[Content determination of ten flavonoids and alkaloids in Gleditsiae Sinensis Fructus, Gleditsiae Fructus Abnormalis, and Gleditsiae Spina].

To study the quality control of three traditional Chinese medicines derived from Gleditsia sinensis [Gleditsiae Sinensis Fructus(GSF), Gleditsiae Fructus Abnormalis(GFA), and Gleditsiae Spina(GS)], this paper established a multiple reaction monitoring(MRM) approach based on ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole-linear ion-trap mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-Trap-MS). Using an ACQUITY UPLC BEH C_(18) column(2.1 mm × 100 mm, 1.7 µm), gradient elution was performed at 40 ℃ with water containing 0.1% formic acid-acetonitrile as the mobile phase running at 0.3 mL·min~(-1), and the separation and content determination of ten chemical constituents(e.g., saikachinoside A, locustoside A, orientin, taxifolin, vitexin, isoquercitrin, luteolin, quercitrin, quercetin, and apigenin) in GSF, GFA, and GS were enabled within 31 min. The established method could quickly and efficiently determine the content of ten chemical constituents in GSF, GFA, and GS. All constituents showed good linearity(r>0.995), and the average recovery rate was 94.09%-110.9%. The results showed that, the content of two alkaloids in GSF(2.03-834.75 µg·g~(-1)) was higher than that in GFA(0.03-10.41 µg·g~(-1)) and GS(0.04-13.66 µg·g~(-1)), while the content of eight flavonoids in GS(0.54-2.38 mg·g~(-1)) was higher than that in GSF(0.08-0.29 mg·g~(-1)) and GFA(0.15-0.32 mg·g~(-1)). These results provide references for the quality control of G. sinensis-derived TCMs.

Concise fractional Fourier transform based on a non-uniform order searching method for estimating physical parameters from Newton's rings.

Newton's ring pattern is very common in interferometry. By analyzing it, the physical parameters can be estimated, such as the curvature radius and the rings' center. However, parameter estimation from large images using fractional Fourier transform (FRFT) consumes considerable time. A concise FRFT based on a non-uniform order searching method is proposed to reduce the computational time without decreasing the accuracy. Experimental results show that the time of the proposed method is about 2.7 s, which is about 1/600 of that of the traditional FRFT-based method and 1/5 of that of the Fast FRFT-based method when processing 960×960 pixel images.

Losartan prevents bladder fibrosis and protects renal function in rat with neurogenic paralysis bladder.

AIMS: To investigate the effect of losartan on preventing bladder fibrosis and protecting renal function in rats with neurogenic paralysis bladder (NPB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were assigned to the transecting spinal nerves group (TSNG), transecting spinal nerves + losartan group (LSTG), and control group (CG). On Day 32 postsurgery, bladder capacity (BC), bladder compliance (ΔC), bladder leakage pressure (Pves.leak ) of TSNG and LSTG while BC, ΔC, and bladder threshold pressure (Pves.thre ) of CG were measured by cystometry in each cohort. Renal function and the expression quantity of Angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang II) in blood were detected, in addition Ang II, Ang II Type 1 receptor (AT1), transformation growth factor ß1 (TGFß1), Collagen Ⅲ, and collagen fibrin in the bladder tissue were detected too. RESULTS: ΔC in TSNG and LSTG decreased significantly compared to the CG. Pves.leak in TSNG and LSTG were significantly higher than Pves.thre in CG. Renal function of both TSNG and LSTG decreased significantly compared with the CG, but renal function in LSTG was better than in TSNG. Ang Ⅱ in blood and bladder tissue in TSNG and LSTG increased significantly compared with CG. AT1 was expressed in the bladder tissue of all rats. The TGFß1, Collagen Ⅲ, and collagen fibrin expression level increased significantly in TSNG compared with LSTG and CG, while these levels were not significantly different between CG and LSTG. CONCLUSION: Losartan might prevent NPB fibrosis by stopping the upregulated signaling of Ang II/AT1/TGFß1 and consequently may reduce kidney damage from occurring.

[Predictive analysis of quality markers of Coptidis Rhizoma based on network pharmacology and multivariate statistical analysis].

