[Effects of maize and peanut co-ridge intercropping on crop photosynthetic characteristics and intercropping advantages]. / çŽ‰ç±³å’ŒèŠ±ç”ŸåŒåž„é—´ä½œå¯¹ä½œç‰©å ‰åˆç‰¹æ€§å’Œé—´ä½œä¼˜åŠ¿çš„å½±å“.

To clarify the photosynthetic mechanism contributing to the enhancement of intercropping advantages through co-ridge intercropping of maize and peanut, we conducted a field randomized block experiment under two phosphorus levels of 0(P0) and 180 kg P2O5·hm-2(P180) with flat intercropping of maize and peanut (FIC) as the control. We analyzed the effects of co-ridge intercropping of maize and peanut (RIC) and groove-ridge intercropping of maize and peanut (GIC) on crop leaf area index (LAI), SPAD values, CO2 carboxylation ability, photosystems coordination (ΦPSⅠ/PSⅡ), and intercropping advantage of yield. The results showed that RIC significantly increased SPAD value at the silking stage of intercropping maize, and significantly improved the apparent quantum yield of photosynthesis (AQY), maximum electron transfer rate (Jmax), maximum rate of Rubisco carboxylation (Vc,max), net photosynthetic rate at the CO2 saturation (Amax) and ΦPSⅠ/PSⅡ of intercropping maize compared with those of FIC and GIC at silking stage and milking stage, but reduced the ratio of variable fluorescence Fk to amplitude Fj-Fo(Wk) and the ratio of variable fluorescence Fj to amplitude Fp-Fo(Vj) of the functional leaf photosystem Ⅱ (PSⅡ) at the milking stage of maize. There were no significant differences in these parameters between FIC and GIC. Compared with FIC, both RIC and GIC increased LAI of intercropping peanut at late growth stage and SPAD value at pod setting stage, significantly improved Vc,max, Amax, and ΦPSⅠ/PSⅡ, and reduced Wk and Vj values of intercropping peanut functional leaves at pod expanding stage. The difference in these parameters between RIC and GIC were not significant. The land equivalent ratio and intercropping advantages of RIC were higher than those of FIC and GIC. Phosphorus application could further promote Vc,max, Jmax, Amax and ΦPSⅠ/PSⅡ of intercropping maize and peanut, and significantly improve yield advantages of intercropping. The findings indicated that co-ridge intercropping could enhance CO2 carboxylation and fixation by improving photosynthetic electron transport and pho-tosystems coordination, improve the photosynthetic rate of functional leaves of maize and peanut, thus increase crop yield and intercropping advantages.

Blocked conversion of Lactobacillus johnsonii derived acetate to butyrate mediates copper-induced epithelial barrier damage in a pig model.

BACKGROUND: High-copper diets have been widely used to promote growth performance of pigs, but excess copper supplementation can also produce negative effects on ecosystem stability and organism health. High-copper supplementation can damage the intestinal barrier and disturb the gut microbiome community. However, the specific relationship between high-copper-induced intestinal damage and gut microbiota or its metabolites is unclear. OBJECTIVE: Using fecal microbiota transplantation and metagenomic sequencing, responses of colonic microbiota to a high-copper diet was profiled. In addition, via comparison of specific bacteria and its metabolites rescue, we investigated a network of bacteria-metabolite interactions involving conversion of specific metabolites as a key mechanism linked to copper-induced damage of the colon. RESULTS: High copper induced colonic damage, Lactobacillus extinction, and reduction of SCFA (acetate and butyrate) concentrations in pigs. LefSe analysis and q-PCR results confirmed the extinction of L. johnsonii. In addition, transplanting copper-rich fecal microbiota to ABX mice reproduced the gut characteristics of the pig donors. Then, L. johnsonii rescue could restore decreased SCFAs (mainly acetate and butyrate) and colonic barrier damage including thinner mucus layer, reduced colon length, and tight junction protein dysfunction. Given that acetate and butyrate concentrations exhibited a positive correlation with L. johnsonii abundance, we investigated how L. johnsonii exerted its effects by supplementing acetate and butyrate. L. johnsonii and butyrate administration but not acetate could correct the damaged colonic barrier. Acetate administration had no effects on butyrate concentration, indicating blocked conversion from acetate to butyrate. Furthermore, L. johnsonii rescue enriched a series of genera with butyrate-producing ability, mainly Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, we reveal the microbiota-mediated mechanism of high-copper-induced colonic damage in piglets. A high-copper diet can induce extinction of L. johnsonii which leads to colonic barrier damage and loss of SCFA production. Re-establishment of L. johnsonii normalizes the SCFA-producing pathway and restores colonic barrier function. Mechanistically, Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group mediated conversion of acetate produced by L. johnsonii to butyrate is indispensable in the protection of colonic barrier function. Collectively, these findings provide a feasible mitigation strategy for gut damage caused by high-copper diets. Video Abstract.

