Use of dietary supplements by children and adolescents

Abstract Objectives Narrative review evaluating the use of dietary supplements by children and adolescents. Data source The terms "dietary supplements", "children" and "adolescents" were used in combination in the PubMed, MEDLINE, and SciELO databases, between 2000 and 2023, evaluating studies in humans, published in Portuguese, English, French and Spanish. Data synthesis The use of dietary supplements by children and adolescents has increased in recent decades. The most commonly used supplements are vitamins, minerals, trace elements, proteins, amino acids, melatonin, fatty acids, probiotics and energy drinks. Conclusion Despite having specific indications, most of the time they are not prescribed by a healthcare professional. The reasons for use are varied. In children, the main reasons are protection against infections, stimulating growth, and poor food intake, with multivitamins and minerals being the most commonly used supplements. In adolescents, they are used to improve athletic performance and attain the "ideal body", with proteins and amino acids being the most often used nutrients. As they are not regulated by health agencies and are sold without a prescription, their unsupervised use can lead to inadequate doses, with inefficiency or overdose risk. As for compounding formulations, or when available in preparations with multiple nutrients, the chance of errors increases. It is essential that pediatricians advise parents and patients about the indications, risks and benefits, prescribing them when necessary.

Morinda citrifolia L. (Noni) dietary supplementation ameliorates fluoride toxicity in the freshwater fish, Cyprinus carpio L

Fluoride is the organic and inorganic compound of the element fluorine, has detrimental effect to all animals including fish at higher concentration. Ground water with elevated concentration of fluoride is a major global problem including India. On the other hand, Morinda citrifolia (also called ‘Noni’ in Polynesia) is a medicinal plant, has antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and immunostimulatory properties. The ameliorating effect of M. citrifolia fruit extract dietary supplementation against fluoride induced toxicity on the growth performance, haematological parameters, and fluoride accumulation in the muscular tissue was investigated in the freshwater fish, Cyprinus carpio L. for 35 days in triplicate. One hundred and twenty acclimated C. carpio fingerlings were randomly allocated into five experimental groups (Groups I, II, III, IV and V) each with 24 fish divided into three replicates (eight fish/replicate). Group I (Control) and II (Toxic control or negative control) were provided with basal/control diet, whereas groups III, IV, and V were provided with 0.25% (2.5 g/kg), 0.50% (5.0 g/kg) and 0.75% (7.5 g/kg) M. citrifolia fruit extract supplemented diet respectively. All groups except for group I were exposed to 10% of the LC50 of fluoride. Selected growth and haematological parameters were estimated. The fluoride content in the muscular tissue of fish was also estimated following SPADNS method. Results revealed that exposure of sublethal concentration of fluoride significantly (P <0.05) reduced the growth performance and haematological parameters in Gr. II (toxic control) compared to the Gr. I (control). However, M. citrifolia dietary supplementation significantly (P <0.05) improved fluoride induced alteration of growth performance and haematological parameters of fish in the groups III, IV and V compared to Gr. II. Morinda citrifolia fruit extract dietary supplementation also significantly (P <0.05) decreased the accumulation fluoride in the muscular tissue of fish in groups III, IV and V compared to the Gr. II (toxic control). In conclusion, M. citrifolia dietary supplementation ameliorates the fluoride toxicity by preventing the accumulation of fluoride in the muscular tissue of the fish. The M. citrifolia dietary supplementation at 0.25% showed the best response, hence it is considered as the optimum dose.

Progress in the Application of Magnetic Nanoparticles in Forensic Trace Analysis / 法医学杂志

Given the complexity of biological samples and the trace nature of target materials in forensic trace analysis, a simple and effective method is needed to obtain sufficient target materials from complex substrates. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have shown a wide range of application value in many research fields, such as biomedicine, drug delivery and separation, due to their unique superparamagnetic properties, stable physical and chemical properties, biocompatibility, small size, high specific surface area and other characteristics. To apply MNPs in the pretreatment of forensic materials, maximize the extraction rate of the target materials, and minimize interference factors to meet the requirements of trace analysis of the target materials, this paper reviews the application of MNPs in the fields of forensic toxicological analysis, environmental forensic science, trace evidence analysis and criminal investigation in recent years, and provides research ideas for the application of MNPs in forensic trace analysis.

