[A new allo-aromadendrane sesquiterpene from Dendrobium nobile].

To study the chemical constituents in the non-alkaloid part of stems of Dendrobium nobile. The macroporous adsorption resin, MCI, silica gel, RP-C_(18), and Sephadex LH-20 gel, preparative thin layer chromatography, and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) were used to isolate and purify the compounds. The structures of the compound were determined according to the spectra data, physicochemical properties, and relevant references. A total of 8 compounds were isolated from D. nobile, which were soltorvum F(1), p-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid(2), vanillic acid(3), p-hydroxybenzoic acid(4), N-trans-cinnamic acid acyl-p-hydroxybenzene ethylamine(5),(+)-(1R,2S,3R,4S,5R,6S,9R)-2,11,12-trihydroxypicrotoxane-3(15)-lactone(6), dendronobilin H(7), soltorvum E(8). Compound 1 was a novel compound, named as soltorvum F. Compound 8 was isolated from Dendrobium species for the first time.

Immediate effect of a meditation technique on blood glucose, state anxiety and relaxation in patients with type 2 diabetes: a pilot randomized crossover study.

OBJECTIVES: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major burden on global health and economy. Various Yogic techniques are found to be beneficial in the management of T2DM. Mind Sound Resonance Technique (MSRT) is one of the yoga-based meditation techniques observed to be effective in clinical settings. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with T2DM were randomized to either MSRT or supine rest (SR) sessions on two separate days separated by a washout period of one day. Fasting blood glucose levels were measured before and immediately after the sessions. State anxiety and subjective feeling of relaxation were assessed using Spielberg's state anxiety inventory (STAI) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) respectively. RESULTS: There were significant differences between MSRT and SR groups in fasting blood glucose (p=0.019), STAI scores (p<0.001) and subjective relaxation (p<0.001). Within group analyses revealed significant reductions (p<0.001) in fasting blood glucose and STAI scores, along with an increase in subjective relaxation following the practice of MSRT, whereas, non-significant changes were found following the SR session. CONCLUSIONS: A single session of MSRT was found to reduce blood glucose levels and state anxiety along with enhanced relaxation when compared to SR.

The predominance of endothelium-derived relaxing factors and beta-adrenergic receptor pathways in strong vasorelaxation induced by 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde in the rat aorta.

4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (4HB), known as ρ-hydroxybenzaldehyde, is commonly present in traditional Chinese medicine herb, most frequently used for hypertension treatment. This research aims to determine the potency of 4HB's vasorelaxant action. In the study, the vasodilation effect of 4HB was evaluated using in vitro isolated rat aortic rings assay. The aortic rings were pre-incubated with respective antagonists before being pre-contracted with phenylephrine (PE) and challenged with various concentrations of 4HB for mechanistic action studies. Rmax (maximal vasodilation) and pEC50 (negative logarithm of half-maximal effective concentration) values of each experiment were determined for comparison purposes. 4HB caused vasodilation on endothelium-intact aortic rings which pre-contracted with PE (pEC50 = 3.53 ± 0.05, Rmax = 100.95 ± 4.25%) or potassium chloride (pEC50 = 2.96 ± 0.13, Rmax = 72.13 ± 4.93%). The vasodilation effect of 4HB was significantly decreased in the absence of an endothelium (pEC50 = 2.21 ± 0.25, Rmax = 47.96 ± 4.16%). The atropine, 4-aminopyridine, Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, glibenclamide, and propranolol significantly reduced the vasorelaxation effect of 4HB. Besides that, 4HB blocked the voltage-operated calcium channel (VOCC) and regulated the intracellular Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in the aortic ring. Thus, the results indicated that 4HB exerted its vasodilatory effect via cGMP and ß2 pathways, M3-dependent PLC/IP3 pathways, and potassium and calcium channels.

