Effects of dietary Astragalus membranaceus and Codonopsis pilosula extracts on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune status, and intestinal health in broilers.

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of dietary Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) consisting of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge (AMT) and Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf (CPO) extracts on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune status, and intestinal health of broiler chickens. Two groups were formed, each consisting of six replicates of 12 one-day-old healthy male 817 white feather broilers. Broilers were fed either a basal diet (CON group) or a basal diet supplemented with 500 mg/kg CHM. The trial lasted 50 days. The results showed that CHM supplementation resulted in enhanced feed efficiency and antioxidant capacity in both the serum and liver, while it reduced uric acid and endotoxin levels, as well as diamine oxidase activity (p < 0.05). Additionally, CHM treatment increased the height of jejunum villi and upregulated Claudin-1 expression in the jejunal mucosa accompanied by an increase in the mRNA levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interferon-ß (IFN-ß), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) (p < 0.05). The presence of dietary CHM caused an increase in the proportions of Bacteroidetes and unclassified Bacteroidales but led to a decrease in those of Firmicutes and Alistipes (p < 0.05). The composition of the jejunal mucosa microbiota was correlated with the feed conversion ratio, serum metabolites, and gene expression based on Spearman correlation analysis. The findings indicated that the consumption of dietary CHM improved the utilization of feed, increased the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the jejunal mucosa, and decreased the endotoxin level and activities of diamine oxidase and lactate dehydrogenase in the serum, which could potentially be linked to changes in the gut microbiota of broiler chickens.

Prediction of knee joint pain in Tai Chi practitioners: a cross-sectional machine learning approach.

OBJECTIVE: To build a supervised machine learning-based classifier, which can accurately predict whether Tai Chi practitioners may experience knee pain after years of exercise. DESIGN: A prospective approach was used. Data were collected using face-to-face through a self-designed questionnaire. SETTING: Single centre in Shanghai, China. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1750 Tai Chi practitioners with a course of Tai Chi exercise over 5 years were randomly selected. MEASURES: All participants were measured by a questionnaire survey including personal information, Tai Chi exercise pattern and Irrgang Knee Outcome Survey Activities of Daily Living Scale. The validity of the questionnaire was analysed by logical analysis and test, and the reliability of this questionnaire was mainly tested by a re-test method. Dataset 1 was established by whether the participant had knee pain, and dataset 2 by whether the participant's knee pain affected daily living function. Then both datasets were randomly assigned to a training and validating dataset and a test dataset in a ratio of 7:3. Six machine learning algorithms were selected and trained by our dataset. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the performance of the trained models, which determined the best prediction model. RESULTS: A total of 1703 practitioners completed the questionnaire and 47 were eliminated for lack of information. The total reliability of the scale is 0.94 and the KMO (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy) value of the scale validity was 0.949 (>0.7). The CatBoost algorithm-based machine-learning model achieved the best predictive performance in distinguishing practitioners with different degrees of knee pain after Tai Chi practice. 'Having knee pain before Tai Chi practice', 'knee joint warm-up' and 'duration of each exercise' are the top three factors associated with pain after Tai Chi exercise in the model. 'Having knee pain before Tai Chi practice', 'Having Instructor' and 'Duration of each exercise' were most relevant to whether pain interfered with daily life in the model. CONCLUSION: CatBoost-based machine learning classifier accurately predicts knee pain symptoms after practicing Tai Chi. This study provides an essential reference for practicing Tai Chi scientifically to avoid knee pain.

Analgesic Effect of Tuina on Rat Models with Compression of the Dorsal Root Ganglion Pain.

