A hydrochemical study of the Hammam Righa geothermal waters in north-central Algeria

This study focuses on the hydrochemical characteristics of 47 water samples collected from thermal and cold springs that emerge from the Hammam Righa geothermal field, located in north-central Algeria. The aquifer that feeds these springs is mainly situated in the deeply fractured Jurassic limestone and dolomite of the Zaccar Mount. Measured discharge temperatures of the cold waters range from 16.0 to 26.5 ℃ and the hot waters from 32.1 to 68.2 ℃. All waters exhibited a near-neutral pH of 6.0-7.6. The thermal waters had a high total dis- solved solids （TDS） content of up to 2527 mg/l, while the TDS for cold waters was 659.0-852.0 mg/l. Chemical analyses suggest that two main types of water exist： hot waters in the upflow area of the Ca-Na-SO4 type （Ham- mam Righa） and cold waters in the recharge zone of the Ca-Na-HCO3 type （Zaccar Mount）. Reservoir tempera- tures were estimated using silica geothermometers and fluid/mineral equilibria at 78, 92, and 95℃ for HR4, HR2, and HRI, respectively. Stable isotopic analyses of the δ18O and δD composition of the waters suggest that the thermal waters of Hammam Righa are of meteoric origin. We conclude that meteoric recharge infiltrates through the fractured dolomitic limestones of the Zaccar Mount and is conductively heated at a depth of 2.1-2.2 km. The hotwaters then interact at depth with Triassic evaporites located in the hydrothermal conduit （fault）, giving rise to the Ca-Na-SO4 water type. As they ascend to the surface, the thermal waters mix with shallower Mg-rich ground- water, resulting in waters that plot in the immature water field in the Na-K-Mg diagram. The mixing trend between cold groundwaters from the recharge zone area （Zaccar Mount） and hot waters in the upflow area （Hammam Righa） is apparent via a chloride-enthalpy diagram that shows a mixing ratio of 22.6 〈 R 〈 29.2 %. We summa- rize these results with a geothermal conceptual model of the Hammam Righa geothermal field.

Quantitative relationship between surface sedimentary diatoms and water depth in North-Central Bohai Bay,China

To study the quantitative relationship between surface sedimentary diatoms and water depth,67 surface samples were collected for diatom analysis on eight profiles with water depth variation from the muddy intertidal zone to the shallow sea area in North-Central Bohai Bay,China.The results showed that the distribution of diatoms changed significantly in response to the change in water depth.Furthermore,the quantitative relationship between the distribution of dominant diatom species,their assemblages,and the water depth was established.The water depth optima for seven dominant species such as Cyclotella striata/stylorum,Paralia sulcata,and Coscinodiscus perforatus and the water depth indication range of seven diatom assemblages were obtained in the study area above the water depth(elevation)of-10 m.The quantitative relationship between surface sedimentary diatoms and water depth provides a proxy index for diatom-paleo-water depth reconstruction in the strata in Bohai Bay,China.

Diagnostic Analysis on a Regional Rainstorm Weather in North-central Henan Province

