wenyujin in the last decade, discusses the modern clinical applications combined with the traditional efficacy, and predicts its quality markers(Q-markers) from plant consanguinity, medicinal properties, efficacy, processing and measurability of chemical components based on the theory of Q-markers, so as to provide a reference for the establishment of a scientific quality evaluation system and the research and application of this herb in the future.

Exogenous plant growth regulator and foliar fertilizers for phytoextraction of cadmium with Boehmeria nivea [L.] Gaudich from contaminated field soil.

As a enrichment plant, ramie can be used for the phytoremediation of cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soil. However, it is worth exploring the role of plant growth regulators and foliar fertilizers in the process of plant growth and development and Cd adsorption. By measuring the agronomic traits, Cd content of aboveground and underground ramie, calculating the Cd transfer coefficient (TF) and Cd bioconcentration factors (BCF), and the correlation between various indicators. This study examined the effects of plant growth regulators and foliar fertilizers on ramie's capacity for Cd accumulation and transportation. Plant growth regulators and foliar fertilizers increased the Cd content of the aboveground ramie, reduced the Cd content of the underground ramie, and increased the TF. Among them, GA-1 increased the Cd content of the aboveground ramie to 3 times more than that of the control and reduced the Cd content of the underground ramie by 54.76%. Salicylic acid (SA) increased the Cd content of the aboveground ramie to three times more than that of the control. The combination of GA and foliar fertilizer reduced the Cd content of the aboveground and underground ramie and the TF and BCF of the underground ramie. After the hormones were sprayed, the TF of ramie had a significant positive correlation with the Cd content of the aboveground ramie; the BCF of the aboveground ramie had a significant positive correlation with the Cd content and TF of the aboveground ramie. The results indicate that Brassinolide (BR), gibberellin (GA), ethephon (ETH), polyamines (PAs), and salicylic acid (SA) have different effects on the enrichment and transport of Cd in ramie. This study provided an effective method to improve the capacity for ramie to adsorb heavy metals during cultivation.

Acupuncture for protracted opioid abstinence syndrome: study protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Protracted opioid abstinence syndrome (POAS) refers to a series of physical discomforts and neuropsychiatric symptoms after discontinuation of opioid-type substances for a certain amount of time and is one of the main causes of relapse. Studies have shown that acupuncture is effective in the treatment of POAS. We plan to conduct this systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for POAS. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A comprehensive search of studies will be carried out in the following databases from inception to 31 January 2023: Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, Chinese Biology Medicine, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang Database and Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP). WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, ClinicalTrials.gov and Chinese Clinical Trial Registry will also be searched for ongoing relevant trials, and 'grey literatures' will be identified from GreyNet International, OpenGrey and Google Scholar. Randomised controlled trials regarding acupuncture therapy for treatment of POAS will be included. The primary outcome is the severity of protracted withdrawal symptoms. Two reviewers will screen studies using the inclusion criteria, extract data and assess the risk of bias, respectively. The quality of evidence will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation. Data synthesis will be performed using RevMan V.5.4.1. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study will not invade patients' personal privacy, and so ethical review is not required. The results will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022382978.

Salidroside alleviates cognitive impairment by inhibiting ferroptosis via activation of the Nrf2/GPX4 axis in SAMP8 mice.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurogenerative disease and remains no effective method for stopping its progress. Ferroptosis and adaptive immunity have been proven to contribute to AD pathogenesis. Salidroside exhibits neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects. However, the underlying mechanisms linking salidroside, ferroptosis, and adaptive immunity in AD remain uncertain. PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to explore the neuroprotective effects and the potential molecular mechanisms of salidroside against neuronal ferroptosis and CD8+ T cell infiltration in senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mice. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: SAMP8 mice were employed as an AD model and were treated with salidroside for 12 weeks. Behavioral tests, immunohistochemistry, HE and Nissl staining, immunofluorescence, transmission electron microscopy, quantitative proteomics, bioinformatic analysis, flow cytometry, iron staining, western blotting, and molecular docking were performed. RESULTS: Treatment with salidroside dose-dependently attenuated cognitive impairment, reduced the accumulation of Aß plaques and restored neuronal damage. Salidroside also suppressed the infiltration of CD8+T cells, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokines, and improved mitochondrial metabolism, iron metabolism, lipid metabolism, and redox in the SAMP8 mice brain. The administration of salidroside decreased iron deposition, reduced TFR1, and ACSL4 protein expression, upregulated SLC7A11, and GPX4 protein expression, and promoted the Nrf2/GPX4 axis activation. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, neuronal ferroptosis and CD8+T cells are involved in the process of cognitive impairment in SAMP8 mice. Salidroside alleviates cognitive impairment and inhibits neuronal ferroptosis. The underlying mechanisms may involve the Nrf2/GPX4 axis activation and reduction in CD8+T cells infiltration. This study provides some evidence for the roles of salidroside in adaptive immunity and neuronal ferroptosis in SAMP8 mice.

