Research Advance of Chinese Medicine in Treating Atherosclerosis: Focus on Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 / 中国结合医学杂志

As a serious cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis (AS) causes chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in the body and poses a threat to human health. Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is a member of the phospholipase A2 (PLA2) family, and its elevated levels have been shown to contribute to AS. Lp-PLA2 is closely related to a variety of lipoproteins, and its role in promoting inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in AS is mainly achieved by hydrolyzing oxidized phosphatidylcholine (oxPC) to produce lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC). Moreover, macrophage apoptosis within plaque is promoted by localized Lp-PLA2 which also promotes plaque instability. This paper reviews those researches of Chinese medicine in treating AS via reducing Lp-PLA2 levels to guide future experimental studies and clinical applications related to AS.

Potential short-term effects of tobacco control scheme under various application scenarios of tobacco control measures across the globe: a Meta-analysis / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective: based on summarizing the simulation and prediction of tobacco control measures across the globe and sorting out the various scenarios of tobacco control measures, the potential short-term effects of seven tobacco control measures in different scenarios were systematically analyzed. Methods: Until April 2022, PubMed, Embase, EconLit, PsychINFO, and CINAHL databases were used to retrieve literature about tobacco control measures simulation and prediction models across the globe. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were strictly followed. Meta-analysis for the potential short-term effects of seven tobacco control measures in different scenarios was performed using the R software. Results: A total of 22 papers covering 16 countries were selected. Five studies were conducted in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Italy. There were all papers with the measures to tax increases, smoke-free air laws, and mass media campaigns, 21 papers with youth access restrictions, 20 with marketing restrictions, and 19 with cessation treatment programs and health warnings. The tax increases had diverse influences on the price elasticity of different age groups. The price elasticity in the age group 15-17 years was the highest, which was 0.044 (95%CI: 0.038-0.051). The potential short-term effects of smoke-free air laws in workplaces were higher than in restaurants and other indoor public places. The effects of youth access restrictions were greater in the age group <16 years than in the age group 16-17. The stronger the implementation of other measures, the greater the potential short-term effects. A comparison of seven tobacco control measures showed that the cessation treatment programs increase in cessation rate was the highest, 0.404 (95%CI: 0.357-0.456). The reduction in smoking rate and reduction in initiation rate of youth access restrictions strongly enforced and publicized was the highest in the age group <16 years, 0.292 (95%CI: 0.269-0.315), and 0.292 (95%CI: 0.270-0.316). Conclusions: The potential short-term effects of seven tobacco control measures in different scenarios were evaluated more accurately and objectively through Meta-analysis. In the short term, cessation treatment programs will substantially increase smoking cessation rates, and strong youth access enforcement will sharply reduce smoking and initiation rates among adolescents under 16. These results also offer strong data-related support for the simulation and prediction of tobacco control measures in China and other countries.

Forecasting the burden of disease from diabetes under the scenarios of specific risk factors control in China in 2030 / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective: To forecast mortality, age-standardized mortality, and probability of premature mortality from diabetes, and to simulate the impact of controlling risk factors by 2030 in China. Methods: We simulated the burden of disease from diabetes in six scenarios according to the development goals of risk factors control by the WHO and Chinese government. Based on the theory of comparative risk assessment and the estimates of the burden of disease for China from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015, we used the proportional change model to project the number of deaths, age-standardized mortality, and probability of premature mortality from diabetes under different scenarios of risk factors control in 2030. Results: If the trends in exposures to risk factors from 1990 to 2015 continued. Mortality, age-standardized mortality, and probability of premature mortality from diabetes would increase to 32.57/100 000, 17.32/100 000, and 0.84% by 2030, respectively. During that time, mortality, age-standardized mortality and probability of premature mortality for males would all be higher than for females. If the goals of controlling risk factors were all achieved, the number of deaths from diabetes in 2030 would decrease by 62.10% compared to the predicted numbers based on the historical trends in exposure to risk factors, and the probability of premature mortality would drop to 0.29%. If only the exposure to a single risk factor were achieved by 2030, high fasting plasma glucose control would have the greatest impact on diabetes, resulting in a 56.00% reduction in deaths compared to the predicted numbers based on the historical trends, followed by high BMI (4.92%), smoking (0.65%), and low physical activity (0.53%). Conclusions: Risk factors control plays an important role in reducing the number of deaths, age-standardized mortality rate, and probability of premature mortality from diabetes. We suggest taking comprehensive measures to control relevant risk factors for certain populations and regions, to achieve the goal of reducing the burden of disease from diabetes as expected.

