Sulfur fumigation (SF) is a universal phenomenon in primary processing of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in modern times. In the process, fumigation, sulfur or both of them act on the TCMs. Some active components of TCMs change quantitatively or qualitatively during the processing. At the same time, the sulfur dioxide and heavy metal would remain and cause a serious influence on quality and future development of TCM. This article reviews the chemical compositions change after SF to study the change law and their influence on quality. This article provide references for SF in TCMs' processing for a better and safer quality.
Drug Contamination ; Fumigation ; methods ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; methods ; Quality Control ; Sulfur ; chemistry ; Technology, Pharmaceutical ; methods

Infestation, moldy and other phenomenon in the processing and storage of Chinese herbal medicines is a problem that faced in the production of Chinese traditional medicine. The low productivity of traditional processing methods can not guarantee the quality of Chinese herbal medicines. Sulfur fumigation is the first choice of grassroots to process the Chinese herbal medicine with its low cost and easy operation. Sulfur fumigation can solve some problems in the processing and storage of Chinese herbal medicines, but modern pharmacological studies show that long-term use of Chinese traditional medicine which is fumigated by sulfur can cause some serious harm to human liver, kidney and other organs. This paper conducts a review about the application history of sulfur fumigation, its influence to the quality of Chinese herbal medicines as well as domestic and foreign limits to sulfur quantity, and a brief introduction of the status of modern processing technologies in the processing of food and some Chinese herbal medicines, the problems ex- isting in the Chinese herbal medicines processing, which can provide a reference basis for the further research, development and application of investigating alternative technologies of sulfur fumigation.
Fumigation ; adverse effects ; methods ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; methods ; Quality Control ; Social Control, Formal ; Sulfur ; chemistry ; Technology, Pharmaceutical ; methods

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) reference standards plays an important role in the quality control of Chinese herbal pieces. This paper overviewed the development of TCM reference standards. By analyzing the 2010 edition of Chinese pharmacopoeia, the application of TCM reference standards in the quality control of Chinese herbal pieces was summarized, and the problems exiting in the system were put forward. In the process of improving the quality control level of Chinese herbal pieces, various kinds of advanced methods and technology should be used to research the characteristic reference standards of Chinese herbal pieces, more and more reasonable reference standards should be introduced in the quality control system of Chinese herbal pieces. This article discussed the solutions in the aspect of TCM reference standards, and future development of quality control on Chinese herbal pieces is prospected.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; standards ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; standards ; Quality Control ; Reference Standards

Objective To study the correlation between the diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) measurements and glomerular filtration rate (GFR), Katafuchi scores in IgA nephropathy. Methods Thirty-five patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN group) and twenty healthy volunteers (control group) were enrolled in this study. All of the subjects underwent bilateral renal DWI measurements with 3.0T MRI scanner. The values of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of renal cortex and medulla were measured. GFR of IgAN group was detected with 99Tcm-DTPA scintigraphy. Based on the Lee classification and the Katafuchi score system, the pathological grading was carried out in patients of IgAN group. The ADC values were compared between control group and different grades of IgAN group. The correlations between ADC and GFR values were analysed in defferent groups. The correlations between ADC values and Katafuchi scores were analysed in IgAN group. Results The renal cortical ADC values were significantly higher than medulla ADC values in both control group and IgAN group (P < 0.05). There were statistically significant differences in renal cortical ADC values and medulla ADC values between control group and IgAN subgroups (P<0.05). But there was no significant difference in renal cortical ADC value between IgANⅠgroup and control group (P>0.05). There was a positive correlation between the renal cortical and medulla ADC values and the GFR values in IgAN group (P<0.01). Negative correlation was found between the renal cortical and
medulla ADC values and the Katafuchi scores in IgAN group (P<0.05). Conclusion The diffusion-weighted imaging can reflect the physiological functions of kidney. It was feasible for application DWI in IgA nephropathy, which can be used for assessing the renal filtration function and the pathological damage. However, DWI measurement is not sensitive to early renal disease.