[Objective] The research aimed to analyze a regional rainstorm weather process in north-central Henan Province. [Method] Based on the conventional meteorological observation data and the rainfall data of Henan Meteorological Station, the diagnostic analysis of atmospheric thermodynamics and dynamics on a rainstorm weather process in north-central Henan Province on July 19, 2010 was carried out. The characteristics of physical quantity field and the evolution of weather situation in north-central Henan Province when the rainstorm happened were studied. [Result] Western Pacific subtropical high strengthened to extend westward. The dynamic uplifting of low vortex at the middle and low layers, the strong water vapor transportation of southwest low-level jet caused the regional rainstorm weather process in north-central Henan Province. The diagnostic results of physical quantity showed that the deep, thick wet layer and the sustained water vapor convergence provided the abundant water vapor for rainstorm generation. The positive vorticity advection center developed and spread from northwest to southeast, which was favorable for the development of vertical movement. The structure maintenance of positive vorticity at the middle and low layers, negative vorticity at the middle and high levels provided the power condition for the regional rainstorm generation. The pumping effect of convergence at the middle and low layers, divergence at the high layer was favorable for the strengthening of vertical ascending motion at the low layer. The uplifting effect of dew point front at the middle and low layers triggered the release of unstable energy. The confrontation of warm and cold air was one of the important reasons for the regional rainstorm. TBB characteristic analysis showed that TBB was from -60 to -50 ℃ in north-central Henan Province in the whole strong precipitation time, and the moving speed was equivalent to that of southwest vortex. The low-value belt of TBB corresponded with the rainstorm occurrence zone in Henan, and the minimum-value center of TBB was basically consistent with the strongest center of precipitation. [Conclusion] The research provided the scientific basis for the short-term forecast of rainstorm.

Latest Zircon U-Pb Age of the Baiyingaolao Formation Volcanic Rocks in the Keyihe Area of North-Central Da Hinggan Mountains

Objective Mesozoic volcanic rocks are mainly distributed in the Da Hinggan Mountains.The Baiyingaolao Formation is the main stratum in this area and has been considered to be formed in the Late Jurassic.Many scholars have researched these Mesozoic volcanic rocks in this area,which have been much debatable（Zhang Xiangxin et al.,2017）.A series of studies focusing on the Baiyingaolao Formation volcanic rocks in the middle-south section of

Genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum isolates from naturally infected children in north-central Nigeria using the merozoite surface protein-2 as molecular marker

Objective: To characterize the genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum ( P. falciparum ) field isolates in children from Lafia, North-central Nigeria, using the highly polymorphic P. falciparum merozoite surface protein 2 (MSP-2) gene as molecular marker. Methods: Three hundred and twenty children were enrolled into the study between 2005 and 2006. These included 140 children who presented with uncomplicated malaria at the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia and another 180 children from the study area with asymptomatic infection. DNA was extracted from blood spot on filter paper and MSP-2 genes were genotyped using allele-specific nested PCR in order to analyze the genetic diversity of parasite isolates. Results: A total of 31 and 34 distinct MSP-2 alleles were identified in the asymptomatic and uncomplicated malaria groups respectively. No difference was found between the multiplicity of infection in the asymptomatic group and that of the uncomplicated malaria group ( P >0.05). However, isolates of the FC27 allele type were dominant in the asymptomatic group whereas isolates of the 3D7 allele type were dominant in the uncomplicated malaria group. Conclusions: This study showed a high genetic diversity of P. falciparum isolates in North-central Nigeria and is comparable to reports from similar areas with high malaria transmission intensity.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Physicians in the Treatment of Hypertension in North-Central Nigeria

Background and Objectives: Hypertension is a global health hazard and most cases are first attended to by the physicians. Achieving a control will depend on the knowledge, attitude and practice of the physicians. We therefore determined the knowledge, attitude and practices of physicians on the detection and treatment of arterial hypertension in north-central Nigeria. Design and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 100 of the 250 physicians attending a continuing medical education lecture series in Bida was conducted using a pre-validated self administered questionnaire. Results: The mean age of the physicians was 41.05 ± 8.71 years and 59 (73.8%) were males. Forty-one (51.2%) of them have practiced for more than 10 years. Arterial hypertension was considered an important health problem by 93.8% of the physicians, 30% of them believed that it should not be referred to a specialist. Majority of the physicians request for urinalysis (96.2%), electrocardiogram (95.0%), fasting blood glucose (88.8%), blood urea nitrogen (98.8%) and fasting lipid profile (97.5%) to either assess target organ damage or associated co-morbid conditions. Fifty-seven (71.2%) of the physicians prescribe diuretics as the initial drug. However, the knowledge of the other drugs on initiation of therapy of mild uncomplicated hypertension was poor. The sources of information on arterial hypertension by physicians were scientific programs (73.8%), drug companies (38.8%) and journals in 11.3%. Conclusion: The knowledge, attitude and practice of physicians in the detection and management of hypertension were modest. Educative programs like continuing medical education, seminars, and conferences on cardiovascular disorders are advised to be organized regularly to strengthen these and update the physicians.

