Near-infrared fluorescent probe visual detection of Hg2+ and its application in biological system and ecological system.

Mercury ion (Hg2+), a heavy metal cation with greater toxicity, is widely present in the ecological environment and has become a serious threat to human health and environmental safety. Currently, developing a solution to simultaneously visualize and monitor Hg2+ in environmental samples, including water, soil, and plants, remains a great challenge. In this work, we created and synthesized a near-infrared fluorescent probe, BBN-Hg, and utilized Hg2+ to trigger the partial cleavage of the carbon sulfate ester in BBN-Hg as a sensing mechanism, and the fluorescence intensity of BBN-Hg was significantly enhanced at 650 nm, thus realizing the visualization of Hg2+ with good selectivity (detection limit, 53 nM). In live cells and zebrafish, the probe BBN-Hg enhances the red fluorescence signal in the presence of Hg2+, and successfully performs 3D imaging on zebrafish, making it a powerful tool for detecting Hg2+ in living systems. More importantly, with BBN-Hg, we are able to detect Hg2+ in actual water samples, soil and plant seedling roots. Furthermore, the probe was prepared as a test strip for on-site determination of Hg2+ with the assistance of a smartphone. Therefore, this study offers an easy-to-use and useful method for tracking Hg2+ levels in living organisms and their surroundings.

Association Between Red Cell Distribution Width and Liver Injury after Cardiac and Aortic Aneurysm Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the association between preoperative red blood cell distribution width (RDW) levels and liver injury (LI) after cardiac surgery, to highlight RDW's usefulness in the early identification and intervention for patients at high risk of LI. DESIGN: A retrospective observational study. SETTING: A university-affiliated teaching hospital and tertiary referral center. PARTICIPANTS: Adult patients who underwent cardiac and aortic aneurysm surgery at Changhai Hospital in 2021. INTERVENTIONS: Postoperative LI was defined by increased liver enzyme levels and/or hyperbilirubinemia, noted from the time of surgery to discharge. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the RDW-LI relationship, with stratified analyses based on age, gender, and anemia. Survival within 30 days was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method, with survival curve differences analyzed via the log-rank test. The study included 3 sets of sensitivity analyses. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Postoperative LI was observed in 75 patients (10%). Multivariate regression analysis showed a significant association between high RDW levels and postoperative LI (adjusted odds ratio, 3.25; p = 0.033; 95% confidence intefal, 1.10-9.63), even after adjusting for all covariates. This association remained consistent across 3 sets of sensitivity analyses. Subgroup analysis showed men had a higher correlation with LI (p for interaction = 0.041). Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated a significantly lower survival rate in the LI group (76%) compared with the non-LI group (99.6%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative RDW levels are significantly associated with postoperative LI. RDW could serve as a significant useful marker for early detection and intervention in patients at high risk of LI, thereby potentially improving patient outcomes.

Pharmacology and therapeutic potential of agarwood and agarwood tree leaves in periodontitis.

The main bioactive components of agarwood, derived from Aquilaria sinensis, include sesquiterpenes, 2-(2-phenethyl) chromone derivatives, aromatic compounds, and fatty acids, which typically exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immune-modulating, hypoglycemic, and antitumor pharmacological effects in the form of essential oils. Agarwood tree leaves, rich in flavonoids, 2-(2-phenethyl) chromone compounds, and flavonoid compounds, also exhibit significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-modulating effects. These properties are particularly relevant to the treatment of periodontitis, given that inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and immune dysregulation are key pathological mechanisms of the disease, highlighting the substantial potential of agarwood and agarwood tree leaves in this therapeutic area. However, the low solubility and poor bioavailability of essential oils present challenges that necessitate the development of improved active formulations. In this review, we will introduce the bioactive components, extraction methods, pharmacological actions, and clinical applications of agarwood and agarwood tree leaves, analyzing its prospects for the treatment of periodontitis.

Three new cyclopentanoid monoterpenes from the roots of Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora.

Three new cyclopentanoid monoterpenes, neopiscrocins A-C (1-3), together with 14 known compounds (4-17), were isolated from the roots of Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora. The structres of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of their spectroscopic data. All compounds were evaluated for cytotoxicity against six human tumor cell lines (PC9, PANC1, HCT-116, Hep-G2, BGC-823, and MCF-7), hepatoprotective activity and anti-inflammatory activity.

