Traditional Chinese Medical Research Articles

Enhancing traditional Chinese medical named entity recognition with Dyn-Att Net: a dynamic attention approach

Our study focuses on Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) named entity recognition (NER), which involves identifying and extracting specific entity names from TCM record. This task has significant implications for doctors and researchers, as it enables the automated identification of relevant TCM terms, ultimately enhancing research efficiency and accuracy. However, the current Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers-Long Short Term Memory-Conditional Random Fields (BERT-LSTM-CRF) model for TCM NER is constrained by a traditional structure, limiting its capacity to fully harness the advantages provided by Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) and long short term memory (LSTM) models. Through comparative experiments, we also observed that the straightforward superimposition of models actually leads to a decrease in recognition results. To optimize the structure of the traditional BERT-BiLSTM-CRF model and obtain more effective text representations, we propose the Dyn-Att Net model, which introduces dynamic attention and a parallel structure. By integrating BERT and LSTM models with the dynamic attention mechanism, our model effectively captures semantic, contextual, and sequential relations within text sequences, resulting in high accuracy. To validate the effectiveness of our model, we compared it with nine other models in TCM dataset namely the publicly available PaddlePaddle dataset. Our Dyn-Att Net model, based on BERT, outperforms the other models, achieving an F1 score of 81.91%, accuracy of 92.06%, precision of 80.26%, and recall of 83.76%. Furthermore, its robust generalization capability is substantiated through validation on the APTNER, MSRA, and EduNER datasets. Overall, the Dyn-Att Net model not only enhances NER accuracy within the realm of traditional Chinese medicine, but also showcases considerable potential for cross-domain generalization. Moreover, the Dyn-Att Net model’s parallel architecture facilitates efficient computation, contributing to time-saving efforts in NER tasks.

Indoor environment in relation to recurrent childhood asthma in Yancheng, China: a hospital-based case-control study.

This investigation explored the association between indoor environmental factors and childhood asthma in Yancheng, China. Asthma case (201 children with recurrent asthma) and control cohorts (242 healthy subjects) were recruited from a Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) Hospital in Yancheng city, based on the results of an ISAAC questionnaire. Questionnaires regarding environmental risk factors were completed by the child's primary caregivers. To compare data on environmental VOCs and formaldehyde contents between asthma and control cohorts, we passively conducted a 10-day indoor and outdoor sampling. Breastfeeding was a major protective indoor environmental factor for recurrent asthma (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.368, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.216-0.627). Our analysis revealed that childhood recurrent asthma was intricately linked to a family history of asthma. Recurrent asthma was also associated with passive smoking [aOR2.115 (95%-CI 1.275-3.508)]. Analogous correlations were observed between household renovation or new furniture introduction and recurrent asthma [aOR3.129(95%-CI1.542-6.347)]. Benzene and formaldehyde were present in all examined homes. Enhanced benzene and formaldehyde concentrations were strongly evident among asthma versus control cohorts, and they were strongly correlated with augmented recurrent asthma risk. Home environment heavily regulates incidences of childhood recurrent asthma. Hence, actions against the indoor environmental risk factors described in this study may assist in the prevention of recurrent asthma among children.

A Single Case Study of Cupping Therapy in AVABAHUK (Frozen Shoulder).

Pain has been described by the International Association for the Study of Pain as “an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage”. Shoulder pain is one of the most common health problems encountered in the general population.Shoulder pain is a common symptom, in especially in office workers. In developed countries, approximately twothirds of people experience shoulder pain. This disorder occurs most frequently in the middle-aged population and more often in females than in males. A majority of the acute shoulder sufferers obtain spontaneous relief within days or weeks, although approximately 10% of acute shoulder pain suffers experience the condition as chronic or persistent. Conventional treatments such as medications and surgery were not always effective, and may have serious adverse effects.
 Frozen shoulder is a chronic aseptic inflammation caused by injury and degeneration of shoulder capsule and periarthritic soft tissue (including ligaments, muscles, tendons, synovial sacs, etc.). [i]Cupping is gaining popularity in physical medicine due to its ease of use, lack of side effects, and pain relief. This study looked at the efficacy of cupping therapy for treating shoulder pain. Cupping therapy (CT) is a traditional Chinese medical (TCM) treatment which has been practiced for thousands of years. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition of cupping is a therapeutic method involving the application of suction by creating a vacum. This is typically done using fire in a cup or jar on the dermis of the affected part of the body.[ii]
 In this case study a patient diagnosed with AVABAHUK (Frozen Shoulder) was treated with a WET CUPPING THERAPY. After completion of cupping therapy significant relief was observed in symptoms.
 