Analysis of the core knowledge level of chronic diseases in Chinese adults and related factors / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective: To understand the core knowledge level and influencing factors of chronic disease prevention and control in Adults in China, and to provide a scientific basis for formulating chronic disease prevention and control measures. Methods: In this study, cross-sectional survey and quota sampling were used to recruit 173 819 permanent residents aged 18 and above from 302 counties of adult chronic diseases and nutrition surveillance in China to conduct an online questionnaire survey, including basic information and core knowledge of chronic diseases. The scores of the core knowledge of chronic disease prevention and control were described by median and interquartile range, the Wilcoxon rank sum test or the Kruskal Wallis test was used for the inter-group comparison, and the correlation factors of the total score were analyzed by the multilinear regression model. Results: A total of 172 808 participants were surveyed in 302 counties and districts, of which 42.60%(73 623) were male and 57.40%(99 185) were female; The proportion of respondents aged 18-44, 45-59, and 60 years old and above was 54.74% (94 594), 30.91% (53 423) and 14.35% (24 791), respectively. The total score of the core knowledge of chronic prevention and control in the total population was 66(13), and the scores of different characteristic groups were different, and the differences were statistically significant: the eastern region had the highest score at 67(11) (H=840.66, P<0.01), the urban 66(12) was higher than the rural 65(14) (Z=-31.35, P<0.01), and the male 66(14) was lower than female 66(12) (Z=-11.66, P<0.01), 18-24 years old 64(13) was lower than other age groups(H=115.80, P<0.01), and undergraduate degree and above had the highest score compared to other academic qualifications, with 68(9) points(H=2 547.25, P<0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that eastern (t=27.42, P<0.01), central (t=17.33, P<0.01), urban (t=5.69, P<0.01), female (t=17.81, P<0.01), high age (t=46.04, P<0.01) and high education (t=57.77, P<0.01) had higher scores of core knowledge of chronic disease prevention and control than other groups, the scores of core knowledge of chronic disease prevention and control of professional and technical personnel (t=8.63, P<0.01), state enterprises and institutions (t=38.67, P<0.01), agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, fishery and water conservancy production (t=5.30, P<0.01), production, transportation and commercial personnel (t=24.87, P<0.01), and other workers (t=8.89, P<0.01) were higher than those of non-employed people. Conclusion: There are differences in the total scores of the core knowledge of chronic disease prevention and control in different characteristics of people in China, and in the future, health education on the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases should be strengthened for specific groups to improve the knowledge level of residents.

Analysis on the allocation of human resources for chronic disease prevention and control in 664 district/county-level centers for disease control and prevention in China in 2020 / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective: To analyze the allocation of human resources for chronic disease prevention and control of district/county-level centers for disease control and prevention(CDC) in China in 2020. Methods: Survey subjects were from National Chronic Noncommunicable Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance Sites and National Demonstration Areas for Chronic Noncommunicable Disease Prevention and Control (demonstration areas). A survey examining the allocation of human resources for chronic disease prevention and control at district/county-level CDC was conducted in December 2021 through the National Demonstration Areas Management Information System. The number and rate of allocation of human resources for chronic disease prevention and control in district/county-level CDC were analyzed and the Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare the difference between demonstration and non-demonstration areas and between urban and rural areas. The Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare the difference in east, central and west regions. The Gini coefficient and Theil index were used to evaluate the balance of human resource for chronic disease prevention and control. Results: A total of 678 districts/counties were investigated, and 664 districts/counties responded effectively, with an effective response rate of 97.9%. The establishment rate of district/county-level CDC was 98.34% (653/664), and the establishment rate of chronic disease prevention and control departments of district/county-level CDC was 96.02% (627/653). In 627 district/county-level CDC with departments for chronic disease prevention and control, the median number of full-time technical personnel for chronic disease prevention and control was 4, the median number of full-time technical personnel in demonstration areas (4 persons) was higher than in non-demonstration areas (3 persons), highest in the east region (5 persons) than in the middle region (4 persons) and the west region (4 persons), higher in urban areas (4 persons) than in rural areas (4 persons) (all P values<0.05). The allocation rate was 0.71 people/100 000, which was higher in demonstration areas (0.73 people/100 000) than in non-demonstration areas (0.67 people/100 000), highest in the west region (0.82 people/100 000) than in the middle region (0.71 people/100 000) and east region (0.67 people/100 000), higher in rural areas (0.77 people/100 000) than in urban areas (0.68 people/100 000) (all P values<0.05). The Gini coefficient for the allocation by population size was 0.352 9. The total Theil index for demonstration and non-demonstration areas, different regions, and urban-rural areas were 0.067 8, 0.076 3, and 0.000 2, with the intra-group contribution of 97.35%, 99.52%, and 98.80%, respectively. Conclusion: In 2020, the allocation of human resources for chronic disease prevention and control in district/county-level CDC is relatively balanced. The variation in the allocation of human resources for chronic disease prevention and control exist between demonstration and non-demonstration areas, urban and rural areas, and across regions.

