Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Reveal the Mechanism of Corydalis saxicola Bunting Total Alkaloids in Treating Radiation-Induced Oral Mucositis.

The study aims to explore the effect and mechanism of total alkaloids of Corydalis saxicola Bunting (CSBTA) in the treatment of radiation induced oral mucositis (RIOM) through network pharmacology and molecular docking. The components and corresponding targets of Corydalis saxicola Bunting were screened by literature review. RIOM related targets were obtained in GeneCards. Cytoscape software was used to construct the component-target-pathway network. Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) networks was constructed by String database. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed by Metascape. AutoDock Vina 4.2 software was used for molecular docking. There were 26 components of CSBTA targeting 61 genes related to RIOM. Through Cytoscape and PPI analysis, 15 core target genes of CSBTA for treating RIOM were identified. GO functional analysis indicated that CSBTA might play a role through kinase binding and protein kinase activation. KEGG pathway analysis showed that the core targets of CSBTA were mainly focused on cancer and reactive oxygen species (ROS) pathway. The results of molecular docking showed that CSBTA had strong binding energy with target protein including SRC, AKT and EGFR. The study demonstrates that CSBTA may treat RIOM by affecting SRC, AKT and EGFR through ROS pathway.

An aerodynamic assisted miniature mass spectrometer for enhanced volatile sample analysis.

Previously, we have reported the development of a miniature mass spectrometer with a continuous atmospheric pressure interface (CAPI), and the use of it for non-volatile sample analysis, such as drugs, peptides and proteins. However due to the diffusion effects in the CAPI, especially stronger for light ions, the instrument shows low detection sensitivities for volatile samples when coupling with an atmosphere pressure chemical ionization (APCI) source (>ppmv). In this study, an in-vacuum plasma ionization source was designed and integrated into the system. By performing ionization in the first vacuum stage, ion transfer loss through the CAPI was minimized and tens of ppbv level detection sensitivities were achieved for volatile samples. Due to its improved sensitivity, chemical source tracing was demonstrated in an indoor environment as a simple proof-of-concept example. Furthermore, an aerodynamic sampling method was developed to facilitate directional sample transfer towards the miniature mass spectrometer in an open environment. By coupling this aerodynamic method with the miniature mass spectrometer, remote chemical source sensing could be achieved at a distance of more than two meters. This aerodynamic sampling method could also be applied to other mass spectrometry instruments for enhanced sample sampling in open environments.

A pulsed pinhole atmospheric pressure interface for simplified mass spectrometry instrumentation with enhanced sensitivity.

RATIONALE: A proof-of-concept pulsed pinhole atmospheric pressure interface, namely PP-API, was developed and characterized for mass spectrometry instrumentation. METHODS: The PP-API was analyzed and optimized theoretically with respect to gas flow rate, opening force and dimensions. A PP-API interfaced mass spectrometry system was then constructed and tested. RESULTS: As a discontinuous pressure interface, the PP-API allows efficient ion transfer from atmosphere pressure ionization sources to ion traps directly. Both nano-ESI and APCI ionization sources have been successfully integrated with the PP-API interface for the detection of volatile, organic, peptide and polymer samples. The use of multiple ionization sources has also been demonstrated to enhance signal intensity, as well as avoid charge competitions in ionization sources. CONCLUSIONS: With simplified geometry and high ion transfer efficiency, this PP-API would enable miniaturized mass spectrometry systems with high sensitivity.

Development of a miniature mass spectrometer with continuous atmospheric pressure interface.

The demand for on-the-spot analysis is met by a miniature mass spectrometer which is preferred to be robust, stable, as small as possible and capable of analyzing different samples by coupling with various ionization methods. However, largely constrained by the atmospheric pressure interface (API), these aspects are difficult to be realized in one system. Herein, we describe the development of a new miniature mass spectrometer with balanced performance. The miniature mass spectrometer is small in size (30 × 30 × 18 cm) but has a continuous API, which was achieved by high-pressure ion trap operation and maximized ion transfer efficiency with the utilization of a differential pumping system. The miniature mass spectrometer was characterized and optimized in terms of stability, sensitivity, mass range, mass resolution and scan speed. Rapid analysis of mixtures was demonstrated by coupling the miniature mass spectrometer with the ambient ionization technique of paper spray. This is the smallest miniature mass spectrometer to date, which has a continuous API.