[Comparative study of total knee arthroplasty assisted by robot and remote sensing navigation system].

OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical efficacy of robot-assisted (RA) and remote sensing navigation alignment (RSNA) system-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: From March 2023 to June 2023, 60 patients who underwent the first unilateral TKA due to severe knee osteoarthritis (KOA) were admitted and divided into RSNA group and RA group according to different treatment methods, with 30 patients in each group. There were 5 males and 25 females in RSNA group, aged from 56 to 81 years old with an average of(66.33±7.16) years old;body mass index(BMI) ranged from 19.87 to 38.54 kg·m-2 with an average of (28.40±6.18) kg·m-2;the courses of disease ranged from 5 to 36 months with an average of (18.20±8.98) months; RSNA system was used to assist the positioning of osteotomy. There were 7 males and 23 females in RA group, aged from 55 to 82 years old with an average of (67.83±8.61) years old;BMI ranged from 19.67 to 37.25 kg·m-2 with an average of (28.01±4.89) kg·m-2; the courses of disease ranged from 3 to 33 months with an average of (17.93±9.20) months;RA was performed. Operation time, incision length, latent blood loss at 2 weeks after operation and incidence of lower extremity thrombosis were compared between two groups. Hip-knee ankle angle (HKAA), HKAA deviation, lateral distal femoral angle ( LDFA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) and posterior tibial slope (PTS) were compared between two groups;Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and Knee Society score (KSS) were used to evaluate functional recovery before operation, 3 and 6 months after operation. RESULTS: The operation was performed successfully in both groups, and there were no serious complications such as vascular and nerve injury during operation. The wound healed well at stageⅠafter operation, and the follow-up time was 6 months. The operation time, latent blood loss at 2 weeks after operation and incision length in RSNA group were (94.35±5.75) min, (130.54±17.53) ml and (14.73±2.14) cm, respectively;while (102.57±6.88) min, (146.33±19.47) ml and (16.78±2.32) cm in RA group, respectively. RSNA group was better than RA group (P<0.05). No deep vein thrombosis occurred in both groups at 2 weeks after operation, 5 patients occurred intermuscular vein thrombosisin in RSNA group and 8 patients in RA group, the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). In RSNA group, HKAA, LDFA and MPTA were (173.00±5.54) °, (86.96±3.45) °, (82.79±3.35) ° before operation, and (178.34±1.85) °, (89.92±0.42) °, (89.84±0.73) ° at 1 week after operation, respectively. In RA group, HKAA, LDFA and MPTA were (173.31±6.48) °, (87.15±3.40) ° and (82.99±3.05) ° before operation, and (178.52±1.79) °, (90.03±0.39) ° and (90.15±0.47) ° at 1 week after operation, respectively. HKAA, LDFA and MPTA were significantly improved in both groups at 1 week after operation (P<0.05). There were no significant difference in HKAA, LDFA, MPTA and PTS between two groups before operation and 1 week after operation (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in deviation distribution of HKAA at 1 week after operation (χ2=2.611, P=0.456). There were no significant difference in WOMAC and KSS between two groups before operation, 3 and 6 months after operation (P>0.05), and postoperative WOMAC and KSS at 3 and 6 months between two groups were improved compared with those before operation (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Both RA and RSNA system assisted TKA could obtain accurate osteotomy, RA has higher surgical accuracy, RSNA system assisted operation has less trauma, and operation is simpler.

[Application of remote sensing navigation system in total knee arthroplasty].