Neuropathic pain is a prevalent condition that affects 6.9%-10% of the population and results from nerve damage due to various etiologies, such as lumbar disc herniation, spinal canal stenosis, and intervertebral foramen stenosis. Although Tuina, a traditional Chinese manual therapy, has shown analgesic effects in clinical practice for the treatment of neuropathic pain, its underlying neurobiological mechanisms remain unclear. Animal models are essential for elucidating the basic principles of Tuina. In this study, we propose a standardized Tuina protocol for rats with compression of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG), which involves inducing DRG compression by inserting a stainless steel rod into the intervertebral foramen, performing Tuina manipulation with specific parameters of location, intensity, and frequency in a controlled environment, and assessing the behavioral and histopathological outcomes of Tuina treatment. This article also discusses the potential clinical implications and limitations of the study and suggests directions for future research on Tuina.

Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoints Stimulation Improves Spontaneous Voiding Recovery After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Facilitating the recurrence of spontaneous voiding is considered to be a way to prevent urinary retention after surgery, which is of great importance in cholecystectomy. This study aimed to assess the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on spontaneous voiding recovery after laparoscopic cholecystectom. METHODS: Participants who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly assigned to either the TEAS group or the sham group. Active TEAS or sham TEAS at specific acupuncture points was conducted intraoperatively and postoperatively. The primary outcome was the recovery speed of spontaneous voiding ability after surgery and secondary outcomes included postoperative urinary retention (POUR), voiding dysfunction, pain, anxiety and depression, and early recovery after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 1,948 participants were recruited and randomized to TEAS (n = 975) or sham (n = 973) between August 2018 and June 2020. TEAS shortens the time delay of the first spontaneous voiding after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (5.6 h [IQR, 3.7-8.1 h] in the TEAS group vs 7.0 h [IQR, 4.7-9.7 h] in the sham group) (p < 0.001). The TEAS group experienced less POUR (p = 0.020), less voiding difficulty (p < 0.001), less anxiety and depression (p < 0.001), reduced pain (p = 0.007), and earlier ambulation (p = 0.01) than the sham group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that TEAS is an effective approach to accelerate the recovery of spontaneous voiding and reduce POUR which facilitates recovery for patients after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Research progress of quality control for the seed of Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa (Bunge) Hu ex H.F. Chow (Suan-Zao-Ren) and its proprietary Chinese medicines.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Semen Ziziphi Spinosae (SZS), the seed of Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa (Bunge) Hu ex H.F. Chow (Chinese name Suan-Zao-Ren), is widely distributed in China, Laos, Myanmar, and Iran. It is a classic traditional Chinese medicine with sedative and sleeping effects. In clinical practice, there are more than 155 proprietary Chinese medicines containing SZS. However, many commercial SZS products are difficult to qualify using current methods. Moreover, there is a scarcity of quality standards for SZS in proprietary Chinese medicines. AIM OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study was to clearly reveal the quality indicators during the entire production process of SZS and its products. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study reviewed more than 230 articles and related books on the quality control of SZS and its proprietary Chinese medicines published over the last 40 years (from January 1979 to October 2022). Moreover, where available, information on the quality of SZS and its proprietary Chinese medicines was also collected from websites for comparison, including online publications (e.g. PubMed, CNKI, Google Scholar, and Web of Science), the information at Yaozhi website and China Medical Information Platform, along with some classic books on Chinese herbal medicine. The literature and information search were conducted using keywords such as "Suan-Zao-Ren", " Ziziphus jujuba" and "quality control", and the latest results from various databases were combined to obtain valid information. The active components, which in vivo exposure, and Q-markers were also summarized. RESULTS: The jujuboside A, jujuboside B, and spinosin were revealed as the key Q-markers for SZS. Moreover, the advancements and prospects of the quality control for SZS and its extract, proprietary Chinese medicines, health foods, and adulterants were comprehensively summarized. The high-performance liquid chromatography-UV/evaporative light scattering detection and fingerprint analysis were found to be the mainstream methods for the SZS quality control. In particular, the novel quality evaluation method based on the unit content was applied for SZS and its proprietary Chinese medicines. Significant fluctuations were found in the contents of Q-markers. Moreover, the mass transfer rule of Q-markers was comprehensively clarified based on the entire production process, including production origins, ripening time, primary process, processing, compatibility decoction/extract, and storage. Ultimately, the crushing and compatibility of SZS were found to be the key steps affecting the active components. CONCLUSIONS: In short, this study provides solid evidences to reveal quality indicators for the entire production process of developing rational quality standards for SZS and its products. Moreover, this study also provides a template quality control overview, which could be extended to other traditional Chinese medicines.

