Development of CORE-CM core outcome domain sets for trials of Chinese medicine for lumbar spinal stenosis.

OBJECTIVES: Most Asian countries have employed Chinese medicine (CM) and Western medicine to treat lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Evidence synthesis and comparison of effectiveness are difficult since outcomes examined and presented through trials possess heterogeneity. This study aimed to solve the outcome problems for CM clinical trials in LSS by building a core outcome set (COS). METHODS: To achieve an agreement on a set of core outcome domains, a four-phase study was carried out. First, we identified candidate outcome domains by systematically reviewing trials. In addition, we identified outcome domains associated with patients by conducting semistructured interviews with patients. Next, outcome domains were processed through a national two-round Delphi survey, in which 18 patients and 21 experts were recruited. Finally, the above domains were converted as a core outcome domain set based on a consensus meeting, in which 24 stakeholders were recruited. RESULTS: Seventeen outcome subdomains were identified by the systematic review and interviews. The Delphi survey assigned a priority to four outcome domains in the first round and four outcomes additionally in the second round. The core outcome domains were determined through discussion and redefinition of outcomes in the consensus meeting: pain and discomfort, health-related quality of life, lumbar function, activities of daily living, measures of walking, patient global assessment, adverse events and CM-specific outcomes. CONCLUSION: COS-CM-LSS is likely to enhance the consistency of outcomes reported in clinical trials. In-depth research should be conducted for the exploration of the best methods to examine the above outcomes.

Non-pharmaceutical Chinese medical therapies for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of utilizing Non-Pharmaceutical Chinese Medical (NPCM) therapy singularly or in combination for the treatment of Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (DLSS). METHODS: The comprehensive search for all randomized controlled trials regarding NPCM therapies for the treatment of DLSS was performed through online databases searches, commencing from their inception to January 1st, 2023. The relevant literature underwent a thorough screening process, and the data was meticulously extracted and subjected to analysis through the implementation of RevMan 5.3 software. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was employed to assess the potential risk of bias. The synthesis of evidence was performed Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. RESULTS: The extensive search procedure produced 5674 records, including data from 37 studies of 38 comparisons (2965 participants). Moderate evidence was obtained demonstrating that the application of acupuncture for a duration of 6-8 weeks was significantly superior to sham acupuncture in terms of intermediate-term (6 months) alleviation of back pain (2 trials, n = 128; MD, -1.08; 95% CI, -1.81∼-0.34) and improvement in lumbar function (2 trials, n = 128; MD, -1.40; 95% CI, -2.93∼-0.13). The available low evidence suggested that, as compared to sham acupuncture, acupuncture was effective in reducing short-term (3 months) back pain and enhancing lumbar function but had no impact on leg pain. A trial with low risk of bias found that acupuncture was more effective than sham acupuncture in enhancing disability and walking capabilities. The other studies presented inconsistent evidence with regards to the efficacy of the various interventions employed. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence of low-to-moderate quality suggests that for DLSS patients, the implementation of acupuncture in comparison to sham acupuncture presents favorable outcomes in terms of short- and intermediate-term alleviation of back pain, improvement in lumbar function, enhancement of disability and walking capacity. The conclusion regarding the efficacy of other NPCM therapies was not obtained due to the insufficient quality of the available evidence. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42022307631.

Synthesis of aza-BODIPYs with barrier-free rotation of the -tBu group at 3-site and enhancement of photothermal therapy by triggering cancer cell apoptosis.

Breaking through the traditional 1,7,3,5-aryl substituted aza-BODIPY structure, asymmetric aza-BODIPYs, tBu-azaBDPs, containing non-aryl group at 3-site were prepared for the first time. tBu-azaBDP exhibited a severely twisted configuration. tBu-azaBDPs had a near-infrared fluorescence emission and high molar extinction coefficients. Although the barrier-free rotation of the distal -tBu group in tBu-azaBDP resulted in low fluorescence quantum yield, the photothermal conversion efficiency was markedly enhanced. tBu-azaBDP nanoparticles with laser irradiation were revealed to induce cell apoptosis in photothermal therapy. We consider that development of aza-BODIPYs with the barrier-free rotation of the -tBu group at 3-site provides a strong platform for design of phototherapy agents for cancer treatment in photothermal therapy by apoptosis.

