A comprehensive analysis of hepatopancreas metabolomics and transcriptomics provides insights into the growth of three-year-old crabs (Eriocheir sinensis) under low temperature.

Low water temperature is a critical environmental factor limiting the size of cultivated aquatic individuals. However, it has found that a proportion of Eriocheir sinensis cultured in low water temperature with high-altitude can mature into three-year-old crabs, which present larger body size than conventional two-year-old crabs. Based on integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis, the significantly difference focuses on metabolic pathways involving glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism, and vitamin digestion and absorption. It revealed that the growth performance of three-year-old crabs is mainly regulated by improving its antioxidant defense to maintain physical fitness, while reducing protein consumption by intensifying energy supplement ability and enhancing the ability to digest and absorb nutrients at low temperature. This study provides new insights on the molecular and metabolic pathways that control E. sinensis growth at high-altitude and low water temperature, laying the theoretical basis for further artificial three-year-old crabs breeding.

The key phytochemistry of rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) contributing to hair protection against UV.

Extracts from rosemary (Salvia Rosmarinus) are analysed for their phytochemistry using LC-MS and the phytochemistry identified. The same extracts were tested for their efficacy to act as antioxidants by both hydrogen-atom transfer (ORAC) and single electron transfer (FRAP). A correlation analysis was performed to identify the key phytochemistry responsible for antioxidant efficacy. The top performing extracts were then tested in a peptide model and in hair with the presence of UV to measure ability to protect against UV-induced peptide and protein damage. Polyphenols (e.g. rosmarinic acid, glycosides of selgin) and abietane diterpenes (e.g. carnosic acid) in rosemary were identified as the principal compounds which enables the extracts to protect hair from UV. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this work was to correlate the phytochemistry of rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), a botanical with known antioxidant properties, to a UV protection benefit in hair. These data will give insights into mechanisms of UV damage, the ROS formed and their reactivity. METHODS: LC-MS was used to compare the compounds in 10 commercial extracts of rosemary. ORAC (oxygen radical antioxidant capacity) and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) were used to measure the antioxidant capacity of the rosemary extracts. The ORAC assay measures ability of an antioxidant to react with a peroxyl radical via hydrogen atom extraction and FRAP measures electron transfer through reduction of ferric iron (Fe3+ ) to ferrous iron (Fe2+ ) by antioxidants present in the samples. Correlation of extract composition with antioxidant measures was performed using principal component analysis. Selected extracts were assessed for their ability to protect hair from UV damage in a model peptide system and on hair. In addition, the same methods were used to test rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid, key phytochemistries in the rosemary extracts. The model system was a peptide and its decomposition on exposure to UV was monitored by LC-MS in the absence and presence of the rosemary extracts. Hair degradation in the presence of UV was measured by exposure of UV in an Atlas weatherometer followed by extraction of degraded protein in water. A fragment of the S100A3 protein was used as a marker of UV damage (m/z = 1278) and quantified via LC-MS. RESULTS: Ten rosemary extracts were assessed for antioxidant performance and correlated with their compositions. The phytochemistry in each extract varied widely with a total of 33 individual compounds identified. The differences were most likely driven by the solvent and extraction method used by the supplier with extracts varying in the proportion of polar or non-polar compounds. This did influence their reactivity in the ORAC and FRAP assays and their efficacy in preventing protein damage. Two of the key compounds identified were rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid, with rosmarinic acid dominating in extracts with mainly polar compounds and carnosic acid dominating in extracts with mainly nonpolar compounds. Extracts with higher rosmarinic acid correlated with ORAC and FRAP scores, with UV protection on hair and in the peptide model system. The extracts chosen for hair experiments showed hair protection. UV protection was also measured for rosmarinic and carnosic acid. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the variation in the profile of phytochemistries in the 10 rosemary extracts, likely driven by the chosen extraction method, all rosemary extracts had antioxidant activity measured. This study suggests that the polyphenols (e.g. rosmarinic acid, glycosides of selgin) and abietane diterpenes (e.g. carnosic acid) are the principal compounds which enables the extracts to protect hair from UV.

