[Visual analysis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) studies based on bibliometrics].

To analyze the development of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19), this study systematically retrieved relevant Chinese and English literatures from both CNKI and Web of Science database platforms by bibliometric research method and CiteSpace 5.5.R2 software to obtain information and visualize relevant literatures. A total of 695 Chinese and 446 English literatures were included in this paper. Statistics showed that China had published most of the literatures and established close cooperation with the United States and the United Kingdom. Through the analysis, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology and its affiliated hospitals published the largest number of the publications. Moreover, the highly productive journals including Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine and The Lancet covered eight major fields, such as medicine, medical virology, radiation medicine, infectious disease, and traditional Chinese medicine. Besides, a total of 35 special COVID-19 funds were recently established to subsidize these studies. The key words and themes analysis indicated that protein structure of COVID-19, receptor targets and mechanisms of action, integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine, screening and development of antiviral drugs from traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine, vaccine research as well as epidemiological characteristics and prediction are current study hotspots. This study provides a reference for researchers to rapidly master main study directions of COVID-19 and screen out relevant literatures.

Propofol attenuates TNF-α-induced MMP-9 expression in human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells by inhibiting Ca2+/CAMK II/ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) is able to degrade collagen IV, an important component of blood-brain barrier (BBB). Expression of MMPs, especially MMP-9, correlates with BBB disruption during central nervous system inflammation. Propofol has been reported to have anti-inflammation effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of propofol on TNF-α-induced MMP-9 expression in human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (hCMEC/D3 cells) and explored the underlying mechanisms. The hCMEC/D3 cells were treated with propofol (25 µM), followed by TNF-α (25 ng/mL). We showed that TNF-α treatment markedly increased MMP-9 expression and decreased collagen IV expression in hCMEC/D3 cells, which was blocked by pretreatment with propofol. TNF-α-induced downregulation of collagen IV was also reversed by MMP-9 knockdown with siRNA. We revealed that TNF-α upregulated MMP-9 expression in hCMEC/D3 cells through activation of Ca2+/CAMK II/ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway; co-treatment with inhibitors of CaMK II (KN93), ERK (LY3214996), NF-κB (PDTC) or Ca2+chelator (BAPTA-AM) abrogated the effect of TNF-α on MMP-9 expression. We further established an in vitro BBB model by co-culturing of hCMEC/D3 cells and human astrocytes for 6 days and measuring trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER) to reflect the BBB permeability. TNF-α treatment markedly decreased TEER value, which was attenuated by pretreatment with propofol (25 µM) or MMP-9 knockdown with siRNA. In conclusion, propofol inhibits TNF-α-induced MMP-9 expression in hCMEC/D3 cells via repressing the Ca2+/CAMKII/ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway. TNF-α-impaired BBB integrity could be reversed by propofol, and propofol attenuates the inhibitory effect of TNF-α on collagen IV.

[Development of whole process quality control and management system of traditional Chinese medicine decoction pieces based on traditional Chinese medicine quality tree].

The whole process quality control and management of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) decoction pieces is a system engineering, involving the base environment, seeds and seedlings, harvesting, processing and other multiple steps, so the accurate identification of factors in TCM production process that may induce the quality risk, as well as reasonable quality control measures are very important. At present, the concept of quality risk is mainly concentrated in the aspects of management and regulations, etc. There is no comprehensive analysis on possible risks in the quality control process of TCM decoction pieces, or analysis summary of effective quality control schemes. A whole process quality control and management system for TCM decoction pieces based on TCM quality tree was proposed in this study. This system effectively combined the process analysis method of TCM quality tree with the quality risk management, and can help managers to make real-time decisions while realizing the whole process quality control of TCM. By providing personalized web interface, this system can realize user-oriented information feedback, and was convenient for users to predict, evaluate and control the quality of TCM. In the application process, the whole process quality control and management system of the TCM decoction pieces can identify the related quality factors such as base environment, cultivation and pieces processing, extend and modify the existing scientific workflow according to their own production conditions, and provide different enterprises with their own quality systems, to achieve the personalized service. As a new quality management model, this paper can provide reference for improving the quality of Chinese medicine production and quality standardization.

