Effects of mindfulness-based interventions on neuropsychiatric symptoms and psychological well-being on people with subjective cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are highly prevalent in individuals with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and are strongly linked to accelerated cognitive decline and dementia onset. While mindfulness-based interventions have shown promise in improving psychological well-being in clinical and community settings, their efficacy for individuals in these pre-dementia stages remains unclear. This meta-analysis examined the effects of mindfulness-based interventions on NPS and psychological outcomes in these preclinical cohorts. METHODS: Eligible studies were retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, JBI EPB, Web of Science, and Cochrane library. Two independent researchers conducted the literature search and data extraction. Cochrane Risk-of-Bias Assessment Tool was used to assess the methodological quality of included studies. Quality of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach. Intervention effects were estimated by Hedge's g and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: A total of 18 randomized controlled trials (including 974 participants from 21 studies) were included in the meta-analysis. The results demonstrated statistically significant immediate post-intervention effects of mindfulness-based interventions on anxiety (g = -0.30, 95% CI -0.49 to -0.11), stress (g = -0.58, 95% CI -0.91 to -0.24), and quality of life (g = 0.50, 95% CI 0.12-0.87). However, no significant effects were found for depression, apathy, mindfulness, and stress-related biomarkers. Follow-up data analysis also did not reveal significant effects for depression and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this meta-analysis suggest that mindfulness-based interventions may improve anxiety, stress, and quality of life in individuals with SCD and MCI. However, more rigorous randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes and evaluation using physiological parameters are needed to establish more definitive conclusions. Future interventions could consider incorporating cognitive training and health education to address the specific needs of the pre-dementia population. REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO: CRD42022359906.

Facile preparation of organosilanes from benzylboronates and gem-diborylalkanes mediated by KOtBu.

Methods to efficiently synthesize organosilanes are valuable in the fields of synthetic chemistry and materials science. During the past decades, boron conversion has become a generic and powerful approach for constructing carbon-carbon and other carbon-heteroatom bonds, but its potential application in forming carbon-silicon remains unexplored. Herein, we describe an alkoxide base-promoted deborylative silylation of benzylic organoboronates, geminal bis(boronates) or alkyltriboronates, allowing for straightforward access to synthetically valuable organosilanes. This selective deborylative methodology exhibits operational simplicity, broad substrate scope, excellent functional group compatibility and convenient scalability, providing an effective and complementary platform for the generation of diversified benzyl silanes and silylboronates. Detailed experimental results and calculated studies revealed an unusual mechanistic feature of this C-Si bond formation.

Redox ferrocenylseleno compounds modulate longitudinal and transverse relaxation times of FNPs-Gd MRI contrast agents for multimodal imaging and photo-Fenton therapy.

Developing a feasible way to feature longitudinal (T1) and transverse (T2) relaxation performance of contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is important in cancer diagnosis and therapy. Improved accessibility to water molecule is essential for accelerating the relaxation rate of water protons around the contrast agents. Ferrocenyl compounds have reversible redox property for modulating the hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity of assemblies. Thus, they could be the candidates that can change water accessibility to the contrast agent surface. Herein, we incorporated ferrocenylseleno compound (FcSe) with Gd3+-based paramagnetic UCNPs, to obtain FNPs-Gd nanocomposites using T1-T2 MR/UCL trimodal imaging and simultaneous photo-Fenton therapy. When the surface of NaGdF4:Yb,Tm UNCPs was ligated by FcSe, the hydrogen bonding between hydrophilic selenium and surrounding water molecules accelerated their proton exchange to initially endow FNPs-Gd with high r1 relaxivity. Then, hydrogen nuclei from FcSe disrupted the homogeneity of the magnetic field around the water molecules. This facilitated T2 relaxation and resulted in enhanced r2 relaxivity. Notably, upon the near-infrared light-promoted Fenton-like reaction in the tumor microenvironment, hydrophobic ferrocene(II) of FcSe was oxidized into hydrophilic ferrocenium(III), which further increased the relaxation rate of water protons to obtain r1 = 1.90±0.12 mM-1 s-1 and r2 = 12.80±0.60 mM-1 s-1. With an ideal relaxivity ratio (r2/r1) of 6.74, FNPs-Gd exhibited high contrast potential of T1-T2 dual-mode MRI in vitro and in vivo. This work confirms that ferrocene and selenium are effective boosters that enhance the T1-T2 relaxivities of MRI contrast agents, which could provide a new strategy for multimodal imaging-guided photo-Fenton therapy of tumors. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: T1-T2 dual-mode MRI nanoplatform with tumor-microenvironment-responsive features has been an attractive prospect. Herein, we designed redox ferrocenylseleno compound (FcSe) modified paramagnetic Gd3+-based UCNPs, to modulate T1-T2 relaxation time for multimodal imaging and H2O2-responsive photo-Fenton therapy. Selenium-hydrogen bond of FcSe with surrounding water molecules facilitated water accessibility for fast T1 relaxation. Hydrogen nucleus in FcSe perturbed the phase coherence of water molecules in an inhomogeneous magnetic field and thus accelerated T2 relaxation. In tumor microenvironment, FcSe was oxidized into hydrophilic ferrocenium via NIR light-promoted Fenton-like reaction which further increased both T1 and T2 relaxation rates; Meanwhile, the released toxic •OH performed on-demand cancer therapy. This work confirms that FcSe is an effective redox mediate for multimodal imaging-guided cancer therapy.

