Mechanism Study on Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Nodular Goiter.

Nodular goiter has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. Clinically, there has been a burgeoning interest in nodular goiter due to the risk of progression to thyroid cancer. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of Chinese medicine (CM) in nodular goiter. Articles were systematically retrieved from databases, including PubMed, Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. New evidence showed that CM exhibited multi-pathway and multi-target characteristics in the treatment of nodular goiter, involving hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis, oxidative stress, blood rheology, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy, especially inhibition of cell proliferation and promotion of cell apoptosis, involving multiple signal pathways and a variety of cytokines. This review provides a scientific basis for the therapeutic use of CM against nodular goiter. Nonetheless, future studies are warranted to identify more regulatory genes and pathways to provide new approaches for the treatment of nodular goiter.

Application of ZHANG Zhongjing，s Jizihuang （Egg Yolk） Prescriptions in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus based on the Theory of “Yin Restricts Fire” and “Many Different Diseases can be Treated in the Same Way” / 中医杂志

Type 2 diabetes mellitus （T2DM） can be categorized into “xiao ke （消渴）” in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）. The theory of “yin restricts fire” originates from Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor （《黄帝内经》） which states that “yin essence restricts chief fire”， and the crucial pathogenesis and treatment of xiao ke coincide with this theory. ZHANG Zhongjing，s three prescriptions of Jizizhuang （egg yolk） are Baihe Jizizi Decoction （百合鸡子汤）， Huanglian Ejiao Decoction （黄连阿胶汤） and Painong Powder （排脓散）， which are scattered in different chapters of Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases （《伤寒杂病论》）. By analyzing and summarizing the mechanism and characteristics of the three prescriptions， it is found that the three prescriptions are in line with the characteristics of “yin restricts fire” and the pathogenesis of T2DM. These three prescriptions are composed of Jizizhuang and different medicinals. Baihe Jizizi Decoction is composed of Jizizhuang and Baihe （Bulbus Lilii）， and can be used to treat T2DM and mental diseases. Huanglian Ejiao Decoction is composed of Jizihuang， Ejiao （Colla Corii Asini）， Shaoyao （Radix Paeoniae Alba seu Rubra）， Huanglian （Rhizoma Coptidis） and Huangqin （Radix Scutellariae）， which could be used to treat T2DM and cardiorenal system diseases. Painong Powder is composed of Jizizhuang， Shaoyao， Jiegeng （Radix Platycodonis） and Zhishi （Fructus Aurantii Immaturus）， which can be used to treat T2DM and carbuncle. Therefore， based on the theory of “yin restricts fire” and “many different diseases can be treated in the same wa”， this paper propose that the three Jizihuang prescriptions could be used in T2DM， which could provide ideas for clinical treatment.

Mechanism Study on Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Nodular Goiter / 中国结合医学杂志

Nodular goiter has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. Clinically, there has been a burgeoning interest in nodular goiter due to the risk of progression to thyroid cancer. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of Chinese medicine (CM) in nodular goiter. Articles were systematically retrieved from databases, including PubMed, Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. New evidence showed that CM exhibited multi-pathway and multi-target characteristics in the treatment of nodular goiter, involving hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis, oxidative stress, blood rheology, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy, especially inhibition of cell proliferation and promotion of cell apoptosis, involving multiple signal pathways and a variety of cytokines. This review provides a scientific basis for the therapeutic use of CM against nodular goiter. Nonetheless, future studies are warranted to identify more regulatory genes and pathways to provide new approaches for the treatment of nodular goiter.

Tubeimoside-1: A review of its antitumor effects, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and targeting preparations.

