Research note: effects of different anticoccidial regimens on the growth performance, hematological parameters, immune response, and intestinal coccidial lesion scores of yellow-feathered broilers.

Yellow-feathered broiler chickens generally have a longer growth cycle than white broilers and therefore face different coccidiosis challenges. General single vaccine and drug regimens struggle to prevent coccidiosis for yellow broilers. In this study, a single vaccine, and a combination of coccidiostat regimens was employed to explore the preventative and control effects of different pilot regimens on coccidiosis in yellow-feathered broilers. A total of 2,000 one day old Chinese Huang Youma female broilers were allocated into 4 experimental groups, each with 5 replicates. All birds were fed the same starter feed from Days 1 to 25, and all groups were inoculated with a vaccine on Day 4. After Day 26, the groups were then fed as follows: (1) Negative control group: basal diet + vaccine (NC); (2) NC + maduramycin (NCMD); (3) NC + narasin (NCNR); and (4) NC + salinomycin (NCSL). From Days 26 to 75, the NCNR group had a lower FCR than the other groups. The 75-d BW was higher in the NCNR group than in the NCSL group but was not significantly higher than that in the NC and NCMD groups. The growth performance followed the same trend during the whole experiment (Days 1-75). Compared to the NC group, the NCNR and NCSL groups had higher intestinal mucosa SIgA concentrations at Day 40 and Day 60 (P < 0.001); however the NCMD group had lower IgG levels at Day 40 and Day 60 (P = 0.036, P = 0.006 respectively). The combination groups had significantly reduced AKP levels and urine acid concentrations at Day 60 in comparison to those of the NC group (P = 0.004). The NCNR and NCMD groups had less severe intestinal coccidiosis lesion scores than the NC and NCSL groups in older birds. Thus, a single vaccine and/or combinations with different coccidiostats had different effects on broilers. The NCNR group showed comparatively better growth performance, blood biochemical indices, immune response, and coccidiosis lesion scores.

Responses of plant productivity and soil nutrient concentrations to different alpine grassland degradation levels.

Although grassland degradation simultaneously affects plant productivity and soil nutrient concentrations, the relationship between plant productivity and soil nutrient concentrations during the process of grassland degradation is not yet well documented. A 4-year survey in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau was conducted to simultaneously investigate the relationships between plant productivity and soil nutrient concentrations in an alpine grassland at an overall degradation level and individual degradation levels. Our results showed that the total plant, sedge, and forb biomasses decreased, whereas the grass and legume biomasses first increased and then decreased as the level of alpine grassland degradation increased. Soil organic carbon (C), total nitrogen (N), total phosphorus (P), available N, and available P concentrations also decreased with the increase in degradation level. Our results also showed that plant productivity was positively correlated with soil nutrient concentrations (soil organic C, total T, total P, available N, available P) at an overall degradation level, whereas plant productivity was positively correlated with only the soil organic C concentration at each degradation level. Our findings suggested that the alpine grassland degradation conditions had different effects on the plant productivity of four functional groups (sedges, grasses, legumes, forbs) and affected the relationship between plant productivity and soil nutrient concentrations.

Antibacterial stilbenes from the tubers of Bletilla striata.

Three new bibenzyl derivatives (bletstrins A-C, 1-3), including two bibenzyls that have hydroxyl-substituted chiral centers on the aliphatic bibenzyl bridge, along with eighteen known stilbenoids (4-21) were isolated from the tubers of Bletilla striata. The structures of new compounds were elucidated by the use of 1D/2D NMR spectroscopic data. The absolute configurations of bletitrins A and B were determined by optical rotation value. Compounds 13-16 were isolated from the Orchidaceae for the first time. Most of the isolated compounds were evaluated for their antibacterial activities against three gram-positive bacterial strains and one gram-negative bacterial strain. Compounds 4, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16 and 18 showed potent inhibitory activities, with MICs of (6-52 µg/mL) against S. aureus ATCC 6538.