Research advances on extracellular vesicles-based regulation by traditional Chinese medicines and the relationship with TCM "Qi" / 药学学报

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are an important type of active microvesicles. EVs encapsulate and transfer functional substances such as miRNAs, transcription factors and proteins, which are important vectors for cell communication and organ dialogue. In recent years, studies have shown that quite a number of Chinese medicinal herbs have the pharmacological effect of regulating EVs, and play a unique trans-organ and remote role in the treatment of diseases. Some Chinese medicinal herbs also contain plant-derived EVs themselves, which can be directly involved in the treatment of diseases. As one of the core theories of raditional Chinese medicines (TCM), Qi plays a variety of important roles in the physiological and pathological processes of human body and pharmacology. However, the scientific connotation of Qi′s role and the potential material carrier are still unclear. The latest research suggests that the effect of EVs is potentially related to that of Qi. Therefore, this paper reviews the effect of Qi nourishing Chinese medicinal herbs in regulating EVs in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, nervous system diseases, liver diseases, renal diseases, malignant tumors and other diseases in recent years. EVs may play an important role in the pharmacological effect of some Chinese medicinal herbs in the treatment of diseases as an intermediary substance. EVs have the characteristics of long-distance transportation, which is consistent with the movement of Qi in TCM. EVs carry a variety of functional molecules, which is consistent with the function of Qi. As the potential material basis of Qi in TCM, the function of EVs is worth further study.

Binder jet 3D printing composite bilayer tablet of extended-release printing technology in the study / 药学学报

Based on the dual needs of analgesia and anti-inflammation in trauma treatment, this study uses acetaminophen and moxifloxacin hydrochloride as active pharmaceutical ingredients and develops a composite bilayer tablet with a dual-phase drug release system by using binder jet 3D printing technology. Due to the complexity of the 3D printing process, there is an interaction between the various parameters. Through the optimization of the process, the relationship between the key process parameters can be determined more intuitively. In this study, the process of extended-release tablets was optimized to maintain the mechanical properties of the tablets while realizing the regulation of release. The full-factor experimental design of three central points 23 was used to analyze the factors that significantly affect the quality attributes of extended-release tablets and the interaction between factors. The optimal extended-release process parameters were obtained by the response optimizer: the inkjet quantity of the printing ink was 10 (about 13.8 pL), the powder thickness was 180 μm, and the running speed was 360 mm·s-1. The in vitro of release of 3D printed composite bilayer tablets showed that the in vitro of release of 3D printed tablets and commercially available tablets conformed to the Ritger-Peppas release model. The results of porosity showed that the immediate-release layer of the preparation has many pores and large pore size, and the dissolution of the immediate release layer within 15 min was greater than 85%. The internal pore size of the extended release layer is large, but it can still release slowly for up to 8 h, the mechanism may be related to the extended release of HPMC gelation. On the basis of verifying the rationality of the design goal of 3D printed composite bilayer tablets, this study also provides a theoretical basis for the preparation of 3D printing complex preparations.

