[A comparative study of raw Aurantii Fructus Immaturus and bran-fried products on dryness of rats with slow-transit constipation].

The differences in dryness between raw Aurantii Fructus Immaturus(AFI) and bran-fried products were investigated based on a slow-transit constipation(STC) model. Seventy healthy SPF-grade rats were randomly divided into a blank group(K), a positive drug group(Y), a model group(M), low-and high-dose raw AFI groups(SD and SG), and low-and high-dose bran-fried AFI groups(FD and FG). During the experiment, it was found that compared with the K group, the groups with drug treatment had little effect on the daily body weight of the STC rats. The first defecation time of black stool in the M group was significantly higher than that in the K group, and the 24-hour fecal output significantly decreased starting from the 13th day, indicating successful modeling. The SG group showed a significant increase in the first defecation time, fecal water content, urine output, and water intake than other groups with drug treatment. The FG group had the highest fecal output than other groups with drug treatment. The FD group had the highest salivary secretion than other groups with drug treatment. The levels of cAMP/cGMP, VIP, 5-HT, AQP1, and AQP5 were measured in each group with drug treatment, and the expression of c-Kit and SCF mRNA in gastric antrum tissue and AQP3 mRNA in the kidney and colon were detected by RT-PCR. The results showed that the SD and SG groups had a more significant impact on AQP1, AQP5, and other water channel indexes in STC rats than the FD and FG groups. The FD and FG groups had a more significant impact on c-Kit, SCF, VIP, 5-HT, and other gastrointestinal motility indicators than the SD and SG groups. This study, through in vitro biological observations, immunological detection, and gene expression analysis, found that raw AFI had strong dryness property, while bran-fried AFI could alleviate its dryness property.

Optimal phosphorus management strategies to enhance crop productivity and soil phosphorus fertility in rapeseed-rice rotation.

Optimal phosphorus (P) managements can improve the crop yield without reducing soil P supply capacity over the long term. In this study, the rapeseed-rice rotation experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of five optimal P fertilizer managements, including the addition of RA (rooting agents), PSB (phosphate solubilizing bacteria), CMP (calcium and magnesium phosphate fertilizer), DP1 (starter P) and DP2 (foliar fertilizer) with the reduction of 40% (in the 1st rapeseed season) and 75% (in the 2nd rapeseed season) P fertilizers of farmers' fertilizer practice (FFP) on crop productivity and soil P fertility in low and high P fertility soils. Seed yield, P partial factor productivity, and P recovery efficiency of both cultivars, Shengguang168 (SG168) and Zhongshuang 11 (ZS11), were significantly improved under optimal P managements, and the increase of them in low P fertility soil was more than that in high P fertility soil. Total P surplus was lower under optimal P managements than under FFP in both P fertility soils. The increasing amount of crop yields under optimal P managements for both cultivars was equivalent to that of 16.0-38.3 kg P2O5 hm-2 of P fertilizer application, and the order of the optimal P managements was as follows: RA > PSB > CMP > DP1 > DP2. In addition, the grain yield of rotated rice cultivar Longliangyou1212 (LLY1212) without P supply was not reduced in both fertility soils. Compared with low P fertility soil, yields of SG168, ZS11 and LLY1212 in high P fertility soil increased by 28.1%-71.7%, 28.3%-78.9% and 26.2%-47.2% at the same treatment, respectively. In summary, optimal P managements in the rapeseed season could stabilize the crop yield, promote P use efficiency and the capacity of soil P supply in the rapeseed-rice rotation, especially in low P fertility soil.