Sludge disintegration and phosphorus migration in anaerobic fermentation of waste activated sludge by the addition of EDTA-2Na.

The effects of the addition of EDTA-2Na on sludge disintegration and phosphorus (P) migration during anaerobic fermentation (AF) of waste activated sludge (WAS) are investigated. The efficiency of sludge disintegration was positively correlated with the dose of EDTA-2Na from 0.5-2.0 g/g SS, and an enormous quantity of P was liberated into the aqueous phase, accompanied by sludge disintegration. The proper dose of EDTA-2Na for P release from WAS was 1.5 g/g SS, with an orthophosphate concentration of 394.72 mg/L. P release was more consistent with the pseudo second-order kinetic model. The migration of P species during AF with EDTA-2Na addition was also studied. Orthophosphate was the main species in both of the liquid phase and the loosely bound extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), but organic P (OP) was much more abundant in tightly bound EPS. Inorganic P (IP) was the dominant P speciation in the solid and was mainly distributed in the fraction of non-apatite IP, which accounted for more than 62.8% of IP in the presence of EDTA-2Na. In addition, both IP and OP in the solid contributed to the accumulation of P and the former was outperformed. Furthermore, the increased total dissolved P mainly came from cells. However, the fermented sludge tended to be smaller and to have low compressibility, which is detrimental to its further treatment.

Modified Montmorillonite Improved Growth Performance of Broilers by Modulating Intestinal Microbiota and Enhancing Intestinal Barriers, Anti-Inflammatory Response, and Antioxidative Capacity.

This study aims to explore the effects of modified montmorillonite (MMT, copper loading) on the growth performance, gut microbiota, intestinal barrier, antioxidative capacity and immune function of broilers. Yellow-feathered broilers were randomly divided into control (CTR), modified montmorillonite (MMT), and antibiotic (ANTI) groups. Results revealed that MMT supplementation increased the BW and ADG and decreased the F/R during the 63-day experiment period. 16S rRNA sequencing showed that MMT modulated the cecal microbiota composition of broilers by increasing the relative abundance of two phyla (Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes) and two genera (Bacteroides and Faecalibacterium) and decreasing the abundance of genus Olsenella. MMT also improved the intestinal epithelial barrier indicated by the up-regulated mRNA expression of claudin-1, occludin, and ZO-1 and the increased length of microvilli in jejunum and the decreased levels of DAO and D-LA in serum. In addition, MMT enhanced the immune function indicated by the increased levels of immunoglobulins, the decreased levels of MPO and NO, the down-regulated mRNA expression of IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α, and the up-regulated mRNA expression of IL-4 and IL-10. Moreover, MMT down-regulated the expression of jejunal TLRs/MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway-related genes (TLR2, TLR4, Myd88, TRAF6, NF-κB, and iNOS) and related proteins (TRAF6, p38, ERK, NF-κB, and iNOS). In addition, MMT increased the antioxidant enzyme activities and the expression of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway-related genes and thereby decreased the apoptosis-related genes expression. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, and Olsenella were related to the inflammatory index (MPO and NO), oxidative stress (T-AOC, T-SOD, and CAT) and intestinal integrity (D-LA and DAO). Taken together, MMT supplementation improved the growth performance of broilers by modulating intestinal microbiota, enhancing the intestinal barrier function, and improving inflammatory response, which might be mediated by inhibiting the TLRs/MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway, and antioxidative capacity mediated by the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Effectiveness of therapeutic massage for improving motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) causes movement disorders [called motor symptoms (MS)], and motor dysfunction poses a great barrier to the quality of life. Although pharmacological therapy like levodopa can relieve the symptoms, it can also cause complications, such as psychosis, nausea, and dyskinesia. A therapy with more minor side effects is needed for PD. Therapeutic massages are the most commonly used forms of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), but no systematic review and meta-analysis have focused on the efficacy of massage on PD. Objective: To evaluate the quality of evidence and efficacy of therapeutic massage for improving MS in PD. Methods: We independently searched four electronic databases, including Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about therapeutic massage and other available manual therapies improving MS in PD from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2021 (recent 10 years). The main outcome measures were total effectiveness and the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), including UPDRS total, II, and III. For the statistical analysis, the risk ratio, standard mean difference, and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to calculate effect sizes between groups. To determine heterogeneity, statistical index I 2 was used. Results: A total of 363 PD participants in seven RCTs and one randomized pilot-control study were included in this meta-analysis. The total effectiveness showed that therapeutic massage was more effective than the intervention of the control group for improving MS [ratio risk (RR): 1.33, 95% CI (1.14-1.55), p = 0.0002]. The UPDRS-III scores showed that massage improves motor function more than the control group [SMD = -0.46, 95% CI (-0.67, -0.24), p < 0.00001]. But we found that massage performed no better than the control group in improving daily life activities [SMD = -0.15, 95% CI (-0.40, 0.10), p = 0.23]. Conclusion: Therapeutic massage was effective in improving MS in PD. It is suggested to be an appropriate form of CAM in treating PD. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=323182, identifier: CRD42022323182.

