Yiqi Yangjing recipe stimulates apoptosis while suppressing the energy metabolism via under-expression of PFKFB3 in A549 cells.

Background: Lung cancer is a malignant tumor associated with high morbidity and mortality. Yiqi Yangjing recipe (YYR) is a formula of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that is commonly used for the treatment of lung cancer with good clinical efficacy. The specific anti-cancer mechanism of YYR is still unknown. We need to embark on a more in-depth pharmacological study of YYR to determine the complex compound ingredients, which could be promoted in clinical practice to achieve efficacy in prolonging recurrent metastasis of lung cancer. Methods: The cytotoxic effects of YYR on A549 cells were evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The PFKFB3-under-expressed and overexpressed A549 cell lines were constructed via PFK15 treatment and transfection, respectively. The effects of YYR on PFKFB3 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression were detected by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot. The pro-apoptotic and anti-glycolytic abilities of YYR were measured using flow cytometry assay and hippocampal XF96 extracellular flux analyzer. An in vivo tumorigenicity assay was performed on nude mice to confirm the anti-cancer effects of YYR. Results: YYR has a noticeable cytotoxic activity on A549 cells, with the treatment with both YYR and PFK15 significantly inducing apoptosis. YYR and PFK15 treatment reduced the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in A549 cells. Similar to PFK15, YYR can down-regulate PFKFB3 expression, and PFKFB3 overexpression suppressed the apoptosis, which was reversed by YYR. Animal experiments confirmed that YYR was able to inhibit tumor growth, induce tumor cell apoptosis, and down-regulate PFKFB3 in tumor tissues. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that YYR promoted lung cancer cell apoptosis and inhibited energy metabolism by targeting PFKFB3. Furthermore, we believe that YYR may be a suitable supplement or alternative drug for lung cancer treatment.

Comparison of Therapeutic Effects Between Arthroscopic Debridement and Olecranon Fossa Augmentation Plasty for Elbow Osteoarthritis.

Aim: To compare the efficacy of arthroscopic debridement and olecranon fossa augmentation plasty in patients with elbow osteoarthritis. Methods: Eighty-four patients with elbow osteoarthritis admitted to our hospital were randomly divided into two groups with 42 cases in each group. Patients in the control group received expanded olecranon fossa plasty, while those in the observation group underwent arthroscopic debridement. Then the elbow joint function, VAS score, stress level, and incidence of complications were compared between the two groups. Results: The MEPS score, ROM level, and VAS score, as well as the expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and ACTH between the two groups, were significantly different before and after surgery (P < .05). Moreover, compared to patients in the control group, the MEPS score and ROM level of patients in the observation group were higher than those in the control group after six months since surgery, while VAS score, the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and ACTH were lower on the second day after surgery (P < .05). Conclusion: Arthroscopic cleaning is more helpful in improving elbow joint function and alleviating pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the elbow compared to olecranon fossa augmentation and reconstruction surgery.

Network Pharmacology-based Strategy to Investigate Pharmacological Mechanisms of Qingbutongluo Pill for Treatment of Brucellosis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Qingbutongluo pill (QBTLP), a Chinese herbal preparation, has been developed to treat brucellosis for many years with a good therapeutic effect. This study preliminarily explored its potential molecular mechanisms against brucellosis through network pharmacology. METHODS: The active ingredients of QBTLP were screened out mainly from the Traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform (TCMSP), and their potential targets were predicted through the PubChem database and Swiss Target Prediction platform. GeneCards, DisGeNET Digsee and the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) searched the targets corresponding to brucellosis. Then, the Venn diagram obtained intersection targets of QBTLP and diseases. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis was performed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes database (STRING) and visualized in Cytoscape software. Module analysis of the PPI network and core target identification was performed using the Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) and the Cytohubba plugins. The Metascape data platform was used to perform Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis on the intersection targets, and then the "active ingredientstargets- pathways" network was constructed using Cytoscape to screen key active ingredients. RESULTS: 19 key active ingredients were identified by network pharmacological, including Baicalein, Cryptopin, etc. The core targets of QBTLP for treating brucellosis contained TNF, TLR4, MAPK3, MAPK1, MAPK8, MAPK14, MMP9, etc. And the main pathways included the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, Th17 cell differentiation, and IL-17 signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: This study explored the mechanisms of QBTLP for treating brucellosis, which may provide a scientific basis for the clinical application of QBTLP.

Progress in Traditional Chinese Medicine Against Respiratory Viruses: A Review.