Venous-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for patients poisoned by Macleaya cordata.

Macleaya cordata is a Chinese herbal medicine containing a variety of highly cardiotoxic alkaloids, and might result in cardiac failure. Venous-arterial Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) could be used as a therapeutic option in patients poisoned by Macleaya cordata complicating refractory cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest. A 60-year-old man suffered from severe arrhythmia, cardiogenic shock and cardiac arrest after consuming Macleaya cordata. The patient received VA-ECMO support in the emergency department at 5 hours after hospitalization, and was weaned from VA-ECMO on day 4, and was discharged with complete clinical improvement on Day 12. VA-ECMO is an effective method in treating cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest induced by severe poisoning from Chinese herbal medicine. Timely and appropriate interventions with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation devices could improve clinical outcomes in these patients.

Inheritance, innovation and development of traditional Chinese medicine in new era call for scientific supervision / 中国中药杂志

Pharmaceutical products need to ensure the effectiveness, safety and quality controllability through scientific supervision, and as the broad masses of the people are full of new expectations for the supply of high-quality traditional Chinese medicine products, the reform and innovation of traditional Chinese medicine regulatory policies are also facing new opportunities and new challenges. National Medical Products Administration, National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and other relevant departments have implemented the requirements of the Party Central Committee and the State Council, vigorously promoted the reform of the regulatory system in line with the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine, introduced a series of innovative policies, and achieved phased results. Including the new registration classification standards in line with the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine, encouraging the development of classical formulas and hospital preparations, encouraging the research and development of symptomatic Chinese medicines, and gra-dually improving the "three-combined " evidence system. However, in the face of the development problems of traditional Chinese medicine in the new era, it is still necessary to improve the scientific supervision system, further optimize the management measures for the registration of traditional Chinese medicines based on classical formulas, accelerate the improvement of the standard system for traditional Chinese medicine formula granules, and form management measures to encourage and support the secondary development of traditional Chinese medicines. In terms of scientific supervision of traditional Chinese medicine, it is necessary to follow the characteristics and development laws of traditional Chinese medicine itself, comprehensively consider the characteristics of epochal, scientific and systematic in regulatory policies, and serve the inheritance and innovative development of traditional Chinese medicine with scientific supervision.

Effect of Dahuang Lingxian prescription on the scf/c-kit signaling pathway in gallbladder interstitial cells of Cajal in a guinea pig model of cholesterol gallstone / 临床肝胆病杂志

Objective To investigate the expression levels of scf and c-kit under the regulation of Dahuang Lingxian prescription and the possible mechanism of its effect on gallbladder dynamics, and to provide a theoretical basis for Dahuang Lingxian prescription in preventing the development and recurrence of cholesterol gallstone. Methods A total of 45 specific pathogen-free healthy male guinea pigs were randomly divided into normal group, model group, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) group. The guinea pigs in the normal group were fed with normal diet, and those in the model group and the TCM group were fed with high-fat lithogenic diet. After 8 weeks of feeding, 5 guinea pigs were randomly selected from each group, and successful modeling was determined if gallstone was observed with the naked eye in more than 4 guinea pigs. After successful modeling, the guinea pigs in the TCM group were given Dahuang Lingxian prescription by gavage, and those in the model group were given an equal volume of normal saline by gavage. After 8 consecutive weeks of administration by gavage, gallbladder tissue samples were collected, and HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of gallbladder tissue; Western blot was used to measure the expression level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in gallbladder tissue; immunohistochemistry was used to measure the protein expression levels of scf and c-kit in gallbladder smooth muscle tissue. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference multiple comparison method was used for further comparison between two groups. Results HE staining showed marked inflammation of gallbladder tissue in the model group, and compared with the model group, the TCM group had a significantly lower degree of inflammation. Western blot showed that the model group had the highest expression level of TNF-α in gallbladder tissue, followed by the TCM group and the normal group ( P < 0.05); immunohistochemistry showed that compared with the model group, the normal group and the TCM group had significantly higher protein expression levels of scf and c-kit in gallbladder smooth muscle tissue ( P < 0.05). Conclusion Dahuang Lingxian prescription can enhance the dynamic function of the gallbladder, possibly by upregulating the scf/c-kit signaling pathway in interstitial cells of Cajal in gallbladder.