Coptidis Rhizoma, as a bulk medicinal material, is in great demand in clinical practice. Its quality is uneven in the market due to the mixture of genuine, counterfeit and adulterants. Therefore, it is particularly important to establish a quality control system for Coptidis Rhizoma. Based on the concept of Chinese medicine quality marker(Q-marker), the potential quality markers of Coptidis Rhizoma were analyzed and predicted from the perspective of chemistry and pharmacology. The sources of the Q-markers of Coptidis Rhizoma were identified by literature retrieval. The potential Q-markers were then screened through the visualization of the "components-targets-pathways" network. High performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was used to establish a multi-indicator qualitative and quantitative control method featuring fingerprints for 10 batches of Coptidis Rhizoma. A supervised mode of orthogonality partial least squares method-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) was used to screen the main marker components that caused differences between groups. The literature review results showed that the alkaloids were the main source of Coptidis Rhizoma Q-markers.The fingerprints of 13 common peaks were successfully established, and berberine, palmatine, berberine and epiberberine were selected as Q-markers of Coptidis Rhizoma, and their contents were determined.Based on the concept of the Q-marker of traditional Chinese medicine, the four components can be selected as the Q-marker of Coptidis Rhizoma after comprehensive consideration. The results of this study are not only conducive to the quality evaluation of Coptidis Rhizoma on the market, but also provide a reference for the overall quality control of Coptidis Rhizoma and lay foundation for the future exploration of the mechanism of Coptidis Rhizoma.

Current status and future perspectives in bioinformatical analysis of Hi-C data.

The spatial interaction of chromosomes is regarded as an important issue affecting the regulation of gene expression, and the high-throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) technology has become the primary tool to explore the temporal and spatial interactions of chromosomes in three-dimensional genomics. With the continuous accumulation of Hi-C samples and the increasing complexity of pipelines, the bioinformatic analysis of Hi-C data has been considered an opportunity and a challenge for understanding the spatial regulation mechanism of gene expression. In this paper, the current status and development outline of bioinformatic methods for Hi-C data are introduced, including data normalization, multi-level structure analysis, data visualization and 3D modeling, especially of multi-level structure at A/B compartments, topological associated domains (TADs) and chromain looping levels. Based on this, we provide the outlook of future hotspots and trends in this area. Hopefully our insight will be beneficial for the exploration of gene expression regulation from the traditional linear model to the 3D mode.

Mediation of the relationship between phthalate exposure and semen quality by oxidative stress among 1034 reproductive-aged Chinese men.

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence from animals indicates that oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the effects of phthalate exposure on male reproductive dysfunctions, which has never been thoroughly explored in humans. OBJECTIVE: To explore the potential mediating role of oxidative stress in the association of phthalate exposure with semen quality among 1034 Chinese men. METHOD: Repeated urine samples gathered from the male partners of sub-fertile couples were analyzed for 3 oxidative stress markers [8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-isoPGF2α) and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-mercapturic acid (HNE-MA)], using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Multivariate regression models were constructed to evaluate the associations of urinary oxidative stress markers with urinary phthalate metabolites and semen quality. We also explored the potential mediation effects by oxidative stress markers. RESULTS: Significantly positive dose-dependent relationships were observed between each individual phthalate metabolite and all analyzed oxidative stress markers (all p for trend<0.05), except for monoethyl phthalate (MEP) in relation to HNE-MA. Additionally, significantly or suggestively inverse dose-dependent relationships were exhibited between urinary 8-isoPGF2α and sperm concentration (p for trend = 0.05), and between urinary 8-OHdG and percent of normal sperm morphology (p for trend = 0.01). Mediation analysis showed that urinary 8-isoPGF2α suggestively mediated 12% of the inverse association between monobutyl phthalate (MBP) and sperm concentration, and that urinary 8-OHdG suggestively mediated 32% of the inverse association of MEP with percent of normal sperm morphology (both p < 0.10). CONCLUSIONS: Although further investigations are required, our results suggest that oxidative stress may play a mediating role in the effects of phthalate exposure on impaired semen quality.

Anti-inflammatory diterpenes from the fruits of Vitex trifolia L. var. simplicifolia Cham.