Xanthorrhizol Ameliorates Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Freund's Complete Adjuvant-Induced Rheumatoid Arthritis in Rats.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease and a common cause of disability. This study is aimed to ascertain the therapeutic potentials of the xanthorrhizol against Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA)-stimulated RA in rats. The RA was initiated in the rats via injecting FCA (0.1 ml) subcutaneously and then treated with xanthorrhizol (20 mg/kg) for 25 days. The hematological markers were investigated using the automated hematological analyzer. The organ index (spleen and thymus) and paw volume were inspected by standard methods. The ALP, SGOT, and SGPT activities were examined using kits. The levels of inflammatory biomarkers, i.e., IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α, were inspected using assay kits. The status of MDA, SOD, CAT, GSH, COX-2, iNOS, and NF-κB was quantified using respective assay kits. The xanthorrhizol treatment appreciably improved the body weight and hematological parameters and reduced the arthritis score, organ index, and paw volume in the RA rats. The levels of RBCs and Hb were effectively improved, and activities of ALP, SGOT, and SGPT were decreased by the xanthorrhizol in the RA rats. The RA rats treated with 20 mg/kg of xanthorrhizol demonstrated the depleted IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α levels. The antioxidant markers SOD, CAT, and GSH were improved, and inflammatory biomarker levels such as COX-2, iNOS, and NF-κB were decreased by the xanthorrhizol in the RA rats. Overall, these outcomes witnessed that the xanthorrhizol effectively ameliorated the oxidative stress and inflammatory responses and attenuated the RA in rats. Hence, it could be a talented anti-arthritic medication to treat RA.

The traditional ethnic herb Tadehagi triquetrum from China: a review of its phytochemistry and pharmacological activities.

CONTEXT: Tadehagi triquetrum (Linn.) Ohashi (Fabaceae) (TT), is a traditional herbal medicine used especially in China's ethnic-minority communities, such as the Zhuang, Dai, Li and Wa aeras. As an ethnic medicine, it has long been used to treat various diseases. OBJECTIVE: This review summarised the phytochemical and pharmacological progress on TT from 1979 to October, 2021 by highlighting its chemical classification, structural features, pharmacological applications and folk applications to provide inspirations and suggestions for accelerating further research of this traditional phytomedicine. METHODS: The information on TT in this article has been obtained using these multiple scientific databases including Scifinder, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Wiley, ACS publications, Springer, PubMed, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Google Scholar and Baidu Scholar. Some information was also collected from classic literature on traditional Chinese medicines. RESULTS: More than 70 compounds have been isolated and reported from TT to date by the comprehensive analysis of the current literature. A large number of traditional uses and pharmacological studies have exhibited diversified bioactivities of various TT extracts and its metabolites, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-hepatitis B virus, hepatoprotective, insecticidal, etc. CONCLUSIONS: As a famous traditional medicine with a long history, TT has various medicinal uses and some of them have been supported by modern pharmacological researches. Further detailed studies on the action mechanisms, pharmacodynamics and structure-function relationships of single compounds or active constituents from TT are also required.

