ObjectiveTo explore the effect of Qishengwan on ileal flora during its treatment of Alzheimer's disease （AD） under the guidance of the theory of "interior-exterior relationship between heart and small intestine". MethodThe AD model was established by bilateral intraventricular injection of β-amyloid 1-42 （Aβ_1-42）. The rats were then randomly divided into the blank group， sham-operated group， model group， low-， medium-， and high-dose （5.6， 11.2，22.4 g·kg^-1·d^-1） Qishengwan groups， and donepezil （0.46 mg·kg^-1·d^-1） group. After medication for 28 successive days， the spatial memory ability of rats was observed in water maze test， and the levels of Aβ_1-42， nuclear transcription factor-κB （NF-κB）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， and interleukin-6 （IL-6） in the hippocampus were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Additionally， the contents of the ileum were collected and subjected to 16SrRNA-sequencing analysis for figuring out the changes in ileal flora. ResultCompared with the blank group and sham-operated group， the model group exhibited significantly reduced stay time in the target quadrant and number of target quadrant and platform crossings （P<0.05， P<0.01） and elevated Aβ_1-42 content in the hippocampus （P<0.01） and central inflammatory factors NF-κB， TNF-α， and IL-6 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， Qishengwan at each dose significantly alleviated the impaired spatial memory function （P<0.05， P<0.01）， improved the deposition of Aβ_1-42 in the hippocampus of rats （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and reduced the expression of central nervous system inflammatory factors （P<0.05， P<0.01）， thus exerting a good therapeutic effect on AD rats. The 16SrRNA-sequencing analysis results showed that the structure of the ileal flora in the model group was significantly separated from those in the blank group and sham-operated group. The abundance of Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group was significantly increased （P<0.01）， while that of Escherichia-Shigella was reduced （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Qishengwan at each dose significantly changed the ileal flora structure and regulated the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group， Escherichia-Shigella， and Ruminococcaceae. ConclusionQishengwan has a positive therapeutic effect on AD. It can significantly enhance the memory and cognitive abilities in AD rats， which may be related to its regulation of the structure of rat ileal flora and the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group， Escherichia-Shigella， and Ruminococcaceae， the attenuation of the central neuroinflammatory response， and the reduction of central Aβ_1-42 deposition.

OBJECTIVE: Traditional Chinese medicine plays a significant role in the treatment of the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Tanreqing Capsule (TRQC) was used in the treatment of COVID-19 patients in the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center. This study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of TRQC in the treatment of COVID-19. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 82 patients who had laboratory-confirmed mild and moderate COVID-19; patients were treated with TRQC in one designated hospital. The treatment and control groups consisted of 25 and 57 cases, respectively. The treatment group was given TRQC orally three times a day, three pills each time, in addition to conventional Western medicine treatments which were also administered to the control group. The clinical efficacy indicators, such as the negative conversion time of pharyngeal swab nucleic acid, the negative conversion time of fecal nucleic acid, the duration of negative conversion of pharyngeal-fecal nucleic acid, and the improvement in the level of immune indicators such as T-cell subsets (CD3, CD4 and CD45) were monitored. RESULTS: COVID-19 patients in the treatment group, compared to the control group, had a shorter negative conversion time of fecal nucleic acid (4 vs. 9 days, P = 0.047) and a shorter interval of negative conversion of pharyngeal-fecal nucleic acid (0 vs. 2 days, P = 0.042). The level of CD3 CONCLUSION Significant reductions in the negative conversion time of fecal nucleic acid and the duration of negative conversion of pharyngeal-fecal nucleic acid were identified in the treatment group as compared to the control group, illustrating the potential therapeutic benefits of using TRQC as a complement to conventional medicine in patients with mild and moderate COVID-19. The underlying mechanism may be related to the improved levels of the immune indicator CD3
Adult ; Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use* ; COVID-19/pathology* ; Capsules ; DNA, Viral/analysis* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Feces/virology* ; Female ; Humans ; Length of Stay ; Lymphocyte Count ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods* ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; SARS-CoV-2/genetics* ; Severity of Illness Index ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVE: To observe the early interventions of traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) on the conversion time of nucleic acid in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and find possible underlying mechanisms of action. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 300 confirmed COVID-19 patients who were treated with TCM, at a designated hospital in China. The patients were categorized into three groups: TCM1, TCM2 and TCM3, who respectively received TCM interventions within 7, 8-14, and greater than 15 days of hospitalization. Different indicators such as the conversion time of pharyngeal swab nucleic acid, the conversion time of fecal nucleic acid, length of hospital stay, and inflammatory markers (leukocyte count, and lymphocyte count and percentage) were analyzed to observe the impact of early TCM interventions on these groups. RESULTS: The median conversion times of pharyngeal swab nucleic acid in the three groups were 5.5, 7 and 16 d (P < 0.001), with TCM1 and TCM2 being statistically different from TCM3 (P < 0.01). TCM1 (P < 0.05) and TCM3 (P < 0.01) were statistically different from TCM2. The median conversion times of fecal nucleic acid in the three groups were 7, 9 and 17 d (P < 0.001). Conversion times of fecal nucleic acid in TCM1 were statistically different from TCM3 and TCM2 (P < 0.01). The median lengths of hospital stay in the three groups were 13, 16 and 21 d (P < 0.001). TCM1 and TCM2 were statistically different from TCM3 (P < 0.01); TCM1 and TCM3 were statistically different from TCM2 (P < 0.01). Both leucocyte and lymphocyte counts increased gradually with an increase in the length of hospital stay in TCM1 group patients, with a statistically significant difference observed at each time point in the group (P < 0.001). Statistically significant differences in lymphocyte count and percentage in TCM2 (P < 0.001), and in leucocyte count (P = 0.043) and lymphocyte count (P = 0.038) in TCM3 were observed. The comparison among the three groups showed a statistically significant difference in lymphocyte percentage on the third day of admission (P = 0.044). CONCLUSION In this study, it was observed that in COVID-19 patients treated with a combination of Chinese and Western medicines, TCM intervention earlier in the hospital stay correlated with faster conversion time of pharyngeal swab and fecal nucleic acid, as well as shorter length of hospital stay, thus helping promote faster recovery of the patient. The underlying mechanism of action may be related to improving inflammation in patients with COVID-19.
Adult ; Aged ; COVID-19/drug therapy* ; Female ; Humans ; Length of Stay ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; SARS-CoV-2