A strategy for attenuation of acute radiation-induced lung injury using crocetin from gardenia fruit.

PURPOSE: Radiation-induced lung injury limits the implementation of radiotherapy plans and severely impairs the quality of life. Crocetin has the capability to protect against radiation. This study is aimed at estimate the preventive effect and mechanism of crocetin on acute radiation induced lung injury. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In this study, we offer a strategy for radiation-induced lung injury by using crocetin, an extract of gardenia fruit. Histopathology, transcriptomics, flow cytometry, and other methods have served to examine the effect and mechanism of crocetin on acute radiation-induced lung injury. RESULTS: Crocetin effectively alleviates radiation-induced alveolar wall thickening and alveolar destruction. The number of normal alveoli and lung structure of mice is well protected by the prevention of crocetin. It is found that crocetin inhibits necroptosis to achieve effective radioprotection by down regulating the Tnfrsf10b gene in vitro. CONCLUSION: Crocetin inhibits necroptosis through transcriptional regulation of the Tnfrsf10b gene, thereby preventing radiation-induced lung injury. This work may provide a new strategy for the prevention of lung radiation injury by the extract from Chinese herbal medicine.

Two new sesquiterpenes from the stems of Tripterygium wilfordii.

Two new ß-dihydroagarofuran-type sesquiterpenes 1ß,2α,6α,8ß,15- pentaacetoxy- 9α-benzoyloxy- ß-dihydroagarofuran (1) and 1ß,2ß,6α,15-tetraacetoxy-9ß-benzoyloxy- ß-dihydroagarofuran (2), together with five known abietane diterpenoids (3-7) were isolated from ethyl acetate extract of stems of Tripterygium wilfordii. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of detailed spectroscopic and physico-chemical analyses. All the isolates were evaluated for in vitro inhibitory activity against A549, HOS and MCF-7. Among them, compounds 4 and 5 exhibited manifest inhibition on A549, HOS and MCF-7 cancer cell lines.

[Hyperspectral prediction model of soil nutrient content in the loess hilly-gully region, China.] / é»„åœŸä¸˜é™µæ²Ÿå£‘åŒºåœŸå£¤å »åˆ†å«é‡çš„é«˜å ‰è°±é¢„æµ‹æ¨¡åž‹.

Rapid and accurate estimation of soil nutrient content based on hyperspectral data is an optimal method for the monitoring of soil nutrient and inversion of soil physical and chemical characters. The relationship between soil nutrient content and spectral reflectance was analyzed with soil samples being collected from the loess hilly-gully region of northern Shaanxi Province. The prediction models of the content of soil organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and total potassium were constructed by the combination of three techniques, including partial least squares (PLS), multiple linear regression (MLR), and support vector machine (SVM). Then, the optimal model was selected by comparison analysis. The results showed good correlations between the content of soil nutrients and spectral reflectance in visible region (400-760 nm) and near infrared region (760-1100 nm). The maximum values of correlation coefficient located in both spectral regions. The SPA-SVM model had the best applicability and highest inversion accuracy for the contents of all soil nutrients, with simple and efficient modeling process. Our results provided a reference for applying machine learning algorithm in the construction of hyperspectral prediction model of soil nutrient content in the loess hilly-gully region.

Isolation and Identification of Benzochroman and Acylglycerols from Massa Medicata Fermentata and Their Inhibitory Effects on LPS-Stimulated Cytokine Production in Bone Marrow-Derived Dendritic Cells.

Massa Medicata Fermentata (MMF), known as Shenqu, is an important traditional Chinese medicine widely used to treat indigestion, vomiting, and diarrhea. In this study, a new benzochroman, 3(S)-3,4-dihydro-5,10-di-ß-d-glucopyranoside-2,2-dimethyl-2H-naphtho(2,3-b)pyran-3-ol (1), and five known galactosyl acylglycerols (2⁻6) were isolated from a methanol extract from MMF. In addition, their chemical structures were determined by chemical and spectroscopic methods, which were compared with the previously reported data. Furthermore, the effects of isolated compounds on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated bone marrow-derived dendritic cells were investigated. Compounds 1⁻3 exhibited significant inhibitory effects on the LPS-induced production of IL-6 and IL-12 p40, with IC50 values ranging from 1.6 to 10.2 µM. Compounds 2 and 3 also exhibited strong inhibitory effects on the LPS-stimulated production of TNF-α with IC50 values of 12.0 and 11.2 µM, respectively. The results might provide a scientific basis for the development of the active components in MMF, as well as for novel anti-inflammatory agents.