Clinical study on Baixiao moxibustion combined with acupuncture for the patients with dysmenorrhea of cold coagulation and blood stasis / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of Baixiao moxibustion combined with acupuncture in the treatment of patients with dysmenorrhea of cold coagulation and blood stasis.Methods:A total of 90 patients with dysmenorrhea of cold coagulation and blood stasis who were treated in Huangpu Branch of Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and met the inclusion criteria were enrolled between January 2019 and January 2020, and they were divided into observation group (47 patients) and control group (43 patients) according to the random number table method. The control group was treated by acupuncture, while the observation group combined Baixiao moxibustion with acpuncture treatment. Both groups were treated for 3 menstrual cycles. Before and after treatment, TCM syndromes were scored, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to evaluate pain intensity, and uterine hemodynamics were detected by ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI) and ratio of peak systole/peak diastole (S/D) were recorded and the clinical efficacy was assessed.Results:The total effective rate was 97.87% (46/47) in observation group and that in control group was 81.40% (35/43), and the difference between two groups were significant ( χ2=6.77, P=0.009). After treatment, the scores of lower abdominal pain, dark blood clots, intolerance of cold and cold limbs and nausea and vomiting as well as VAS scores in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t=3.61, 5.60, 6.22, 8.02, 10.36, all Ps<0.01). After treatment, the RI (1.45±0.55 vs. 1.86±0.53, t=3.59), PI (0.61±0.14 vs. 0.77±0.13, t=5.60) and S/D (5.28±1.18 vs. 7.23±1.22, t=7.71) in observation group were significantly lower than those in control group ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Baixiao moxibustion combined with acupuncture can relieve the pain symptoms, improve the TCM syndromes and promote the uterine blood circulation.

Antiproliferative piperidine alkaloids from giant taro (Alocasia macrorrhiza) / 中国天然药物

The rhizome of giant taro (Alocasia macrorrhiza (L.) Schott), which is a highly adaptable wild plant, is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. In the current study, the antiproliferative constituents of giant taro were investigated and six new (1-6) and four known piperidine alkaloids (7-10) were isolated from its rhizomes. Their chemical structures and absolute configurations were elucidated using various spectroscopic methods and the Mosher ester method. The isolated alkaloids were screened for the antiproliferative activity through MTT assay. The results indicated that piperidine alkaloids exerted potential antiproliferative activity against HepG2, AGS and MCF-7 tumor cells. Further researches showed that compounds 3-5 dose-dependently decreased the colony formation rate and induced the apoptosis of AGS cells, while compound 4 induced AGS cell death via the proapoptotic pathway. This study demonstrates that the piperidine alkaloids isolated from giant taro exhibit significant antitumor activity, which provides phytochemical evidence for further development and utilization.

Chemical analysis of classical prescription Qianghuo Shengshi Standard Decoction by UHPLC-Q Exactive Orbitrap MS / 中国中药杂志

A UHPLC-Q Exactive Orbitrap MS method was used to analyze the chemical constituents of the classical prescription Qianghuo Shengshi Standard Decoction(QHSS). UHPL conditions were as follows: Waters~(TM) UPLC~(TM) HSS T3 C_(18) column(2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.7 μm) and mobile phase of acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid aqueous solution. Mass spectrometry data of QHSS, each herb extract, and negative sample were collected in both positive and negative ion modes. The chemical constituents of QHSS were identified or tentatively identified based on the accurate molecular weight, retention time, MS fragmentation, comparison with reference substances, and literature reports. A total of 141 compounds were identified, including 18 amino acids, oligosaccharides, oligopeptides, and their derivatives, 19 phenolic acids, 44 coumarins, 18 flavonoids and chromones, 13 saponins, 17 phthalides, and 12 other components. This study comprehensively characterized the chemical constituents of QHSS, laying an experimental basis for the in-depth research on the material basis and quality control of QHSS.

Efficacy of the combination of modern medicine and traditional Chinese medicine in pulmonary fibrosis arising as a sequelae in convalescent COVID-19 patients: a randomized multicenter trial.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to a significant number of mortalities worldwide. COVID-19 poses a serious threat to human life. The clinical manifestations of COVID-19 are diverse and severe and 20% of infected patients are reported to be in a critical condition. A loss in lung function and pulmonary fibrosis are the main manifestations of patients with the severe form of the disease. The lung function is affected, even after recovery, thereby greatly affecting the psychology and well-being of patients, and significantly reducing their quality of life. METHODS: Participants must meet the following simultaneous inclusion criteria: over 18 years of age, should have recovered from severe or critical COVID-19 cases, should exhibit pulmonary fibrosis after recovery, and should exhibit Qi-Yin deficiency syndrome as indicated in the system of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The eligible candidates will be randomized into treatment or control groups. The treatment group will receive modern medicine (pirfenidone) plus TCM whereas the control group will be administered modern medicine plus TCM placebo. The lung function index will be continuously surveyed and recorded. By comparing the treatment effect between the two groups, the study intend to explore whether TCM can improve the effectiveness of modern medicine in patients with pulmonary fibrosis arising as a sequelae after SARS-CoV-2 infection. DISCUSSION: Pulmonary fibrosis is one of fatal sequelae for some severe or critical COVID-19 cases, some studies reveal that pirfenidone lead to a delay in the decline of forced expiratory vital capacity, thereby reducing the mortality partly. Additionally, although TCM has been proven to be efficacious in treating pulmonary fibrosis, its role in treating pulmonary fibrosis related COVID-19 has not been explored. Hence, a multicenter, parallel-group, randomized controlled, interventional, prospective clinical trial has been designed and will be conducted to determine if a new comprehensive treatment for pulmonary fibrosis related to COVID-19 is feasible and if it can improve the quality of life of patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This multicenter, parallel-group, randomized controlled, interventional, prospective trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000033284) on 26th May 2020 (prospective registered).

