Effect of Cerebralcare Granule® combined with memantine on Alzheimer's disease.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In elderly people, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. It has been shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) based on phytomedicines enhances the therapeutic effects of modern medicine when taken in conjunction with them. Modern medicine N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA) antagonist memantine (Mm) are mainly used in the clinical treatment of AD. TCM Cerebralcare Granule® (CG) has long been an effective treatment for headaches, dizziness, and other symptoms. In this study, we employ a blend of CG and Mm to address Alzheimer's disease-like symptoms and explore their impacts and underlying mechanisms. AIM OF THE STUDY: The objective of our study was to observe the effects of CG combined with Memantine (Mm) on learning and memory impairment of AD mice induced by D-galactose and to explore the mechanism at work. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CG and Mm were combined to target multiple pathological processes involved in AD. For a thorough analysis, we performed various experiments such as behavioral detection, pathological detection, proteomic detection, and other experimental methods of detection. RESULTS: It was found that the combination of CG and Mm was significantly effective for improving learning and memory in AD mice as well as brain pathology. The serum and hippocampal tissue of AD mice were significantly enhanced with catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were decreased with this treatment. In AD mice, a combination of Mm and CG (CG + Mm) significantly increased the levels of the anti-inflammatory factors IL-4 and IL-10, decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), improved synaptic plasticity by restoring synaptophysin (SYP) and postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95) expression in the hippocampus, enhanced Aß phagocytosis of microglia in AD mice, and increased mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme complexes I, II, III, and IV, lead to an increase in the number of functionally active NMDA receptors in the hippocampus. Proteomic analysis GO analysis showed that the positive regulation gene H3BIV5 of G protein coupled receptor signal pathway and synaptic transmission was up-regulated, while the transsynaptic signal of postsynaptic membrane potential and regulation-related gene Q5NCT9 were down-regulated. Most proteins showed significant enriched signal transduction pathway profiles after CG + Mm treatment, based on the KEGG pathway database. CONCLUSION: The data supported the idea that CG and Mm could be more effective in treating AD mice induced by D-galactose than Mm alone. We provided a basis for the clinical use of CG with Mm.

Compound musk injection in the treatment of ischemic stroke: A network analysis of the mechanism of action.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic stroke (IS) is affected by a wide range of factors and has certain treatment limitations. Studies have reported that compound musk injection (CMI) is effective in the treatment of IS, however, its mechanism of action is still unclear. METHODS: The main active ingredients in CMI were retrieved from HERB, TCMSP and BATMAN databases, and the relevant targets were predicted by Swiss Target Prediction platform. MalaCards, OMIM, DrugBank, DisGeNET, Genecards and TTD databases were used to obtain the genes related to IS. The intersection of drugs and disease targets was used to construct protein-protein interaction networks, and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed. AutoDock Vina software was used for molecular docking, and cell experiments were conducted to verify the results. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the expression level of relative mRNA in cells. RESULTS: Network analysis and molecular docking results showed that the key targets of CMI in the treatment of IS were SRC, TP53, PIK3R1, MAPK3, PIK3CA, MAPK1, etc. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis mainly involved PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, Rap1 signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway. The molecular docking results all showed that the key ingredients were strong binding activity with the key targets. The quantitative RT-PCR results indicated that CMI may increase the expression of PIK3CA, MAPK3 mRNA and decrease the expression of SRC mRNA. CONCLUSIONS: CMI can treat IS by regulating pathways and targets related to inflammatory response and apoptosis in a multi-component manner.