Geospatial Technology Potentials in Reawakening the Consciousness of Soil Distribution in Nigeria’s North-Central Region and Mediating the Herdsmen-Farmers Conflicts

The pervasive herdsmen-farmers conflicts in the north-central region of Nigeria have changed the narrative of Nigeria’s enduring ethnic crises to ideologies, which are in-controvertibly sinister. The consequences of this tension, which has defied possible military responses, political, religious and cultural strategies are potentially devastating, not just for Nigeria, but the whole of West African region. Since the particular nature of these conflicts increasingly highlights the significance and inevitability of land resources for crops farming and cattle rearing, it is imperative to create awareness of the elemental nature of soils, especially their diversities in these conflict-prone areas. This study’s objective was to produce a Geographic Information System (GIS) based digital soil map (DSM) of the north-central region of Nigeria, and to delineate soil distribution and unique properties. Based on this study, the DSM offers a quick access to quantitative soil data covering the study area. It indicates that soil mapping units 15d, 18d and 24b are dominant, and constitute about 40% of the local arable lands. The broad pattern of distribution of these soils reflects both the climatic conditions and the geological structure of the region. The soils are highly weathered with limited capacities to supply essential nutrients needed by crop plants. These issues raise a number of questions, most of which focuses on the best possible way to maximize these soils to accommodate both crop farming and cattle rearing. It is our hope that taking the advantage of GIS to stimulate the knowledge and consciousness of soil distribution in the region will place the weight where it is appropriate in terms of food security through crops production and cattle rearing, and hence forge a more realistic pathway to reconciliation and conflict resolution.

Fufang E’jiao Jiang’s effect on immunity,hematopoiesis,and angiogenesis via a systematic“compound-effect-target”analysis

Fufang E’jiao Jiang(FEJ)as a healthy food consisting of medicine food homology materials approved by China’s Ministry of Health has been extensively applied to replenish qi and nourish blood,and it has a positive impact on women’s health.To find out the material basis and mechanism of FEJ,a systematic“compoundeffect-target”analysis including chemical composition resolution,zebrafish,network pharmacology,molecular docking,transcriptome,and bibliometric analysis was adopted.124 chemical components including ginsenosides,and phenylethanoid glycosides in FEJ were discovered,and effects of FEJ on promoting the generation of immune cells,erythropoiesis and angiogenesis in zebrafish were exhibited.Based on network pharmacology,molecular docking and in vivo activity assay,6 compounds including jionoside A1,isoacteoside,echinacoside,acteoside,lobetyolin,and rehmannioside D were identified as active components of FEJ.Transcriptome data showed that several pathways such as complement and coagulation cascades,ECM-receptor interaction,and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway were associated with proangiogenic effect of FEJ.19 common targets were obtained through combined analysis of network pharmacology and transcriptomics,and 5 targets of them were verified by PCR.The bibliometric analysis of these common targets revealed that FEJ was related to energy metabolism,pathway in cancer,etc.,which was consistent with the results of network pharmacology and transcriptome.The studies suggested that FEJ could replenish qi and nourish blood through multi-compound and multi-targets.