INTRODUCTION: Les extraits de romarin (Salvia Rosmarinus) sont analysés par LC-MS pour établir et identifier leur profil phytochimique. Les mêmes extraits ont été testés pour leur efficacité à agir comme antioxydants à la fois par transfert d'atome d'hydrogène (ORAC) et par transfert d'électrons uniques (FRAP). Une analyse de corrélation a été réalisée pour identifier les propriétés phytochimiques clés responsables de l'efficacité antioxydante. Les extraits les plus performants ont ensuite été testés dans un modèle peptidique et sur les cheveux en présences d'UV pour mesurer la capacité à protéger contre les dommages induits par les UV su les peptides et protéines. Les polyphénols (par ex. acide rosmarinique, glycosides de selgin) et les diterpènes d'abiétine (par ex. acide carnosique) dans le romarin ont été identifiés comme les principaux composés permettant aux extraits de protéger les cheveux des UV. OBJECTIF: L'objectif de ce travail était de mettre en corrélation la phytochimie du romarin (Salvia rosmarinus), une plante aux propriétés antioxydantes connues, et les bénéfices d'une protection contre les UV dans les cheveux. Ces données fourniront des informations sur les mécanismes des dommages causés par les UV, la formation du ROS et leur réactivité. MÉTHODES: La LC-MS a été utilisée pour comparer les composés de 10 extraits commerciaux de romarin. L'ORAC (Oxygen Radical Antioxidant Capacity/Capacité d'absorption des radicaux d'oxygène) et la FRAP (Ferric Reduction Antioxidant Power/Pouvoir antioxydant de réduction ferrique) ont été utilisés pour mesurer la capacité antioxydante des extraits de romarin. Le dosage ORAC mesure la capacité d'un antioxydant à réagir avec un radical peroxyl par extraction d'atome d'hydrogène et la FRAP mesure le transfert d'électrons par réduction du fer ferrique (Fe3+ ) en fer ferreux (Fe2+ ) par les antioxydants présents dans les échantillons. La corrélation entre la composition de l'extrait et les mesures des antioxydants a été effectuée en analysant les composants principaux. Les extraits sélectionnés ont été évalués pour leur capacité à protéger les cheveux des dommages causés par les UV dans un modèle de système peptidique et sur les cheveux. En outre, les mêmes méthodes ont été utilisées pour tester l'acide rosmarinique et l'acide carnosique, principales caractéristiques phytochimiques dans les extraits de romarin. Le système modèle était un peptide et sa décomposition à l'exposition aux UV a été suivie par LC-MS en l'absence et en présence des extraits de romarin. La dégradation des cheveux en présence d'UV a été mesurée par l'exposition aux UV dans un indicateur de désagrégation Atlas suivi de l'extraction de protéines dégradées dans l'eau. Un fragment de la protéine S100A3 a été utilisé comme marqueur de dommage UV (m/z = 1278) et quantifié par LC-MS. RÉSULTATS: Dix extraits de romarin ont été évalués en termes de performance antioxydante et mis en corrélation avec leurs compositions. La phytochimie de chaque extrait variait considérablement, avec un total de 33 composés individuels identifiés. Les différences étaient très probablement dues à la méthode du solvant et de l'extraction utilisée par le fournisseur avec des extraits variant dans la proportion de composés polaires ou non polaires. Cela a effectivement influencé leur réactivité dans les dosages ORAC et FRAP et leur efficacité dans la prévention des dommages protéiques. Deux des composés clés identifiés étaient l'acide rosmarinique et l'acide carnosique, l'acide rosmarinique dominant dans les extraits contenant principalement des composés polaires et l'acide carnosique dominant dans les extraits contenant principalement des composés non polaires. Les extraits avec un taux d'acide rosmarinique plus élevé étaient mis en corrélation avec les scores ORAC et FRAP, avec une protection UV sur les cheveux et dans le système de modèle peptidique. Les extraits choisis pour les expériences sur les cheveux ont montré une protection des cheveux. La protection contre les UV a également été mesurée pour l'acide rosmarinique et l'acide carnosique. CONCLUSIONS: Malgré la variation des profils phytochimiques dans les dix extraits de romarin, probablement induite par la méthode d'extraction choisie, l'activité antioxydante de tous les extraits de romarin a été mesurée. Les polyphénols (par ex. acide rosmarinique, glycosides de selgin) et les diterpènes d'abiétane (par ex. acide carnosique) dans le romarin ont été identifiés comme les principaux composés permettant aux extraits de protéger les cheveux contre les UV.

Essential oil from Artemisia argyi alleviated liver disease in zebrafish (Danio rerio) via the gut-liver axis.

