PENG Qinghua's Clinical Experience in Treating Dry Eye by the Therapeutic Method of “Maintaining with the Sweet and Restoring the Body Fluids” / 中医杂志

This paper summarized PENG Qinghua's clinical experience in treating dry eye by applying therapeutic method of maintaining with sweet medicinals and restoring the body fluids. It is believed that the spleen earth insufficiency and fluids damage transforming into dryness are the main pathogenesis of the disease， and the basic therapeutic principle is maintaining with the sweet and restoring the body fluids by mainly using sweet medicines. It is advocated to use mild-sweet herbs， such as Baibiandou （Lablab purpureus subsp. purpureus）， Fuling （Smilax glabra Roxb.）， and Yiyiren （Coix lacryma-jobi L.）， to transport spleen earth， so that qi is restored and body fluids are recovered； moderate-sweet herbs， such as Dangshen （Codonopsis pilosula ［Franch.］ Nannf.）， Taizishen （Pseudostellaria heterophylla ［Miq.］ Pax）， Shanyao （Dioscorea oppositifolia L.） and Zhigancao （Glycyrrhiza glabra L.） are suggested to cultivate earth and generate metal， so as to move qi and circulate fluid； sweet-cool herbs， such as Nanshashen （Adenophora triphylla ［Thunb.］ A.DC.）， Beishashen （Glehnia littoralis ［A.Gray］ F.Schmidt ex Miq.）， Yuzhu （Polygonatum odoratum ［Mill.］ Druce）， Tianhuafen （Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim.） are suggested to nourish yin and increase body fluids， so as to promote fluid production to moisten dryness. In this way， when the source of fluid is restored and the fluid is circulated， the fluid can be produced continuously， which provides new ideas for the treatment of dry eyes with traditional Chinese medicine.

Discussion on the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Sjögren's Syndrome Based on YE Gui's Theory of “Upper Dryness Treats Qi and Lower Dryness Treats Blood” / 中医杂志

The pathogenesis of Sjögren's syndrome （SS） was considered to involve external dryness， internal injured essence and blood， yin-deficiency endowment， and abnormal emotion and spirit， and it was believed that SS has the characteristics of dryness and impassability， and the pathogenesis of deficiency-excess in complexity. According to the theory “upper dryness treats qi， and lower dryness treats blood” in YE Gui's monograph “Medical Records for Clinical Guidance”， the dryness was divided into upper dryness and lower dryness syndromes to be differentiated and treated. When treating dryness syndrome， the patient should follow the characteristics of the five zang organs， using soft and cool medicines， avoiding warm and dry medicines， and valuing the animal products. The upper dryness could be treated with Sangxiang Decoction （桑杏汤） to clear the qi and moisten the dryness， Qiaohe Decoction （翘荷汤） to clear the upper with pungent-cool， and Shashen Maidong Decoction （沙参麦冬汤） to nourish yin and promote the production of body fluid. The lower dryness could be treated with Fumai Decoction （复脉汤） to enrich and nourish the five kinds of fluid. Liuwei Dihuang Pill （六味地黄丸） to nourish the kidneys and supplement essence， and Wuren Pill （五仁丸） to moisten the dryness and nourish the blood， which provided a new way of thinking for differentiation of the dryness syndrome.

Dryness-alleviating effect of processed Aurantii Fructus from Lingnan based on correlation of fecal metabolomics and dryness / 中国中药杂志

With the approach of untargeted metabolomics and correlation analysis, this study aimed to explore the mechanism of Aurantii Fructus from Lingnan region in alleviating dryness by analyzing the different effects of raw Aurantii Fructus(RAF) and processed Aurantii Fructus(PAF) on fecal endogenous metabolism in normal rats. Eighteen Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats were randomly divided into a control group(C), an RAF group(10 g·kg~(-1)), and a PAF group(10 g·kg~(-1)). After seven days of administration, the effects of RAF and PAF on dryness-related indexes were compared, including water intake, fecal water content, salivary secretion, the expression of AQP5, VIP, and 5-HT in the submandibular gland, as well as the expression of AQP3, VIP, and 5-HT in the colon. The fecal samples in each group were determined by LC-MS. Multivariate statistical analysis and Pearson correlation coefficient were used for screening the differential metabolites and metabolic pathways in alleviating dryness of RAF. The results indicated that both RAF and PAF showed certain dryness, and the dryness of RAF was more significant. Moreover, PAF could alleviate dryness of RAF to a certain extent by reducing the water intake, fecal water content, and the expression of AQP3, VIP, and 5-HT in the colon and increasing the salivary secretion and the levels of AQP5, VIP, and 5-HT in the submandibular gland. According to the analysis of fecal metabolomics, 99 and 58 metabolites related to dryness were found in RAF and PAF respectively, where 16 of them played an important role in alleviating dryness of RAF. Pathway analysis revealed that the mechanism of PAF in alleviating dryness of RAF was presumably related to the regulation of riboflavin metabolism, purine metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, pyrimidine metabolism, alanine metabolism, aspartate metabolism, glutamate metabolism, and retinol metabolism pathways. This study suggested that PAF might alleviate dryness of RAF by affecting the metabolic levels of the body, which provides a new basis for further clarifying the processing mechanism of PAF.