OBJECTIVE: To explore clinical accuracy of remote sensing navigation alignment (RSNA) system in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and its influence on postoperative clinical efficacy. METHODS: From May 2021 to May 2022, 60 knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients with Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grade Ⅲ to Ⅳ treated by unilateral primary TKA were selected and divided into RSNA group and traditional operation group according to treatment methods, and 30 patients in each group. There were 6 males and 24 females in RSNA group, aged from 55 to 86 years old with an average of (68.06±8.23) years old;body mass index (BMI) ranged from 22.15 to 34.58 kg·m-2 with an average of (28.20±3.01) kg·m-2;the courses of disease ranged from 2 to 60 months with an average of (18.80±14.80) months;13 patients with grade Ⅲ and 17 patients with grade Ⅳ according to K-L grading. In traditional operation group, there were 8 males and 22 females, aged from 57 to 85 years old with an average of (67.26±6.32) years old;BMI ranged from 23.94 to 34.55 kg·m-2 with an average of (27.49±2.32) kg·m-2;the courses of disease ranged from 3 to 60 months with an average of (21.30±16.44) months;14 patients with grade Ⅲ and 16 patients with grade Ⅳ according to K-L grading. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) osteoarthritis index and Knee Society score(KSS) were used to evaluate functional recovery of patients. Hip-knee-ankle angle (HKAA), distal femoral valgus angle (FVA) and distal fermoral flexion angle (DFFA) were measured before operation. HKAA and HKAA deviation angle were measured at 1 week after operation, and defective rate of lower limb force line, femur prosthesis valgus angle (FPVA) and femoral prosthesis flexion angle (FPFA), respectively, were calculated. RESULTS: There were no serious complications such as vascular and nerve injury during operation, and wound healed at stage Ⅰ. Both groups were followed up for 6 months. There were no significant difference in WOMAC index, KSS, HKAA, FVA and DFFA between two groups before operation (P>0.05). The force line defect rate, HKAA, HKAA deviation angle, FPVA deviation angle and FPFA of RSNA group were 6.7%, (178.74±1.56) °, (1.25±1.56) °, (1.84±0.16) ° and (4.85±2.46) °, respectively;while in traditional operation group were 20%, (176.73±3.46) °, (3.27±3.46) °, (2.44±0.26) °, (6.60±1.86) °;the difference between two groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). There were no significant difference in WOMAC index and KSS between two groups at 3 and 6 months after operation (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: RSNA system could reduce defective rate of lower limb force line, FPVA deviation angle and FPFA after TKA, which is more accurate and easy to operate than traditional intramedullary localization surgery while ensuring postoperative efficacy.

[Influence of different processing methods on volatile components of Atractylodis Rhizoma based on HS-GC-MS technology].

The volatile components of Atractylodis Rhizoma have obvious pharmacological effects and are considered to be the main dry components of Atractylodis Rhizoma. The differences of different processed products of Atractylodis Rhizoma were analyzed from the perspective of volatile oil changes to explain the reasons for dryness reduction and efficacy increase of Atractylodis Rhizoma after processing. HS-GC-MS technology was used to obtain the volatile components of raw Atractylodis Rhizoma, bran-fried Atractylodis Rhizoma, roasted Atractylodis Rhizoma, and rice-water processed Atractylodis Rhizoma under four different processes, and then SIMCA software was used to analyze the volatile oil components of Atractylodis Rhizoma and its different processed products. A total of 87 volatile components were identified in the HS-GC-MS results. A total of 76 volatile components were identified in raw products; 79 volatile components were identified in bran-fried Atractylodis Rhizoma; 70 volatile components were identified in Zhangbang rice-water processed Atractylodis Rhizoma; 81 volatile components were identified in roasted Atractylodis Rhizoma; 78 volatile components were identified in Hunan rice-water processed Atractylodis Rhizoma; 73 volatile components were identified in Jilin rice-water processed Atractylodis Rhizoma, and 77 volatile components were identified in Shanghai rice-water processed Atractylodis Rhizoma. Through multivariate statistical analysis, it was found that there were significant differences between the processed products of Atractylodis Rhizoma. Then, a total of 28 significant differential components between the symbiotic products and the six processed products were established by the OPLS-DA model. Among them, 11 volatile components that generally increased significantly after processing were α-pinene, phellandrene,(1S)-(+)-3-carene, o-isopropyltoluene, D-limonene, α-ocimene, α-isoterpinene, silphiperfol-5-ene,silphinene, γ-alkenyl, and germacrene B, which may be related to their synergistic effect. Five volatile components that generally decreased significantly after processing were ß-elemene, 1-methyl-4-(6-methylhept-5-en-2-yl) cyclohexa-1, 3-diene, ß-selinene,ß-sesquiphellandrene, and atractylon, which may be related to their dryness.

[Main nutrients content in different specifications of Gastrodiae Rhizoma].

