Four distinct, chemically asynchronous spectrophotometric pathways each tapping into a different reactive node of the polyfunctional doxycycline hyclate (DOX) framework were planned to bypass the limitations of single mechanism assays. It works amazingly well. By exploiting the drug's inherent structural mutability, we developed a multipronged quantification matrix. Take the drug's reducing capacity, for instance. In Method A, this specific driving force reduces Fe (III) in the presence of potassium ferricyanide, yielding a highly conjugated Turnbull's blue complex characterized by a distinct bathochromic shift (λ max 783.5 nm). Method B switches components entirely. It forces an alkaline electrophilic coupling with Fast Red B salt to lock down a resilient red azo chromophore (λ max 498 nm). Method C determines for selective oxidation using N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) in a strongly acidic environment to generate a stable yellow derivative (λ max 383.5 nm) (a sequence highly dependent on strict kinetic control). Method D abandons covalent modification altogether, relying instead on the generation of a lipophilic ion-pair associate with bromothymol blue (BTB) at pH 3.0, which partition readily into chloroform (λ max 409.5 nm). Linearity spans diverse concentration intervals: 0.5-4, 5-60, 20-140, and 5-35 μg mL-1 for protocols A through D. Sensitivity peaks at a remarkably low LOD of 0.16 μg mL-1. Rigorous compliance with ICH validation protocols confirmed tight fidelity regarding accuracy and reproducibility. When applied to real-world commercial capsules, the matrix remained entirely unaffected by matrix excipients. This makes it an incredibly cheap, solvent-lean alternative for high-throughput benchtop quality control.
Smoking is a traditional preservation method in Vietnam, widely applied to shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) as well as meats, yet the use of plastic-contaminated fuels poses emerging food safety concerns. This study provides the first congener-specific characterization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) in smoke-dried shiitake produced with wood and wood adulterated by polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Using GC-MS/MS combined with multivariate analyses, we observed clear differences in contaminant accumulation driven by fuel composition. Clean wood (W) yielded the lowest burdens, with PCB levels < 150 ng/kg, PCDD/Fs negligible, and PAHs < 650 µg/kg. Plastic-adulterated fuels significantly increased contamination (Kruskal-Wallis p < 0.001), with PAH and PCB/PCDD/F levels following robust gradients of W < PE < PS < PVC (PCBs/PCDD/Fs) and W < PE < PVC < PS (PAHs). PE was characterized by light PAHs (naphthalene, acenaphthylene, and acenaphthene) and moderate PCB increases; PS, by high-molecular-weight PAHs and coplanar PCBs; and PVC, by the broadest enrichment, including nearly all tested PCDD/F congeners. Hierarchical cluster analysis and PCA confirmed clustering by fuel type and revealed pollutant fingerprints specific to each plastic. These findings demonstrate, for the first time, the toxicological risks of plastic-contaminated smoking fuels in Vietnamese shiitake processing and provide baseline data essential for risk assessment and food safety policy.
Yinxing Mihuan Oral Solution (YMOS) is extensively utilized in the clinical treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs), with flavonols and their glycosides identified as the primary active ingredients. Currently, there are relatively few established quantitative methods available for analyzing flavonols and their glycosides, and the research regarding their transformation patterns under simulated gastrointestinal conditions is still limited. In this study, network pharmacology was employed to predict the active compounds and targets of YMOS associated with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protection. A comprehensive network integrating compounds, targets, bioactivities, and CCVDs was meticulously constructed for 10 flavonol glycosides and their aglycones. It revealed that these compounds exert their blood circulation-promoting and blood stasis-eliminating effects by modulating 20 key targets, highlighting their therapeutic potential in CCVDs treatment. Furthermore, we quantitatively analyzed the 10 targeted flavonols and their glycosides in YMOS using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), demonstrating consistent flavonoid levels across all tested samples. This method was also employed to investigate biotransformation rules between flavonol glycosides and their aglycones in vitro. Notably, it was observed that flavonol glycosides undergo a deglycosylation reaction in the rat's intestinal microbial culture medium, which was witnessed in a relatively stable manner under the simulated artificial gastrointestinal fluid. These findings provide important scientific insights into the mechanism of action and the quality control of YMOS.
