Qizhi Jiangtang capsule activates podocyte autophagy in diabetic kidney disease by inhibiting phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathways.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic action and mechanism of the Qizhi Jiangtang capsule (, QZJT) on diabetic kidney disease (DKD) treatment. METHODS: This experiment used db/db mice and podocytes (MPC5) to develop DKD model. Evaluation of the effect of the QZJT on db/db mice by testing urine and blood biochemical parameters (24-h urinary albumin, serum creatinine, blood urine nitrogen), pathological kidney injury, and podocyte integrity. Moreover, autophagosomes in podocytes of DKD mice and cultured podocytes were detected using electron microscopy. Additionally, Western blotting was applied to detect the expression of podocyte marker protein (podocin), autophagy-associated proteins, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) signaling pathway changes and . RESULTS: QZJT significantly reduced urine protein, blood nitrogen urea, and serum creatinine and showed histological restoration of renal tissues. QZJT also significantly improved the down-regulation of podocin and foot fusion and effacement in db/db mice. QZJT increased autophagic vesicles in mice and cultured podocytes. QZJT also upregulated microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-II (LC3-II) / (LC3-I) and Beclin-1 and downregulated phosphorylated-PI3K (p-PI3K), p-AKT, and p-mTOR in db/db mice and MPC5 cells. However, autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine partially alleviated the above effects in MPC5 cells. CONCLUSIONS: These results showed that the QZJT can enhance podocyte autophagy and ameliorate podocyte injury in DKD by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

Contribution of Traditional Chinese Medicine Combined with Conventional Medicine Treatment for a Long-Term Survivor of Heart Transplant with Severe COVID-19： A Case Report / 中医杂志

We report a case of a long-term survivor of heart transplant who developed severe COVID-19 and was treated with a traditional Chinese medicine combined with conventional medicine. Throughout the treatment， the patient received active conventional medical treatment， and traditional Chinese medicine interventions included tonifying qi， invigorating the spleen and transforming phlegm， promoting yang and eliminating stagnation， resolving dampness and dissipating phlegm， and promoting blood circulation and eliminating stasis. The main therapeutic principles adopted were to recuperating depleted yang and rescuing the patient from collapse and to resolve phlegm and promote water. Pogezilong Xuanbai Chengqi Decoction （破格子龙宣白承气汤） with modifications was administered. In summary， it is crucial to the timely adjust the immunosuppressive regimen， combine use of various anti-infective agents with a focus on COVID-19， to protect of cardiac and renal function， and to integrate traditional Chinese medicine in the entire treatment process. As this case is rare， the diagnostic and therapeutic methods in traditional Chinese medicine， the use of immunosuppressive agents， and follow-up monitoring strategies can be a valuable reference.

Research on ontology construction of acupuncture effect based on ISO/TS 16843-6: 2022 / 中国针灸

In order to specify the information expression of acupuncture effect and realize the knowledge reuse and sharing, in view of animal experiments and clinical trials, the relevant knowledge of acupuncture effect is allocated. Using seven-step method and Protégé5.5.0 tool, the ontology of acupuncture effect is constructed on the base of ISO/TS 16843-6: 2022. A total of 199 classes are constructed, including 7 categories (acupuncture point, acupuncture therapy, needling method, biological process, genes and gene products, disorder, and anatomic structure), 12 object properties, 1 108 instances and 5 123 axioms. A semantic network with the characteristics of acupuncture and moxibustion is established and the structured expression for the knowledge of acupuncture effects is obtained, which lays the foundation for the innovation and development in the field of acupuncture and moxibustion.

Treatment Progress in Diminished Ovarian Reserve: Western and Chinese Medicine / 中国结合医学杂志

Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), generally defined as a decreased number or quality of oocytes, has a significant impact on quality of life and fertility in women. In recent years, the incidence of DOR has been increasing and the ages of patients are younger. The search for an effective DOR treatment has emerged as one of the preeminent research topics in reproductive health. An effective DOR therapy would improve ovarian function, fertility, and quality of life in patients. In this review we evaluated DOR treatment progress both in Western medicine and Chinese medicine, and elucidated the characteristics of each treatment.