A comparative study of raw Aurantii Fructus Immaturus and bran-fried products on dryness of rats with slow-transit constipation / 中国中药杂志

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

Effect of Huashi Runzao Prescription on Primary Sjögren's Syndrome / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the efficacy and safety of Huashi Runzao prescription for patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome （pSS） of combined dryness and dampness pattern. MethodA total of 105 eligible patients were randomized into the experimental group （65 cases） and control group （40 cases）， and they were respectively treated with Huashi Runzao prescription and hydroxychloroquine for 12 weeks. Visual Analogue Scale （VAS） was employed to assess the symptoms. The symptoms of dryness， fatigue， and pain， European League Against Rheumatism （EULAR） Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index （ESSPRI）， EULAR Sjögren's syndrome disease activity index （ESSDAI）， and immune inflammatory indicators before and after treatment were compared between the two groups， and adverse reactions were observed. ResultAfter treatment， the ESSPRI score was lower than that before treatment in the experimental groups （P<0.01） and was lower in the experimental group than in the control group （P<0.05）. The VAS scores of dry mouth， dry eyes， overall dryness， fatigue， and pain in the experimental group decreased compared with those before treatment （P<0.01）， and the experimental group had lower VAS scores of dry mouth and overall dryness than the control group （P<0.01）. After treatment， the ESSDAI score of both groups decreased compared with that before treatment （P<0.05， P<0.01）， but there was no significant difference between the groups. After treatment， the level of immunoglobulin M （IgM） decreased （P<0.01） and the level of complement C3 increased （P<0.01） in the experimental group， while the level of complement C3 decreased in the control group （P<0.05）. There was no significant difference in the laboratory indexes between groups. During the treatment， stomachache occurred to one case in the experimental group， which was alleviated after the treatment， and no adverse reaction was observed in the control group. According to the chi-square test， the occurrence of adverse reactions was insignificantly different between the two groups. ConclusionHuashi Runzao prescription can alleviate the symptoms of dryness， fatigue， and pain， and reduce disease activity without associated side effects in pSS patients with combined dampness and dryness pattern.

Analysis on Difference of Medicinal Properties Between Atractylodes lancea and A. chinensis Based on Correlation of Energy Metabolism and Dryness / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the correlation between dryness and energy metabolism of Atractylodis Rhizoma， and to analyze the difference of medicinal properties between Atractylodes lancea and A. chinensis. MethodA total of 110 healthy SD rats were randomly divided into 11 groups， including normal group， volatile oil of A. lancea 1-5 group （S1-S5 group， doses of 447， 473， 442， 489， 496 mg·kg-1） and volatile oil of A. chinensis 1-5 group （N1-N5 group， doses of 197， 118， 281， 222， 185 mg·kg-1）， the administration volume was 0.01 mL·g-1 with intragastric administration for 21 days. Dryness effect of A. lancea and A. chinensis on rats was evaluated by comparing the body weight， drinking water volume， urine volume， whole blood viscosity and pathological sections of submandibular gland stained with hematoxylin-eosin （HE）. The expression of aquaporin 2 （AQP2） in rat kidney was measured by immunohistochemistry， the mRNA expressions of cytochrome C oxidase subunit 7A2 （COX7A2） and succinate dehydrogenase （SDH） complex subunit D （SDHD） in liver tissue were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. The contents of SDH， lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） and sodium ion-potassium ion-adenosine triphosphatase （Na+-K+-ATPase） in rat plasma were determined by colorimetry. The quality of A. lancea and A. chinensis was evaluated by coefficient of variation method， and Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between dryness and energy metabolism. ResultCompared with the normal group， the amounts of drinking water and urine in volatile oil of A. lancea group and volatile oil of A. chinensis group increased， and the submandibular gland acini atrophied， the whole blood viscosity of rats in the volatile oil of A. lancea group increased significantly （P<0.01）， the expression levels of COX7A2 and SDHD mRNA， the activities of SDH， LDH and Na+-K+-ATPase increased significantly （P<0.01）， and the expression of AQP2 in kidney decreased significantly （P<0.01）. Compared with the normal group， the expression level of COX7A2 mRNA， SDH activity and whole blood viscosity in the volatile oil of A. chinensis group increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， the AQP2 and SDH mRNA expression levels， LDH and Na+-K+-ATPase activities had no significant difference. The comprehensive score analysis of each index showed that the effect of volatile oil of A. lancea on dryness and energy metabolism was stronger than that of volatile oil of A. chinensis， and there was a positive correlation between dryness index and energy metabolism index. ConclusionThe two indexes show that medicinal properties of A. lancea is stronger than that of A. chinensis， and energy metabolism is closely related to the dryness of Atractylodis Rhizoma. It is suggested that it is reasonable to evaluate the dryness effect of Atractylodis Rhizoma from the perspective of energy metabolism， which can further enrich the evaluation indexes of medicinal properties.