Background:Potassium bromate (KBrO3) is a flour additive that strengthens dough and increases bread volume. However, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has labeled it as a possible human carcinogen. Despite being banned in many countries, KBrO3 is still found in bread, particularly in resource-limited settings like Ethiopia, which can pose serious health risks. Objective of Study:The goal of this study is to develop and validate a sensitive, selective, and accurate high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for detecting and measuring KBrO3 in bread using a quality by design (QbD) approach. Methodology:A reverse-phase HPLC method was developed and optimized using the central composite design (CCD) expert. Chromatographic analysis was performed on a C18 column with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and phosphate buffer. The method was validated following the ICH Q2(R1) guidelines. Fifteen commercial bread samples were collected from each subcity of Mekelle and analyzed using the developed method. Results:The developed method demonstrated excellent linearity, precision, and accuracy, with recovery rates between 96% and 99%. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.015 mg/kg. Bromate residues were detected in all bread samples, with concentrations ranging from 4.5 to 9.15 mg/kg, which is significantly higher than the WHO/FDA safety limit of 0.02 mg/kg. Conclusion:The validated HPLC method provides a reliable and accurate tool for routine monitoring of KBrO3 in bread. The results highlight significant public health risks associated with excessive bromate use in local bread production and call attention to the urgent need for strengthened regulatory controls and enforcement of food safety standards in Ethiopia.
Background:Free testosterone (FT), the bioactive form comprising 1%-2% of total testosterone, directly enters cells. Unlike total testosterone, FT levels are less affected by sex hormone-binding globulin and better reflect biological activity. Accurate serum FT measurement is crucial for diagnosing conditions like male hypogonadism, PCOS, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer's. However, existing methods suffer from inadequate sensitivity, complexity, and high cost, necessitating improved detection technologies. We developed and evaluated a chemiluminescence assay kit for FT. Methods:FT was quantified using a competitive immunoassay where sample FT competes with acridinium ester-labeled testosterone derivatives for binding to biotinylated antitestosterone antibodies on magnetic beads. Key parameters (magnetic bead concentration, biotinylation, labeling, and antibody/derivative concentrations) were optimized. Kit performance was rigorously assessed for linearity, limit of blank (LoB), accuracy, precision, stability, specificity, and clinical relevance. FT levels were measured in 1615 male and 2035 female patient samples to analyze clinical significance. Results:The assay demonstrated excellent linearity (r > 0.99), low LoB (0.021 pg/mL), high accuracy (deviation < 5%), precision (CV < 5%), and 12-month stability. Specificity testing showed no cross-reactivity. Method comparison with 392 clinical samples yielded a strong correlation (r = 0.9941). Analysis of patient samples revealed significant FT level differences among males with various diagnoses: lower levels in prostate cancer patients and higher levels in conditions like hair loss. Conclusion:The developed chemiluminescence FT assay kit exhibits superior performance, low cost, and high automation, fully meeting clinical requirements. FT measurement provides a valuable reference for diagnosing and assessing specific diseases, aiding improved clinical management.
This study investigated a solid base reagent for the fluorometric determination of carbaryl residues in vegetables. The method is based on the reaction between carbaryl and Mobil Composition of Matter No. 41 (MCM-41) containing cetyltrimethylammonium (CTA), denoted as MCM-41-CTA, which produces 1-naphthol. The generated 1-naphthol exhibited a strong fluorescence signal at 485 nm when excited at 335 nm, enabling fluorometric detection. MCM-41-CTA was synthesized using tetraethoxysilane as the silica source and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as the template. Mesoporous structure, surface basicity, and functional groups of MCM-41-CTA were analyzed. The hydrolysis reaction between carbaryl and MCM-41-CTA was optimized with the best results achieved using 100 mg of MCM-41-CTA in a carbaryl solution containing 50% ethanol, with a reaction time of 60 min. Under these conditions, the developed method showed a linear response for carbaryl concentration from 0.12 to 10 mu M, with a detection limit of 0.11 mu M. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of real samples, quantifying carbaryl residues in chili and Thai eggplant. Validation against ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) showed strong agreement between the two techniques. Furthermore, an interference study confirmed that the presence of the tested species had negligible effects on the fluorescence signal of 1-naphthol. The findings suggest that the developed method is a promising tool for efficiently and accurately detecting carbaryl residues in agricultural products.