Association of marine PUFAs intakes with cardiovascular disease, all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular mortality in American adult male patients with dyslipidemia: the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2001 to 2016.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between marine polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) intake and cardiovascular disease and mortality in dyslipidemic patients is unclear. Men with dyslipidemia have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease than women, and PUFA supplementation may be more beneficial in men. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between different types of marine polyunsaturated fatty acids intakes and cardiovascular disease, all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular mortality in adult U.S. males with dyslipidemia. METHODS: The study ultimately included 11,848 adult men with dyslipidemia who were screened from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2001 and 2016. This was linked to the 2019 National Death Index (NDI) records to establish a prospective cohort. In the study, a logistic regression model was established to assess the relationship between PUFA intake and prevalent CVD, and a Cox proportional hazards regression model was established to assess the relationship between PUFA intake and death. RESULTS: In the fully adjusted models, compared with participants in the lowest tertile, participants with the highest DPA intake were associated with a lower risk of CVD (CVD: OR = 0.71, 95%CI: 0.55, 0.91; angina: OR = 0.54, 95%CI: 0.38, 0.79; stroke: OR = 0.62, 95%CI: 0.43, 0.89), but not with three subtypes of congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, and myocardial infarction. And the highest tertile level of DPA intake can reduce all-cause mortality (HR = 0.77, 95%CI: 0.64, 0.91) and CVD mortality (HR = 0.68, 95%CI: 0.52, 0.90). CONCLUSIONS: Cardiovascular disease risk, all-cause mortality, and CVD mortality were inversely associated with dietary DPA intake but not EPA and DHA intakes in U.S. male participants with dyslipidemia.

Dextran-Sulfate-Sodium-Induced Colitis-Ameliorating Effect of Aqueous Phyllanthus emblica L. Extract through Regulating Colonic Cell Gene Expression and Gut Microbiomes.

The anti-inflammation effect of aqueous Phyllanthus emblica L. extract (APE) and its possible underlying mechanism in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mice chronic colonic inflammation were studied. APE treatment significantly improved the colitic symptoms, including ameliorating the shortening of the colon, increasing the DSS-induced body weight loss, reducing the disease activity index, and reversing the condition of colon tissue damage of mucus lost and goblet cell reduction. Overproduction of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines were suppressed by the treatment of APE. Gut microbiome analysis showed that APE remodeled the structure of gut bacteria in phylum and genus levels, upregulating the abundance of phylum Bacteroidetes, family Muribaculaceae, and genus Bacteroides and downregulating the abundance of phylum Firmicutes. The reshaped gut microbiome caused metabolic functions and pathway change with enhanced queuosine biosynthesis and reduced polyamine synthesis pathway. Colon tissue transcriptome analysis further elucidated APE-inhibited mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathways and the expressions of the genes that promote the progress of colorectal cancer. It turned out that APE reshaped the gut microbiome and inhibited MAPK, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and TNF signaling pathways as well as the colorectal-cancer-related genes to exert its colitis protective effect.

LOX-1 Regulation in Anti-atherosclerosis of Active Compounds of Herbal Medicine: Current Knowledge and the New Insight.

Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) have recently been identified to be closely related to the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis (AS). A growing body of evidence has suggested Chinese medicine takes unique advantages in preventing and treating AS. In this review, the related research progress of AS and LOX-1 has been summarized. And the anti-AS effects of 10 active components of herbal medicine through LOX-1 regulation have been further reviewed. As a potential biomarker and target for intervention in AS, LOX-1 targeted therapy might provide a promising and novel approach to atherosclerotic prevention and treatment.

[A new isoflavone from Dalbergia odorifera and inhibitory activity of its tyrosinase].

Twelve flavonoids were isolated and purified from the ethyl acetate fraction of 95% ethanol extract of Dalbergia odorifera by heat reflux extraction, solvent extraction, recrystallization, normal phase silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, MCI gel and HPLC methods. The structures were identified with multiple spectroscopic methods, including 1 D-NMR, 2 D-NMR and MS. The compounds were identified as 6,7,8-trimethoxy-5,4'-dihydroxy isoflavone(1), medicarpin(2), 7,2'-dihydroxy-4'-methoxy-isoflavanol(3), biochanin A(4), prunetin(5), genistein(6), pratensein(7), 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-6-isopentenyl-7-methoxy-4H-chromen-4-one(8), tectorigenin(9), irisolidone(10), vestitol(11), and formononetin(12). Compound 1 was a new isoflavone, and compound 8 was isolated from D. odorifera for the first time. The results showed that compounds 1-3 had inhibitory effects on tyrosinase, with inhibition rates of 35.58%, 38.63% and 51.34% at the concentration of 1.0 mmol·L~(-1), respectively.

Melatonin protects against maternal diabetes-associated meiotic defects by maintaining mitochondrial function.