Total alkaloids from the seed embryo of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. improve cognitive impairment in APP/PS1 mice and protect Aß-damaged PC12 cells.

The seed embryo of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. is a famous traditional Chinese medicine and food which is considered conducive to the prevention of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, the effect and mechanism of TASENN (total alkaloids from the seed embryo of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) on AD mice and amyloid-ß (Aß) injured PC12 cells were evaluated. HPLC-UV analysis showed that the extracted TASENN (purity = 95.6%) mainly contains Liensinine, Isoliensinine, and Neferine (purity was 23.01, 28.02, and 44.57%, respectively). In vivo, oral treatment with TASENN (50 mg/kg/day for 28 days) improved the learning and memory functions of APP/PS1 transgenic mice, ameliorated the histopathological changes of cortical and hippocampal neurons, and inhibited neuronal apoptosis. We found that TASENN reduced the phosphorylation of Tau and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in APP/PS1 mouse brain. Moreover, TASENN down-regulated the expression of APP and BACE1, ameliorated Aß deposition, and inhibited microglial proliferation and aggregation. The elevated protein expression of CaM and p-CaMKII in APP/PS1 mouse brain was also reduced by TASENN. In vitro, TASENN inhibited the apoptosis of PC12 cells injured by Aß25-35 and increased the cell viability. Aß25-35-induced increase of cytosolic free Ca2+ level and high expression of CaM, p-CaMKII, and p-Tau were decreased by TASENN. Our findings indicate that TASENN has a potential therapeutic effect on AD mice and a protective effect on PC12 cells. The anti-AD activity of TASENN may be closely related to its negative regulation of the CaM pathway.

Methodology and application of process analytical technology (PAT) for traditional Chinese medicine manufacturing:a review / 中国中药杂志

Owing to the advancement in pharmaceutical technology, traditional Chinese medicine industry has seen rapid development. Preferring conventional manufacturing mode, pharmaceutical enterprises of traditional Chinese medicine have no effective process detection tools and process control methods. As a result, the quality of the final products mainly depends on testing and the quality is inconsistent in the same batch. Process analytical technology(PAT) for traditional Chinese medicine manufacturing, as one of the key advanced manufacturing techniques, can break through the bottleneck in quality control of medicine manufacturing, thus improving the production efficiency and product quality and reducing the material and energy consumption. It is applicable to the process control and real-time release of advanced manufacturing modes such as intelligent manufacturing and continuous manufacturing. This paper summarized the general idea of PAT for traditional Chinese medicine manufacturing. Through the analysis of the characteristics and status quo of the technology, we summed up the methodology for the continuous application and improvement of PAT during the whole life-cycle of traditional Chinese medicine. The five key procedures(process understanding, process detection, process modeling, process control, and continuous improvement) were summarized, and the application was reviewed. Finally, we proposed suggestions for the technical and regulatory challenges in implementing PAT in traditional Chinese medicine industry. This paper aims to provide a reference for development and application of PAT in advanced manufacturing, intelligent manufacturing, and continuous manufacturing of traditional Chinese medicine industry.