The Combination of Salidroside and Hedysari Radix Polysaccharide Inhibits Mitochondrial Damage and Apoptosis via the PKC/ERK Pathway.

Background: Beta-amyloid (Aß) peptide is a widely recognized pathological marker of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Salidroside and Hedysari Radix polysaccharide (HRP) were extracted from Chinese herb medicine Rhodiola rosea L and Hedysarum polybotrys Hand-Mazz, respectively. The neuroprotective effects and mechanisms of the combination of salidroside and Hedysari Radix polysaccharide (CSH) against Aß 25-35 induced neurotoxicity remain unclear. Objective: This study aims to investigate the neuroprotective effects and pharmacological mechanisms of CSH on Aß 25-35-induced HT22 cells. Materials and Methods: HT22 cells were pretreated with various concentrations of salidroside or HRP for 24 h, followed by exposed to 20 µm Aß 25-35 in the presence of salidroside or RHP for another 24 h. In a CSH protective assay, HT22 cells were pretreated with 40 µm salidroside and 20 µg/mL HRP for 24 h. The cell viability assay, cell morphology observation, determination of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and cell apoptosis rate were performed. The mRNA expression of protein kinase C-beta (PKCß), Bax, and Bcl-2 were measured by qRT-PCR. The protein expression levels of cleaved caspase-3, Cyt-C, PKCß, phospho-ERK1/2, Bax, and Bcl-2 were measured by Western blot. Results: CSH treatment increased cell viability, MMP, and decreased ROS generation in Aß 25-35-induced HT22 cells. PKCß and Bcl-2 mRNA expression were elevated by CSH while Bax was decreased. CSH increased the protein expression levels of PKCß, Bcl-2, and phospho-ERK1/2, and decreased those of Bax, Cyt-C, and cleaved caspase-3. Conclusions: CSH treatment have protective effects against Aß 25-35-induced cytotoxicity through decreasing ROS levels, increasing MMP, inhibiting early apoptosis, and regulating PKC/ERK pathway in HT22 cells. CSH may be a potential therapeutic agent for treating or preventing neurodegenerative diseases.

Traditional medicine in China for ischemic stroke: bioactive components, pharmacology, and mechanisms.

Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular disease and the third most common cause of death after ischemic heart disease. Increasing attention is being paid to finding effective treatments through traditional medicine. Thus, studying the traditional medicine for the treatment of ischemic stroke is of great importance. Traditional medicine in China includes traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and other ethnic medicines, which is rich in variety and resources. This review first introduces the treatment mechanisms associated with ischemic stroke, such as antioxidant nitrification, antiexcitotoxic, antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet and anticoagulation mechanisms. Then, we calculated the frequency of prescription use for ischemic stroke and summarized the treatments for ischemic stroke by investigating 13 drug monographs and standards. We found 192 prescriptions from the traditional medical system for ischemic stroke, including Angong Niuhuang pill, Qishiwei Zhenzhu Pills, Ginkgo biloba leaf, and other traditional Chinese patent medicines and national medicines. There were 398 kinds of traditional medicine, including 301 kinds of plant-based medicines, 54 kinds of animal-based medicines, 28 kinds of mineral-based medicines, and 15 kinds of other medicines. We introduced the names, families, medicinal components, traditional uses, phytochemical information, and pharmacological activities of the commonly used Chinese patent medicines and TCMs. In addition, some chemicals were introduced. These medicines may be potential candidates for the treatment of ischemic stroke. This work provides a reference for the research and clinical use of new drugs for ischemic stroke.

