[Efficacy and safety of Kangbingdu granules in the treatment of influenza: a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, positive-drug parallel control multicenter clinical trial].

Objective: To observe the efficacy and safety of Kangbingdu granules (KBD) in the treatment of influenza. Methods: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, and positive-drug parallel control trial was conducted in 27 Grade ⅢA hospitals in China and the subjects were randomly assigned to the KBD test group or the oseltamivir phosphate capsule control group at a ratio of 1∶1. 200 subjects were planned to be enrolled in each group. The experimental group was given KBD (18g each time, 3 times a day) and oseltamivir phosphate simulator orally, while the control group was given oseltamivir phosphate capsule (75 mg each time, twice a day) and KBD simulator orally for 5 days. The primary efficacy indicators included the remission time of major clinical symptoms and the time of complete defervescence. The secondary efficacy indicators included dosage of acetaminophen, the change of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score and the remission time of other important clinical symptoms. The efficacy of KBD in the test group and Oseltamivir phosphate control group were compared. Adverse events or adverse reactions were observed at the same time to evaluate the safety of KBD Granules. Results: A total of 393 subjects from 27 Grade ⅢA hospitals in China were enrolled. The experimental group included 195 subjects and 191 subjects (97.95%) completed the trial, While the control group included 198 subjects and 195 subjects (98.48%) completed the trial. There was no significant difference in the shedding rate and rejection rate between the two groups (P>0.05). In the Full Analysis Set (FAS), the mean age of the experimental group was (34.9±14.4) years old, with 83 males (42.78%). The mean age of the control group was (33.3±13.5) years old, with 78 males (39.59%). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in demographic data, physical examination, viral pathogen detection, total score of TCM syndromes and scores of each symptom at baseline (P>0.05). In the FAS, the remission time M (Q1, Q3) of major clinical symptoms was 3.0 (3.0, 4.0) days in the experimental group and 3.0 (3.0, 4.0) days in the control group, and the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The time M (Q1, Q3) of complete defervescence was 34.0 (20.3, 49.0) hours in the experimental group and 36.5 (19.6, 48.8) hours in the control group, and the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). KBD granules had the same effect as Oseltamivir phosphate capsule (P>0.05) in terms of acetaminophen dosage, TCM syndrome effect and disappearance rate of most important clinical symptoms. Meanwhile, the disappearance rate of dizziness and chest distress on day 3 in the KBD granules group was better than that of oseltamivir phosphate capsule (P<0.05). Conclusion: KBD granules have the same efficacy as Oseltamivir Phosphate capsule in the treatment of influenza and the drug safety is good.

Acanthopanax senticosus reduces brain injury in mice exposed to low linear energy transfer radiation.

BACKGROUND: Compared with pharmaceuticals, natural medicines are gaining acceptance as countermeasures against radiation injury because of their distinct characteristics, specifically low toxicity and multi-target effects. METHODS: The ability of a traditional Chinese medicine, Acanthopanax senticosus (AS), to reduce radiation injury following exposure of the heads of mice to 4?Gy low-linear energy transfer (LET) radiation was assessed histologically, behaviorally and metabolically''. RESULTS: Irradiated mice administered AS extract showed improved learning ability and central nervous system (CNS) function. AS extract effectively controlled nerve cell swelling, protein loss, and necrotic tissue liquefaction that was observed in the irradiated mouse brain. Metabolomics data demonstrated that treatment with AS extract resulted in significant quantitative changes of 16 classes of cerebral metabolites in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of irradiated mice. Using a principal component analysis (PCA), three principal components, F1, F2 and F3, were identified as related to brain energy metabolism, brain tissue development, and brain glutamate cycle, respectively. In addition, the F2 and F3 scores of the AS-treated group of mice were higher compared to mice that were treated with Venlafaxine. Furthermore, the efficiency of balancing the glutamate cycle that the AS-treated group achieved was two times greater than that of the mice treated with Venlafaxine. CONCLUSIONS: AS is a promising approach to reduce radiation-induced brain injury. Further studies are warranted to examine the potential of AS to reduce the side effects caused by chemotherapeutics.

Advances in Multicompartment Mesoporous Silica Micro/Nanoparticles for Theranostic Applications.

