OBJECTIVE To study the protective effect of Orychophragmus violaceus(OV)seed against acute hepatotoxicity induced by the traditional Chinese Medicine Cortex Dictamni in mice. METHODS Twenty-five mice were randomly divided into 5 groups:control group,Cortex Dictamni group(70 g · kg-1)and OV seed groups(36,54 and 72 g · kg-1). OV Seed groups were orally adminis?tered with the aqueous extract of OV seed for 4 consecutive days while the other groups were ig given water. On the 4th day,Cortex Dictamni group and OV seed groups were ig given the aqueous extract of Cortex Dictamni,and normal control group was ig given water. Twenty-four hours later,all the mice had their blood and liver samples taken after anesthesia. The serum chemical parameters were measured, including glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT),glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),as well as malondialdehyde(MDA),glutathione(GSH)and oxidized glutathione(GSSG)levels in the liver. GSH/GSSG ratio was calculated. Histopathologic changes in the liver were observed and the area was calculated after HE staining. RESULTS Compared with normal control group,Cortex Dictamni(70 g · kg-1)increased the serum GOT,GPT and LDH levels by 500, 140 and 40 fold(P<0.01). OV seed reduced serum GOT,GPT and LDH levels increased by Cortex Dictamni(P<0.05,P<0.01),by as much as 62%,75% and 99% for GPT,70%,82% and 98% for GOT,and 55%,75%and 96%for LDH,respectively. The level of MDA and the ratio of GSH/GSSG in Cortex Dictamni group were 1.39 ± 0.58 and(3.53 ± 1.27)μmol · g-1,a 10-fold increase and 40%decline compared with normal control group(P<0.01). OV seed of 72 g·kg-1 lowered the level of MDA by 22%(P<0.05),and OV seed(36,54 and 72 g · kg-1)increased the GSH/GSSG ratio by 47%,42%and 54%(P<0.05). Histopathologic results showed that OV seed alleviated the liver damage induced by Cortex Dictamni from(64.1±8.5)%to(37.5±7.1)%and (20.0±0.8)%(P<0.01). CONCLUSION OV seed can effectively protect mice from the acute hepatotoxicity induced by Cortex Dictamni.

Objective To discuss the effects and the possible mechanismof curcumin on pulmonary functions and expression of TGF-β1 and NF-κB in paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis of rats.Methods SPF Wistar rats were randomly (random number) divided into three groups:paraquat-poisoned group (PQ group,with PQ 50 mg/kg by gavage),Curcumin-treatment group (PC group after 30,with curcumin (200 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection),and Blank group (B group,with same volume of sterile saline at the same time).After 14 d,the lung function of rats was observed,and the expression of TGF-β1 and NF-κB protein were detected by immunohistochemistry.Results The survival rates of mice significant difference in the PC and PQ groups with (70.83％ vs.41.67％,P ＜0.05).Compared with the B group,lung function index (Te,PIF,PEF,EF50,TV,F) of PQ group significantly decreased (P ＜ 0.05,P ＜ 0.01).Compared with the PQ group,lung function index (Te,PEF,TV,F) of PC group significantly increased (P ＜ 0.05 or P ＜ 0.01).There are some expression of lung tissues of rats with TGF-β1,NF-κB in B group.Compared with B group,PQ group significantly enhanced (P ＜0.01or P ＜0.05).Compared with the PQ,PC group significantly decreased (P ＜ 0.01 or P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Curcumin can relieve paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting the over expression of TGF-β1,NF-κB in lung tissue of rats.