Exploration and practice of post-marketing survival benefit evaluation of Chinese patent medicine for cancer / 中国中药杂志

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) is an important feature of cancer treatment in China. The methods to tap the advantages of TCM, reasonably evaluate and accurately apply Chinese patent medicines have become current research hotspots and difficulties. TCM takes syndrome differentiation and treatment as the core, with the characteristics of overall regulation and multi-targets efficacy. Therefore, the post-marketing survival benefit evaluation of Chinese patent medicines for cancer is different from that in modern medicine. The primary treatment goals in cancer patients include to improve the disease control rate and prolong their survival time. At present, Chinese patent medicines for cancer patients are lacking indepth studies on survival benefit at the post-marketing stage. In addition, the characteristics of individualized treatment with TCM have also increased the complexity of clinical research on TCM. Therefore, it is of certain practical significance and necessity to evaluate the survival benefit of Chinese patent medicines for cancer after marketing. Based on this, in this paper, we first summarized the technical methodological means of survival benefit evaluation at this stage, and then explored the post-marketing survival benefit evaluation of Chinese patent medicines for cancer from three aspects: the evaluation of cancer treatment effect based on survival time and quality of life, treatment-related toxicity and the auxiliary effect of TCM, and the improvement effect for tumor-related symptoms. Based on the practices of early clinical researches, and according to the insufficient efficacy evaluation of current clinical research on Chinese patent medicines, this paper proposed to improve the evaluation system for clinical researches on Chinese patent medicines, establish the evaluation method with TCM characteristics, clarify the dominant population, lay a theoretical foundation for the evaluation of post-marketing survival benefits of Chinese patent medicines for cancer in the future, and promote the modernization process of TCM.

Determination of seven ingredients of different grades Alismatis Rhizoma by QAMS method / 中国中药杂志

The present study is to establish a quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker(QAMS) for determining contents of seven compositions in Alismatis Rhizoma, alismoxide, alisol C 23-acetate, alisol A, alismol, alisol B, alisol B 23-acetate and 11-deoxy-alisol B. Six relative correction factors(RCFs) of alismoxide, alisol C 23-acetate, alisol A, alismol, alisol B and 11-deoxy-alisol B were established in the UPLC method with alisol B 23-acetate as the internal standard, which was to calculate the mass fraction of each. The mass fraction of seven effective constituents in Alismatis Rhizoma was calculated by the external standard method(ESM) at the same time. Compared with the content results determined by the ESM and QAMS, the feasibility and accuracy of QAMS method were verified. Within the linear range, the RCFs of alismoxide, alisol C 23-acetate, alisol A, alismol, alisol B, 11-deoxy-alisol B were 0.946, 4.183, 0.915, 1.039, 0.923 and 1.244, respectively, with good repeatability in different experimental conditions. There was no significant difference between the QAMS method and ESM method. Then, QAMS method was applied to determination of the different degree Alismatis Rhizoma from different areas. As a result, the concentrations of 7 components have differences in different areas, but no significant differences in different grades. The QAMS method is feasible and accurate for the determination of the seven chemical compositions, and which can be used for quality control of Alismatis Rhizoma.