Gastrodiae Rhizoma is a valuable traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and was newly approved as a catalogue species of medicinal and food homologous substances in 2023. The consumption of Gastrodiae Rhizoma as a food has been increasing year by year, and its nutrients content has become a public concern. However, there is a lack of systematic research on its nutrients content. Gastrodiae Rhizoma is widely distributed and exhibits various specifications. The quality of Gastrodiae Rhizoma varies among different varieties, origins, and grades. In this paper, 76 batches of samples were selected, involving 2 varieties(G. elata f. elata and G. elata f. qlauca), 6 origins(Anhui, Shaanxi, Hubei, Yunnan, Henan and Northeast China) and 5 grades(special grade, first grade, second grade, third grade, and fourth grade). The content of main nutrients of the above samples was determined and analyzed to explore the differences in the content of different specifications of Gastrodiae Rhizoma. The results show that Gastrodiae Rhizoma is rich in a variety of nutrients, including protein, fat, starch, crude fiber, total saponins, moisture, polysaccharides, mineral elements, amino acids, and volatile oils. The total mass of volatile oils reached about 96.00%. The percentages of starch, moisture and polysaccharides werethe highest, accounting for 64.52%, 10.45%, and 8.32%, respectively. There were also differences in nutrient content among different specifications, especially the polysaccharide content of different varieties. Therefore, the research direction of Gastrodiae Rhizoma medicinal and food homologous products can be inclined to the development of meal replacement staple food or polysaccharide functional food. This study provides a reference for the research of Gastrodiae Rhizoma in the field of medicinal and food homologous products.

[Review and prospects of pesticide use and residues in cultivation of medicinal and food homologous substances].

As people's living standards and awareness of health care are increasing in recent years, the demand for the medicinal and food homologous substances is rising. Promoting the healthy development of this industry to meet people's growing demand and popularizing the TCM concept of preventive treatment of diseases are essential for building a healthy China. The abuse of pesticides by some growers in the one-sided pursuit of economic benefits causes serious pesticide residue, which affects the safety and effectiveness of the medicinal and food homologous substances. Since pesticide residues has received increasing attention, the reasonable control of pesticide residues becomes an important part of the research on these herbs, which, however, is rarely studied. This paper reviewed the publications involving pesticide residues in the cultivation of medicinal and food homologous substances that were published in the last two decades, and put forward the problems faced by the cultivation. According to the current situation of this industry, this paper proposed the management suggestions for the control of pesticide residues in the cultivation. This review will provide the government with data and references for formulating relevant policies and standards to promote the high-quality development of the industry of medicinal and food homologous substances and guarantee the development of TCM and the building of a healthy China.

[Mechanism of Panax notoginseng saponins in treating diabetic kidney disease based on network pharmacology and experimental verification].

This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Panax notoginseng saponins(PNS) on diabetic kidney disease(DKD) based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, animal experiments. Network pharmacology was employed to screen the potential targets, and STRING was employed to build the protein-protein interaction network. Gene Ontology(GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) enrichment analyses were carried out for the core targets screened out, and a ″components-targets-pathways″ visualization network was constructed to predict the potential mechanism of PNS in treating DKD. Five active ingredients were screened from PNS, the core targets of which for treating DKD were AKT1, STAT3, ESR1, HSP90AA1, MTOR, et al. The KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the pathways related to PNS for treating DKD included the pathway in cancer, chemical carcinogenesis-receptor activation, and PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. GO analysis revealed that protein binding, homologous protein binding, enzyme binding, and ATP binding were the main biological processes involved in the treatment of DKD with PNS. Male 6-week-old db/db mice were randomized into model, dapagliflozin, and low-dose and high-dose PNS groups, with 10 mice in each group. Ten 6-week-old db/m mice were used as the control group. Mice were administrated with corresponding drugs or distilled water(control and model groups) by gavage once a day for 8 weeks. The body weight, fasting blood glucose, kidney index, microalbuminuria, creatinine, microalbuminuria/creatinine ratio, and urea nitrogen content in the urine of mice were determined. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, periodic acid-Schiff(PAS) staining, and Masson staining were performed to observe the protective effect of PNS on the renal tissues in db/db mice. The results showed that PNS could significantly reduce the fasting blood glucose level and improve the renal damage in db/db mice. Western blot results showed that PNS down-regulated the protein levels of p-AKT1 and p-STAT3 and decreased the p-AKT1/AKT1 and p-STAT3/STAT3 ratios. In addition, high-dose PNS down-regulated the protein level of PIK3CA. In conclusion, PNS may exert the kidney-protecting effects in DKD by inhibiting STAT3 via the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway.

