The spectral resolution of DOM in urban rivers affected by different non-point source intensities using self-organizing maps.

UV-Vis, three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy (EEMs) and a self-organizing map (SOM) were used to study changes in the composition and constituent concentrations of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the water column of two urban rivers with different non-point source inputs during spring and summer. The level of humification and the relative molecular mass of DOM were remarkably higher in the summer than in the spring (P < 0.01) in both rivers. The SOM model showed that the fluorescence intensity of the spring component was lower than in summer in water bodies with higher levels of non-point source inputs, while the opposite was true for water bodies with lower levels of non-point source inputs. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus promoted autogenous processes in these water bodies. Seasonal variations and differing intensities of non-point source inputs had remarkable effects on urban river waters (R2 = 0.775, P < 0.001). Non-point source inputs increased the concentrations of humus-like fractions and promoted autogenesis in the water bodies.

[Research progress on anti-atherosclerosis effect and mechanism of flavonoids compounds mediated by macrophages].

Flavonoids are important active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine, mainly with cardiovascular, anti-liver injury, antioxidant, antispasmodic, and estrogen-like effects. These compounds have obvious effects on the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Macrophage-derived foam cells are the key medium in the process of atherosclerosis(AS). In plaque, allserum lipids, serum lipoproteins, and various pro-or anti-inflammatory stimulating factors, chemokines, and small bioactive molecules can significantly affect the macrophage phenotype and induce stronger pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that some flavonoids can be used for macrophages through different pathways and mechanisms, playing an anti-atherosclerosis effect to different degrees, including promotion of cholesterol efflux from macrophages, anti-foaming of macrophages, inhibition of secretion of inflammatory factors, and antioxidant modified low density lipoprotein(ox-LDL)-induced apoptosis of macrophages. Related gene regulation inclu-ded ATP-binding cassette transporter A1(ABCA1), ATP-binding cassette transporter G1(ABCG1), Toll-like receptor(TLR), and scavenger receptor(SR). In this article, we would review the recent research progress of flavonoids on anti-atherosclerosis effect me-diated by macrophage. It is expected to provide new treatment strategies for AS-related cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and provide research ideas and development directions for the use of related natural medicines and design of new products.

A self-organizing map approach to the analysis of lake DOM fluorescence for differentiation of organic matter sources.

The sources and properties of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in two lakes with different non-point source inputs were investigated by combining conventional three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy methods with a self-organizing map (SOM). To assess the DOM humification level, the representative neurons 1, 11, 25, and 36 were assessed. The SOM model showed that the DOM humification level of the Gaotang Lake (GT) which has a mainly agricultural non-point source input was significantly higher than that of the Yaogao Reservoir (YG) which has a mainly terrestrial source input (P < 0.01). The GT DOM mainly came from factors such as agricultural-related farm compost and decaying plants, while the YG DOM originated from human activities around the lake. The source characteristics of the YG DOM are obvious, with a high level of biological activity. Five representative areas in the fluorescence regional integral (FRI) were compared. The comparison showed that during the flat water period, the GT water column showed more terrestrial characteristics, even though the humus-like fractions in the DOM of both lakes were derived from microbial decomposition. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the agricultural lake water DOM (GT) was dominated by humus components, while the urban lake water DOM (YG) was dominated by authigenic sources.

Gegen Qinlian pills alleviate carrageenan-induced thrombosis in mice model by regulating the HMGB1/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling.

BACKGROUND: The high incidence of thrombotic events is one of the clinical characteristics of coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), due to a hyperinflammatory response caused by the virus. Gegen Qinlian Pills (GQP) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine that is included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and played an important role in the clinical fight against COVID-19. Although GQP has shown the potential to treat thrombosis, there is no relevant research on its treatment of thrombosis so far. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that GQP may be capable inhibit inflammation-induced thrombosis. STUDY DESIGN: We tested our hypothesis in a carrageenan-induced thrombosis mouse model in vivo and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced human endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro. METHODS: We used a carrageenan-induced mouse thrombus model to confirm the inhibitory effect of GQP on inflammation-induced thrombus. In vitro, studies in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and in silico network pharmacology analyses were performed to reveal the underlying mechanisms of GQP and determine the main components, targets, and pathways of GQP, respectively. RESULTS: Oral administration of 227.5 mg/kg, 445 mg/kg and 910 mg/kg of GQP significantly inhibited thrombi in the lung, liver, and tail and augmented tail blood flow of carrageenan-induced mice with reduced plasma tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and diminished expression of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in lung tissues. GQP ethanol extract (1, 2, or 5 µg/ml) also reduced the adhesion of platelets to LPS stimulated HUVECs. The TNF-α and the expression of HMGB1, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) in LPS stimulated HUVECs were also attenuated. Moreover, we analyzed the components of GQP and inferred the main targets, biological processes, and pathways of GQP in the treatment of inflammation-induced thrombosis through network pharmacology. CONCLUSION: Overall, we demonstrated that GQP could reduce inflammation-induced thrombosis by inhibiting HMGB1/NFκB/NLRP3 signaling and provided an accurate explanation for the multi-target, multi-function mechanism of GQP in the treatment of thromboinflammation, and provides a reference for the clinical usage of GQP.