Analysis and Comparison of HPLC Fingerprints of Natural and Artificial Agarwood / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To establish the HPLC fingerprint analysis method for agarwood with compare the natural agarwood and artificial agarwood combined with the contents of ethanol-soluble extraction (E%) and agarotetrol (A%). METHODS: The E% and A% were determined according to the ChP(2015). The chromatographic fingerprints of agarwood were established on a Platisil ODS C18 column (4.6 mm×250 mm, 5 μm) with mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid. Gradient elution was performed at a flow rate of 0.7 mL•min-1, the detection wave length was set at 252 nm, and the column temperature was maintained at 31 ℃. The similarity evaluation system of traditional Chinese medicine chromatographic fingerprint (2004A) was used to establish the common pattern and calculate the similarity of chromatograms. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used with multivariate statistical analysis software for relative peak area of common chromatographic peak. RESULTS: The chromatographic fingerprint similarity of 13 batches of natural agarwood was 0.021-0.856, the E% was 10.1%-31.0%, and the A% was 0.04%-2.83%, respectively. The chromatographic fingerprint similarity of 11 batches of artificial agarwood ranged from 0.079 to 0.453, and the E% and A% were 10.3%-31.3% and 0.14%-1.02%, respectively. Thirteen batches of natural agarwood and 11 batches of artificial agarwwod were divided into two groups respectively, and the reference crude drug was gathered in the natural agarwood group. The similarity between natural and artificial agarwood chromatographic fingerprint was significantly different (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the similarity of artificial agarwood chromatographic fingerprint was positively correlated with the E% (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The chromatographic fingerprint analysis combined with multivariate statistical analysis can easily and quickly distinguish natural and artificial agarwood, which provides a reference for the comprehensive evaluation of the quality of agarwood.

Chemical profiles and metabolite study of raw and processed Polygoni Multiflori Radix in rats by UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS spectrometry / 中国天然药物

The raw and processed roots of Plygonum multiflorum Thunb (PM) are used to treat different diseases in clinical practice. In order to clarify the influence of processing, a comparative study of chemical substance analysis was carried out. As the xenobiotics with a high enough exposure in target organs being considered as the potential effective or toxicity components, an in vivo study was also implemented to characterize the constitutes and metabolites, and meanwhile, the factor of compatibility with black bean were also considered. As a result, a total of 148 compounds were detected in PM extracts and more than 40 compounds were only detected in the processed products, which were probably new components produced during the steaming process. In in vivo study, 7 prototype components and 66 metabolites were detected or tentatively identified, 24 of which were reported for the first time. Our results indicated that processing greatly changed the chemical composition of PM and influenced the disposition of the compounds in vivo. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first global comparative study of raw and processed PM. These results expanded our knowledge about the influence of processing of PM and provided the essential data for further efficacy or toxicity studies.

Chemical profiles and metabolite study of raw and processed Polygoni Multiflori Radix in rats by UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS spectrometry / 中国天然药物

The raw and processed roots of Plygonum multiflorum Thunb (PM) are used to treat different diseases in clinical practice. In order to clarify the influence of processing, a comparative study of chemical substance analysis was carried out. As the xenobiotics with a high enough exposure in target organs being considered as the potential effective or toxicity components, an in vivo study was also implemented to characterize the constitutes and metabolites, and meanwhile, the factor of compatibility with black bean were also considered. As a result, a total of 148 compounds were detected in PM extracts and more than 40 compounds were only detected in the processed products, which were probably new components produced during the steaming process. In in vivo study, 7 prototype components and 66 metabolites were detected or tentatively identified, 24 of which were reported for the first time. Our results indicated that processing greatly changed the chemical composition of PM and influenced the disposition of the compounds in vivo. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first global comparative study of raw and processed PM. These results expanded our knowledge about the influence of processing of PM and provided the essential data for further efficacy or toxicity studies.

Research progress of upconversion nanoparticles in biological imaging and cancer therapy / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

Upconversion nanomaterials (UCNPs) have attracted much attention in recent years due to their unique advantages.Compared to the traditional luminescence materials,UCNPs could convert low energy near-infrared excitation light into ultraviolet and visible light,which have some advantages,such as strong tissue penetration,low cytotoxicity,and weak background fluorescence.Combined with high resolution CT and MRI,UCNPs make multimodality imaging and accurate treatment possible.This review summarizes the research progress of UCNPs in biological imaging and cancer therapy.