 
 

Comprehensive Comparisons between Grafted Kynam Agarwood and Normal Agarwood on Traits, Composition, and In Vitro Activation of AMPK.

Agarwood, a highly valuable resin/wood combination with diverse pharmacological activities but scarce supply, has a long history of being used as a medicine in several medical systems. Grafted Kynam agarwood (GKA) has been cultivated successfully recently and has the qualities meeting the definition of premium Kynam agarwood. However, there are few comprehensive comparisons between GKA and normal agarwood in terms of traits, global composition, and activity, and some key issues for GKA to be adopted into the traditional Chinese medical (TCM) system have not been elaborated. The two types of agarwood samples were evaluated in terms of trait characteristics, physicochemical indicators, key component groups, and global compositional profile. Furthermore, a molecular docking was performed to investigate the active ingredients. In vitro activity assays were performed to evaluate the activation of adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) by GKA and normal agarwood. The results revealed that, overall, the traits, microscopic characteristics, chemical composition types, and bioactivity between GKA and normal agarwood were similar. The main differences were the content of resin (ethanolic extract content), the content of key component groups, and the composition of the different parent structural groups of 2-(2-phenethyl) chromones (PECs). The contents of total PEC and ethanol extract content of GKA were significantly higher than those of normal agarwood. The MS-based high-throughput analysis revealed that GKA has higher concentrations of sesquiterpenes and flindersia-type 2-(2-phenylethyl) chromones (FTPECs) (m/z 250-312) than normal agarwood. Molecular docking revealed that parent structural groups of FTPECs activated multiple signaling pathways, including the AMPK pathway, suggesting that FTPECs are major active components in GKA. The aim of this paper is to describe the intrinsic reasons for GKA as a high-quality agarwood and a potential source for novel drug development. We combined high-throughput mass spectrometry and multivariate statistical analysis to infer the different components of the two types of agarwood. Then we combined virtual screening and in vitro activity to construct a component/pharmacodynamic relationship to explore the causes of the activity differences between agarwood with different levels of quality and to identify potentially valuable lead compounds. This strategy can also be used for the comprehensive study of other TCMs with different qualities.

Analysis of the Effect of Sichs on Gastric Ulcer Rats Based on RNA Sequencing Technique.

Objective To research the mechanism of action and transcriptomic characteristics for the intervention effect of self-made Chaihuang decoction (Sichs) on gastric ulcer (GU) rats with liver qi stagnation and spleen deficiency and to clarify the therapeutic pathway and effective target. Methods Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into the control group, model group, and Sichs group (10 rats per group). The model of GU rats with liver qi stagnation and spleen deficiency was established through multifactor compound simulation of traditional Chinese medical (TCM) etiology and acetic acid method. Histopathological changes in the gastric antrum tissue were observed with H&E staining. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was utilized to check differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the gastric antrum tissues of rats, and gene ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were performed. The key DEGs were validated using qRT-PCR. Results Sichs could ameliorate gastric antrum tissue injury in GU rats with liver qi stagnation and spleen deficiency. After RNA-seq, it was found that Sichs could reverse 225 upregulated genes and 26 downregulated genes in the model group. And the DEGs between the Sichs group and the model group were related to cell division, complement activation, and phospholipase A2 (Pla2g2a) activity. According to KEGG pathway analysis, DEGs between the two groups were mainly enriched in signaling pathways such as cell cycle, p53 signaling pathway, and linolenic acid metabolism. The validation results of the four key DEGs were consistent with the analysis trend of sequencing results. Conclusion Sichs can effectively improve GU with liver qi stagnation and spleen deficiency in rats through the signaling pathways related to cell cycle and lipid metabolism.