Tubeimoside-1 (TBMS-1), a natural triterpenoid saponin found in traditional Chinese herbal medicine Bolbostemmatis Rhizoma, is present in numerous Chinese medicine preparations. This review aims to comprehensively describe the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicity and targeting preparations of TBMS-1, as well the therapeutic potential for cancer treatement. Information concerning TBMS-1 was systematically collected from the authoritative internet database of PubMed, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure applying a combination of keywords involving "tumor," "pharmacokinetics," "toxicology," and targeting preparations. New evidence shows that TBMS-1 possesses a remarkable inhibitory effect on the tumors of the respiratory system, digestive system, nervous system, genital system as well as other systems in vivo and in vitro. Pharmacokinetic studies reveal that TBMS-1 is extensively distributed in various tissues and prone to degradation by the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration, causing a decrease in bioavailability. Meanwhile, several lines of evidence have shown that TBMS-1 may cause adverse and toxic effects at high doses. The development of liver-targeting and lung-targeting preparations can reduce the toxic effect of TBMS-1 and increase its efficacy. In summary, TBMS-1 can effectively control tumor treatment. However, additional research is necessary to investigate in vivo antitumor effects and the pharmacokinetics of TBMS-1. In addition, to reduce the toxicity of TBMS-1, future research should aim to modify its structure, formulate targeting preparations or combinations with other drugs.

Impact of Low Frequency Electro-acupuncture on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Unmarried PCOS Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) on glucose and lipid metabolism in unmarried patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).@*METHODS@#Fifty-four PCOS patients were equally randomized into true acupuncture group and sham acupuncture group (control) for totally 16 weeks of treatment by random method with a computerized randomization program. Patients in true acupuncture group accepted traditional acupuncture methods with EA and two sets of acupoint groups were used alternatively. The first set consisted of Zhongji (CV 3), Qihai (CV 6), Guilai (ST 29), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Hegu (LI4) and Baihui (GV 20), and the second set consisted of Tianshu (ST 25), ST 29, CV 3, CV 6, SP 6, Taichong (LR 3), Neiguan (PC) 6 and GV 20. Patients in the sham acupuncture group accepted shallow acupuncture methods through EA without electricity at 4 non-meridian points in each shoulder and upper arm. Outcome measures included body mass index (BMI), waist-hip-ratio (WHR), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), insulin release test, glucose and lipid metabolism indicators such as total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, adiponectin, leptin, visfatin, resistin, and interleukin (IL-6).@*RESULTS@#Twenty-six subjects in the true acupuncture group and 20 subjects in the sham group completed the clinical trial. After 16 weeks of treatment, no significant difference in the outcome measures were observed between the two groups (P>0.05). However, as compared with baseline data, a reduction in weight, BMI, hipline, WHR, fasting glucose, homeostatic model assessment of insulin sensitivity, visfatin and HDL-C, and an increase in resistin and IL-6 were observed in the true acupuncture group (P<0.05). In addition, a reduction in visfatin and an increase in TC were also observed in the sham group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Acupuncture may have a beneficial effect in the treatment of PCOS by improving glucose and lipid metabolism. Moreover, the sham acupuncture may be not completely ineffective. Sham acupuncture may improve some of the aspects of the glucose and lipid metabolism of PCOS patients through a placebo effect. (Registration Nos. ChiCTR-TRC-12002529 and NCT01812161).

Clinical application of the modified pediatric nutritional risk screening tool / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the clinical application of the modified nutritional risk screening tool and nutrition assessment in pediatric patients in China, and to provide a theoretical basis for establishing a standardized nutritional management process for pediatric patients.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was performed for the nutritional risk screening and nutrition assessment data of 16 249 hospitalized children. According to the degree of nutritional risk, the children were divided into a high nutritional risk group with 588 children, a moderate nutritional risk group with 4 330 children, and a non-nutritional risk group with 11 331 children. Nutrition assessment results were compared between groups. The composition of nutritional risk screening scores and the impact of nutritional risk screening on the rate of nutrition support therapy were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#The incidence rate of nutritional risk was 30.27% (4 918/16 249), and the incidence rates of malnutrition and overnutrition were 27.37% (4 448/16 249) and 11.29% (1 834/16 249), respectively. Nutrition assessment results were significantly correlated with nutritional risk (≥ 5 years old:@*CONCLUSIONS@#There is a high incidence rate of nutritional risk in hospitalized children. The use of the modified pediatric nutritional risk screening tool can promote the implementation of standardized nutritional management.