Respiratory viruses, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-1, SARS-CoV-2, influenza A viruses, and respiratory syncytial virus, pose a serious threat to society. Based on the guiding principles of "holism" and "syndrome differentiation and treatment", traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has unique advantages in the treatment of respiratory virus diseases owing to the synergistic effect of multiple components and targets, which prevents drug resistance from arising. According to TCM theory, there are two main strategies in antiviral treatments, namely "dispelling evil" and "fu zheng". Dispelling evil corresponds to the direct inhibition of virus growth and fu zheng corresponds to immune regulation, inflammation control, and tissue protection in the host. In this review, current progress in using TCMs against respiratory viruses is summarized according to modern biological theories. The prospects for developing TCMs against respiratory viruses is discussed to provide a reference for the research and development of innovative TCMs with multiple components, multiple targets, and low toxicity.

Study on the mechanism of the Modified Ginseng-Schisandra Decoction (MGSD) in the treatment of recurrent respiratory tract infection (RRTI) based on network pharmacology.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of Modified Ginseng-Schisandra Decoction in the treatment of recurrent respiratory tract infection (RRTI) using network pharmacology. METHODS: To screen the active ingredients of A Modified Ginseng-Schisandra Decoction, TCMSP, TCMID, Batman-TCM and PubChem database were applied. To predict the targets of active ingredients on RRTI, TCMSP, Pubmed, OMIM, Drug Bank, GAD and TTD database were used. The compounds-therapeutic target network was constructed with Cytoscape 3.7.2 software. The STRING database was used to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis was used to identify potential signal pathways. RESULTS: The 3 main active ingredients of Modified Ginseng-Schisandra Decoction obtained by screening were quercetin, kaempferol, and isoflavone; the main therapeutic targets were PTGS2, ESR1, AR, PPARG, NOS2, and others. Based on the PPI network, we found that the targets of Modified Ginseng-Schisandra Decoction were significantly enriched in (FDR <0.01) cancer pathway, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1) signaling pathway, and others. CONCLUSIONS: Modified Ginseng-Schisandra Decoction can treat RRTI primarily through acting in the signal transduction of some key nodes of cancer pathway and TNF pathway. It exerts a direct or indirect influence on multiple signaling pathways, and has the characteristics of multicomponent, multitarget, and multichannel action.

Clinical observation of the effect of modified Ginseng-Schisandra decoction (MGSD) on trace elements and immune function in children with spleen deficiency syndrome after recurrent respiratory tract infection (RRTI): a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent respiratory tract infection (RRTI) is common disease in childhood, and the incidence rate is increasing in China. The cause is complex, which is related to the physiological characteristics of children's respiratory system and the immature immune function, lack of trace elements and environmental pollution. Immunomodulators and antibiotics are often used to treat RRTI, but the clinical efficacy still needs to be improved. Chinese medicine has unique advantages in the treatment of RRTI. In the clinical treatment of RRTI, the authors often use modified Ginseng-Schisandra decoction (MGSD). In order to study the clinical effect of MGSD on serum trace elements and immune function in children with spleen deficiency syndrome after RRTI, we conducted this clinical observation. METHODS: This is a single-center randomized trial with two parallel groups. Eighty children who developed spleen deficiency syndrome following RRTI were randomly and equally divided into a control group and an observation group. The control group was given Medilac-vita and the observation group was given MGSD. The participants, care givers, and those assessing the outcomes were blinded to group assignment. The treatment course was 4 weeks. Clinical efficacy, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, humoral immunity, and trace element index values before and after treatment were compared between the two groups of children. RESULTS: The trial was finished. The total effective rate of the observation group (n=40, 95%) was significantly higher than control group (n=40, 65%) (P<0.05). After treatment, the TCM syndrome scores of the two groups were reduced compared to those before treatment, while the serum immunoglobulin A and G levels were increased (P<0.05); however, the observation group had significantly lower TCM syndrome scores than the control group. Significant improvements in serum immunoglobulins (IgA and IgG) levels, T lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+), and trace elements (Zn and Fe) indicators were observed in the observation group compared to the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The application of MGSD in the treatment of children with spleen deficiency syndrome after RRTI has a definite clinical effect. MGSD can effectively improve the immune function of the patients and the content of the trace elements iron and zinc, and thus has potential value for promotion and application. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100047128.