Relationship between trace elements in synovial fluid and cartilage and severity of knee osteoarthritis / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the relationship between trace elements in synovial fluid and cartilage and severity of knee osteoarthritis (KOA).@*METHODS@#Patients with KOA who underwent knee arthrocentesis or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were recruited based on inclusion criteria between June 2021 and December 2021. Synovial fluid samples were obtained during knee arthrocentesis and TKA, and participants were divided into the mild group (grading Ⅰ/Ⅱ) and the severe group (grading Ⅲ/Ⅳ) according to the Kellgren-Lawrence grading (K-L grading). Cartilage samples with different degrees of wear were collected during the TKA from the same patient and were divided into mild wear (0-1 point) and severe wear (2-4 points) groups based on the Pelletier score. The contents of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) in synovial fluid and cartilage were evaluated by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and the differences between groups were compared.@*RESULTS@#A total of 33 synovial fluid samples were collected, including 19 specimens from 14 patients who underwent knee arthrocentesis of mild group, with 5 bilateral sides knee arthrocentesis in them, and 14 specimens from 14 TKA patients of severe group. The patients were significantly younger in the mild group than in the severe group ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in gender or body mass index between the two groups ( P>0.05). Nineteen pairs of cartilage samples with mild and severe wear were collected from severe KOA patients (K-L grading Ⅲ and Ⅳ), including 9 males and 10 females, with an average age of 70.4 years (range, 58-80 years). The body mass index ranged from 21.2 to 30.7 kg/m 2, with an average of 25.6 kg/m 2. The content of Zn in synovial fluid and cartilage from KOA patients was the highest, followed by Cu, and Mn was the lowest. The Cu content in synovial fluid was significantly higher in the severe group than in the mild group ( P<0.05), and in the severe wear group than in the mild wear group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in Zn and Mn content between the two groups ( P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The Cu content increases with the severity of cartilage wear in patients with KOA.

Progress in stimuli-responsive molecularly imprinted polymers for enrichment analysis of trace components in traditional Chinese medicine / 中国中药杂志

Molecularly imprinted polymers demonstrate outstanding performance in the research on trace ingredients because of their high selectivity. Stimuli-responsive molecularly imprinted polymers(STR-MIPs) with the introduction of different responsive groups on the basis of traditionally imprinted materials can undergo reversible transformations when exposed to external stimuli such as temperature, magnetism, pH or light. Such responsiveness, combined with the specific recognition, endows STR-MIPs with excellent perfor-mance in trace component studies. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) contains complex components with trace content, and thus STR-MIPs have broad application prospects in the enrichment analysis of trace components in TCM. This paper elaborates on the application of STR-MIPs in the enrichment analysis of trace components in TCM from the perspectives of different stimuli, summarized relevant research achievements in the recent five years to broaden the application fields of molecular imprinting, and proposed a few opi-nions about their future development.

Assessments of some trace metals in water samples of nursery pond of Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella, Valenciennes, 1844) in Bannu Fish Hatchery of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan / Avaliações de alguns vestígios de metais em amostras de água de viveiro de carpa capim (Ctenopharyngodon idella, Valenciennes, 1844) em Bannu Fish Hatchery de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão

The present investigation was aimed to examine the concentrations of trace metals including e.g copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) in water samples collected from nursery pond of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) in Bannu Hatchery of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the period from April 2018 to January 2019. The temperature and pH of each water sample were measured for the whole study duration. The concentration of Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), and Zinc (Zn) in collected water samples were measured in mg/liter by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The blank and standard solutions for device calibration Standard solutions i.e., 2.0 mg, 4.0 mg, and 6.0 were used to measure the concentration of these metals in water samples to verify the measurements. The data was statistically analyzed on descriptive statistics (estimation of proportions and standard deviation) used to summarize mean concentration. The results obtained of both temperature and pH of water samples were found in ranged 10 to 36 0C and 7.0 to 8.44; whereas the size of fry stages was ranged from 4.0 to 56.0 mm in total length. The results of investigated metals found in pond water samples are in order of Zn>Mn>Ni>Cu, respectively. As optimum temperature and pH for grass carp were mostly between 15 0C and 30 0C and pH 6.5 to 8.0. It was concluded from obtained results that temperature, pH, and trace metals were found appropriate for the growth of Ctenopharyngodon idella from fry to fingerling stages, but the highest amount of zinc can cause its mortality. It is a preliminary study on grass carp culturing in Bannu fish hatchery so, it would provide useful information for model fish seed production unit in a hatchery.