[Clinical observational study on the treatment of oligozoospermia with Shizi Sanhua decoction combined with Nuoyu].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical therapeutic effect as well as drug effectiveness and safety of Shizi Sanhua decoction combined with Nuoyu in the treatment of oligozoospermia in men. METHODS: 102 patients with oligozoospermia diagnosed at Longhua Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from February 2022 to March 2023 were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups. The treatment group was treated with Shizi Sanhua Decoction + Nuoyu; the traditional Chinese medicine group was treated with Shizi Sanhua Decoction; and the Nuoyu nutrient group was treated with Nuoyu nutrient. A review assessment and record were made after one course of treatment (3 months). RESULTS: A total of 102 patients completed the trial due to the treatment process. There were 34 cases in each of the traditional Chinese medicine group, the Nuoyu nutrient group, and the treatment group. Clinical efficacy: total effective rate of 52.94% in the traditional Chinese medicine group; 58.82% in the Nuoyu nutrient group; 82.35% in the treatment group. The clinical efficacy of the treatment group was better than that of the traditional Chinese medicine group and the Nuoyu nutrient group (P<0.05), which was statistically significant. Semen routine: the treatment group was better than the traditional Chinese medicine group and Nuoyu nutrient group in improving the total number of sperm and sperm concentration. CONCLUSION: The semen concentration and forward sperm count of patients with oligozoospermia treated with Shizi Sanhua Decoction combined with Nuoyu improved more significantly, and the clinical efficacy was remarkable. And the clinical efficacy is not affected by age and disease duration. It can be popularized and applied as a treatment for oligozoospermia.

Adjuvant probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CP-9 improve phototherapeutic treatment outcomes in neonatal jaundice among full-term newborns: A randomized double-blind clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Probiotics had been used to decreased bilirubin level in neonatal jaundice (NJ) without being further studied mechanism and stratification. The intestinal pathogen Escherichia coli produced ß-glucuronidase would increase enterohepatic circulation and elevate serum bilirubin levels (SBLs) which might worsen the disease process of NJ. STUDY OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that some probiotics could decrease bilirubin level through inhibiting the growth of E. coli. It's assumed that adjuvant probiotic intervention might accelerate the phototherapy for NJ and alleviate the severity of the NJ. Besides, it's further study the efficacy of the probiotic intervention in NJ among the full-term and preterm newborns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Firstly, the Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CP-9 was screened for its anti-E. coli activity. Then, it was orally administered to newborns with NJ in combination with conventional phototherapy (wavelength 425-457 nm) to determine its efficacy. 83 neonatal patients whose serum bilirubinemia was at a concentration of ≥ 15 mg/dL were participated the double-blind randomized trial and conducted in the neonatal ward of China Medical University Children's Hospital (CMUCH, Taichung, Taiwan). The test was conducted in 2 groups: experimental group: phototherapy + B. animalis subsp. lactis CP-9 (n = 43; 5 × 109 CFU/capsule) and control group: phototherapy + placebo (n = 40). The SBL and total phototherapy duration were measured. RESULTS: The experimental group showed improved serum bilirubin decline rate (-0.16 ±â€…0.02 mg/dL/h; P = .009, 95% CI -0.12 to -0.2), particularly in the first 24 hour of in-hospital care, and reduced total phototherapy duration (44.82 ±â€…3.23 h; P = .011, 95% CI: 51.3-38.2) compared with the control group. Especially, probiotics had a significant therapeutic effect (serum bilirubin decline rate: -0.18 ±â€…0.02 mg/dL/h, 95% CI -0.12 to -0.23, P = .014; phototherapy duration: 43.17 ±â€…22.72 h, 95% CI 51.9-34.3, P = .019) in the low-risk subgroup (full-term newborns). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, B. animalis subsp. lactis CP-9 synergistically improves treatment outcomes of NJ during in-hospital phototherapy including reduced total phototherapy duration and improved serum bilirubin decline rate, particularly in full-term newborns.

Different copper sources and levels affect growth performance, copper content, carcass characteristics, intestinal microorganism and metabolism of finishing pigs.