Acupuncture for hot flashes in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, a pooled analysis of individual patient data from parallel randomized trials.

12124 Background: Hot flashes are a common side effect of endocrine therapy in breast cancer patients (pts). In a coordinated multinational study, we evaluated the impact of acupuncture on hot flashes and related symptoms in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer pts undergoing adjuvant endocrine therapy in the USA, China, and South Korea. Methods: Parallel randomized trials were conducted at three sites: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, USA; Jiangsu Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China; and Daegu Catholic University Medical Center, Republic of Korea, using the same inclusion/exclusion criteria, randomization, and measures. Breast cancer pts receiving adjuvant endocrine therapy and having ≥14 hot flashes per week were randomized equally to acupuncture (A) or usual care (UC); randomization was stratified by number of hot flashes per day (2-6 or 7+). Pts in arm A received a standardized acupuncture protocol twice per week for 10 weeks; pts in the UC arm received usual care. Symptoms were assessed at baseline and week 10. The primary endpoint was change in the Endocrine Symptom Subscale (ESS) of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Endocrine Systems (FACT-ES). Secondary endpoints included changes in the FACT-Breast (FACT-B) and Daily Hot Flash Score (DHFS), a measure incorporating hot flash frequency and severity. Target enrollment was 160 pts (USA 80, China 40, Korea 40) providing 84% power to detect a clinically meaningful change in the ESS. Analyses were intention-to-treat. A pooled analysis of individual patient data was performed using linear models adjusted for site and baseline number of hot flashes. Results: Between Jan. 2019 and June 2021, 158 female pts with stage 0-III breast cancer were randomized from the USA (n=78), China (n=40), and South Korea (n=40). Median age was 48 years (range: 25 to 73). At baseline, pts reported similar numbers of hot flashes between study arms (6.2± 4.3 vs. 6.5± 3.8 per day). At week 10, pts in arm A reported statistically significant improvements in ESS score, FACT-B total score and DHFS compared with the UC arm (Table). The reduction in the DHFS from baseline in arm A was 53%. There were no serious adverse events. Conclusions: Acupuncture led to statistically and clinically meaningful improvements in hot flashes, endocrine symptoms, and breast cancer-specific quality of life in women undergoing adjuvant hormonal therapy for breast cancer in the USA, China and South Korea. Clinical trial information: NCT00797732, ChiCTR2100045888, KCT0003618. [Table: see text]

Gansui-Banxia Decoction extraction inhibits MDSCs accumulation via AKT /STAT3/ERK signaling pathways to regulate antitumor immunity in C57bl/6 mice

BackgroundGansui-Banxia Decoction (GSBXD) is a classic formula of traditional Chinese medical (TCM) sage Zhang Zhongjing to treat stagnation of evil heat and obstruction of qi. At present GSBXD is wildly used to treat cancerous ascites, pleural effusion, peritoneal effusion, pericardial effusion, cranial cavity effusion and several types of cancers, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and esophageal cancer. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a kind of immature and heterogeneous cells which can suppress lymphocytes activation by forming a suppressive environment. MDSCs accumulation in peripheral blood and tumors are closely related to the cancer stage and low survival rate of clinical patients. The antitumor immune effect of GSBXD has not received widespread attention. PurposeTo investigate the effects of GSBXD on MDSCs accumulation and the mediators including AKT/STAT3/ERK signaling pathways. MethodsThe chemical components of GSBXD were analyzed by UHPLC-MS, and the putative pathways of GSBXD based on Network pharmacology were predicted. Mice were vaccinated with Hepatoma 22 (H22) to establish tumor growth model, which were then administrated with GSBXD ethanol extraction (0.49 mg/kg/day, 1.75 mg/kg/day), sorafenib (60 mg/kg) or saline for 14 days. The cell morphology was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and immunity cells were determined through flowcytometry analysis. The levels of cytokines production in blood were evaluated by using ELISA kits. STAT3, ERK and AKT/mTOR signaling transduction associated proteins were determined by Western blot. ResultsGSBXD could inhibit tumor growth and splenomegaly in H22 tumor model mice. Importantly, GSBXD reduced MDSCs accumulation and differentiation, and inhibited proliferation of F4/80+ CD11b+ macrophages and apoptosis of T cells and B cells, and increased the percentage of CD 3− NK1.1+ NK cells. To better understand the active component of GSBXD, the ethanol-extraction powdered GSBXD was prepared and analyzed by UHPLC-MS. Combined with these main chemical compounds, we predicted that the anti-tumor effect of GSBXD mainly mediated PI3K-AKT and RAS-MAPK signal pathways based on Network Pharmacology. Western blot analysis of tumor tissues and MDSCs cells demonstrated that phosphorylation of AKT, ERK and STAT3 were significantly reduced, specially the activation of ERK. The levels of IL-1β and IFN-γ were significantly decreased by ELISA analysis. ConclusionGSBXD exhibited antitumor immune activity by reducing the accumulation of MDSCs in vivo, which is possible via down-regulation of AKT/STAT3/ERK signaling pathway and suppression of IL-1β and IFN-γ.