Impressic acid from Acanthopanax koreanum, possesses matrix metalloproteinase-13 down-regulating capacity and protects cartilage destruction.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Acanthopanax koreanum (Araliaceae) has been used in traditional medicine for enhancing vitality, rheumatism, and bone-related pains. But its activity on cartilage protection has not been known yet. AIM OF THE STUDY: Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13 has an important role in degrading cartilage materials under pathologic conditions such as arthritis. The present study was designed to find the inhibitory activity of impressic acid on MMP-13 expression and cartilage protective action. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 70% ethanol extract of Acanthopanax koreanum leaves and impressic acid, a major constituent isolated from the same plant materials, were examined on MMP-13 down-regulating capacity in IL-1ß-treated human chondrocyte cell line (SW1353) and rabbit cartilage explants. RESULTS: In IL-1ß-treated SW1353 cells, impressic acid significantly and concentration-dependently inhibited MMP-13 expression at 0.5-10µM. Impressic acid was found to be able to inhibit MMP-13 expression by blocking the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription-1/-2 (STAT-1/-2) and activation of c-Jun and c-Fos among the cellular signaling pathways involved. Further, impressic acid was found to inhibit the expression of MMP-13 mRNA (47.7% inhibition at 10µM), glycosaminoglycan release (42.2% reduction at 10µM) and proteoglycan loss in IL-1-treated rabbit cartilage explants culture. In addition, a total of 21 lupane-type triterpenoids structurally-related to impressic acid were isolated from the same plant materials and their suppressive activities against MMP-13 expression were also examined. Among these derivatives, compounds 2, 3, 16, and 18 clearly down-regulated MMP-13 expression. However, impressic acid was more potent than these derivatives in down-regulating MMP-13 expression. CONCLUSIONS: Impressic acid, its related triterpenoids, and A. koreanum extract have potential as therapeutic agents to prevent cartilage degradation by inhibiting matrix protein degradation.

Antioxidant and anti-osteoporotic effects of anthraquinones and related constituents from the aqueous dissolved Aloe exudates.

In this study, 25 known anthraquinones and related compounds were isolated from aqueous dissolved Aloe exudates. The antioxidant and anti-osteoporotic activities of the isolated compounds were then investigated. Compounds 8, 11, 20, and 23 showed good antioxidant activity based on peroxyl radical-scavenging and reducing capacity assays at a concentration of 10.0 µM. Additionally, compounds 7, 9, 15-16, 18, 21-22 and 24-25 showed potent peroxyl radical-scavenging activities with values ranging from 5.28 to 14.60 at 10.0 µM. Moreover, compounds 8, 11, 15, 20 and 22 exhibited significantly suppressed tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity in nuclear factor-κB ligand-activated osteoclastic RAW 264.7 cells, with values of 125.67, 118.54, 127.64, 125.82 and 124.98%, respectively. These results indicate that Aloe is an excellent source of antioxidant and anti-osteoporotic phytochemicals.

Chemical Components from Aloe and their Inhibition of Indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase.