Analysis on Difference of Medicinal Properties Between Atractylodes lancea and A. chinensis Based on Correlation of Energy Metabolism and Dryness / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the correlation between dryness and energy metabolism of Atractylodis Rhizoma， and to analyze the difference of medicinal properties between Atractylodes lancea and A. chinensis. MethodA total of 110 healthy SD rats were randomly divided into 11 groups， including normal group， volatile oil of A. lancea 1-5 group （S1-S5 group， doses of 447， 473， 442， 489， 496 mg·kg-1） and volatile oil of A. chinensis 1-5 group （N1-N5 group， doses of 197， 118， 281， 222， 185 mg·kg-1）， the administration volume was 0.01 mL·g-1 with intragastric administration for 21 days. Dryness effect of A. lancea and A. chinensis on rats was evaluated by comparing the body weight， drinking water volume， urine volume， whole blood viscosity and pathological sections of submandibular gland stained with hematoxylin-eosin （HE）. The expression of aquaporin 2 （AQP2） in rat kidney was measured by immunohistochemistry， the mRNA expressions of cytochrome C oxidase subunit 7A2 （COX7A2） and succinate dehydrogenase （SDH） complex subunit D （SDHD） in liver tissue were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. The contents of SDH， lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） and sodium ion-potassium ion-adenosine triphosphatase （Na+-K+-ATPase） in rat plasma were determined by colorimetry. The quality of A. lancea and A. chinensis was evaluated by coefficient of variation method， and Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between dryness and energy metabolism. ResultCompared with the normal group， the amounts of drinking water and urine in volatile oil of A. lancea group and volatile oil of A. chinensis group increased， and the submandibular gland acini atrophied， the whole blood viscosity of rats in the volatile oil of A. lancea group increased significantly （P<0.01）， the expression levels of COX7A2 and SDHD mRNA， the activities of SDH， LDH and Na+-K+-ATPase increased significantly （P<0.01）， and the expression of AQP2 in kidney decreased significantly （P<0.01）. Compared with the normal group， the expression level of COX7A2 mRNA， SDH activity and whole blood viscosity in the volatile oil of A. chinensis group increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， the AQP2 and SDH mRNA expression levels， LDH and Na+-K+-ATPase activities had no significant difference. The comprehensive score analysis of each index showed that the effect of volatile oil of A. lancea on dryness and energy metabolism was stronger than that of volatile oil of A. chinensis， and there was a positive correlation between dryness index and energy metabolism index. ConclusionThe two indexes show that medicinal properties of A. lancea is stronger than that of A. chinensis， and energy metabolism is closely related to the dryness of Atractylodis Rhizoma. It is suggested that it is reasonable to evaluate the dryness effect of Atractylodis Rhizoma from the perspective of energy metabolism， which can further enrich the evaluation indexes of medicinal properties.