The global HIV response at 40

It is helpful to divide the global HIV response into three phases: The first, from about 1980 to 2000, represents "Calamity". The second, from roughly 2000 to 2015 represents "Hope." The third, from 2015, is unfolding and may be termed "Choices" ­ and these choices may be severely constrained by COVID, so "Constrained Choices in an era of COVID" may prove more apt. As we take stock of HIV at 40, there are positive lessons for the wider health response ­ and challenging reflections for the wider impact of the global HIV response. The positive lessons include: (1) the importance of activism; (2) the role of scientific progress and innovation; (3) the impact of evidence in concentrating resources on proven approaches; (4) the importance of surveillance to understanding transmission dynamics; (5) the use of epidemic intelligence to guide precision implementation; (6) the focus on implementation cascades (diagnosis, linkage, adherence, disease suppression); and finally (7) an overarching execution and results focus. Given this remarkable legacy, it seems churlish to ask whether the HIV response could have achieved more. yet, consider these approximate figures. Development assistance for HIV totals about 100 billion dollars, 70 billion from the USA matched by roughly 100 billion in domestic resources. For 200 billion dollars, should we not have achieved more than 23 million people initiating treatment (very crudely, 10 000 dollars per person on treatment)? Much of the hundred billion dollars of development assistance (roughly half) focused on about a dozen priority countries in eastern and southern African. The larger PEPFAR recipients, with populations of roughly 50 million, each received 5 billion dollars or more cumulatively. And there are further Global Fund contributions of an additional billion dollars in many of these countries. For 6 billion dollars per country, should we have expected more? The World Bank Human Capital Project posits that to maximize human capital formation, countries must ensure that their children survive, are well nourished and stimulated, learn skills and live long, productive lives. Using the Human Capital Index (a composite index based on these factors), South Africa ­ the largest HIV financing recipient ­ ranks 126th of 157 countries, below Haiti, Ghana, the Congo Republic, Senegal and Benin. Consider how many recipients of major HIV development finance fall into the bottom fifth: Namibia, Botswana, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Uganda, Lesotho, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Cote D'Ivoire and Nigeria. Of course, causality is unresolved and there are several possible explanations: (1) low human capital formation may increase HIV transmission; (2) the HIV epidemic may have intergenerational impacts; (3) the all-consuming focus on HIV may have displaced other health, education and development priorities. yet, it remains hard to see these data and to argue that successful HIV responses among the largest HIV financing recipients strengthened their wider health sector and human development outcomes. A plausible principle emerges. Narrowly targeted disease-specific emergency responses may lead to disease-specific gains but do not improve governance or national systems capacity or wider disease or development outcomes. This is not to undermine the emergency origins of the HIV response; 2021 is not 2000 and it is unlikely that we would have 23 million people initiating treatment without an emergency response. yet, there are reasons (intensified by COVID), to suggest that we must pivot towards long-term, integrated, developmental, nationally owned and financed, systems-orientated responses ­ particularly when both development assistance and national budgets are likely to be constrained in an era of COVID.

Prediction on the burden of disease of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and simulation of the effectiveness of controlling risk factors in China by 2030 / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective: To forecast the burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in China by 2030 and evaluate the effectiveness of controlling risk factors based on the predictive model. Methods: Based on the relationship between the death of COPD and exposure to risk factors and the theory of comparative risk assessment, we used the estimates of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015 (GBD2015) for China, targets for controlling risk factors, and proportion change model to project the number of deaths, standardized mortality rate, and probability of premature mortality from chronic respiratory diseases by 2030 in different scenarios and to evaluate the impact of controlling the included risk factors to the disease burden of COPD in 2030. Results: If the trends in exposure to risk factors from 1990 to 2015 continued, the number of deaths and the mortality for COPD would be 1.06 million and 73.85 per 100 000 population in China by 2030, respectively, with an increase of 15.81% and 10.69% compared to those in 2015. Compared to 2015, the age-standardized mortality rate would decrease by 38.88%, and the premature mortality would reduce by 52.73% by 2030. If the smoking rate and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration separately achieve their control targets by 2030, there would be 0.34 and 0.27 million deaths that could be avoided compared to the predicted numbers based on the natural trends in exposure to risk factors and the probability of premature death would reduce to 0.59% and 0.52%, respectively. If the control targets of all included risk factors were achieved by 2030, a total of 0.53 million deaths would be averted, and the probability of premature death would decrease to 0.44%. Conclusions: If the exposures to risk factors continued as showed from 1990 to 2015, the number of deaths and mortality for COPD would increase by 2030 compared to 2015, and the standardized mortality and the probability of premature death would decrease significantly, which would achieve the targets of preventing and controlling COPD. If the exposure to the included risk factors all achieved the targets by 2030, the burden of COPD would be reduced, suggesting that the control of tobacco use and air pollution should be enhanced to prevent and control COPD.

