Amomi Fructus （AF） refers to the dried mature fruit of Amomum villosum A. villosum. var. xanthiondes， and A. longiligulare， all belonging to the Zingiberaceae family. As one of the renowned "Four Southern Medicines"， AF is also classified as an ingredient featured by "medicinal and food homology". It is mainly produced in Guangdong， Yunnan， and Hainan provinces in China. In recent years， with the in-depth implementation of the "Healthy China" strategy， AF has gained increasing popularity among the public due to its significant medicinal value. At the same time， research on its chemical composition， pharmacological effects， and identification methods has garnered widespread attention from scholars. The chemical composition of AF is highly complex. Its primary constituents include volatile components such as borneol acetate， camphor， and borneol， as well as non-volatile components such as polysaccharides， polyphenols， and mineral elements. AF possesses a wide range of pharmacological effects， including gastrointestinal protection， lipid-lowering and weight loss， glucose-lowering， uric acid-lowering， antioxidant， anti-inflammatory， antibacterial， and analgesic activities. The identification techniques for AF， including microscopic identification， molecular biological identification， and electrochemical fingerprinting， are crucial for its quality control， safety， and efficacy. However， in recent years， there have been few comprehensive summaries of research on AF， which limits further in-depth research and high-value development and utilization of AF. This article systematically reviewed the research progress on the chemical composition， pharmacological activity， and identification methods of AF， and is expected to provide prospects for future research.

Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer, including lung cancer. However, the exact underlying mechanism and therapeutic potential are largely unknown. Here we report that protein arginine methyltransferase 6 (PRMT6) is highly expressed in lung cancer and is required for cell metabolism, tumorigenicity, and cisplatin response of lung cancer. PRMT6 regulated the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) flux and glycolysis pathway in human lung cancer by increasing the activity of 6-phospho-gluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD) and α-enolase (ENO1). Furthermore, PRMT6 methylated R324 of 6PGD to enhancing its activity; while methylation at R9 and R372 of ENO1 promotes formation of active ENO1 dimers and 2-phosphoglycerate (2-PG) binding to ENO1, respectively. Lastly, targeting PRMT6 blocked the oxidative PPP flux, glycolysis pathway, and tumor growth, as well as enhanced the anti-tumor effects of cisplatin in lung cancer. Together, this study demonstrates that PRMT6 acts as a post-translational modification (PTM) regulator of glucose metabolism, which leads to the pathogenesis of lung cancer. It was proven that the PRMT6-6PGD/ENO1 regulatory axis is an important determinant of carcinogenesis and may become a promising cancer therapeutic strategy.

Objective:To investigate the effect of elevated low-density lipoprotein(LDL)cholesterol on the release of endothelial microvesicles into the circulatory system in elderly patients with obstructive sleep apnea(OSA).Methods:This was a case-control study.A total of 69 elderly inpatients aged ≥ 60 years were divided into the OSA group(n=48)and the normal control group(n=21)based on the apnea/hypopnea index(AHI). Sleep monitoring was carried out in the two groups, and venous blood samples were taken after the monitoring.Density gradient centrifugation was used to extract microparticles and flow cytometry was used to analyze patients' blood levels of endothelial microvesicles.Blood lipid levels of patients were measured by biochemical analysis methods.The correlation between LDL cholesterol levels and endothelial microvesicles in OSA patients was analyzed.Results:LDL cholesterol levels were higher in OSA patients than in normal controls(2.6±0.6 mmol/L vs.2.2±0.7 mmol/L, t=2.089, P=0.041). Endothelial microvesicle levels were elevated in OSA patients compared with the normal controls[(28.2±12.2)×10 -6events/L vs.(19.6±7.8)×10 -6 events/L, t=-3.164, P=0.003]. Endothelial microvesicle levels increased in OSA patients with elevated LDL cholesterol compared with OSA patients with normal LDL cholesterol[(39.3±12.6)×10 -6 events/L vs.(28.2±12.2)×10 -6 events/L, t=2.899, P=0.006]. There was a significant correlation between LDL cholesterol levels and endothelial microvesicle levels in OSA patients( r=0.497, P=0.032), while levels of HDL, total cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure and blood glucose had no significant correlation with endothelial microvesicle levels. Conclusions:The level of endothelial microvesicles released into the circulation is higher in elderly OSA patients than in normal elderly people, and the elevated concentration of LDL can further promote the release of endothelial microvesicles in OSA patients.