[Professor LIN Guo-hua's experience in the clinical application of "Dayingxiang"].

The paper introduces professor LIN Guo-hua's experience in treatment with acupuncture-moxibustion at "Dayingxiang". Based on the application of Neiyingxiang (internal LI 20), professor LIN defines the entire nasal cavity and its adjacent nasopharynx as "Dayingxiang", of which, "Neiyingxiang" and "Biyandian" (nasopharynx point) are commonly stimulated with acupuncture-moxibustion. "Dayingxiang" may regulate lung qi and promote the circulation of the marrow sea in treatment of the disorders of lung system and the marrow. Fire needling with twirling or burning-scallion technique is predominated in manipulation. "Neiyingxiang" is stimulated for the shallow-located disorders, while, "Biyandian" is for the deep-located ones. These two points are optioned alternatively or in combination to enhance the therapeutic effect.

[Professor LIN Guo-hua's clinical experience in staging treatment for post-stroke dysphagia].

The paper summarizes professor LIN Guo-hua's clinical experience in staging treatment for post-stroke dysphagia. Professor LIN Guo-hua adheres to "essence and marrow deficiency and primary yang decline" as the pathogenesis and "conducting yin from yang " as the treating principle. By regulating the conception vessel and the governor vessel and focusing on yang meridians, in association with meridian differentiation and the location differentiation, professor LIN provides the staging treatment for post-stroke dysphagia. At the oral phase, yangming is dysfunction, manifested as facial paralysis and flaccid tongue. In treatment, reducing method is predominated at yangming meridian specially. At the pharyngeal phase, shaoyang is invaded by pathogens, manifested as pivoting dysfunction. The treatment focuses on communicating the exterior with the interior and promoting shaoyang meridian. At the esophageal phase, yangming meridian is deficiency and the turbid qi fails to descend, thus the reinforcing method is dominated to promote and tonify yangming. Additionally, the kinesiotherapy of acupuncture is assisted and the Lingnan fire needling therapy is used particularly. All of the summaries above provide the reference for the clinical treatment of post-stroke dysphagia.

[Professor LIN Guo-hua's experience in treating intractable sudden deafness with acupuncture and moxibustion].

Professor LIN Guo-hua's experience and medical record in the treatment of intractable sudden deafness with acupuncture is introduced. Professor LIN believes that this disease is mainly caused by the blockage of shaoyang meridians, and should be treated with acupuncture therapy as soon as possible. According to the root cause and the pathogenesis of shaoyang blockage, the method of "soothing shaoyang, clearing the ear and opening the orifices" is adopted. In the treatment, Tinggong (SI 19) and acupoints in shaoyang meridians are selected as the main acupoints, and other acupoints based on meridian differentiation are selected as assisting acupoints. The manipulatingmethods of "fameng acupuncture" "blowing warm air into ear", and "Lingnan fire needling" are used synthetically. And qi and spirit are also regulated and front mu points are added if necessary to obtain satisfied effect of restore hearing.

[ZHANG Jia-wei's experience for treating press ulcer with fire-moxibustion].

To summarize ZHANG Jia-wei 's experience for treating press ulcer with fire-moxibustion. Through syndrome differentiation and examined factors, ZHANG Jia-wei believes that the disease is caused by qi deficiency and blood stasis, and advocates that the treatment should be weighed against deficiency and excess, and selection by stages. The cotton-moxibustion is used to diffusing and obstruction-removing qi and blood duingⅠstage of press ulcer. The Lingnan fire-needling is adopted for removing dampness, blood stasis and toxic substance to generate new muscles duringⅡand Ⅲ stage of press ulcer. Stage Ⅳof pressure ulcer and deep pressure ulcer should be treated with Taiyi moxa stick and aconite cake-separated moxibustion combined or alternately to expel toxin and grow muscles.

[Exploration of fire needling therapy on coronavirus disease 2019].

Combined with previous clinical experience in anti-epidemic and acupuncture, the prevention program of fire needling therapy for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was drawn out. Fire needling therapy has the effects of clearing heat, removing dampness, replenishing for the deficiency, removing stasis and detoxifying, which is mainly aimed at preventing populations, light and common types cases, and cases in the recovery period. Acupoints of governor vessel, lung meridian, bladder meridian and stomach meridian are mainly used in this program. For the special groups, such as children, elderly and weak, and pregnant women, Shenzhu (GV 12), Danshu (BL 19), Geshu (BL 17), Zhigou (TE 6), etc. are added. It is hoped that fire needling therapy will be applied in the community and square cabin hospitals as an effective supplement to anti-epidemic of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

[Professor LIN Guo-hua's experience in treatment of progressive muscular dystrophy with acupuncture].