Zhengyuan capsule for the treatment of cancer-related fatigue in lung cancer patients undergoing operation: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Zhengyuan capsule () when treating Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in lung cancer patients undergoing surgical operation. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a single-center, double-blinded, prospective, and randomized controlled trial in the Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated into two groups: a treatment group receiving an 8-week Zhengyuan capsule regimen therapy and a control group receiving an 8-week placebo capsule regimen therapy. Evaluation will be carried out at four timelines: the participants' screening period, baseline period, the middle of the intervention period, and the end of the intervention period. The primary outcome assessment is fatigue scoring using the Cancer Fatigue Scale (CFS) measurement system. Secondary measurements include fatigue severity assessment using the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory-Short Form (MFSI-SF) measurement system, Traditional Chinese Medicine syndrome pattern differentiation, levels of immunologic indicators (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1, T lymphocytes subsets and B lymphocyte subsets), patient's pulmonary function, performance status scale (PS), self-rating scale of sleep (SRSS), and adverse events (AEs). DISCUSSION: The trial results can provide efficacy and safety data of Zhengyuan capsule when treating CRF in clinic. The data can also be imported into the management and treatment guidelines for CRF in lung cancer patients undergoing operation throughout China.

Identifying potential treatments of COVID-19 from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) by using a data-driven approach.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been widely used as an approach worldwide. Chinese Medicines (CMs) had been used to treat and prevent viral infection pneumonia diseases for thousands of years and had accumulated a large number of clinical experiences and effective prescriptions. AIM OF THE STUDY: This research aimed to systematically excavate the classical prescriptions of Chinese Medicine (CM), which have been used to prevent and treat Pestilence (Wenbing, Wenyi, Shiyi or Yibing) for long history in China, to obtain the potential prescriptions and ingredients to alternatively treat COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We developed the screening system based on data mining, molecular docking and network pharmacology. Data mining and association network were used to mine the high-frequency herbs and formulas from ancient prescriptions. Virtual screening for the effective components of high frequency CMs and compatibility Chinese Medicine was explored by a molecular docking approach. Furthermore, network pharmacology method was used to preliminarily uncover the molecule mechanism. RESULTS: 574 prescriptions were obtained from 96,606 classical prescriptions with the key words to treat "Warm diseases (Wenbing)", "Pestilence (Wenyi or Yibing)" or "Epidemic diseases (Shiyi)". Meanwhile, 40 kinds of CMs, 36 CMs-pairs, 6 triple-CMs-groups existed with high frequency among the 574 prescriptions. Additionally, the key targets of SARS-COV-2, namely 3CL hydrolase (Mpro) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2), were used to dock the main ingredients from the 40 kinds by the LigandFitDock method. A total of 66 compounds components with higher frequency were docked with the COVID-19 targets, which were distributed in 26 kinds of CMs, among which Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix Et Rhizoma), HuangQin (Scutellariae Radix), Dahuang (Rhei Radix Et Rhizome) and Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix) contain more potential compounds. Network pharmacology results showed that Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix Et Rhizoma) and HuangQin (Scutellariae Radix) CMs-pairs could also interact with the targets involving in immune and inflammation diseases. CONCLUSIONS: These results we obtained probably provided potential candidate CMs formulas or active ingredients to overcome COVID-19. Prospectively, animal experiment and rigorous clinic studies are needed to confirm the potential preventive and treat effect of these CMs and compounds.

[Acupuncture ameliorates negative emotion in PCOS patients: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and possible mechanism of acupuncture treatment for negative emotion in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: A total of 40 PCOS patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 20 cases in each one. Both groups received lifestyle interventions (exercise and diet guidance) on the 5th day of menstruation. On the basis of above treatment, the patients in the observation group received acupuncture at Guanyuan (CV 4), Zhongwan (CV 12), Guilai (ST 29), Futu (ST 32), Liangqiu (ST 34), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Zusanli (ST 36), Hegu (LI 4), Shenmen (HT 7), Baihui (GV 20) as the main acupoints, and connected the electroacupuncture (continuous wave, 2 Hz, 30 min), once every other day, 3 times a week. The treatment for 1 month was as one course and 4 courses were required totally in both groups. Before and after treatment, the body mass index (BMI), ferriman-gallway (F-G) score, self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) score, self-rating depression scale (SDS) score, PCOS health-related quality of life questionnaire (PCOSQ) score were observed, meanwhile, serum sex hormone, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen (E2), progestin (P), prolactin (PRL), testosterone (T), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and free androgen index (FAI) levels, and serumß-endorphin levels were detected. RESULTS: Compared with before treatment, the BMI, F-G score, SAS score, SDS score and serum FAI level were decreased and the PCOSQ score and the levels of serum SHBG andß-endorphin were increased in the observation group after treatment (all P<0.05). Compared with before treatment, the SDS score was decreased in the control group after treatment (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the F-G score, SDS score, SAS score, and serum FAI level were lower, and the PCOSQ score and serumß-endorphin level were higher in the observation group after treatment (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Applying acupuncture to the treatment of patients with PCOS can effectively relieve anxiety and depression, and the mechanism may be related to the regulation on the levels of serumß-endorphin and androgen.