Copper (Cu) is an essential trace element in the production of swine. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of 3 different sources of Cu on growth performance, Cu metabolism, and intestinal microorganisms of finishing pigs, so as to estimate the bioavailability of the 3 sources for pigs. A total of 42 male finishing pigs (88.74 ± 5.74 kg) were randomly allocated to 7 treatments. The factors were 3 sources (CuSO4, Cu-glycine, Cu-proteinate) and 2 levels (5 and 20 mg/kg) of Cu, plus one negative control treatment (0 mg/kg added Cu level) for the entire 28-d experiment. The average daily gain (ADG) and feed to gain ratio (F:G) both increased when Cu was added. The Cu level in liver, bile, kidney, serum, lung, urine and feces rose (P < 0.001) with increasing dietary Cu level regardless of the source. Meanwhile, pigs receiving organic Cu (glycinate or proteinate) retained more Cu and excreted less Cu than those receiving inorganic Cu (CuSO4), which showed that organic forms were more bioavailable. At the transcriptional level, changes in the level and source of dietary Cu resulted in modulation of transporters. In the jejunal mucosa, import transporter high affinity copper uptake protein 1 (CTR1) and export transporter ATPase copper transporting alpha (ATP7A) in supplemental Cu treatments were down-regulated compared to the control. Also, peptide transporter 1 (PepT1) and lanine-serine-cysteine transporter, type-2 (ASCT2) were significantly (P < 0.01) up-regulated in 20 mg/kg Cu-proteinate and Cu-glycinate treatments, respectively. Microbial diversity was lowest in the 20 mg/kg CuSO4 treatment, and the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes was higher in added Cu treatments, especially Cu-glycinate treatment. These results indicate that uptake of different Cu forms is facilitated by different transporters and transport mechanisms, and compared with inorganic Cu, organic Cu provides benefits to intestinal microflora and reduces Cu excretion.

Application of teaching method for the interpretation of acupoint names in the course of Science of Meridians and Acupoints / 中国针灸

The paper summarizes the valuable experience of the famous teachers of all generations in the teaching & research room of meridians and acupoints of Beijing University of CM. The shortcomings are presented when the acupoints are explained in accordance with the flowing route of meridians in classroom teaching of Science of Meridians and Acupoints. Hence, it is proposed that the acupoint names should be interpreted specially for the acupoints distributed on the same meridians or adjacent ones. It is suggested to emphasize the correlation of each acupoint with its adjacent ones from the perspective of the cultural connotation of acupoint names, and then, the differences and similarities in their clinical indications can be analyzed. Eventually, a new approach to the classroom teaching of Science of Meridians and Acupoints may be provided to guide the excavation of traditional cultural connotation and establish the cultural self-confidence and professional identity.

Network Meta-analysis of efficacy and safety of oral Chinese patent medicines combined with conventional western medicine in treatment of hypertension / 中国中药杂志

This study aims to systematically evaluate the effect of oral Chinese patent medicines on hypertension with network Meta-analysis. Randomized controlled trials on the treatment of hypertension with oral Chinese patent medicine combined with conventional western medicine were retrieved from China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI), Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, EMbase, and Cochrane Library(from establishment of the database to August 2021). Two researchers independently screened the articles, extracted the data, and evaluated article quality. Then R 4.1.0 was employed for data analysis. Finally, 195 eligible articles were screened out, involving 22 546 patients and 18 oral Chinese patent medicines. The results of the network Meta-analysis are as follows. In terms of reducing systolic blood pressure(SBP) and diastolic blood pressure(DBP), Xuesaitong, Qiangli Dingxuan Tablets, Songling Xuemaikang Capsules combined with conventional western medicine are superior. In improving blood lipids, the overall effects of Xinmaitong Capsules, Compound Xueshuantong Capsules, Ginkgo Folium preparations, Yindan Xinnaotong Soft Capsules, and Naoxintong Capsules combined with conventional western medicine are outstanding. In terms of regulating endothelial function, Yindan Xinnaotong Soft Capsules, Xinmaitong Capsules, Zhenju Jiangya Tablets, Compound Danshen Dripping Pills, Xuesaitong with conventional western medicine have certain advantages. As for the safety, the incidence of adverse reactions of conventional western medicine combined with oral Chinese patent medicines is lower than that of conventional western medicine alone. In summary, compared with conventional western medicine alone, the 18 oral Chinese patent medicines combined with conventional western medicine in the treatment of hypertension show advantages in improving blood pressure, blood lipids, and endothelial function. Among them, Xuesaitong, Qiangli Dingxuan Tablets, and Songling Xuemaikang Capsules may be the best oral Chinese patent medicines for lowering blood pressure. The conclusion needs to be further verified by more high-quality studies.