Clinical Observation on Addition and Subtraction Therapy of Huaganjian Combined with Jinlingzisan in Patients with Bile Reflux Gastritis with Stagnancy Heat of Liver and Stomach Syndrome / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of addition and subtraction therapy of Huaganjian combined with Jinlingzisan for bile reflux gastritis （BRG） with stagnancy heat of liver and stomach syndrome， and to investigate its effect on inflammatory factors and gastrointestinal hormones. Method:One hundred and fifty patients were divided into control group and observation group evenly according to random number table. The 68 patients in control group finished the treatment （5 cases of dropout， loss of follow-up and 2 cases of withdrawal）， and 69 patients in observation group completed the treatment （3 cases of dropout， loss of follow-up and 3 cases of withdrawal）. Patients in control group got oral Dalitong granules before the meal， 1 bag/time， 3 times/day. Patients in observation group got addition and subtraction therapy of Huaganjian combined with Jinlingzisan， 1 dose/day. The treatment continued for 4 weeks in both groups. Before the treatment， gastroscope was used to evaluate the degree of bile reflux and the condition of mucosa under gastroscope. Before and after treatment， scores of stagnancy heat of liver and stomach syndrome， patient reported outcome （PRO） scale of chronic gastrointestinal diseases， self rating anxiety scale （SAS）， and self rating depression scale （SDS） were recorded. A follow-up of 6 months was conducted to record the clinical recurrence. Levels of gastrin （GAS）， motilin （MTL）， cholecystokinin （CCK）， prostaglandin E2 （PGE2）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， and interleukin-8 （IL-8） were detected both before and after treatment. In addition， the safety was discussed. Result:Scores of degree of bile reflux， mucosa under gastroscope and stagnancy heat of liver and stomach syndrome in the observation group were lower than those in control group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Scores of 6 dimensions in PRO scale （dyspepsia， reflux， defecation， social， psychological， and general state） and scores of SAS and SDS in the observation group were lower than those in control group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Levels of CCK， TNF-α and IL-8 in the observation group were all lower than those detected in control group （P<0.01）， while levels of GAS and MTL were higher than those in control group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Observation group was superior to the control group in terms of efficacy for traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） syndrome and efficacy under gastroscope （<italic>Z</italic>=2.083， <italic>P</italic><0.05； <italic>Z</italic>=2.104， <italic>P</italic><0.05）. Clinical recurrence rate in observation group was 20.37% （11/54）， lower than 40.82% （20/49） in control group （<inline-formula><alternatives><mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M2"><mml:msup><mml:mrow><mml:mi>χ</mml:mi></mml:mrow><mml:mrow><mml:mn mathvariant="normal">2</mml:mn></mml:mrow></mml:msup></mml:math><graphic specific-use="big" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="alternativeImage/CD75C203-D673-4226-A5C3-F3D84A74EF61-M002.jpg"><?fx-imagestate width="3.30199981" height="3.64066648"?></graphic><graphic specific-use="small" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="alternativeImage/CD75C203-D673-4226-A5C3-F3D84A74EF61-M002c.jpg"><?fx-imagestate width="3.30199981" height="3.64066648"?></graphic></alternatives></inline-formula>=5.105， <italic>P</italic><0.05）. No adverse reaction was found after oral administrationh of TCM. Conclusion:Addition and subtraction therapy of Huaganjian combined with Jinlingzisan can ameliorate the clinical symptoms， relieve anxiety and depression， improve the quality of life in patients with BRG and stagnancy heat of liver and stomach syndrome， improve the degree of bile reflux， promote the healing of gastric mucosa， reduce inflammatory reaction and regulate gastrointestinal hormones. It has good efficacy for TCM syndrome and under gastroscopy in a short term， and can reduce the recurrence rate with high safety in a long term.

Effect of acupuncture on pattern visual evoked potential of cerebral visual impairment in children aged 3-10 years / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe clinical effect of acupuncture combined with conventional visual stimulation on cerebral visual impairment (CVI) in children aged 3-10 years and influence on the pattern visual evoked potential (P-VEP).@*METHODS@#A total of 60 cases of children aged 3-10 years with CVI were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each group. The children in the control group received conventional visual stimulation therapy, 1 month as a course of treatment. On the basis of the control group, the children in the observation group was treated with acupuncture at Baihui (GV 20), Jingming (BL 1), Taiyang (EX-HN 5), Sibai (ST 2), etc. 3 times a week, and the treatment was given 4 weeks continuously as a course. Both groups received 3 courses of treatment. The visual acuity and P-VEP improvement were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the incubation period (P100-L) of the two groups was shorter than before treatment, and the amplitude (P100-A) was higher than before treatment (@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture combined with conventional visual stimulation can improve the incubation period (P100-L) and amplitude (P100-A) of P-VEP in children with CVI, and improve the best corrected visual acuity in children, the clinical effect is better than the conventional visual stimulation alone.