[Effect of N2O produced by indigenous denitrifiers in oil reservoir on the physical properties of crude oil]. / 油藏本源反硝化功能菌的产气作用(N2O)及对原油物性的影响.

The success of microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR) relies on complex microbial processes. Nevertheless, the contribution and mechanism of in-situ denitrification to microbial oil recovery remain unclear. In this study, eight denitrifying bacterial strains, designated T1, D1, D44, D46, D15, S1, S2 and S6, were isolated from the produced water of Xinjiang Oilfield, China, by a double layered plate method. The16S rDNA gene sequences of these denitrifying strains shared 100% similarity with Pseudomonas stutzeri (T1, D1, and D44), Pseudomonas putida (D46 and D15), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (S1, S2, S6), respectively. The N2O production effects of these strains on the physical properties of crude oil were evaluated with batch experiment. Results showed that the highest total gas yield was observed with sucrose as carbon source, and the maximal concentration of N2O occurred with glycerol as carbon source. The denitrification process by these bacterial strains led to volume expansion and viscosity reduction of crude oil. Crude oil expansion rate was positively correlated with the concentration of N2O, with a correlation coefficient of 0.983, but not correlated with the volume of total gas production. Strain S1, S2, and S6 produced 530-730 mg·L-1 of surfactant using glycerol as ole carbon source, which could reduce surface tension and emulsify crude oil. However, these surfactant-producing strains produced less N2O, exhibited weaker effects on oil swelling and viscosity reduction, compared to the none-surfactant-producing denitrifying strains. Our results suggested that more attention should be paid to the ability of N2O production by denitrifying bacteria when exploiting microbial resources towards enhancing oil recovery.

Isosibiricin inhibits microglial activation by targeting the dopamine D1/D2 receptor-dependent NLRP3/caspase-1 inflammasome pathway.

Microglia-mediated neuroinflammation is a crucial risk factor for neurological disorders. Recently, dopamine receptors have been found to be involved in multiple immunopathological processes and considered as valuable therapeutic targets for inflammation-associated neurologic diseases. In this study we investigated the anti-neuroinflammation effect of isosibiricin, a natural coumarin compound isolated from medicinal plant Murraya exotica. We showed that isosibiricin (10-50 µM) dose-dependently inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BV-2 microglia activation, evidenced by the decreased expression of inflammatory mediators, including nitrite oxide (NO), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and interleukin-18 (IL-18). By using transcriptomics coupled with bioinformatics analysis, we revealed that isosibiricin treatment mainly affect dopamine receptor signalling pathway. We further demonstrated that isosibiricin upregulated the expression of dopamine D1/2 receptors in LPS-treated BV-2 cells, resulting in inhibitory effect on nucleotide binding domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/caspase-1 inflammasome pathway. Treatment with dopamine D1/2 receptor antagonists SCH 23390 (1 µM) or sultopride (1 µM) could reverse the inhibitory effects of isosibiricin on NLRP3 expression as well as the cleavages of caspase-1 and IL-1ß. Collectively, this study demonstrates a promising therapeutic strategy for neuroinflammation by targeting dopamine D1/2 receptors.