Research progress on mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion in treatment of irritable bowel syndrome / 中国针灸

The current clinical evidence and underlying mechanisms of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) were summarized, so as to better optimize clinical treatment. The relevant articles of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of IBS in recent years were retrieved and summarized. We found that the clinical efficacy of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of IBS was relatively reliable. However, the mutual relationships among various mechanisms of action such as abnormal gastrointestinal motility, high visceral sensitivity, intestinal microenvironment disorders, and abnormal intestinal-brain interactions need to be further explored. The authors believe that in-depth explorations of the bidirectional regulation of "gut-brain axis", the law of changes in the abundance and diversity of intestinal flora, and the establishment of a more ideal animal model of TCM syndrome differentiation are useful ideas for subsequent research.

Postoperative Chemoradiotherapy With Capecitabine and Oxaliplatin vs Capecitabine for Stage II to III Rectal Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Several studies have explored the efficacy and toxic effects of concurrent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)- or capecitabine-based chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with or without oxaliplatin in the neoadjuvant setting. Addition of oxaliplatin to 5-FU or capecitabine elicited similar outcomes but with significantly increased toxic effects; however, there is a need for randomized clinical trials comparing 2 CRT regimens for patients receiving CRT in the adjuvant setting. Objective: To explore the efficacy and toxic effects of oxaliplatin combined with postoperative concurrent capecitabine and radiotherapy (RT) for pathological stage II and III rectal cancer. Design, Setting, and Participants: This multicenter randomized clinical trial enrolled patients from 7 centers in China between April 1, 2008, and December 30, 2015. Patients with pathologically confirmed stage II and III rectal cancer were randomized (1:1) to receive concurrent CRT with capecitabine or capecitabine plus oxaliplatin. Analysis was conducted from December 31, 2019, to March 15, 2020. Interventions: RT comprised 45 to 50 Gy in 25 fractions of 1.8 to 2.0 Gy over 5 weeks. In the capecitabine with RT group, concurrent chemotherapy included 2 cycles of capecitabine (1600 mg/m2) on days 1 to 14 and 22 to 35. The capecitabine and oxaliplatin with RT group received identical postoperative RT to that in the capecitabine with RT group combined with capecitabine (1300 mg/m2) on days 1 to 14 and 22 to 35 and a 2-hour infusion of oxaliplatin (60 mg/m2) on weeks 1, 2, 4, and 5. Patients in both groups received adjuvant chemotherapy (capecitabine or fluorouracil and oxaliplatin) after CRT. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary end point was 3-year disease-free survival (DFS). Results: A total of 589 patients (median [IQR] age, 55 [47-52] years; 375 [63.7%] men and 214 [36.3%] women) were enrolled, including 294 patients randomized to the capecitabine with RT group and 295 patients randomized to the capecitabine and oxaliplatin with RT group. Median (IQR) follow-up was 68 (45-96) months. Most patients had stage III disease (574 patients [75.9%]). Three-year DFS was 76.3% for the capecitabine with RT group and 74.1% for the capecitabine and oxaliplatin with RT group, and 5-year DFS was 72.0% for the capecitabine with RT group and 71.1% for the capecitabine and oxaliplatin with RT group (hazard ratio [HR], 1.07; 95% CI, 0.79-1.44; P = .68). There was no significant difference between groups in overall survival (HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.64-1.34; P = .70) or local recurrence (HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.31-1.22; P = .16). More grade 3 and 4 acute toxic effects were observed in the capecitabine and oxaliplatin with RT group than in the capecitabine with RT group (114 patients [38.6%] vs 84 patients [28.6%]; P = .01). Conclusions and Relevance: This randomized clinical trial found that addition of oxaliplatin to capecitabine-based postoperative CRT did not improve the efficacy of treatment but increased the risk of severe acute toxic effects. This finding highlights the basic role of postoperative capecitabine with RT for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00714077.

Distinct Patterns of Brain Atrophy associated with Mild Behavioral Impairment in Cognitively Normal Elderly Adults.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate patterns of gray matter changes in cognitively normal elderly adults with mild behavioral impairment (MBI). Sixteen MBI patients and 18 healthy controls were selected. All the participants underwent a neuropsychological assessment battery, including the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Chinese version of the mild behavioral impairment-checklist scale (MBI-C), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Imaging data was analyzed based on voxel-based morphometry (VBM). There was no significant difference in age, gender, MMSE score, total intracranial volume, white matter hyperdensity, gray matter volume, white matter volume between the two groups (p > 0.05). MBI group had shorter education years and higher MBI-C score, GDS and SAS scores than the normal control group (p < 0.05). For neuroimaging analysis, compared to the normal control group, the MBI group showed decreased volume in the left brainstem, right temporal transverse gyrus, left superior temporal gyrus, left inferior temporal gyrus, left middle temporal gyrus, right occipital pole, right thalamus, left precentral gyrus and left middle frontal gyrus(uncorrected p < 0.001). The grey matter regions correlated with the MBI-C score included the left postcentral gyrus, right exterior cerebellum, and left superior frontal gyrus. This suggests a link between MBI and decreased grey matter volume in cognitively normal elderly adults. Atrophy in the left frontal cortex and right thalamus in MBI patients is in line with frontal-subcortical circuit deficits, which have been linked to neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in dementia. These initial results imply that MBI might be an early harbinger for subsequent cognitive decline and dementia.