Diagnostic efficacy of MRI combined with CT in patients with free lumbar disc herniation / 中国基层医药

Objective:To explore the diagnostic effect and diagnostic efficacy of MRI and CT in patients with free lumbar disc herniation.Methods:From May 2018 to August 2019, 89 patients with free lumbar disc herniation in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Quzhou were selected as study subjects.All patients were finally diagnosed by surgery.Before diagnosis, the patients were examined by CT and MRI, and the results of CT and MRI were compared with the surgical results.ROC curves were drawn, and the diagnostic efficacy(including diagnostic sensitivity and specificity) of MRI and CT in patients with free lumbar disc herniation was analyzed.Results:All patients were diagnosed by surgical examination, 74 cases were confirmed by CT examination, and the coincidence rate with surgical pathological diagnosis was 83.15%.A total of 82 cases were finally confirmed by MRI examination, and the coincidence rate with surgical pathological diagnosis was 92.14%(χ 2=1.295, P>0.05). The coincidence rate of MRI examination was higher than CT examination(χ 2=6.39, P<0.05). The positive rate of nerve root compression had no statistically significant difference between MRI and CT examination(χ 2=0.592, P>0.05). The positive rate of calcification and gas accumulation of MRI examination were lower than those of CT examination(χ 2=4.591, 6.456, all P<0.05). The positive rates of disc degeneration, dural compression and spinal degeneration of MRI examination were higher than those of CT examination (χ 2=5.131, 7.439, 6.451, all P<0.05). ROC curve results showed that the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of MRI combined with CT in patients with free lumbar disc herniation were higher than those of single MRI or CT(χ 2=5.395, 6.416 and 6.391, 7.344, all P<0.05). Conclusion:The use of MRI combined with CT in patients with free lumbar intervertebral disc herniation can obtain a high diagnostic coincidence rate, and these two types of imaging combined examination have high sensitivity and specificity, which can provide imaging basis and reference for clinical treatment.It is worthy of promoting and applying.

Holistic integrative medicine: application in the teaching of oral mucosal diseases / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Oral mucosal diseases, characterized by complicated etiopathogenesis, and various clinical manifestations, is closely related to various clinical medical disciplines as well as systemic diseases. These features, also known as the difficult points of oral medicine, contribute to the difficulty in learning and teaching. Holistic integrative medicine integrates the theory and technique of many subjects into a theoretical system combined with clinical medicine theory, molecular medicine frontier and psychosomatic treatment mode. This study explored the application and significance of holistic integrative medicine in the teaching of oral mucosal diseases, which can help deepen the understanding of principles and essences, cultivate students' network thinking model, and improve their ability to analyze and solve clinical problems.

Perceptual integration of pitch and duration: Prosodic and psychoacoustic influences in speech perception.

Two experiments explored how pitch influences perception of vowel duration as a cue to voicing in light of (1) psychoacoustic interactions between pitch and duration and (2) predicted compensatory effects based on the patterning of pitch and duration in the accentual/prominence-marking system of English. Listeners categorized a "coat"-"code" vowel duration continuum with pitch height on the vowel manipulated. In experiment 1 the expected psychoacoustic effect was observed. In experiment 2 the continuum was altered, highlighting pitch as a prosodic property, resulting in predicted compensatory effects. Results thus indicate prosodic patterns can mediate the perception of durational cues in isolated words.

Research on moldy tea feature classification based on WKNN algorithm and NIR hyperspectral imaging.

In order to identify the moldy tea leaves in a fast and nondestructive way, a method involving wavelet coupled with k-nearest neighbor (WKNN) was proposed to select effective characteristic wavelengths in this paper. The hyperspectral imaging of 300 dried tea samples with 3 different mildew degrees (contrast check, mild moldy and severe moldy) were obtained using hyperspectral data acquisition device. Besides, food microbiological examination results showed that mold count and total numbers of colony increased with the increase of storage time, temperature and humidity. Roughness penalty smoothing (RPS) algorithm was used to preprocess the raw spectra. Afterwards, WKNN was applied to select the optimal wavelengths of spectral data by using db4, db6, sym5, sym7 as wavelet basis functions, respectively. In addition, five layers of wavelet decomposition were adopted based on different wavelet basis functions. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) algorithm was used to build the classification models based on preprocessed spectra feature in characteristic wavelengths. The results showed that four optimal prediction models were optimal decomposition level in each wavelet basis function. In addition, the best performance model among all LDA models achieved an identification rate of 100% in the calibration set and 98.33% in the prediction set, in which db4 was used as wavelet basis function and the optimal wavelet decomposition level was 2. WKNN algorithm can effectively achieve the best wavelet decomposition layer and the best wavelengths. WKNN algorithm combined with NIR hyperspectral imaging technology can realize the effective wavelength extraction and classification of dried tea with different mildew degrees.