Processing of Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

As a traditional Chinese medicinal material， Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus is often used as medicine after steaming to reduce its pungency and give full play to its medicinal effects. By consulting the relevant literature， this paper intends to sort out the related researches on the processing history， modern processing standard records， flavor and meridian tropism， efficacy， processing and taking methods， processing technology， chemical composition， pharmacological effects and quality analysis of Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus. It is found that the processing methods of Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus in the past dynasties are mainly roasting， distilled into dew， aging， frying， salting and steaming， of which steaming is the most common. In modern times， steaming is mainly used in Guangdong and Sichuan. The descriptions of flavor and meridian tropism and efficacy of Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus in the past dynasties are basically consistent with the modern descriptions. Its taste is pungent， bitter and acidic， and it is warm in nature. It belongs to the liver， spleen， stomach and lung meridians. Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus contains volatile oil， flavonoids and their glycosides， coumarins and limonins and other compounds. In recent years， high performance liquid chromatography （HPLC）， gas chromatography-mass spectrometry （GC-MS） and ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry （UPLC-MS） and other methods are commonly used for the chemical composition analysis. Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus has the activities of relieving cough， reducing phlegm， relieving asthma， anti-inflammation， anti-bacteria and anti-oxidation， etc. After processing， its volatile and non-volatile components， and pharmacological effects all have a certain change. However， the current research on processing of Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus is not in-depth enough. It is necessary to further analyze the material basis of steaming to reduce dryness， explore its dryness medicinal substances and dryness-effect quantitative correlation， so as to clarify its processing mechanism， and provide basis for the subsequent processing research， resource development and comprehensive application of Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus in the future.

Thoughts on Current Quality Standard of Atractylodis Rhizoma Based on Genuine Advantages of Traditional Chinese Medicine / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Atractylodis Rhizoma is a kind of commonly used clinical Chinese medicine （TCM）， which was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing （《神农本草经》）. At that time， it was called "Zhu"， which is the general name of Atractylodis Rhizoma and Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma. After Song dynasty， Atractylodis Rhizoma and Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma were separated. Atractylodis Rhizoma can be divided into Atractylodes lancea and A. chinensis. In history， A. lancea as authentic， that its quality is better than A. chinensis. However， the quality of Atractylodis Rhizoma was evaluated by the index component atractylodin in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The general results showed that the content of atractylodin in A. lancea was low， even failed to meet the specified standard， and its content in A. chinensis was significantly higher than that in A. lancea. The results were inconsistent with the records of ancient books and documents， and the quality theory of "genuine medicine is the best". It could not reflect the quality advantage of genuine Atractylodis Rhizoma， and may even affect the clinical application and development momentum of genuine medicine. In short， the quality standard of TCM should not only conform to the historical experience， but also have the connotation of modern science and technology， which can stand the test of practice. Based on this， the author intends to sort out relevant laws and regulations， sort out the literature related to the authenticity， composition and efficacy of Atractylodis Rhizoma， and analyze the rationality of the current standard of Atractylodis Rhizoma by integrating the relevant records of historical classics and modern research results， so as to provide a basis for the improvement of the quality standard of Atractylodis Rhizoma.

Características epidemiológicas, clínicas y oftalmológicas de pacientes con queratoconjuntivitis seca / Epidemiological, clinical and ophthalmologic characteristics of patients with keratoconjunctivitis Sicca

Introducción: La queratoconjuntivitis seca es una enfermedad de causa multifactorial, que afecta la producción de lágrimas y la superficie ocular, a la vez que ocasiona malestar, visión borrosa e inestabilidad de la película lagrimal. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal de 50 pacientes con diagnóstico de queratoconjuntivitis seca, atendidos en el Centro Oftalmológico del Hospital General Docente Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso de Santiago de Cuba, desde enero hasta julio de 2020. Objetivo: Caracterizar a los pacientes con queratoconjuntivitis seca según variables epidemiológicas clínicas y oftalmológicas. Resultados: En la serie predominaron las féminas (66,0 %), los pacientes mayores de 60 años (40,0 %), la lectura excesiva como factor de riesgo (42,0 %), la irritación, la fatiga ocular y la visión borrosa como criterios diagnósticos, además de la disminución del tiempo de rotura de la película lagrimal en 68,0 % de la muestra, entre otros resultados. Conclusión: La queratoconjuntivitis seca, desde el punto de vista clínico y epidemiológico fue similar a lo descrito en la bibliografía especializada en cuanto a los grupos de edades, sexo y principales síntomas descritos.

Introduction: The keratoconjunctivitis sicca is a disease of multifactorial cause that affects the production of tears and the ocular surface, at the same time that causes discomfort, blurred vision and instability of the lacrimal thin layer. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study of 50 patients with diagnosis of keratoconjunctivitis sicca, assisted in the Ophthalmolgic Center of Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso Teaching General Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, was carried out from January to July, 2020. Objective: To characterize patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca according to clinical, epidemiologic and ophthalmologic variables. Results: In the series there was a prevalence of the females (66.0 %), patients over 60 years (40.0 %), excessive reading as risk factor (42.0 %), irritation, ocular fatigue and blurred vision as diagnostic criteria, besides the decrease of the lacrimal thin layer break up time in 68.0 % of the sample, among other results. Conclusion: The keratoconjunctivitis sicca was similar to that described in the specialized literature review as for the age groups, sex and main described symptoms from the clinical and epidemiologic points of view.