改良胰肠内陷式(Jiang式)吻合法的应用分析

目的探讨改良胰肠内陷式(Jiang式)吻合法在经胰十二指肠切除术治疗的早、中期壶腹周围肿瘤患者中的应用效果。方法 48例经胰十二指肠切除术治疗的早、中期壶腹周围肿瘤患者,随机分为观察组(33例)和对照组(15例)。观察组胰肠吻合采用胰肠内陷式(Jiang式)吻合法,对照组胰肠吻合采用传统胰肠吻合方法 (胰腺断端-空肠侧壁黏膜对黏膜吻合)。比较两组患者的胰瘘发生情况、临床手术指标及并发症发生情况、围术期死亡情况。结果观察组患者的胰瘘发生率低于对照组,但差异无统计学意义(χ^2=1.122, P=0.289>0.05)。观察组患者的术中出血量为(251.28±99.76)ml,与对照组的(263.57±106.92)ml比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);观察组患者的术中胰肠吻合运用时间为(10.02±1.46)min,手术时间为(135.03±19.52)min,住院时间为(9.15±2.16)d,均短于对照组的(19.04±2.43)min、(157.21±28.15)min、(14.21±2.08)d,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。观察组患者的并发症发生率15.15%(5/33)显著低于对照组的46.67%(7/15),差异具有统计学意义(χ^2=5.4626, P=0.0194<0.05)。观察组患者出现围术期死亡0例,对照组患者出现围术期死亡1例(6.67%);两组患者的围术期死亡率比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论改良胰肠内陷式(Jiang式)吻合法在经胰十二指肠切除术治疗的早、中期壶腹周围肿瘤患者中的应用效果良好。

Origin, Flow of Formation Water and Hydrocarbon Accumulation in the Zhenwu Area of the North Jiangsu Basin, China

In order to understand the origin and flow of formation water and to evaluate the hydrocarbon accumulation and preservation conditions, the properties of formation water chemistry and dynamics of the Zhenwu area in the southern Gaoyou Sag, North Jiangsu Basin, China, have been investigated. The results show that Xuzhuang oilfield is infiltrated discontinuously by meteoric water under gravity, which consequently leads to the desalination of formation water. Formation water in the Zhenwu and Caozhuang oilfields is less influenced by meteoric water infiltration, and the origin is interpreted to be connate water. Hydrocarbon migration, accumulation and preservation are closely related to the hydrodynamic field of formation water. Formation water concentrates gradually during the process of centrifugal flow released by mudstone compaction and the centripetal flow of meteoric water infiltration, leading to the high salinity of the central part. The geological conditions of the southern fault-terrace belt are poor for hydrocarbon accumulation and preservation as meteoric water infiltration, leaching and oxidation, while the central part, i.e., northern Zhenwu and Caozhuang oilfields is beneficial for an abundance of hydrocarbon accumulation. Most of the large scale oil-~as fields locate herein.

CIS-Based Mapping and Zonation of Landslide Hazards in Xiaojiang Valley of Southwestern China

Through the field survey, previous researches and interpretation of aerial photos, a landslide information database of Xiaojiang Valley, Yunnan Province was set up based on the remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS) technologies. In the paper, a quantitative model for the landslide hazard assessment and zoning was presented, in which the potential energy could be obtained on basis of thorough analysis of the potential sliding volume, distance and direction of the landslide body. Taking landslide potential energy as the index of the hazard severity zonation, the study area was divided into severe, heavy, medium and light hazard zones.

Developing International Economic and Technological Cooperation in Zhe Jiang

Zhejiang is a coastal province with advanced economy,solid foundation of industry and agriculture and all-comprehensive industry sectors,and with lignht industry andtextile as the mainstay Its popularized education,advancedscience and technology and ample supply of high-quality labourforce benefit itselt involving in foreign project contracting,labour export and overseas investment.Since 1979,Zhejianghas accepted more than ten foreign projects worth US$300million and supplied labour service to 40 countries。

Effect of Sheng-jiang powder on multiple-organ inflammatory injury in acute pancreatitis in rats fed a high-fat diet