Objective To investigate the expressions of Toll-like receptors and NOD-like receptor (TLR/NLRP) in septic rats with acute kidney injury (AKI) and influence of Radix notoginseng. Methods One hundred and fifty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were selected, and they were divided into three groups: sham operation group, model group and Radix notoginseng pretreatment group with 50 rats in each group. Sepsis rats with AKI models were established by cecal ligation puncture (CLP); only was laparotomy performed in the sham operation group without ligation. The rats in Radix notoginseng pretreatment group were given Radix notoginseng (3 g/kg) for consecutive 3 days by gastric perfusion before treatment, and the sham operation group and sepsis model group rats were given equal amount of normal saline by gastric perfusion. After their blood was collected, at each following time points 6, 12 and 24 hours after modeling, 10 rats in each group were sacrificed, and the kidney specimens were collected. The endotoxin levels were detected by limulus assay; the levels of serum creatinine (SCr) and urea nitrogen (BUN) were detected by automatic biochemical analyzer; serum levels of interleukins (IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); the expression levels of NLRP1/3 and TLR2/4 mRNA and protein in renal tissue were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western Blot, respectively; the pathological changes of renal tissues were observed by optical microscope. The 4-day and 7-day survival rates were observed in the remaining 20 rats in each group. Results The levels of endotoxin, SCr, BUN, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α and the expressions of NLRP1/3, TLR2/4 mRNA and proteins in sepsis model group and Radix notoginseng pretreatment group were significantly higher than those in sham operation group, and the levels of endotoxin, IL-18, and the expressions of NLRP1/3, TLR2/4 mRNA and proteins showed statistically significant differences at 6-hour after operation [endotoxin (kU/L): 61.3±25.7, 56.9±18.6 vs. 0.2±0.1, IL-18 (ng/L): 16.7±5.0, 13.8±2.9 vs. 10.6±2.8, NLRP3 mRNA (2-ΔΔCt): 6.3±1.9, 4.0±1.2 vs. 1.1±0.4, TLR mRNA (2-ΔΔCt): 5.7±1.3, 2.0±0.8 vs. 0.9±0.3, TLR4 mRNA (2-ΔΔCt): 4.4±1.2, 2.3±0.7 vs. 0.6±0.2, NLRP3/β-actin: 38.2±9.3, 26.1±7.2 vs. 18.3±5.1, TLR4/β-actin: 21.9±6.1, 16.2±4.4 vs. 10.9±2.8, TLR4/β-actin: 18.3±6.7, 12.0±3.9 vs. 7.5±2.0, all P < 0.05], the levels of SCr, BUN, IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 showed statistically significant differences at 12-hour after operation [SCr (μmol/L): 62.3±21.6, 38.1±13.9 vs. 36.0±11.9, BUN (mmol/L): 16.5±7.2, 6.9±2.6 vs. 6.8±2.5, IL-1β (ng/L): 37.6±10.9, 31.2±9.3 vs. 20.3±6.5, TNF-α (ng/L): 15.6±3.9, 10.2±2.8 vs. 7.3±2.1, IL-6 (ng/L):9.3±2.5, 6.8±1.7 vs. 5.0±1.3, all P < 0.05], the levels of expressions of NLRP3 mRNA and protein were obviously lower than those in sham operation group, and there were statistical significant differences immediately after 6-hour after operation [NLRP1 mRNA (2-ΔΔCt): 0.5±0.1, 0.8±0.2 vs. 1.6±0.5, NLRP3/β-actin: 8.0±2.1, 16.8±5.0 vs. 35.6±10.5, all P < 0.05], and the amplitude changes of the above indexes in Radix notoginseng pretreatment group were obviously smaller than those in sepsis model group (all P < 0.05); the survival rates of 4-day and 7-day in sepsis model group were significantly lower than those in sham operation group [4-day: 25% (5/20) vs. 95% (19/20), 7-day: 15% (3/20) vs. 95% (19/20), both P < 0.05], while the survival rate in Radix notoginseng pretreatment group was significantly higher than that in sepsis model group [respectively 65% (13/20) vs. 25% (5/20), 60% (12/20) vs. 15% (3/20), both P < 0.05]. Conclusions TLR2/4 and NLRP1/3 may be involved in the pathogenesis of AKI of septic rats. Traditional Chinese medicine Radix notoginseng possibly via regulating the expressions of TLR2/4 and NLRP1/3 can reduce the inflammatory response, in turn ameliorate kidney injury in septic rats and improve their renal functions.