Principal component regression analysis demonstrates the collinearity-free effect of sub estimated climatic variables on tree growth in the central Amazon / El análisis de regresión por componentes principales muestra el efecto libre de colinealidad de variables climáticas subestimadas sobre el crecimiento de los árboles en la Amazonía central

Abstract Introduction: Climatic variables show a seasonal pattern in the central Amazon, but the intra-annual variability effect on tree growth is still unclear. For variables such as relative humidity (RH) and air vapor pressure deficit (VPD), whose individual effects on tree growth can be underestimated, we hypothesize that such influences can be detected by removing the effect of collinearity between regressors. Objective: This study aimed to determine the collinearity-free effect of climatic variability on tree growth in the central Amazon. Methods: Monthly radial growth was measured in 325 trees from January 2013 to December 2017. Irradiance, air temperature, rainfall, RH, and VPD data were also recorded. Principal Component Regression was used to assess the effect of micrometeorological variability on tree growth over time. For comparison, standard Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) was also used for data analysis. Results: Tree growth increased with increasing rainfall and relative humidity, but it decreased with rising maximum VPD, irradiance, and maximum temperature. Therefore, trees grew more slowly during the dry season, when irradiance, temperature and VPD were higher. Micrometeorological variability did not affect tree growth when MLR was applied. These findings indicate that ignoring the correlation between climatic variables can lead to imprecise results. Conclusions: A novelty of this study is to demonstrate the orthogonal effect of maximum VPD and minimum relative humidity on tree growth.

Resumen Introducción: Las variables climáticas muestran un patrón estacional en la Amazonía central, pero el efecto de la variabilidad intra-anual en el crecimiento de los árboles aún no está claro. Para variables como la humedad relativa (HR) y el déficit de presión de vapor (VPD), cuyo efecto individual en el crecimiento de los árboles puede ser subestimada, planteamos la hipótesis de que tales influencias pueden detectarse eliminando el efecto de colinealidad entre regresores. Objetivo: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar el efecto libre de colinealidad de la variabilidad climática sobre el crecimiento de los árboles en la Amazonía central. Métodos: Se midió el crecimiento radial mensual en 325 árboles desde enero 2013 hasta diciembre 2017. También se registraron datos de irradiancia (PAR), temperatura del aire, lluvia, humedad relativa (RH) y déficit de presión de vapor de aire (VPD). Se utilizó la regresión de componentes principales para evaluar el efecto de la variabilidad micrometeorológica a lo largo del tiempo sobre el crecimiento de los árboles. Para comparación, también se utilizó la regresión lineal múltiple (MLR) estándar para el análisis de datos. Resultados: El crecimiento de los árboles incrementó con el aumento de las precipitaciones y la humedad relativa, y disminuyó con el aumento de la VPD máxima, la irradiancia y la temperatura máxima. Por lo tanto, los árboles crecieron más lentamente durante la estación seca, cuando la irradiancia, la temperatura y la VPD eran más altas. La variabilidad micrometeorológica no afectó el crecimiento de los árboles cuando se aplicó MLR. Estos hallazgos indican que ignorar la correlación entre las variables climáticas puede conducir a resultados imprecisos. Conclusiones: Una novedad de este estudio es demostrar el efecto ortogonal del VPD máximo y la humedad relativa mínima sobre el crecimiento de los árboles.

Dryness comparison of different fractions of Aurantii Fructus extract on normal mice and gastrointestinal motility disorder rats and spectrum-dryness study / 中国中药杂志

Aurantii Fructus is a commonly used qi-regulating medicinal herb in China. Both traditional Chinese medicine theory and modern experimental research demonstrate that Aurantii Fructus has dryness effect, the material basis of which remains unclear. In recent years, spectrum-effect relationship has been widely employed in the study of active ingredients in Chinese medicinal herbs, the research ideas and methods of which have been constantly improved. Based on the idea of spectrum-effect study, the ultra-high perfor-mance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) fingerprints of different fractions of Aurantii Fructus extract were established for the identification of total components. Then, the dryness effects of the fractions on normal mice and gastrointestinal motility disorder(GMD) rats were systematically compared. Finally, principal component analysis(PCA), Pearson bivariate correlation analysis and orthogonal partial least squares analysis(OPLS) were integrated to identify the dryness components of Aurantii Fructusextract. The results showed that narirutin, naringin, naringenin, poncirin, oxypeucedanin, and eriodictyol-7-O-glucoside had significant correlations with and contributed to the expression of AQP2 in kidney, AQP3 in colon, and AQP5 in submandibular gland, which were the main dryness components in Aurantii Fructus.