Novel sesquiterpenoids isolated from Chimonanthus praecox and their antibacterial activities.

In the present study, four new sesquiterpenoids, chimonols A-D (compounds 1-4), together with four known compounds (5-8) were isolated from the EtOAc extract of Chimonanthus praecox Link. The structures of these new compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic techniques (UV, IR, MS, and 1D and 2D NMR), and their absolute configurations were established by comparing experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Compounds 1-8 were evaluated for antimicrobial activities and the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by the broth microdilution method in 96-well culture plates. Compounds 1, 2, and 7 exhibited weak antibacterial effects for S. aureus (ATCC 6538), E. coli (ATCC 11775), and P. aeruginosa (ATCC 10145) with MIC values being 158-249 µg·mL-1. Compounds 3-7 showed activities against C. glabrata (ATCC 2001) and S. aureus (ATCC 43300) with MIC values being 128-197 µg·mL-1. Compounds 1-4 showed activity against S. aureus (ATCC 25923) with MIC values being 162-254 µg·mL-1. The present study provided a basis for future evaluation of these compounds as antibacterial agents.

[Efficacy and mechanism of puerin â in improving disorder of glycolipid metabolism in ApoE-/-mice].

Pu-erh tea is a unique post-fermented tea processed from tender leaves of Camellia assamica. Characteristic component puerins were produced during the microbial fermentation process.This study focuses on the therapeutic effect and mechanism of puerinⅠ(P1) in Pu-erh tea on ApoE-/- mice with dyslipidemia and diabetes. It was found that P1 could significantly decreased total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and fast blood glucose (FBG), and markedly improved impaired glucose tolerance (IPGTT) and insulin sensitivity (ITT) in hyperlipidemic and hyperglycemic ApoE-/- mice. Further experiments proved that P1 reduced FBG and plasma TG levels by inhibiting intestinal α-glycosidase enzymes activity and by activating low-density lipoprotein receptor respectively. This study confirmed the therapeutic effect and mechanism of P1 on ApoE-/- mice with diabetes and hyperlipidemia. Based on the good efficacy of this compound, P1 could be used as a new drug to treat the disorder of glycolipid metabolism.

[Effect of Longxuetongluo capsule in protecting vascular endothelial cells against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation-induced apoptosis].

Focal cerebral ischemia reperfusion is an essential process during ischemic stroke. The apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells induced by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is an important cause for brain injury after focal cerebral ischemia. Longxuetongluo capsule (LTC) has been used for the treatment of ischemic stroke in clinic. However, its underlying action mechanism is still unclear. This study aimed to verify the protective effect and mechanisms of LTC on HUVEC cells against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) injury through MTT, LDH, flow cytometry, AO/EB staining and western blot assays. As a result, OGD/R significantly decreased the viability of HUVEC cells, which was significantly improved by LTC. LDH release assay showed that OGD/R significantly increased the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and LTC dramatically reduced the OGD/R-induced LDH release. Further mechanism study indicated that LTC dose-dependently inhibited the cleavage of PARP, caspase 3, and caspase 9 induced by OGD/R, suggesting that LTC could inhibit the activation of caspase 3/9 apoptosis pathway in the OGD/R-induced apoptosis of HUVEC cells. In conclusion, LTC could protect HUVEC cells against OGD/R injury by inhibiting the activation of mitochondria-related caspase 3/9 apoptosis pathway.