Induction of cellulase production by Sr2+ in Trichoderma reesei via calcium signaling transduction.

Trichoderma reesei RUT-C30 is a well-known high-yielding cellulase-producing fungal strain that converts lignocellulose into cellulosic sugar for resource regeneration. Calcium is a ubiquitous secondary messenger that regulates growth and cellulase production in T. reesei. We serendipitously found that adding Sr2+ to the medium significantly increased cellulase activity in the T. reesei RUT-C30 strain and upregulated the expression of cellulase-related genes. Further studies showed that Sr2+ supplementation increased the cytosolic calcium concentration and activated the calcium-responsive signal transduction pathway of Ca2+-calcineurin-responsive zinc finger transcription factor 1 (CRZ1). Using the plasma membrane Ca2+ channel blocker, LaCl3, we demonstrated that Sr2+ induces cellulase production via the calcium signaling pathway. Supplementation with the corresponding concentrations of Sr2+ also inhibited colony growth. Sr2+ supplementation led to an increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and upregulated the transcriptional levels of intracellular superoxide dismutase (sod1) and catalase (cat1). We further demonstrated that ROS content was detrimental to cellulase production, which was alleviated by the ROS scavenger N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). This study demonstrated for the first time that Sr2+ supplementation stimulates cellulase production and upregulates cellulase genes via the calcium signaling transduction pathway. Sr2+ leads to an increase in intracellular ROS, which is detrimental to cellulase production and can be alleviated by the ROS scavenger NAC. Our results provide insights into the mechanistic study of cellulase synthesis and the discovery of novel inducers of cellulase.

Theoretical Exploring of a Molecular Mechanism for Melanin Inhibitory Activity of Calycosin in Zebrafish.

Tyrosinase is an oxidase that is the rate-limiting enzyme for controlling the production of melanin in the human body. Overproduction of melanin can lead to a variety of skin disorders. Calycosin is an isoflavone from Astragali Radix, which is a traditional Chinese medicine that exhibits several pharmacological activities including skin whitening. In our study, the inhibitory effect of calycosin on melanin production is confirmed in a zebrafish in vivo model by comparing with hydroquinone, kojic acid, and arbutin, known as tyrosinase inhibitors. Moreover, the inhibitory kinetics of calycosin on tyrosinase and their binding mechanisms are determined using molecular docking techniques, molecular dynamic simulations, and free energy analysis. The results indicate that calycosin has an obvious inhibitory effect on zebrafish pigmentation at the concentration of 7.5 µM, 15 µM, and 30 µM. The IC50 of calycosin is 30.35 µM, which is lower than hydroquinone (37.35 µM), kojic acid (6.51 × 103 µM), and arbutin (3.67 × 104 µM). Furthermore, all the results of molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and free energy analysis suggest that calycosin can directly bind to the active site of tyrosinase with very good binding affinity. The study indicates that the combination of computer molecular modeling and zebrafish in vivo assay would be feasible in confirming the result of the in vitro test and illustrating the target-binding information.

Tianwang Buxin Granules Influence the Intestinal Flora in Perimenopausal Insomnia.

METHODS: The subjects included 13 PI patients from the Hubei Provincial Hospital of TCM, Hubei University of TCM, and Wuhan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, and the corresponding noninsomniac spouses of the patients were selected as controls. TWBXG was continuously administered for 4 weeks. The feces of PI patients and their noninsomniac spouses before and after treatment with TWBXG were collected. The intestinal flora composition of each group was detected by metagenomic sequencing, and the efficacy of TWBXG was evaluated by the PSQI scale. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the model group showed an increase in the abundance of Roseburia faecis, Ruminococcus, Prevotella copri, Fusicatenibacter saccharivorans, and Blautia obeum, while those of Bacteroides, fecal Bacteroidetes, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii were decreased. Compared with pretreatment, the PSQI score was significantly reduced (P < 0.05), the abundance of Bacteroides, fecal Bacteroidetes, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii increased, and that of Roseburia faecis, Ruminococcus, Prevotella copri, Fusicatenibacter saccharivorans, and Blautia obeum decreased after treatment. However, there was still a certain gap in the abundance of related flora in the treatment group compared with the control. CONCLUSION: PI is associated with disturbances in the intestinal flora and is mainly related to the disorders of Roseburia faecis, Ruminococcus, Prevotella copri, Fusicatenibacter saccharivorans, Blautia obeum, Bacteroides, fecal Bacteroidetes, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. TWBXG can effectively treat PI, and its effect may be achieved by regulating the disordered intestinal flora. Clinical Trials. The study was registered in the Chinese clinical trial registry and approved by the World Health Organization clinical trial registration platform (Effects of the modified Tianwang Buxin granule and modified Tianwang Buxin decoction pieces on insomnia: a randomized, controlled trial, ChiCTR-IPR-17011549).