Electroacupuncture Relieves Hippocampal Injury by Heme Oxygenase-1 to Improve Mitochondrial Function.

INTRODUCTION: Electroacupuncture (EA) treatment has been demonstrated to have the potential to prevent sepsis-induced hippocampal injury; however, the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of EA against such injury remain unclear. Herein, to elucidate these mechanisms, we constructed a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced hippocampal injury to investigate the protection mechanism of EA and to determine whether heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)-mediated mitochondrial function is involved in the protective effect of EA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sepsis model of hippocampal injury was induced by administering LPS. The Zusanli and Baihui acupoints were stimulated using EA for 30 min once a day, for 5 d before LPS exposure and the first day after administering LPS. Hippocampal injury was investigated by hematoxylin and eosin staining and Nissl staining. HO-1 levels were measured using Western blotting. Mitochondrial metabolism was validated by assessing adenosine triphosphate, superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde levels, reactive oxygen species production, and mitochondrial respiratory chain activity. Mitochondrial morphology was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: EA treatment alleviated neuronal injury, impeded oxidative stress, and improved mitochondrial respiratory function, energy metabolism, and mitochondrial morphology in LPS-exposed mice. In addition, HO-1 knockout aggravated LPS-induced hippocampal injury, aggravated oxidative stress, and reduced mitochondrial respiratory function and aggravated mitochondrial swelling, crest relaxation, and vacuole degeneration. Moreover, EA was unable to reverse the hippocampal damage and mitochondrial dysfunction caused by LPS exposure after HO-1 knockout. CONCLUSIONS: EA improves LPS-induced hippocampal injury by regulating HO-1-mediated mitochondrial function. Furthermore, HO-1 plays a critical role in maintaining mitochondrial function and resisting oxidative injury.

Dietary Supplementation With Lactobacillus plantarum Ameliorates Compromise of Growth Performance by Modulating Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Intestinal Dysbiosis in Broilers Under Clostridium perfringens Challenge.

Clostridium perfringens is an important zoonotic pathogen associated with food contamination and poisoning, gas gangrene, necrotizing enterocolitis or necrotic enteritis in humans and animals. Dysbacteriosis is supposedly associated with the development of C. perfringens infection induced necrotic enteritis, but the detailed relationship between intestinal health, microbiome, and C. perfringens infection-induced necrotic enteritis remains poorly understood. This research investigated the effect of probiotics on the growth performance and intestinal health of broilers, and the involved roles of intestinal microbiota and microbial metabolic functions under C. perfringens infection. Results showed that subclinical necrotic enteritis was successfully induced as evidenced by the significant lower body weight (BW), suppressed feed conversion ratio (FCR), decreased ileal villus height and mucosal barrier function, and increased ileal histopathological score and bursal weight index. Lactobacillus plantarum or Paenibacillus polymyxa significantly attenuated C. perfringens-induced compromise of growth performance (BW, FCR) and ileal mucosa damage as illustrated by the increased ileal villus height and villus/crypt ratio, the decreased ileal histopathological score and the enhanced ileal mucosal barrier function. L. plantarum also significantly alleviated C. perfringens-induced enlarged bursa of fabricius and the decreased levels of ileal total SCFAs, acetate, lactate, and butyrate. Furthermore, dietary L. plantarum improved C. perfringens infection-induced intestinal dysbiosis as evidenced by significantly enriched short-chain fatty acids-producing bacteria (Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, Oscillospira, Faecalibacterium, Blautia), reduced drug-resistant bacteria (Bacteroides, Alistipes) and enteric pathogens (Escherichia coli, Bacteroides fragilis) and bacterial metabolic dysfunctions as illustrated by significantly increased bacterial fatty acid biosynthesis, decreased bacterial lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, and antibiotic biosynthesis (streptomycin and vancomycin). Additionally, the BW and intestinal SCFAs were the principal factors affecting the bacterial communities and microbial metabolic functions. The above findings indicate that dietary with L. plantarum attenuates C. perfringens-induced compromise of growth performance and intestinal dysbiosis by increasing SCFAs and improving intestinal health in broilers.