Correlation of sleep quality with fatigue and disease activity among patients with primary Sjögrens syndrome: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Fatigue is a frequent symptom in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and can be a cause of or be associated with sleep disorders. OBJECTIVE: To assess the sleep quality of pSS patients and its relationship with fatigue and disease activity. DESIGN AND SETTING: Analytical observational study conducted at an exercise psychobiology laboratory. METHODS: Sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburg sleep quality index (PSQI) and actigraphy. Fatigue was evaluated through the Profile of Fatigue and Discomfort - Sicca Symptoms Inventory (PROFAD-SSI-SF) and a visual analogue scale for fatigue (VAS-fatigue). Disease activity was evaluated using a visual analogue scale for pain (VAS-pain), EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI) and Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI). We summarized the data through descriptive statistics. RESULTS: A total of 50 female patients with pSS, of average age 56.4 years, were included in the study; 80% presented low disease activity. The total PSQI score showed that 74% had poor sleep. The actigraphy showed mean sleep latency of 26.2 minutes and mean nightly awakening of 48.2 minutes (duration of wakings after sleep onset, WASO). There were correlations between PSQI and VAS-pain, VAS-fatigue, PROFAD-SSI and ESSPRI. Actigraphy showed a correlation between the duration of WASO and ESSDAI. CONCLUSION: The present study provides important information regarding correlations between sleep disorders and disease activity. There is a need for proper control over disease activity and for development of strategies to help patients to sleep better in order to diminish their fatigue.

Effect of sodium carboxymethyl starch on constipation in mice / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Objective: To investigate the effect of sodium carboxymethyl starch (CMC) on constipation. Methods:The slow transit constipation model of mice was established by intragastric administration of loperamide for 3 d, and the dehydration-dryness constipation model of mice was established by water deprivation for 3 d. The effects of CMC were evaluated by total fecal grains, intestinal propulsion rate, fecal water content and intestinal fluid within 3 h after administration. Results: The total defecation granules in the slow transit constipation model group were (7.9±6.0) within 3 h after administration for 3 d. Compared with those in the model group, the total defecation granules in the three CMC dosage groups (0.45, 0.9 and 1.8 g/kg) significantly increased (18.5±5.0, 17.3±8.3 and 22.9±8.4, P<0.01), respectively. The results were better than those in mosapride group (14.3±8.4). The intestinal propulsion rate [(75.3±9.2)%, (78.7±9.6)%, and (79.4±8.0)%] in the three CMC dosage groups increased significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01) compared with the model group (63.0±13.6)%. For dehydration and dryness constipation model, the total fecal granules in 0.9 and 1.8 g/kg CMC groups were 37.9±9.9 and 37.2±7.9, which significantly increased compared with those in model group (25.8±8.5, P<0.01). The intestinal propulsive rate (83.2±12.8)% was higher in CMC 1.8 g/kg group than in the model group [(72.6±11.5)%, P<0.05]. Mouse fecal water content [(56.0±4.1)%, (57.7±10.4)% and (60.2±6.8%)] in CMC 0.3, 0.6 and 1.2 g/kg groups were higher than in the model group [(49.0±6.8)%, P<0.05 or P<0.01]. Rat intestinal solution in CMC 0.6 and 1.2 g/kg groups was higher than that in saline group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion: CMC can improve the defecation of constipated mice.

Analysis on Composition Mechanism of Qingfei Paidu Decoction from Pathogenesis of Cold Pestilence of COVID-19 / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Qingfei Paidu decoction has a remarkable clinical effect, which has been recommended by the Diagnosis and Treatment Plan of Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia (Trial Sixth Edition) of the National Health Commission and National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In this paper, the authors intend to explore the pathogenesis of cold pestilence of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and composition mechanism of Qingfei Paidu decoction, and believe that this formula can be used to relieve internal and external pressure and regulate triple energizer with the functions of promoting lung Qi, dispelling evil and detoxification, moistening and dampening, and purging heat by removing water. This formula is suitable for the pathogenesis of COVID-19, including cold, dryness and dampness, and can effectively treat symptoms. Therefore, it should be widely used throughout the country to contain the spread of the epidemic.