BACKGROUND: In Korea, Aloe is routinely ingested as a traditional medicine or as a component of health beverages. OBJECTIVE: To research the inhibition of indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) activities of components from Aloe. MATERIALS AND METHODS: the compounds were isolated by a combination of silica gel and YMC Rp-18 column chromatography, and their structures were identified by analysis of spectroscopic data (1D, 2D-NMR, and MS). All of the isolated compounds were examined for their ability to inhibit IDO, which actively suppresses immune functions by catalyzing the rate limiting reaction in the conversion of tryptophan to kynurenine. RESULTS: In this phytochemical study, 18 known compounds were isolated from aqueous dissolved Aloe exudates. All of the isolated compounds were examined for their ability to inhibit IDO activities for a series of anthraquinone derivatives (1-7) isolated from the Aloe extract; the IC50 values of these compounds ranged from 39.41 to 53.93 µM. Enzyme kinetic studies of their modes of inhibition indicated that all of the compounds were uncompetitive inhibitors. CONCLUSION: The aqueous dissolved Aloe exudate can be used as a source of novel natural IDO inhibitors and merit testing as therapeutic agents in the treatments of cancer and immunopathologic diseases, such as autoimmune, inflammatory, and allergic disorders. SUMMARY: In this study, 18 known compounds were isolated from aqueous dissolved Aloe exudates. All of the isolated compounds were examined for their ability to inhibit indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) activities for a series of anthraquinone derivatives (1-7) isolated from the Aloe extract. Abbreviation used: IDO: inhibit indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase, TMS: tetramethylsilane, HMQC: heteronuclear multiple quantum correlation, HMBC: heteronuclear multiple bond correlation, COSY: 1H-1H correlation spectroscopy, ESI-MS: Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, DMSO: dimethyl sulfoxide.

Isobutylhydroxyamides from Zanthoxylum bungeanum and Their Suppression of NO Production.

Four new unsaturated aliphatic acid amides, named zanthoamides A-D (1-4), and eight known ones-tetrahydrobungeanool (5), ZP-amide A (6), ZP-amide B (7), ZP-amide C (8), ZP-amide D (9), ZP-amide E (10), bugeanumamide A (11), and (2E,7E,9E)-N-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropyl)-6,11-dioxo-2,7,9-dodecatrienamide (12)-were isolated from the pericarps of Zanthoxylum bungeanum. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by extensive use of spectroscopic methods, including HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR analyses and comparison with previously reported data. Compound 4 contained a rare C6 fatty acid unit with an acetal group. Results revealed that compounds 1, 5, 6, and 12 showed inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO) production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, with IC50values of 48.7 ± 0.32, 27.1 ± 1.15, 49.8 ± 0.38, and 39.4 ± 0.63 µM, respectively, while the other compounds were inactive (IC50 > 60 µM). They could contribute to the anti-inflammatory effects of Z. bungeanum by suppression of NO production.

Phenolic Constituents of Medicinal Plants with Activity against Trypanosoma brucei.

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect over one billion people all over the world. These diseases are classified as neglected because they impact populations in areas with poor financial conditions and hence do not attract sufficient research investment. Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT or sleeping sickness), caused by the parasite Trypanosoma brucei, is one of the NTDs. The current therapeutic interventions for T. brucei infections often have toxic side effects or require hospitalization so that they are not available in the rural environments where HAT occurs. Furthermore, parasite resistance is increasing, so that there is an urgent need to identify novel lead compounds against this infection. Recognizing the wide structural diversity of natural products, we desired to explore and identify novel antitrypanosomal chemotypes from a collection of natural products obtained from plants. In this study, 440 pure compounds from various medicinal plants were tested against T. brucei by in a screening using whole cell in vitro assays. As the result, twenty-two phenolic compounds exhibited potent activity against cultures of T. brucei. Among them, eight compounds-4, 7, 11, 14, 15, 18, 20, and 21-showed inhibitory activity against T. brucei, with IC50 values below 5 µM, ranging from 0.52 to 4.70 µM. Based on these results, we attempt to establish some general trends with respect to structure-activity relationships, which indicate that further investigation and optimization of these derivatives might enable the preparation of potentially useful compounds for treating HAT.

Nuclear Factor Kappa B Activation and Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor Transactivational Effects of Chemical Components of the Roots of Polygonum multiflorum.