Study of Scraping with Copper Stone Based on Theory of Midnight-Noon Ebb-Flow in Angina Pectoris with Coronary Heart Disease of Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis.

Angina pectoris (AP) with coronary heart disease (CHD) is one of the common cardiovascular diseases in clinical practice, which can be classified as “chest paralysis” in Chinese medicine according to its symptoms, and it is described in many ancient documents. Ancient Chinese medicine believes that the main pathogenesis of the disease is poor blood flow leading to paralysis of the heart and veins, so it is often treated by activating blood and removing blood stasis. In this study, 120 patients with AP of CHD of Qi stagnation and blood stasis type were randomly divided into the observation (n = 60) and the control group (n = 60). In the control group, basic care, conventional treatment, and unselected copper acupuncture scraping were used, while in the observation group, copper acupuncture scraping was performed at the right time of the heart meridian (11 : 00–13 : 00) on the basis of the control group, and all patients received the treatment for a total duration of 4 weeks. We collected data on the traditional Chinese medical (TCM) syndrome score, frequency and duration of angina attacks, nitroglycerin dosage, inflammatory factor levels, and hematological indices pretreatment and posttreatment in both groups. Patients' adverse effects during treatment were recorded, and the clinical efficacy and ECG efficacy in both groups were evaluated after 4 weeks. We used SPSS.20 statistical software to statistically analyze the above data, and the results showed that the clinical efficacy and ECG efficacy of the observation group were significantly higher than the control group posttreatment. After treatment, the TCM symptom score, angina attack frequency, attack duration and nitroglycerin dosage, serum interleukin-8 (IL-8), hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels, whole blood viscosity (WBV), plasma viscosity (PV), fibrinogen (FIB), and hematocrit (Hct) were significantly lower in both groups compared with those posttreatment. And the observation group showed a greater decrease when compared with the control group. The results also showed that the overall incidence of adverse reactions was lower in both groups during the treatment period. The above results indicate that while ensuring high safety, the copper stone based on theory of midnight-noon ebb-flow can more effectively improve the symptoms and inflammatory response of the body and reduce the viscosity of the blood in AP with CHD of Qi stagnation and blood stasis, and it has better therapeutic effects.

In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-AChE and Antioxidative Effects of Schisandra chinensis Extract: A Potential Candidate for Alzheimer's Disease.

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition and antioxidants are two common strategies for the treatment in the early stage of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). In this study, extracts from nine traditional Chinese medical (TCM) herbs were tested for anti-AChE activity by Ellman's microplate assay and cytotoxicity by CCK-8. Based on its excellent AChE inhibition effect and its lowest cytotoxicity, Schisandra chinensis (SC) extract was selected to do the mechanism research. SC extract protected pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells against H2O2-induced toxicity by improving the cell survival rate in a dose-dependent manner. And it also showed significant free radical (DPPH) scavenging activities, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and 2,2′-Azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging. To confirm these results, the scopolamine-induced mice models were utilized in this study. Compared with the positive drug (piracetam), SC could also exhibit similar effects to alleviate the mice's cognitive deficits. Moreover, in the mice brain samples, the AChE activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of SC-treatment group both showed a reverse as compared to model group. Taken together, these results all suggested that SC extract may be a potential therapeutic candidate for AD.