A presente investigação teve como objetivo examinar as concentrações de metais traço, incluindo cobre (Cu), manganês (Mn), níquel (Ni) e zinco (Zn) em amostras de água coletadas de viveiro de carpa-capim (Ctenopharyngodon idella) em Incubatório de Bannu de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa durante o período de abril de 2018 a janeiro de 2019. A temperatura e o pH de cada amostra de água foram medidos durante todo o período do estudo. A concentração de cobre (Cu), manganês (Mn), níquel (Ni) e zinco (Zn) nas amostras de água coletadas foi medida em mg / litro usando espectrofotômetro de absorção atômica. As soluções em branco e padrão para as soluções padrão de calibração do dispositivo, ou seja, 2,0 mg, 4,0 mg e 6,0, foram usadas para medir a concentração desses metais em amostras de água para verificar as medições. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente em estatística descritiva (estimativa de proporções e desvio padrão) usada para resumir a concentração média. Os resultados obtidos tanto de temperatura quanto de pH das amostras de água variaram de 10 a 36 0C e 7,0 a 8,44, enquanto o tamanho dos estágios de alevinos variou de 4,0 a 56,0 mm no comprimento total. Os resultados dos metais investigados encontrados em amostras de água de lagoas são da ordem de Zn > Mn > Ni > Cu, respectivamente. A temperatura e o pH ótimos para a carpa-capim foram principalmente entre 15 0C e 30 0C e pH 6,5 a 8,0. Concluiu-se, a partir dos resultados obtidos, que temperatura, pH e traços de metais foram considerados adequados para o crescimento de Ctenopharyngodon idella desde os estágios de alevinos até alevinos, mas a maior quantidade de zinco pode causar sua mortalidade. É um estudo preliminar sobre a cultura da carpa-capim em incubatório de peixes Bannu, portanto forneceria informações úteis para modelo de unidade de produção de sementes de peixes em um incubatório.

Assessments of some trace metals in water samples of nursery pond of Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella, Valenciennes, 1844) in Bannu Fish Hatchery of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract The present investigation was aimed to examine the concentrations of trace metals including e.g copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) in water samples collected from nursery pond of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) in Bannu Hatchery of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the period from April 2018 to January 2019. The temperature and pH of each water sample were measured for the whole study duration. The concentration of Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), and Zinc (Zn) in collected water samples were measured in mg/liter by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The blank and standard solutions for device calibration Standard solutions i.e., 2.0 mg, 4.0 mg, and 6.0 were used to measure the concentration of these metals in water samples to verify the measurements. The data was statistically analyzed on descriptive statistics (estimation of proportions and standard deviation) used to summarize mean concentration. The results obtained of both temperature and pH of water samples were found in ranged 10 to 36 0C and 7.0 to 8.44; whereas the size of fry stages was ranged from 4.0 to 56.0 mm in total length. The results of investigated metals found in pond water samples are in order of Zn>Mn>Ni>Cu, respectively. As optimum temperature and pH for grass carp were mostly between 15 0C and 30 0C and pH 6.5 to 8.0. It was concluded from obtained results that temperature, pH, and trace metals were found appropriate for the growth of Ctenopharyngodon idella from fry to fingerling stages, but the highest amount of zinc can cause its mortality. It is a preliminary study on grass carp culturing in Bannu fish hatchery so, it would provide useful information for model fish seed production unit in a hatchery.

Resumo A presente investigação teve como objetivo examinar as concentrações de metais traço, incluindo cobre (Cu), manganês (Mn), níquel (Ni) e zinco (Zn) em amostras de água coletadas de viveiro de carpa-capim (Ctenopharyngodon idella) em Incubatório de Bannu de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa durante o período de abril de 2018 a janeiro de 2019. A temperatura e o pH de cada amostra de água foram medidos durante todo o período do estudo. A concentração de cobre (Cu), manganês (Mn), níquel (Ni) e zinco (Zn) nas amostras de água coletadas foi medida em mg / litro usando espectrofotômetro de absorção atômica. As soluções em branco e padrão para as soluções padrão de calibração do dispositivo, ou seja, 2,0 mg, 4,0 mg e 6,0, foram usadas para medir a concentração desses metais em amostras de água para verificar as medições. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente em estatística descritiva (estimativa de proporções e desvio padrão) usada para resumir a concentração média. Os resultados obtidos tanto de temperatura quanto de pH das amostras de água variaram de 10 a 36 0C e 7,0 a 8,44, enquanto o tamanho dos estágios de alevinos variou de 4,0 a 56,0 mm no comprimento total. Os resultados dos metais investigados encontrados em amostras de água de lagoas são da ordem de Zn > Mn > Ni > Cu, respectivamente. A temperatura e o pH ótimos para a carpa-capim foram principalmente entre 15 0C e 30 0C e pH 6,5 a 8,0. Concluiu-se, a partir dos resultados obtidos, que temperatura, pH e traços de metais foram considerados adequados para o crescimento de Ctenopharyngodon idella desde os estágios de alevinos até alevinos, mas a maior quantidade de zinco pode causar sua mortalidade. É um estudo preliminar sobre a cultura da carpa-capim em incubatório de peixes Bannu, portanto forneceria informações úteis para modelo de unidade de produção de sementes de peixes em um incubatório.