Short needling for knee osteoarthritis with blood stasis obstruction and its effect on serum inflammatory factors / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical efficacy and its effect on serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α), interleukin 1β(IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) between short needling (close-to-bone needling) and conventional acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) with blood stasis obstruction.@*METHODS@#A total of 68 KOA patients with blood stasis obstruction were randomized into a short needling group (34 cases, 3 cases dropped off) and a conventional acupuncture group (34 cases, 3 cases dropped off). The same acupoints (Dubi [ST 35], Neixiyan [EX-LE 4], Binzhong [Extra], Liangqiu [ST 34], etc. on the affected side) were selected in the two groups. In the short needling group, short needling technique was adopted, the needles were slowly inserted and the needle bodies were shaken, thus gradually penetrated to the bone. In the conventional acupuncture group, conventional acupuncture was adopted, the needles were penetrated to the muscle. After qi-arrival, Dubi (ST 35) and Neixiyan (EX-LE 4), Zusanli (ST 36) and Liangqiu (ST 34) were connected with CMNS6-1 electronic acupuncture instrument, with disperse-dense wave, 2 Hz/10 Hz in frequency, the current intensity was based on patients' feeling, the needles were retained for 30 min, at the same time, the knee joint was irradiated for 30 min with a special electromagnetic wave apparatus in the two groups. Once every other day, 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Before and after treatment, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) score, knee joint pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score, inflammatory response related indexes (serum TNF-a, IL-1β, IL-6 and PGE2) and knee joint ultrasound were observed，and the clinical effect was evaluated in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#After treatment，the pain, stiffness, function scores and total scores of WOMAC were decreased as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05), except for the pain score, the changes of above scores in the short needling group were greater than the conventional acupuncture group (P<0.05). After treatment, the VAS scores, serum levels of TNF-a, IL-1β, IL-6, PGE2 and knee joint synovium thickness, intra-articular effusion were decreased as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05), the levels of TNF-a, IL-1β, IL-6 in the short needling group were lower than the conventional acupuncture group (P<0.05). The total effective rate in the short needling group was 87.1% (27/31), which was superior to 83.9% (26/31) in the conventional acupuncture group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Short needling could improve the knee joint function, relieve the pain and inflammatory response, improve the knee joint synovium inflammatory response, reduce the knee joint intra-articular effusion for KOA patients, its effect is better than conventional acupuncture.

[Comparative transcriptomics analysis of Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis at different developmental stages].

In order to study the transcriptional differences of Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis at different developmental stages, we explored the genes regulating the biosynthesis of the effective components. In this study, Illumina Hiseq 4 000 high-throughput sequencing technology was used to sequence the transcriptome of C. medica var. sarcodactylis at different developmental stages, 121 235 unigenes were obtained with an average length of 2 434 bp, 3 379 different genes were obtained using DESeq screening, which mainly connected to biological processes such as signal transmission, biological regulation, and metabolic processes, and enriched in metabolic pathways such as starch, sucrose metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and flavonoid biosynthesis. Further dynamic comparison of biosynthesis related genes of active ingredients: the expression levels of PAL, CHI, CYP75B1, ZDS, 4CL and FLS gradually increased as the fruit turned from green to yellow; the expressions of COMT, F3H and CYP73A increased at first and then decreased; CCR, HCT and HRP were down-regulated whereas up-regulated. This study provides references for further excavation of key genes in the biosynthesis of active components, as well as biopathway analysis of active components for C. medica var. sarcodactylis.

Polypeptide-Conjugated Second Near-Infrared Organic Fluorophore for Image-Guided Photothermal Therapy.

Image-guided photothermal therapy (PTT) is an attractive strategy to improve the diagnosis accuracy and treatment outcomes by monitoring the accumulation of photothermal agents in tumors in real-time and determining the best treatment window. Taking advantage of the superior imaging quality of NIR-II fluorescence imaging and remote-controllable phototherapy modality of PTT, we developed a facile macromolecular fluorophore (PF) by conjugating a small-molecule NIR-II fluorophore (Flav7) with an amphiphilic polypeptide. The PF can form uniform micelles in aqueous solution, which exhibit a slight negative charge. In vitro experimental results showed that the PF nanoparticles showed satisfactory photophysical properties, prominent photothermal conversion efficiency (42.3%), excellent photothermal stability, negligible cytotoxicity, and photothermal toxicity. Meanwhile, the PF can visualize and feature the tumors by NIR-II fluorescence imaging owing to prolonged blood circulation time and enhanced accumulation in tumors. Moreover, in vivo studies revealed that the PF nanoparticles achieved an excellent photothermal ablation effect on tumors with a low dose of NIR-II dye and light irradiation, and the process can be traced by NIR fluorescence imaging.