Idiopathic mesenteric phlebosclerosis associated with long-term oral intake of geniposide.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic mesenteric phlebosclerosis (IMP) is a rare disease, and its etiology and risk factors remain uncertain. AIM: To investigate the possible influence of Chinese herbal liquid containing geniposide on IMP. METHODS: The detailed formula of herbal liquid prescriptions of all patients was studied, and the herbal ingredients were compared to identify the toxic agent as a possible etiological factor. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) and colonoscopy images were reviewed to determine the extent and severity of mesenteric phlebosclerosis and the presence of findings regarding colitis. The disease CT score was determined by the distribution of mesenteric vein calcification and colon wall thickening on CT images. The drinking index of medicinal liquor was calculated from the daily quantity and drinking years of Chinese medicinal liquor. Subsequently, Spearman's correlation analysis was conducted to evaluate the correlation between the drinking index and the CT disease score. RESULTS: The mean age of the 8 enrolled patients was 75.7 years and male predominance was found (all 8 patients were men). The patients had histories of 5-40 years of oral Chinese herbal liquids containing geniposide and exhibited typical imaging characteristics (e.g., threadlike calcifications along the colonic and mesenteric vessels or associated with a thickened colonic wall in CT images). Calcifications were confined to the right-side mesenteric vein in 6 of the 8 patients (75%) and involved the left-side mesenteric vein of 2 cases (25%) and the calcifications extended to the mesorectum in 1 of them. The thickening of colon wall mainly occurred in the right colon and the transverse colon. The median disease CT score was 4.88 (n = 7) and the median drinking index was 5680 (n = 7). After Spearman's correlation analysis, the median CT score of the disease showed a significant positive correlation with the median drinking index (r = 0.842, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Long-term oral intake of Chinese herbal liquid containing geniposide may play a role in the pathogenesis of IMP.

Clinical Observation of Yishen Tongluo Decoction in Treating Chronic Glomerulonephritis with Spleen and Kidney Qi Deficiency and Blood Stasis Syndrome / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy as well as anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrosis mechanism of Yishen Tongluo decoction in the treatment of chronic glomerulonephritis （CGN） with spleen and kidney Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. Method:According to the random number table method， one hundred and twenty patients were divided into control group （60 cases） and observation group （60 cases）. The two groups were given oral valsartan capsules， 160 mg/time， 1 time/day， and dipyridamole tablets orally， 50 mg/time， 3 times/day. Patients in control group additionally took Wubi Shanyao pills orally， 9 g/time， 2 times/day， while patients in observation group additionally took Yishen Tongluo decoction orally， 1 dose/day. Both groups were treated continuously for four months. Before and after treatment， 24 h urine total protein （24 h UTP）， creatinine （SCr）， urea nitrogen （BUN）， serum cystatin C （CysC）， tumor necrosis factor-<italic>α</italic> （TNF-<italic>α</italic>）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， IL-17， interferon-<italic>γ</italic> （IFN-<italic>γ</italic>）， transforming growth factor-<italic>β</italic>₁ （TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁）， connective tissue growth factor （CTGF）， matrix metalloproteinase-9 （MMP-9）， tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases （TMP-1） and hypoxia inducible factor-1<italic>α </italic>（HIF-1<italic>α</italic>） levels were detected in both groups. The scores of spleen and kidney Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome were graded. Urine protein， and urine red blood cells （urinary RBC） were monitored. Result:The 24 h UTP， SCr， BUN and CysC levels of the observation group were lower than those of the control group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. The score of spleen and kidney Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome in the observation group was lower than that in the control group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. The levels of TNF-<italic>α</italic>， IL-6， IL-17 and IFN-<italic>γ </italic>in the observation group were lower than those in the control group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. The levels of TGF-<italic>β</italic>₁， CTGF， TMP-1 and HIF-1<italic>α</italic> in the observation group were lower than those in the control group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. While MMP-9 level was higher than that in control group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. The clinical effective rate was 88.33% （53/60） in the observation group， higher than 73.33% （44/60） in the control group （<inline-formula><alternatives><mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" id="M2"><mml:msup><mml:mrow><mml:mi>χ</mml:mi></mml:mrow><mml:mrow><mml:mn mathvariant="normal">2</mml:mn></mml:mrow></mml:msup></mml:math><graphic specific-use="big" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="alternativeImage/155A9E27-C0C9-44b4-96FF-AF947372054E-M002.jpg"><?fx-imagestate width="3.30200005" height="3.64066648"?></graphic><graphic specific-use="small" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="alternativeImage/155A9E27-C0C9-44b4-96FF-AF947372054E-M002c.jpg"><?fx-imagestate width="3.30200005" height="3.64066648"?></graphic></alternatives></inline-formula>=4.356， <italic>P</italic><0.05）. Conclusion:On the basis of conventional Western medicine treatment， Yishen Tongluo decoction in the treatment of CGN patients with spleen and kidney Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome can reduce proteinuria， and improve traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndromes， with anti-inflammatory and anti-kidney fibrosis effects. Thereby， it plays a role in protecting renal function and delaying the malignant progression of renal function， with high clinical efficacy and value of clinical use.