The Application of Chinese Preventive Medical Treatments and Activities: A Qualitative Collection of Front-Line Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctors and Medical Professionals

The Application of Chinese Preventive Medical Treatments and Activities: A Qualitative Collection of Front-Line Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctors and Medical Professionals

Hot-spot analysis of traditional Chinese medical nursing research using co-word analysis

Objective To explore the research hots-pots of traditional Chinese medical (TCM) nursing using the method of co-word analysis. Methods Keywords of the literature about the traditional Chinese medical nursing published before October, 2018 were extracted from the database of the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) . The self-compiled computer program was used to process the data and build up the co-word matrix, the SPSS 20.0 software was used to perform the cluster analysis. Results A total of 17 076 papers was retrieved, and keywords of high frequency were extracted. Finally, we obtained research hots-pots in the field of TCM nursing through the co-word clustering analysis method, which mainly involved the application of the TCM nursing in the psychological domain, the main method and mode of the TCM nursing intervention, the TCM nursing on stroke rehabilitation, relevant research on TCM nursing skills, clinical nursing pathway in perioperative period. Conclusions The results of this study can provide theoretical basis and practical reference for further research and development in this field. Key words: Medicine, Chinese traditional; Nursing; Co-word analysis; Bibliometrics

Regularity of Clinical Application of Lianquan (CV 23) in Chinese Ancient Times According to Literature of Traditional Chinese Medicine

To summarize the regularity of application of Lianquan (CV 23) in clinical practice in Chinese ancient times through analysis of ancient traditional Chinese medical (TCM) literature. A total of 60 books involving CV 23 from the 1 156 ancient TCM books listed in the fifth edition of Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine were collected by using CV 23 as the main keyword and "Sheben" "Benchi", and "Jieben" (the other names of CV 23 in TCM)as the supplementary keywords and analyzed systematically. A database was then constructed from the collected data, including the related types of disorders or symptoms, acupoint recipes, and methods of needling and moxibustion, contraindications, etc. A total of 196 articles related to the application of CV 23 from 60 ancient classical books were collected in accordance with the inclusive criteria. Among them, 155 articles are referred to the indications of CV 23, 35 to types of disorders such as asthma, cough, tongue swelling with difficulty in speaking, protracted tongue, acute contraction of tongue root, vomiting, spasm syndrome, stroke, aphtha, problems of mouth and teeth, throat problems, etc. of the internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and five-sense organs; 64 items are referred to the application of single CV 23, 91 to CV 23-included recipes containing 111 adjunct acupoints, and 78 to stimulation of CV 23 with acupuncture needle, moxibustion, pricking blood, and fire needle. Moreover, of the 111 adjunct acupoints, the most commonly used are Shaoshang (LU 11), Tiantu (CV 22), Hegu (LI 4), Yuye (EX-HN 13), Zhongchong (PC 9), etc. Lianquan (CV 23) is mainly used for glossopharyngeal problems chiefly by syndrome-meridian differentiation. The supplement of complementary acupoints or five-shu points in combination with CV 23 has a synergistic effect. Moxibustion (3 moxa- cones in general) is often employed, and the needling depth is usually about 7.5 mm. The common contraindication of CV 23 is severe tongue swelling.