Two new labdane-type diterpenes, named viterotulin C (1) and vitexilactone D (2), together with five known diterpenes (3-7), were isolated from the fruits of Vitex trifolia L. var. simplicifolia Cham. Their structures were elucidated by detailed analysis of spectroscopic data. All the compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway in HEK 293 cell line. These compounds presented inhibition on TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation, with inhibition rates ranging from 42.52 ± 10.69% to 68.86 ± 10.76% at the concentration of 50 µM.

High-content image informatics of the structural nuclear protein NuMA parses trajectories for stem/progenitor cell lineages and oncogenic transformation.

Stem and progenitor cells that exhibit significant regenerative potential and critical roles in cancer initiation and progression remain difficult to characterize. Cell fates are determined by reciprocal signaling between the cell microenvironment and the nucleus; hence parameters derived from nuclear remodeling are ideal candidates for stem/progenitor cell characterization. Here we applied high-content, single cell analysis of nuclear shape and organization to examine stem and progenitor cells destined to distinct differentiation endpoints, yet undistinguishable by conventional methods. Nuclear descriptors defined through image informatics classified mesenchymal stem cells poised to either adipogenic or osteogenic differentiation, and oligodendrocyte precursors isolated from different regions of the brain and destined to distinct astrocyte subtypes. Nuclear descriptors also revealed early changes in stem cells after chemical oncogenesis, allowing the identification of a class of cancer-mitigating biomaterials. To capture the metrology of nuclear changes, we developed a simple and quantitative "imaging-derived" parsing index, which reflects the dynamic evolution of the high-dimensional space of nuclear organizational features. A comparative analysis of parsing outcomes via either nuclear shape or textural metrics of the nuclear structural protein NuMA indicates the nuclear shape alone is a weak phenotypic predictor. In contrast, variations in the NuMA organization parsed emergent cell phenotypes and discerned emergent stages of stem cell transformation, supporting a prognosticating role for this protein in the outcomes of nuclear functions.

Effect of a 1-Piece Drainable Pouch on Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis in Intensive Care Unit Patients With Fecal Incontinence: A Comparison Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of a 1-piece drainable pouch to standard care on occurrences of incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with fecal incontinence (FI). DESIGN: Nonrandomized comparison cohort (quasi-experimental) study. METHODS: Sixty-two bedridden patients with FI and indwelling urinary catheters in the ICU of the Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, China, participated in the study. Thirty-one were assigned to the control group (standard IAD preventive care alone) and 31 to the intervention group (standard IAD preventive care plus application of a 1-piece drainable pouch). Stool consistency was evaluated via the Bristol Stool Scale. Trained nurses assessed the status of IAD using the Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis Intervention Tool. The incidence of IAD and the perianal skin status were investigated over a 7-day period. RESULTS: Participants in the experimental group had fewer IAD occurrences than participants in the control group (12.9% vs 41.9%, P < .05). Occurrences of IAD in the perianal were also significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (χ = 7.884, P < .05). CONCLUSION: Applying a 1-piece drainable pouch may reduce occurrences of IAD in ICU patients with FI compared with the patients receiving standard IAD preventive care.

Danshen enhanced the estrogenic effects of Qing E formula in ovariectomized rats.

BACKGROUND: Menopause is characterized by a decrease in life quality due to the appearance of uncomfortable symptoms. Nowadays, Understanding menopause-associated pathophysiology and developing new strategies to improve the treatment of menopausal-associated symptoms is an important issue. Our study was to evaluate the synergistic effects of Danshen (salvia miltiorrhiza bunge) and the phytoestrogenic effects of 3 modified Qing E formulas, to explore a better formula for menopausal disorders. METHODS: 100 rats were randomized into 5 groups: Sham (Sham operation group), OVX (model group of ovariectomized rat), BDL (group with low concentration of Qing E Formula), BDH (group with high concentration of Qing E Formula) and BDD (group with high concentration of Qing E Formula Plus Danshen), receiving vehicle and extract of different modified Qing E formula respectively. The food intake, body weight, uterus weight, blood levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and cholesterol fractions were assessed. The mammary glands and uterus were morphologically analyzed. The bone density of tibias were measured by peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). Additionally, luciferase induction assays were performed in Hela cells with the mixtures derived from Qing E formula plus Danshen (BDD). RESULTS: Qing E formula plus Danshen significantly increased the uterus wet weight, enhanced the thickness of uterine wall, endometrial epithelium and glandular epithelium, improved trabecular bone and total density evidently, reduced the levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and TG, possessed notable estrogen receptor beta (ERß) and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) agonist activity. CONCLUSION: Qing E formula plus Danshen exerted more evident estrogen-like effects, thus it has a potential therapeutic use to treat menopausal disorders.