New Ringer's lactate gel formulation on nasal comfort and humidification / Nova formulação de Ringer lactato gel no conforto e umidificação nasal

Abstract Introduction: The use of saline irrigation for nasal washes is a well established procedure in the treatment of sinonasal inflammation and infection. In addition to saline solutions, Ringer's lactate is also an efficient option for nasal washes and humidification. Objective: To assess the comfort, humidification and tolerance regarding stinging sensation, provided by sodium chloride nasal gel at the concentrations of 4.5 mg/g and 6.0 mg/g through questionnaires answered by the patients. Methods: A total of 60 patients, 56 females, aged between 22 and 66 years old (mean age of 47) and 4 males, aged between 36 and 66 years (mean age of 49), were included in the study for a period of 17 days (±2 days) treatment. The patients were monitored by a general practitioner throughout the study period. They were instructed to apply each product in both nostrils twice a day during a 7-day period (±2 days). The patients were evaluated prior to the use of the first product at visit 0 (V0), after 7 days of treatment (±2 days) at visit 1 (V1), after 3 days of product discontinuation at visit 2 (V2) and after 7 days (±2 days) of treatment with the second product, in visit 3 (V3). Results: A significant difference (5% significance) was observed regarding comfort and stinging sensation between the two different concentrations; comfort was higher and stinging was lower with the 6.0 mg/g concentration gel. No difference in humidification was observed between the two treatments. Conclusion: Ringer's lactate at the concentration of 6.0 mg/g was superior to that at 4.5 mg/g for parameters comfort and stinging sensation. No statistical difference was observed between the two products regarding nasal humidification.

Resumo Introdução: O uso de soluções salinas para lavagem nasal está consagrado no tratamento de quadros inflamatórios e infecciosos nasossinusais. Além das soluções salinas, o ringer lactato é uma importante opção tanto para lavagem quanto para a hidratação nasal. Objetivo: Avaliar a tolerabilidade (ardência e conforto) e umidificação do produto gel nasal cloreto de sódio 4,5 mg/g em relação ao ringer lactato 6,0 mg/g, por meio de questionários respondidos pelos pacientes. Método: Foram incluídos 60 pacientes, 56 mulheres (22-66 anos; média: 47 anos) e quatro homens (36-66 anos; média: 49 anos) foram incluídos no estudo de 17 dias (± 2 dias) de tratamento. Os pacientes foram supervisionados por um clínico geral durante todo o período do estudo. Os pacientes usaram os produtos com uma borrifada em cada narina duas vezes ao dia, durante sete dias (± 2 dias). As formulações foram avaliadas antes do uso do primeiro produto na visita 0 (V0), após sete dias (± 2 dias) de tratamento na visita 1 (V1), após três dias de interrupção do primeiro tratamento na visita 2 (V2) e após sete dias (± 2 dias) de uso do segundo produto na visita 3 (V3). Resultados: Foi observada diferença significante para o conforto das vias nasais, (significância de 5%), na comparação entre os tratamentos nos atributos de conforto e ardência. O conforto das vias nasais foi superior e a ardência inferior para o gel nasal ringer lactato 6,0 mg/g em comparação ao gel cloreto de sódio 4,5 mg/g. Não foi observada diferença significante para a umidificação entre os tratamentos. Conclusão: O gel ringer lactato 6,0 mg/g foi superior ao produto gel cloreto de sódio 4,5 mg/g nos quesitos conforto e ardência. Não foi observada diferença estatisticamente significante entre os tratamentos em relação à umidificação das vias nasais.

Spectrum-effect relationship of dryness of Atractylodis Rhizoma volatile oil based on grey relational grade and orthogonal partial least squares analysis / 中草药

Objective To study the spectrum-effect relationship between GC-MS fingerprint of the volatile oil of Atractylodis Rhizoma and the dryness effect of Atractylodis Rhizoma, and clarify the main dryness components of Atractylodis Rhizoma. Methods The volatile oil of different batches of Atractylodis Rhizoma (S1-S9) were analyzed by GC-MS. Using the daily drinking amount of water, the viscosity of whole blood, and the content of aquaporin 2 (AQP2) in the kidney of rats as the indexes of dryness effect of Atractylodes Rhizome, the spectrum-effect relationship was analyzed by the combination of grey relational grade and orthogonal partial least square method. Results The dryness effect of Atractylodis Rhizoma was the combined action of multiple components, and the peaks of the major contribution to dryness effect were 31, 28, and 33, respectively. The corresponding components of the three peaks were β-eudesmol, (-)-aristolene, and bulnesol, which were identified by the spectral library retrieval analysis. Conclusion The main dryness effect components of Atractylodis Rhizoma are β-eudesmol, (-)-aristolene, and bulnesol, which provide a reference for investigating the material basis of dryness effect of Atractylodis Rhizoma.