Effect of acupoint stimulation on the quality of recovery in patients with radical thyroidectomy under the concept of enhanced recovery after surgery: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of acupoint stimulation on the quality of recovery in patients with radical thyroidectomy under the concept of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS).@*METHODS@#A total of 62 patients with radical thyroidectomy were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 31 cases in each one. In both of the two groups, general anesthesia with tracheal intubation was applied, the same anesthesia induction and maintenance medication were given. In the observation group, auricular point pressing with magnetic beads was adopted at bilateral shenmen (TF) and transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (dilatational wave, 2 Hz/100 Hz in frequency, 6 to 12 mA) was performed at bilateral Hegu (LI 4) and Neiguan (PC 6) from 30 min before anesthesia induction to the end of the anesthesia. In the control group, medical adhesive plaster was pasted at bilateral shenmen (TF) and the electrodes were plastered at bilateral Hegu (LI 4) and Neiguan (PC 6) with no corresponding stimulation. In both of the two groups, visual analogue scale for anxiety (VAS-A) score was observed to evaluate the anxiety severity before anesthesia induction; the total intraoperative dosages of sufentanil, remifentanil and propofol were recorded; the numerical rating scale (NRS) score was used to assess the pain severity of instant time (T0) and 30 min (T1) of entering post-anesthesia recovery room (PACU), motor and static mode at 2 h (T2), 6 h (T3), 12 h (T4), 24 h (T5) after surgery; time of first anal exhaust, time of getting out of bed after surgery, total hospitalization time and the incidences of postoperative nausea and vomiting were observed; the quality of recovery was assessed by the 40-item quality of recovery score (QoR-40).@*RESULTS@#The VAS-A score and the total intraoperative dosage of remifentanil in the observation group were reduced compared with the control group (0.05). The time of first anal exhaust and getting out of bed after surgery in the observation group were advanced than those in the control group (0.05). Compared with the control group, the QoR-40 score was increased in the observation group (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Acupoint stimulation can improve the preoperative anxiety in patients with radical thyroidectomy, reduce the intraoperative anesthetic dosage and postoperative pain, advance the time of anal exhaust and getting out of bed, improve the quality of postoperative recovery and enhance the recovery process.

Stems and leaves of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. as potential herbal resources for treating rheumatoid arthritis: Chemical analysis, toxicity and activity evaluation / 中国天然药物

According to folk usage of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx., the present study was designed to determine the feasibility of the stems and leaves of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. as a new medicinal resource. Fourteen alkaloids in mother roots, fibrous roots, stems, and leaves of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. were measured by HPLC-MS/MS. And multivariate analysis methods, such as clustering analysis and principal component analysis, were applied to analyze the difference among various parts. In addition, the acute toxicity, analgesia, and anti-inflammatory tests were carried out. The results suggested that the contents of alkaloids in mother roots and fibrous roots were approximate, but those of leaves and stems were different from mother roots and fibrous roots. The results of the acute toxicity testing demonstrated the toxicity of fibrous root was strongest, and mother roots were slightly less toxic than fibrous roots. The stems and leaves were far less toxic than mother and fibrous roots. In addition, the analgesia and inflammatory tests showed the effects of the various tissues had no difference each other. These results provided a basis for developing new complementary and alternative treatments for rheumatoid arthritis patients. Simultaneously, the approach may also turn wastes into treasure and promote the development of circular economy.

Stems and leaves of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. as potential herbal resources for treating rheumatoid arthritis: Chemical analysis, toxicity and activity evaluation / 中国天然药物

According to folk usage of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx., the present study was designed to determine the feasibility of the stems and leaves of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. as a new medicinal resource. Fourteen alkaloids in mother roots, fibrous roots, stems, and leaves of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. were measured by HPLC-MS/MS. And multivariate analysis methods, such as clustering analysis and principal component analysis, were applied to analyze the difference among various parts. In addition, the acute toxicity, analgesia, and anti-inflammatory tests were carried out. The results suggested that the contents of alkaloids in mother roots and fibrous roots were approximate, but those of leaves and stems were different from mother roots and fibrous roots. The results of the acute toxicity testing demonstrated the toxicity of fibrous root was strongest, and mother roots were slightly less toxic than fibrous roots. The stems and leaves were far less toxic than mother and fibrous roots. In addition, the analgesia and inflammatory tests showed the effects of the various tissues had no difference each other. These results provided a basis for developing new complementary and alternative treatments for rheumatoid arthritis patients. Simultaneously, the approach may also turn wastes into treasure and promote the development of circular economy.

Analysis on genetic diversity and genetic relationship of medicinal species in Coptis by SCoT / 中国中药杂志

The genetic diversity and genetic relationship among four medicinal species of Coptis were detected by the approach of sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SCoT). The associated genetic parameters were calculated by POPGENE1.31. The systematic diagram of genetic relationship were clustered by TREECONW. The results showed that a total of 434 bands were produced by using 28 primers, of which 430 were polymorphic loci. There was a high level of genetic diversity among species (PPB=99.1%,Na=1.990 6,Ne=1.329 3,H=0.212 2,I=0.337 8). However, genetic diversity was lower within species, the average of genetic parameters wasPPB=16.8%,Na=1.168 2, Ne=1.073 0,H=0.043 7,I=0.067 7. The Nei's genetic differentiation coefficient was 0.794 0, that indicated that most of the genetic variation existed among species. By clustering analysis, different individuals gathered in the same group. The results confirmed that SCoT marker can be used as one of the effective methods to reveal the genetic diversity and relationship among medicinal species of Coptis.