A Review on the Terpenes from Genus Vitex.

The genus Vitex, which belongs to the Verbenaceae family, includes approximately 250 species. Some species of the genus Vitex have traditionally been used for the treatment of headaches, ophthalmodynia, coughs, asthma, premenopausal syndrome, etc. Chemical investigations indicate that the characteristic constituents of the genus Vitex are terpenes, and 210 of these compounds, including monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, diterpenoids and triterpenoids, have been obtained from 12 species. Pharmacological studies had shown that these terpenes possess anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antibacterial, antioxidant activities, and so on. In this paper, the identity of these terpenes and their pharmacological effects are reviewed, which can provide references for further research regarding the chemistry and utilization of the Vitex species.

[Chinese Herbs Combined Three-stage Sequential Therapy for Conservative Treatment of Ectopic Pregnancy].

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of three-stage sequential thera- py [(methotrexate + mifepristone + Gongwaiyun Recipe (GR)] for conservative treatment of ectopic pregnancy. Methods Recruited were 250 ectopic pregnancy patients, who received conservative treat- ment at Affiliated Ganzhou Hospital of Nanchang University and Ruijin Maternal & Child Health Care Hos- pital from January 2010 to December 2014. They were assigned to the observation group (153 cases) and the control group (97 cases) according to different treatment methods used. Patients in the control group were treated with Western medicine only (methotrexate + mifepristone). Those in the observation group were intramuscularly injected with methotrexate 50 mg/m² at day 1 . Then they took mifepristone 150 mg per day from day 2 to day 6, once per day for 5 successive days. Afterwards they took modified GR decoction from day 7, one dose per day. Clinical symptoms of all patients were observed. Blood levels of ß-hCG and progesterone were detected. Pelvic mass was examined in order to compare the curative effects between the two groups. Complications such as oral ulcer and gastrointestinal reactions were ob- served. Blood cells, hepatic and renal functions were monitored. The incidence of adverse reactions was compared between the two groups. Fallopian tube function was assessed by hysterosalpingography after healing. The fallopian tube patency rate was compared between the two groups. Results (1) The blood ß-hCG negative conversion time was (16. 70 ± 5. 88) days and the mass disappearance time was (4. 34 ±1. 15) weeks in the observation group, obviously shorter than those of the control group [ (22. 31 ±3. 35) days, (5. 80 ±0. 80 ) weeks , t = -7. 476, -9. 982; P <0. 01 ] in the control group. The cure rate was 98. 0% (150/153) in the observation group, and it was 73. 2% (71/97) in the control group, with statistical difference (x² =35. 730, P <0. 01). (2) The fallopian tube patency rate was 90. 7% (136/ 150) in the observation group and 78. 9% (56/97) in the control group, with statistical difference between the two groups (x² =5. 879, P <0. 05). (3) The incidence of adverse reactions: The incidence of gastro- intestinal reactions was 22. 0% (33/150) in the observation group and 22. 1% (15/71 ) in the control group. The incidence of mild gastrointestinal reactions was 9. 3% (14/150) in the observation group and 8. 5% (6/71) in the control group. The incidence of oral ulcer was 8. 0% (12/150) in the observation group and 7. 0% (5/71) in the control group. The incidence of leukopenia was 2. 0% (3/150) in the observation group and 2. 8% (2/71) in the control group. There was no statistical difference in these indices aforesaid between the two groups (x² =0. 022, 0. 046, 0. 062, 0. 145; P >0. 05). Conclusion Chinese herbs com- bined three-stage sequential therapy might be a safer and more effective treatment for ectopic pregnancy patients who had requirement for pregnancy.

Mimicking Livor Mortis: a Well-Known but Unsubstantiated Color Profile in Sapromyiophily.