[Study on Dendrobium loddigesii Rolfes from different regions and harvest periods by FTIR].

Infrared Spectroscopy (IR) integrated with two dimensional correlation infrared spectroscopy (2DCOS IR) was employed to rapidly discriminate Dendrobium loddigesii Rolfes (DR) from different regions and harvesting periods. The results showed that the IR peaks around 1 035, 1 051, 1 078, 1 156, 1 500, 1 511 and 1 736 cm-1had perceptible differences among DRs from different regions, indicating that different DRs containing remarkable different compositions and contents of polysaccharides, ketones and esters. 2DCOS IR spectra of DRs from Vietnam, Yunnan, Guangxi, Guizhou each had seven, eight, eight, nine auto peaks, respectively; furthermore, DRs from Guagnxi had the strongest peak in 1 220 cm-1, which was distinguish to those of other DRs (980 cm -1). In the IR spectra of DRs from different harvest seasons, the wave number of key peaks in (1 034 approximately1 023)cm- 1, the wave number of minor peaks in (1 6174)cm-1, as well as the presence of peaks in 1 078(1 076, 1 079)cm-1, showed obvious periodic changes with the seasons, which indicated the accumulation of polysaccharides and ketones from DRs displayed an evident periodic variability discipline. The application of FTIR in DRs could facilitate acquiring their growth conditions, composition and content changes, which would be significant in rational exploitations and utilizations of DR

[Effect of nitrogen supply on biomass accumulating and root respiration dynamic changing of Glycyrrhiza uralensis].

This paper aimed to study the effect nitrogen supplying on biomass accumulation and root respiration dynamic change of Glycyrrhiza uralensis and reveal the metabolic pathway of root respiration impact the biomass accumulating of G. uralensis. Six groups of one-year-old G. uralensis were fertilized with total nutrition containing various nitrogen concentration (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8 mmol x L(-1)) every week. At the end of every month, from June to October, the volume respiration rate and biomass of different classes of root samples were determined, and the correlation between root respiration and biomass was analyzed. The results indicated a negative correlation between volume respiration rate and biomass, nitrogen supply significantly affected both root respiration and biomass of G. uralensis by reducing root respiration and increasing root biomass. Under 8 mmol x L(-1) nitrogen supplying, there existed the optimal inhibition of root respiration, which has increased biomass of G. uralensis.

FoxP3 inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of gastric cancer cells by activating the apoptotic signaling pathway.

Forkhead Box Protein 3 (FoxP3) was identified as a key transcription factor to the occurring and function of the regulatory T cells (Tregs). However, limited evidence indicated its function in tumor cells. To elucidate the precise roles and underlying molecular mechanism of FoxP3 in gastric cancer (GC), we examined the expression of FoxP3 and the consequences of interfering with FoxP3 gene in human GC cell lines, AGS and MKN45, by multiple cellular and molecular approaches, such as immunofluorescence, gene transfection, CCK-8 assay, clone formation assay, TUNEL assay, Flow cytometry, immunoassay and quantities polymerase chain reaction (PCR). As a result, FoxP3 was expressed both in nucleus and cytoplasm of GC cells. Up-regulation of FoxP3 inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis. Overexpression of FoxP3 increased the protein and mRNA levels of proapoptotic molecules, such as poly ADP-ribose polymerase1 (PARP), caspase-3 and caspase-9, and repressed the expression of antiapoptotic molecules, such as cellular inhibitor of apoptosis-1 (c-IAP1) and the long isoform of B cell leukemia/lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2). Furthermore, silencing of FoxP3 by siRNA in GC cells reduced the expression of proapoptotic genes, such as PARP, caspase-3 and caspase-9. Collectively, our findings identify the novel roles of FoxP3 in inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis in GC cells by regulating apoptotic signaling, which could be a promising therapeutic approach for gastric cancer.