The popularity of intensive fish farming has led to the emergence of fish diseases characterized by hepatobiliary syndrome. Artemisia argyi (A. argyi) essential oils have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. However, their alleviating effects and mechanism on liver disease in fish are still unclear. Thus, adult zebrafish were used to construct an animal model to observe histopathological damages, determine biochemical parameters and expression of inflammatory cytokines and mRNAs in the PPAR-γ/NF-κB pathway, and conduct 16 S sequencing of intestinal microbiota. The results found that after treatment with A. argyi essential oil, the histopathological damage caused by ethanol was relieved; the CAT, SOD, and GSH levels were remarkably elevated, while the MDA level was obviously lowered (P < 0.05); the expression levels of IL-10 and IFN-γ mRNAs were enhanced, but the levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, PPAR-γ, NF-κB, and TNF-α mRNAs were reduced (P < 0.05) relative to the EtOH group. A. argyi essential oil remarkably attenuated the damage to intestinal tissue structure, and elevated the levels of Muc2, ZO-1, Claudin-1, and Occludin mRNA (P < 0.05). Sequencing of the gut flora showed that A. argyi essential oil significantly altered the composition of gut microbes compared with the EtOH group. In addition, KEGG and COG analyses also showed significant (P < 0.05) changes in acetate cycling metabolism in the EtOH group, catechol 2, 3-dioxygenase and nitroreductase were significantly increased (P < 0.001), and lipid metabolism and terpenoid synthesis were significantly elevated (P < 0.001) in A. argyi essential oil group. The results indicate that A. argyi essential oil could effectively relieve ethanol-caused histopathological damage of livers by modulating the composition of gut microbiota, thus inhibiting the level of IL-1ß and mRNAs in the PPAR-γ/NF-κB pathway, increasing the IL-10 level, reducing the oxidative stress. This may offer a rationale for further research on the rationality of A. argyi as a substitute for feed antibiotics in aquaculture.

Dysbiosis of intestinal homeostasis contribute to Whitmania pigra edema disease.

Whitmania pigra is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. However, W. pigra is being threatened by an edema disease with unknown causes (WPE). In this study, a comprehensive exploration of virome, microbiome, and metabolome aberrations in the intestine of W. pigra was performed to address the aetiology of WPE. Virome analysis indicated that eukaryotic viruses did not contribute to WPE, whereas an expansion of Caudovirales was observed in WPE. Compared to the control, the microbial richness and diversity in diseased W. pigra decreased remarkably. Nine genera, including Aeromonas, Anaerotruncus, Vibrio, Proteocatella, Acinetobacter, and Brachyspira were overrepresented in WPE, whereas eleven genera, including Bifidobacterium, Phascolarctobacterium, Lactobacillus, Bacillus and AF12, were enriched in healthy individuals. Furthermore, certain metabolites, especially amino acids, short-chain fatty acids, and bile acids, were found to be linked to intestinal microbiota alterations in WPE. An integration of the microbiome and metabolome in WPE found that dysbiosis of the gut microbiota or metabolites caused WPE. Notably, W. pigra accepted intestinal microbiota transplantation from WPE donors developed WPE clinical signs eventually, and the dysbiotic intestinal microbiota can be recharacterized in this recipient W. pigra. Strikingly, pathological features of metanephridium and uraemic toxin enrichment in the gut indicated a putative interconnection between the gut and metanephridium in WPE, which represents the prototype of the gut-kidney axis in mammals. These finding exemplify the conservation of "microecological Koch's postulates" from annelids to insects and other vertebrates, which provides a direction of prevention and treatment for WPE and opens a new insight into the pathogenesis of aquatic animal diseases from an ecological perspective.

Soil ridging combined with biochar or calcium-magnesium-phosphorus fertilizer application: Enhanced interaction with Ca, Fe and Mn in new soil habitat reduces uptake of As and Cd in rice.

Reducing the bioavailability of both cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) in paddy fields is a worldwide challenge. The authors investigated whether ridge cultivation combined with biochar or calcium-magnesium-phosphorus (CMP) fertilizer effectively reduces the accumulation of Cd and As in rice grains. Field trial showed that applying biochar or CMP on the ridges was similar to the continuous flooding, which maintained grain Cd at a low level, but grain As was reduced by 55.6%, 46.8% (IIyou28) and 61.9%, 59.3% (Ruiyou 399). Compared with ridging alone, the application of biochar or CMP decreased grain Cd by 38.7%, 37.8% (IIyou28) and 67.58%, 60.98% (Ruiyou399), and reduced grain As by 38.9%, 26.9% (IIyou28) and 39.7%, 35.5% (Ruiyou 399). Microcosm experiment showed that applying biochar and CMP on the ridges decreased As in soil solution by 75.6% and 82.5%, respectively, and kept Cd at a comparably low level at 0.13-0.15 µg L-1. Aggregated boosted tree (ABT) analysis revealed that ridge cultivation combined with soil amendments altered soil pH, redox state (Eh) and enhanced the interaction of Ca, Fe, Mn with As and Cd, which promoted the concerted reduction of As and Cd bioavailability. Application of biochar on the ridges enhanced the effects of Ca and Mn to maintain a low level of Cd, and enhanced the effects of pH to reduce As in soil solution. Similar to ridging alone, applying CMP on the ridges enhanced the effects of Mn to reduce As in soil solution, and enhanced the effects of pH and Mn to maintain Cd at a low level. Ridging also promoted the association of As with poorly/well-crystalline Fe/Al and the association of Cd on Mn-oxides. This study provides an effective and environmentally friendly method to decrease Cd and As bioavailability in paddy fields and mitigate Cd and As accumulation in rice grain.