By emitting strong scents resembling rotting organic materials suitable for oviposition and/or foraging of flies, sapromyiophilous flowers mimic the substrates that attract flies as pollinators. It has been suggested that the wide range of volatile organic compounds emitted by this deceptive pollination system reflects the trophic preferences of flies to different types of substrate, including herbivore and carnivore feces, carrion, and fruiting bodies of fungi. Previous studies suggest that floral scents play a particularly important role in sapromyiophily. However, few studies on the relative importance of floral color or synergy between visual and olfactory cues in sapromyiophily have been substantiated. In this study, we analyzed fetid floral odor, floral pigment composition, and reflectance of an Amorphophallus konjac C. Koch inflorescence, and we conducted bioassays with different visual and/or olfactory cues to explore an unsubstantiated color profile in sapromyiophily: mimicking livor mortis. Our analysis showed A. konjac can emit oligosulphide-dominated volatile blends similar to those emitted by carrion. Necrophagous flies cannot discriminate between the color of an inflorescence, livor mortis, and floral pigments. We concluded that mimicking livor mortis may represent a common tactic of pollinator attraction in "carrion flower" systems within angiosperms.

Multiplexed TEM Specimen Preparation and Analysis of Plasmonic Nanoparticles.

We describe a system for rapidly screening hundreds of nanoparticle samples using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The system uses a liquid handling robot to place up to 96 individual samples onto a single standard TEM grid at separate locations. The grid is then transferred into the TEM and automated software is used to acquire multiscale images of each sample. The images are then analyzed to extract metrics on the size, shape, and morphology of the nanoparticles. The system has been used to characterize plasmonically active nanomaterials.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection-Associated Mortality during Pulmonary Tuberculosis Treatment in Six Provinces of China.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors attributable to tuberculosis-related deaths in areas with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection epidemics. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of newly registered patients in tuberculosis (TB) dispensaries in six representative Chinese provinces was conducted from September 1, 2009 to August 31, 2011. Risk factors for TB-associated death were identified through logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of 19,103 newly registered pulmonary TB patients, 925 (4.8%) were found to be HIV-positive. Miliary TB and acid-fast bacillus smear-negative TB were more common among these patients. Out of a total of 322 (1.7%) deaths that occurred during TB treatment, 85 (26%) of the patients were co-infected with HIV. Multivariate analysis revealed that HIV infection was the strongest predictor of death [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 7.86]. Other significant mortality risk factors included presentation with miliary TB (aOR 4.10; 95% confidence interval: 2.14-7.88), ⋝35 years of age (aOR 3.04), non-Han ethnicity (aOR 1.67), and farming as an occupation (aOR 1.59). For patients with TB/HIV co-infection, miliary TB was the strongest risk factor for death (aOR 5.48). A low CD4 count (⋜200 cells/µL) (aOR 3.27) at the time of TB treatment initiation and a lack of antiretroviral therapy (ART) administration (aOR 3.78) were also correlated with an increased risk of death. CONCLUSION: Infection with HIV was independently associated with increased mortality during TB treatment. Offering HIV testing at the time of diagnosis with TB, early TB diagnosis among HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients, and the timely provision of ART were identified as the key approaches that could reduce the number of HIV-associated TB deaths.

An Improved LC-MS/MS Method for Simultaneous Determination of the Eleven Bioactive Constituents for Quality Control of Radix Angelicae Pubescentis and Its Related Preparations.

An improved LC-MS/MS method was developed for simultaneous determination of eleven bioactive constituents of Radix Angelicae Pubescentis and its related preparations. It was the first report on the quantification of bioactive constituents in different preparations of Radix Angelicae Pubescentis by LC-MS/MS analytical method. These samples were separated with an Agilent Zorbax Extend reversed-phase C18 column (1.8 µm, 4.6 × 100 mm) by linear gradient elution using aqueous ammonium acetate and acetonitrile as mobile phase. The flow rate was 0.3 mL min(-1). The eleven bioactive constituents showed good regression (R > 0.990) within test ranges and the recoveries were in the range of 87.1-110%. The limit of detections and quantifications for most of the major constituents were less than 0.5 and 1.0 ng mL(-1), respectively. All results indicated that the developed method could be readily utilized as a suitable quality control method for Radix Angelicae Pubescentis and related preparations.