BACKGROUND: Polygonum multiflorum is well-known as "Heshouwu" in traditional Chinese herbal medicine. In Northeast Asia, it is often used as a tonic to prevent premature aging of the kidney and liver, tendons, and bones and strengthening of the lower back and knees. OBJECTIVE: To research the anti-inflammatory activities of components from P. multiflorum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The compounds were isolated by a combination of silica gel and YMC R-18 column chromatography, and their structures were identified by analysis of spectroscopic data (1D, 2D-nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectrometry). The anti-inflammatory activities of the isolated compounds 1-15 were evaluated by luciferase reporter gene assays. RESULTS: Fifteen compounds (1-15) were isolated from the roots of P. multiflorum. Compounds 1-5 and 14-15 significantly inhibited tumor necrosis factor-α-induced nuclear factor kappa B-luciferase activity, with IC50 values of 24.16-37.56 µM. Compounds 1-5 also greatly enhanced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors transcriptional activity with EC50 values of 18.26-31.45 µM. CONCLUSION: The anthraquinone derivatives were the active components from the roots of P. multiflorum as an inhibitor on inflammation-related factors in human hepatoma cells. Therefore, we suggest that the roots of P. multiflorum can be used to treat natural inflammatory diseases. SUMMARY: This study presented that fifteen compounds (1-15) isolated from the roots of Polygonum multiflrum exert signifiant anti inflmmatory effects by inhibiting TNF α induced NF κB activation and PPARs transcription. Abbreviation used: NF κB: Nuclear factor kappa B, PPARs: Peroxisome proliferator activated receptors, PPREs: Peroxisome proliferator response elements, TNF α: Tumor necrosis factor α, ESI-MS: Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, HepG2: Human hepatoma cells.

A new phenolic derivative with soluble epoxide hydrolase and nuclear factor-kappaB inhibitory activity from the aqueous extract of Acacia catechu.

One novel phenolic compound, (4S,5R)-4-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-5-(3-oxobutyl)dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one (1), as well as 12 known compounds (2-13) was obtained from the aqueous extract of Acacia catechu and their chemical structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis. Compounds 8 and 9 exhibited significant soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitory activities with IC50 values of 26.6 ± 0.5 and 24.4 ± 5.6 µM, respectively. Compounds 7-10 showed significant inhibitory effects on TNFα-induced nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) transcriptional activity in a dose-dependent manner, with IC50 values ranging from 11.15 to 19.45 µM.

Soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitory activity of anthraquinone components from Aloe.

Aloe is a short-stemmed succulent herb widely used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases and as raw material in cosmetics and heath foods. In this study, we isolated and identified two new anthraquinone derivatives, aloinoside C (6) and aloinoside D (7), together with six known compounds from an aqueous dissolved Aloe exudate. Their structures were identified by spectroscopic analysis. The inhibitory effects of the isolated compounds on soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) were evaluated. Compounds 1-8 inhibited sEH activity potently, with IC50 values ranging from 4.1±0.6 to 41.1±4.2 µM. A kinetic analysis of compounds 1-8 revealed that the inhibitory actions of compounds 1, 6 and 8 were non-competitive, whereas those of compounds 2-5 and 7 were the mixed-type. Molecular docking increases our understanding of receptor-ligand binding of all compounds. These results demonstrate that compounds 1-8 from Aloe are potential sEH inhibitors.

Urinary metabolomic strategy to evaluate Compound Danshen Dripping Pills for myocardial ischaemia in rats.

Compound Danshen Dripping Pill (CDDP) has been used for the treatment of coronary heart disease for decades. We aimed to increase the understanding of the mechanisms by evaluating the urinary metabolomics of CDDP using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) in a myocardial ischaemia (MI) rat model. One hundred Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into Con (normal saline and no surgery), Con+ (107 mg/kg d CDDP solution and no surgery), Sham (normal saline and surgery without aorta ligation), Mod (normal saline and surgery with aorta ligation), and Mod+ (107 mg/kg d CDDP solution and surgery with aorta ligation) groups. Urine samples on days 0, 3, 14, and 28 were tested using GC-MS and analyzed with PCA and partial least squares-discriminant analysis models. In the Mod group, creatine kinase and malondialdehyde levels were higher, and superoxide-dismutase levels were lower; the same variables normalized in the Mod+ group. CDDP resulted in improvement in the Mod+ group, as indicated by the reduced necrosis in the myocardial tissue. A total of 36 metabolites were identified in the urine samples, and 8 metabolites (malate, succinate, creatinine, methionine, cysteine, serine, phenylalanine, and tyrosine) were increased remarkably and recovered to normal levels after treatment with CDDP. Differentially expressed metabolites implied that energy, amino acid, fatty acid, and polyol metabolism might be disrupted by MI and reversed by CDDP. Urinary metabolomics provide a dynamic monitoring approach that highlights interference by MI and the therapeutic effects of CDDP on MI in rats throughout the recovery process.

Soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitory and anti-inflammatory components from the leaves of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (duzhong).

Eucommia ulmoides leaves have been used as a functional food and drink in China. The purpose of this study was to identify the bioactive constituents with soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitory activity and anti-inflammatory properties. Twenty-seven known compounds (1-27) were isolated from the leaves of E. ulmoides Oliver, and their structures were identified by NMR and ESIMS analysis; three of these, 2,5-dimethoxy-3-glucopyranosyl cinnamic alcohol (11), foliasalacioside E2 (26), and icariside F2 (27), were obtained from this plant for the first time. Compounds 1-7 exhibited soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitory activity at 100 µM; among them, quercetin (1) and kaempferol (5) displayed potential activities with IC50 values of 22.5 ± 0.9 and 31.3 ± 2.6 µM, respectively, with noncompetitive inhibition mode. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) inhibitory activity of the isolated compounds was evaluated by the NF-κB liciferase assay in HepG2 cells. Compounds 1, 9, 20, and 27 displayed potent NF-κB inhibitory effects, with IC50 values of 15.14 ± 2.29, 15.23 ± 2.34, 16.88 ± 2.17, and 16.25 ± 2.19 µM, respectively, whereas other compounds showed weak inhibition of NF-κB transcriptional activity ranging from 17.54 to 92.6 µM. A structure-activity relationship of flavonoids 1-9 was also discussed. The results obtained in this work might contribute to the understanding of pharmacological activities of E. ulmoides leaves and further investigation on its potential application values for food and drug.

Chemical constituents from the root of Polygonum multiflorum and their soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitory activity.

Fourteen compounds were isolated from a methanol extract of Polygonum multiflorum roots, and their structures were elucidated by comparing spectroscopic data to published spectra. The inhibitory effects of the isolated compounds on soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) were then evaluated. Compounds 1-7 inhibited sEH activity potently, with IC50 values ranging from 6.2 ± 0.5 to 48.6 ± 3.1 µM. Moreover, a kinetic analysis of compounds 1-7 revealed that the inhibitory actions of compounds 1, 3 and 4 were non-competitive, whereas those of compounds 2 and 5-7 were mixed-type.

[On-site quality control of acupuncture randomized controlled trial: design of content and checklist of quality control based on PICOST].

To effectively guarantee quality of randomized controlld trial (RCT) of acupuncture and develop reasonable content and checklist of on-site quality control, influencing factors on quality of acupuncture RCT are analyzed and scientificity of quality control content and feasibility of on-site manipulation are put into overall consideration. Based on content and checklist of on-site quality control in National 11th Five-Year Plan Project Optimization of Comprehensive Treatment Plan for TCM in Prevention and Treatment of Serious Disease and Clinical Assessment on Generic Technology and Quality Control Research, it is proposed that on-site quality control of acupuncture RCT should be conducted with PICOST (patient, intervention, comparison, out come, site and time) as core, especially on quality control of interveners' skills and outcome assessment of blinding, and checklist of on-site quality control is developed to provide references for undertaking groups of the project.

Evaluation of the antioxidant and anti-osteoporosis activities of chemical constituents of the fruits of Prunus mume.

The present study investigated the antioxidant and anti-osteoporosis activities of phytochemicals in the fruits of Prunus mume. From the methanol extract, three new acylated sucroses, mumeoses P-R (1-3), were isolated together with 20 known compounds (4-23). Compounds 1-3 showed potent peroxyl radical-scavenging activities and 12-19 showed both potent peroxyl radical-scavenging and reducing activities. The anti-osteoporosis activity was evaluated using murine pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells and pre-osteoclastic RAW 264.7 cells. Compounds 2 and 3 (cis-trans isomers), 5, 7, 8, and 10 significantly stimulated the differentiation of pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells to increase collagen synthesis or mineralization functions of osteoblasts, while compounds 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 14-16, 18, 20, and 22 significantly suppressed tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity in receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand-induced osteoclastic RAW 264.7 cells. These results indicated that the fruits of P. mume are an excellent source of antioxidant and anti-osteoporosis phytochemicals.