Effects of selenium supplementation on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis on randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: This study provides a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, which examined the effect of the selenium supplementation on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: Confirmed studies related to selenium supplementation and PCOS were searched from the databases of EMBASE, PubMed and Web of Science. Data were reported as weighted mean difference (WMD) or standard mean difference (SMD) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Analysis was performed with Stata version 12.0. RESULTS: A total of 389 cases (selenium group n = 195, control group n = 194) were included in this studies. This meta-analysis showed that selenium supplementation has a positive effect on TAC, and supplementation of selenium does not significantly improve the level of BMI, Weight, LDL, HDL, Triglycerides, Total Testosterone, HOMA-IR, NO, GSH, MDA and FPG. CONCLUSION: Although selenium can improve TAC in PCOS patients, it has no significant effect on BMI, Total Testosterone, et al. In terms of the results of this meta-analysis, it is not recommended for patients with PCOS to use selenium as a regular trace element supplement. Based on the improving effect of selenium on TAC, supplementation of selenium may have a positive effect on improving follicle quality for some PCOS patients who have poor follicle quality caused by oxidative stress or who want to undergo IVF.

Alleviating effects of essential oil from Artemisia vulgaris on enteritis in zebrafish via modulating oxidative stress and inflammatory response.

Artemisia vulgaris (A. vulgaris) is a traditional Chinese medicine widely distributed in China and contains many bioactive compounds with pharmacological effects. However, the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanism of essential oil from A. vulgaris on enteritis in fish are still unclear. In this study, in order to elucidate the underlying mechanism of essential oil from A. vulgaris on zebrafish enteritis, zebrafish were used for establishing animal models to observe the histopathological changes of intestines, determine the activities of immune-related enzymes and oxidative stress indicators, and the mRNA expression of genes in MyD88/TRAF6/NF-KB signaling pathways. The results showed that different doses of A. vulgaris essential oil could effectively alleviate zebrafish enteritis in a dose- and time-dependent manner by improving the intestinal histopathological damage, decreasing the intestinal oxidative stress, repairing the intestinal immune ability, changing the expression levels of IL-1ß, IL-10 and genes in MyD88/TRAF6/NF-κB pathway. In addition, co-treatment with oxazolone and MyD88 inhibitor could alleviate the morphological damage, the induction of oxidative stress, and the levels of immune-related enzymes and the mRNA expression of genes in MyD88/TRAF6/NF-κB signaling pathway. Moreover, essential oil from A. vulgaris had more significantly therapeutic effects on enteritis of male zebrafish than that of female zebrafish. This result will clarify the therapeutic effect and anti-inflammatory mechanism of essential oil from A. vulgaris on zebrafish enteritis, and provide a theoretical basis for further research on the rationality of A. vulgaris to replace feed antibiotics.

The yin-yang of immunity: Immune dysregulation in myelodysplastic syndrome with different risk stratification.

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a heterogeneous group of myeloid clonal diseases with diverse clinical courses, and immune dysregulation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of MDS. However, immune dysregulation is complex and heterogeneous in the development of MDS. Lower-risk MDS (LR-MDS) is mainly characterized by immune hyperfunction and increased apoptosis, and the immunosuppressive therapy shows a good response. Instead, higher-risk MDS (HR-MDS) is characterized by immune suppression and immune escape, and the immune activation therapy may improve the survival of HR-MDS. Furthermore, the immune dysregulation of some MDS changes dynamically which is characterized by the coexistence and mutual transformation of immune hyperfunction and immune suppression. Taken together, the authors think that the immune dysregulation in MDS with different risk stratification can be summarized by an advanced philosophical thought "Yin-Yang theory" in ancient China, meaning that the opposing forces may actually be interdependent and interconvertible. Clarifying the mechanism of immune dysregulation in MDS with different risk stratification can provide the new basis for diagnosis and clinical treatment. This review focuses on the manifestations and roles of immune dysregulation in the different risk MDS, and summarizes the latest progress of immunotherapy in MDS.

The yin-yang effects of immunity: From monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance to multiple myeloma.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the third most common malignant neoplasm of the hematological system. It often develops from monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) precursor states. In this process, the immune microenvironment interacts with the MM cells to exert yin and yang effects, promoting tumor progression on the one hand and inhibiting it on the other. Despite significant therapeutic advances, MM remains incurable, and the main reason for this may be related to the complex and variable immune microenvironment. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the dynamic relationship between the immune microenvironment and tumors, to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of different factors in the microenvironment, and to develop novel therapeutic agents targeting the immune microenvironment of MM. In this paper, we review the latest research progress and describe the dual influences of the immune microenvironment on the development and progression of MM from the perspective of immune cells and molecules.

Nursing Methods and Experience of Local Anesthesia Patients under Arthroscope.