Metabolic profiling of Gegenqinlian decoction in rat plasma, urine, bile and feces after oral administration by ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry

Gegenqinlian decoction (GQLD) as a traditional Chinese medical (TCM) prescription is made from four Chinese herbs and has been used for centuries to treat pyrexia and diarrhea. In this work, an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (UHPLC-FT-ICR-MS) method was established to profile the metabolic fate of GQLD in rat plasma, urine, bile and feces. The analysis was performed on a Waters Acquity UPLC HSS T3 column (2.1 mm × 100 mm, 1.8 μm) at 35 °C within 25 min. A total of 174 compounds mainly including flavonoids, alkaloids and triterpenoids in rat plasma, urine, bile and feces after oral administration of GQLD were identified or tentatively characterized by comparison with retention times, accurate mass within 5 ppm error and their characteristic MS fragmentation ions. Among compounds in rats, 107 compounds are prototypes and 67 compounds are metabolites. Results demonstrated that metabolic pathways of GQLD in rats included methylation, demethylation, hydrogenation, hydrolysis, hydroxylation, methoxylation, sulfate conjugation and glucuronide conjugation. A clear understanding of the absorption and metabolism of GQLD is very important in its rational clinical use and pharmacological research. These findings enhance our understanding of the metabolism and effective forms of GQLD.

GW27-e0444 Relationship between musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) and traditional Chinese medical (TCM) syndrome types of rheumatoid arthritis

GW27-e0444 Relationship between musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) and traditional Chinese medical (TCM) syndrome types of rheumatoid arthritis

Extracts from Traditional Chinese Medicinal Plants Inhibit Acetylcholinesterase, a Known Alzheimer's Disease Target.

Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is a common treatment for early stages of the most general form of dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). In this study, methanol, dichloromethane and aqueous crude extracts from 80 Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) plants were tested for their in vitro anti-acetylcholinesterase activity based on Ellman’s colorimetric assay. All three extracts of Berberis bealei (formerly Mahonia bealei), Coptis chinensis and Phellodendron chinense, which contain numerous isoquinoline alkaloids, substantially inhibited AChE. The methanol and aqueous extracts of Coptis chinensis showed IC50 values of 0.031 µg/mL and 2.5 µg/mL, therefore having an up to 100-fold stronger AChE inhibitory activity than the already known AChE inhibitor galantamine (IC50 = 4.33 µg/mL). Combinations of individual alkaloids berberine, coptisine and palmatine resulted in a synergistic enhancement of ACh inhibition. Therefore, the mode of AChE inhibition of crude extracts of Coptis chinensis, Berberis bealei and Phellodendron chinense is probably due to of this synergism of isoquinoline alkaloids. All extracts were also tested for their cytotoxicity in COS7 cells and none of the most active extracts was cytotoxic at the concentrations which inhibit AChE. Based on these results it can be stated that some TCM plants inhibit AChE via synergistic interaction of their secondary metabolites. The possibility to isolate pure lead compounds from the crude extracts or to administer these as nutraceuticals or as cheap alternative to drugs in third world countries make TCM plants a versatile source of natural inhibitors of AChE.

Chemical profiling of San-Huang decoction by UPLC–ESI-Q-TOF-MS

San-Huang decoction (SHD), a traditional Chinese medical (TCM) formula, is made from five chinese herbs and has been widely used for centuries to treat metabolic syndrome, such as abdominal obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In this work, an ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC–ESI-Q-TOF-MS) method in both positive and negative ion mode was first employed to rapidly survey the major constituents in SHD. The analysis was performed on a Waters Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column at 45°C within 17min. 56 compounds in SHD including alkaloids, flavonoids, protostane triterpenoids, coumarins, triterpenoid saponins, organic acids, lignans, lactones and chromones were identified and tentatively characterized by comparison with retention times, accurate mass within 5ppm error and MS fragmentation ions. Among them, twenty-two compounds were clearly identified mainly by the reference standards. Moreover, this method was respectively applied to determine five batches of SHD and the decoctions of relative individual herbs. These results provide a helpful basic chemical profile for further research of SHD in vivo and exploitation of new drug to treat metabolic syndrome.