Salinirarus marinus gen. nov., sp. nov., Haloplanus salilacus sp. nov., Haloplanus pelagicus sp. nov., Haloplanus halophilus sp. nov., Haloplanus halobius sp. nov., halophilic archaea isolated from commercial coarse salts with potential as starter cultures for salt-fermented foods.

Five halophilic archaeal strains, XH8T, CK5-1T, GDY1T, HW8-1T, and XH21T, were isolated from commercial coarse salt produced in different regions of China. Their 16S rRNA and rpoB' gene sequences indicated that four of the strains (CK5-1T, GDY1T, HW8-1T, and XH21T) represent distinct species within the genus Haloplanus (family Haloferacaceae), while strain XH8T represents a novel genus within the same family. These assignments were supported by phylogenetic and phylogenomic analyses, which showed that strains CK5-1T, GDY1T, HW8-1T, and XH21T cluster with the current species of the genus Haloplanus, while strain XH8T forms a separate branch from the genus Haloplanus. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average amino acid identity (AAI) values among these four strains and the current members of the genus Haloplanus were 23.1-35.2% and 75.9-83.8%, respectively; and those values between strain XH8T and other genera in the family Haloferacaceae were 18.8-33.6% and 59.8-66.6%, respectively, much lower than the threshold values for species demarcation. Strain XH8T may represent a novel genus of the family Haloferacaceae according to the cut-off value of AAI (≤72.1%) proposed to differentiate genera within the family Haloferacaceae. These five strains could be distinguished from the related species according to differential phenotypic characteristics. Based on these results, it is proposed that strain XH8T represents a novel genus within the family Haloferacaceae, and strains CK5-1T, GDY1T, HW8-1T, and XH21T represent four novel species of the genus Haloplanus, respectively. Additionally, these five strains possess genes encoding enzymes critical for the fermentation process in salt-fermented foods, indicating their potential as starter cultures for these applications.

Concise synthesis of 3-C-glycosyl isocoumarins and 2-glycosyl-4H-chromen-4-ones.

A new Ru-catalyzed C-H activation/cyclization reaction for the synthesis of 3-C-glycosyl isocoumarins and 2-glycosyl-4H-chromen-4-ones with carbonyl sulfoxonium ylide glycogen are reported. In this catalytic system, benzoic acid and its derivatives react with carbonyl sulfoxonium ylide glycogen to yield isocoumarin C-glycosides, while 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde substrates react to produce chromone C-glycosides. These reactions were characterized by mild reaction conditions, broad substrate scope, high functional-group compatibility, and high stereoselectivity to yield several high-value isocoumarins and chromone skeleton-containing C-glycosides. The methods were successfully implemented in the context of large-scale reactions and the late-stage modification of complex natural products.

Ag2S quantum dot-based magnetic resonance/fluorescence dual-mode imaging nanoprobes for tumor diagnosis.

Accurate tumor detection is crucial for the early discovery and subsequent treatment of small neoplastic foci. Molecular imaging, which combines non-invasiveness, high specificity, and strong sensitivity, excels in diagnosing early tumors and stands out among tumor diagnosis methods. Here, we introduced a dual-modal imaging probe capable of actively targeting tumor cells, suitable for both near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Dendritic mesoporous silica was used as a carrier for the probe, encapsulating Ag2S quantum dots (QDs) for NIR fluorescence imaging. Additionally, the probe conjugated the MRI contrast agent Gd-DOTA and cetuximab, which targeted EGFR on the tumor cell membrane surface, to achieve dual-modal imaging in the tumor area. This strategy provided a methodology for the accurate diagnosis of early-stage tumor lesions and guides precise lesion resection during surgery, offering significant potential for clinical application.

Attraction of Nicotiana benthamiana to Bemisia tabaci is related to a chemical signal in plant volatile, undecane.