Effects of dietary leucine supplementation on the hepatic mitochondrial biogenesis and energy metabolism in normal birth weight and intrauterine growth-retarded weanling piglets

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary leucine supplementation on mitochondrial biogenesis and energy metabolism in the liver of normal birth weight (NBW) and intrauterine growth-retarded (IUGR) weanling piglets. MATERIALS/METHODS: A total of sixteen pairs of NBW and IUGR piglets from sixteen sows were selected according to their birth weight. At postnatal day 14, all piglets were weaned and fed either a control diet or a leucine-supplemented diet for 21 d. Thereafter, a 2 × 2 factorial experimental design was used. Each treatment consisted of eight replications with one piglet per replication. RESULTS: Compared with NBW piglets, IUGR piglets had a decreased (P < 0.05) hepatic adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content. Also, IUGR piglets exhibited reductions (P < 0.05) in the activities of hepatic mitochondrial pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), citrate synthase (CS), α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (α-KGDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), and complexes I and V, along with decreases (P < 0.05) in the concentration of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and the protein expression of hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α). Dietary leucine supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the content of ATP, and the activities of CS, α-KGDH, MDH, and complex V in the liver of piglets. Furthermore, compared to those fed a control diet, piglets given a leucine-supplemented diet exhibited increases (P < 0.05) in the mtDNA content and in the mRNA expressions of sirtuin 1, PGC-1α, nuclear respiratory factor 1, mitochondrial transcription factor A, and ATP synthase, H+ transporting, mitochondrial F1 complex, β polypeptide in liver. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary leucine supplementation may exert beneficial effects on mitochondrial biogenesis and energy metabolism in NBW and IUGR weanling piglets.

Screening for 12 mixed illegally cough-relieving chemical composition in anti-cough and antiasthmatic traditional Chinese medicines by HPLC-DAD-MS/MS / 药学学报

This study was designed to establish a high performance liquid chromatography (diode array detector, DAD)-tandem mass chromatography (HPLC-DAD-MS/MS) method for the simultaneously screening 12 kinds of cough-relieving chemical drugs illegally added in anti-cough and antiasthmatic traditional Chinese medicines. This method involved liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The separation was conducted by Kromasil100-5C18 (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) and the mobile phase was consisted of 0.3% ammonium formate (pH 2.97) and methanol. After separated by HPLC, the suspected components were analyzed by MS/MS and DAD and ultra scan was used to identify these illegally added drugs. A fast and sensitive HPLC-DAD-MS/MS method for the simultaneously screening for illegal chemical compositions was established. The LOD of these substances were below 50 ng. The method was sufficiently selective and sensitive to detect illegal chemical compositions in anti-cough and antiasthmatic traditional Chinese medicines.

Simultaneous determination of six constituents in Qishiwei Zhenzhu Pills by HPLC / 中成药

AIM To establish an HPLC method for the simultaneous content determination of six constituents in Tibetan medicine Qishiwei Zhenzhu Pills (Croci Stigma,Dalbergiae odoriferae Lignum,Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,etc.).METHODS The analysis of 50％ methanol extract of this drug was carried out on a 30 ℃ thermostatic Inertsil(C)ODS-3 column (250 mm ×4.6 mm,5 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of 0.2％ phosphoric acid-acetonitrile flowing at 0.8 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and the detection wavelength was set at 254 nm.RESULTS Gallic acid,corilagin,agarotetrol,ellagic acid,crocin Ⅰ and crocin Ⅱ showed good linear relationships within the ranges of 1.41-42.24,0.61-18.24,0.30-9.12,0.47-14.04,0.62-18.48 and 0.32-9.45 μg/mL (R2 ≥0.999 4),whose average recoveries (RSDs) were 93.41％ (1.75％),96.84％ (1.75％),97.45％ (0.58％),93.22％ (0.56％),97.01％ (1.39％) and 97.22％ (1.11％),respectively.The contents of various constituents in different batches of samples from two manufactures showed some differences,especially for those of corilagin and agarotetrol.CONCLUSION We should pay attention to the unstable quality of Qishiwei Zhenzhu Pills.

Simultaneous determination of six constituents in Qishiwei Zhenzhu Pills by HPLC / 中成药

AIM To establish an HPLC method for the simultaneous content determination of six constituents in Tibetan medicine Qishiwei Zhenzhu Pills (Croci Stigma,Dalbergiae odoriferae Lignum,Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,etc.).METHODS The analysis of 50％ methanol extract of this drug was carried out on a 30 ℃ thermostatic Inertsil(C)ODS-3 column (250 mm ×4.6 mm,5 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of 0.2％ phosphoric acid-acetonitrile flowing at 0.8 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and the detection wavelength was set at 254 nm.RESULTS Gallic acid,corilagin,agarotetrol,ellagic acid,crocin Ⅰ and crocin Ⅱ showed good linear relationships within the ranges of 1.41-42.24,0.61-18.24,0.30-9.12,0.47-14.04,0.62-18.48 and 0.32-9.45 μg/mL (R2 ≥0.999 4),whose average recoveries (RSDs) were 93.41％ (1.75％),96.84％ (1.75％),97.45％ (0.58％),93.22％ (0.56％),97.01％ (1.39％) and 97.22％ (1.11％),respectively.The contents of various constituents in different batches of samples from two manufactures showed some differences,especially for those of corilagin and agarotetrol.CONCLUSION We should pay attention to the unstable quality of Qishiwei Zhenzhu Pills.