Optimized ideas of traditional Chinese medical nursing plan for heart failure: multi-central large sample analysis

Objective Based on the multi-central large sample statistics, the implementation effect of traditional Chinese medical(TCM)nursing plan for heart failure in China was obtained, further optimizing 'the TCM nursing plan on patients with heart failure (trial)’. Methods Eight thousand five hundred and thirty heart failure patients were selected from 71 hospitals in China such as Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai and so on during the period from November 2013 to October 2015. Clinical nursing staff of each center evaluated heart failure patients with ′effect evaluation form of heart failure TCM nursing′issued by the state administration of traditional Chinese medicine after the implementation of the plan. The evaluation results were summarized and analyzed in the form of feedback. The data was analyzed in the descriptive statistical analysis method, described in the form of percentage and composition ratio, and the feedback was discussed. Results In the 7 185 patients whose syndromes were consistent with the plan, the ratio of the chronic stable stage and the acute exacerbation was 4.88∶1. There were 1 345 patients whose syndromes were inconsistent with the plan, accounting for 16% of the total number of the patients in the same period. There were 16 new symptoms which were not included in the plan. Conclusions Improving relevant methods and optimizing the plan make 'the TCM nursing plan on patients with heart failure (trial)’become a professional, technical and scientific guide book, guiding clinical nurses more accurately. Key words: Heart failure; Traditional Chinese medical nursing plan; Optimizing ideas; Multi-center study

In vitro screening of Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) plants for pancreatic lipase and α-amylase inhibitory activities

Inhibition of digestive enzymes is one of the most widely studied mechanisms for the treatment of obesity and its associated diseases as diabetes mellitus, coronary heart diseases or sleep-breathing disorders [1, 2]. The use of plant based resources as a potential platform for discovery and development of new drugs has become a lucrative research field in this context.

Combined therapy of Di-Huang-Yi-Zhi with Donepezil in patients with Parkinson’s disease dementia

Here we conducted a randomized and double-blind study attempting to explore the safety and efficacy of combined therapy of Di-Huang-Yi-Zhi (DHYZ) with donepezil in treating Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD). Sixty PDD patients were included and randomly divided into control group and DHYZ group. All patients were given donepezil (5mg last for a month, then 10mg for the rest months, once daily), while patients in DHYZ group were additionally administrated with DHYZ (150ml, twice daily). The measurement subjects included mini-mental state examination (MMSE), Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale–Cognitive Subscale (ADAS–Cog), the Barthel Index for activities of daily living (ADL) and Traditional Chinese medical (TCM) symptoms before and after treatment in this study. The whole study lasted for six months. Significant differences were observed on MMSE, MoCA, ADAS–Cog, ADL and TCM in both control and DHYZ group (P<0.05 or P<0.01) before and after drug treatment. Furthermore, there were more obvious changes of MMSE, MoCA, ADAS–Cog, ADL and TCM scores compared the DHYZ group with the control group (P<0.01) which suggested the DHYZ group showed a more effective improvement on cognition, behavior as well global function. In conclusion, the combined therapy of DHYZ with donepezil showed a more effective improvement in PDD and the underlying mechanism may be related to the synergic amelioration of cholinergic system between them.

INFLUENCE OF SOME TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINES (TCMS) ON CYTOKINE-INDUCED KILLER CELLS PROLIFERATION AND ANTI-TUMOR FEATURES IN VITRO

Some traditional Chinese medical (TCM) formulations shown to have anti - tumor actions in patients with various solid tumours. However, the mechanisms of the potential anticancer actio n are rarely reported. In the present study, we found that extracts from pharmaceutical raw materials consisting of ROR (Red ginseng, Ophiopogon japonicus, Radix Astragali) could significantly improve the proliferation rate and cytotoxic activity of cytoki ne - induced kil ler (CIK) cells, which is a heterogeneous population of polyclonal T lymphocytes sharing NK (Natural Killer) phenotype and functional properties. The extracts were prepared using modified ethanol - water reflux method. Pharmacodynamic test resu lts showed that 5% ROR - adding CIK Cells group performs 2.8 folds proliferation multiples than that of no ROR - adding CIK cells group, meanwhile the cytotoxic activity to K562 tumor cell has also a significant difference between them. In conclusion, ROR - addi ng CIK cells group exhibits stronger proliferation and cytotoxicity than no ROR - adding CIK cells group, and the results provided a new experimental evidence for TCM’s application in CIK - immunotherapy.