BACKGROUND: The whitefly Bemisia tabaci is one of the world's foremost agricultural pests. Recently, we found that a wild relative of tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana) demonstrates remarkable attractiveness and nearly 100% lethality towards whiteflies. Therefore, it can act as a dead-end trap crop for whitefly control in the field. However, the underlying mechanism of the significant attractiveness of N. benthamiana towards whiteflies is unclear. RESULTS: Binary-choice assays and olfactory experiments showed that compared to common tobacco (N. tabacum), the volatile of N. benthamiana has a greater attraction to whiteflies. Then we analyzed and compared volatiles from these two Nicotiana species by thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS). We identified 16 chemical compounds that are more abundant in N. benthamiana than in N. tabacum. Seven compounds were further tested with olfactometer assays and we found that, among them, undecane strongly attracted whiteflies. Further experiments revealed that even 0.005 µg mL-1 undecane is attractive to whiteflies. We also silenced the genes that may influence the biosynthesis of undecane and found the production of undecane decreased after silencing NbCER3, and that N. benthamiana plants with less undecane lost their attraction to whiteflies. In addition, we found that applying 0.005 µg mL-1 undecane on yellow sticky traps can increase the number of stuck insects on the traps by ≈40%. CONCLUSION: Undecane from the volatile of N. benthamiana is a critical chemical signal that attracts whiteflies and NbCER3 involved in the biosynthesis of undecane. Undecane may be used to improve the efficiency of yellow sticky traps for whitefly control. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Magnetically Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Mild Alkaline Electrolytes by Building Catalysts on Magnetic Frame.

Under large current densities, the excessive hydroxide ion (OH) consumption hampers alkaline water splitting involving the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). High OH concentration (≈30 wt.%) is often used to enhance the catalytic activity of OER, but it also leads to higher corrosion in practical systems. To achieve higher catalytic activity in low OH concentration, catalysts on magnetic frame (CMF) are built to utilize the local magnetic convection induced from the host frame's magnetic field distributions. This way, a higher reaction rate can be achieved in relatively lower OH concentrations. A CMF model system with catalytically active CoFeOx nanograins grown on the magnetic Ni foam is demonstrated. The OER current of CoFeOx@NF receives ≈90% enhancement under 400 mT (900 mA cm-2 at 1.65 V) compared to that in zero field, and exhibits remarkable durability over 120 h. As a demonstration, the water-splitting performance sees a maximum 45% magnetic enhancement under 400 mT in 1 m KOH (700 mA cm-2 at 2.4 V), equivalent to the concentration enhancement of the same electrode in a more corrosive 2 m KOH electrolyte. Therefore, the catalyst-on-magnetic-frame strategy can make efficient use of the catalysts and achieve higher catalytic activity in low OH concentration by harvesting local magnetic convection.

Early prediction of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis via dynamic changes of leukocyte: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) remains a major concern for clinicians. Hence early identification of PEP is meaningful to minimize medical risks. AIMS: This study aims to explore the value of dynamic leukocyte changes for early prediction of PEP. METHODS: Patients from January 2017 to December 2018 (training set) and January 2019 to December 2022 (test set) were retrospectively reviewed. The dynamic changes of leukocyte, neutrophil, and lymphocyte were examined to evaluate the diagnostic value of PEP. RESULTS: A total of 498 patients (36 PEP cases) in training set and 948 patients (71 PEP cases) in test set were analyzed. Four predictors were finally identified in training set containing margin and ratio of 3h-post ERCP leukocyte count (Po Leu) to pre-ERCP leukocyte count (Pr Leu), 3h post-ERCP neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and pre-ERCP fibrinogen levels. ROC analysis revealed the optimal thresholds were 2.3 (x109/L), 1.6, 4.8 and 3.1 (g/L), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of Po Leu - Pr Leu and Po Leu/Pr Leu were 71.0%, 82.7%, 66.1% and 86.3% to diagnosis PEP in patients with hyperamylasemia. CONCLUSIONS: For early identification of PEP, the elevation of amylase and lipase still exhibits the highest sensitivity, while the dynamic changes of leukocyte would be helpful for the different diagnosis of hyperamylasemia.

SGLT2 inhibitors ameliorate NAFLD in mice via downregulating PFKFB3, suppressing glycolysis and modulating macrophage polarization.