Prediction of disease burden caused by malignant cancer in the context of risk factor control in China, 2030 / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective: To predict the number of deaths, standardized mortality and probability of premature mortality caused by malignant cancer in the context of risk factor control at different levels in China in 2030, and assess the possibility of achieving the target of reducing the probability of premature mortality of malignant cancer. Methods: According to the risk factor control standard for malignant cancer used both at home and abroad, the results of China from Global Burden of Disease Study 2015 were used to calculate the population attributable fraction of the risk factors. Based on the comparative risk assessment theory, the deaths of malignant cancer were classified as attributable deaths and un-attributable deaths. Proportional change model was used to predict risk factor exposure and un-attributable deaths of malignant cancer in the future, then the number of deaths, standardized mortality rate and probability of premature mortality of malignant cancer in 2030 was estimated. Data analyses were performed by using software R 3.6.1. Results: If the risk factor exposure level during 1990-2015 remains, the number of deaths, standardized mortality rate, and probability of premature mortality of malignant cancer would increase to 3.62 million, 153.96/100 000 and 8.92% by 2030, respectively. If the risk factor exposure control level meets the requirement, the probability of premature mortality from cancer in people aged 30-70 years would drop to 7.57% by 2030. Conclusions: The control of risk factor exposure will play an important role in reducing deaths, standardized mortality rate and probability of premature mortality of malignant cancer. But more efforts are needed to achieve the goals of Health China Action.

Prediction on the cardio-cerebrovascular death and probability of premature death caused by common risk factors in China in 2030 / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective: Predictive models were used to evaluate the impact of common risk factors on the number of cardio-cerebrovascular deaths and the probability of premature death. Methods: Using the data for China estimated by the Global Burden of Disease study 2015 (GBD 2015), we calculated the population attribution fraction (PAF) of risk factors. The proportional change model was used to estimate the number of unattributable deaths by 2030, and to predict the number of deaths, mortality, standardized mortality and probability of premature death by 2030. Results: According to the natural change trend of risk factors from 1990 to 2015, the number of deaths and mortality would reach 6.12 million and 428.53/100 000 by 2030, with an increase of 59.92% and 52.87%. By 2030, the probability of premature death from cardio-cerebrovascular diseases among Chinese aged 30-70 years old would continue to decline, from 11.43% to 11.28% for men, and from 5.79% to 4.43% for women. If the goals of all included risk factors were reached by 2030, 2 289 200 cardio-cerebrovascular deaths would be avoided. If only the exposure to a single risk factor was achieved by 2030, blood pressure, total cholesterol, and fine particulate matter exposure were the three most important factors affecting cardio-cerebrovascular deaths, which would reduce 1 332 800, 609 100 and 306 800 deaths, respectively. Among the involved risk factors, the control of blood pressure would mostly decrease the number of deaths due to ischemic heart disease and hemorrhagic stroke, about 677 300 and 391 100 deaths, accordingly. Conclusion: The control of risk factors is of great significance in reducing deaths and probability of premature death due to cardio-cerebrovascular diseases. If the control targets of all risk factors could be achieved by 2030, the burden of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases would be reduced greatly.