Assessments of some trace metals in water samples of nursery pond of Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella, Valenciennes, 1844) in Bannu Fish Hatchery of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan / Avaliações de alguns vestígios de metais em amostras de água de viveiro de carpa-capim (Ctenopharyngodon idella, Valenciennes, 1844) em Bannu Fish Hatchery de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão

Abstract The present investigation was aimed to examine the concentrations of trace metals including e.g copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) in water samples collected from nursery pond of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) in Bannu Hatchery of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the period from April 2018 to January 2019. The temperature and pH of each water sample were measured for the whole study duration. The concentration of Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), and Zinc (Zn) in collected water samples were measured in mg/liter by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The blank and standard solutions for device calibration Standard solutions i.e., 2.0 mg, 4.0 mg, and 6.0 were used to measure the concentration of these metals in water samples to verify the measurements. The data was statistically analyzed on descriptive statistics (estimation of proportions and standard deviation) used to summarize mean concentration. The results obtained of both temperature and pH of water samples were found in ranged 10 to 36 0C and 7.0 to 8.44; whereas the size of fry stages was ranged from 4.0 to 56.0 mm in total length. The results of investigated metals found in pond water samples are in order of Zn>Mn>Ni>Cu, respectively. As optimum temperature and pH for grass carp were mostly between 15 0C and 30 0C and pH 6.5 to 8.0. It was concluded from obtained results that temperature, pH, and trace metals were found appropriate for the growth of Ctenopharyngodon idella from fry to fingerling stages, but the highest amount of zinc can cause its mortality. It is a preliminary study on grass carp culturing in Bannu fish hatchery so, it would provide useful information for model fish seed production unit in a hatchery.

Resumo A presente investigação teve como objetivo examinar as concentrações de metais traço, incluindo cobre (Cu), manganês (Mn), níquel (Ni) e zinco (Zn) em amostras de água coletadas de viveiro de carpa-capim (Ctenopharyngodon idella) em Incubatório de Bannu de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa durante o período de abril de 2018 a janeiro de 2019. A temperatura e o pH de cada amostra de água foram medidos durante todo o período do estudo. A concentração de cobre (Cu), manganês (Mn), níquel (Ni) e zinco (Zn) nas amostras de água coletadas foi medida em mg / litro usando espectrofotômetro de absorção atômica. As soluções em branco e padrão para as soluções padrão de calibração do dispositivo, ou seja, 2,0 mg, 4,0 mg e 6,0, foram usadas para medir a concentração desses metais em amostras de água para verificar as medições. Os dados foram analisados ​​estatisticamente em estatística descritiva (estimativa de proporções e desvio padrão) usada para resumir a concentração média. Os resultados obtidos tanto de temperatura quanto de pH das amostras de água variaram de 10 a 36 0C e 7,0 a 8,44, enquanto o tamanho dos estágios de alevinos variou de 4,0 a 56,0 mm no comprimento total. Os resultados dos metais investigados encontrados em amostras de água de lagoas são da ordem de Zn > Mn > Ni > Cu, respectivamente. A temperatura e o pH ótimos para a carpa-capim foram principalmente entre 15 0C e 30 0C e pH 6,5 a 8,0. Concluiu-se, a partir dos resultados obtidos, que temperatura, pH e traços de metais foram considerados adequados para o crescimento de Ctenopharyngodon idella desde os estágios de alevinos até alevinos, mas a maior quantidade de zinco pode causar sua mortalidade. É um estudo preliminar sobre a cultura da carpa-capim em incubatório de peixes Bannu, portanto forneceria informações úteis para modelo de unidade de produção de sementes de peixes em um incubatório.