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of botulinum toxin type A for injection in the treatment of post-stroke upper limb spasticity (dosage was 200 U,or 240 U if combined with thumb spasticity).Methods The study was a multi-center,stratified block randomized,double-blind,placebocontrolled trial.All the qualificd subjects were from 15 clinical centers from September 2014 to February 2016.They were randomized (2∶1) to injections of botulinum toxin type A made in China (200-240 U;n =118) or placebo (n =60) in pivotal phase after informed consent signed.The study was divided into two stages.The pivotal trial phase included a one-week screening,12-week double-blind treatment,followed by an expanded phase which included six-week open-label treatment.The tone of the wrist,finger,thumb flexors was assessed at baseline and at weeks 0,1,4,6,8,12,16 and 18 using Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS),disability in activities of daily living was rated using the Disability Assessment Scale and impaction on pain,muscle tone and deformity was assessed using the Global Assessment Scale.The primary endpoint was the score difference between botulinum toxin type A and placebo groups in the tone of the wrist flexor using MAS at six weeks compared to baseline.Results Muscle tone MAS score in the wrist flexor of botulinum toxin type A and placebo groups at six weeks changed-1.00 (-2.00,-1.00) and 0.00 (-0.50,0.00) respectively from baseline.Botulinum toxin type A was significantly superior to placebo for the primary endpoint (Z =6.618,P ＜ 0.01).The safety measurement showed 10 subjects who received botulinum toxin type A had 13 adverse reactions,with an incidence of 8.47％ (10/118),and three subjects who received placebo had three adverse reactions,with an incidence of 5.00％ (3/60) during the pivotal trial phase.All adverse reactions were mild to moderate,none serious.There was no significant difference in adverse reactions incidence between the botulinum toxin type A and the placebo groups.During the expanded phase three subjects had four adverse reactions and the incidence was 1.95％.All adverse reactions were mild,none serious.Conclusion Botulinum toxin type A was found to be safe and efficacious for the treatment of post-stroke upper limb spasticity.Clinical Trial Registration:China Drug Trials,CTR20131191

Objective To select the risk factors and focus on the pathogenesis of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) after cataract surgery.Methods A retrospective review of all patients with phacoemulsification surgery referred to the Ophthalmology Divisions,the First Affiliated Hospital,Zhengzhou University,from September 1,2010 to September 1,2016 was performed.Eligible patients were 11 206 cases(13 320 eyes),30 cases (30 eyes) were complicated with AION after cataract surgery (AION group),and 90 cases (90 eyes) were selected as control group according to the ratio of 1 ∶ 3 by random sequence.Factors of small cup disc ratios,previous surgery history,cardiac disease,diabetes,hypertension,hyperlipemia,smoking,carotid disease and intraocular pressure (IOP) were collected,x2 test,Logistic regression and t test were performed to analyze risk factors for AION.Results Small cup-disc ratios,diabetes,hypertension,hyperlipemia,carotid disease were influencing factors of AION after cataract surgery.Hyperlipemia and carotid disease were risk factors of AION after cataract surgery.There was no significant difference in preoperative intraocular pressure between two groups(all P ＞ 0.05).The intraocular pressure at postoperative 1 day and 7 days in AION group were higher than those in control group (all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Hyperlipemia and carotid artery disease are risk factors for AION after cataract surgery,and high intraocular pressure may be the inductive factor of AION.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy of allergen blocking nasal spray (ABNS) , combined with seawater spray (SS) and myrtol standardized capsules (MSS), in patients with rhinitis sicca. METHOD: Patients diagnosed as rhinitis sicca were randomly divided into 2 groups: ABNS+SS group and SS group. In ABNS+SS group, patients used ABNS and SS four times per day and MSS twice per day. In SS group, patients used the same medicine except ABNS. Both group were observed for 14 days. The visual analog scale (VAS) of dryness, the endoscopy evaluation score (EES) and the tolerability of the spray were compared between the 2 groups. RESULT: There were 30 patients included in each group. The VAS and EES were improved in both groups after 2 weeks' treatment. The improvement of VAS and EES in ABNS+SS group was significantly superior to SS group (VAS: P < 0.01, EES: P < 0.05). There were only 2 patients complaint of slight discomfort when using ABNS, which did not disturb the treatment. CONCLUSION There is good efficacy of allergen blocking nasal spray (ABNS), combined with seawater spray (SS) and myrtol standardized capsules (MSS), in patients with rhinitis sicca.
Allergens ; Chronic Disease ; Drug Combinations ; Endoscopy ; Humans ; Monoterpenes ; therapeutic use ; Nasal Sprays ; Rhinitis ; drug therapy ; Sodium Chloride

Objective To observe the effect of Shoutaiwan on the expression ofα-enolase in the decidua tissue of recurrent abortion mice. Methods The abortion-prone CBA/J × DBA/2 matings were established as the model of recurrent abortion and the nonabortion-prone CBA/J×BALB/C matings were used as the model of normal pregnancy. The model of recurrent abortion CBA/J × DBA/2 of pregnant mice were randomly divided into model group and Shoutaiwan high-, medium-, low-dose groups, pregnant mice of every group were orally administrated in different doses. On the 14th day of pregnancy, the mice were killed. The expression ofα-enolase was detected by using immunohistochemical method and Western Blot. Results α-enolase expression in the model group was significantly higher than the normal pregnancy group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, Shoutaiwan low-, medium- and high-dose group significantly decreasedα-enolase expression of pregnant mice (P <0.01). Compared with high-dose group, Shoutaiwan medium-and low-dose group showed no significant difference (P>0.05). Conclusion Shoutaiwan could down-regulate the expression ofα-enolase in the decidua tissues of recurrent abortion mice, which may be one of its mechanisms of preventing miscarriage.