Periodontal Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Its Relationship with Dry Mouth Condition

@#This study aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of chronic periodontitis (CP) and the relationship between periodontal status and dry mouth condition in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A cross-sectional study was conducted on 66 controlled T2DM patients, determined by HbA1c level ≤ 9%. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), periodontal pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were recorded. Subjects were given questionnaire for self-evaluation of dry mouth followed by collection of saliva. Data were analysed using SPSS version 22.0. Results showed that the prevalence of CP was 93.9% with severity ranging from mild (41.9%), moderate (30.6%), to severe (27.5%). Most subjects (74.2%) had normal stimulated salivary flow rate although 15.9% reported having less saliva. There was no significant association between periodontal parameters and salivary flow rate. In conclusion, T2DM patients exhibited high prevalence of CP despite having controlled glycaemic status. Dry mouth condition was not a common symptom and was also not associated with periodontitis. To ensure appropriate management of diabetics, collaboration between medical colleagues and dental practitioners is important to control progression of periodontal disease.

Efficacy Observation of Addition and Subtraction Therapy of Xuanshen Ganju Tang Combined with Sanniutang to Post-infection Cough with Lung Injury Caused by Dryness and Heat / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of addition and subtraction therapy of Xuanshen Ganju Tang combined with Sanniutang to post infection cough (PIC) with lung injury caused by dryness and heat, and investigate its effects on allergic inflammation and neurogenic inflammatory mediators.Method: One hundred and eighty eligible patients with PIC were randomly divided into control group (58 cases) and observation group (122 cases) according to the visiting sequence. Patients in control group got compound methoxyphenamine capsules, 2 capsules/time and tid. Patients in observation group got addition and subtraction therapy of Xuanshen Ganju Tang,combined with Sanniutang, 1 dose/day. The treatment course was 7 days in both groups. Symptom scores for cough (day and night), visual analogue scale of coughing (VAS) and scores for lung injury caused by dryness and heat injury were graded. Time to relieve a cough, time to relieve symptoms, time to vanish cough, and cough recurrence were recorded. Life quality was evaluated by cough-specific quality of life questionnaire (CQLQ), and the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8 and substance P in sputum neurogenic inflammatory mediators (SP), neuropeptide A (NKA) and calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) were detected.Result: Ridit analysis showed that the clinical efficacy in observation group was better than that in control group (PPPPα, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, SP, NKA and CGRP in observation group were all lower than those in control group (PConclusion: Addition and subtraction therapy of Xuanshen Ganju Tang combined with Sanniutang can control systems of cough, shorten coughing course, reduce recurrence rate, improve patients' life of quality, and can inhibit allergic inflammation and neurogenic inflammatory mediators in the treatment of PIC with symptom of lung injury caused by dryness and heat, with a better clinical efficacy than pure compound methoxyphenamine capsules.

Comparison of Dryness Effect Between Atractylodes lancea and A. chinensis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the dryness effect of Atractylodes lancea and A. chinensis. Method:Sixty normal and healthy SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups(10 in each group), including normal saline group, soybean oil group, low-dose(46.25 mg·kg-1·d-1) group and high-dose(500 mg·kg-1·d-1) group of A. lancea, low-dose(46.25 mg·kg-1·d-1) group and high-dose(500 mg·kg-1·d-1) group of A. chinensis, the dosing volume was 0.01 mL·g-1, and the drug was administered orally for 21 days. Taking average daily water intake, submandibular gland tissue, urine volume and expression of aquaporin 2(AQP2) in the kidney, and whole blood viscosity as the evaluation indexes, the dryness effect of long-term administration of equal doses of volatile oil from A. lancea and volatile oil from A. chinensis on rats was observed. Result:Compared with the soybean oil group, long-term administration of high doses of volatile oil from A. lancea and volatile oil from A. chinensis could significantly increase average daily water intake, urine volume and whole blood viscosity; decrease the expression of AQP2, and atrophy the acini of submandibular gland, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. Effects of volatile oil from A. lancea and A. chinensis with low dose on dryness of rats were not significant. Conclusion:There is no significant difference between the dryness effect of volatile oil from A. lancea and A. chinensis in the same dose. It is proved that the rationality of A. lancea and A. chinensis are universal in clinical practice, and this study provides experimental basis for rational use of Atractylodis Rhizoma.