Efficacy, safety and mechanism of Simiaoyongan decoction in the treatment of carotid atherosclerotic plaque: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial protocol.

Introduction: Chronic inflammation is the major pathological feature of Atherosclerosis(As). Inflammation may accelerate plaque to develop, which is a key factor resulting in the thinning of the fibrous cap and the vulnerable rupture of plaque. Presently, clinical treatments are still lacking.

Comparative efficacy of Chinese patent medicines in patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaque: a Bayesian network meta- analysis.

Background: Traditional Chinese patent medicines (TCPMs) have been widely used to treat carotid atherosclerotic plaque (CAP) in China. However, systematic evaluation of the clinical efficacy of TCPMs for CAP is still unknown, and the comparative efficacy of different TCPMs is unclear.

Objectives: This study aims to compare and rank the effectiveness and safety of different TCPMs in treating CAP using a Bayesian network meta- analysis (NMA).

Traditional Chinese Medicine for the Common Cold: Evidence and Potential Mechanisms.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a history of over 2000 years in treating infectious diseases, among which the clinical treatment of the common cold (colds) and influenza (flu) is the most widespread and well-established. It is difficult to tell the difference between a cold and the flu based on the symptoms alone. The flu vaccine protects against influenza, but there is no vaccine or specific medication to protect against the common cold.

Berberine, a potential prebiotic to indirectly promote Akkermansia growth through stimulating gut mucin secretion.

Background: Akkermansia spp. plays important roles in maintenance of host health. Increasing evidence reveals that berberine (BBR) may exert its pharmacological effects via, at least partially, promotion of Akkermansia spp.

[Effect of rapid decompression on rat multifocal electroretinogram].

Objective: To observe the effect of rapid decompression on rat multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) and to explore the characteristics of the retinal function impairment due to decompression sickness at early stage.

Methods: Twenty rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: normal control (NC) group, safe decompression (SD) group, 0 h and 6 h after rapid decompression (RD0 and RD6) groups. The treated rats in safe decompression group and each rapid decompression group were exposed in hyperbaric cabin and air pressure in the cabin rose up to 1.

Effects of anti-VEGF agents on rat retinal Müller glial cells.

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of an anti-rat vascular endothelial growth factor antibody (ARVA) and bevacizumab (Avastin) on rat retinal Müller glial cells (RMGCs) in vivo and in vitro.

Methods: Rat RMGCs were identified and cultivated, and were then treated with bevacizumab (0.1, 0.