In order to solve the nursing problems of local anesthesia patients under arthroscopy, a nursing method and experience based on local anesthesia patients under arthroscopy was proposed. From June 2019 to May 2021, 478 patients who underwent knee arthroscopy under spinal anesthesia or local anesthesia were retrospectively investigated, including 186 cases (38.9%) under local anesthesia and 292 cases (61.1%) under spinal anesthesia. 2% lidocaine plus epinephrine was injected locally and intra-articular in patients with local anesthesia, and 0.75% bupivacaine in patients with spinal anesthesia. It was found that in the local anesthesia group and spinal anesthesia group, 94.1% (175/186) and 98.3% (287/292) patients did not feel pain during operation. 93.0% (173/186 cases) and 96.2% (281/292 cases) of patients in the two groups were satisfied or very satisfied with the effect of anesthesia, respectively. The experimental results showed that local anesthesia was a simple and effective anesthesia method for knee arthroscopy, which was more reliable and safer than spinal anesthesia. Local anesthesia could be used for knee arthroscopy or cleaning and rinsing, free body removal, or even common meniscinoplasty.

Protection of hair from damage induced by ultraviolet irradiation using tea (Camellia sinensis) extracts.

BACKGROUND: Damage to hair by UV is relevant to most people, and for many, it is a major source of hair damage. Prevention of UV damage is of high interest to cosmetic companies. OBJECTIVES: Describe UV damage mechanisms and link these mechanisms to measurable changes in hair protein composition and color changes resulting from breakdown of yellow-colored kynurenines. Test the power of botanical antioxidants, specifically Camellia sinensis (tea) extracts to prevent this protein damage and color change. Link specific phytochemistry of extract samples to hair performance. METHODS: Camellia sinensis (tea) extracts were analyzed by LC-MS to identify the key composition chemistries. ORAC (Oxygen Radical Antioxidant Capacity) was used to measure ability of the extract to react with a peroxyl radical via a hydrogen abstraction mechanism. Hair protein structural damage was measured by quantification of a biomarker peptide that is specific to UV-induced damage and hair color changes were measured with a spectrophotometer. RESULTS: Levels of key phytochemistry in the extracts, specifically the catechins, correlated with prevention of UV-induced protein damage and prevention of color changes due to kynurenine breakdown. Extracts with higher phytochemistry levels also had higher ORAC scores indicating that they were more effective antioxidants. CONCLUSIONS: Camellia sinensis (tea) extracts can be used as effective protective treatments for hair protection but this efficacy is linked to extract concentrations of key chemistries (catechins).

The prescription rule analysis of the New Theory on Spleen Dampness Syndrome by Academician TONG Xiaolin / 数字中医药（英文）

@#Objective To analyze the basic characteristics, drug features, prescription rules, and drug-symptom relationships of patients in the splenic deficiency and impairment stage, by data mining of medical records under the New Theory on Spleen Dampness Syndrome (Pi Dan Xin Lun, 《脾瘅新论》). Methods Medical records listed in the “New Theory on Spleen Dampness Syndrome – Understanding and Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome from the Perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine”, and which were diagnosed with the spleen dampness syndrome at the splenic deficiency and impairment stage, during January 2004 and December 2016 were selected. These patients’ data, including basic information, clinical symptoms, laboratory examination results, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and western medicine diagnoses, treatment methods, prescriptions, etc., were collected. The collected data were subsequently compiled into a medical record database using the Epidata 3.1 data management software, followed by the use of Apriori algorithm provided in the SPSS Modeler 14.2 statistical software to investigate the association rules between drug-drug, drug-symptom, and drug-western medicine indices. Results (i) A total of 51 medical records were included, involving 17 types of syndromes. Among them, the top three with frequency ≥ 3 included “Phlegm and blood stasis, and thoracic obstruction” “Deficiency-weakness of the spleen Qi, and static blood blocking collaterals”, and “Deficiency-weakness of the spleen Qi, and static blood blocking collaterals”. Alternatively, of the 14 treatment methods, the top three treatments with frequency of ≥ 3 included “Activating Yang and eliminating turbidity, and removing phlegm and dredging channel blockage” “Strengthening the spleen and benefiting Qi, and eliminating phlegm to activate the channels”, and “Warming Yang and benefiting Qi, and expelling cold to remove obstructions”. Among the 15 prescriptions, the top three used with frequency ≥ 3 included Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Tang (黄芪桂枝五物汤), Gualou Xiebai Banxia Tang (瓜蒌薤白半夏汤), and Ganjiang Huangqin Huanglian Renshen Tang (干姜黄芩黄连人参汤). Lastly, of the 83 drugs used for a total of 476 times, those with frequency ≥ 15 included Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), Huangqi (Astragali Radix), Jiudahuang (Wine-processed Rhei Radix et Rhizoma), Jixueteng (Spatholobi Caulis), Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), and Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus). (ii) For the drug-drug associations, under the criteria of support ≥ 15% and confidence = 100%, seven second-order association rules, seven third-order rules, and six fourth-order roles were identified. The top-ranking rule of each was “Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) → Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma)” “Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma) + Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) → Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma)”, and “Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) + Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) + Jixueteng (Spatholobi Caulis) → Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix)”, respectively. Alternatively, the drug-symptom associations were analyzed under the criteria of support ≥ 5% and confidence = 100%, which derived eight second-order association rules, 31 third-order rules, and 30 fourth-order rules. The top-ranking association rule of each order was “Huangqi (Astragali Radix) → Limb edema” “Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) + Jixueteng (Spatholobi Caulis) → Limb numbness and pain”, and “Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) + Jixueteng (Spatholobi Caulis) + Huangqi (Astragali Radix) → Limb numbness and pain”, respectively. Similarly, the drug-western medicine index associations were investigated under the criteria of support ≥ 5% and confidence = 100%, and five second-order association rules, 16 third-order rules, and 16 fourth-order rules were identified. In this category, the top-ranking association rule of each order was “Qinpi (Fraxini Cortex) → Uric acid” “Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma) + Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma) → Glycated hemoglobin”, and “Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma) + Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma) + Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) → Glycated hemoglobin”, respectively. Conclusion Through association rule mining, this study objectively and quantitatively demonstrated the drug-drug, drug-symptom, and drug-physicochemical index associations of patients with the spleen dampness syndrome at the splenic deficiency and impairment stage treated by Academician TONG Xiaolin. The results indicated that treatment for these patients adopted the “state-target” syndrome differentiation method. The drug combination was characterized by “small prescriptions”, targeting both the patient’s symptoms and signs (syndrome target) and western medicine indices (treatment target). This study could provide references for future research on the academic thoughts and medical experience of Academician TONG Xiaolin.