Conceito e aplicação da rastreabilidade de alimentos: uma revisão / Concept and application on food traceability: a review

A rastreabilidade de alimentos (RTA) é definida como um conjunto de procedimentos que permite detectar a origem e acompanhar a movimentação de um produto ao longo da cadeia produtiva, mediante elementos informativos e documentos registrados. A crescente complexidade da produção e distribuição de alimentos demanda o desenvolvimento de iniciativas que promovam maior segurança e qualidade de produtos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma revisão da literatura científica sobre o conceito de rastreabilidade de alimentos e identificar as estratégias de aplicação desta ferramenta. Concluiu-se que a implementação da RTA está vinculada a ações governamentais por meio de legislações e órgãos de fiscalização, bem como o uso desta ferramenta ao longo da cadeia produtiva de alimentos requer cada vez mais recursos tecnológicos que possam integrar os diferentes agentes da cadeia de suprimentos.

Food traceability (RTA) is defined as a set of procedures that make it possible to detect the origin and monitor the movement of a product along the production chain, using information elements and registered documents. The growing complexity of food production and distribution demands the development of initiatives that promote greater product safety and quality. The objective of this work was to carry out a review of the scientific literature on the concept of food traceability and to identify strategies for applying this tool. It is concluded that the implementation of the RTA is linked to government actions through legislation and inspection bodies, as well as the use of this tool along the food production chain requires more and more technological resources that can integrate the different agents of the supply chain supplies.

The memory engram: beginning the search / O engrama de memória: começando a busca

ABSTRACT Some of the earliest conceptual milestones in memory research with relevance to the physical means through which its preservation is made possible, namely, the 'memory trace' or 'engram', are analysed in this study. The fundamental notions were laid down by Platon and Aristoteles. While Platon regarded memory as an imprint on a 'wax block' in the immortal soul, Aristoteles considered memory a modification in the mortal soul, imprinted like a cast at birth time. The Roman orators were interested in mnemotechnics, and Cicero is credited for the term 'trace' (vestigium) used for the first time. Much later, Descartes described the (memory) 'trace' (trace), linking psychic, and physical processes. Finally, Semon posited innovative concepts and terms centralized by the 'engram' (Engramm). The search of this important question, which begun about two and a half millennia ago, continues in focus, as can be seen through the growing rate of published papers on the subject.

RESUMO Alguns dos marcos conceituais iniciais na pesquisa de memória, com relevância para o meio físico, pelo qual a preservação desta é possibilitada, a saber, o 'traço de memória' ou 'engrama', são aqui analisados. As noções fundamentais foram formuladas por Platão e Aristóteles. Enquanto Platão via a memória como uma impressão em um 'bloco de cera' na alma imortal, Aristóteles considerava a memória uma modificação na alma mortal, impressa como um molde ao nascimento. Os oradores romanos tinham interesse em mnemotécnica e Cícero tem o crédito de ter usado o termo 'traço' (vestigium) pela primeira vez. Mais tarde, Descartes descreveu o 'traço' (trace) (de memória), ligando processos psíquicos e físicos. Finalmente, Semon propôs conceitos e termos inovadores centralizados pelo 'engrama' (Engramm). A busca dessa importante questão, que começou aproximadamente há dois milênios e meio, continua em foco, como pode ser visto pelo ritmo crescente de artigos publicados sobre o assunto.

Chemical Profiling of Trace Odours for Forensic Identification: A Review

@#Trace odour is one of the trace material evidence that has significant value in forensic analysis. The recovery of relevant trace odour components from clothing has the potential to be a form of trace evidence that can be used to assess the likelihood of a contact between individuals in sexual and violent cases. They have the same potential as other trace evidence and can narrow down the suspect in the investigation. Studies conducted previously related to trace odour have succeeded in proving that this trace odour is unique, has its signature profile and can distinguish it from other sources such as fingerprints and DNA. This review highlights these trace odours and their persistence after being transferred, which contribute to a complete picture of the dynamics and potential application in the forensic reconstruction process. The literature was sourced from electronic databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Springer Link, Wiley On¬line Library and Science Direct. Keywords such “odour”, “trace odour”, “scent”, “volatile organic compound”, “forensic identification” were utilised. Further studies on various forms of trace odour are needed to strengthen their evidential values and be admissible to the court.