Influence of anti-tuberculosis drugs plus cycloserine on sputum negative conversion rate, adverse reactions and inflammatory factors in multi-drug resistant tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this investigation was to determine the influence of anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB) drugs plus cycloserine (CS) on the sputum negative conversion rate, adverse reactions and inflammatory factors in the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). METHODS: Seventy patients with MDR-TB who were referred to Nanjing Hospital Affiliated with Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from April 2017 to April 2020 were assigned into the research group (RG; 38 cases) for anti-TB drugs plus CS, and the control group (CG; 32 cases) for conventional anti-TB drugs. The two groups were compared in their sputum negative conversion rate, incidence of adverse reactions, and foci absorption rate after 6, 12 and 24 months of treatment. The levels of inflammatory factors; tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), both pre- and post-treatment were detected. Also, pre- and post-treatment, pulmonary function (PF) indexes (forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity, FEV1/FVC; FEV1; peak expiratory flow, PEF), and the scores of anxiety and depression (self-rating anxiety/depression scale, SAS/SDS), as well as Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were compared. RESULTS: After 6, 12 and 24 months of treatment, the sputum negative conversion rate and foci absorption rate were higher in the RG than in the CG (both P<0.05). The RG presented with fewer adverse reactions, lower TNF-α, IL-6 and IFN-γ levels, higher FEV1, FEV1/FVC and PEF, and lower SAS, SDS and PSQI scores than the CG, post treatment (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: While helping to raise the sputum negative conversion rate, improve prognosis, and reduce adverse reactions, anti-TB drugs plus CS can also inhibit the release of inflammatory factors, improve PF and alleviate negative emotion and sleep disorders.

Exploring the meaning of life from the perspective of patients with depression: A phenomenological study.

This study explored the perceptions of meaning of life for patients with depression. A qualitative phenomenology approach was used. Patients with depression (n = 20) were recruited until data saturation occurred. Findings revealed four themes all related to their value of: (1) accepting depression; (2) appreciating work (paid and non-paid); (3) embodying love and taking on responsibilities; (4) receiving spiritual comfort. Healthcare professionals could facilitate patients with depression to explore their meaning of life while enduring and transforming the emotional pain that accompanies depression, hence, perhaps, decreasing their suicidal ideations.

Galla Chinensis, a Traditional Chinese Medicine: Comprehensive review of botany, traditional uses, chemical composition, pharmacology and toxicology.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Galla chinensis (GC), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has a wide range of pharmacological properties which have been widely used for more than 1400 years. Based on shape, GC is divided into two groups: jiaobei and dubei. It is a bitter, sour, cold and astringent substance which is usually used for treating diarrhea, constipation, bleeding, cough, vomiting, sweating, hemorrhoids, and anal and uterine prolapse. It is distributed in Japan, North Korea, and all parts of China. AIM OF STUDY: This study was aimed at carrying out a comprehensive overview of the current status of research on Galla chinensis (GC) for better understanding of it characteristics, while providing a clear direction for future studies. It has aroused the interest of researchers, leading to development of medicinal value, expansion of its application, and provision of wider and more effective drug choices. This study was focused on the traditional uses, botany, chemical composition, pharmacology and toxicology of GC. Finally, the study focused on possible future research directions for GC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive analysis was done based on academic papers, pharmaceutical monographs, ancient medicinal works, and drug standards of China. This review used Galla and Galla chinensis as keywords for retrieval of information on GC from online databases such as PubMed, Elsevier, CNKI, Web of Science, Google Scholar, SCI hub, and Baidu academic. RESULTS: It was found that the chemical constituents of GC included tannins, phenolic acid, amino acids and fatty acid, with polyphenol compounds (especially tannins and gallic acid) as the distinct components. In vitro and in vivo studies revealed that GC exerted numerous biological effects such as anti-caries, antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, and antioxidant effects. The therapeutic effect of GC was attributed mainly to the biological properties of its bioactive components. CONCLUSIONS: GC is an important TCM which has potential benefit in the treatment of a variety of diseases. However, the relationship amongst the structure and biological activity of GC and its components, mechanism of action, toxicity, pharmacokinetics and target organs need to be further studied. Quality control and quality assurance programs for GC need to be further developed. There is need to study the dynamics associated with the accumulation of chemical compounds in GC as well as the original plants and aphid that form GC.