Intervention Mechanism of Xiaoluowan on Experimental Goiter Rats Based on PI3K/Akt/mTORC1 Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveBy observing the effect of Xiaoluowan on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt）/mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 （mTORC1） pathway in experimental goiter rats， this study aims to explore its therapeutic effect on experimental goiter rats. MethodSixty 5-month-old SD rats of SPF grade were purchased， half males and half females， of which 10 were used as a normal group， and the remaining rats were administrated with propylthiouracil （PTU） solution to induce nodular goiter. After successful modeling， rats were randomly divided into a model group， levothyroxine sodium tablets group， Xiaoluowan low-dose group， medium-dose group， and high-dose group， ten rats each. The levothyroxine sodium tablets group was given 15 μg·kg-1 levothyroxine sodium tablets by gavage. The Xiaoluowan low-， medium-， and high-dose groups were given （ig） Xiaoluowan low-dose （10 g·kg-1）， medium-dose （20 g·kg-1）， and high-dose （30 g·kg-1） Xiaoluowan， and the normal group and model group were administered （ig） with the same volume of 0.9% sodium chloride solution. Four weeks after the intervention， rats were sacrificed by routine intraperitoneal anesthesia using 5% phenobarbital. Subsequently， the histopathology was observed under a microscope， and serum thyroid hormone levels were measured using a Roche electrochemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer. Serum cytokines were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）， and neurotransmitters were measured using a high-performance liquid chromatograph. The protein level of PI3K/Akt/mTORC1 pathway was determined by Western blot. ResultAs compared with the normal group， the levels of basic fibroblast growth factor （bFGF）， vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）， insulin-like growth factor （IGF-1）， 5-hydroxytryptamine （5-HT）， and thyroid stimulating hormone （TSH） were increased， and PI3K， Akt， and mTORC1 protein levels were up-regulated in the model group， while the levels of norepinephrine （NE）， triiodothyronine （T3）， tetraiodothyronine （T4）， free triiodothyronine （FT3）， and free thyroid hormone （FT4） were decreased （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the levothyroxine sodium tablets group， and Xiaoluowan low-， medium-， and high-dose groups exhibited reduced levels of bFGF， VEGF， IGF-1， 5-HT， and TSH， and down-regulated PI3K， Akt， and mTORC1 protein levels， and increased NE， T3， T4， FT3， and FT4 levels （P<0.05）. ConclusionXiaoluowan may act on the PI3K/Akt/mTORC1 signaling pathway to play its role in the treatment of nodular goiter， and it is dose-dependent.

Herbal Textual Research on Morindae Officinalis Radix in Famous Classical Formulas / 中国实验方剂学杂志

By consulting ancient herbal medicines， medical and prescription books， combined with modern documents， the textual research of Morindae Officinalis Radix has been conducted to verify the name， origin， changes in production areas， quality evaluation， harvesting， and processing methods， so as to provide reference and basis for the development and utilization of the famous classical formulas. After textual research， the production areas of Morindae Officinalis Radix has experienced great changes from north to south in history. The original plants involve 11 families， 14 genera and 21 species， and the mainstream varieties in ancient times were Damnacanthus officinarum and D. indicus， and the basis of Morindae Officinalis Radix in modern times has changed into the dry roots of Morinda officinalis produced in Guangdong province and other places. The medicinal parts of Morindae Officinalis Radix in ancient and modern times are all roots， and the quality is better if it has many beads， thick flesh， and purple color. Ancient medical books recorded that it was usually harvested in February and August， dried in the shade， and used to remove the wood core. And the modern harvesting and processing method is to dig throughout the year， first remove the fibrous roots， dry in the sun until 60%-70% dry， gently beat flatten and dry in the sun. The processing methods of the past dynasties are mainly salt-， vinegar-， wine-processed， etc. Based on the systematic research of Morindae Officinalis Radix， from the perspective of clinical experience and safety and effectiveness， it is recommended that the famous classical formulas should be developed from the mainstream variety since modern times， namely Morindae Officinalis Radix.