Improvement of Upper Limb and Hand Functions of Stroke Patients by Balancing Acupuncture Combined with Motor Relearning Training / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effect of balance acupuncture combined with motor relearning training for upper limb and hand functions of stroke patients. METHODS: Sixty-two stroke patients were randomly divided into balance acupuncture group (n＝31) and routine acupuncture group (n＝31). For patients of the balance acupuncture group, Piantan, Jiantong and Wantong points on the healthy side were used. When Jiantong point taken, the acupuncture needle was removed after the patient experienced an electric shock-like spreading needling sensation. When Wantong point employed, the needle was removed after the patient experienced a local, intensified or spreading needling sensation. When Piantan point used, the needle was retained after the patient experienced an electric shock-like needling sensation, then, the motor relearning training was conducted, and the needle was removed immediately after the training. For patients of the routine acupuncture group, Jianyu(LI 15), Jianzhen (SI 9), Quchi (LI 11), etc. were needled with the needles retained for 30 min after getting needling sensations. The motor relearning training was also carried out after removal of the needle. The treatment in both groups was performed once daily, 6 days a week, and lasted for 8 weeks. The Fugl-Meyer score and motor function scale (MAS) of the upper limb, and the fine performance score and motor function score of the hand were assessed before and after the treatment. RESULTS: Following treatment, the Fugl-Meyer score and MAS of the upper limbs, and the motor function score and fine performance score of the hand were significantly increased in both groups compared with pre-treatment in each group (P<0.05 ), suggesting a functional improvement of both upper limb and hand. The therapeutic effect of the balance acupuncture was obviously superior to that of routine acupuncture in improving functions of both the upper limb and hand (P<0.05)．. CONCLUSION: Balance acupuncture combined with motor relearning training is helpful to improve the comprehensive function of the upper limb and hand in stroke patients.

Novel sesquiterpenoids isolated from Chimonanthus praecox and their antibacterial activities / 中国天然药物

In the present study, four new sesquiterpenoids, chimonols A-D (compounds 1-4), together with four known compounds (5-8) were isolated from the EtOAc extract of Chimonanthus praecox Link. The structures of these new compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic techniques (UV, IR, MS, and 1D and 2D NMR), and their absolute configurations were established by comparing experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Compounds 1-8 were evaluated for antimicrobial activities and the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by the broth microdilution method in 96-well culture plates. Compounds 1, 2, and 7 exhibited weak antibacterial effects for S. aureus (ATCC 6538), E. coli (ATCC 11775), and P. aeruginosa (ATCC 10145) with MIC values being 158-249 µg·mL. Compounds 3-7 showed activities against C. glabrata (ATCC 2001) and S. aureus (ATCC 43300) with MIC values being 128-197 µg·mL. Compounds 1-4 showed activity against S. aureus (ATCC 25923) with MIC values being 162-254 µg·mL. The present study provided a basis for future evaluation of these compounds as antibacterial agents.

Novel sesquiterpenoids isolated from Chimonanthus praecox and their antibacterial activities / 中国天然药物

In the present study, four new sesquiterpenoids, chimonols A-D (compounds 1-4), together with four known compounds (5-8) were isolated from the EtOAc extract of Chimonanthus praecox Link. The structures of these new compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic techniques (UV, IR, MS, and 1D and 2D NMR), and their absolute configurations were established by comparing experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Compounds 1-8 were evaluated for antimicrobial activities and the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by the broth microdilution method in 96-well culture plates. Compounds 1, 2, and 7 exhibited weak antibacterial effects for S. aureus (ATCC 6538), E. coli (ATCC 11775), and P. aeruginosa (ATCC 10145) with MIC values being 158-249 µg·mL. Compounds 3-7 showed activities against C. glabrata (ATCC 2001) and S. aureus (ATCC 43300) with MIC values being 128-197 µg·mL. Compounds 1-4 showed activity against S. aureus (ATCC 25923) with MIC values being 162-254 µg·mL. The present study provided a basis for future evaluation of these compounds as antibacterial agents.

[Progress in research for pharmacological effects of Pu-erh tea].

Pu-erh tea has gradually aroused general concern with social development and people's enhanced awareness of health. Pu-erh tea is rich in multiple active constitute such as flavonoids, catechins, phenolic acids, flavanols polymer, purine alkaloids, and hydrolysable tannin as a microbial-fermented tea.It is reported that Pu-erh tea have a variety of pharmacologically activities, such as anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidative, anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral effects. In this paper, the main pharmacological effects of Pu-erh tea are reviewed. We wish this work will provide some references and clues for further research of Pu-erh tea.