Objective To observe the effects of curcumin on the lung collagen area and the expression of TNF-α,IL-6 and NE in paraquat-poisoning rats at different intervals,and discuss the possible mechanism of curcumin antagonizing paraquat poisoning.Methods A total of 108 SPF Wistar rats were divided into three groups (random number):blank group (B group) for control,paraquat poisonin group (PQ group) and curcumin-treatment group (PC group).The rats of PQ group and PC group were given paraquat (50 mg/kg) by gavage,and the rats of B group were given equal volume of sterile saline solution at the same time.Thirty minutes later,the rats of PC group were given curcumin (200 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection,and rats of B group and PC group were given equal volume of sterile saline solution instead.At 3 d,7 d and 14 d after modeling,the distribution and pathological changes of lung tissue and collagen fiber were observed by HE and Masson staining.The concentration of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were detected by enzyme-immunoassay.The lung neutrophil elastase (NE)expression was observed by immuno-histochemical method.Result Compared with B group,PQ group had pulmonary alveolitis in different degrees at different intervals,and the most serious pulmonary alveolitis was observed at 7 d after modeling.Diffused pulmonary fibrosis of the lung tissue and a large area of collagen fiber deposition were observed especially at 14 d after modeling,as well as the expression of NE was observed obviously,especially at 14 d after modeling.The concentration of TNF-α,IL-6 in serum were significantly increased (P ＜ 0.05,P ＜ 0.01).Compared with PQ group,the pulmonary alveolitis and fibrosis obviously in PC group with obvious reduction in the expression of NE and significant descrease in the concentrations of TNF-o and IL-6 (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Inhabiting inflammatory factors to alleviate the seriousness of alveolar inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis might be one of the mechanism of treatment with curcumin for paraquat poisoning rats.

Objective To observe the effects of curcumin on pulmonary fibrosis and functions on paraquat (PQ)-challenged rats, and investigate the possible mechanism. Methods 108 SPF Wistar rats were divided into three groups according to random number sheet: normal saline (NS) control group, PQ model group and curcumin-treatment group. The rats in each group were subdivided into three subgroups according to different time points (3, 7, 14 days), with 12 rats in each subgroup. PQ-challenged models were reproduced by intragastrical administration of PQ solution 50 mg/kg, and those in NS control group were given the equal volume of NS. After 30 minutes, the rats in curcumin-treatment group were given 200 mg/kg of curcumin by intraperitoneal injection, and those in NS control group and PQ model group were given the equal volume of NS. At 3, 7, 14 days, the tidal volume (VT) was examined, and the blood was drawn from femoral artery for blood gas analysis. Then the rats were sacrificed and the lung tissues were harvested, the hydroxyproline (Hyp) content was measured by alkaline hydrolysis; the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) was determined by immuno-histochemistry; the distribution and the change of the pulmonary collagen fiber were observed after Masson staining. Results After exposure to PQ, the VT and arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) were decreased gradually, and the levels of Hyp and TGF-β1 were increased gradually, reaching the trough or the peak at 14 days, which were significantly lower or higher than those in NS control group [14-day VT (mL):1.52±0.33 vs. 2.81±0.47, 14-day PaO2(kPa): 5.87±0.95 vs. 14.15±1.02, 14-day Hyp (μg/mg): 3.12±0.06 vs. 1.14±0.05, 14-day TGF-β1 (integral A value): 29.72±4.27 vs. 4.15±0.52, all P < 0.01]. After intervene of curcumin, the parameters were significantly improved as compared with those of PQ model group [14-day VT (mL): 2.34±0.19 vs. 1.52±0.33, 14-day PaO2(kPa): 10.23±1.01 vs. 5.87±0.95, 14-day Hyp (μg/mg): 2.31±0.04 vs. 3.12±0.06, 14-day TGF-β1 (integral A value): 15.46±2.89 vs. 29.72±4.27, all P < 0.01]. It was shown by Masson staining that in PQ model group, with the PQ-poisoned time prolonging, diffused pulmonary fibrosis and a large number of collagen deposition were observed gradually, and the most serious collagen deposition was observed at 14 days; after intervene of curcumin, pulmonary fibrosis was alleviated significantly at different time points as compared with the PQ model group. Conclusion Curcumin can enhance the pulmonary function by reducing the deposition of collagen fiber and inhabiting pulmonary fibrosis of PQ-poisoned rats.