Herbal Textual Research on Arecae Semen in Famous Classical Formulas / 中国实验方剂学杂志

In this paper， the name， origin， changes of producing area， medicinal parts， quality evaluation and processing methods of Arecae Semen in the famous classical formulas by consulting related herbal medicines， medical books and prescription books. The results showed that the names of Arecae Semen in the past dynasties were mostly derived from its shape， efficacy and producing area. The main base of the past generations was Areca catechu， the medicinal parts were its seeds （Arecae Semen） and pericarps （Arecae Pericarpium）. Arecae Semen is produced in Hainan province of China. Since modern times， it has been concluded that the best quality is large， heavy， firm， and unbreakable. The main processing methods of Arecae Semen in the past dynasties were netting， cutting and frying. Therefore， it is suggested that Arecae Semen should be used in Dayuanyin. If the processing requirements of Arecae Semen are not clearly indicated， it can be processed according to raw products in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia.

Direct acting substances discovery of estrogen effect of Cuscuta chinensis in vivo / 药学学报

The direct acting substances of Cuscuta chinensis in vivo were preliminarily identified through the correlation analysis of "metabolites-effect identification" model. The ovariectomized female rats were i.g administered with 95% ethanol extract part, 40% ethanol elution part and n-butanol extract part of Cuscuta chinensis. The serum fingerprints of different parts and times of administration were established by UPLC/Q-TOF-MS. At the same time, serum estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were detected. Bivariate correlation analysis and grey correlation analysis were used to screen estrogenic components. The results showed that nine direct acting substances in vivo highly related to estrogen effect were found in the drug containing serum, which were hyperoside, astragalin, methyl quercetin glucuronide, quercetin-diglucuronide, quercetin, apigenin, isoquercitrin, kaempferol glucuronide and kaempferol. We can preliminarily screen out the direct acting substance of estrogen effect of Cuscuta chinensis in vivo based on the research idea of serum spectrum effect correlation. It provides a reliable basis for revealing the estrogeneffective substances of Cuscuta chinensis and confirming the quality markers. This experiment was approved by Harbin University of Commerce Ethics Committees (Approval No. HSDU2020-065).

Advances in Research on Different Compatibility Ratios of Coptidis Rhizoma-Evodia Fructus / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Coptidis Rhizoma-Evodia Fructus is a classic herb pair in traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions, the famous prescription is called Zuojinwan, which comes from Danxi Xinfa, is composed of Coptidis Rhizoma-Evodia Fructus (6∶1). In this formula, Coptidis Rhizoma has the effect of clearing heat and drying diuresis, purging fire to remove toxin and clearing heart. Evodia Fructus has the effects of expelling cold and alleviating pain, checking upward adverse flow of Qi tostop vomiting, and assisting yang to stop diarrhea. Coptidis Rhizoma has the properties of bitter and cold, and Evodia Fructus has the properties of pungent and calidus. Pungent drugs have divergent effects, and bitter drugs have sedimentation effect, when used in combination, they can clear the liver and purge fire, calm the adverse-rising energy and stop vomiting. On the basis of Zuojinwan, Coptidis Rhizoma-Evodia Fructus medicine has derived different compatibility ratios. Different ratios are different in terms of efficacy, usage, clinical application. Although with the application of modern analytical instruments and the development of molecular pharmacology theory, the chemical constituents and Pharmacological effects of Coptidis Rhizoma and Evodia Fructus have been fully studied, as to the principle of compatibility, and the study of pharmacological effects and chemical constituents after the compatibility of the two drugs in different proportions, there is still no comprehensive system summary. This article makes a systematic and comprehensive explanation of Coptidis Rhizoma-Evodia Fructus from the aspects of famous literature, chemical composition, pharmacological effects and clinical applicationthrough querying literature and ancient books. In order to make this herb pair more standardized, and provide reference materials for further research and development for this herb pair.

Effective strategies for improving the stability of peptides in vivo / 药学学报

Peptides have been extensively used in the fields of gene/drug delivery and disease targeting therapy. However, natural peptides are sensitive to protease digestion with short circulatory half-lives in vivo. Many studies on structural modifications of peptides have been reported to improve the delivery or therapeutic effect. In this review we focus on the recent literature on peptide stability in accordance with different structural modifications and summarize the methods and influential factors that are involved in the improvement of stability and half-life in vivo. This review will provide the scientific basis and theoretical references for further investigations and applications in vivo.