Ultrasensitive quantification of trace amines based on N-phosphorylation labeling chip 2D LC-QQQ/MS / 药物分析学报

Trace amines(TAs)are metabolically related to catecholamine and associated with cancer and neuro-logical disorders.Comprehensive measurement of TAs is essential for understanding pathological pro-cesses and providing proper drug intervention.However,the trace amounts and chemical instability of TAs challenge quantification.Here,diisopropyl phosphite coupled with chip two-dimensional(2D)liquid chromatography tandem triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry(LC-QQQ/MS)was developed to simul-taneously determine TAs and associated metabolites.The results showed that the sensitivities of TAs increased up to 5520 times compared with those using nonderivatized LC-QQQ/MS.This sensitive method was utilized to investigate their alterations in hepatoma cells after treatment with sorafenib.The significantly altered TAs and associated metabolites suggested that phenylalanine and tyrosine metabolic pathways were related to sorafenib treatment in Hep3B cells.This sensitive method has great potential to elucidate the mechanism and diagnose diseases considering that an increasing number of physiological functions of TAs have been discovered in recent decades.

Clinical study of self-made Xiaogan Tiaopi Kaiwei Decoction combined with conventional western medicine therapy in the treatment of infantile anorexia of spleen-stomach weakness / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of self-made Xiaogan Tiaopi Kaiwei Decoction combined with conventional western medicine therapy in the treatment of infantile anorexia of spleen-stomach weakness.Methods:Randomized controlled trial. A total of 100 children with anorexia of spleen-stomach weakness ,who were treated in the First Clinical Medical College of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine between April 2020 and September 2021, were selected as the observation subjects in a prospective cohort study, and they were divided into two groups by the random number table method, with 50 in each group. The control group was given routine treatment, and the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) group was given self-made Xiaogan Tiaopi Kaiwei Decoction on the basis of the control group. The TCM syndromes were scored before and after treatment. The levels of trace elements such as iron, zinc and calcium were detected by atomic spectrometer, the absorptivity of D-xylose was measured by colorimetry. The adverse events during treatment were recorded. After 6 months of follow-up, the height, weight and BMI were measured and recorded, and the clinical efficacy was assessed.Results:The total response rate was 96.0% (48/50) in the TCM group and that in the control group was 84.0% (42/50) ( χ2=4.00, P=0.046). The scores of decreased appetite, anorexia, sallow complexion, abdominal fullness and distention and shortness of breath and laziness to speak and total score in the TCM group after treatment were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t=12.47, 13.42, 14.19, 16.39, 9.15, 17.72, P<0.01). The levels of blood trace elements such as iron [(414.58 ± 57.52) mg/L vs. (350.85 ± 53.33) mg/L, t=5.75 ], zinc [(8.26 ± 1.55) mg/L vs. (7.64 ± 1.37) mg/L, t=2.12 ] and calcium [(77.26 ± 15.30) mg/L vs. (71.05±14.26) mg/L, t=2.10] and urine D-xylose absorption rate [(31.76±5.28) % vs. (27.97 ± 4.61) %, t=3.82 ] in the TCM group were significantly higher than those in the control group ( P<0.01 or P<0.05). During treatment, there was no serious adverse reaction in the TCM group and 1 case of nausea in the control group. There was no statistical significance in the incidence rate of adverse reactions between the two groups ( χ2=1.01, P=0.315). After follow-up, the weight in the TCM group was significantly higher than that of the control group ( t=2.17, P=0.032). Conclusion:Self-made Xiaogan Tiaopi Kaiwei Decoction combined with conventional western medicine therapy can relieve the clinical symptoms, promote the absorption of trace elements and improvement of spleen-stomach function, and enhance the long-term efficacy in the treatment of children with anorexia of spleen-stomach weakness, and it has no adverse reactions.