Effect of electroacupuncture on calcium-activated chloride channel currents in interstitial cells of Cajal in rats with diabetic gastroparesis / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To investigate the mechanisms of electroacupuncture (EA) at Zusanli (ST 36), Liangmen (ST 21) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) in intervening diabetic gastroparesis (DGP) based on calcium-activated chloride channel. Methods: Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups, including a normal control group (group A), a model group (group B), an EA group (group C) and a metoclopramide group (group D), with 10 rats in each group. A single intraperitoneal injection of 2％ streptozotocin (STZ) combined with 8-week high-glucose high-fat diet was used to establish a DGP rat model. After intervention, gastrointestinal propulsive rate was observed; the expression level of transmembrane protein 16A (TMEM16A) was examined by immunohistochemistry; the Ca2+ concentration in interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) was detected by immunofluorescence; and whole-cell patch-clamp technique was applied to detect the current intensity of calcium-activated chloride channel (ICaCC) in ICCs in gastric antrum. Results: After modeling, the blood glucose levels in group B, group C and group D were significantly increased compared with group A (all P<0.01); after intervention, compared with group B, the blood glucose levels in group C and group D were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01); the intra-group comparison of blood glucose level between after modeling and after intervention found significant difference only in group C (P<0.01). The gastrointestinal propulsive rates in group B, group C and group D were significantly different from that in group A (P<0.01 or P<0.05); the gastrointestinal propulsive rates were markedly higher in group C and group D than in group B (P<0.01, P<0.01). The expressions of TMEM16A in group B and group C were decreased compared with group A (P<0.01, P<0.05); the expressions of TMEM16A in group C and group D were increased compared with group B (P<0.01, P<0.05). The fluorescence intensity of Ca2+ was significantly lower in group B than in group A (P<0.01); the fluorescence intensity of Ca2+ was significantly higher in group C and group D than in group B (P<0.01, P<0.05). ICaCC in ICCs in group B was significantly decreased compared with group A; ICaCC in group C and group D were increased compared with group B. Conclusion: EA at Zusanli (ST 36), Liangmen (ST 21) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) can significantly improve gastrointestinal motility in DGP rats by up-regulating the ICaCC in ICCs.

Improvement in dyspepsia related symptoms treated with acupuncture in 278 patients with postprandial distress syndrome: a secondary analysis of a multi-center randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the clinical effect of acupuncture for the improvements in various dyspeptic symptoms of postprandial distress syndrome.@*METHODS@#The secondary analysis on the data of a multi-center randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted. 278 patients with postprandial distress syndrome were randomized into an acupuncture group (138 cases) and a sham-acupuncture group (140 cases). In the acupuncture group, acupuncture was applied to Baihui (GV 20), Danzhong (CV 17), Zhongwan (CV 12), Qihai (CV 6), Neiguan (PC 6), Zusanli (ST 36), etc. In the sham-acupuncture group, 6 sites, neither located on meridians nor belonged to meridian acupoints, were selected and punctured shallowly. The duration of treatment was 20 min each time, 3 times a week, for 4 weeks totally in the two groups. The follow-up visit lasted for 12 weeks. The scores of dyspeptic symptoms were compared between the two groups before treatment, during treatment (in week 1, 2, 3 and 4) and during follow-up (in week 8, 12 and 16) separately.@*RESULTS@#Besides the scores of early satiety and vomiting in the sham-acupuncture group in week 1, the scores of the other dyspepsia symptoms during treatment and follow-up were all reduced in the two groups as compared with those before treatment (@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture remarkably relieves postprandial fullness, early satiety, upper abdominal bloating and belching in patients with postprandial distress syndrome.