Genomic study of polyhydroxyalkanoates producing Aeromonas hydrophila 4AK4.

The complete genome of Gram-negative Aeromonas hydrophila 4AK4 that has been used for industrial production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) was sequenced and annotated. Its chromosome is 4,527,993 bp in size encoding 4,272 genes, including 28 rRNA genes and 104 tRNA genes. Comparative analysis indicated that genome of A. hydrophila 4AK4 was similar to that of the A. hydrophila ATCC 7966(T), an intensively studied aeromonad for its pathogenicity related to its genomic information. Genes possibly coming from other species or even other genus were identified in A. hydrophila 4AK4. A large number of putative virulent genes were predicted. However, a cytotonic enterotoxin (Ast) is absent in A. hydrophila 4AK4, allowing the industrial strain to be different from other A. hydrophila strains, indicating possible reduced virulence of strain 4AK4, which is very important for industrial fermentation. Genes involved in polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) metabolism were predicted and analyzed. The resulting genomic information is useful for improved production of PHA via metabolic engineering of A. hydrophila 4AK4.

Ovariectomy induces hyperalgesia accompanied by upregulated estrogen receptor α and protein kinase B in the rat spinal cord.

Hormone supplementation is one of the common therapies for menopause-related disorders. Among different tools, the ovariectomy (OVX) rodents are widely accepted as an appropriate menopausal pain model. Our previous study has showed that OVX produces a significant pain facilitation in both acute pain and tonic pain, however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we examined the effects of OVX treatment and estradiol (E2) supplementation on formalin-induced nociceptive responses, and explored the associated spinal mechanisms. Female Sprague-Dawley rats underwent bilateral OVX, and E2 supplementation was given subcutaneously from the 5th week after surgery (30 µg/day for 7 days). Our results showed that formalin-induced nociceptive behaviors did not differ between diestrus and proestrus stages of the estrous in intact rats. However, OVX exacerbated formalin-evoked inflammatory pain, especially in the late phase at 4-5 weeks but not 2 weeks post-surgery. E2 supplementation significantly reversed the OVX-triggered hyperalgesia. Double immunofluorescence staining revealed that both ERα and ERß in the spinal dorsal horn were co-labeled with the neuronal markers, but not with markers of astrocytes or microglia. The spinal ERα (but not ERß) expression significantly increased in the OVX group, which was reversed by E2 supplementation. Moreover, the OVX individuals showed an increased protein kinase B (AKT) level in lumbar spinal cord, and E2 supplementation diminished the AKT expression in OVX rats. Finally, intrathecal injection Wortmannin, an inhibitor for AKT signaling, effectively reduced the nociceptive behaviors in the late phase and the number of c-fos positive cells. Together, our findings indicate that E2 supplementation alleviates the OVX-induced hyperalgesia, which might be involved in spinal ERα and AKT mechanisms.

[Research and investigation in medicine of Baima Tibetan in Pingwu Sichuan].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and collect medicinal resources and methods of prevention and treatment of diseases in Baima Tibetan of Pingwu Sichuan in order to rescue and protect the ethenological medicine. METHOD: Through visiting, field survey in four ethnic townships of Baima Tibetan in Pingwu Sichuan as well as referring literatures to collect information and data analysis of them the investigation was carried out. RESULT: The investigation area showed rich medical resources. Rheumatism, stomach disease, pharyngitis and trauma are local common diseases which caused by local climate, diet and life style and so on. The Baima Tibetan are good at using local herb singly and simply to treat disease, using cold water medicine and powder snuffing are their own characters. CONCLUSION: It is an extremely urgent issue to rescue Baima Tibetan medicine which is disappearing by the influence of the Han nationality culture.

[Studies on the chemical constituents of Ficus microcarpa].

OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents of the Ficus microcarpa. METHODS: Isolation and identification were carried out by using various chromatography techniques and spectral methods. RESULTS: Eight compounds were isolated. Their structures were identified as beta-amyrone (I), lupeol (II), lupeol acetate (III), maslinic acid (IV), epifriedelinol (V), stearic acid (VI), beta-sitosterol (VI), daucosterol (VI). CONCLUSION: Compounds I, II, VI are isolated from this plant for the first time.

[Comparison of Floating Chamber and Diffusion Model Methods for Measuring Methane Emissions from Inland Fish-Aquaculture Ponds].

Freshwater aquaculture ponds collectively cover a large area in southeast China. They are an important anthropogenic source of CH4 emissions, however current knowledge of CH4 emissions from aquaculture ponds is limited. During September 2017 and August 2018, two independent sampling campaigns of CH4 flux measurements over annual cycles were carried out in a fish-aquaculture pond in southeast China using a floating chamber and diffusion model methods for comparison. The purpose of this study is to investigate the variation of CH4 fluxes obtained from the fish-aquaculture pond, analyze the emission mechanisms, and amplify the CH4 emissions inventory. The diffusion model method can further quantify the contribution of diffusion transmission to CH4 emissions. The seasonal variations of CH4 fluxes measured by the two methods were similar, with higher CH4 fluxes appearing in summer and fall and lower CH4 fluxes appearing in spring and winter. CH4 fluxes measured by the floating chamber method and diffusion model method ranged from 0.14-3.13 mg·(m2·h)-1 and 0.04-1.41 mg·(m2·h)-1, respectively, and the respective average values were (0.86±0.30) mg·(m2·h)-1and (0.45±0.08) mg·(m2·h)-1. The CH4 fluxes were positively related to water temperature, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and chemical oxygen demand (COD), but negatively related to the water dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration in the fish-aquaculture pond. CH4 fluxes calculated by diffusion model methods were 45% lower than those determined by the floating chamber methods over annual cycles. The result suggested that the floating chamber method is more suitable than the diffusion model method for measurements of CH4 fluxes in freshwater aquaculture ecosystems.

Fasting inhibits aerobic glycolysis and proliferation in colorectal cancer via the Fdft1-mediated AKT/mTOR/HIF1α pathway suppression.

Evidence suggests that fasting exerts extensive antitumor effects in various cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the mechanism behind this response is unclear. We investigate the effect of fasting on glucose metabolism and malignancy in CRC. We find that fasting upregulates the expression of a cholesterogenic gene, Farnesyl-Diphosphate Farnesyltransferase 1 (FDFT1), during the inhibition of CRC cell aerobic glycolysis and proliferation. In addition, the downregulation of FDFT1 is correlated with malignant progression and poor prognosis in CRC. Moreover, FDFT1 acts as a critical tumor suppressor in CRC. Mechanistically, FDFT1 performs its tumor-inhibitory function by negatively regulating AKT/mTOR/HIF1α signaling. Furthermore, mTOR inhibitor can synergize with fasting in inhibiting the proliferation of CRC. These results indicate that FDFT1 is a key downstream target of the fasting response and may be involved in CRC cell glucose metabolism. Our results suggest therapeutic implications in CRC and potential crosstalk between a cholesterogenic gene and glycolysis.

Attenuation of epigenetic regulator SMARCA4 and ERK-ETS signaling suppresses aging-related dopaminergic degeneration.