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are promising functional nanomaterials for a variety of biomedical applications, such as bioimaging, drug/gene delivery, and cancer therapy. This is due to their low density, low toxicity, high biocompatibility, large specific surface areas, and excellent thermal and mechanical stability. The past decade has seen rapid advances in the development of MSNs with multiple compartments. These include hierarchical porous structures and core-shell, yolk-shell, and Janus structured particles for efficient diagnosis and therapeutic applications. We review advances in this area, covering the categories of multicompartment MSNs and their synthesis methods, with an emphasis on hierarchical structures and the incorporation of multiple functions. We classify multicompartment mesoporous silica micro/nanostructures, ranging from core-shell and yolk-shell structures to Janus and raspberry-like nanoparticles, and discuss their synthesis methods. We review applications of these multicompartment MSNs, including bioimaging, targeted drug/gene delivery, chemotherapy, phototherapy, and in vitro diagnostics. We also highlight the latest trends and new opportunities.

Antiviral activity of shikonin ester derivative PMM-034 against enterovirus 71 in vitro.

Human enterovirus 71 (EV71) is the major causative agent of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), particularly in infants and children below 4 years of age. Shikonin is a bioactive compound with anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial activities derived from the roots of the Chinese medicinal herb Lithospermum erythrorhizon. This study aimed to examine the antiviral activity of PMM-034, a shikonin ester derivative, against EV71 in rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells. Cytotoxicity of PMM-034 on RD cells was determined using WST-1 assay. Dose- and time-dependent effects of PMM-034 on EV71 replication in RD cells were determined using plaque reduction assay. mRNA expression levels of EV71/VP1 and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) were determined by real-time RT-PCR, and EV71/VP1 and phospho-p65 protein expressions were determined by western blot analysis. PMM-034 exhibited only weak cytotoxicity against RD cells. However, PMM-034 exhibited significant antiviral activity against EV71 in RD cells with 50% inhibitory concentration of 2.31 µg/mL. The VP1 mRNA and protein levels were significantly reduced in cells treated with PMM-034. Furthermore, relative mRNA expression levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α significantly decreased in the cells treated with PMM-034, while the phospho-p65 protein expression was also significantly lower in the treated cells. These results indicated that PMM-034 suppressed the expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines in RD cells, exhibiting antiviral activity against EV71, as evidenced by the reduced VP1 mRNA and protein levels in PMM-034-treated cells. Thus, PMM-034 is a promising candidate for further development as an EV71 inhibitor.

Antiviral activity of shikonin ester derivative PMM-034 against enterovirus 71 in vitro

Human enterovirus 71 (EV71) is the major causative agent of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), particularly in infants and children below 4 years of age. Shikonin is a bioactive compound with anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial activities derived from the roots of the Chinese medicinal herb Lithospermum erythrorhizon. This study aimed to examine the antiviral activity of PMM-034, a shikonin ester derivative, against EV71 in rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells. Cytotoxicity of PMM-034 on RD cells was determined using WST-1 assay. Dose- and time-dependent effects of PMM-034 on EV71 replication in RD cells were determined using plaque reduction assay. mRNA expression levels of EV71/VP1 and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) were determined by real-time RT-PCR, and EV71/VP1 and phospho-p65 protein expressions were determined by western blot analysis. PMM-034 exhibited only weak cytotoxicity against RD cells. However, PMM-034 exhibited significant antiviral activity against EV71 in RD cells with 50% inhibitory concentration of 2.31 μg/mL. The VP1 mRNA and protein levels were significantly reduced in cells treated with PMM-034. Furthermore, relative mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α significantly decreased in the cells treated with PMM-034, while the phospho-p65 protein expression was also significantly lower in the treated cells. These results indicated that PMM-034 suppressed the expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines in RD cells, exhibiting antiviral activity against EV71, as evidenced by the reduced VP1 mRNA and protein levels in PMM-034-treated cells. Thus, PMM-034 is a promising candidate for further development as an EV71 inhibitor.

Identifying Corticothalamic Network Epicenters in Patients with Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Corticothalamic networks are considered core pathologic substrates for idiopathic generalized epilepsy; however, the predominant epileptogenic epicenters within these networks are still largely unknown. The current study aims to identify these epicenters by resting-state functional connectivity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To identify epicenters within the corticothalamic networks in idiopathic generalized epilepsy, we retrospectively studied a large cohort of patients with this condition (n = 97) along with healthy controls (n = 123) by resting-state functional MR imaging. The thalamus was functionally divided into subregions corresponding to distinct cortical lobes for 5 parallel corticothalamic networks. The functional connectivity between each voxel in the cortical lobe and the corresponding thalamic subregion was calculated, and functional connectivity strength was used to evaluate the interconnectivity of voxels in the cortex and thalamus. RESULTS: The projection of 5 cortical lobes to the thalamus is consistent with previous histologic findings in humans. Compared with controls, patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy showed increased functional connectivity strength in 4 corticothalamic networks: 1) the supplementary motor area, pulvinar, and ventral anterior nucleus in the prefrontal-thalamic network; 2) the premotor cortex and ventrolateral nucleus in motor/premotor-thalamic networks; 3) the visual cortex, posterior default mode regions, and pulvinar in parietal/occipital-thalamic networks; and 4) the middle temporal gyrus in the temporal-thalamic network. CONCLUSIONS: Several key nodes were distinguished in 4 corticothalamic networks. The identification of these epicenters refines the corticothalamic network theory and provides insight into the pathophysiology of idiopathic generalized epilepsy.