BACKGROUND Obesity worsens inflammatory organ injury in acute pancreatitis(AP), but there is no effective preventive strategy. Sheng-jiang powder(SJP) has been shown to alleviate multiple-organ inflammatory injury in rats with high-fat diet-induced obesity. Hence, SJP is supposed to have an effect on multiple-organ inflammatory injury in AP in rats fed a high-fat diet.AIM To explore how obesity may contribute to aggravating inflammatory organ injury in AP in rats and observe the effect of SJP on multiple-organ inflammatory injury in AP in rats fed a high-fat diet.METHODS Rats were randomly assigned to a control group(CG), an obese group(OG), and an SJP treatment group(SG), with eight rats per group. The rats in the OG and SG were fed a high-fat diet. From the third week, the rats in the SG were given oral doses of SJP(5 g/kg of body weight). After 12 wk, AP was induced in the three groups. Serum amylase level, body weight, Lee's index, serum biochemistry parameters, and serum inflammatory cytokine and tissue cytokine levels were assessed, and the tissue histopathological scores were evaluated and compared.RESULTS Compared with the CG, serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, interleukin-6, and interleukin-10 levels were significantly higher in the OG, and serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was significantly lower in the OG. Moreover,enhanced oxidative damage was observed in the pancreas, heart, spleen, lung,intestine, liver, and kidney. Evidence of an imbalanced antioxidant defense system, especially in the pancreas, spleen, and intestine, was observed in the obese AP rats. Compared with the OG, serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, interleukin-10, and superoxide dismutase expression levels in the pancreas, spleen, and intestine were increased in the SG. Additionally, SJP intervention led to a decrease in the following parameters: body weight; Lee's index; serum triglyceride levels; serum total cholesterol levels; malondialdehyde expression levels in the pancreas, heart, spleen, lung, and liver; myeloperoxidase expression levels in the lung; and pathological scores in the liver.CONCLUSION Obesity may aggravate the inflammatory reaction and pathological multipleorgan injury in AP rats, and SJP may alleviate multiple-organ inflammatory injury in AP in rats fed a high-fat diet.

Protective effects of Fufang Ejiao Jiang against aplastic anemia assessed by network pharmacology and metabolomics strategy

Objective To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Fufang Ejiao Jiang(复方阿胶浆,FFEJJ)on aplastic anemia(AA)using integrated network pharmacology and serum metabolomics.Methods Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology(TCMSP),Pubmed,integrative pharmacology-based research platform of traditional Chinese medicine(TCMIP),and Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular mech ANism of Traditional Chinese Medicine(BATMAN-TCM)were used to identify the constituents and putative targets of FFEJJ.Gene Cards and DisGeNET databases were used to identify AA-associated targets.We constructed a herb-component-target network and analyzed the protein-protein interaction(PPI)network.Potential mechanisms were determined using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analyses.In addition,an AA model was established using acetylphenylhydrazine(APH)and cetylphenylhydrazine(CTX).Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-QTOF/MS)-based serum metabolomics was applied to screen potential metabolites and the related pathways associated with AA and the potential anti-anemic effects of FFEJJ.Results A total of 30 active components of FFEJJ and 24 targets were related to AA.PPI network analysis showed that VEGFA,AKT1,IL-6,CASP3,and ICAM1 were key nodes overlapping with proteins known to be related to AA.KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the presumed targets of FFEJJ were mainly associated with pathways linked to the promotion of hematopoiesis and improvement of the hematopoietic microenvironment.A total of 423 metabolite biomarkers were identified between the control and AA models,which are involved in the development of AA.In contrast,FFEJJ reversed the 79 differential metabolites altered by AA.Pathway analysis suggested that the synergistic effects of FFEJJ were mainly enriched in 24 metabolic pathways.Among them,sphingolipid metabolism,glycerophospholipid metabolism,and arachidonic acid metabolism were related to promoting hematopoiesis and improving the hematopoietic microenvironment,which partially conforms with network pharmacology.The interaction network formed by three key differential metabolites,including hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid(HETE),sphingosine 1-phosphate(S1 P),and lysophosphatidylcholine(lyso PC),and three predicted network targets(VEGFA,CASP3,and ICAM1)may be the potential mechanism underlying the anti-AA action of the multi-component of FFEJJ.Conclusion FFEJJ could be an alternative treatment option for AA.It acts by promoting hematopoiesis and improving the hematopoietic microenvironment.Network pharmacology-integrated metabolomics makes it possible to analyze TCMs from a systems perspective and at the molecular level.