Chemical composition and functional characteristics of dietary fiber-rich powder obtained from core of maize straw.

A novel dietary fiber (MsCDF) based core of maize straw (Core) was prepared by using high boiling solvent of sodium peroxide by high pressure pretreatment (HBSHP). The composition of MsCDF, and several physicochemical properties for MsCDF related to its nutritional quality were investigated. The results revealed that the MsCDF contains high contents total dietary fiber (TDF), soluble dietary fiber (SDF), insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) and two main monosaccharaides, xylose and glucose. Meanwhile, the studies of physicochemical properties of MsCDF indicated that MsCDF performed well water-holding capacity (WHC), oil-holding capacity (OHC), Swelling, solubility (SOL), Glucose dialysis retardation index (GDRI) and adsorption capacity on cholesterol. The results of this study serve as evidence that MsCDF can be used as a functional food additive, Core can be used as a crude material to produce MsCDF and the technology of HBSHP can be used to modify the physico-chemical properties of Core.

Therapeutic Observation of ZHU Lian's Acupuncture plus Wen Ren Tiao Shu Method in Treating Anovulatory Infertility / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To observe the efficacy difference between ZHU Lian's acupuncture plusWen Ren Tiao Shu method (warming the Conception Vessel and regulating back-Shu points) and ovulation drugs in treating anovulatory infertility.Method Seventy patients were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 40 cases each. The control group was given ovulation triggering medications; the observation group was intervened by ZHU Lian's acupuncture plusWen Ren Tiao Shu method, with Tianshu (ST25), Zigong (EX-CA 1), Guanyuan (CV4), Xuehai (SP10), Zusanli (ST36), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Ganshu (BL18), Pishu (BL20), Sanjiaoshu (BL22) and Shenshu (BL23) selected, once per day, 10 sessions as a course of treatment. The two groups were observed for 3 menstrual cycles. The symptoms score of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), menstruation score, basal body temperature (BBT), and ovulation rate by gynecological scanning were compared before and after the treatment, and the clinical efficacies were compared between the two groups.Result The TCM symptoms score changed significantly after the intervention in the observation group (P<0.05); the TCM symptoms score didn't show significant change after the treatment in the control group (P>0.05); after the treatment, there was a significant difference in comparing the symptoms score between the two groups (P<0.01); there was a significant difference in comparing the BBT between the two groups after the intervention (P<0.05); according to Chi-square test, after the treatment, the difference in ovulation rate between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05); the total effective rate was 94.3% in the observation group, higher than 82.9% in control group.ConclusionZHU Lian's acupuncture plusWen Ren Tiao Shu method can improve the symptoms of anovulatory fertility, increase the conception rate, and reduce adverse reactions; this method can produce a more significant efficacy than oral administration of Western medications in treating anovulatory fertility.

Therapeutic Observation of ZHU Lian's Acupuncture plus Wen Ren Tiao Shu Method in Treating Anovulatory Infertility / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To observe the efficacy difference between ZHU Lian's acupuncture plusWen Ren Tiao Shu method (warming the Conception Vessel and regulating back-Shu points) and ovulation drugs in treating anovulatory infertility.Method Seventy patients were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 40 cases each. The control group was given ovulation triggering medications; the observation group was intervened by ZHU Lian's acupuncture plusWen Ren Tiao Shu method, with Tianshu (ST25), Zigong (EX-CA 1), Guanyuan (CV4), Xuehai (SP10), Zusanli (ST36), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Ganshu (BL18), Pishu (BL20), Sanjiaoshu (BL22) and Shenshu (BL23) selected, once per day, 10 sessions as a course of treatment. The two groups were observed for 3 menstrual cycles. The symptoms score of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), menstruation score, basal body temperature (BBT), and ovulation rate by gynecological scanning were compared before and after the treatment, and the clinical efficacies were compared between the two groups.Result The TCM symptoms score changed significantly after the intervention in the observation group (P<0.05); the TCM symptoms score didn't show significant change after the treatment in the control group (P>0.05); after the treatment, there was a significant difference in comparing the symptoms score between the two groups (P<0.01); there was a significant difference in comparing the BBT between the two groups after the intervention (P<0.05); according to Chi-square test, after the treatment, the difference in ovulation rate between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05); the total effective rate was 94.3% in the observation group, higher than 82.9% in control group.ConclusionZHU Lian's acupuncture plusWen Ren Tiao Shu method can improve the symptoms of anovulatory fertility, increase the conception rate, and reduce adverse reactions; this method can produce a more significant efficacy than oral administration of Western medications in treating anovulatory fertility.