Type of tea consumption and depressive symptoms in Chinese older adults.

BACKGROUND: Existing research indicates that tea drinking may exert beneficiary effects on mental health. However, associations between different types of tea intake and mental health such as depression have not been fully examined. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations of green tea, fermented tea, and floral tea consumption with depressive symptoms. METHODS: We used data from the 2018 wave of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, a nationwide survey on older adults in mainland China. A total of 13,115 participants (mean age 83.7 years, 54.2% were women) with valid responses were included in the analysis. The type (green, fermented [black, Oolong, white, yellow, dark, and compressed teas], and floral) and the frequency of tea consumption were recorded, and depressive symptoms were assessed using 10-item of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10). We examined the associations between the type and the frequency of tea intake and depression, controlling for a set of demographic, socioeconomic, psychosocial, behavioral, and health-related variables. RESULTS: Overall, intakes of green tea, fermented tea, and floral tea were all significantly associated with lower prevalence of depressive symptoms, independent of other risk factors. Compared with the group of no tea intake, the adjusted ORs of depressive symptoms for daily green tea, fermented tea, and floral tea intake were 0.85 (95% CI: 0.76-0.95), 0.87 (95% CI: 0.76-0.99), and 0.70 (95% CI: 0.59-0.82), respectively. Linear associations were observed between the frequencies of all three types of tea intake and depressive symptoms (P < 0.05 for trends for all three types). The associations of the type and the frequency of tea intake and depressive symptoms were robust in several sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Among Chinese older adults, regularly consumed any type of tea (green, fermented, or floral) were less likely to show depressive symptoms, the associations seemed more pronounced among floral tea and green tea drinkers.

Automated evaluation of tumor spheroid behavior in 3D culture using deep learning-based recognition.

Three-dimensional in vitro tumor models provide more physiologically relevant responses to drugs than 2D models, but the lack of proper evaluation indices and the laborious quantitation of tumor behavior in 3D have limited the use of 3D tumor models in large-scale preclinical drug screening. Here we propose two indices of 3D tumor invasiveness-the excess perimeter index (EPI) and the multiscale entropy index (MSEI)-and combine these indices with a new convolutional neural network-based algorithm for tumor spheroid boundary detection. This new algorithm for 3D tumor boundary detection and invasiveness analysis is more accurate than any other existing algorithms. We apply this spheroid monitoring and AI-based recognition technique ("SMART") to evaluating the invasiveness of tumor spheroids grown from tumor cell lines and from primary tumor cells in 3D culture.

Mitochondria-targeting graphene oxide nanocomposites for fluorescence imaging-guided synergistic phototherapy of drug-resistant osteosarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignant bone tumor occurring in children and young adults. Drug-resistant osteosarcoma often results in chemotherapy failure. Therefore, new treatments aimed at novel therapeutic targets are urgently needed for the treatment of drug-resistant osteosarcoma. Mitochondria-targeted phototherapy, i.e., synergistic photodynamic/photothermal therapy, has emerged as a highly promising strategy for treating drug-resistant tumors. This study proposed a new nano-drug delivery system based on near-infrared imaging and multifunctional graphene, which can target mitochondria and show synergistic phototherapy, with preferential accumulation in tumors. METHODS AND RESULTS: Based on our previous study, (4-carboxybutyl) triphenyl phosphonium bromide (TPP), a mitochondria-targeting ligand, was conjugated to indocyanine green (ICG)-loaded, polyethylenimine-modified PEGylated nanographene oxide sheets (TPP-PPG@ICG) to promote mitochondrial accumulation after cellular internalization. Thereafter, exposure to a single dose of near-infrared irradiation enabled synergistic photodynamic and photothermal therapy, which simultaneously inhibited adenosine triphosphate synthesis and mitochondrial function. Induction of intrinsic apoptosis assisted in surmounting drug resistance and caused tumor cell death. After fluorescence imaging-guided synergistic phototherapy, the mitochondria-targeting, multifunctional graphene-based, drug-delivery system showed highly selective anticancer efficiency in vitro and in vivo, resulting in marked inhibition of tumor progression without noticeable toxicity in mice bearing doxorubicin-resistant MG63 tumor cells. CONCLUSION: The mitochondria-targeting TPP-PPG@ICG nanocomposite constitutes a new class of nanomedicine for fluorescence imaging-guided synergistic phototherapy and shows promise for treating drug-resistant osteosarcoma.