Prevalence and influencing factors of thyroid nodules in children aged 8-10 years old in Suzhou / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of thyroid nodules in children aged 8-10 years in Suzhou , and to provide a scientific basis for the rational prevention and treatment of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). Methods PPS sampling method was used in this study. Questionnaire survey, physical examination and thyroid B-ultrasound examination were conducted on students aged 8-10 years. Salt samples and urine samples were collected for laboratory detection of the salt iodine and urinary iodine. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze the risk factors related to thyroid nodules. Results A total of 2 048 children aged 8-10 years were included in the present survey, and the prevalence of thyroid nodules was 23.34% (478/2 048). The prevalence of nodules in boys was 20.98% (218/1 039), and the prevalence of nodules in girls was 25.77% (260/1 009). Multivariate analysis showed that gender (OR=1.338, P=0.006), height (OR=1.993, P=0.001), frequency of iodine-rich food intake (OR=0.862, P=0.048) and nutritional supplements (OR=1.469, P=0.008) were correlated with the prevalence of thyroid nodules. Conclusion The prevalence rate of thyroid nodules in children aged 8-10 years old in Suzhou is 23.34%. Female gender, higher height, regular intake of iodine-rich foods and dietary supplements are statistically associated with the prevalence of thyroid nodules, which may be risk factors for the prevalence of thyroid nodules , but further research is needed to confirm.

Effect of Suanzaoren Tang Combined with Ziwu Liuzhu Acupuncture on Vertebral Artery Hemodynamics， Inflammatory Cytokines， and Neurotrophic Factors in Patients with Cervical Insomnia / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of Suanzaoren Tang combined with Ziwu Liuzhu acupuncture on the vertebral artery hemodynamics， inflammatory cytokines， and neurotrophic factors in the patients with cervical insomnia with syndrome of deficiency of both heart and spleen. MethodThe random number table method was employed to assign 164 patients with cervical insomnia with syndrome of deficiency of both heart and spleen treated in the First Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from January 2018 to June 2021 into a control group and an observation group. The control group was orally administrated with 1-2 mg estazolam tablets before bed for 4 weeks， and the observation group with Suanzaoren Tang combined with Ziwu Liuzhu acupuncture for 4 weeks. The therapeutic efficacy and safety were observed. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index （PSQI） score， polysomnography monitoring results， hemodynamics parameters of vertebral artery， and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines and neurotrophic factors were compared before and after treatment. ResultExcept 4 dropouts， the remaining 160 patients were included in this study， with 80 patients in each group. The observation group had higher total effective rate than the control group ［92.50% （74/80） vs. 80.00% （64/80）， χ2=5.270， P<0.05］. Compared with that before treatment， the therapies in both groups decreased the PSQI score， sleep latency time， awakening time， awakening times， serum levels of interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， C-reactive protein （CRP）， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） （P<0.01）. Meanwhile， they increased the proportion of rapid-eye-movement （REM） sleep， the diastolic blood flow velocity （Vd）， systolic blood flow velocity （Vs）， and mean blood flow velocity （MFV） of vertebral artery， as well as the serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF） and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor （GDNF） （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Moreover， the observation group had lower PSQI score， sleep latency time， awakening time， awakening times， and serum IL-1β， CRP， and TNF-α levels （P<0.01） and higher proportion of REM sleep， Vd， Vs， MFV of vertebral artery， and serum BDNF and GDNF levels （P<0.05， P<0.01） than the control group. ConclusionZiwu Liuzhu acupuncture combined with Suanzaoren Tang can improve blood circulation of vertebral artery， reduce the serum levels of inflammatory cytokine， and increase the serum levels of neurotrophic factors to improve the sleep quality of the patients with cervical insomnia with syndrome of deficiency of both heart and spleen.

