Inhibition of release of vasoactive and inflammatory mediators in airway and vascular tissues and macrophages by a Chinese herbal medicine formula for allergic rhinitis

Herbal therapies are being used increasingly for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible pharmacological actions and cellular targets of a Chinese herbal formula (RCM-101), which was previously shown to be effective in reducing seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms in a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Rat and guinea pig isolated tissues (trachea and aorta) were used to study the effects of RCM-101 on responses to various mediators. Production of leukotriene 134 in porcine neutrophils and of prostaglandin E-2 and nitric oxide (NO) in Raw 264.7 cells were also measured. In rat and guinea pig tracheal preparations, RCM-101 inhibited contractile responses to compound 48/80 but not those to histamine (guinea pig preparations) or serotonin (rat preparations). Contractile responses of guinea pig tracheal preparations to carbachol and leukotriene C-4. and relaxant responses to substance P and prostaglandin E2 were not affected by RCM-101. In rat aortic preparations, precontracted with phenylephrine, endothelium-dependent relaxant responses to acetylcholine and endothelium-independent relaxant responses to sodium nitroprusside were not affected by RCM-101. However, RCM-101 inhibited relaxations to L-arginine in endothelium-denuded rat aortic preparations, which had been pre-incubated with lipopolysaccharide. RCM-101 did not affect leukotriene 134 formation in isolated porcine neutrophils, induced by the calcium ionophore A23187; however, it inhibited prostaglandin E-2 and NO production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated murine macrophages (Raw 264.7 cells). The findings indicate that RCM-101 may have multiple inhibitory actions on the release and/or synthesis of inflammatory mediators involved in allergic rhinitis

The Effect of Diethylstilbestrol on the Digestibility of Dry Matter and Nitrogen and on Nitrogen Retention in Lambs

Although the usefulness of orally administered diethylstilbestrol (stilbestrol) in increasing weight gains and feed efficiency of fattening cattle has been established, little is known concerning the mechanism by which it exerts its beneficial effect. Two possible modes of action may exist. First, the stilbestrol may have some effect on the rumen microorganisms which might cause an increased digestion of feed in the rumen. Brooks et al. (1954) have shown that stilbestrol increased the digestibility of cellulose in the artificial rumen. They also obtained increased cellulose and protein digestion in sheep when stilbestrol was fed. However the levels fed the sheep were considerably above the mg. per lamb per day reported to be effective with lambs (Hale et al. 1955). Sykes et al. (1956) reported an increase in crude fiber digestibility and a decrease in protein digestibility with lactating cows when stilbestrol was fed. Digestibility of the dry matter of the ration tended to be improved but the differences were not statistically significant. Erwin et al. (1956) reported stilbestroI had no effect on digestibility of dry matter, crude fiber, crude protein or ether extract with steers. Secondly, the orally fed stilbestrol may exert some action on the metabolism of the animal\u27s tissue which is thought to occur when the stilbestrol is implanted (Clegg and Cole, 19 54). It has been shown that implanted stilbestrol increased nitrogen retention but had no effect on ration digestibility (Jordan 1953: Whitehair et al. 1953). Bell et al. (1955) found that orally fed stilbestrol increased nitrogen retention in lambs. Presumably this action is brought about by the absorbed stilbestrol acting similar to that on the implanted stilbestrol. The objectives of this report were to study the effects of different levels of stilbestrol upon the digestibility of dry matter and crude protein and on nitrogen retention with wether lambs

Suppression of carrier induced ferromagnetism by composition and spin fluctuations in diluted magnetic semiconductors

We suggest an approach to account for spatial (composition) and thermal fluctuations in "disordered" magnetic models (e.g. Heisenberg, Ising) with given spatial dependence of magnetic spin-spin interaction. Our approach is based on introduction of fluctuating molecular field (rather than mean field) acting between the spins. The distribution function of the above field is derived self-consistently. In general case this function is not Gaussian, latter asymptotics occurs only at sufficiently large spins (magnetic ions) concentrations $n_i$. Our approach permits to derive the equation for a critical temperature $T_c$ of ferromagnetic phase transition with respect to the above fluctuations. We apply our theory to the analysis of influence of composition fluctuations on $T_c$ in diluted magnetic semiconductors (DMS) with RKKY indirect spin-spin interaction.Comment: 6 pages, 2 figure

Inhibition of release of inflammatory in primary and cultured cells by a Chinese herbal medicine formula for allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND - We demonstrated that a Chinese herbal formula, which we refer to as RCM-101, developed from a traditional Chinese medicine formula, reduced nasal and non-nasal symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR). The present study in primary and cultured cells was undertaken to investigate the effects of RCM-101 on the production/release of inflammatory mediators known to be involved in SAR. METHODS - Compound 48/80-induced histamine release was studied in rat peritoneal mast cells. Production of leukotriene B4 induced by the calcium ionophore A23187 was studied in porcine neutrophils using an HPLC assay and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated prostaglandin E2 production was studied in murine macrophage (Raw 264.7) cells by immune-enzyme assay. Expression of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was determined in Raw 264.7 cells, using western blotting techniques. RESULTS - RCM-101 (1-100 microg/mL) produced concentration-dependent inhibition of compound 48/80-induced histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells and of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated prostaglandin E2 release from Raw 264.7 cells. Over the range 1 - 10 microg/mL, it inhibited A23187-induced leukotriene B4 production in porcine neutrophils. In addition, RCM-101 (100 microg/mL) inhibited the expression of COX-2 protein but did not affect that of COX-1. CONCLUSION - The findings indicate that RCM-101 inhibits the release and/or synthesis of histamine, leukotriene B4 and prostaglandin E2 in cultured cells. These interactions of RCM-101 with multiple inflammatory mediators are likely to be related to its ability to reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis

Recent developments of acupuncture in Australia and the way forward

Almost one in ten Australians has received acupuncture treatment by acupuncturists and/or medical doctors in private clinics. The majority of Australian health insurance funds offer rebates for acupuncture. Statutory regulations for acupuncture have been implemented in the State of Victoria, Australia. Six acupuncture degree courses have been approved by the Chinese Medicine Registration Board of Victoria and/or accredited by the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association. Furthermore, a number of clinical trials of acupuncture on allergic rhinitis, pain and women's health were carried out in Australia. Recent developments of acupuncture in Australia indicate that through adequate and appropriate evaluation, acupuncture begins to integrate into mainstream health care in Australia

The Effect of Low Levels of Diethylstilbestrol and Plant Estrogens Upon Performance of Fattening Lambs

The excellent feeding properties of good quality legume hay and certain vegetable oil meals have long been recognized by the livestock producer. The observed feeding values of these feedstuffs cannot be attributed entirely to their classical nutrient compositions. It has been long suspected that they contain unidentified .factors that are stimulatory to growth

Public attitudes towards Chinese medicine in Melbourne, Australia

PURPOSE - To investigate the public attitudes towards Chinese medicine and the impact of the introduction of statutory practitioner registration in Melbourne, Australia. METHOD - A convenience sample of 575 participants (18-45 years of age) from three locations in Melbourne completed a self-administered, 60-question survey in August 2002. RESULTS - In the previous 12 months, Chinese medicine had been used by 30.9% of the respondents and 17.3% had visited a Chinese medicine practitioner. For each of eight common conditions listed in the survey, between 61.2% and 92.7% of participants indicated that western medicine was their preferred therapeutic option, rather than Chinese medicine or combination of Western and Chinese medicine. However, substantial proportions of participants preferred Chinese medicine for stomach or internal problems (28.4%), cold/flu (18.8%) and dizziness (17.6%). Although 78.2% were aware that statutory practitioner registration had recently been introduced in the State, only 29.9% indicated that they would only visit a registered practitioner. IMPLICATION - More stringent surveillance of Chinese medicine service providers and a public education campaign may be necessary to protect against unauthorized Chinese medicine practice

Outcomes of a residential respite service for homeless people with tuberculosis in London, UK: a cross-sectional study

Background: Many countries are seeking to eliminate tuberculosis (TB), but incidence remains high in socially excluded groups such as people experiencing homelessness. There is limited research into the effectiveness of residential respite services (RRS), which provide accomodation and social and clinical support for homeless people with active TB. // Methods: We used a register of all cases of TB diagnosed in London between 1 January 2010 and 3 October 2019 to compare characteristics and outcomes of patients treated in an RRS with patients receiving standard care. The primary outcome was successful treatment completion. We used logistic regression to compare likelihood of completing treatment, and simulation to estimate the absolute change in treatment completion resulting from this service. // Results: A total of 78 homeless patients finished an episode of TB treatment at the RRS. Patients treated in the RRS were more likely than patients treated in standard care to have clinical and social risk factors including drug resistance, history of homelessness, drug or alcohol use, and need for directly observed therapy. After adjusting for these factors, patients treated in the RRS had 2.97 times the odds of completing treatment (95% CI = 1.44–6.96). Treatment ended in failure for 8/78 patients treated in the RRS (10%, 95% CI = 5%–20%). We estimated that in the absence of the RRS, treatment would have ended in failure for 17/78 patients (95% CI = 11–25). // Conclusion: The residential respite service for homeless TB patients with complex social needs was associated with better treatment outcomes

Panax ginseng C.A Meyer root extract for moderate Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) impairs quality of life and leads to premature mortality. COPD sufferers experience progressive deterioration of lung function and decreased ability to undertake day-to-day activities. Ginseng has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine for respiratory symptoms. Several controlled clinical trials using ginseng for COPD have shown promising clinical effect, however these studies were generally small and with some potential bias, prompting the need for rigorously designed studies

Method for forming a pallet with deep drawn legs

A method for molding articles such as pallets from flake-like wood particles mixed with binder, the pallets housing a deck and integral molding legs. A loosely fitted mat of wood flakes is formed by depositing a first plurality of layers of wood flakes onto a supporting surface with a flake aligners provided for causing alignment of those flakes which will form legs of the pallet. A second plurality of layers are formed with a flake aligner provided for causing alignment of flakes which will form the legs of the pallet and in a direction transverse to the direction of alignment of the flakes of the first layers.https://digitalcommons.mtu.edu/patents/1097/thumbnail.jp