Determinants of Quality of Life for Breast Cancer Patients in Shanghai, China.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the association of social support status, health insurance and clinical factors with the quality of life of Chinese women with breast cancer. METHODS: Information on demographics, clinical characteristics, and social support status was collected from 1,160 women with newly diagnosed breast cancer in Shanghai, China. The Perceived Social Support Scale was used to assess different sources of social support for breast cancer patients. The quality of life was evaluated using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast Cancer that consisted of five domains: breast cancer-specific, emotional, functional, physical, and social & family well-being. Multivariate linear regression models were used to evaluate the associations of demographic variables, clinical characteristics, and social support status with the quality of life measures. RESULTS: Adequate social support from family members, friends and neighbors, and higher scores of Perceived Social Support Scale were associated with significantly improved quality of life of breast cancer patients. Higher household income, medical insurance plans with low copayment, and treatment with traditional Chinese medicine for breast cancer all were associated with higher (better) scores of quality of life measures whereas patients receiving chemotherapy had significantly lower scores of quality of life. CONCLUSION: Social support and financial aids may significantly improve the quality of life of breast cancer survivors.

Correlation Between Brain Activation Changes and Cognitive Improvement Following Cognitive Remediation Therapy in Schizophrenia: An Activation Likelihood Estimation Meta-analysis / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Several studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) have indicated that cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) might improve cognitive function by changing brain activations in patients with schizophrenia. However, the results were not consistent in these changed brain areas in different studies. The present activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta-analysis was conducted to investigate whether cognitive function change was accompanied by the brain activation changes, and where the main areas most related to these changes were in schizophrenia patients after CRT. Analyses of whole-brain studies and whole-brain + region of interest (ROI) studies were compared to explore the effect of the different methodologies on the results.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A computerized systematic search was conducted to collect fMRI and PET studies on brain activation changes in schizophrenia patients from pre- to post-CRT. Nine studies using fMRI techniques were included in the meta-analysis. Ginger ALE 2.3.1 was used to perform meta-analysis across these imaging studies.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The main areas with increased brain activation were in frontal and parietal lobe, including left medial frontal gyrus, left inferior frontal gyrus, right middle frontal gyrus, right postcentral gyrus, and inferior parietal lobule in patients after CRT, yet no decreased brain activation was found. Although similar increased activation brain areas were identified in ALE with or without ROI studies, analysis including ROI studies had a higher ALE value.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The current findings suggest that CRT might improve the cognition of schizophrenia patients by increasing activations of the frontal and parietal lobe. In addition, it might provide more evidence to confirm results by including ROI studies in ALE meta-analysis.</p>