[Qualitative and quantitative analysis of quassinoid diterpenoids from Eurycoma longifolia by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS combined with UPLC-QQQ-MS/MS].

In this work, a sensitive and efficient method was established and validated for qualitative and quantitative analysis of major quassinoid diterpenoids constituents from the extract of Eurycoma longifolia by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometry(UPLC-QQQ-MS/MS). The UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis was performed on an Agilent Eclipse Plus C_(18) RRHD(2.1 mm×100 mm,1.8 µm) column with acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid water as mobile phase by gradient elution. The UPLC-QQQ-MS/MS analysis was performed on an Agilent Eclipse Plus C_(18) RRHD(2.1 mm×50 mm, 1.8 µm)column with acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid water as mobile phase by gradient elution. The data was collected by electrospray ionization in positive mode. According to the contrast of the reference standards and the accurate masses of molecules, a total of 32 quassinoid diterpenoids in E. longifolia extract were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. For quantitative the linear range of 4 detected quassinoid diterpenoids were good(r≥0.999 6), and the overall recoveries ranged from 90.35% to 106.4%, with the RSD ranging from 1.8% to 3.6%. The method was accurate, reliable and efficient, and could comprehensively reflect the chemical constituents and content of E. longifolia, and could provide a reference for further elucidating its pharmacological basis and quality control.

Effects of Qi Jing Mingmu decoction combined with artificial tears on the clinical results and cell aging of conjunctivochalasis / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To observe the effects of Qi Jing Mingmu decoction combined with artificial tears on the clinical results and cell aging of conjunctivochalasis. <p>METHODS: Forty cases(80 eyes)of grade II-Ⅳ CCH with liver-kidney Yin deficiency were randomly divided into two groups: combined treatment group and artificial tears group, which were treated with Qi Jing Mingmu decoction combined with artificial tears and simple artificial tears respectively. The international ocular surface disease index(OSDI), tear break-up time(BUT)and Schirmer Ⅰ test(SⅠt)were observed and the clinical effects were compared after 3mo treatment. For CCH patients with grade III or above, followed up for 3mo or more and willing to operate, the loose conjunctival tissue was removed and the cell aging related β-gal staining was performed on frozen sections. The results were statistically analyzed. <p>RESULTS: The OSDI score(14.53±2.68), BUT 9.25±3.02s and SⅠt(8.95±3.57mm/5min)of combined treatment group were significantly better than those of artificial tears group after 3mo treatment(all <i>P</i><0.05). After drug treatment, 7 cases(7 eyes)in artificial tears group and 4 cases(4 eyes)in combined treatment group of CCH patients were treated by operation. The positive rate of aging cells in combined treatment group was significantly lower than that in artificial tears group(16.00±7.84 <i>vs </i>39.00±14.09, <i>P</i>=0.013).<p>CONCLUSION: Qi Jing Mingmu decoction combined with artificial tears to treat CCH is more effective than simple artificial tears in relieving ocular symptoms, improving tear film and promoting tear secretion. Combined treatment can also reduce the cell aging in CCH, which can be used as a safe and effective treatment method in addition to surgical operation.