Effect of acupuncture at Renying (ST 9) on blood pressure in patients with ischemic stroke complicated with essential hypertension / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of acupuncture at Renying (ST 9) on morning blood pressure, daytime peak blood pressure and 24-hour blood pressure load in patients with ischemic stroke complicated with essential hypertension.@*METHODS@#A total of 80 patients (3 cases dropped off) were randomized into an observation group (39 cases) and a control group (38 cases). acupuncture and nifedipine were given in the control group. On the basis of treatment in the control group, acupuncture at Renying (ST 9) was applied in the observation group, once a day, 6 times a week for 4 weeks. The changes of morning blood pressure, daytime peak blood pressure and blood pressure load were observed before and after treatment in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, morning blood pressure, daytime peak blood pressure and blood pressure load after treatment were reduced in the two groups (all 0.05); the changes of morning diastolic pressure, daytime peak blood pressure and blood pressure load in the observation group were larger than those in the control group (all <0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#On the basis of acupuncture and nifedipine, acupuncture at Renying (ST 9) can effectively reduce morning blood pressure, daytime peak blood pressure and blood pressure load in patients with ischemic stroke complicated with essential hypertension.

Theoretical and Clinical Studies of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine for Infertile Women with Diminished Ovarian Reserve / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Infertility with diminished ovarian reserve(DOR) is a major problem in the field of reproductive health and it has attracted great attention worldwidely.Function deficiency of the kidney is one of the fundamental pathogenesis for DOR.Traditional Chinese medicines(TCMs) have a long history with rich experience for the treatment of infertility.Some TCMs are very effective in the treatment of kidney deficiency for infertility with DOR.The integrated TCMs and western medicine,and combination of disease differentiation and syndrome differentiation may help for diagnosis and treatment of infertility with DOR.We adopt the concept of unified treatment for special disease,and the methods and principle of treatment can be used.Therefore,we adopt the TCM concept of kidney-tonifying,blood-nourishing,liver-dispersing and spleen-invigorating.The TCMs kidney-tonifying formulae are added and subtracted.TCMs can regulate the reproductive function via multiple systems for simultaneous conditioning of follicular development and ovulation.At the same time,a hypothesis of " simultaneous conditioning of follicular development and ovulation" was proposed.Two-stage therapy with integrated TCMs and western medicine has been used,mainly for increasing the number of eggs,and improving follicle quality.The goal is to achieve simultaneous conditioning of follicular development and ovulation and ultimately for effective treatment of infertility with DOR.

Effect of wound massage on neck discomfort and voice changes after thyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Neck discomfort and voice change are common complications after thyroidectomy. These symptoms might be due to damaged laryngeal nerves, intrinsic structures, or extralaryngeal muscles. They can also occur without injury to any structure as with wound adhesion after thyroidectomy. The objective of this study was to determine causes of neck discomfort and voice change after thyroidectomy and to evaluate the effect of wound massage on symptom relief. METHODS: Forty-five female patients who underwent total thyroidectomy were included (21 in the experimental group and 24 in the control group). Wound massage was used as an intervention to release surgical adhesion. After wound massage education, participants in the experimental group received wound massage from 4 to 12 weeks after thyroidectomy. Analysis was performed for both groups. RESULTS: No laryngeal pathology was found after thyroidectomy. The experimental group had significantly better recovery from surgical adhesion and subjective visual analog scale, voice impairment score, and swallowing impairment score (all P < .01) compared with the control group. Voice analysis results associated with laryngeal movement (speaking fundamental frequency, voice range profile maximum, voice range profile range) also indicated significant recovery (P < .01) in the experimental group. These results indicate that local adhesion after thyroidectomy might affect general movement of the larynx and that wound massage could help patients recover normal general movement of the larynx. CONCLUSION: Neck discomfort and voice change after thyroidectomy are related to local wound adhesion, possibly associated with impairment of laryngeal vertical movement. Release of wound adhesion could help patients recover from neck discomfort and voice changes after thyroidectomy.