Construction Strategies of Social Security System for Wan-jiang Urban Belt's Migrant Workers

Theoretical debate and practice exploration on social security of migrant workers were introduced.The political direction and security layer on social security for migrant workers in Wan-jiang urban belt were analyzed:the first layer is to implement wage payment guarantee and employment injury insurance;the second layer is to emphasize serious disease insurance and endowment insurance;the third layer is unemployed insurance and social assistance.The primary strategy of building a social security system for migrant workers in Wan-jiang urban belt was put up:wage payment guarantee system that is united in certain regions should be promoted;employment injury insurance system that is undertaken by enterprises should be built;a social health care system for serious diseases should be set up;multi-layers endowment insurance system for migrant workers should be created;vocational training and training in how to start a business should be built as well as the unemployment insurance system;social assistant system based on the basic cost of living allowances should be set up.

Sheng Jiang San, traditional multi-herb formulation, exerts anti-influenza effects in vitro and in vivo via neuraminidaseinhibition and immune regulation

OBJECTIVE Sheng Jiang San(SJS),a multi-herb formulation,is used in treating high fever,thirsty and anxiety in ancient China and it is sometimes used to treat seasonal influenza in modern.However,there is no evidencebased investigation and mechanism research to support SJS′s anti-influenza efficacy.This study aims to investigate the anti-influenza effect of SJS and its possible mechanisms.METHODS In this study,we examined the inhibitory effect of SJS against different influenza viruses on Madin-Darby canine kidney cells.Influenza virus infected BALB/c mice were employed as in vivo model to evaluate the efficacy.Mice challenged with A/PR/8/34(H1N1)were orally administrated SJS 1 g·kg^-1 daily for seven days and monitored for 14 d.The survival rate,body mass changes,lung index,lung viral load,histopathologic changes and immune-regulation of the mice were measured.The underlying anti-influenza virus mechanisms were studied by a series of biological assays in vitro to determine if hemagglutinin,ribonucleoprotein complex or nerauminidase were targets of SJS.RESULTS SJS exerted a broad spectrum of inhibitory effects on multiple influenza strains in a dose-dependent manner.And IC50 of SJS against A/WSN/33(H1N1)was lower than 35 mg·L^-1.SJS also protected 50%of mice from influenza virus PR8 infection.The lung index and the lung viral load of SJS treated mice were signifi⁃cantly decrease compared with untreated mice.SJS 2 g·L^-1 inhibited 80%of neuraminidase enzymatic activity.SJS also up-regulated TNF-αand IFN-αand down-regulated IL-2 of influenza virus induced mice.CONCLUSION SJS is a useful formulation for treating influenza virus infection.

Delineating suspended sediment concentration patterns in surface waters of the Changjiang Estuary by remote sensing analysis

Three Landsat TM imageries （taken on 18 May 1987,4 August 1998 and 28 July 2007） were used as the data source to identify the spatial and temporal variations of the suspended sediment concentration （SSC） in surface waters of the Changjiang Estuary.Atmospheric correction was carried out to determine the water-leaving reflectance using the FLAASH module.A regression equation between surveyed SSC and suspended sediment index was chosen to retrieve the SSC from the Landsat TM images.In addition,tidal harmonic analysis was performed to calculate tidal conditions corresponding to the acquisition time of satellite images.The results show that the SSC spatial patterns are similar to the in situ observation results,which show the highest SSC in the region of turbidity maximum zone in the Changjiang Estuary.For the period of 1987 to 2007,the SSC pattern is controlled mainly by tidal dynamic conditions and wind speeds,rather than sediment discharges from the river.