Effects of Qi Jing Mingmu decoction combined with artificial tears on the clinical results and cell aging of conjunctivochalasis / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To observe the effects of Qi Jing Mingmu decoction combined with artificial tears on the clinical results and cell aging of conjunctivochalasis. <p>METHODS: Forty cases(80 eyes)of grade II-Ⅳ CCH with liver-kidney Yin deficiency were randomly divided into two groups: combined treatment group and artificial tears group, which were treated with Qi Jing Mingmu decoction combined with artificial tears and simple artificial tears respectively. The international ocular surface disease index(OSDI), tear break-up time(BUT)and Schirmer Ⅰ test(SⅠt)were observed and the clinical effects were compared after 3mo treatment. For CCH patients with grade III or above, followed up for 3mo or more and willing to operate, the loose conjunctival tissue was removed and the cell aging related β-gal staining was performed on frozen sections. The results were statistically analyzed. <p>RESULTS: The OSDI score(14.53±2.68), BUT 9.25±3.02s and SⅠt(8.95±3.57mm/5min)of combined treatment group were significantly better than those of artificial tears group after 3mo treatment(all <i>P</i><0.05). After drug treatment, 7 cases(7 eyes)in artificial tears group and 4 cases(4 eyes)in combined treatment group of CCH patients were treated by operation. The positive rate of aging cells in combined treatment group was significantly lower than that in artificial tears group(16.00±7.84 <i>vs </i>39.00±14.09, <i>P</i>=0.013).<p>CONCLUSION: Qi Jing Mingmu decoction combined with artificial tears to treat CCH is more effective than simple artificial tears in relieving ocular symptoms, improving tear film and promoting tear secretion. Combined treatment can also reduce the cell aging in CCH, which can be used as a safe and effective treatment method in addition to surgical operation.

Effect of Bushen Zhuangdu Recipe on Mitochondrial Apoptotic Pathway in Degenerative Intervertebral Disc Cells in Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To explore the mechanism of mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in rat degenerative intervertebral disc cells in improving intervertebral disc degeneration under the action of Bushen Zhuangdu recipe. Method:The 100 SD male rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, low, medium and high dose Bushen Zhuangdu recipe group (0.38,0.77,1.53 g·kg-1).Histopathological changes of rat intervertebral discs were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining after 4 weeks of continuous administration of Chinese medicine. The apoptotic rate of nucleus pulposus cells in degenerative intervertebral discs was detected by TUNEL(terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling), and the levels of active Cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-3(active Caspase-3), B cell leukemia-2(Bcl-2), cytochrome C (cytC) and Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax) protein in intervertebral discs were detected by Western blot. Result:Compared with blank group, the histopathological score of intervertebral disc in the model group was significantly increased, the apoptosis rate of nucleus pulposus was significantly increased (PPPPPPConclusion:Bushen Zhuangdu recipe may improve the degeneration of intervertebral disc by reducing the expression of active Caspase-3, cytC and Bax, increasing the expression of Bcl-2 and inhibiting the apoptotic pathway of mitochondria in a dose-dependent manner.

Change of icariin content in five Epimedium species by heating process / 中国中药杂志

The change of icariin( ICA) content in thirty-three samples of five Epimedium species listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia( 2015 edition),including E. brevicornu,E. sagittatum,E. pubescens,E. koreanum,and E. wushanense has been investigated in this study. The results indicated that the optimized process procedure was baking at 150 ℃ for 30 min,and 3'''-carbonyl-2″-β-L-quinovosyl icariin( CQICA) could not be translated into ICA and ICA could be converted under this heating process condition. ICA increased remarkably after the heating process by 1-3 times in E. brevicornu,E. wushanense and E. koreanum,and increased lightly in E. brevicornum and E. pubescens,while ICA slightly increased or decreased in E. sagittatum and E. wushanense.