Effect of Suanzaoren Tang Combined with Ziwu Liuzhu Acupuncture on Vertebral Artery Hemodynamics， Inflammatory Cytokines， and Neurotrophic Factors in Patients with Cervical Insomnia / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of Suanzaoren Tang combined with Ziwu Liuzhu acupuncture on the vertebral artery hemodynamics， inflammatory cytokines， and neurotrophic factors in the patients with cervical insomnia with syndrome of deficiency of both heart and spleen. MethodThe random number table method was employed to assign 164 patients with cervical insomnia with syndrome of deficiency of both heart and spleen treated in the First Clinical Medical School of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from January 2018 to June 2021 into a control group and an observation group. The control group was orally administrated with 1-2 mg estazolam tablets before bed for 4 weeks， and the observation group with Suanzaoren Tang combined with Ziwu Liuzhu acupuncture for 4 weeks. The therapeutic efficacy and safety were observed. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index （PSQI） score， polysomnography monitoring results， hemodynamics parameters of vertebral artery， and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines and neurotrophic factors were compared before and after treatment. ResultExcept 4 dropouts， the remaining 160 patients were included in this study， with 80 patients in each group. The observation group had higher total effective rate than the control group ［92.50% （74/80） vs. 80.00% （64/80）， χ2=5.270， P<0.05］. Compared with that before treatment， the therapies in both groups decreased the PSQI score， sleep latency time， awakening time， awakening times， serum levels of interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， C-reactive protein （CRP）， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） （P<0.01）. Meanwhile， they increased the proportion of rapid-eye-movement （REM） sleep， the diastolic blood flow velocity （Vd）， systolic blood flow velocity （Vs）， and mean blood flow velocity （MFV） of vertebral artery， as well as the serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF） and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor （GDNF） （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Moreover， the observation group had lower PSQI score， sleep latency time， awakening time， awakening times， and serum IL-1β， CRP， and TNF-α levels （P<0.01） and higher proportion of REM sleep， Vd， Vs， MFV of vertebral artery， and serum BDNF and GDNF levels （P<0.05， P<0.01） than the control group. ConclusionZiwu Liuzhu acupuncture combined with Suanzaoren Tang can improve blood circulation of vertebral artery， reduce the serum levels of inflammatory cytokine， and increase the serum levels of neurotrophic factors to improve the sleep quality of the patients with cervical insomnia with syndrome of deficiency of both heart and spleen.

Research on batch-to-batch quality control of compound Danshen extract based on physical characterization and multivariate statistical analysis / 中国中药杂志

Physical attributes of Chinese herbal extracts are determined by their chemical components, and the physical and chemical attributes jointly affect the preparation process performance and the final product quality. Therefore, in order to improve the quality control of Chinese herbal extracts, we should comprehensively study the batch-to-batch consistency of physical and chemical attributes as well as the correlations between them. This paper first explored the physical attributes affecting the preparation process performance of the compound Danshen extract and developed a method for characterizing the texture attributes. With such main chemical components as water, phenolic acids, saponins, and saccharides and texture, rheology, and other physical attributes taken into consideration, the batch-to-batch quality fluctuation of products from different production lines and time was analyzed by principal components analysis(PCA). Finally, the correlation and partial least squares(PLS) analysis was conducted, and the regression equation was established. The fitting result of the PLS model for dynamic viscosity was satisfying(R~2Y=0.857, Q~2=0.793), suggesting that the chemical components could be adjusted by the component transfer rate in the extraction process, the impurity removal rate in the alcohol precipitation process, and the water retention rate of the concentration process to meet the control of the extract dynamic viscosity. This study clarified the correlations between physical and chemical attributes of the compound Danshen extract and established a method for controlling its physical attributes based on process regulation, which would provide reference for improving the quality control of Chinese herbal extracts.

N, P-co-doped carbon dots as a dual-mode colorimetric/ratiometric fluorescent sensor for formaldehyde and cell imaging via an aminal reaction-induced aggregation process.