Acupuncture ameliorates negative emotion in PCOS patients: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the effectiveness and possible mechanism of acupuncture treatment for negative emotion in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).@*METHODS@#A total of 40 PCOS patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 20 cases in each one. Both groups received lifestyle interventions (exercise and diet guidance) on the 5th day of menstruation. On the basis of above treatment, the patients in the observation group received acupuncture at Guanyuan (CV 4), Zhongwan (CV 12), Guilai (ST 29), Futu (ST 32), Liangqiu (ST 34), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Zusanli (ST 36), Hegu (LI 4), Shenmen (HT 7), Baihui (GV 20) as the main acupoints, and connected the electroacupuncture (continuous wave, 2 Hz, 30 min), once every other day, 3 times a week. The treatment for 1 month was as one course and 4 courses were required totally in both groups. Before and after treatment, the body mass index (BMI), ferriman-gallway (F-G) score, self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) score, self-rating depression scale (SDS) score, PCOS health-related quality of life questionnaire (PCOSQ) score were observed, meanwhile, serum sex hormone, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen (E), progestin (P), prolactin (PRL), testosterone (T), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and free androgen index (FAI) levels, and serumβ-endorphin levels were detected.@*RESULTS@#Compared with before treatment, the BMI, F-G score, SAS score, SDS score and serum FAI level were decreased and the PCOSQ score and the levels of serum SHBG andβ-endorphin were increased in the observation group after treatment (all <0.05). Compared with before treatment, the SDS score was decreased in the control group after treatment (<0.05). Compared with the control group, the F-G score, SDS score, SAS score, and serum FAI level were lower, and the PCOSQ score and serumβ-endorphin level were higher in the observation group after treatment (all <0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Applying acupuncture to the treatment of patients with PCOS can effectively relieve anxiety and depression, and the mechanism may be related to the regulation on the levels of serumβ-endorphin and androgen.

Exploration of the mechanisms of Ge Gen Decoction against influenza A virus infection.

Ge Gen Decoction (GGD), a Traditional Chinese Medicine prescription, is mainly used to treat infectious respiratory diseases and can relieve the symptoms of influenza A virus (IAV) infection. However, the underlying mechanism of GGD against IAV infection remains unclear. In this study, we found that GGD had moderate anti-IAV activity in vitro. GGD was more effective when given before the viral infection and targeted the viral attachment and replication stages rather than the internalization stage. In vivo, GGD treatment reduced thevirus titers of lung tissue significantly and improved the survival rate, lung index, and pulmonary histopathological changes in H1N1-infected mice. We observed the changes in several key immuno-related indexes in GGD administrated H1N1-infected mice with anti-IAV drug oseltamivir phosphate as the control. GGD treatment decreased the expression of TNF-α and improved Th1/Th2 immune balance to reduce the excessive immune response in H1N1-infected mice. Besides, the expression of the toll-like receptor 7 signaling pathway in H1N1-infected mice decreased after GGD treatment. Our results showed that GGD has anti-IAV activity and can modulate the immune system to relieve lung inflammation.

Diversity of O-Glycosyltransferases Contributes to the Biosynthesis of Flavonoid and Triterpenoid Glycosides in Glycyrrhiza uralensis.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) is a popular medicinal plant containing more than 70 flavonoid and triterpenoid glycosides. Thus far, only a few reports are available on the glycosylation enzymes involved in their biosynthesis. In this work, we mined the transcriptome data of G. uralensis and discovered 43 candidate genes for O-glycosyltransferase (O-GT). Among them, 17 genes could be expressed in E. coli, and functions of the enzymes were analyzed by catalyzing eight native substrates. As a result, we characterized 11 O-GTs, including isoflavone 7-O-GTs, flavonol 3-O-GTs, and promiscuous O-GTs catalyzing flavones, chalcones, and triterpenoids. They could efficiently synthesize key licorice compounds such as liquiritin, isoliquiritin, ononin, and 3-O-ß-d-glucuronosyl glycyrrhetinic acid. The diversity of O-GTs contributes to the biosynthesis of various glycosides in licorice. These enzymes could also be used as biocatalytic tools to synthesize other bioactive O-glycosides.

Tooth-Marked Tongue Recognition Using Multiple Instance Learning and CNN Features.

Tooth-marked tongue or crenated tongue can provide valuable diagnostic information for traditional Chinese Medicine doctors. However, tooth-marked tongue recognition is challenging. The characteristics of different tongues are multiform and have a great amount of variations, such as different colors, different shapes, and different types of teeth marks. The regions of teeth mark only appear along the lateral borders. Most existing methods make use of concave regions information to classify the tooth-marked tongue which leads to inconstant performance when the region of teeth mark is not concave. In this paper, we try to solve these problems by proposing a three-stage approach which first makes use of concavity information to propose the suspected regions, then use a convolutional neural network to extract deep features and at last use a multiple-instance classifier to make the final decision. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Advance in quality assessment of Chinese materia medica using microscopic and morphological methods.

Quality evaluation plays a vital role in ensuring safety and effectiveness of Chinese materia medica (CMM). Microscopic and morphological technologies can be used to distinguish CMM's characteristics, such as shape, size, texture, section, and smell, for authenticity and quality control of CMM. The microscopic and morphological applications of novel micro-technology, colorimeter, and texture analyzer for CMM identification are summarized and the future prospect is discussed in this paper. Various styles and complex sources of CMM are systemically reviewed, including cormophyte medicinal materials, fruit and seeds, pollen grain, and spore materials.