Professor LIN Guo-hua's experience is introduced in treatment of progressive muscular dystrophy with acupuncture. It is believed that the pathogenesis of this disease is related to spleen and kidney deficiency, qi and blood insufficiency and malnutrition of tendon and muscle. The treatment is determined in terms of the pathogenesis and focuses on the regulation of spleen and kidney functions. The thinking of treatment is summarized as exerting the strong stimulation of acupuncture specially at the acupoints on the head, supplementing the sea of marrow, adjusting simultaneously the three yang meridians, rather than treating particularly yangming meridian and regulating qi in priority and considering the lung function for wei (flaccid) syndrome. Moreover, in clinical treatment, the acupoint thread-embedding therapy is commonly combined to ensure the significant therapeutic effect.

[Professor LIN Guo-hua's clinical experience of acupuncture for oculomotor nerve paralysis].

Professor LIN Guo-hua's clinical experience of acupuncture for oculomotor nerve palsy was summarized and one typical case was introduced. Professor LIN skillfully applied traditional acupuncture theory and classical acupuncture method, and proposed a diagnosis and treatment system combining meridian syndrome differentiation and specific acupuncture techniques. In addition, Professor LIN combined the yuan-primary and luo-connecting acupoints combination method, theory of "removing the stagnation of blood and qi " and theory of root-stem and origin-end, etc. into the treatment of oculomotor nerve palsy, and achieved good results.

[Professor LIN Guo-hua's experience in the new clinical application of Yinjiao (GV 28)].

Yinjiao (GV 28) is generally used in treatment of lumbago and anorectal diseases. Professor LIN Guo-hua believes that Yinjiao (GV 28) is indicated in the disorders related to the sea of marrow and lower jiao by regulating the governor vessel and the conception vessel, promoting qi and blood circulation, tonifying the sea of marrow and adjusting the lower jiao. Based on professor Lin's clinical experience, "three Yinjiao" points are innovated, named Yinjiao (GV 28, upper Yinjiao), external Yinjiao and lower Yinjiao. Acupuncture therapy is generally optioned at Yinjiao (GV 28) and 5 needling principles are emphasized, i.e. accurate acupoint location, strong needling sensation, needling combined with body movement, alternative stimulation and allied stimulation. All of those mentioned above provide a new approach to the clinical treatment for the disorders related to the sea of marrow and lower jiao.

Microscopic Properties of Hydrogen Peroxide Activated Crumb Rubber and Its Influence on the Rheological Properties of Crumb Rubber Modified Asphalt.

Crumb rubber modified (CRM) asphalt binder has been affirmed to improve resistance to rutting, moisture susceptibility, low-temperature cracking, and asphalt durability. However, CRM has poor compatibility with asphalt since crumb rubber molecules are vulcanized. The objective of this study was to develop a new method to prepare activated crumb rubber using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) solution and to explore the rheological properties of H2O2 activated CRM (ACRM) asphalt. Three different percentages of H2O2 solution were used to activate crumb rubber. The surface properties of oxidized rubber were analysed using scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, the pore structure in rubber powder was investigated. The rheological properties of bitumen samples obtained from treated and untreated rubber were characterized by conducting dynamic shear rheometer tests. The test results show that the average pore size of the crumb rubber after activation with H2O2 solution is significantly smaller than that of the inactivated crumb rubber, and the volume and surface area of the crumb rubber pores change with H2O2 solution activation in a certain pattern. With the increase in H2O2 solution content, the contact surface between the particles increases, the floccules and pores of the powder increase, and the interface degree between the crumb rubber powder and the asphalt is strengthened. Solubility of the rubber hydrocarbon and the release ability of the carbon black particles from the crumb rubber in the asphalt binder increase, but the mechanical properties of the crumb rubber, including the strength, elasticity, and wear resistance, decrease. As a result, a reduction is observed in the elasticity, viscosity, high-temperature rutting resistance, and elasticity of the ACRM asphalt.