The effect of combined supplementation with vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids on blood glucose and blood lipid levels in patients with gestational diabetes.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the effects of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids on glucose and blood lipid metabolism in gestational diabetes (GDM) women. METHODS: A total of 150 patients with GDM aged 18-40 who were admitted to our hospital from May 2019 to December 2020 were enrolled in this study. The subjects were divided into test and control groups according to whether they took vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. The test group took 40,000 IU of vitamin D and 8,000 mg of omega-3 fatty acids twice a day. Comparative analysis of the changes in blood glucose and blood lipid levels of the two groups of patients was performed after 6 weeks. The t-test was used to compare the differences between groups, and the chi-square test was used to assess percentage differences. Repeated measures variance was used to analyze the effects of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids on insulin metabolism markers and blood lipid profiles. RESULTS: After adjusting for baseline age and weight, it was found that the fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglycerides (TGs), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) in the test group were decreased by 0.3±0.2 mmol/L, 1.0±0.6 uIU/mL, 0.2±0.1, 0.3±0.1 mmol/L, 0.5±0.2 mmol/L, 1.1±0.4 mmol/L, and 0.03±0.01 mmol/L, respectively, while homeostasis model assessment of beta cell (HOMA-ß) was increased by 0.4±0.1. Compared to the placebo group, the test group's FBG, insulin, HOMA-IR, TGs, total cholesterol, LDL, and VLDL were all significantly decreased, and HOMA-ß was markedly improved. However, no notable statistical difference was observed in the change of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Combined supplementation with vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids for 6 weeks in patients with GDM can effectively reduce blood sugar and blood lipids, improve HOMA-ß and insulin resistance, and ultimately effectively improve the glucose and lipid metabolism of patients.

Development of a Computerized Adaptive Test for Quantifying Chinese Medicine Syndrome of Myasthenia Gravis on Basis of Multidimensional Item Response Theory.

BACKGROUND: Making comprehensive management of myasthenia gravis (MG) is a challenge in clinical practice due to heterogeneity and multiple comorbidities among patients. AIM: To develop an end-to-end instrument for individualized assessment of MG in the perspective of Chinese medicine (TCM) with the application of multidisciplinary quantification approaches. METHODS: A self-administrated questionnaire was developed integrating typical symptoms of MG and spleen-kidney deficiency syndrome on basis of the conceptual framework of TCM. With data collected in a multicenter cross-sectional study, confirmatory factor analysis together with multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) was used for evaluating the psychometric property of the questionnaire. A computerized adaptive test was developed based on the MIRT model, and scores of syndrome factors were calculated in simulation. A logistics regression model was also estimated for evaluating the consistency between the quantitative result and the clinical diagnosis of syndrome from clinical practitioners. RESULT: With 337 patients enrolled and assessed, the 14-item questionnaire was evaluated to be with adequate validity and reliability (Cronbach's alpha indices = 0.87, AIC = 195.827, BIC = 348.631, CFI = 0.921, RMR = 0.006, GFI = 0.954, RMSEA = 0.048, and χ2/df = 1.782). With adequate factor loadings of symptoms on related syndrome factor, the instrument was evaluated with preliminary interpretation and was suitable for evaluating patients with moderate severity of the spleen and kidney deficiency syndrome. CONCLUSION: Setting typical symptoms of MG together with systemic discomforts in a computerized adaptive test on the basis of MIRT, this study proposed an innovative research paradigm for quantifying individual condition in the perspective of TCM with application of interdisciplinary approaches.