Albiziae Flos (AF) is a traditional Chinese medicine with an extensive historical background. This study presented an integrated approach combining headspace-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS), chemometrics, and network pharmacology to comprehensively evaluate the volatile components of AF and explore their potential antidepressant mechanisms. A total of 34 volatile compounds were identified through HS-GC-MS analysis. Fingerprint assessment revealed high consistency among 16 batches (similarity: 0.790-0.998), while chemometric analysis successfully discriminated samples from different geographical origins. Network pharmacology screening identified 15 active components and 131 potential targets, revealing multicomponent, multitarget characteristics of AF's antidepressant effects. Molecular docking simulations demonstrated strong binding affinity between linalool oxide configurations and 12 core targets, primarily through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. This work lies in its comprehensive investigation of AF's volatile components using an integrated analytical-pharmacological approach, providing both a methodological framework for quality assessment and mechanistic insights for antidepressant drug development. Our findings established scientific foundations for quality control of AF and revealed its potential antidepressant mechanisms through multiple pathways.
Inborn errors of metabolism such as phenylketonuria (PKU) and maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) can cause severe developmental problems. Both conditions can lead to harmful levels of keto acids in biofluids-phenylpyruvic acid (PPA) in PKU and branched-chain α-keto acids in MSUD. Monitoring urinary keto acids helps track dietary adherence and reduces the risk of metabolic crisis. However, current at-home tests are qualitative and difficult to interpret, while existing metabolomic assays require expensive equipment and must be conducted in a lab. This study aimed to develop a simple, quantitative, rapid, at-home assay for detecting multiple urinary keto acids associated with PKU and MSUD. A modified two-step 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH)-based multimetabolite assay was developed, where sodium hydroxide (NaOH) converts the yellow hydrazone precipitate to a stable amber solution, enabling quantification of multiple keto acids (700-7200 μM) within 10 min. The assay was validated using spiked urine samples and adapted into a prototype at-home kit using caprolactam-immobilized NaOH. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics was used as a reference method to authenticate readings from a PKU patient. Correlation studies demonstrated strong linearity for MSUD (R 2 = 0.91-0.96)- and PKU (R 2 = 0.95-0.99)-spiked samples. Quantification of keto acids in authentic PKU urine samples showed excellent agreement with the results of quantitative NMR-based metabolomics assays (R 2 = 0.99). Low-cost, at-home colorimetric tests for urinary keto acids could enable screening, detection, and monitoring of PKU and MSUD in the 90% of the world without access to advanced metabolic clinics.
Background:Hemolysis is a common source of interference in biochemical tests, potentially leading to significant errors in clinical decision-making and patient management. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of varying degrees of hemolysis on routine biochemical analytes and to find a local hemolytic index (HIX) cutoff for safe reporting. Methods:This experimental study was conducted on 30 serum samples from healthy individuals with normal biochemical profiles. Baseline concentrations of 20 routine analytes were measured using a DIRUI CS-1200 analyzer. To simulate hemolysis, increasing concentrations of autologous hemolysate were added to each sample, creating three grades of hemolysis based on HIX (mild, moderate, and severe). All analytes were remeasured, and the absolute and relative biases were calculated against baseline levels. These biases were then compared with the CLIA-defined total allowable error (TEa) to obtain the safe reporting cutoff for each analyte. Results:All analytes showed a positive bias with increasing hemolysis, though the magnitude of interference varied significantly. LDH, uric acid, AST, and total bilirubin, in that order, were more impacted by hemolysis. In mild hemolysis (HIX < 0.5), none of the analyte biases exceeded TEa limits (p value < 0.05). In moderate and severe hemolysis, however, most exceeded acceptable limits. Based on these results, a HIX cutoff of 0.5 was regarded for reporting mildly hemolyzed samples. Conclusion:Hemolysis interference is both analyte- and system-dependent. Laboratories are recommended to conduct similar research tailored to their local laboratory settings and population to improve analytical quality and reduce unnecessary specimen rejection.