Analysis of the Constituents in "Zhu She Yong Xue Shuan Tong" by Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry Combined with Preparative High Performance Liquid Chromatography.

"Zhu She Yong Xue Shuan Tong" lyophilized powder (ZSYXST), consists of a series of saponins extracted from Panax notoginseng, which has been widely used in China for the treatment of strokes. In this study, an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS) combined with preparative high performance liquid chromatography (PHPLC) method was developed to rapidly identify both major and minor saponins in ZSYXST. Some high content components were removed through PHPLC in order to increase the sensitivity of the trace saponins. Then, specific characteristic fragment ions in both positive and negative mode were utilized to determine the types of aglycone, saccharide, as well as the saccharide chain linkages. As a result, 94 saponins, including 20 pairs of isomers and ten new compounds, which could represent higher than 98% components in ZSYXST, were identified or tentatively identified in commercial ZSYXST samples.

Interconnected contribution of tissue morphogenesis and the nuclear protein NuMA to the DNA damage response.

Epithelial tissue morphogenesis is accompanied by the formation of a polarity axis--a feature of tissue architecture that is initiated by the binding of integrins to the basement membrane. Polarity plays a crucial role in tissue homeostasis, preserving differentiation, cell survival and resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs among others. An important aspect in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis is genome integrity. As normal tissues frequently experience DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), we asked how tissue architecture might participate in the DNA damage response. Using 3D culture models that mimic mammary glandular morphogenesis and tumor formation, we show that DSB repair activity is higher in basally polarized tissues, regardless of the malignant status of cells, and is controlled by hemidesmosomal integrin signaling. In the absence of glandular morphogenesis, in 2D flat monolayer cultures, basal polarity does not affect DNA repair activity but enhances H2AX phosphorylation, an early chromatin response to DNA damage. The nuclear mitotic apparatus protein 1 (NuMA), which controls breast glandular morphogenesis by acting on the organization of chromatin, displays a polarity-dependent pattern and redistributes in the cell nucleus of basally polarized cells upon the induction of DSBs. This is shown using high-content analysis of nuclear morphometric descriptors. Furthermore, silencing NuMA impairs H2AX phosphorylation--thus, tissue polarity and NuMA cooperate to maintain genome integrity.

Ultra high performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detector and quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry coupled with discriminant analysis to evaluate Angelicae pubescentis radix from different regions.

A rapid and effective method was developed for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the major chemical constituents in Angelicae pubescentis radix by ultra high performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection and quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry. The chromatographic separation was achieved on an ACQUITY UHPLC BEH C18 column (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.7 µm). Nine phenolic acids, 30 coumarins, bisabolangelone, and adenosine were identified by quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry. All calibration curves exhibited good linearity (r > 0.9996) within the linear ranges. The relative standard deviation calculated for intraday and interday precision, stability, and accuracy were <5%. The mean recovery ranged from 95.8 to 106%. The overall limits of detection and quantification were 0.025-0.160 and 0.100-0.560 µg/mL, respectively. Discriminant analysis was investigated as a method for evaluating the quality of the samples with 100% correction in their classification. The results demonstrated that the developed method could successfully be used to differentiate samples from different regions and could be a helpful tool for detection and confirmation of the quality of traditional Chinese medicines.

Effect of Traditional Chinese Non-Pharmacological Therapies on Knee Osteoarthritis: A Narrative Review of Clinical Application and Mechanism.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) stands as a degenerative ailment with a substantial and escalating prevalence. The practice of traditional Chinese non-pharmacological therapy has become a prevalent complementary and adjunctive approach. A mounting body of evidence suggests its efficacy in addressing KOA. Recent investigations have delved into its underlying mechanism, yielding some headway. Consequently, this comprehensive analysis seeks to encapsulate the clinical application and molecular mechanism of traditional Chinese non-pharmacological therapy in KOA treatment. The review reveals that various therapies, such as acupuncture, electroacupuncture, warm needle acupuncture, tuina, and acupotomy, primarily target localized knee components like cartilage, subchondral bone, and synovium. Moreover, their impact extends to the central nervous system and intestinal flora. More perfect experimental design and more comprehensive research remain a promising avenue in the future.