Objective To analyze the status of quality indicators(QI) on specimen acceptability and establish preliminary qual ity specification.Methods Web based External Quality Assessment system was used to collect data of laboratories partici pated in "Medical quality control indicators in clinical laboratory" from 2015 to 2017,including once in 2015 and 2017 and twice in 2016.Rate and sigma scales were used to evaluate incorrect sample type,incorrect sample container,incorrect fill level and anticoagulant sample clotted.The 25th percentile (P25) and 75th percentile (P75) of the distribution of each QI were employed to establish the high,medium and low specification.Results 5 346,7 593,5 950 and 6 874 laboratories sub mitted the survey results respectively.The P50 of biochemistry (except incorrect fill level),immunology and microbiology reach to 6σ.The P50 of clinical laboratory is 4 to 6σ except for incorrect sample container.There is no significant change of the continuous survey results.Based on results in 2017 to establish the quality specification,the P25 and P75 of the four QIs is 0 and 0.084 4 ％,0 and 0.047 6 ％,0 and 0.114 2 ％,0 and 0.078 4 ％,respectively.Conclusion According to the results of the survey,most laboratories had a faire performance in biochemistry,immunology and microbiology,and clinical laboratory needs to be strengthened.Laboratories should strengthen the laboratory information system construction to ensure the actual and reliable data collection,and make a long time monitoring to achieve a better quality.

This study aims to analyze and compare the effect of cell wall-broken decoction pieces, conventional decoction pieces and conventional powder of Rhodiolae Crenulatae Radix et Rhizoma on the intestinal flora of normal mice. The conventional bacterial culture and PCR-DGGE (polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis) were adopted for the mice after the oral administration for 14 days. According to the bacterial culture results, the 1/8 dose cell wall-broken decoction pieces group showed fewer Enterococcus and Escherichia coli bacillus but more Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium than the conventional decoction pieces group and the traditional powder group (P <0.05). Meanwhile, on the basis of the PCR-DGGE results, the 1/8 dose cell wall-broken decoction pieces group revealed the highest Shannon-Wiener index (H) and species richness (S) among the seven groups, with extremely significant differences compared with the normal group (P <0.01), significant differences compared with the conventional decoction pieces group and the conventional powder group (P <0.05) and a high intra-group similarity. In conclusion, the long-term intake of 1/8 dose Rhodiolae Crenulatae Radix et Rhizoma cell wall-broken decoction pieces showed a certain effect in regulating intestinal tract by promoting the growth of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Furthermore, the intestinal flora community will become more stable.
Animals ; Bifidobacterium ; drug effects ; genetics ; growth & development ; Cell Wall ; Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis ; Intestines ; microbiology ; Lactobacillus ; drug effects ; genetics ; growth & development ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Rhizome ; Rhodiola

To study the effect of pulchinenoside (PULC) on the Frizzled (FZD) expression of adjuvant arthritis ( AA) rats. AA rats were prepared through the toe injection with complete Freund's adjuvant to culture fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). The effect of the oral administration with PULC on the FZD8 expression was detected by the real time qPCR. The effect of FZD8 knockout on the expressions of IL-1, IL-6, IL-8 were detected by MTT and ELISA. The role of miR-375 in the abnomal expression of FZD8 was detected by the real time qPCR. The results showed signfiicant decrease in the FZD8 expression among AA rats, FLS proliferation ater FZD8 knockout and IL-1, IL-6, IL-8 expressions and notable increase in miR-375 expression after the oral administration with PULC. The up-regulated miR-375 expression can inhibit the FZD8 expression. PULC may inhibit the FZD8 expression by up-regulating the miR-375 expression.
Animals ; Arthritis, Experimental ; drug therapy ; genetics ; metabolism ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Humans ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptors, Cell Surface ; genetics ; metabolism ; Saponins ; administration & dosage