Fuganlin oral liquid (FOL) has been clinically employed for the treatment of pediatric qi deficiency colds, manifesting symptoms such as fever, cough, asthma, and sore throat. However, the chemical composition and bioactive components of FOL have not been clearly elucidated. In this study, a comprehensive qualitative analysis of FOL was conducted utilizing ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry in conjunction with network pharmacology. A total of 124 chemical components were tentatively characterized, comprising flavonoids, phenolic acids, saponins, coumarins, and others. Among these, 43 compounds were unequivocally identified by comparison with authentic reference standards. Furthermore, network pharmacology analysis revealed that the ingredients of FOL exhibited anti-inflammatory properties and demonstrated potential efficacy in relieving cough and asthma associated with respiratory tract infections. Collectively, this study provides the first comprehensive characterization of the chemical composition in FOL and explores the potential pharmacological mechanisms of its bioactive constituents, thereby providing scientific support for quality control standards and clinical applications.
Within the 'Making History' project, the British Museum investigated the materiality of the Vindolanda ink writing tablets for the first time, with a particular focus on the possible differentiation of the ink sources employed. Thanks to the application of complementary scientific techniques, it was possible to develop an analytical protocol for the documentation of the ink writing from the palaeographic and conservation points of view and the characterisation of their manufacture. From the macroscopic to the microscopic scale, the use of imaging techniques (MBI, SWIR and digital microscope) highlighted the unique features of the different handwriting styles and allowed the identification of the ink typology. Raman spectroscopy and elemental analyses (XRF and SEM-EDX) were then applied to gain information about the chemical-physical nature of the inks. The main achievement was the possibility to differentiate the sources of carbon-based inks using Raman spectroscopy and multivariate analysis. It was possible to examine ink production at the edge of the Roman Empire, comparing it with the ancient literature and the different practices arising in the Mediterranean area.
Cirsium japonicum, a traditional medicinal plant, has been widely used for its therapeutic properties in treating various ailments. However, a comprehensive analysis of its chemical composition remains limited, hindering a full understanding of its chemical basis and pharmacological activities. This study aims to identify and characterize the chemical constituents of C. japonicum using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS) and parallel reaction monitoring (PRM). A total of 94 compounds were identified, including 57 organic acids, 25 flavonoids, 3 phenylpropanoids, and 9 other components, with chlorogenic acid dominating the organic acid fraction. Organic acids and caffeic acid, among organic acid compounds, exhibit hemostatic effects based on prior evidence. The UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS-based approach provided a detailed chemical profile of C. japonicum, which could facilitate a deeper understanding of its medicinal properties and guide future pharmacological studies. The identified compounds can be used as potential biomarkers for the standardization and quality control of medicinal products of C. japonicum.
Considering the economic and edible values of sesame seeds, it is important to monitor sesame seed for the safety of consumers and for international trade as it helps the country government and suppliers as products to gain market acceptance more effectively. The objective of this study was to determine selected organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residues in sesame seeds. Quick, easy, cheap, efficient, rugged, and safe method followed by gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) was used for the rapid separation and determination of 20 OCPs in sesame seeds. Acetonitrile in combination with 1% glacial acetic acid was used as an extraction solvent. Primary secondary amine, graphitized carbon black, and octadecylsilane in QuEChERS kit were used for d-SPE clean up before GC-MS/MS analysis. The GC-MS/MS analysis was evaluated in terms of linearity, recovery, and precision. The calibration curves were obtained for all analytes and displayed good linearity over the selected concentration range with regression coefficients (r 2) ≥ 0.999. The recoveries for spiked analytes in sesame seed samples were ranged from 93.58 to 115.81 with RSDs lower than 1%. The LOD and LOQ for all investigated pesticides were in the range of 0.05-0.88 μg/kg and from 0.16 to 2.93 μg/kg, respectively.