Objective To formulate series of pre-post training for nursing students,and evaluate the effect.Methods Totals of 268 nursing students were divided into observation group and control group randomly from July 2009 to July 2011.The control group received series of pre-post training,while observation group received routine pre-post training combing with the requirement of quality nursing care.Results After the intervention,there were significant difference (t =4.745,3.364,34.952,respectively ; x2 =34.952,29.736,respectively;P ＜ 0.05)between observation group and control group in theoretical examination[(93.34 ± 5.34) vs(82.34 ± 8.76)],skill scores [(94.56 ± 4.87) vs (86.27 ± 10.82)],clinical instruction teachers'satisfaction (92.1％ vs 82.4％) and satisfaction of nursing students (95.8％ vs 71.8％).Conclusions After series of pre-post training,nursing students' professional knowledge and skills are consolidated,and also improved their comprehensive quality.and lay a good foundation for clinical need.

OBJECTIVETo optimize the preparation of salt-processed Psoraleae Fructus by the orthogonal test method.

METHODWith the 12 components such as coumarin, flavone and phenolics as study indexes, a L9 (3(4)) orthogonal test was adopted to compare the effect of different factors on salt-processed Psoraleae Fructus.

RESULTAccording to the finalized optimal process, 100 g Psoraleae Fructus was added with 2 g salt, moistened for 2 hours, and then fried for 10 min at 150 degrees.

CONCLUSIONThe orthogonal test is so reasonable and reliable that it can provide basis for the preparation of salt-processed Psoraleae Fructus.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Coumarins ; analysis ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Flavones ; analysis ; Fruit ; chemistry ; Hot Temperature ; Phenols ; analysis ; Psoralea ; chemistry ; Reproducibility of Results ; Sodium Chloride ; chemistry ; Technology, Pharmaceutical ; methods

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of compound qizhu granule (CQG) on cellular immunity of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients.

METHODSTotally 103 CHB patients treated with lamivudin (LAM) for 6 months, who had partial virological response (HBeAg positive) were randomly assigned to two groups, 50 in the treatment group and 53 in the control group. All patients took LAM 100 mg (once a day) plus ADV 10 mg (once a day). Patients in the treatment group additionally took CQG, one dose per day. After one-year treatment hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA negative rates, HBeAg seroconversion, levels of HBV specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), non-specific CTL and natural killing (NK) cells were compared between the two groups.

RESULTSAfter 1-year treatment, HBV DNA negative rate of the treatment group was 88: 0% in 44 cases, slightly higher than that of the control group (41 cases, 77.4%), but with no statistical difference (P >0.05). HBeAg seroconversion of the treatment group was 32.0% in 16 cases, higher than that of the control group (8 cases, 15.1%), with statistical difference (P <0.05). Levels of HBV specific CTL (0.79%±0. 07%), non-specific CTL (19.4%±1.8%) and NK cells (14. 1%± 1.5%) of the treatment group were higher than those of the control group (0.58% ± 0.08%, 17.5% ± 1.7%, and 11.1%±1.5%, respectively; allP <0.01).

CONCLUSIONTreating CHB patients with partial virological response by ADV plus CQG could improve specific and non-specific cellular immunity, thereby elevating HBeAg seroconversion rate.

Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Hepatitis B e Antigens ; immunology ; Hepatitis B virus ; genetics ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; drug therapy ; immunology ; Humans ; Immunity, Cellular ; immunology ; T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic ; drug effects

OBJECTIVE To study the effects of modified Qingying Decoction on endotoxin levels of patients with cirrhosis endotoxemia due to hepatitis B.METHODS 58 patients with cirrhosis endotoxemia due to hepatitis B of toxic heat and blood stasis syndrome were randomly divided into treatment group(30 cases) and control group(28 cases).Patients in the control group were treated with hepatoprotective medication therapy,including reduced glutathione injection,Kuhuang injection and diammonium glycyrrhizinate and sodium chloride injection.Based on this,patients in the treatment group were further given Qingying Decoction.The endotoxin levels in the serum of these 58 patients were tested using the dynamic turbidity method,to-gether with serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT),total bilirubin(TBiL) and prothrombin time(PT).RESULTS The treat-ment group was superior to the control group in decreasing clinical symptom integral(P <0.01) and even more superior in re-ducing endotoxin levels(P <0.05).CONCULSION Qingying Decoction has a notable curative effect on cirrhosis endotoxemia due to hepatitis B.

Objective To investigate the anticoagulation status of patients with atrial fibrillation(AF)-related acute ischemic stroke(AIS)after revascularization therapy in the real world.Methods A retrospective study was performed on patients diagnosed as AIS and AF from Jan.2019 to Jan.2022 at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University.Patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis(IVT),endovascular thrombectomy(EVT),or both were enrolled.Clinical information,timing of anticoagulation initiation,treatment regimens,and outcomes were documented and statistically analyzed.Additionally,a questionnaire was administered to the primary physicians to understand reasons for delaying or not initiating anticoagulation.Results A total of 189 patients with AF-related AIS met the screening criteria,including 86(45.5%)cases in the IVT group,63(33.3%)cases in the EVT group,and 40(21.2%)cases in the IVT+EVT group.The mean age of 189 patients was(72.90±9.23)years old.There were 93(49.2%)female patients.Anticoagulation was initiated within 14 d after revascularization therapy in 36.0%(68/189)of patients,with the highest rate in the IVT group(58.8%,40/68),followed by the EVT group(22.1%,15/68)and IVT+EVT group(19.1%,13/68).A significant difference was found in the proportion of patients receiving anticoagulation within 14 d among the 3 groups(P=0.020).Univariate analysis was performed on the clinical data of patients who initiated anticoagulation within 14 d after revascularization therapy(68 cases)and those who delayed or did not initiate anticoagulation(121 cases).The results showed that there were significant differences in the stroke history,National Institutes of Health stroke scale(NIHSS)score before revascularization therapy,Alberta Stroke Program early computed tomography score,modified Rankin scale(mRs)score before revascularization therapy,imaging characteristics(lesions near cortex,large infarction,severe stenosis or occlusion of major intracranial arteries),revascularization therapy method,NIHSS score 3 d after revascularization therapy,and intracranial hemorrhagic transformation after revascularization therapy between the 2 groups(all P＜0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that higher NIHSS scores 3 d after revascularization therapy(odds ratio[OR]=1.113,95%confidence interval[CI]1.053-1.176,P＜0.001)and the presence of intracranial hemorrhage after revascularization therapy(OR=6.098,95%CI 2.004-18.193,P=0.001)were significant factors that contraindicated the initiation of anticoagulation.Large infarcts(40.8%),infarct location(35.8%),and hemorrhagic transformation after stroke(40.8%)were the common reasons cited by physicians for not initiating anticoagulation.In the 90-d prognosis of patients with AF-related AIS,6 patients had bleeding events,and 116 patients had a good prognosis(mRS score of 0-2).The 90-d good prognosis rate in the initiated anticoagulation group within 14 d after revascularization therapy(89.7%,61/68)was significantly higher than that in the delayed or non-anticoagulation group(45.5%,55/121;P＜0.001).Conclusion For patients with AF-related AIS who receive IVT,EVT or IVT+EVT,it is safe to initiate anticoagulation early after revascularization therapy,but the timing of anticoagulation in most patients is later than the currently recommended anticoagulation timing.