Objective To observe tigecycline (TGC),minocycline (MH)and polymyxin B (PB)in vitro antibacterial activity of pan-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (PDR-Ab)for clinical treatment,provide the basis for infection control.Methods Collected 76 patients’clinical specimens used for no repeat count of isolation and identification with pan-resistant Acineto-bacter baumannii in Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital from October 2013 to March 2013.Used tigecycline,minocycline and polymyxin B to do susceptibility testing with disk diffusion method (KB).Results 76 pan-resistant Acinetobacter bau-mannii ,sensitive to the rate for tigecycline and polymyxin B were 100% sensitivity rate of minocycline and intermediary rates were 67.11%,27.63%.Conclusion Tigecycline,minocycline and polymyxin B for the Pan-resistant Acinetobacter bau-mannii had good in vitro antibacterial activity.It provide a reference for clinical pan-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infec-tions caused by diseases treatment.

The role of pulchinenoside (PULC) in the regulation of MeCP2 expression was investigated in RA model rats. Adjuvant arthritis rats were used as RA model rats, and fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) from the RA model rats were cultured. The effect of 100 mg x kg(-1) PULC gavage treatment on the MeCP2 expression and the effect of MeCP2 siRNA on the expression of SFRP2 and β-catenin were detected by real time qPCR and Western blotting. The role of PULC in the FLS proliferation was detected by MTT. The results showed that the MeCP2 expression was down-regulated, the SFRP2 expression was up-regulated and the FLS proliferation was inhibited in FLS after therapy. MeCP2 siRNA significantly inhibited the MeCP2 expression, up-regulated the SFRP2 expression and inhibited the β-catenin expression in FLS from RA model rats. PULC may increase the SFRP2 expression, inhibit the Wnt signaling and inhibit the FLS proliferation in FLS from the RA model rats by inhibiting the MeCP2 expression.
Animals ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; drug therapy ; genetics ; metabolism ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Fibroblasts ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Gene Expression Regulation ; drug effects ; Humans ; Male ; Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Synovial Membrane ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Wnt Signaling Pathway ; drug effects ; beta Catenin ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of pulchinenoside (PULC) in modulating SFRP2 expression in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) model rats.

METHODThe effect of PULC in treating RA rats was evaluated by rat arthritis score and paw swelling score. The inhibitory effect of PULC on FLS proliferation was detected by MTT reagent. The effects of PULC gavage treatment in modulating gene expression of FLS SFRP2, critical gene beta-catenin of Wnt pathway and downstream effector genes C-myc of of Wnt pathway were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting.

RESULTPULC had a significant effect in treating RA rats and that SFRP2 expression was down-regulated in FLS. After PULC gavage treatment, FLS SFRP2 expression was obviously up-regulated, whereas beta-catenin and C-myc gene expressions were significantly down-regulated.

CONCLUSIONPULC can inhibit abnormal proliferation of synovial membrane by modulating Wnt pathway of RA rats.

Animals ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Disease Models, Animal ; Gene Expression Regulation ; drug effects ; Male ; Membrane Proteins ; genetics ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Saponins ; pharmacology ; Synovial Membrane ; drug effects ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo observe the clinical efficacy of tetrandrine combined with acetylcysteine effervescent tablets in the treatment of silicosis.

METHODSA total of 96 patients with silicosis were randomly divided into treatment group (49 cases) and control group (47 cases). Both groups were given routine therapy including anti-inflammatory, antitussive, and antiasthmatic drugs, and the patients in treatment group were given tetrandrine combined with acetylcysteine effervescent tablets at the same time. Tetrandrine (100 mg) was orally administrated twice a day, and there was a one-day interval between every 6 days' continuous administration; totally, there were four courses of treatment, with 3 months for each course, and there was a one-month break between each course. Acetylcysteine effervescent tablets (600 mg) were taken twice a day; each course of treatment was 12 days, and there were four courses; for the first two months, there was one course per month, and then one course every other two months for the rest of time. Clinical symptoms, pulmonary ventilation function, serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and changes in X-ray findings were observed.

RESULTSAfter treatment, the treatment group had significantly increased rates of improvements in cough, expectoration, chest congestion and pain, and dyspnea compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group (serum SOD level: 70.466±20.261 U/ml) and the treatment group before therapy (serum SOD level: 68.182±21.414 U/ml), the treatment group after therapy had significantly increased serum SOD level (77.389±21.315 U/ml?, forced vital capacity, and forced expiratory volume in one second (P < 0.05). Eight patients in treatment group showed improvement in the chest X-ray findings of silicosis.

CONCLUSIONThe combination of tetrandrine and acetylcysteine effervescent tablets show some effect in the treatment of silicosis. It can be an effective option for treating silicosis as there are no other specific remedies.

Acetylcysteine ; therapeutic use ; Aged ; Benzylisoquinolines ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Silicosis ; drug therapy ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism ; Treatment Outcome