Research Note: Effects of glycerol monolaurate supplementation on egg production, biochemical indices, and gut microbiota of broiler breeders at the late stage of production.

The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of glycerol monolaurate (GML) supplementation on egg production, biochemical indices, and gut microbiota of broiler breeders at the late stage of production. Total of 180 healthy Qingyuan Partridge broiler breeders were randomly assigned to 2 groups: 1) corn-soybean meal based diet, and 2) basal diet supplemented with 300 mg glycerol monolaurate/kg. Each treatment group had 6 replicates with 15 birds within each replicate. The experiment started at wk 33 and lasted for 8 weeks. Feed conversion rate, egg weight, egg shape index, shell breaking strength, and shell thickness were not different between control and treatment groups. Supplementation of GML significantly decreased the egg breaking rate. All blood chemical indices and antioxidant parameters were not affected by GML except total antioxidant capacity which increased significantly with GML supplementation. Alpha diversity indices (Shannon, Simpson, Chao1, Ace, goods_coverage, and PD_whole tree) were not different between the 2 groups. Composition of cecal microbiota was not affected by GML supplementation except Euryarchaeota and Proteobacteria at phylum level. Overall, supplementation of glycerol monolaurate at 300 mg/kg level improved eggshell quality but its effect on cecal microbiota composition was limited on broiler breeders at the late stage of production.

Chemical-activity-based quality marker screening strategy for Viscum articulatum.

Viscum articulatum Burm. f. is a parasitic plant rich in flavonoids, triterpenoids, and catechins and has a high nutritional value. It has been reported that consuming V. articulatum can prevent cardiac diseases. In this study, six bioactive compounds, including catechins, triterpenoids, and phenylpropanoid glycosides, were determined in alcohol extracts of the plant using HPLC. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of three catechins, two triterpenoids, and three combination drugs were measured in cardiomyocytes, and the results showed that the anti-inflammatory activity was significantly enhanced while retaining strong antioxidant activity when epicatechin and ursolic acid were used in combination. The main quality markers epicatechin and ursolic acid were screened based on the specificity of the genuine herb and a potent synergistic effect, and the lowest limitation contents of V. articulatum which could discriminate it from some other taxonomically similar materials were accordingly determined. This self-built lowest limitation content of the two screened quality markers could quickly and accurately reflect the efficacy in terms of chemical composition and reverse the disorderly market use of nongenuine herbs or confusing species for adulteration. This study is of some significance for market regulation, drug development, and clinical medication.

The effect of biopsychosocial holistic care models on the cognitive function and quality of life of elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive dysfunction is a functional disorder that occurs after brain tissue damage, which can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe according to the degree of illness, especially in the elderly. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has many causes and is difficult to treat. It has been reported that biopsychosocial holistic care models can achieve good results in treating MCI. This study aimed to explore the application effect of biopsychosocial holistic care models on elderly patients with MCI. METHODS: A total of 140 patients with MCI diagnosed in Nantong People's Hospital (Nantong, China) from March 2019 to March 2020 were selected as the research cohort. Using a computer-generated randomization list, the participants were randomly allocated to either the observation group or control group, with 70 cases in each group. We compared the cognitive function and quality of life scores of the 2 groups before treatment, 1 month after treatment, and 3 months after treatment. RESULTS: In the first and third months after the intervention, the mini mental state examination (MMSE) score and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score of the observation group were higher than those of the control group, and activities of daily living (ADL) score was lower than that of the control group. The difference between MMSE and MoCA scores between the 2 groups of participants at the third month of treatment was statistically significant (P=0.000). CONCLUSIONS: Biopsychosocial holistic care models can improve the cognitive function and quality of life of elderly MCI patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100046021.