The reliance on centralized manufacturing systems often shows vulnerability of global supply chains, as evidenced by disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts. This study reports an affordable and portable paper strip sensor for arsenic detection in groundwater, developed using distributed manufacturing and sustainability principles. Handmade Lokta Paper (HLP), produced in the laboratory from bark of a native Lokta plant, Daphne, through eco-friendly methods, served as the sensor substrate. The HLP strip employed the Gutzeit reaction and integrated smartphone imaging for qualitative, semi-quantitative, and quantitative arsenic analysis. The assay optimization was achieved with 1% (w/v) HgBr₂ impregnation, 5-minute dipping time, 15-minute arsine exposure, and imaging within minutes. Testing of 21 groundwater samples from Nepal revealed strong agreement between the HLP strip and a commercial kit (Cohen’s kappa = 0.811). The HLP strip demonstrated a lower limit of detection (18 μg/L vs. 20 μg/L) and limit of quantification (54 μg/L vs. 61 μg/L). Most samples had arsenic concentrations below 10 μg/L, with few reaching Nepal’s regulatory limit of 50 μg/L. In addition to robust analytical performance, the HLP strip exemplifies the scalability and cost-effectiveness of arsenic sensors, with a production cost of USD 0.37 per test—significantly lower than commercial alternatives. This innovation may foster local economic growth, minimize supply chain dependency, and reduce environmental impact through the sustainable utilization of Lokta paper. The study highlights the potential of integrating traditional materials with advanced analytical techniques to address global health and environmental challenges while promoting regional resilience and sustainability.
In this study, the colorimetric approach is applied on an indicator strip for tetracycline detection in milk residue. Indicator strips made from PMMA-concentrated H2SO4 (9:1), PMMA-Mecke (9:1), and PMMA-Marquis (9:1) are the best compositions that can detect tetracycline within 10 s. The test results using scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and infrared spectrophotometer showed that the reagent had entered the PMMA-based indicator strip. The limit of quantification (LOQ) and limit of detection (LOD) were 11.64 ppm and 3.49 ppm, respectively. The indicator strip has high selectivity toward tetracycline and is stable for 60 days at room temperature in a desiccator. The indicator strip detects tetracycline in milk samples with an accuracy of 83.24%-99.66%. The accuracy test results using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) also observed. The indicator strip may be appropriate as an initial screening tool for high-level tetracycline contamination; however, its utility is limited for purposes of strict regulatory compliance.
Pandanus tectorius fruits are a promising but underutilized source of bioactive constituents. We optimized extraction conditions for phenolic- and saponin-enriched fractions using Box-Behnken/response surface methodology across ethanol concentration, temperature, solvent-to-material ratio, and time and then evaluated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Total phenolic content (TPC; Folin-Ciocalteu, 760 nm) and total saponin content (TSC; vanillin-sulfuric acid, 560 nm) served as responses for model fitting (R 2 > 0.96), validation, and multiresponse optimization that yielded seven distinct optimums targeting different extract profiles. Phenolic-rich extracts showed potent DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging, whereas saponin-rich extracts more strongly inhibited LPS-induced nitric oxide in RAW 264.7 cells; excessive saponin enrichment, however, coincided with cytotoxicity. These results demonstrate that tuned extraction can deliver purpose-built extracts for antioxidant or anti-inflammatory applications, supporting the valorization of P. tectorius as a natural source for functional and nutraceutical ingredients.