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of Centranthera grandiflora Benth (Orobanchaceae), an important species of medicinal herb.

Centranthera grandiflora is an important medicinal herb within Orobanchaceae. To date, however, genetic studies on this species remain poor. Here, we assembled the complete chloroplast genome of C. grandiflora. Results showed that the genome was 147 655 bp in length, consisting of large and small single copy regions of length 83 550 and 14 891 bp, respectively, separated by two inverted repeat regions of 24 607 bp. Furthermore, the genome contained 132 genes, including 84 protein-coding genes, 39 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that C. grandiflora is closely related to the species of Orobanchaceae. The complete chloroplast genome of C. grandiflora should help in the conservation of genetic resources and appropriate utilization of this medicinal herb in the future.

Combination of Electroacupuncture and Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Enhances Functional Recovery After Ischemic Stroke in Rats.

Both electroacupuncture and constraint-induced movement therapy have been reported to produce therapeutic effects on the recovery of ischemic stroke. The combined use of these two therapies is not rare clinically, although its effectiveness is not yet clear. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the combination of electroacupuncture and constraint-induced movement therapy in ischemic stroke rats, and to explore the potential molecular mechanisms. Ischemic stroke rat models were established by middle cerebral artery occlusion. Then, the rats were assigned to receive one of the following interventions: sole electroacupuncture, sole constraint-induced movement therapy, the combination of both therapies, and no treatment. Functional recovery was assessed with the beam balance test and rotarod test. The infarct volume of the brain and the expression of the molecules Nogo-A, P75NTR, NGF, BDNF, and VEGF in the brain tissue were investigated. The results demonstrated that the combination of the two therapies significantly improved neurological functional recovery in ischemic stroke rats compared to each therapy alone (P < 0.01). We also observed a significant decrease in infarct volume in rats receiving the combined treatment. Nogo-A and P75NTR were downregulated and NGF, BDNF, and VEGF were upregulated in the combined treatment rats compared to the control rats. In conclusion, the combination of electroacupuncture and constraint-induced movement therapy enhanced functional recovery after ischemic stroke in rats, and it is a promising treatment strategy in the rehabilitation of stroke. The anti-Nogo-A effect of electroacupuncture may explain its good compatibility with CIMT in ischemic stroke rats.

How Can Alternative Exercise Traditions Help Against the Background of the COVID-19 in Cancer Care? An Overview of Systematic Reviews.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the quality of systematic reviews/meta-analyses (SR/MAs) on alternative exercise traditions in cancer care. METHODS: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Ovid, EBSCOhost, WanFang Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and VIP Database were searched from their inception to June 30, 2020. The search used a combination of subject words and free words. The search terms included "Tai Chi," "Qigong," "Baduanjin," "Yoga," "Pilates," "Cancer," "Meta-analysis," and "Systematic review." Two researchers independently performed literature screening and data extraction and used AMSTAR scale and PRISMA statement to evaluate the methodology and the quality of the evidence. RESULTS: A total of 26 SR/MAs were included. The AMSTAR scale score was 5-10 points, with an average of 7.46±1.33 points. Overall, the methodological quality was considered to be moderate. The PRISMA list score was 13-24 points, with an average of 19.19±2.86 points. Among the papers evaluated, eight reports were relatively complete. A total of 15 papers indicated certain defects. A total of three papers showed relatively serious information defects. CONCLUSION: Relative to the control group, alternative exercise traditions may be effective in improving the quality of life, anxiety, depression, distress, and fatigue of cancer patients. However, they may not necessarily improve patients' sleep outcome, body mass index, and pain. During convalescence, cancer patients can be encouraged to start engaging in physical exercise, and professionals can develop appropriate exercise alternatives to ensure the expected effect of exercise while ensuring the safety of patients. The methodological quality of the systematic evaluations of the intervention effects of alternative exercise traditions on cancer patients is not satisfactory. Hence, focus should be directed to the improvement of the preliminary design scheme, publication status, literature retrieval, conflict of interest, and other aspects.

Traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis of overview.