Protease Production by Submerged Fermentation in Shake Flasks Using Bacillus sp. Isolated from the Soil

Proteases are one of the most industrially important enzymes, which account for about 60% of total enzyme market. Protease production by submerged fermentation in shake flasks using Bacillus sp. isolated from the soil was studied. Soil samples were collected from different locations within Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Anambra state. The soil samples were serially diluted and inoculated on sterilized skim milk agar plates. The plates were incubated at 30oC for 72 h. A clear zone around the colonies gave an indication of protease-producing bacteria isolates. The selected protease producers were subsequently used for shake flask fermentation in 50 ml sterile medium. Optimization study was conducted to determine the effect of carbon sources, nitrogen sources, trace elements, agitation rates and pH. Twenty one bacteria isolates were found to be active protease producers and isolates RS-5 and OS-9 had the highest zone of clearance of 13.5 and 12.1 mm respectively. The result of submerged production of protease by the bacteria isolates revealed that the isolates RS-5 and OS-9 accumulated maximum protease yield of 3.23 and 2.71 U/ml respectively. The isolates were Gram positive and endospore formers, and were identified as Bacillus sp. RS-5 and OS-9.The addition of Starch and maltose stimulated optimum protease production of 3.47 and 2.77 U/ml by Bacillus sp. RS-5 and OS-9 respectively. Beef extract enhanced maximum enzyme yield of 3.35 and 2.90 U/ml for Bacillus sp. RS-5 and OS-9 respectively. Maximum protease yield of 3.28 U/ml for Bacillus sp. RS-5 and 2.85 U/ml for Bacillus sp. OS-9 was obtained by the supplementation of 0.4 g/l of FeS04 respectively. The maximum protease yield was observed at agitation rate of 200 rpm for Bacillus sp. RS-5 and 170 rpm for Bacillus sp. OS-9. At pH8, protease accumulation was highest for Bacillus sp. RS-5 and OS-9. The study revealed that the soil harbours some protease-producing bacteria strains and protease production can be greatly enhanced through optimization of process parameters.

Effects of Se, Zn and Cu levels on chemoradiotherapy related toxicity in patients with locally advanced lung cancer

Lung cancer, with 12% of overall new cancer cases globally, has considerable mortality rate. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the most common treatment modalities apart from surgery. Both, chemo- and radio- therapies, are known to have side affects. Trace elements are reported to influence the radiotherapy related adverse effects in the body. In this context, here, we investigated whether there is a difference in serum Se, Zn and Cu levels in patients receiving chemoradiotherapy (CRT) due to lung cancer when compared to healthy individuals and to evaluate effects of serum trace element levels measured before and after therapy on CRT related toxicity. This prospective study included 50 patients received CRT due to lung cancer and 50 healthy individuals. Serum selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) levels were measured before and after radiotherapy in patients with cancer, while a single measurement was performed in controls. When serum trace element levels were compared between patients with lung cancer and healthy controls, a significant difference was found in Zn level. A significant difference was detected between serum Cu and Se levels measured before and after CRT in patients with lung cancer (P <0.001 and P =0.019). In the assessment of acute toxicity during, a significant difference was detected when Cu and Zn levels measured before and after treatment were compared. Our study indicates significant decreases in plasma Zn and Cu levels after radiotherapy, suggesting paying attention to nutritional status regarding these micronutrients and other antioxidant agents. Thus, Zn and Cu supplementation may reduce adverse effects in patients receiving CRT.

Correlation between serum trace elements and blood pressure in healthy people and patients with hypertension / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To explore the correlation between serum trace elements and systolic and diastolic blood pressure in healthy population and patients with hypertension. 【Methods】 The health examination data of the subjects from our hospital from September 2018 to May 2021 were selected. They consisted of 3430 healthy people with no history of chronic diseases and 216 patients with hypertension previously diagnosed. We measured the levels of serum zinc， iron， calcium， magnesium， lead， copper and cadmium and analyzed their correlation with systolic blood pressure （SBP） and diastolic blood pressure （DBP）. 【Results】 The incidence of low zinc （9.5%） and hypomagnesemia （1.8%） was relatively low， while hypomagnesemia （27.8%） was relatively common in the healthy population. Logistic regression analysis showed that age， BMI and serum albumin were associated with increased SBP and DBP. Fasting blood glucose （OR=1.095， 95% CI： 1.007-1.191） and blood lead （OR=1.006， 95% CI： 1.000-1.012） were risk factors for SBP. Serum total cholesterol （OR=1.244， 95% CI： 1.095-1.412）， serum iron （OR=1.275， 95% CI： 1.114-1.460） and blood lead （OR=1.010， 95% CI： 1.004-1.015） were risk factors， while serum magnesium （OR=0.488， 95% CI： 0.266-0.894） acted as a protective factor for DBP. After adjusting for age， gender， BMI， waist-hip ratio， and smoking history， there was no significant difference in serum trace element levels between the hypertension and healthy control groups. 【Conclusion】 SBP is correlated with serum lead， while DBP is positively correlated with serum iron and lead， but negatively correlated with serum magnesium in normal healthy population. There was no significant difference in serum trace element content between hypertensive patients and healthy control group， but the conclusion still needs to be further verified.