Cemented versus cementless hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fractures in the elderly / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Hemiarthroplasty is widely recommended for the treatment of femoral neck fractures in elderly patients, but it is controversial in choosing cemented or cementless fixation types. OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical effects of cemented hemiarthroplasty with cementless hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of femoral neck fractures in elderly and to provide a scientific basis for the selection of clinical prosthesis. METHODS: 167 elderly patients with femoral neck fractures undergoing hemiarthroplasty in the Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from March 2013 to March 2015 were enrolled in this study. According to the type of prosthesis, patients were divided into cementless group (n=81) and cemented group (n=86). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hemoglobin levels 1 day after surgery, reoperation rate, mortality and complications at 1 year after surgery were compared. After surgery, clinical function of hip joint was assessed by Harris scoring system. The pain was evaluated by Visual Analogue Scale. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) All patients were followed up for ≥ 12 months. (2) The operation time in the cementless group was significantly shorter than that in the cemented group (P < 0.01). (3) There was no significant difference in the intraoperative blood loss and hemoglobin levels at postoperative 1 day (P > 0.05). (4) There were no significant differences in Harris hip scores and Visual Analogue Scale score at various time points between both groups (P > 0.05). (5) The incidence of thigh pain in cementless group was slightly higher than that in cemented group at 1 week, 1 and 6 months after operation, but the differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Two patients died from myocardial infarct in the cementless group, and one patient died from pulmonary infection in the cemented group. The mortality was not significantly different at postoperative 1 year between the two groups (P > 0.05). No complications, such as prosthesis loosening and sinking, periprosthetic fracture, and periprosthetic infection, which needed to be refurbished, occurred in both groups. (6) Our findings suggest that both cemented and cementless hemiarthroplasties can obtain satisfactory effect in the treatment of femoral neck fractures in the elderly patients. Cementless hemiarthroplasty can significantly shorten operation time.

Comparison of central corneal thickness measurements by PachPen ultrasonic pachymetry and the other two optical measuring instruments / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

·AIM:To compare the similarities and differences of central corneal thickness (CCT) measured by different devices, so as to provide a safe, effective, simple and accurate method for measuring corneal thickness. ·METHODS: Totally 95 eyes of 95 cataract patients enrolled continuously for preoperative examination in ophthalmology department of Putuo Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from September 2016 to December 2016. Handheld automatic PachPen ultrasonic pachymetry (USP), anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and specular microscopy were respectively used to measure the central corneal thickness,and intraocular pressure was measured at the same time. The similarities and differences of these three different devices to measure the central corneal thickness and their correlations with intraocular pressure were observed. Then the data were analyzed statistically. · RESULTS: The CCT value measured by PachPen ultrasonic pachymetry was 544. 43 ± 36. 61μ m, the CCT value measured by AS-OCT was 527.09 ± 35.54μ m, and the CCT value measured by specular microscopy was 533.20 ± 30. 17μ m. There was significant difference between these three groups(F=6.272,P=0.002),and the CCT value measured by PachPen ultrasonic pachymetry was significantly higher than the other two groups. The correlation coefficients between the CCT values of these three groups and intraocular pressure were 0.290, 0.277 and 0.204 (P<0.05) respectively, of which the correlation between the CCT measured by PachPen ultrasonic pachymetry and the intraocular pressure was the highest. There was statistically significant correlation between the CCT values measured by these three measurements (P<0.001). ·CONCLUSION: The CCT value measured by PachPen ultrasonic pachymetry is the highest. The second CCT value is measured by specular microscopy, and the smallest CCT value is measured by AS-OCT. Obvious correlation and good consistency were found in the CCT values measured by three types of devices, and the CCT values were all correlated with intraocular pressure. Therefore,we should take more attention in clinic.

Salvianolic acids improve liver lipid metabolism in ovariectomized rats via blocking STAT-3/SREBP1 signaling / 中国天然药物