Huai qi huang granules for the treatment of children with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia: a multicenter clinical study / 国际儿科学杂志

Objective To analyze the effects of Hual qi huang granules on children with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia.Methods A randomized,multicenter parallel controlled clinical trial was carried out.A total of 3 000 cases of hospitalized children with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia were selected.All of them were given treatment for mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia with macrolide antibiotics and symptomatic treatment.They were randomly divided into 2 groups:research group and control group.The children of research group were give oral Huai qi huang granules for three months.According to the classification of pneumonia,these two groups were divided into:lobar pneumonia research group,lobar pneumonia control group,lobular pneumonia research group,lobular pneumonia control group.The hospitalization duration of fever,length of hospital stay,the absorption area of lung inflammation and pneumonia severity sores were observed.The frequency of upper respiratory infections,bronchitis,pneumonia were observed in 3 months after discharge.Results 2 378 cases were investigated.The hospitalization duration of fever,length of hospital stay of research group were significantly shorter than that of in control group (P ＜ 0.001).The children with lobar pneumonia,2 weeks after treatment,the absorption of consolidation of the lobar pneumonia research group is significantly better than lobar pneumonia control group (P ＜0.001).After two weeks treatment,the pneumonia scores of lobar pneumonia research group is lower than lobar pneumonia control group (P ＜ 0.05).Followup of 3 months after hospital discharge,frequency of upper respiratory infection and bronchitis of research group,were significantly lower than that of control.In addition,appetite increased significantly in research group than control (P ＜ 0.001).There are 21 cases with drug associated adverse reactions (mild diarrhea),including 12 cases of research group,9 cases of control group,and there was no statistical significance (P ＞0.05).Conclusion Standard treatment combined with oral Huai qi huang granules in the treatment of mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia,can significantly shorten hospitalization duration of fever,length of hospital stay and reduce the severity score of pneumonia.Three months oral Huai qi huang granules can significant reduce the frequency of respiratory infections and bronchitis,also can increase patients appetite,and be safe.

A Multi-center, Randomized, Controlled and Open Clinical Trial of Heyan Kuntai Capsule () and Hormone Therapy in Perimenopausal Women / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Heyan Kuntai Capsule (, HYKT) and hormone therapy (HT) on perimenopausal syndromes (PMSs).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From 2005 to 2008, 390 women with PMSs were recruited from 4 clinic centers. The inclusion criteria included ages 40 to 60 years, estradiol (E2) below 30 ng/L, and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) above 40 IU/L, etc. The patients were randomly assigned to HYKT group or HT group by random number table method, administrated HYKT or conjugated estrogen with/without medroxyprogesterone acetate tablets for 12 months. During treatment, the patients were interviewed quarterly, Kupperman Menopausal Index (KMI) scores, hot flush scores, insomnia scores, Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) scores and adverse effects were used for evaluating drug efficacy and safety respectively. The last interview was made at the end of 12-month treatment RESULTS: After treatment, KMI scores of HYKT group and HT group were both significantly decreased compared with baseline (P <0.01) and there was no significant difference between groups (P >0.05), except that KMI of HYKT group was higher after 3-month treatment (P <0.05). After treatment, hot flush and insomnia scores were both improved significantly in two groups (P <0.01); and HT had a better performance than HYKT in improving hot flush (P <0.05). MENQOL were significantly improved in both groups after treatment (P <0.01); but there was no significant difference between two groups (P >0.05). The incidence of adverse event in the HYKT group was much lower than that in the HT group (P <0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>HYKT could effectively relieve PMSs and improve patients quality of life without severe adverse reactions. Although HYKT exerted curative effects more slowly than hormone, it possessed better safety profile than hormone.</p>

Research Progress in Quality Grading Standardization of Seed and Seedling in Chinese Materia Medica / 中国中医药信息杂志

The quality standardization of seed and seedling is not only the basis of standardized production of Chinese materia medica, but also the important content of standardization of Chinese medicine. To grade quality of seed and seedling and establish grading standards are an important part of seed and seedling standardization of Chinese materia medica. This article reviewed the recent research progress in the quality grading of seed and seedling in different types of Chinese materia medica, in order to provide a reference for further research and development.