Use of hyperbaric oxygen on flaps and grafts in China: analysis of studies in the past 20 years.

In China, hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) has been widely applied in the treatment of ischemia/hypoxia related diseases including decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, diabetic foot ulcer and others. Wounds after skin grafts are an indication for HBO2 therapy in the Chinese Guideline for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the available studies on the application of HBO2 in the management of skin flaps. The mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of HBO2 were summarized, and therapeutic aspects in the HBO2 therapy of skin flaps in China were also described. Finally, some important issues influencing the therapeutic efficacy and further systemic reviews are proposed. Our findings may help to improve the quality of future studies in this field and to more rationally apply HBO2 therapy in patients receiving skin grafting procedures.

Construction of an artificial microalgal-bacterial consortium that efficiently degrades crude oil.

Four oil component-degrading bacteria and one oil-tolerant microalgae, Scenedesmus obliquus GH2, were used to construct an artificial microalgal-bacterial consortium for crude-oil degradation. The bacterial strains included Sphingomonas GY2B and Burkholderia cepacia GS3C, along with a mixed culture, named GP3, containing Pseudomonas GP3A and Pandoraea pnomenusa GP3B. GY2B could only degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, GS3C was able to degrade aliphatic chain hydrocarbons, and GP3 could utilize both saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons. In combination with unialgal or axenic algae, the bacteria showed different effects on oil degradation. Unialgal GH2 was not suitable for the consortium construction, as it could not cooperate well with GS3C and GP3. The axenic GH2 exhibited no oil-degrading ability; however, it significantly promoted the degradation ability of the oil component-degrading bacteria, especially for degrading biorefractory polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Axenic S. obliquus GH2, combined with the four bacteria mentioned above, formed an optimal algal-bacterial consortium. The artificial consortium demonstrated an elevated efficiency in degrading both aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons of crude oil.

Qualitative and quantitative analyses of nucleosides and nucleobases in Ganoderma spp. by HPLC-DAD-MS.

A high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector-mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS) analytical method was developed for detection of the nucleosides and nucleobases in two species of Lingzhi, the dried sporophore of Ganoderma lucidum and G. sinense. The method, combining advantages of both DAD and MS, was successfully used to qualitatively identify for six nucleosides namely, adenosine, cytidine, guanosine, inosine, thymidine, uridine and five nucleobases namely, adenine, guanine, hypoxanthine, thymine and uracil in Lingzhi samples. Quantitative analyses showed that uridine was the most abundant nucleoside in these Lingzhi samples and the contents of nine target analytes were found to be different in pileus and stipes of the fruiting bodies and among the different species of G. spp. The established method might apply as an alternative approach for the quality assessment of Lingzhi.

Preparation and catalytic properties of ZrO2-Al2O3 composite oxide supported nickel catalysts for methane reforming with carbon dioxide.

ZrO2-Al2O3 composite oxides and supported Ni catalysts were prepared, and characterized by N2 adsorption/desorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. The catalytic performance and carbon deposition was also investigated. This mesoporous composite oxide is shown to be a promising catalyst support. An increase in the catalytic activity and stability of methane and carbon dioxide reforming reaction was resulted from the zirconia addition, especially at 5wt% ZrO2 content. The Ni catalyst supported ZrO2-Al2O3 has a strong resistance to sintering and the carbon deposition in a relatively long-term reaction.

Sustainable veterinary medicine for the new era.