Novel colorimetric and ratiometric fluorometric dual-mode N, P-co-doped carbon nanodots, BPEI-CDs, for highly sensitive and selective detection of formaldehyde (FA) were successfully prepared from N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid (PMIDA) and branched polyethyleneimine (BPEI). The treatment of FA caused a remarkable linear enhancement of ratiometric fluorescence (F501 nm/F408 nm) in a wide range of 0-40 µM with a detection limit (LOD) of 0.47 µM (3σ/k), along with distinct color changes from colorless to light yellow. Mechanistic study shows that this electron-rich system, formed by the cooperative roles of N and P, promoted the FA-induced Schiff bases formation reaction, which contributed to the CD aggregation-induced emission (AIE) "turn-on" response and enhancement of π-conjugation-induced bathochromic behaviors. Furthermore, N, P-co-doped BPEI-CDs were successfully applied to the determination of FA in bean sprout samples. Using the standard addition method, the recoveries ranged from 96.9 to 101.8%, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) was in the range 2.23 to 3.21%. The application for intracellular FA sensing further verified that this novel nanoprobe may offer a new venue for the design of simple, low-cost, and sensitive biosensors. Graphical abstract.

Pharamacological action in Toddalia asiatica Lam.:research advances / 国际药学研究杂志

Radix Toddaliae asiaticae which belongs to Toddalia genus of Rutaceae family is a folk medicine in China. Modern pharmacological studies have shown its anti-inflammatory,analgesic,antioxidative,antibacterial,antifungal,cardiovascular protec?tive,antitumor activities and so on. The review systematically summarizes pharmacological effects,which can provide references for reasonable utilization.

Experimental evaluation of radioiodinated sennoside B as a necrosis-avid tracer agent.

Necrosis-avid agents are a class of compounds that selectively accumulate in the necrotic tissues after systemic administration, which can be used for in vivo necrosis imaging and targeted therapies. In order to search for a necrosis-avid tracer agent with improved drugability, we labelled iodine-131 on sennoside B (SB) as a naturally occurring median dianthrone compound. The necrosis targetability and clearance properties of (131)I-SB were evaluated in model rats with liver and muscle necrosis. On SPECT/CT images, a "hot spot" in the infarcted liver lobe and necrotic muscle was persistently observed at 24 h and 72 h post-injection (p.i.). Gamma counting of the tissues of interest revealed a radioactivity ratio of necrotic to viable liver at 4.6 and 3.4 and of necrotic to viable muscle at 7.0 and 8.8 at 24 h and 72 h p.i., respectively. The good match of autoradiographs and fluoromicroscopic images with corresponding histochemical staining suggested preferential uptake of (131)I-SB in necrotic tissue. Pharmacokinetic study revealed that (131)I-SB has an elimination half-life of 8.6 h. This study indicates that (131)I-SB shows not only prominent necrosis avidity but also favourable pharmacokinetics, which may serve as a potential necrosis-avid diagnostic agent for assessment of tissue viability.

Anesthetic effect of preemptive analgesia of frequency acupoint electrical stimulation on painless-induced abortion / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the anesthetic effect of preemptive analgesia of frequency acupoint electrical stimulation on painless-induced abortion as well as its effect on anesthetics dosage.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ninety cases of early pregnancy who selected painless-induced abortion were randomly divided into two groups, 45 cases in each group. Frequency acupoint electrical stimulation at Ciliao (BL 32) and Shenshu (BL 23), disperse-densewave, 2 Hz/100 Hz in frequency for 15 to 20 min, was applied in the group A, which was followed by intravenous anesthesia of propofol. The intravenous anesthesia of propofol was applied in the group B. The blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and SpO2 before, during and after surgery, anesthetic effect and dosage, waking time and adverse events were observed in the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The BP and HR during and after the surgery in the group A were not statistically different from those before the surgery (all P > 0.05). The BP was reduced and HR was slowed down during the surgery in the group B, which was significantly different from those before the surgery as well as those in the group A (all P < 0.05). The dosage of propofol was (114. 3-+6. 1) mg in the group A. obviously less than (193.2 +/- 8.9) mg in the group B (P < 0.05). The waking time was (5.6 +/- 1.2) min in the group A, obviously less than (10.1 +/- 3.9) min in the group B (P < 0.05). As for anesthetic effect, the incidence of Grade I in the group A was more than the group B (P < 0.05). The adverse events, including nausea, vomiting and contractions pain in the group A were evidently less than those in the group B (all P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The preemptive analgesia of frequency acupoint electrical stimulation could significantly improve anesthetic effect of painless-induced abortion, reduce dosage of anesthetics, shorten waking time of surgery and guarantee the safety of surgery.</p>