Design and Application of Ultrasound Audit Workstation System / 中国医疗器械杂志

According to the problems exist in the original ultrasound system, the study elaborates the design and application of the ultrasound audit workstation system, including the workflow, trace information recording, information management, audit data interaction, application effects, et al. This study points out that the system can optimize the ultrasound process, help to improve the quality and efficiency of ultrasound report audit as well as improve the efficiency of patients' ultrasound examination and medical treatment experience.

Trace therapeutic substances of traditional Chinese medicine: great resources of innovative drugs derived from traditional Chinese medicine / 中国中药杂志

The traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) contains very complex constituents. Besides the major constituents, there are a large number of unclear trace constituents with novel skeletons and potent bioactivities, which have been regarded as one of the important therapeutic substances and the great resources of innovative drugs derived from TCM. The present review highlighted that the development of the trace therapeutic substances of TCM is closely depends on the advanced technologies for their identification, isolation, structure elucidation, and bioactivity evaluation. Additionally, this paper reviewed the novel trace compounds derived from Chinese herbal medicines which have been published in Organic Letters during 2001-2021, and summarized the important licensed drugs originated from the trace therapeutic substances and the discovery and development of trace therapeutic substances of 8 kinds of Chinese herbal medicines. This review provides references for the research and development of TCM therapeutic substances and innovative drugs.

GC-MS method for the determination of the genotoxic impurity chlorocyclohexane in trihexyphenidyl hydrochloride bulk drug / 中国药科大学学报

@#Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method was established for trace analysis of the potential genotoxic impurity chlorocyclohexane in trihexyphenidyl hydrochloride bulk drug, utilizing an RXI-5SIL MS column at isothermal temperature of 60 °C for the entire 6-minute run time.The inlet temperature was 180 °C and a split ratio of 10∶1 was used with the injection volume of 1.0 μL.The selective ion monitoring mode was set at m/z 82 for chlorocyclohexane with a detector voltage of 0.3 kV and an ion source temperature of 240 °C.The method was verified with respect to specificity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantitation (LOQ), accuracy, precision and robustness.Good linear correlation was achieved with coefficient r of 0.999 9 in the concentration range of 59.72-493 ng/mL.The intra- and inter-day precision was satisfactory (RSD ≤ 5.0%) and robust (RSD ≤ 1.65%).The proposed method in this study can be adequately adopted as a tool for quality assurance of trihexyphenidyl hydrochloride in routine test of potential genotoxic impurity.

Methods for synchronous detection of 14 mycotoxins in Pseudostellariae Radix and investigation on its contamination / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to establish a method for synchronous detection of 14 mycotoxins in Pseudostellariae Radix and investigate its contamination with mycotoxins, so as to provide technical guidance for monitoring the quality of Chinese medicinal materials and medication safety. The sample was extracted with 80% acetonitrile in an oscillator for 1 h, purified using the modified QuEChERS purifying agent(0.1 g PSA + 0.3 g C_(18) + 0.3 g MgSO_4), and separated on a Waters HSS T3 chromatographic column(2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.8 μm). The gradient elution was carried out with 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile, followed by the scanning in the multi-reaction monitoring(MRM) mode and the analysis of mycotoxin contamination in 26 Pseudostellariae Radix samples. The recovery rates of the established method were within the range of 82.17%-113.6%, with the RSD values less than 7% and the limits of quantification(LOQ) being 0.019-0.976 μg·kg~(-1). The detection rate of 14 mycotoxins in 26 batches of medicinal materials was 53.85%. The detection rate of sterigmatocystin(ST) was the highest, followed by those of zearalenone(ZEN), aflatoxin G_2(AFG_2), fumonisin B_1(FB_1), HT-2 toxin, and nivalenol(NIV). Their respective detection rates were 38.46%, 26.92%, 23.08%, 11.54%, 11.54%, and 7.69%, with the pollution ranges being 1.48-69.65, 0.11-31.05, 0.11-0.66, 0.28-0.83, 20.86-42.56, and 0.46-1.84 μg·kg~(-1), respectively. The established method for the detection of 14 mycotoxins is accurate, fast and reliable. The research results have very important practical significance for guiding the monitoring and prevention and control of exogenous fungal contamination of Chinese medicinal materials.