Postmenopausal women, who have reduced circulating estrogen levels, are more prone to develop obesity and related metabolic diseases than premenopausal women. The absence of safe and effective treatments for postmenopausal obesity has changed the focus to natural products as alternative remedies. Total salvianolic acids (TSA) are the major water-soluble ingredients of Danshen. Salvianolic acid (SA) is the major constituent of the TSA. Salvianolic acids, including TSA and SA, are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. In the present study, ovariectomized rats and LO2 cells were used to study the effects of salvianolic acids on body weight gain and hepatic steatosis. Salvianolic acids reduced ovariectomy (OVX)-induced body weight gain, attenuated the expressions of hepatic lipogenic genes, such as sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP)1, fatty acid synthase (FAS), and stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD)1, and decreased the liver triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC). For the molecular mechanisms, OVX and high glucose-induced phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-3 was inhibited by salvianolic acids treatment. In LO2 cells, inhibition of STAT-3 by siRNA attenuated the increased expression of SREBP1 and TG induced by high glucose. Salvianolic acids reduced the upregulation of SREBP1 and TG induced by high glucose in LO2 cells. In conclusion, these findings illustrated that salvianolic acids markedly alleviated the lipid metabolism disorders and protected against the postmenopausal obesity. The underlying mechanism was probably associated with the regulation of STAT-3 signaling.

Salvianolic acids improve liver lipid metabolism in ovariectomized rats via blocking STAT-3/SREBP1 signaling / 中国天然药物

Postmenopausal women, who have reduced circulating estrogen levels, are more prone to develop obesity and related metabolic diseases than premenopausal women. The absence of safe and effective treatments for postmenopausal obesity has changed the focus to natural products as alternative remedies. Total salvianolic acids (TSA) are the major water-soluble ingredients of Danshen. Salvianolic acid (SA) is the major constituent of the TSA. Salvianolic acids, including TSA and SA, are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. In the present study, ovariectomized rats and LO2 cells were used to study the effects of salvianolic acids on body weight gain and hepatic steatosis. Salvianolic acids reduced ovariectomy (OVX)-induced body weight gain, attenuated the expressions of hepatic lipogenic genes, such as sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP)1, fatty acid synthase (FAS), and stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD)1, and decreased the liver triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC). For the molecular mechanisms, OVX and high glucose-induced phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-3 was inhibited by salvianolic acids treatment. In LO2 cells, inhibition of STAT-3 by siRNA attenuated the increased expression of SREBP1 and TG induced by high glucose. Salvianolic acids reduced the upregulation of SREBP1 and TG induced by high glucose in LO2 cells. In conclusion, these findings illustrated that salvianolic acids markedly alleviated the lipid metabolism disorders and protected against the postmenopausal obesity. The underlying mechanism was probably associated with the regulation of STAT-3 signaling.

Effect of Tai Chi on muscle strength of the lower extremities in the elderly / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Aging is associated with a progressive decline in muscle strength, muscle mass and impaired physical function, which reduces mobility and impairs quality of life in the elderly population. The 6-12 months of exercise can enhance the muscle strength, but these improvements can only be maintained for a short period. In this study, we investigated the effects of long-term Tai Chi (TC) exercise on muscle strength of lower extremities.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A cross-sectional study was conducted in 205 long-term TC practitioners (age: 60-89 years) and 205 age and gentle matched controls who did not practice TC. Each of the activity group was further divided into three distinct age groups: G1, 60-69 years; G2, 70-79 years; and G3, 80-89 years. Hand-held dynamometery was used to measure the maximum isometric strength of iliopsoas, quadriceps femoris, tibialis anterior and hamstrings in both sides of the participants. Unpaired t tests were performed to compare the difference of strength between the TC and non-Tai Chi (NTC) groups. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to compare the lower muscle strengths among the different age groups in the TC and NTC groups. Pearson's correlations were used to quantify the linear relationship between the months of TC practice and lower limbs muscle strength.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The inter-rater reliabilities of iliopsoas, quadriceps femoris, tibialis anterior and hamstrings were intraclass correlation coeffificient (ICC) (1,1) = 0.895 (0.862-0.920), ICC (2,2) = 0.905 (0.874-0.928), ICC (3,3) = 0.922 (0.898-0.941) and ICC (4,4) = 0.930 (0.908-0.947). The strength of the muscles in the TC group did not differ among different age groups (P>0.05). The strength of iliopsoas, quadriceps femoris, tibialis anterior and hamstrings in TC group was higher than that in the NTC group (P<0.05). A correlation between muscle strength and extension of the exercise period was positive (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Results shed light on the orientation and magnitude of long-term TC in preventing muscle strength loss with aging. TC might be a good form to slow down the trend of age-related decline in muscle strength in community-dwelling population.</p>