Prevention of procedural pain in dressing changes of burn wounds by auricular injection of small-dose fentanyl / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effective method of the prevention and treatment of procedural pain in dressing changes of burn wounds.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ninety patients of burn injury were randomized into 3 groups, 30 cases in each one. In the group A, fentanyl citrate injection was used at corresponding injury area, jiaogan (AH6a, sympathetic nerve), fei (CO14, lung), neifenmi (CO18, endocrine) on ear, 0.25 mL at each point. In the group B, fentanyl citrate injection was applied subcutaneously in the deltoid muscle, 1 mL. In the group C, 0.9% sodium chloride injection was applied subcutaneously in the deltoid muscle, 1 mL. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the analgesic effect before, during and 10 min after dressing change in the patients of the three groups separately.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>It was not different in VAS score before dressing change among the three groups (P> 0.05). Compared with that before dressing change, the pain was not significant and VAS score was not different during and after dressing change in the patients of the group A (both P>0.05), but the score in the patients of the group B and C was different significantly (all P<0.05). The VAS score during and after dressing change in the group A was lower than that in the group B and C (all P<0.05), and the score in the group B was lower than that in the group C (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Fentanyl injection of small dose at auricular points achieves definite analgesic effect on procedural pain in dressing changes of burn wounds, superior to subcutaneous injection of fentanyl.</p>

Synthesis and study of three novel macrocyclic selena[n]ferrocenophanes containing a naphthalene unit.

Three novel macrocyclic ligands, L1-L3, in which a ferrocene unit and a fluorescent moiety are linked to polyselena rings have been designed and prepared from 1,1'-bis(3-bromopropylseleno)ferrocene. Reaction of L with [M(NCMe)4](PF6)2 (M = Pd and Pt) led to complexes [ML](PF6)2 (M = Pd and Pt). Crystal structure analysis revealed that after complexation, the macrocyclic ligand adopts the unusual c,c,c conformation due to intramolecular C-H···π interactions from the hydrogen atoms of ferrocene moieties to the naphthalene ring. Electrochemical studies showed that in [ML](PF6)2 (M = Pd and Pt) the half-wave potential of the 1,1'-ferrocenediyl group shifts to much more positive potentials due to electron density withdrawn from Se donor atoms. Electrochemical and optical measurements were used to calculate HOMO and LUMO levels as well as HOMO-LUMO band gaps. Results were compared and correlated with the differences in molecular structures.

Protection of huanglian jiedu decoction on systemic and vascular immune responses of high fat induced apoE(-/-) mice / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of Huanglian Jiedu IJecoction (HJU) on systemic and vascular immune responses of high fat diet fed apoE deficient (apoE(-/-)) mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eight wild type C57BL6 mice were recruited as the wild type common food group. Totally 24 apoE(-/-) mice were randomly divided into the ApoE'common food group, the ApoE(-/-) hyperlipidemia group, and the ApoE(-/-) hyperlipidemia plus HJD group, 8 in each group. In the present study, the common food mice and high fat fed mice were fed with a chow diet or a high cholesterol diet for 4 weeks. HJD was given to mice in the ApoE(-/-) hyperlipidemia plus HJD group at the daily dose of 5 g/kg by gastrogavage, while equal volume of pure water was given to mice in the rest groups by gastrogavage. Four weeks later, the plasma levels of blood lipids, the ratio of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and expressions of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) and CD36 on the monocytes were detected. The pathological changes and expressions of cytokines in local aorta were detected. The plasma cytokine levels in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were analyzed. Results (1) Compared with the wild type common food group, TO, TG, and LDL-O significantly increased in the ApoE(-/-) common food group (P < 0. 05, P < 0.01). Compared with the ApoE(-/-) common food group, TC and LDL-C significantly increased in the hyperlipidemia group (P < 0. 05). There was no statistical difference in each index between the ApoE(-/-) hyperlipidemia group and the ApoE(-/-) hyperlipidemia plus HJD group (P > 0.05). (2) Compared with the wild type common food group, no obvious change of the ratio of peripheral blood mononuclear cells happened, the TLR4 expression level significantly increased in the ApoE'common food group (P < 0. 05). Compared with the ApoE common food group, the ratio of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the TLR4 expression level significantly increased in the ApoE' hyperlipidemia group (P < 0.05). Compared with the ApoE(-/-) hyperlipidemia group, the ratio of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the TLR4 expression level significantly decreased. Besides, the CD36 expression level also significantly decreased (P<0.05). (3) After stimulated by LPS for 3 h, compared with the wild type common food group, plasma TNF-ct and IL-b expressions significantly increased in the ApoE(-/-) common food group (P < 0.05). Compared with the ApoE(-/-) common food group, plasma expressions of IL-12, TNF-alpha, MCP-1, and IL-10 increased, but with no statistical difference in the ApoE(-/-) hyperlipidemia group (P > 0.05). After 4-week intervention of HJD, compared with the ApoE(-/-) hyperlipidemia group, the MCP-1 expression was significantly down-regulated, while the IL-10 expression significantly increased, showing statistical difference (P < 0.05). Compared with the wild type common food group, mRNA expression levels of IFN-gamma, MCP-1 , TNF-alpha, IL-10, and IL-1beta significantly increased (P < 0. 05, P < 0.01). Compared with the ApoE(-/-) common food group, not only mRNA expression levels of IFN-gamma, MCP-1, TNF-alpha, and IL-1beta, further significantly increased, but also IL-12, IL-10, and TGF-beta significantly increased (P < 0. 05, P < 0. 01). After 4-week intervention of HJD, compared with the ApoE(-/-) hyperlipidemia group, mRNA expression levels of MCP-1, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-12 significantly decreased in the ApoE(-/-) hyperlipidemia plus HJD group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>High fat diet induced systemic reaction and inflammatory reactions of local vessels. The local inflammatory response of vessels exceeded systemic inflammatory response. Intervention of HJD could attenuate inflammatory response, especially in local arteries. Meanwhile, it enhanced systemic anti-inflammatory reactions.</p>