Exploring the resources of the genus Viscum for potential therapeutic applications.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The genus Viscum comprises approximately 100 species that are mainly distributed across Africa, Asia and Europe. The extracts and preparations of Viscum species are widely used as common complementary and alternative medicines in the treatment of rheumatism and cancer. AIM OF THE REVIEW: This review aims to explore the medicinal properties of twelve species belonging to the genus Viscum for potential therapeutic applications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected online information (including PubMed, CNKI, Google Scholar, and Web of Science) from January 1915 to April 2021 and knowledge from classical books on Chinese herbal medicines available for 12 species of the genus Viscum, including Viscum coloratum (Kom.) Nakai, Viscum album L., Viscum articulatum Burm. f., Viscum liquidambaricola Hayata, Viscum ovalifolium DC., Viscum capitellatum Sm., Viscum cruciatum Sieber ex Boiss., Viscum nudum Danser, Viscum angulatum B.Heyne ex DC., Viscum tuberculatum A.Rich., Viscum multinerve Hayata, and Viscum diospyrosicola Hayata. RESULTS: At least 250 different compounds have been reported across twelve Viscum species, including amino acid and peptides, alkaloids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids, carbohydrates, fatty acids, lipids, and other types of compounds. In particular, for Viscum coloratum (Kom.) Nakai and Viscum album L., the plants, preparations, and bioactive components have been thoroughly reviewed. This has allowed to elucidate the role of active components, including lectins, viscotoxins, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic acids, and polysaccharides, in multiple bioactivities, such as anti-cancer, anti-rheumatism arthralgia, anti-inflammation, anti-cardiovascular diseases, enhancing immunity, and anti-chemotherapy side effects. We also evaluated quality control methods based on active compounds, in vivo exposure compounds, and discriminated chemical markers. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report to systematically review the pharmaceutical development history, chemical composition, clinical evidence, pharmacological activity, discriminated chemical markers, in vivo exposure, and quality control on twelve distinct species of Viscum plants with medicinal properties. The significant safety and efficacy, along with the minor side effects are constantly confirmed in clinics. The genus Viscum is thus an important medicinal resource that is worth exploring and developing in future pharmacological and chemical studies.

Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans from Artemisia sieversiana and their anti-inflammatory activities.

Two previously undescribed dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans, named sieverlignans D-E (1-2), as well as eight known ones (3-10), were isolated from the aerial parts of Artemisia sieversiana. Their structures were elucidated from extensive spectroscopic analysis, including HRMS, NMR and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) experiments. This study is the first to report dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans in the genus Artemisia and this plant. All the compounds were evaluated for their anti-neuroinflammatory activities on the lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced nitric oxide production in BV-2 murine microglial cells. Compounds 1 and 6 exhibited the moderate activities with their IC50 values of 47.7 and 21.9 µM, compared to a positive control quercetin with the IC50 value of 16.0 µM.

[Research progress on identification methods of growth years of traditional Chinese medicinal materials].