MicroRNA-34a promotes the senescence and apoptosis of human lens epithelial cells by up-regulating Cdc42 and Rac1 / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To observe the effect and mechanism of MicroRNA-34a on senescence and apoptosis of human lens epithelial cell line SRA01/04.<p>METHODS: MicroRNA-34a expression levels in ARC lens and transparent lens epithelial cells were detected by qRT-PCR. MicroRNA-34a mimics, MicroRNA-34a inhibitors and empty liposome(control group)were transfected into SRA01/04 cells by liposome transfection kit. Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining was used to detect the effect of MicroRNA-34a on the apoptosis of human lens cell line SRA01/04. The expression of Cdc42 and Rac1 protein was detected by western blot. <p>RESULTS: The expression level of MicroRNA-34a in anterior capsular tissue of transparent lens was significantly lower than that in ARC anterior capsular tissue(<i>P</i><0.05). The positive rates of SA-β-gal in the MicroRNA-34a mimics group, the control group and the MicroRNA-34a inhibitors group were(87.56±2.34)%,(12.22±2.74)% and(3.45±0.45)%, respectively. The positive rates of SA-β-gal in the MicroRNA-34a mimics group was significantly higher than the control group, while the SA-β-gal positive rate in the MicroRNA-34a inhibitors group was significantly lower than that in the control group(<i>P</i><0.05). The apoptosis rate of the MicroRNA-34a inhibitors group, control group and MicroRNA-34a mimics group were(5.87±1.22)%,(12.26±2.14)% and(29.45±3.12)%, respectively. The apoptosis rate of the MicroRNA-34a mimics group was significantly higher than that of the control group, while that of the MicroRNA-34a inhibitors group was significantly lower than that of the control group(<i>P</i><0.05). The expressions of Cdc42 and Rac1 in the MicroRNA-34a mimics group were significantly higher than those in the control group(<i>P</i><0.05), while the expressions of Cdc42 and Rac1 in the MicroRNA-34a inhibitors group were significantly lower than those in the control group(<i>P</i><0.05).<p>CONCLUSION: MicroRNA-34a may promote the senescence and apoptosis of human lens epithelial cells by up-regulating Cdc42 and Rac1.

Mechanism and application of acid-sensitive peptides in drug delivery / 药学学报

As a part of novel drug delivery carriers, peptides have diverse biological activities, low immunogenicity and good biocompatibility. In recent years, studies on the delivery carriers modified by peptides have attracted much attention. Among them, the peptides with acid sensitivity can change their secondary structures under slightly acidic microenvironment of the tumor or in lysosome. Therefore, the carriers made or modified by acid-sensitive peptides can specifically release the loaded drug in the tumor tissue, enhance the cell internalization of drugs and improve its therapeutic effects. In accordance with acid-sensitive peptides studied, the side chains, number of polar residues, sequence and secondary structure of the peptides might be involved in the acid sensitivity. In this review, we summarize the acid-sensitive peptides from recent literatures, analyze the connection between the structure and the acid sensitivity, and focus on the mechanism and application of acid-sensitive peptides in drug delivery. This provides the basis for further development and utilization for acid-sensitive peptides for efficient drug delivery.

Chinese Herbal Medicine for Osteosarcoma in the Mouse: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To summarize and critically assess the inhibitory effects of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) on tumor volume and tumor weight for the treatment of osteosarcoma (OS) in mouse models.@*METHODS@#PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database (CNKI), Wanfang Database, VIP Database, and Chinese BioMedical (CBM) were searched since their inception dates to March 10, 2016. Two reviewers independently selected the controlled studies estimating effects of CHM on mouse OS by administration in vivo. A pair-wise meta-analysis was performed. Twenty-five studies with adequate randomization were included in the systematic review.@*RESULTS@#CHM may significantly inhibit OS growth in mice, as assessed using the tumor weight [20 studies, n=443; 290 for CHM and 153 for the control: pooled mean difference (MD)=-2.90; 95% confidence interval (Cl): -3.50 to -2.31: P<0.01], tumor volume (16 studies, n=382; 257 for CHM and 125 for the control; pooled MD =-2.57; 95% Cl: -3.33 to -1.80; P<0.01) and tumor growth inhibition rate.@*CONCLUSION@#CHM could significantly inhibit the growth of OS in mouse models, which might be supportive for the design of preclinical and clinical trials in future.