Effect of Tai Ji Quan Training on Strength and Function of Lower Limbs in the Aged / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of Tai Ji Quan (TJQ) training on strength and function of lower limbs in the aged.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty senile subjects were recruited and assigned to the TJQ group and the control group (imparting health knowledge)by random digit table. Patients in the TJQ group received 24-style TJQ training for 18 months (60 min each time, 5 times per week), while those in the control group were imparted with sarcopenia related causes, pathogeneses, prevention and control measures. The maximum isometric strength of bilateral iliopsoas, quadriceps femoris, tibialis anterior muscle, hamstrings; the time for 5 sitting-up tests and Time Up and Go Test (TUGT), one-leg standing time with closed eyes test; and the score of Berg balance scale were compared between the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with before treatment, muscle strength increased in the TJQ group with an average increased capacity (rate) as follows, bilateral iliopsoas 5.5 kg (16.9%), quadriceps femoris 5.5 kg (26.2%), and tibialis anterior muscle 8.5 kg (36.2%) (all P < 0.05). The time for TUGT and 5 sitting-up tests was shortened by 1.3 s (16.7%) and 0.9 s (14.5%) respectively in the TJQ group. The time for one-leg standing time with closed eyes test was increased by 8.4 s (left) and 9.1 s (right) respectively. The score of Berg balance scale increased by 4.3% (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, bilateral quadriceps femoris and tibialis anterior muscle strength increased significantly (P < 0.01); the time for TUGT and 5 sitting-up tests, the time for one-leg standing time with closed eyes test, scores of Berg balance scale were all improved in the TJQ group after intervention (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TJQ training could improve strength of iliopsoas, quadriceps femoris, tibialis anterior muscle in the aged, elevate their balance and locomotor activities, and possibly prevent and treat sarcopenia.</p>

Maternal vitamin D level and its relevant factors in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy in a hospital in Nanjing / 中华临床营养杂志

Objective To analyze the serum level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25-(OH) D] in pregnant women in Nanjing and its relationship with age,gestational week,pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and season,so as to provide some guidance on clinical application of vitamin D measurement and supplementation.Methods 880 pregnant women (in 21-36 gestational weeks) regularly visiting antenatal clinic in Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University were selected from January to December 2015.Their serum 25-(OH)D concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results The mean serum 25-(OH) D concentration in these pregnant women was (42.03 ± 19.22) nmol/L and sufficient in only 42 (4.77％).Vitamin D levels showed seasonal variation (P =0.0164),with the levels in summer [(44.61 ±23.57) nmol/L] and autumn [(43.43 ± 19.31) nmol/L] being higher than spring [(39.68 ± 16.91) nmol/L] and winter [(39.65 ± 13.36) nmol/L].There was no statistically significant difference in serum vitamin D level among different gestational weeks (P =0.929 4).There was statistically significant difference in serum vitamin D level among different age groups (P =0.038 3).Vitamin D level was not associated with pre-pregnancy BMI.Conclusions Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among pregnant women in Nanjing.We suggest vitamin D testing be carried out more actively.

Pharmacology research on PXR as a potential target in screening bioactive components of Chinese material medica / 中国中药杂志

Pregnane X receptor (PXR) is key transcription factors which mainly regulate the expression of CYP3A genes. At the molecular level, PXR has been revealed the protection mechanism of the body against xenochemicals and a major mode of the drug-drug interactions. Besides playing an important role in drug metabolism and interactions, PXR and its target genes also play an important role in maintaining normal physiological function and homeostasis. Therefore, it is necessary to study the regulation of PXR and its related pharmacological effects of TCM and natural products, and to provide new clues for the new pharmacological pathway.