Calculating and Evaluating the Groundwater Resource of Jian San Jiang Area

According to the method of water balance,the parameters of groundwater resouce of Jian San Jiang area have been calculated in the paper.At the same time,the quality of water supplying and water mining can be calculated.Furthermore,the groundwater resource have been evaluated.Thus,the paper provides the important references for managers to using groundwater reasonable.

EFFECTS OF JIANG TANG FANG LONG FORMULA ON INSULIN PRODUCTION AND FUNCTION IN AN ANIMAL MODEL OF DIABETIC HEARING LOSS

Objective To study the influence of Jiang Tang Fang Long formula on insulin production and function in an animal model of diabetic hearing loss. Methods Wistar rats (n=60) were randomly divided into 6 groups (10 in each) to receive no treatment (the normal control, Group A), or to receive intra-peritoneal 55 mg/kg streptozotocin with (Groups C, D and E) or without (Group B) subsequent Jiang Tang Fang Long formula treatment at various doses or Yu Long Wan treatment (Group F). After 60 days, fasting blood glucose (FBG), body weight (BW) and fasting insulin (FINS) were recorded and the HOMA-IR and HOMA-βcalcu-lated. Insulin expression in pancreatic tissues was measured by radioimmunoassay. Results Compared with animals that received streptozotocin without rescue treatment (Group B), animals that received higher doses of Jiang Tang Fang Long formula(Groups D and E) showed improved indices of diabetes manifestation (P<0.05) and improved HOMA-β(P<0.05) in a dose-dependent manner, as well as improved insulin expression in pancreatic islets (P<0.05). The difference between low dose Jiang Tang Fang Long formula treatment (Group C) and Group B was not significant (P>0.05). Conclusion Our results suggest that Jiang Tang Fang Long formula may improve pancreatic β-cells function which may explain its efficacy in treating diabetic hearing loss.

Sheng-jiang powder ameliorates obesity-induced pancreatic inflammatory injury via stimulating activation of the AMPK signalling pathway in rats

AIM To investigate the mechanisms by which Sheng-jiang powder(SJP) ameliorates obesity-induced pancreatic inflammatory injury.METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into three groups: normal group(NG), obese group(HLG), or SJP treatment group(HSG). Obesity was induced by feeding a high-fat diet in the HLG and HSG, while the NG received standard chow. Rats were euthanized after 12 wk, and blood and pancreatic tissues were collected for histopathological analyses. Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells(NF-κB) and transforming growth factor beta(TGF-β) expression, serum triglyceride and adiponectin levels, and apoptosis in pancreatic acinar cells were assessed. A high-fat AR42 J acinar cell injury model was established using very low-density lipoprotein(VLDL). AR42 J acinar cell culture supernatant, treated with different interventions, was applied to seven groups of pancreatic stellate cells(PSCs). The proliferation of PSCs and the expression of fibronectin and type I collagenase were assessed.RESULTS Compared with the NG, we found higher pathological scores for pancreatic tissues, lower serum adiponectin levels, higher expression levels of NF-κB in pancreatic tissues and TGF-β in pancreatic inflammatory cells, and increased apoptosis among pancreatic acinar cells for the HLG(P < 0.05). Compared with the HLG, we found reduced body weight, Lee's index scores, serum triglyceride levels, and pathological scores for pancreatic tissues; higher serum adiponectin levels; and lower expression levels of NF-κB, in pancreatic tissue and TGF-β in pancreatic inflammatory cells for the HSG(P < 0.05). The in vitro studies showed enhanced PSC activation and increased expression levels of fibronectin and type I collagenase after SJP treatment. An adenosine 5‘-monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK) inhibitor inhibited PSC activation.CONCLUSION SJP may ameliorate obesity-induced pancreatic inflammatory injury in rats by regulating key molecules of the adiponectin-AMPK signalling pathway.