Objective To explore the mechanism action of Shoutai Pill in the embryo from the molecular level. Methods The model of normal pregnancy was established with the model of recurrent abortion CBA/J ×DBA/2. The recurrent abortion model CBA/J×DBA/2 in pregnant mice were randomly divided into model group, high-, medium-, low-dose group of Shoutai Pill. From the first day of gestation, mice were given medicine by gavage for 14 d, and then sacrificed. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect differences in protein HSP27,α-enolase, transferrin, annexin A2 protein expression. Results Compared with normal group, decidual HSP27 and α-enolase expression of model group increased significantly, the expression of transferrin and annexin A2 was significantly decreased, with significant differences (P<0.01). Compared with model group, decidual HSP27 andα-enolase expression of Shoutai Pill high and low dose group decreased, annexin A2 expression was increased. Compared with model group, expression of decidual transferrin of Shoutai Pill high dose group increased, with significant differences (P<0.01), decidual transferrin expression of Shoutai Pill medium and low dose group had no significant difference (P>0.05). Conclusion Through the protein expression, Shoutai Pill achieves the maintenance of pregnancy, reducing the rate of embryo resorption, which may be one of the mechanisms of Shoutai Pill preventing miscarriage effect.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the cost-effectiveness of standardized specific immunotherapy (SIT) for allergic rhinitis patients accompanied with asthma (ARAS) in China. METHOD: Forty ARAS patients sensitized with house dust mite (HDM) were administered with SIT (SIT group) or merely medicine treatment (control group). Alutard dermatophagoides pteronyssinus vaccine from ALK company was used for immunotherapy. The usage of symptom control medicine was according to the ARIA and GINA guideline. Cost-effectiveness ratio (CER) and Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio(ICER) analysis was conducted. The effectiveness was measured in terms of symptom scores, quality of life, objective improvement of rhinitis and asthma. Sensitive analysis was conducted to verify the stability of the results. RESULT: The cost of SIT group for 1 year (6578 yuan) was higher than that of control group (1733.3 yuan), while the cost-effectiveness ratio and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of SIT group were significant better than that of control group in all items. CER was 1686.7 yuan in SIT group compared with 3466.6 yuan in control group for nasal symptom scores, 4698.6 yuan in SIT group compared with 5777.8 yuan in control group for asthma symptom scores, 3462.1 yuan in SIT group compared with 8666.7 yuan in control group. The sensitive analysis of the price 10 percent higher or lower showed the same results. CONCLUSION The cost-effectiveness of specific immunotherapy (SIT) for mite sensitized ARAS patients was better than that of merely medicine treatment.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Asthma ; economics ; therapy ; Child ; Costs and Cost Analysis ; Female ; Humans ; Immunotherapy ; economics ; Male ; Rhinitis, Allergic ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial ; economics ; therapy ; Young Adult

Objective To provide an objective basis for differential diagnosis of pancreatic diseases through quantitative analysis of the different features of contrast-enhanced endoscopic ultrasonography (CE-EUS). Methods A total of 32 patients with suspected or confirmed pancreatic neoplasms or chronic pancreatitis and 19 patients who underwent EUS due to other digestive problems other than pancreatic disease were enrolled. Features of blood perfusion of the regions of interest during CE-EUS were analyzed quantitatively. The findings were compared with cytological and/or histopathological results of EUS-FNA and/or surgery.Results Quantitative analysis of CE-EUS showed peak intensity (PI) value of 19 normal pancreas was 0.648 ±0. 174, which was statistically different from that of pancreatic cancer and pancreatic cystic lesions. Based on ROC, the cutoff of differential diagnosis was 0. 505, and the sensitivity and specificity were 100. 0% and 84. 2%, respectively. PI value of 6 chronic pancreatitis was the highest (0. 772 ±0. 106). In pancreatic neoplams, PI values of pancreatic carcinoma, pancreatic cyst and pancreatic endocrine tumors were significantly different. Based on a cutoff of 0. 195, the sensitivity and specificity of differentiation of pancreatic carcinoma and pancreatic cyst were 85.7% and 87.5%, respectively. PI value of 14 pancreatic carcinoma and that of 4 pancreatic endocrine tumors were 0. 321 ± 0. 119 and 0. 763 ± 0. 115, respectively. Through the comparison between the AT and TTP of the focal lesions and surrounding pancreatic parenchyma, 78.6% pancreatic carcinoma showed slow falling-in and rapid wash-out and all the endocrine tumors showed rapid falling-in and rapid wash-out. The PI value of 8 patients with pancreatic cyst was 0. 181 ±0. 036, with no enhanced blood flow in the cyst. The TIC was a straight line. Conclusion CE-EUS with quantitative analysis is a promising method that can be a more objective basis in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic diseases.