Fagopyri Dibotryis Rhizoma (FDR), the dried rhizome of Fagopyrum dibotrys (D. Don) Hara (F. dibotrys), is a famous herbal drug with a long application history in China. Recently, FDR and its preparations have attracted wide attention due to their therapeutic values for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and COVID-19-related acute lung injury. There is a significant difference in quality among FDRs from different habitats, which can seriously affect the clinical efficacy. The original medicinal materials can only be used in the clinic after being processed into decoction pieces, but there is currently a lack of comprehensive quality evaluation of FDR decoction pieces prepared using FDRs from different origins. In this study, the HPLC fingerprints of 23 batches of FDR decoction pieces prepared using FDRs from 8 provinces such as Yunnan and Guizhou in China were established; 47 common peaks in these fingerprints were marked, among which, 80 components were identified by Q-TOF-MS/MS, including 32 tannins, 17 phenols, 12 flavonoids, 11 phenylpropanoid glycosides, 3 amino acids, 2 organic acids, 1 terpenoid, 1 alkaloid, and 1 other component; the chemical pattern recognition analysis, including hierarchical cluster analysis, principal component analysis, and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis, was conducted by using the quantified peak areas of the common peaks as variables; and the contents of 4 tannins such as procyanidin B1, procyanidin B3, procyanidin C1, and procyanidin A2, 3 phenolics such as gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, and protocatechualdehyde, and 3 flavonoids such as catechin, epicatechin, and epicatechin gallate were determined in 23 batches of FDR decoction pieces. The results indicate that there is a significant difference in the quality between the decoction pieces prepared using FDRs from Yunnan and Guizhou and those prepared using FDRs from 6 other provinces, and the former have a better quality compared with the latter.
Soil metabolites are not only the integrated expression of soil biological activities but also the pivotal drivers of biogeochemical cycling, thereby significantly influencing the formation of crop quality. This study established an improved ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) fingerprint with chemometrics for characterizing the nonvolatile metabolite profiles of soils from geographical locations defined by different tobacco flavor styles in Guizhou. The homogenization extraction and then UPLC analysis were selected as the optimal system due to their superior repeatability and reproducibility, with intraday and interday RSD% of the common peaks (retention time and peak area) below 2.75%. The fingerprint profiling was established using 18 soil samples from three locations, namely the honey-sweet region I, II, and the fresh-sweet region. Thirty common peaks were identified, with similarities ranging from 0.809 to 0.956. Then, the common peaks were subjected to chemometrics analysis. These results indicated that significant differences were observed by principal component analysis (PCA), and 17 characteristic metabolites were viewed as primarily discriminatory by partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). The total content of characteristic metabolites followed a trend of honey-sweet region II > honey-sweet region I > fresh-sweet region, with individual metabolites generally higher in the honey-sweet region. Finally, external validation using the hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and Fisher discriminant analysis (FDA) model accurately classified four soil samples, further confirming the representativeness of the characteristic metabolites. This study supplies a theoretical foundation to understand the relationship between tobacco flavor formation and soil metabolism, showing great potential applications in agricultural research.
This study developed a method for simultaneously detecting 10 mycotoxins in Dendrobium officinale using the QuEChERS technique combined with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The method was optimized for sample purification, pretreatment, chromatographic conditions, and mass spectrometric settings. It effectively addressed the matrix effects from impurities like pigments and cellulose. The validation of the method showed good linearity (R 2 > 0.990), with limits of detection (LODs) ranging from 0.23 to 8.61 μg kg-1 and limits of quantification (LOQs) from 0.77 to 28.7 μg kg-1. Average recoveries for the 10 mycotoxins ranged from 77.9% to 98.5%, with relative standard deviations (RSD) between 2.26% and 8.28%. The method demonstrated high accuracy, precision, and suitability for large-scale screening of mycotoxins in Dendrobium officinale. When applied to 84 samples, the contamination rate was 2.38%, with the main contaminants being AFB1, ZEN, and AFG1. This method provides a reliable, cost-effective approach for detecting mycotoxin contamination in traditional Chinese medicine.