A novel Brassica-rhizotron system to unravel the dynamic changes in root system architecture of oilseed rape under phosphorus deficiency.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: An important adaptation of plants to phosphorus (P) deficiency is to alter root system architecture (RSA) to increase P acquisition from the soil, but soil-based observations of RSA are technically challenging, especially in mature plants. The aim of this study was to investigate the root development and RSA of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) under low and high soil P conditions during an entire growth cycle. METHODS: A new large Brassica-rhizotron system (approx. 118-litre volume) was developed to study the RSA dynamics of B. napus 'Zhongshuang11' in soils, using top-soils supplemented with low P (LP) or high P (HP) for a full plant growth period. Total root length (TRL), root tip number (RTN), root length density (RLD), biomass and seed yield traits were measured. KEY RESULTS: TRL and RTN increased more rapidly in HP than LP plants from seedling to flowering stages. Both traits declined from flowering to silique stages, and then increased slightly in HP plants; in contrast, root senescence was observed in LP plants. RSA parameters measured from the polycarbonate plates were empirically consistent with analyses of excavated roots. Seed yield and shoot dry weights were closely associated positively with root dry weights, TRL, RLD and RTN at both HP and LP. CONCLUSIONS: The Brassica-rhizotron system is an effective method for soil-based root phenotyping across an entire growth cycle. Given that root senescence is likely to occur earlier under low P conditions, crop P deficiency is likely to affect late water and nitrogen uptake, which is critical for efficient resource use and optimal crop yields.

The mechanism of signal extension in Haoqin Qingdan decoction immunity activity in Damp-heat syndrome of pneumonia disease infected by influenza virus / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the immunoregulation existing signal transduction mechanism, to evaluate the role of lay its experimental basis By using Haoqin Qingdan decoction for treatments on the mouse models.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 40 NIH Mice were randomly divided into five groups: control group, virus group (infecting by influenza virus), complex model group (richly fatty and sweet diet + Humid heat environment + infecting by influenza virus), virazole group (mouse of model group was treated by virazole), and Haoqin Qingdan decoction group (mouse of complex model group was treated by decoction of Haoqin Qingdan). When the complex model was established, determination of the mice lung indexes in each group and calculate the inhibition of lung indexes. The level of TLR2 mRNA and NF-κB mRNA expressions of peritoneal macrophages in each group of mice were quantitated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The level of IL-4 and IFN-γ in mouse serum was detected by ELISA to calculate the Th1/Th2 (IFN-γ/IL-4).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The lung index of control group, virus group, complex model group, virazole group and Haoqin Qingdan decoction group were separately: (0.79 ± 0.11)%, (1.93 ± 0.38)%, (1.41 ± 0.26)%, (1.10 ± 0.26)% and (1.02 ± 0.16)%; The mice of virazole group and Haoqin Qingdan decoction group lung index were decreased (t = 0.322, P < 0.05). TLR2 mRNA expression The results showed that the control group, virus group, complex model group, virazole group and Haoqin Qingdan decoction group were: 0.145 ± 0.017, 0.991 ± 0.149, 0.903 ± 0.124, 0.257 ± 0.03 and 0.413 ± 0.031; Compared to the complex model group, Haoqin Qingdan decoction group and virazole group were decreased (t = 0.422, F = 112.834, P < 0.05). Control group, virus group, complex model group, virazole group and Haoqin Qingdan decoction group NF-κB mRNA expression were separately: 0.075 ± 0.148, 0.379 ± 0.019, 0.291 ± 0.012, 0.169 ± 0.026 and 0.175 ± 0.033; the expression in virazole group and Haoqin Qingdan decoction group were decreased (t = 0.422, F = 112.834, P < 0.05). The level of IFN-γ in mice serum of control group, virus group, complex model group, virazole group and Haoqin Qingdan decoction group were: (7434.06 ± 323.27) pg/ml, (8679.77 ± 198.70) pg/ml, (8068.78 ± 113.8) pg/ml, (7454.66 ± 301.30) pg/ml and (7484.56 ± 229.85) pg/ml respectively; the IFN-γ level in serum of Haoqin Qingdan decoction group and virazole group were decreased (t = 0.201, F = 5.390, P < 0.05). Each group of mice IL-4 contents were (3701.74 ± 256.00) pg/ml, (3569.64 ± 161.35) pg/ml, (3530.88 ± 334.63) pg/ml, (3481.84 ± 282.25) pg/ml and (3618.00 ± 262.16) pg/ml; there were no significant difference between each group (t = 0.414, F = 0.505, P > 0.05). Th1/Th2 type cells in state of equilibrium (means IFN-γ/IL-4) were: 2.02 ± 0.19, 2.38 ± 0.10, 2.36 ± 0.14, 2.22 ± 0.17 and 2.07 ± 0.15; and complex model group Haoqin Qingdan decoction group and virazole group were decreased, and there was no significant difference observed (t = 0.587, F = 3.684, P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The effect of Haoqin Qingdan decoction on treatment of damp-heat syndrome of pneumonia infected by influenza virus was observed. Through reducing the expressions of TLR2, it decreases the levels of NF-κB mRNA and the proportionality of Th1/Th2 are obviously descend (P < 0.05). Haoqin Qingdan decoction can reduce the lung index and relieve the pathogenic changes.</p>