Protection of huanglian jiedu decoction on livers of hyperlipidemia mice / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the protection of Huanglian Jiedu Decoction (HJD) on high fat diet induced liver damage mice [hyperlipidemic mice lacking apolipoprotein E (ApoE(-/-))].</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Wild type mice were divided into the wild common food group and the wild hyperlipidemia group. ApoE(-/-) mice were divided into the ApoE(-/-) common food group, the ApoE(-/-) hyperlipidemia group, and the ApoE(-/-) hyperlipidemia plus HJD group, 5 in each group. In the present study, wild type mice and homozygous apoE(-/-) mice were fed with a chow diet or a high cholesterol Western diet for 4 weeks. HJD at the daily dose of 5 g/kg was given to mice in the ApoE(-/-) hyperlipidemia plus HJD group by gastrogavage. The plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density cholesterol protein (LDL-C) were detected. The pathohistological changes of the liver were observed by Eosin and Hematoxylin (HE) staining. The liver macrophages and their subtype ratios, as well as macrophage surface receptor CD206 and CD36 were detected by flow cytometry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Typical pathological changes of simple fatty liver were manifested in the ApoE(-/-) hyperlipidemia group, TC, TG, and LDL-C increased, the macrophage ratio increased, the expression level of macrophage surface receptor CD206 decreased, showing statistical difference when compared with the ApoE(-/-) common food group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The ratio of alternatively activated macrophages (M2) subpopulations was lower in the ApoE(-/-) hyperlipidemia group than in the wild common food group (P < 0.05). There was no obvious change in the expression level of CD36. After intervened by HJD for 4 weeks, there was no obvious improvement in blood lipids. But the ratio of CD206+ M2 macrophages was significantly improved, when compared with the ApoE(-/-) hyperlipidemia group (P < 0.05). The pathological changes of fatty liver were significantly attenuated.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The liver protection effect of HJD might be associated with immunoregulation of M2 macrophage subpopulations and injured tissue repairmen. Its immunoregulation and liver protection were independent from lipids lowering.</p>