Intake of Alcohol and Tea and Risk of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Population-Based Case-Control Study in Southern China.

BACKGROUND: The potential effect of alcohol or tea intake on the risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remains controversial. METHODS: In a population-based case-control study in southern China, we assessed alcohol or tea intake from 2,441 histopathologically confirmed NPC cases and 2,546 controls. We calculated mean daily ethanol (g/day) and tea intake (mL/day). Fully adjusted ORs with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using logistic regression; potential dose-response trends were evaluated using restricted cubic spline analysis. RESULTS: Compared with nondrinkers, no significantly increased NPC risk in men was observed among current alcohol drinkers overall (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.93-1.25), nor among current heavy drinkers (OR for ≥90 g/day ethanol vs. none, 1.32; 95% CI, 0.95-1.84) or former alcohol drinkers. Current tea drinking was associated with a decreased NPC risk (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.64-0.84). Compared with never drinkers, those with the low first three quintiles of mean daily current intake of tea were at significantly lower NPC risk (OR, 0.53, 0.68, and 0.65, respectively), but not significant for the next two quintiles. Current daily tea intake had a significant nonlinear dose-response relation with NPC risk. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests no significant association between alcohol and NPC risk. Tea drinking may moderately reduce NPC risk, but the lack of a monotonic dose-response association complicates causal inference. IMPACT: Tea drinking might be a healthy habit for preventing NPC. More studies on biological mechanisms that may link tea with NPC risk are needed.

Naringenin alleviates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in middle-aged Apoe-/-mice: role of SIRT1.

BACKGROUND: Naringenin is naturally isolated from citrus fruits possessing many pharmacological activities. However, little is known about the effect of naringenin on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in the model of metabolic syndrome. PURPOSE: The present study is aimed to investigate the effect of naringenin on NASH in 12-mo-old male ApoE-/- mice and its possible underlying mechanism. METHODS: In vivo, 12-mo-old male ApoE-/- mice were administrated with naringenin by intragastric gavage for 12 weeks. At the end of experiment, the blood samples and liver tissues were collected. Metabolic parameters in serum, levels of triglyceride, cholesterol and hydroxyproline, activities of antioxidant enzymes, and content of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) in liver were examined by corresponding assay kits. Pathological changes in liver were observed by hematoxylin-eosin, oil red O, masson's trichrome, picro-sirius red and senescence ß-galactosidase staining. Dihydroethidium was used for detection of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In vitro, AML-12 cells were treated with oleic acid in the presence or absence of naringenin for 24 h. Transfection of SIRT1 siRNA was also conducted in vitro. Lipid accumulation, cellular ROS generation, malondialdehyde content, antioxidant enzyme activities and secretion levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were examined. Both in vivo and in vitro, gene expressions were detected by real-time PCR or western blot. RESULTS: Naringenin administration improved metabolic parameters, suppressed hepatic steatosis, regulated expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism (FASN, SCD1, PPARα and CPT1α), reduced hepatic fibrosis and cell senescence, inhibited hepatic inflammation as evidenced by the decreased macrophage recruitment and content of TNF-α and IL-6, and reduced hepatic oxidative stress by suppressing ROS generation and normalizing activities of antioxidant enzymes. Notably, naringenin administration increased hepatic SIRT1 protein expression and activity along with the increased deacetylation of liver kinase B1 (LKB1), PGC1α and NF-κB. In vitro study, the benefits of naringenin on lipid accumulation, oxidative stress and inflammation were diminished by SIRT1 siRNA transfection. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that naringenin administration may be a potential curative therapy for NASH treatment and the activation of hepatic SIRT1-mediated signaling cascades is involved in its beneficial effects.