Effects of Preoperative Isokinetic Eccentric Training and Whey Protein Isolate Supplement on Quadriceps Strength and Knee Function in Patients with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture.

Objective To explore the effect of preoperative isokinetic eccentric training with or not whey protein isolate supplement before operation on lower limb muscle strength and knee function in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. Methods A total of 22 male volunteers aged 18-40 years with ACL rupture were recruited in outpatient service. With randomized block design,subjects were randomly assigned to isokinetic eccentric training (IE) group and isokinetic eccentric training with whey protein isolate supplement (IE+WPI) group. The IE group received isokinetic eccentric training of the injured limb on an isokinetic dynamometer under the guidance of physiatrist in laboratory before operation. There were 3-4 sets per day with 8-10 repetitions for each set,twice a week,with at least one day between sessions. The IE+WPI group were supplied with whey protein isolate 22 g per day on the basis of isokinetic eccentric training,taking breakfast or 30-60 minutes after the training. The intervention lasted for 6 weeks. Isokinetic muscle strength of limbs,the function and laxity of knee,the circumferences of thigh and knee,and the body composition were measured before and after the treatment. Results Compared with baseline,the peak torque (PT) of isokinetic-eccentric contraction (IE group:41.0%,P=0.018;IE+WPI group:46.7%,P=0.008) and the concentric contraction (IE group:29.6%,P=0.018;IE+WPI group:38.9%,P=0.038) of quadriceps in the two training groups significantly increased after isokinetic eccentric training. The Lysholm score increased significantly in IE+WPI group compared with baseline (P=0.018). Conclusions Isokinetic eccentric training before operation for ACL rupture patients can increase the strength of quadriceps and improve the function of knees. Protein isolate supplement can improve such effect.

Isolation and characterization of a crude oil degrading bacteria from formation water: comparative genomic analysis of environmental Ochrobactrum intermedium isolate versus clinical strains.

In this study, we isolated an environmental clone of Ochrobactrum intermedium, strain 2745-2, from the formation water of Changqing oilfield in Shanxi, China, which can degrade crude oil. Strain 2745-2 is aerobic and rod-shaped with optimum growth at 42 °C and pH 5.5. We sequenced the genome and found a single chromosome of 4 800 175 bp, with a G+C content of 57.63%. Sixty RNAs and 4737 protein-coding genes were identified: many of the genes are responsible for the degradation, emulsification, and metabolizing of crude oil. A comparative genomic analysis with related clinical strains (M86, 229E, and LMG3301(T)) showed that genes involved in virulence, disease, defense, phages, prophages, transposable elements, plasmids, and antibiotic resistance are also present in strain 2745-2.

[Study on Inhibitory Effect of Aqueous Extract of Taxus Chinensis var. mairei Combined Erlotnib on A549 Xenograft in Nude Mice and Its Mechanism].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of aqueous extract of Taxus chinensis var. mairei (AETC) combined Erlotnib on the growth of A549 xenograft in nude mice and its mechanism. METHODS: The xenograft model in nude mice was established by inoculating A549 cells subcutaneously. BALB/c nude mice bearing A549 xenograft were randomly divided into six groups, i.e., the low dose Erlotinib group (A) , the standard dose Erlotnib group (B) , the low dose Erlotinib combined AETC group (C), the standard dose Erlotnib combined AETC group (D), the AETC group (E), the control group (F), 12 in each group. Different medication was performed for 7 successive weeks after 24 h. One mL blood was withdrawn and tumor tissues taken. The tumor inhibition rate was calculated. The combined effect was analyzed by Jin's Formula [Q = Ea + b/(Ea + Eb-Ea x Eb) ]. mRNA and protein expression levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) in xenografts were detected using real-time RT-PCR and ELISA. RESULTS: Compared with Group F, the xenograft weight was obviously lowered in Group B-E (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The q value was 0.92 in Group C and 0.96 in Group D, which was obtained by simple adding of the two drugs. Compared with Group F, EG- FR mRNA expression in Group D and E, COX-2 mRNA expression in Group A-E; Bcl-2 mRNA expression in Group B-D; COX-2 protein expression in Group B-E; Bcl-2 protein expression in Group C and D were obviously lowered with statistical difference (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: AETC combined low dose and standard dose Erlotinib had synergistic effect on tumor inhibition. Its mechanism might be associated with down-regulating mRNA and protein expression levels of COX-2 and Bcl-2.