The growth years of traditional Chinese medicinal materials are closely related to their quality, which directly affects the efficacy and safety of clinical medication. Therefore, it is particularly important to establish an identification method for the growth years of traditional Chinese medicinal materials. In this review, the identification methods for the growth years of traditional Chinese medicinal materials were summarized systematically, and were divided into four types according to the identification principles and methods: traditional identification, molecular identification, physical/chemical identification, and integrated identification. Relying on rich experience, objective molecular markers, various physical/chemical methods and integrated identification techniques(including infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, high performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, bionic identification technology and their tandem technologies, etc.), the differences of characters or chemical fingerprints were compared in depth. The growth years of traditional Chinese medicinal materials were quickly identified or predicted by the appearance and characters, the whole fingerprint information or the content of specific chemical markers, and their content ratios. Through the case analysis of mature varieties, we intend to promote the establishment of a perfect technology system for the identification of the growth years of traditional Chinese medicinal materials, and to provide a reference for other perennial herbal materials, finally resulting in the accurate and precise quality control of traditional Chinese medicinal materials.

Dietary supplementation with berberine improves growth performance and modulates the composition and function of cecal microbiota in yellow-feathered broilers.

This study investigated the effect of berberine (BBR) on growth performance and composition and function of cecal microbiota in yellow-feathered broilers. A total of 360 1-day-old female broilers were assigned to 3 dietary treatments, each with 6 replicates of 20 birds. The dietary treatments consisted of a basal diet as negative control (NC), basal plus 200 mg/kg oxytetracycline calcium and 250 mg/kg nasiheptide as an antibiotic positive control (PC), and basal plus 250 mg/kg BBR. On day 21, 42, and 63, one chicken from each replicate was randomly selected for blood collection and cecal sampling. The 16S rRNA sequencing technology was used to analyze the community composition and function of cecal microbiota. Dietary supplementation with antibiotics or BBR increased the final body weight (BW) at day 63 and the average daily gain (ADG) during 1 to 21 d compared with the NC (P < 0.05). Supplementation with BBR improved the average daily feed intake (ADFI) at 22 to 42 d, 43 to 63 d, and 1 to 63 d (P < 0.05). Feed efficiency, indicated by feed to gain ratio (F/G), increased with PC during day 1 to 21 compared with NC (P < 0.05). The plasma concentrations of total protein at 42 d and uric acid at 21 d were increased, whereas creatine concentration at 63 d was decreased by BBR treatment (P < 0.05). The Chao 1 and Shannon index representing microbial α-diversity was reduced by BBR treatment (P < 0.05). The abundances of phylum Firmicutes and genera Lachnospiraceae, Lachnoclostridium, Clostridiales, and Intestinimonas were decreased, whereas the abundances of phylum Bacteroidetes and genus Bacteroides were increased with BBR treatment. Functional prediction of microbiota revealed that BBR treatment enriched pathways related to metabolism, organismal systems, and genetic information processing, especially DNA replication. The abundance of phylum Bacteroidetes, and genera Bacteroides and Lactobacillus in cecal contents were positively correlated with broiler growth performance. These results demonstrated dietary BBR supplementation improved the growth performance of yellow-feathered broilers, and was closely related to the significant changes in cecal microbiota composition.

Effects of monobutyrin supplementation on egg production, biochemical indexes, and gut microbiota of broiler breeders.

The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of monobutyrin supplementation on egg production, biochemical indexes, and gut microbiota of broiler breeders at the late stage of production. A total of 180 healthy Qingyuan partridge broilers were randomly assigned to 2 groups: 1) corn-soybean meal-based diet and 2) basal diet supplemented with 250 mg monobutyrin/kg. Each treatment group had 6 replicates/cages with 15 birds within each replicate. The experiment started at week 33 and lasted for 8 wk. Egg production rate, feed conversion rate, shell breaking strength, and shell thickness were not different between control and treatment groups. Supplementation of monobutyrin increased egg weight and tended to decrease egg breaking rate of Qingyuan partridge chickens. Supplementation of monobutyrin did not affect any of the biochemical indexes except total protein concentration. The 4 antioxidant parameters measured were not affected either. Alpha diversity indexes (Shannon, Simpson, Chao1, Ace, and Good's Coverage) and composition of cecal microbiota were not affected by monobutyrin supplementation. Overall, supplementation of monobutyrin at 250 mg/kg level improved egg quality, but its effect on cecal microbiota composition was limited.