Maternal diabetes has been widely reported to adversely affect oocyte quality. Although various molecules and pathways may be involved in this process, strategies to prevent maternal diabetes-induced deterioration of oocyte quality remain unexplored. Melatonin is synthesized by the pineal gland and has been shown to have beneficial effects on oocyte quality owing to its antioxidative function. In the present study, we found that the exposure of oocytes of diabetic mice to melatonin, in vitro, alleviated aberrant oocyte maturation competence. Notably, melatonin supplementation attenuated defects in spindle organization and chromosome alignment by mediating the expression of TPX2 and pericentrin localization. Importantly, melatonin eliminated the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and increased the cytosolic Ca2+ levels in diabetic oocytes by maintaining mitochondrial function. Moreover, the occurrence of autophagy and apoptosis was reversed in diabetic oocytes after melatonin exposure via decreased LC3ß expression. Collectively, our findings provide evidence that melatonin supplementation can protect oocytes from maternal diabetes-related meiotic defects and poor egg quality, providing a potential strategy for improving oocyte quality in assisted reproductive technologies.

Flavonoids are involved in phosphorus-deficiency-induced cluster-root formation in white lupin.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Initiation of cluster roots in white lupin (Lupinus albus) under phosphorus (P) deficiency requires auxin signalling, whereas flavonoids inhibit auxin transport. However, little information is available about the interactions between P deficiency and flavonoids in terms of cluster-root formation in white lupin. METHODS: Hydroponic and aeroponic systems were used to investigate the role of flavonoids in cluster-root formation, with or without 75 µm P supply. KEY RESULTS: Phosphorus-deficiency-induced flavonoid accumulation in cluster roots depended on developmental stage, based on in situ determination of fluorescence of flavonoids and flavonoid concentration. LaCHS8, which codes for a chalcone synthase isoform, was highly expressed in cluster roots, and silencing LaCHS8 reduced flavonoid production and rootlet density. Exogenous flavonoids suppressed cluster-root formation. Tissue-specific distribution of flavonoids in roots was altered by P deficiency, suggesting that P deficiency induced flavonoid accumulation, thus fine-tuning the effect of flavonoids on cluster-root formation. Furthermore, naringenin inhibited expression of an auxin-responsive DR5:GUS marker, suggesting an interaction of flavonoids and auxin in regulating cluster-root formation. CONCLUSIONS: Phosphorus deficiency triggered cluster-root formation through the regulation of flavonoid distribution, which fine-tuned an auxin response in the early stages of cluster-root development. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of cluster-root formation under P deficiency.

Deciphering mechanism of the herbal formula WuShen in the treatment of postinfarction heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Numerous clinical studies reported the effectiveness of herbal formula WuShen (WS) in treating cardiovascular diseases, yet relevant basic research was rarely conducted. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twelve main bioactive compounds of WS decoction were identified using the ultra-performance liquid chromatography-LTQ-Orbitrap mass spectrometer. A total of 137 active compounds with 613 targets were predicted by network pharmacology; their bioinformatic annotation and human microarray data suggested that wounding healing, inflammatory response, and gap junction were potentially the major therapeutic modules. A rat model of post-myocardial infarction (MI) heart failure (HF) was used to study the effects of WS on cardiac function, adverse cardiac remodeling, and experimental arrhythmias. Rats treated with WS led to a significantly improved pump function and reduced susceptibility to both ventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation, and restricted adverse cardiac remodeling partly via inhibiting TGFß1/SMADs mediated extracellular matrix deposition and Rac1/NOX2/CTGF/Connexin43 -involved gap junction remodeling. CONCLUSIONS: The present study highlights that WS can be applied to the treatment of heart failure and the upstream therapy for atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia through its preventive effect on adverse cardiac remodeling.

Mitochondrial-Respiration-Improving Effects of Three Different Gardeniae Fructus Preparations and Their Components.