Expression change of apoptosis-associated genes after hyperthermia, chemotherapy and radiotherapy in human colon cancer-transplanted nude mice / 中华胃肠外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the expression change of apoptosis-associated genes in human colon cancer cells transplanted into nude mice after hyperthermia, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Human colon cancer cell line HT29 was transplanted into the hind limbs of nude mice. Under the laboratory-simulated condition of hyperthermia(43 degree centigrade, 60 min), actual radiation doses and MMC doses were calculated in reference to the clinical practice. The mice were divided into 6 groups according to the treatment approaches: hyperthermia (group A), chemotherapy (group B), radiotherapy (group D), thermochemotherapy (group C), thermoradiotherapy (group E) and thermochemoradiotherapy (group F). The mice were sacrificed at different time points and the tumor tissues were taken for further procedures. The morphologic changes of P53, Bcl-2 and Bax expression in membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus of tumor cell after treatment were observed by immunohistochemistry stain (SP method).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All of the six approaches of treatment could down-regulate the expression of P53 and Bcl-2, and up-regulate the expression of Bax in different levels. There was no significant difference in the amount of reduction of P53 expression among group A, C and E. The extent of reduction in the above mentioned groups was significantly different as compared to group B and D. By comparing to group D, the extent of reduction of P53 expression was greater in group B. Down-regulation of Bcl-2 could be enhanced when hyperthermia was combined with chemotherapy (group C) or radiation (group E), but more obvious down-regulation was found in group E as compared to group C. Hyperthermia itself could not obviously up-regulate Bax expression, and it occurred at last. Bax expression increased more by chemotherapy treatment (group B) than that by radiation (group D). By comparing to group C, the greater increase occurred in group E.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Hyperthermia enhances the effects of radiosensitivity and chemosensitivity on tumors by changing the expression of apoptosis-associated genes P53, Bcl-2 and Bax. Hyperthermia combined with chemotherapy and/or radiation has a greater effect on down-regulation of P53 and Bcl-2 expression and up-regulation of Bax expression than any single therapy.</p>

Management of nonfunctioning islet cell tumors of the pancreas / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the clinical and pathological features in order to investigate appropriate way of diagnosis and treatment for non-functional islet cell tumors of the pancreas (NFICT).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The data and experience of surgically treated 43 patients with pathologically confirmed NFICT over the last 30 years were retrospectively reviewed. The survival rate was estimated using Kaplan-Meier method and the potential risk factors affecting survival were compared with Log rank test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were 7 males and 36 females in this series with a mean age of 31.6 years ranged from 8 to 67 years. Twenty-eight patients were diagnosed as having non-functional islet cell carcinomas of the pancreas (NFICC) and 15 patients benign islet cell tumors. The most common symptoms in NFICT were abdominal pain 55.8%, nausea and/or vomiting (32.6%), fatigue (25.6%) and abdominal mass (23.3%). Preoperatively, all of those were found to have a mass in their pancrease by ultrasonic and computed tomography examination, with 21 in the head, 10 in the body and 6 in the tail of the pancreas. Multicemtric tumor were found in one patient. Thirty-nine of these 43 patients (90.7%) underwent surgical resection, with a curative resection in 30 (69.8%) and palliative in 9 (20.9%). The resectability and curative resection rate in 28 patients with nonfunctioning islet cell carcinomas of the pancreas was 78.6% and 60.7%, respectively. None of the 15 patients with benign nonfunctioning islet cell tumor of the pancreas died of this disease. While the overall cumulative 5- and 10-year survival rate in 28 patients with non-functional islet cell carcinomas of the pancreas was only 58.1% and 29.0%, respectively. Curative resection, female, younger than 30 years old and mass diameter < 10 cm were found to be positive prognostic factors. But multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that radical resection was the only independent prognostic factor (P = 0.007).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Nonfunctioning islet cell tumor of the pancreas is frequently found in young female. Surgical resection, especially curative resection can achieve satisfactory long-term survival.</p>