Effects of salvia miltiorrhiza bone-setting capsule on fracture healing in a rat model of closed femoral fractures / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Salvia miltiorrhiza bone-setting capsule is a traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of fractures due to activating blood circulation to dissipate blood stasis, reducing sweling and pain. OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza bone-setting capsule on the fracture healing in a rat model of closed femoral fractures. METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into salvia miltiorrhiza bone-setting capsule group, physiological saline group and normal group. In the salvia miltiorrhiza bone-setting capsule group and physiological saline group, rat models of closed femoral fractures were prepared, and then given physiological saline and salvia miltiorrhiza bone-setting capsule 2 pils by intragastric administration. In the normal group, rats were housed normaly. At 7, 14 and 28 days after fractures, hematoxylin-eosin staining conditions, serum osteocalcin, the expression of colagen type I, and the expression of protein and mRNA calus transforming growth factor-beta 1 were observed in the salvia miltiorrhiza bone-setting capsule group and physiological saline group. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Hematoxylin-eosin staining demonstrated that at 7 days after fractures, no significant difference was found in pathological changes of femoral fracture in salvia miltiorrhiza bone-setting capsule group and physiological saline group. At 14 and 28 days after fractures, pathological repair was more obvious in the salvia miltiorrhiza bone-setting capsule group than in the physiological saline group. (2) At 3 and 7 days after fractures, serum osteocalcin and the expression of type I colagen were significantly increased in the salvia miltiorrhiza bone-setting capsule group and physiological saline group (P < 0.05), and the expression trend was consistent in both groups. The expression was always higher in the salvia miltiorrhiza bone-setting capsule group than in the physiological saline group, and significant differences were found at 14 and 28 days after fractures (P < 0.01). (3) Transforming growth factor beta 1 expression reached a peak at 3 days after fractures, gradualy reduced, increased at 14 days (the second peak), and diminished at 28 days in the salvia miltiorrhiza bone-setting capsule group and physiological saline group. The expression trend of transforming growth factor beta 1 was consistent in the salvia miltiorrhiza bone-setting capsule group and physiological saline group. At 7, 14 and 28 days, the transforming growth factor beta 1 expression was higher in the salvia miltiorrhiza bone-setting capsule group than in the physiological saline group. (4) Results showed that salvia miltiorrhiza bone-setting capsule could promote fracture healing, and its mechanism was probably associated with serum osteocalcin, the expression of colagen type I and transforming growth factor-β1.

Learning and Memory Capacity and NMDA Receptor Expression in Shen Deficiency Constitution Rats / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore material bases and neurobiological mechanisms of "Shen storing will" by observing learning and memory capacities and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor expressions in Shen deficiency constitution (SDC) rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 40 SD rats were randomly divided into the model group, the Zuogui Pill (ZP) group, the Yougui Pill (YP) group, the blank control group (consisting of normal pregnant rats), 10 in each group. SDC young rat model (inherent deficiency and postnatal malnutrition) was prepared by the classic way of "cat scaring rat". Medication started when they were scared by cat. Rats in the ZP group and the YP group were administered by gastrogavage with ZP suspension 0.1875 g/mL and YP suspension 0.0938 g/mL respectively. Equal volume of normal saline was administered to rats in the blank control group and the model group by gastrogavage. All medication was given once per day, 5 days in a week for 2 consecutive months. Learning and memory capacities were detected by Morris water maze test. Expressions of NMDA receptor subunits NR2A and NR2B in hippocamus were detected by immunohistochemical method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the blank control group, the latency period, total distance in Morris water maze test were longer in the model group (P < 0.05). All the aforesaid indices all decreased in the ZP group and the YP group, with statistical difference when compared with the model group (P < 0.05). The protein expressions of NR2A and NR2B in hippocamus were lower in the model group than in the blank control group (P < 0.05). But when compared with the model group, they were obviously higher in the ZP group and the YP group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>SDC rats had degenerated learning and memory capacities and lowered NMDA receptor expressions. ZP and YP could up-regulate learning and memory capacities and NMDA receptor expressions, thereby improving deterioration of brain functions in SDC rats.</p>