The processing method for Chinese traditional herbal medicine is "Pao Zhi" in Chinese. This study examined the efficacy of the Pao Zhi on the preparations of Gardeniae Fructus (GF) on a mitochondrial respiratory function in rats. To determine the efficacy of Pao Zhi, we investigated the effects of GF heat processing on mitochondrial respiratory function. To test the GF components, the rats were randomly divided into a geniposide-alone group, crocin-alone group, and combination groups and treated with geniposide and crocin at different ratios. The results showed that a high dose, raw GF was more effective in improving the neurological function, mitochondrial respiratory function, and activities of Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase than the preparations that underwent heating. Moreover, mitochondrial ROS production was the lowest in the raw GF-treated group. In addition, treatments with crocin and GC3 were more effective than geniposide in improving the functional deficit in MCAO rats. In conclusion, our results suggest that raw GF is the most suitable preparation for the treatment of cerebral ischemia, and its underlying mechanisms may be associated with the improvement of mitochondrial respiratory function, increased activities of Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase, and reduced oxidative stress in mitochondria. Our findings suggest that raw GF, especially crocin, could be an ideal therapeutic agent for ischemic stroke.

The anti-hyperuricemic effects of green alga Enteromorpha prolifera polysaccharide via regulation of the uric acid transporters in vivo.

A novel polysaccharide obtained from Enteromorpha prolifera (EPP) was purified through diethylaminoethyl cellulose-52 and Sephadex G-75 chromatography. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy were employed to analyse the structure of EPP. It mainly comprised rhamnose, glucuronic acid, galactose, arabinose, and xylose at a molar ratio of 20.45:12.74:10.99:5.84:1.95, and its average molecular weight was 46.56 kDa. The seven major glycosidic residues identified by NMR were as follows: →2)-α-L-Araf-(1→, →2)-α-L-Rhap-(1→, →4)-α-L-Rhap-(1→, →2,6)-ß-D-Galp-(1→, →4)-ß-D-GlcpA-(1→, →3,4)-ß-D-GlcpA-(1→, and →4)-ß-Xylp-(1→. The effect of EPP on hyperuricemic mice was determined by analysing correlative general physical parameters, renal histopathology, renal gene expressions, and gut microbiome. EPP significantly reduced serum uric acid (UA), serum blood urea nitrogen, serum xanthine oxidase (XOD), and hepatic XOD as well as improved histological parameters in hyperuricemic mice. Furthermore, mRNA and protein expression analyses showed the upregulation of UA excretion genes such as ABCG2, OAT1, and NPT1 and downregulation of UA resorption gene URAT1. Moreover, EPP maintained the stability of the intestinal flora and confirmed that Parasutterella is closely related to the regulation of hyperuricemia. This study is the first to demonstrate the anti-hyperuricemic activity of EPP and highlight its therapeutic potential for hyperuricemia-related diseases.

Corrigendum: The Relationship Between Parental Attachment and Mobile Phone Dependence Among Chinese Rural Adolescents: The Role of Alexithymia and Mindfulness.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.625044.].

Contextual prediction modulates musical tension: Evidence from behavioral and neural responses.

Tension is a bridge between music structure and emotion. It is known that tension is affected by prediction in music listening as music unfolds. Combining behavioral and neural responses, the current research investigated how musical predictions influence tension in the process of prediction build-up based on musical context (anticipatory stage) and its integration with upcoming stimuli (integration stage). The results showed that, at the anticipatory stage, compared with high-prediction conditions, in low-prediction conditions tension curve changed faster and unstable, and a larger N5 in ERP response was elicited. Furthermore, at the integration stage, compared with congruent conditions, in incongruent conditions the behavioral rating of tension were higher regardless of the predictability of the final chord; a right negativity and P600 were elicited, and the amplitude of P600 was modulated by the predictability of the final chord. These results indicated that the effect of prediction on tension was modulated by contextual predictability. The findings provide a more comprehensive view on how musical prediction affects musical tension.

Phytochemical study of Ligularia subspicata and valuation of its anti-inflammatory activity.

This report illustrated isolation and identification of 42 compounds comprising five (spicatainoids A-E) undescribed eremophilanolide type sesquiterpenoids and one undescribed nor-eremophilane (spicatainoid F) from Ligularia subspicata.. Among all the isolated new compounds, 4 is reported as the first enantiomeric form of novel eremophilanolide type sesquiterpenoid. Comprehensive analysis of HRESIMS, 1D/2D NMR, experimental circular dichroism (CD), calculated ECD analysis, and X-ray crystallographic (XRD) analysis validated the complete configuration and confirmation of these isolated compounds. All the isolated compounds were tested for the anti-inflammatory potential by measuring the amount of nitric oxide production. Among the tested compounds, 4 was the most effective with 90% NO-inhibition activity. Compounds 1, 2, 3, 9, 10 18, 29, 34, 35 exhibited moderate inhibitory effects against the production of NO, while other compounds displayed no activity even at the concentration of 50 µM. Additionally, compounds 1, 3 and 4 presented moderate anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6) in LPS-stimulated N9 cells. The IC50 values of compounds 1, 3 and 4 were calculated 39.6 ± 2.7, 42.5 ± 3.8 and 27.60 ± 1.9 µΜ.