Sustainability aims to harmonise life on Earth without compromising the essential natural resources that should be the birthright of future generations. 'Sustainable medicine' (SM) is just one component of the wide range of possible sustainable approaches to peaceful co-existence. Sustainable medicine envisions an uncomplicated system of maintaining the health of people and animals, both now and for many years to come. This type of medicine is based on ancient wisdom, knowledge and healing arts, combined with the advantages and technical achievements of modern science and other areas of medicine; it is an integrated approach to preventive, safe and affordable healing. The term sustainable medicine also implies that the main therapeutic materials used in the course of practising this type of medicine can be replaced or replenished with minimal environmental damage after harvesting. The aim of sustainable medicine is to maintain the balance of nature, allowing an estimated 7 to 100 million species of life forms to co-exist and reproduce, and to sustain the long-term future of this planet. The world is in the midst of an environmental crisis: anthropogenic environmental damage in the last century was greater than in any previous century. One of the major concerns is the misuse of medicines, and the resulting immune depletion in people and animals. Many traditional medical systems have taught that appropriate adaptation by, and of, an effective defence system is the key to health and survival. This is only possible if priority is given to a preventive rather than a curative approach to health care; the very same approach that is advocated by proponents of SM: an approach based on proper diagnosis and the use of personalised, tailor-made medicine. The authors propose SM (the combination of the advantages of modern, traditional and complementary medical systems) as the best approach to providing better health care services for people and animals. The article presents a brief history of traditional medicines and outlines strategies for developing SM. The authors highlight some important factors in the development of SM in animal health care and attempt to encourage veterinarians to adopt a sustainable approach to treating animals.

Acupuncture and clinical hypnosis for facial and head and neck pain: a single crossover comparison.

Despite their long histories, acupuncture and hypnosis have only recently been acknowledged as valuable by the medical establishment in the U.S. Few studies have used rigorous prospective measurement to evaluate the individual or relative merits of hypnosis and acupuncture in specific clinical settings. In this study, 25 patients with various head and neck pain were studied. Each had an initial assessment of their pain, as well as of their attitudes and expectations. All patients received acupuncture, followed by a reassessment of their pain. After a washout period they received another assessment of pain before and after hypnosis therapy. Preferences for therapy were sought following the hypnotic intervention. Both acupuncture and hypnosis were effective at relieving pain under these conditions. The average relief in pain reported was 4.2 units on a ten point scale, with hypnosis reducing pain by a mean of 4.8 units, compared to 3.7 for acupuncture (p = 0.26). Patient characteristics appeared to impact the effectiveness of treatment: patients with acute pain benefited most from acupuncture treatment, whereas patients with psychogenic pain were more likely to benefit from hypnosis. Patients with chronic pain had more variation in their results. Patients who received healing suggestions from a tape during a hypnotic trance benefited more than those who received no such suggestion, and acupuncture patients who were needle phobic benefited less than those who were not fearful of needles. This study demonstrates the benefits of well designed studies of the effectiveness of these alternative modalities. More work is needed to help practitioners identify which patients are most likely to benefit from these complementary therapies.

Acupuncture/acupressure to treat gagging dental patients: a clinical study of anti-gagging effects.

Noninvasive methods advocated by some clinicians are not very successful in dealing with patient gagging, while sedation approaches run the risk of the patient aspirating foreign bodies. The P-6 Neikuan acupuncture point, located on the wrist, has been used in the Far East for thousands of years for its anti-nausea and anti-anxiety properties. In the West, it is the acupuncture point most studied. Only recently has interest been shown in the P-6 point for its possible anti-gagging effect. The anti-gagging effect of P-6 stimulation is documented in this article. The P-6 point has remarkable anti-gagging effects if stimulation is applied correctly. Clinicians may apply thumb pressure at the P-6 point to achieve some effect, although this is not as effective as acupuncture. Nevertheless, a substantial percentage of gagging patients would be able to go through dental procedures without gagging when the P-6 point is stimulated.

Clinical management of needle-phobia patients requiring acupuncture therapy.

Both acupuncture and hypnosis have their distinct applications in the health profession, but combining acupuncture therapy with hypnosis has rarely been done for the purpose of therapeutic treatment, perhaps because few clinicians have proper training in both disciplines. For needle phobic patients, acupuncture treatment can be a dreadful experience, as multiple needles are usually used. It is stressful for both clinicians and patients when the patients are put in an extremely apprehensive state. Our research for combining both acupuncture and hypnosis has revealed that synergy does exist in both, and that hypnosis does augment the effect of acupuncture, resulting in better treatment outcomes. Since many acupuncture patients who are needle phobic do not return for further treatment even though acupuncture has rendered good therapeutic results for them, stress reduction with hypnosis is, therefore, a welcome complimentary adjunct that would enable them to return for further needed acupuncture treatment if and when the factor of fear of the needle is removed.