Chuanxiong chadiao powder, a famous Chinese herbal prescription, for headache: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Headache have been recognized as major causes of public ill-health, whereas there currently are the limitations of conventional therapies available. Chuanxiong Chadiao Powder (CXCP) is a well-known classic TCM herbal prescription with respect to treating headache for more than 1000 years. The objective of this study is to systematically assess the clinical efficacy and safety of CXCP for headache. METHODS: A systematic literature search in four databases, up to May of 2014, was performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which compared CXCP monotherapy or adjunct therapy with western conventional medicine (WCM) or placebo for headache. The primary outcome measures were headache frequency, headache duration, pain intensity scales, globe assessment, patients self report outcomes, and quality of life. The second outcome measures were the total clinical effective rate and adverse events. The methodological quality of RCTs was assessed independently based on the 7 criteria recommended by the Cochrane Back Review Group. RESULTS: A total of 3680 participants were included in 37 eligible studies. The methodological quality was generally poor and there was only one high quality trial. Meta-analyses of the studies found that significant effects of CXCP for improving headache frequency and headache duration and the total clinical effective rate compared with WCM or placebo control in treating headache (P<0.01). Adverse event monitoring was reported in 22 studies (59%), while the other 15 studies (41%) did not mentioned. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence from present study is supported but limited for CXCP clinical use in the management of headache because of methodological flaws. Larger sample-sizes and rigorously designed RCTs are required in the future.

Studies on lactoferrin nanoparticles of gambogic acid for oral delivery.

PURPOSE: Lactoferrin (Lf), a mammalian cationic iron-binding glycoprotein belonging to the transferrin (Tf) family, has been widely used in a variety of fields ranging from treating infant diarrhea and supporting newborn growth to food and pharmaceutical applications. In this study, Lf nanoparticles were firstly used as carriers of gambogic acid (GA) to enhance oral absorption and anti-cancer activity, hence reducing the related toxic effect. METHODS: Gambogic acid-lactoferrin nanoparticles (GL-NPs) were prepared by the nanoparticle albumin-bound (NAB) technology. The formed nanoparticles were characterized by DSC, TEM, etc. In situ intestinal perfusion experiment was performed to clarify the absorption mechanism of GL-NPs. Furthermore in vivo and in vitro anti-tumor activities of GL-NPs were also investigated. RESULTS: GL-NPs was successfully prepared with about 150 nm mean size, +20 mV ζ potential, 92.3 ± 7.2% encapsulation efficiency and 9.04 ± 0.7% DL; GL-NPs also exhibited a better stability and a desirable slow release in vitro experiment. The results of in situ intestinal perfusion showed a transformation of GA absorption from passive diffusion into active transport or facilitated diffusion by GL-NPs. MTT assay of GL-NPs showed almost an equal anti-proliferative effect with arginine solution of GA (Arg-GA) in HepG2 cell. The inhibitory rate against S180 tumor mice after oral administration of GL-NPs was up to 86.01% which was 1.39-folds of intravenous injection of Arg-GA. CONCLUSION: The in vitro results showed that the NAB technology was feasible for industrial production of Lf nanoparticles and the in vivo results proved that the effective GL-NPs is a promising approach for the oral delivery of GA. These obtained research works have also paved the preliminary way for the study of Lf as an oral drug delivery carrier.

[Mechanism and performance of a membrane bioreactor for treatment of toluene vapors].

The performance of a membrane bioreactor for treatment of toluene as a model pollutant is presented. Effects of toluene inlet concentration, residence time, spray density and pH of liquid phase on the toluene removal rate were evaluated. The experimental results showed that the toluene removal efficiency reached 99%. The optimal pH, residence time and spray density were 7.2, 6.4 s and 2.5 m3 x (m2 x h)(-1), respectively. The gas-phase biodegradation intermediate products were acetaldehyde acid (C2H2O3) and vinyl formic acid (C3H4O2), which were identified by means of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The mechanism of toluene degradation using a membrane bioreactor can be described as the combination of mass transfer from hollow fiber membrane to biofilm and biological degradation. Toluene (C6H5CH3) and oxygen diffused from the gas phase to the wet layer of the biofilm and were then consumed by the microbial communities. Toluene was oxidized to the intermediate organic products such as acetaldehyde acid (C2H2O3) and vinyl formic acid (C3H4O2), and the intermediate products were then converted to CO2 and H2O through continuous biological oxidation reactions.