Physicochemical characterization and antioxidant effects of green microalga Chlorella pyrenoidosa polysaccharide by regulation of microRNAs and gut microbiota in Caenorhabditis elegans.

A novel polysaccharide from Chlorella pyrenoidosa (CPP) was separated and purified with the average molecular weight 15.8 kDa. It was composed of seven monosaccharides including mannose, rhamnose, glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose, and arabinose. FT-IR and NMR spectra analysis further revealed that CPP was an acidic polysaccharide consisting of ß-L-Arap-(1→, →2)-α-L-Rhap-(1→, ß-D-GlcpA-(1→, →4)-α-D-GalpA-(1→, →6)-ß-D-Glcp-(1→, →3)-ß-D-Manp-(1→, and →3, 6)-ß-D-Galp-(1→. The CPP treatment could effectively prolong lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans under the oxidative stress conditions and inhibit the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as enhancing the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD). It could up-regulate the expressions of Daf-16 and Skn-1 genes via declining miR-48-3p, miR-48-5p, and miR-51-5p translocation. Moreover, 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that the CPP-enriched Faecalibacterium, Haemophilus, Vibrio, and Shewanella were strongly correlated with SOD, MDA, apoptosis, and ROS. These results indicated that CPP may be considered as a desired ingredient on regulating the aging and oxidative diseases.

Tyrosine supplement ameliorates murine aGVHD by modulation of gut microbiome and metabolome.

BACKGROUND: Microbial communities and their metabolic components in the gut are of vital importance for immune homeostasis and have an influence on the susceptibility of the host to a number of immune-mediated diseases like acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). However, little is known about the functional connections between microbiome and metabolome in aGVHD due to the complexity of the gastrointestinal environment. METHOD: Initially, gut microbiota and fecal metabolic phenotype in aGVHD murine models were unleashed by performing 16S ribosomal DNA gene sequencing and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS)-based metabolomics. FINDINGS: The group with aGVHD experienced a significant drop in Lachnospiraceae_unclassified but an increase in the relative abundance of Clostridium XI, Clostridium XIVa and Enterococcus. Meanwhile, a lower content of tyrosine was observed in the gut of aGVHD mice. The correlation analysis revealed that tyrosine-related metabolites were inversely correlated with Clostridium XIVa, besides, Blautia and Enterococcus also displayed the negative tendency in aGVHD condition. Apart from exploring the importance and function of tyrosine, different tyrosine diets were offered to mice during transplantation. Additional tyrosine supplements can improve overall survival, ameliorate symptoms at the early stage of aGVHD and change the structure and composition of gut microbiota and fecal metabolic phenotype. In addition, aGVHD mice deprived from tyrosine displayed worse manifestations than the vehicle diet group. INTERPRETATION: The results demonstrated the roles and mechanisms of gut microbiota, indispensable metabolites and tyrosine in the progression of aGVHD, which can be an underlying biomarker for aGVHD diagnosis and treatment. FUNDING: This research was funded by the International Cooperation and Exchange Program (81520108002), the National Key R&D Program of China, Stem Cell and Translation Research (2018YFA0109300), National Natural Science Foundation of China (81670169, 81670148, 81870080 and 91949115) and Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province (LQ19H080006).