Adjuvant sorafenib after heptectomy for Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer-stage C hepatocellular carcinoma patients.

AIM: To investigate the efficacy and safety of adjuvant sorafenib after curative resection for patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC)-stage C hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Thirty-four HCC patients, classified as BCLC-stage C, received adjuvant sorafenib for high-risk of tumor recurrence after curative hepatectomy at a tertiary care university hospital. The study group was compared with a case-matched control group of 68 patients who received curative hepatectomy for HCC during the study period in a 1:2 ratio. RESULTS: The tumor recurrence rate was markedly lower in the sorafenib group (15/34, 44.1%) than in the control group (51/68, 75%, P = 0.002). The median disease-free survival was 12 mo in the study group and 10 mo in the control group. Tumor number more than 3, macrovascular invasion, hilar lymph nodes metastasis, and treatment with sorafenib were significant factors of disease-free survival by univariate analysis. Tumor number more than 3 and treatment with sorafenib were significant risk factors of disease-free survival by multivariate analysis in the Cox proportional hazards model. The disease-free survival and cumulative overall survival in the study group were significantly better than in the control group (P = 0.034 and 0.016, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our study verifies the potential benefit and safety of adjuvant sorafenib for both decreasing HCC recurrence and extending disease-free and overall survival rates for patients with BCLC-stage C HCC after curative resection.

Anaysis on acupoint selection rule of acupuncture for trigeminal neuralgia / 中国针灸

The characteristics and rules of acupoint selection of acupuncture for trigeminal neuralgia were analyzed. By searching CNKI, VIP, WF, literature regarding acupuncture for trigeminal neuralgia from 1980 to 2013 was collected to establish an acupuncture prescription database. The data mining technology was applied to analyze the characteristics and rules of the acupoint selection. As a result, a total of 180 papers were included, involving 148 acupoints. It was found that the acupoints that had high frequency of selection included Hegu (LI 4), Xiaguan (ST 7), Fengchi (GB 20) and trigger points. The acupoints selected were distributed in 14 meridians, in which yangming meridian of hand-foot had a frequency of 41. 58%. The special acupoints including crossing points, yuan-primary points and five-shu points were widely used, accounting for 65. 9%. As for the branch of trigeminal nerve, the top-3 selected acupoints were Yangbai (GB 14), Yuyao (EX-HN 4), Cuanzhu (BL 2) in the first branch, Sibai (ST 2), Quanlian (SI 18), Yingxiang (LI 20) in the second branch, Jiache (ST 6), Xiaguan (ST 7), Dicang (ST 4) in the third branch. In conclusion, it is believed that the clinical treatment of trigeminal neural gia focuses on local acupoints in combination with nerve distribution-based acupoints and distal acupoints, also the special acupoints are emphasized.

Ginsenoside Rh2 differentially mediates microRNA expression to prevent chemoresistance of breast cancer.

Chemoresistance is the most common cause of chemotherapy failure during breast cancer (BCA) treatment. It is generally known that the mechanisms of chemoresistance in tumors involve multiple genes and multiple signaling pathways,; if appropriate drugs are used to regulate the mechanisms at the gene level, it should be possible to effectively reverse chemoresistance in BCA cells. It has been confirmed that chemoresistance in BCA cells could be reversed by ginsenoside Rh2 (G-Rh2). Preliminary studies of our group identified some drug- resistance specific miRNA. Accordingly, we proposed that G-Rh2 could mediate drug-resistance specific miRNA and corresponding target genes through the gene regulatory network; this could cut off the drug-resistance process in tumors and enhance treatment effects. G-Rh2 and breast cancer cells were used in our study. Through pharmaceutical interventions, we could explore how G-Rh2 could inhibit chemotherapy resistance in BCA, and analyze its impact on related miRNA and target genes. Finally, we will reveal the anti-resistance molecular mechanisms of G-Rh2 from a different angle in miRNA-mediated chemoresistance signals among cells.