Ultrasonographic observation of the breast in early postmenopausal women during therapy with Cimicifuga foetida extract and sequential therapy with estrogen and progestin / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>It is now recognized that Cimicifuga foetida (C. foetida) extract is effective in alleviating menopausal symptoms. But the durations reported were usually short. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of C. foetida extract therapy and different estrogen and progesterone sequential therapies, on the breasts of early postmenopausal women.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This was a prospective randomized trial. Ninety-six early menopausal women were recruited and randomly assigned into three groups treated with different therapies for 2 years. Patients were given C. foetida extract in Group A, estradiol valerate and medroxyprogesterone acetate in Group B, and estradiol valerate and progesterone in Group C. Ultrasonography was used to monitor changes in breast during treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In comparing breast glandular section thickness before and after 1 and 2 years of treatment, no significant difference was observed in Group A (11.97 ± 2.84 mm vs. 12.09 ± 2.58 mm and 12.61 ± 3.73 mm, P > 0.05); in Group B glandular section thickness had increased significantly (10.98 ± 2.34 mm vs. 11.84 ± 2.72 mm and 11.90 ± 3.33 mm, P < 0.05) after treatment, the same as Group C (11.56 ± 3.03 mm vs. 12.5 ± 3.57 mm and 12.22 ± 4.39 mm P < 0.05). In comparing breast duct width before and after 1 and 2 years of treatment, no significant difference was seen in Group A (1.07 ± 0.19 mm vs. 1.02 ± 0.18 mm and 0.98 ± 0.21 mm, P > 0.05); in Group B the duct width had a downward trend after treatment (0.99 ± 0.14 mm vs. 0.96 ± 0.22 mm and 0.90 ± 0.18 mm, P < 0.05), the same as Group C (1.07 ± 0.20 mm vs. 1.02 ± 0.17 mm and 0.91 ± 0.19 mm, P < 0.05). The nodules detected before treatment had disappeared after 1-year of treatment or exhibited no distinct changes in the three groups. However, new breast nodules had appeared after 2 years of treatment: There was one case in Group A, two cases in Group B and four cases in Group C, with breast hyperplasia after the molybdenum target check.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>In early postmenopausal patients, C. foetida extract therapy and estrogen and progesterone therapy at low doses did not increase the incidence of malignant breast tumors.</p>

A multicenter, randomized, double-blind clinical study on Wufuxinnaoqing Soft Capsule () in treatment of chronic stable angina patients with blood stasis syndrome / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To confirm the efficacy and safety of Wufuxinnaoqing Soft Capsule (, WSC) in the treatment of chronic stable angina (blood stasis syndrome).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with superiority test was designed. A total of 240 patients with chronic stable angina (blood stasis syndrome) from multiple centers were randomly and equally assigned to the treatment group and the control group. Based on standard treatment of Western medicine, the treatment group was given WSC, while the control group was given WSC mimetic, both for 12 weeks. Observed indicators included the efficacy in angina, the efficacy in Chinese medicine syndrome, the withdrawal or reduce rate of nitroglycerin and routine safety indices.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After 12-week treatment, the significant effective rate and total effective rate of the treatment group were significantly better than those of the control group (23.5% vs. 9.2%, 64.7% vs. 30.8%), respectively, with statistically significant difference (P<0.01). After 12-week treatment, the decreased points and the decreased rate of angina symptom score in the treatment group were better than in the control group (5.1±4.2 points vs. 2.8±3.5 points, 44.9%±37.2% vs. 25.4%±30.7%) respectively, with significant difference (P<0.01). After 12-week treatment, the significant effective rate and total effective rate of the treatment group were better than the control group (respectively, 30.3% vs. 15.0%, 67.2% vs. 45.0%,P<0.01). After 8- or 12-week treatment, the decreased points and the decreased rate of Chinese medicine syndrome score in the treatment group were better than the control group (P<0.05 orP<0.01). After 12-week treatment, nitroglycerin withdrawal rate and the withdrawal or reduce rate in treatment group were better than the control group (P<0.01). On safety evaluation, the incidence of adverse events (7.563% vs. 7.500%) and the incidence of cardiovascular events (0.840% vs. 0.000%) in the treatment group were similar with the control group, and the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In treatment of chronic stable angina (blood stasis syndrome), WSC can reduce angina attacks and consumption of nitroglycerin, decrease angina severity degree, effectively relieve the blood stasis syndromes, such as chest pain, chest tightness, palpitations, dark purple tongue and other symptoms. Besides, adverse events and cardiovascular adverse events in the treatment group and the control group showed no difference. All shows that the drug is safe and effective. [This study was registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR), with registration number: ChiCTR-TRC-14005158.].</p>