[Early use of Chinese drug rhodiola compound for patients with post-trauma and inflammation in prevention of ALI/ARDS].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of the Chinese drug rhodiola on the preventive treatment of acute lung injury (ALI) caused by post-traumatic/inflammatory and thoracic-cardiovascular operations. METHODS: 104 patients who coincide with their diagnosis and standard scale were divided randomly in to single number groups A(1), B(1), C(1) and D(1) (early preventive treatment group EG) and double number groups A(2), B(2), C(2) and D(2) (control group CG). The treatment of primary disease both in EG and CG was similar, but in EG four grams of rhodiola compound (RCO) were used every day for a period of 3-15 days since admission and 5-7 days after operation. The indicators related to ALI in each groups were measured. RESULTS: PaO(2), AaDO(2) and hemorheology were significant in EG than in CG (P < 0.05) or (P < 0.01). The complication rate of ARDS was decreased about of 50.0% in EG than in CG. CONCLUSIONS: Early use of RCO may protect against major risk factors of ALI/ARDS caused by massive trauma/infection and thoracic-cardio-operations.

[Posttraumatic or inflammatory acute respiratory distress syndrome on high altitude area: a retrospective analysis of 94 deaths due to ARDS/MOF].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the characteristic predictors of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in the high altitude area of China. METHODS: According to the diagnostic criteria of ARDS, 2 325 cases were screened in the recent 10 years. Except malignant tumors, cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and chronic multiple organ failure, the causes of death were analysed retrospectively. RESULTS: 94 cases (4.04%) were diagnosed as ARDS, but in the primary case record, only 27 cases (1.16%) had been diagnosed as ARDS/MOF. Of the 94 ARDS patients, 79 complicated by extrapulmonary organ damage involving the kidney, heart, liver, gastro-intestinal tract, and brain. A total of 305 organs were involved (average 3.24 organs each case). Lung failure only accounted for 15 cases. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of the diagnostic criteria of ARDS for high altitude area and flate area, injury severity scale, blood gas monitoring, and integrated traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine may improve the prognosis of ARDS.

[Effect of xueling on relating substances of renal hypertension in rats].

Xueling(p.o.) obviously reduces the aldosterone content of renal hypertension rats, but not affecting markedly the endothelin, atrial natriuretic factor, calcitonin gene-related peptide, thromboxane B2 and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha. The content reduction of aldosterone is one of the mechanisms to lower blood pressure.

Influence of n-3 fatty acid supplementation on the endogenous activities of plasma lipases.

The aim of these studies was to explore the possibility that enhanced triacylglycerol clearance may contribute to the hypotriacylglycerolemic effect of n-3 fatty acids in humans. Healthy subjects (n = 20) and hypertriacylglycerolemic patients (n = 6) were given a placebo (olive oil, OO) or a fish-oil concentrate (FOC; 41% eicosapentaenoic acid and 23% docosahexaenoic acid) in two, independent, randomized, blind trials. For the healthy subjects, the FOC treatment period was 3 wk long and FOC intakes were 5 g/d. For the patients, treatment periods were 4 wk long and dosages were 5 g.70 kg body wt-1.d-1. Washout periods were 2-4 wk for both groups. Blood samples were drawn at the end of each phase and analyzed for plasma lipids, lipoproteins, and endogenous (nonheparin-stimulated) activities of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and hepatic lipase (HL). In the healthy subjects the FOC decreased plasma triacylglycerol concentrations by 18% (P < 0.01), whereas in the patients concentrations were reduced by 35% (P < 0.05). Low-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations increased by 25% in the latter group (P = 0.06). FOC increased the endogenous activities of LPL and HL by 62% and 68%, respectively (P < 0.0001), in the healthy subjects, but only LPL in the patients (65%, P < 0.005). These data suggest that endogenous lipase activities may be altered by nutritional interventions, and further, that accelerated lipolysis could contribute, at least in part, to the observed effects of n-3 fatty acids on human lipoprotein metabolism.

[The effects of Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosidium on neuromuscular junctions of adult toad].

The effects of tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosidium (TWP) on the transmission at the neuromuscular junctions (NMJ) of sciatic nerve-sartorius muscle preparations of 20 adult toads (Bufo bufo gargarizans) in vitro were studied by means of intracellular microelectrode recording of endplate potentials (EPP). The results revealed that TWP could cause changes of EPP amplitude so as to influence the transmission at NMJ, and the effects apparently depended on the concentration of the drug. A proper concentration of TWP could produce a significant increase in EPP amplitude and therefore facilitate the transmission at the NMJ.