Effect of auricular point pressing therapy on postoperative pain of fracture: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: In clinical practices, postoperative fracture patients are often treated with analgesics. As one of the alternative therapies for nondrug analgesia, auricular point pressing has advantages of simple operation, easy to use, no injury and adverse reactions, and great potential for development. In this study, the effect of auricular point pressing therapy on postoperative pain of fracture was objectively evaluated through the method of meta-analysis, so as to provide evidence for clinical applications. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Wan fang Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database were systematically searched and randomized controlled trials on auricular point pressing in the treatment of postoperative pain after fracture were includes. After independent literature screening, data extraction and quality evaluation by 2 researchers, the original data was retrieved, merged, and analyzed. RevMan 5.3 software was adopted for meta-analysis. RESULTS: This study could provide high-quality evidence to evaluate the effect of auricular point pressing therapy on postoperative pain of fracture. CONCLUSION: This systematic review explored whether auricular point pressing therapy is effective on the intervention of postoperative pain after fracture. OSF REGISTRATION NUMBER: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/AZ4JQ.

The Important Role of Volatile Components From a Traditional Chinese Medicine Dayuan-Yin Against the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Aromatic Chinese herbs have been used to prevent plagues since ancient times. Traditional Chinese medicine has unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of epidemic diseases. According to the traditional Chinese medicine treatment plan in the National COVID-19 Diagnosis and Treatment Plan (Trial Seventh Edition) of the National Health Commission, Chinese patent medicines or prescriptions rich in aromatic Chinese herbs are selected for prevention and treatment during the period of medical observation, clinical treatment, and recovery of confirmed COVID-19 patients. Some local health committees or traditional Chinese medicine administrations recommend a variety of other ways of using traditional aromatic Chinese herbs to prevent and cure COVID-19. These involve external fumigation, use of moxibustion, and wearing of sachet. The efficacy of aromatic Chinese herbs plays a decisive role in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. The unique properties, chemical composition, and mechanism of action of aromatic Chinese herbs are worthy of extensive and in-depth experimental and clinical research. The findings are expected to provide a reference for follow-up treatment of novel coronavirus and the development of corresponding drugs. In 2003, Dayuan-Yin produced excellent results in the treatment of the SARS virus. Individually, 112 confirmed cases were administered this drug between January and April 2003, and more than 93.7% of the patients showed noticeable mitigation of the symptoms, as well as recovery. Dayuan-Yin also was selected as one of the nationally recommended prescriptions for the COVID-19. Based on the national recommendation of Dayuan-Yin prescription, this review discusses the role of volatile components in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, and speculates the possible mechanism of action, so as to provide a basis for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.

The Possible Role of Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Dysfunction in Epileptic Spasms.

PURPOSE: To analyze diurnal cortisol (COR) rhythms among children with epileptic spasms (ESs) and explore the relationship between endocrine factors, circadian rhythm, and ES. METHODS: This study assessed the COR and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels at 08:00 and 16:00, and COR values at 00:00 among children with ESs. Additionally, the etiology of ESs was analyzed. All cases were divided into the following three etiology groups: genetic group, structural etiology group, and unknown etiology group. ACTH was administered to 24 patients, who were divided into the positive electroclinical outcome group and negative electroclinical outcome group. All data were analyzed using a two-way repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: All children showed a COR rhythm. Controls displayed a significantly different COR rhythm from that in the ES group (Fgroup*COR =24.100, p = 0.000). It was observed that the ACTH levels at 08:00 (t = -3.720) and 16:00 (t=-3.794) and COR levels at 16:00 (t = -2.264) and 00:00 (t = -4.607) in the ES group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05); COR levels at 08:00 were significantly lower among individuals in the structural etiology group (F = 3.828, p < 0.05). COR levels at 08:00 in the negative electroclinical outcome group (668.30 ± 227.42) nmol/L were higher than those in the positive electroclinical outcome group (462.25 ± 249.71) nmol/L. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the change in COR rhythm is an important pathophysiological characteristic of ESs, suggesting that hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction possibly leads to the different manifestations of ESs.