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor (SGLT2i) is a novel class of anti-diabetic drug, which has displayed a promising benefit for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this study, we investigated the protective effects of SGLT2i against NAFLD and the underlying mechanisms. The db/db mice and western diet-induced NAFLD mice were treated with dapagliflozin (1 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.g.) or canagliflozin (10 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.g.) for 8 weeks. We showed that the SGLT2i significantly improved NAFLD-associated metabolic indexes, and attenuated hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. Notably, SGLT2i reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, downregulated M1 macrophage marker expression and upregulated M2 macrophage marker expression in liver tissues. In cultured mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages and human peripheral blood mononuclear cell-derived macrophages, the SGLT2i (10, 20 and 40 µmol/L) significantly promoted macrophage polarization from M1 to M2 phenotype. RNA sequencing, Seahorse analysis and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the SGLT2i suppressed glycolysis and triggered metabolic reprogramming in macrophages. By using genetic manipulation and pharmacological inhibition, we identified that the SGLT2i targeted PFKFB3, a key enzyme of glycolysis, to modulate the macrophage polarization of M1 to M2 phenotype. Using a co-culture of macrophages with hepatocytes, we demonstrated that the SGLT2i inhibited lipogenesis in hepatocytes via crosstalk with macrophages. In conclusion, this study highlights a potential therapeutic application for repurposing SGLT2i and identifying a potential target PFKFB3 for NAFLD treatment.

Treatment with a combination of myricitrin and exercise alleviates myocardial infarction in rats via suppressing Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is the primary source of death in cardiovascular diseases. Myricitrin (MYR) is a phenolic compound known for its antioxidant properties. This study aimed to investigate the impact of MYR alone or combined with exercise on a rat model of MI and its underlying mechanism. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into 5 groups: sham-operated (Sham), MI-sedentary (MI-Sed), MI-exercise (MI-Ex), MI-sedentary + MYR (MI-Sed-MYR) and MI-exercise + MYR (MI-Ex-MYR). MI was induced through ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery. The treatment with exercise or MYR (30 mg/kg/d) gavage began one week after surgery, either individually or in combination. After 8 weeks, the rats were assessed for cardiac function. Myocardial injuries were estimated using triphenyltetrazolium chloride, sirius red and Masson staining. Changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), apoptosis and Nrf2/HO-1 pathway were analyzed by ROS kit, JC-1 kit, TUNEL assay, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Both MYR and exercise treatments improved cardiac function, reduced infarct size, suppressed collagen deposition, and decreased myocardial fibrosis. Additionally, both MYR and exercise treatments lowered ROS production induced by MI, restored ΔΨm, and attenuated oxidative stress and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. Importantly, the combination of MYR and exercise showed greater efficacy compared to individual treatments. Mechanistically, the combined intervention activated the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. These findings suggest that the synergistic effect of MYR and exercise may offer a promising therapeutic approach for alleviating MI.

A new strategy for the treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage: Ferroptosis.

Intracerebral hemorrhage, is a cerebrovascular disease with high morbidity, mortality, and disability. Due to the lack of effective clinical treatments, the development of new drugs to treat intracerebral hemorrhage is necessary. In recent years, ferroptosis has been found to play an important role in the pathophysiological process of intracerebral hemorrhage, which can be treated by inhibiting ferroptosis and thus intracerebral hemorrhage. This article aims to explain the mechanism of ferroptosis and its relationship to intracerebral hemorrhage. In the meantime, it briefly discusses the molecules identified to alleviate intracerebral hemorrhage by inhibiting ferroptosis, along with other clinical agents that are expected to treat intracerebral hemorrhage through this mechanism. In addition, a brief overview of the morphological alterations of different forms of cell death and their role in ICH is provided. Finally, the challenges that may arise in translating ferroptosis inhibitors from basic research to clinical use are presented. This article serves as a reference and provides insights to aid in the treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage in the clinic.

Catalytic Conversion of NO and CO by Noble-Metal-Free Copper-Vanadium Oxide Cluster Anions CuVO3,4.

Herein, by using state-of-the-art mass spectrometry, we demonstrated experimentally that the bimetallic copper-vanadium oxide cluster anions CuVO3,4- can catalyze the reduction of NO by CO into N2O and CO2. Note that the catalysis of NO reduction by CO has been rarely established in the gas phase and noble-metal containing clusters were commonly emphasized. Benefiting from quantum-chemical calculations, the Cu-V synergistic effect that both metal atoms work energetically to favor NO adsorption, N-N coupling, and CO oxidation by facilitating electron transfer can be understood at a strictly molecular level. Theoretical results demonstrated that the precaptured NO molecule encourages the adsorption of the second NO by electron donation. This finding deepens our understanding on NO reduction that NO functions not only as a reactant but also as a promoter during the reactions. This discovery could be helpful to permeate the nature and mechanism of active sites on related copper-vanadium heterogeneous catalyst used in real-life NO reduction.