Application and reflection on pilot study in acupuncture clinical research / 中国针灸

Pilot study is essential prerequisite for large-scale research. Acupuncture is a complex intervention measure. The factors of its clinical effect and effect mechanism are complicated. Hence, the resource waste is easily induced in research if the large-scale clinical research is rashly carried out before scientific verification. Currently, there is still a lack of high-quality evidence of clinical research, which affects the promotion and application of the curative effect of acupuncture. The pilot study of acupuncture can evaluate the feasibility and the process coordination of trial, optimize program and process and provide the basis of sample size calculation prior to launching a full-scale trial. Thereby, the methodological quality of acupuncture research and the reliability of trial results can be improved. In the paper, the arguments focus on the definition, design and report of pilot study so as to provide the approaches and references for the design and implementation of pilot study of clinical research of acupuncture.

Effect of acupuncture on knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score in patients with knee osteoarthritis / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To verify the clinical effect of acupuncture on knee osteoarthritis (KOA).@*METHODS@#Forty-two patients with KOA were randomly divided into an acupuncture group (21 cases, 1 case dropped off) and a sham acupuncture group (21 cases, 1 case dropped off). The patients in the acupuncture group were treated with routine acupuncture at 5-6 local acupoints [Dubi (ST 35), Neixiyan (EX-LE 4), Heding (EX-LE 2), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Xuehai (SP 10), Zusanli (ST 36), etc.] and 3-4 distal acupoints [Fengshi (GB 31), Waiqiu (GB 36), Xuanzhong (GB 39), Zulinqi (GB 41), etc.]. The patients in the sham acupuncture group were treated with shallow needling technique at non-acupoint. The needles were retained for 30 min in both groups. All the treatment was given three times a week for 8 weeks. Knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) were recorded before and after treatment and 18-week follow-up.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the scores of 5 dimensions of KOOS [pain, symptoms (except pain), daily activities, sports and entertainment, and quality of life] were increased after treatment and during follow-up in the two groups (@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture can reduce the pain symptoms and improve daily activities in patients with KOA.

Meta-analysis of clinical efficacy and safety of Compound Danshen Dripping Pills combined with conventional antihypertensive drugs in treatment of hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy / 中国中药杂志

To systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Compound Danshen Dripping Pills combined with conventional antihypertensive drugs in the treatment of hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy. China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI), Wanfang, VIP, PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, Ovid and Web of Science databases were searched by computer to retrieve the randomized controlled trials(RCTs) of Compound Danshen Dripping Pills combined with conventional antihypertensive drugs in the treatment of hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy from the establishment of databases to July 2020. After two researchers performed data retrieval, data extraction, and risk assessment of bias, they used RevMan 5.3 software for Meta-analysis. A total of 10 RCTs were included, with a total of 979 patients. Meta-analysis results showed that in terms of interventricular septal thickness(MD=-0.70, 95%CI[-1.15,-0.24], P=0.003), left ventricular posterior wall thickness(MD=-0.81, 95%CI[-1.41,-0.21], P=0.008), left ventricular mass index(MD=-8.75, 95%CI[-17.40,-0.10], P=0.05), systolic blood pressure(MD=-8.97, 95%CI[-13.46,-4.48], P<0.000 1), diastolic blood pressure(MD=-5.87, 95%CI[-8.39,-3.34], P<0.000 01) and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(MD=-1.73, 95%CI[-2.38,-1.08], P<0.000 01), Compound Danshen Dripping Pills combined with conventional antihypertensive drugs was superior to conventional antihypertensive drugs. In terms of left ventricular ejection fraction(MD=0.41, 95%CI[-0.74, 1.55], P=0.49), there was no statistical difference in treatment between the two groups. Because of the small amount of literatures included in the safety aspect, it is impossible to give an accurate conclusion. The GRADE score showed that the level of evidence was low and extremely low. The results show that the Compound Danshen Dripping Pills combined with conventional antihypertensive drugs may effectively improve the clinical efficacy for hypertensive ventricular hypertrophy, and the safety needs to be further explored. Due to the low quality of the included literatures, more high-quality RCTs are needed for verification.