Objective    To explore the factors of postoperative cough in lung cancer patients. Methods    Totally 130 lung cancer patients of single medical team (average age of 58.75±9.34 years, 65 males and 65 females), from February 2016 to February 2017 in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of West China Hospital of Sichuan University, were investigated by Mandarin Chinese version of the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ-MC). We analyzed and calculated the preoperative and postoperative scores of LCQ-MC, Cronbach α and the influencing factor. Results    The preoperative score of LCQ-MC's physiological dimension was significantly lower in the postoperative cough group (6.30±0.76) than that of the postoperative non-cough group (6.56±0.60, P=0.044), while the preoperative total score of LCQ-MC (19.53±1.78, 20.03±1.45) was not statistically different (P=0.080). The postoperative score of LCQ-MC was significantly lower in the postoperative cough group (17.32±2.79) than that of the postoperative non-cough group (19.70±1.39, P<0.001). And the scores of physiological, psychological and social dimension were significantly lower in the postoperative cough group (5.32 ±1.14, 5.73±1.14, 6.23±0.89) than those of the postoperative non-cough group (6.25±0.63, 6.67±0.54, 6.78±0.49) (P values were all less than 0.001). The result of multi-factor logistic regression analysis showed the condition of preoperative cough symptom (OR=0.354, 95%CI=0.126–0.994, P=0.049) and anesthesia time (OR=1.021, 95%CI=1.003–1.040, P=0.021) were the risk factors. Conclusion    The risk factors of postoperative cough symptoms in lung cancer patients are the condition of preoperative cough symptoms and anesthesia time.

Urolithiasis is a common and complex disease of the urinary system, which can cause urinary tract blockage, urinary tract infection, and even damage to urinary system-related tissues. Although urolithiasis can be cured, its high recurrence rate and the development of chronic kidney disease in some patients have drawn the attention of nephrologists. Although the application of extracorporeal lithotripsy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy and other minimally invasive techniques have made the treatment of urolithiasis more efficient, pharmacotherapy plays an indispensable role in reducing their morbidity and recurrence rates. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used for treatment and prevention of urolithiasis in developing countries for centuries, known for its unquestionable efficacy and safety. This article reviews the progress of clinical trials and pharmacological studies on the treatment of urolithiasis with Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs). The mechanism of CHMs in the treatment of urolithiasis mainly involve preventing further growth and aggregation of urolithiasis, reducing the PH of urine, promoting calculus dissolution. Furthermore, some CHMs can increase urine output, relax smooth muscles, and promote the removal of calculus. These findings provide new treatment strategies and options for urolithiasis and secondary kidney damage.

Background: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) strategies in COVID-19 patients differ from those in patients suffering from cardiogenic cardiac arrest. During CPR, both healthcare and non-healthcare workers who provide resuscitation are at risk of infection. The Working Group for Expert Consensus on Prevention and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Cardiac Arrest in COVID-19 has developed this Chinese Expert Consensus to guide clinical practice of CPR in COVID-19 patients. Main recommendations: 1) A medical team should be assigned to evaluate severe and critical COVID-19 for early monitoring of cardiac-arrest warning signs. 2) Psychological counseling and treatment are highly recommended, since sympathetic and vagal abnormalities induced by psychological stress from the COVID-19 pandemic can induce cardiac arrest. 3) Healthcare workers should wear personal protective equipment (PPE). 4) Mouth-to-mouth ventilation should be avoided on patients suspected of having or diagnosed with COVID-19. 5) Hands-only chest compression and mechanical chest compression are recommended. 6) Tracheal-intubation procedures should be optimized and tracheal-intubation strategies should be implemented early. 7) CPR should be provided for 20-30 min. 8) Various factors should be taken into consideration such as the interests of patients and family members, ethics, transmission risks, and laws and regulations governing infectious disease control. Changes in management: The following changes or modifications to CPR strategy in COVID-19 patients are proposed: 1) Healthcare workers should wear PPE. 2) Hands-only chest compression and mechanical chest compression can be implemented to reduce or avoid the spread of viruses by aerosols. 3) Both the benefits to patients and the risk of infection should be considered. 4) Hhealthcare workers should be fully aware of and trained in CPR strategies and procedures specifically for patients with COVID-19.