BACKGROUND: Since December 2019, there have been many cases of viral pneumonia of unknown causes in Wuhan City, Hubei Province. During the period of novel coronavirus, according to the observation of limited autopsy and biopsy pathological results, pulmonary interstitial fibrosis appeared in some pathological changes of lung. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive interstitial pneumonia with unknown etiology and pathological changes limited to the lung. At present, there is still a lack of reevaluation of systematic evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine treatment IPF. Therefore, a systematic re-evaluation of the systematic evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis may help to understand the effective treatment scheme of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis and provide more reliable evidence for the first-line clinicians to treat novel coronavirus. METHODS: We will search 3 foreign electronic databases (Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed) and 4 Chinese electronic databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure [CNKI], WangFang Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database [CBM], and Chinese Scientific Journal Database [VIP]) to collect potential systematic reviews from their inceptions to February 2020. The language of publication is limited to Chinese or English. We will consider SRs and meta-analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine for the Treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. Two reviewers will identify relevant studies, and then assess the methodological quality by assessment of multiple systematic reviews-2 tool. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) report checklist to assess the quality of reports included in the study. In order to better evaluate the systematic evaluation included in this research, risk of bias in systematic review tool is included in this research to evaluate the methodological quality. The quality of evidence of the included systematic reviews was assessed by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. The Primary outcomes include: Clinical total effective rate, curative effect of TCM symptoms, pulmonary function and blood gas analysis. RESULTS: The results of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. CONCLUSIONS: We expect to obtain reliable evidence from systematic analysis of traditional Chinese medicine treatment of pulmonary fibrosis in an available and useful document. REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY202060029.

Tianma Gouteng Decoction combined with Qiju Dihuang Pill for the treatment of essential hypertension: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Essential hypertension is one of the risk factors of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, which can cause target organ damage such as heart, brain and kidney, and has extremely high disability rate and death rate. With the development of economy and society, the prevalence rate of hypertension in China has increased rapidly from 9.8% in the 1980s to over 30% in the 21st century. According to the data published in "China Cardiovascular Disease Report 2018," China currently has 245 million hypertension patients. Comprehensive prevention and treatment of hypertension has become one of the major public health problems in China. The clinical practice and theoretical innovation of traditional Chinese medicine in the prevention and treatment of hypertension have been carried out for decades. Relevant literature points out that Tianma Gouteng Decoction combined with Qiju Dihuang Pill has ideal effect in the treatment of primary hypertension. However, most of the literatures are small sample studies, with uneven quality and clinical evidence, and lack of evidence-based medical evidence for clinical efficacy. Therefore, this study makes further meta-analysis of Tianma Gouteng Decoction combined with Qiju Dihuang Pill in the treatment of primary hypertension, with a view to providing evidence-based medical evidence for the treatment of primary hypertension. METHODS: We will search 3 foreign electronic databases (Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed) and 4 Chinese electronic databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WangFang Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and Chinese Scientific Journal Database) to collect potential systematic reviews from their inceptions to February 2020. The language of publication is limited to Chinese or English. First, the quality of randomized controlled trials documents included in this study was evaluated by using the improved Jadad scoring scale. Then, the 2 researchers conducted the evaluation independently according to Cochrane bias risk tools. The evidence level of the results will be evaluated by using the recommended evaluation, development and evaluation grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation method. Statistical analysis will be conducted using Revman 5.3. RESULTS: The results of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. CONCLUSIONS: The conclusion of this study will provide evidence for the efficacy of Tianma Gouteng Decoction combined with Qiju Dihuang Pills in the treatment of primary hypertension due to the efficacy of western medicine alone in treating primary hypertension. REGISTRATION NUMBER PROSPERO: INPLASY202050088.

The protection effect and mechanism of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in rat brain with traumatic injury.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on traumatic brain injury (TBI) outcome. METHODS: The modified Marmarou's weight drop device was used to generate non-lethal moderate TBI rat model, and further developed in vitro astrocytes culturing system. Then, we analyzed the expression changes of interested genes and protein by quantitative PCR and western blot. RESULTS: Multiple HBO treatments significantly reduced the expression of apoptosis promoting genes, such as c-fos, c-jun, Bax and weakened the activation of Caspase-3 in model rats. On the contrary, HBOT alleviated the decrease of anti-apoptosis gene Bcl-2 and promoted the expression of neurotrophic factors (NTFs), such as NGF, BDNF, GDNF and NT-3 in vivo. As a consequent, the neuropathogenesis was remarkably relied with HBOT. Astrocytes from TBI brain or those cultured with 21% O2 density expressed higher NTFs than that of corresponding controls, from sham brain and cultured with 7% O2, respectively. The NTFs expression was the highest in astrocytes form TBI brain and cultured with 21% O2, suggesting a synergistic effect existed between TBI and the following HBO treatment in astrocytes. CONCLUSION: Our findings provided evidence for the clinical usage of HBO treating brain damages.