Spontaneous resolution of idiopathic intestinal obstruction after pneumonia: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Duodenal obstruction is a common clinical scenario that can either be mechanical or a pseudo-obstruction. Clinical management of intestinal obstruction starts from localization and proceeds to histological examination of the stenotic intestine. Systemic factors and dysfunction of distant organs might contribute to the development of intestinal obstruction. Here, we report a unique case of idiopathic mechanical duodenal obstruction, which resolved spontaneously after 3 mo of conservative treatment, but was followed by intestinal pseudo-obstruction. CASE SUMMARY: An 84-year-old woman presented with worsened postprandial vomiting accompanied by prolonged pneumonia. Thorough noninvasive investigations revealed complete circumferential stenosis in the descending duodenum without known cause. Exploratory surgery was postponed due to septic shock and possible pulmonary fungal infection. Conservative treatment for 3 mo for ileus and control of pulmonary infection resolved the intestinal obstruction completely. Unfortunately, 2 wk later, she had regurgitation and postprandial vomiting again, complicated by deteriorating wheezing and dyspnea. Computed tomography revealed a dilated stomach and proximal duodenum without new intestinal stricture or pulmonary infiltration. The patient fully recovered after combined treatment with antireflux agents, enema, prokinetics, and bronchodilators. CONCLUSION: This complicated case highlights the inter-relationship of local and systemic contributions to ileus and gut dysfunction, which requires multidisciplinary treatment.

Degradation models, structure, rheological properties and protective effects on erythrocyte hemolysis of the polysaccharides from Ribes nigrum L.

The polysaccharides from blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) fruits were degraded by ultrasonic irradiation. Results showed that viscosity-average molecular weight decreased with increasing ultrasonic time or power. The degradation was fitted to the second-order kinetics model and midpoint chain scission model. Gas chromatographic analysis demonstrated that the native polysaccharide and three degraded polysaccharides were composed of the same monosaccharides but in different ratios. Fourier transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic analyses revealed the presence of α-, ß-pyranose rings and the same six sugar residues in the four blackcurrant polysaccharides. Compared to the native polysaccharide, three degraded polysaccharides displayed better rheological properties and stronger protective effects against erythrocyte hemolysis. Collectively, the results support the potential utility of blackcurrant polysaccharides as natural antioxidants.

The Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Shoutai Pill Combined with Western Medicine in the First Trimester of Pregnancy in Women with Unexplained Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Shoutai Pill (STP), a famous classic herbal formula documented in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is widely available in China for treating unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA). This systematic review and meta-analysis aims at evaluating the efficacy and safety of STP in the first trimester of pregnancy in women with a history of unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion. METHODS: The following eight databases were searched from their establishment to Dec 31, 2019, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs): PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), the Chinese BioMedical database (CBM), Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), and the Wanfang database. The quality of evidence was estimated by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). RESULTS: A total of 12 studies (916 patients) with URSA were contained in this meta-analysis. The forest plot showed that patients treated with Shoutai Pill and western medicine had a significantly lower incidence of early pregnancy loss (RR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.34-0.52; P < 0.01, I 2 = 0%). Subgroup analysis revealed that different types of TCM syndrome differentiation had the similar results. Also, in the combined group, patients had a lower TCM syndromes and symptoms and serum D-dimer level, while higher incidence of live birth. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that cotreatment with STP and western medicine might be superior to western medicine alone in the first trimester of pregnancy to prevent miscarriage in women with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion, and there was no adverse event in the experimental group reported. However, the methodological quality of included RCTs was unsatisfactory; it is necessary to verify its effectiveness with further more standardized researches of rigorous design.

Gold nanoparticle-modified black phosphorus nanosheets with improved stability for detection of circulating tumor cells.

Gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-anchored BP nanosheets were synthesized through in situ growth of AuNPs onto BP. Due to the strong chelating ability of P or phosphorus oxides with AuNPs, the stability of BP is improved. As proof-of-concept demonstration of the functionalized BP, electrochemical detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) based on BP@AuNPs@aptamer as a probe combined with immunomagnetic separation is reported. The aptamer can specifically bind with CTCs, while the phosphorus oxides including phosphite ion and phosphate ion (PxOy species) on BP and aptamer can react with molybdate to generate an electrochemical current, leading to dual signal amplification. The biosensor is applied to MCF-7 cell detection and displays good analytical performance with a detection limit of 2 cell mL-1. Furthermore, the practicality of this biosensor was validated through sensitive determination of MCF-7 cells in human blood. Therefore, the reported biosensor could be applied to detect other biomarkers, offering an ultrasensitive strategy for clinical diagnostics. Graphical abstract Electrochemical detection of circulating tumor cells based on gold nanoparticle-modified black phosphorus nanosheets is reported.