Influence of acupoint injection with small dose of fentanyl-droperidol mixed liquor on labor analgesia and level of stress hormone in parturient / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the clinical effect of acupoint injection with small dose of fentanyl-droperido mixed liquor at different time stages on labor analgesia, and explore its function mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and fifty cases of full-term primiparas who were intended to take vaginal delivery were randomly divided into 3 groups, 50 cases in each one. The acupoint injection with fentanyl-droperido mixed liquor at different time stages was applied in the group I, where Shenshu (BL 23) was selected in active phase and Ciliao (BL 32) was selected in the 2nd stage of labor. The subcutaneous injection with fentanyl-droperido mixed liquor was adopted in group II. The group III, which was considered as a control group, was treated with subcutaneous injection of 0.9% NaCl at the same time stage as group I and II. The blood pressure, VAS score and level of norepinephrine and adrenaline were observed at different time stages.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared before the injection, the blood pressure of group III in the active phase and 2nd stage of labor was significantly increased (P < 0.05), and that in group II and III was obviously higher than that in the group I (P < 0.05). The VAS score of group I in the active phase and 2nd stage of labor was significantly lower than that in the group II and III (P < 0.01). After the injection, the level of NE and E was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), which was lower than that in the group II and III (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The acupoint injection with small dose of fentanyl-droperido mixed liquor at different time stages has positive effect on labor analgesia, and it could significantly relieve stress reaction of parturient during the labor. Its mechanism could be related to the reduction of stress hormone in parturient.</p>

Effect of three-step acupuncture combined with small dosage antipsychotic in treating incipient schizophrenia / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the clinical efficacy and safety of three-step acupuncture (TSA) combined with small dosage antipsychotic in treating incipient schizophrenia (IS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty IS patients were randomly assigned to the test group and the control group equally. Patients in the test group received the combined therapy of TSA and antipsychotic, while patients in the control group were treated by full-dose antipsychotic, all for 8 weeks. The clinical efficacy was assessed by the positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS), and the adverse reaction was evaluated by treatment emergent symptom scale (TESS).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The clinical efficacy in the two groups showed insignificant difference at the end of the 8-week treatment (P > 0.05), but the total scores of PANSS evaluated at the end of the 2nd and 4th week in the test group (74.26 +/- 9.54, 56.33 +/- 10.12) were significantly higher than those in the control group (85.56 +/- 9.73, 70.57 +/- 9.62), respectively (P < 0.05), furthermore, TESS analysis showed that the incidence of adverse reactions in nervous system and autonomic nervous system in the test group were also lesser than in the control group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The combined therapy of TSA and small dose antipsychotic shows an efficacy equivalent to that of full-dose antipsychotic, but with shorter initiation time and less side effects.</p>

Effects of rhubarb aglycone combined with thrombolysis on brain microvascular basement membrane impairment in rats with thrombus-occluded cerebral ischemia / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the protective effects of rhubarb aglycone combined with urokinase (UK) thrombolysis on brain microvascular basement membrane impairment in rats with thrombus-occluded cerebral ischemia by regulating the expression of IgG, CoLIV and LN in rats brain, by which the level of injury of brain microvascular basement membrane could be detected.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Rats were randomly divided into sham-operated, model, thrombolysis, rhubarb aglycone and combination (rhubarb aglycone combined with thrombolysis) groups. Moreover, rats in model, thrombolysis, rhubarb aglycone and combination groups were randomly divided into 3, 6, and 9 h groups respectively. Model of thrombus-occluded cerebral ischemia was duplicated by using the combination of rats' auto-thrombus with inserting the nylon thread. Rats were administrated with thrombolysis therapy through artery at 3, 6, and 9 h after cerebral ischemia. At 24 h of administration through artery, intracranial hemorrhage ratio (ICHR) and mortality of rats were observed, and then the brain of rats was taken. In the study, expression of IgG, CoLIV and LN in rats brain were measured.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Thrombolysis at 9 h of cerebral ischemia made rats mortality and BHR increase, administration of combined therapy could make them decrease. Expression of IgG level in rats brain of 9 h and 6 h model groups increased, while CoLIV and LN expression decreased significantly. In each administration 9 h group, IgG level was lower, and CoLIV and LN were higher, such changes appeared significantly in rhubarb aglycone and association groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Brain microvascular basement membrane impairment could be caused by the therapy of delayed thrombolysis, which made the mortality and BHR increase. Rhubarb aglycone combined with the therapy of thrombolysis could perform the protective effects on brain microvascular basement membrane and then decrease the ICHR and mortality caused by thrombolysis after cerebral ischemia.</p>