How complex interactions of genetic, environmental factors and aging jointly contribute to dopaminergic degeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD) is largely unclear. Here, we applied frequent gene co-expression analysis on human patient substantia nigra-specific microarray datasets to identify potential novel disease-related genes. In vivo Drosophila studies validated two of 32 candidate genes, a chromatin-remodeling factor SMARCA4 and a biliverdin reductase BLVRA. Inhibition of SMARCA4 was able to prevent aging-dependent dopaminergic degeneration not only caused by overexpression of BLVRA but also in four most common Drosophila PD models. Furthermore, down-regulation of SMARCA4 specifically in the dopaminergic neurons prevented shortening of life span caused by α-synuclein and LRRK2. Mechanistically, aberrant SMARCA4 and BLVRA converged on elevated ERK-ETS activity, attenuation of which by either genetic or pharmacological manipulation effectively suppressed dopaminergic degeneration in Drosophila in vivo. Down-regulation of SMARCA4 or drug inhibition of MEK/ERK also mitigated mitochondrial defects in PINK1 (a PD-associated gene)-deficient human cells. Our findings underscore the important role of epigenetic regulators and implicate a common signaling axis for therapeutic intervention in normal aging and a broad range of age-related disorders including PD.

[Effect of aqueous extracts on seed germination and seedling growth between Glycyrrhiza uralensis and Caragana microphylla].

OBJECTIVE: To study the interspecies allelopathy of Glycyrrhiza uralensis and Caragana microphylla and reveal the relationship between different interactions and provided the theory reference for their application of compounding planting pattern in practice. METHOD: Water extracts of G. uralensis and C. microphylla root, stem and leaf were used to dispose mutual seeds, young seedlings and transplants. RESULT: The germination of G. uralensis seed wasn't restrained significantly by the water extract of C. microphylla root, stem and leaf (1-50 g x L(-1)). However, the inhibitory effect of a high concentration water extract of C. microphylla stem and leaf (50 g x L(-1) was stronger. There wasnt significant difference in the effect of the water extract of C. microphylla cast, root and stem on the growth and quality of G. uralensis transplant. Moreover, the water extract of G. uralensis root, stem and leaf can improve the germination of C. microphylla seeds and the growth of seedlings, while its effective extent didn't reach an obvious different level. CONCLUSION: There exists no significant difference between the interspecies allelopathy of G. uralensis and C. microphylla.

[Effects of density on seedling growth and glycyrrhizinic acid content in Glycyrrhiza uralensis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the principle of interaction among individuals and populations in different Glycyrrhiza uralensis growth density. METHOD: The phenological characteristics, growth status, accumulation and distribution of biomass and glycyrrhizinic acid content of G. uralensis in different growth density were studied. RESULT: Density had effect on phenological characteristics and growth status of G. uralensis seedling. The fast growing period of plant was advanced with the increase of the density, while the duration of fast growing period was decreased. Individual biomass decreased with the increase of the density, while population biomass increased. Biomass proportion of root, stem and leaf in individual were 65.02%, 19.55% and 15.43% respectively. Their relative standard deviations were 0.57, 0.49 and 0.76 respectively. Glycyrrhizinic acid content was 0.52% -0.59% under low density and 0.29% under high density. CONCLUSION: The result showed that the density G. uralensis had a negative correlation with the shooting time of offshoot and underground stem, leaflet number, growth of plant height and diameter at ground, root head diameter, lateral root number, individual root and branch-leaf number, individual biomass and glycyrrhizinic acid content and a positive correlation with the population biomass.

[The comparative study on morphology and polysaccharides content of Dendrobium loddigesii from different habits].

The morphological characters and the polysaccharides content of Dendrobiam loddigesii from different habits were studied in this paper. The results showed that there were remarkable differences in morphology from five areas, such as stem height and diameter, laminae sizes and figures, amount of lateral bud, and texture of stem. The content of polysaccharides from sample of Xingyi and Anlong, Guizhou Province, respectively 22. 62% and 20. 96% , were higher than that of other areas. It can be preferentially choosed as good materal on commareial production.

[The comparison of different processing methods of Dendrobium loddigesii].

OBJECTIVE: To study the 4 different processing methods of Dendrobium loddigesii. and find a optimal method. METHODS: Drying in the shade, fire drying at different temperature, twist and fire drying, to scald by boiling water then twist and fire drying were used to process D. loddigesii and determined the content of polysaccharide after processed. RESULTS: The rate of dryed medical material was about 36%, and the content of polysaccharide was 16.39% which was scald by boiling water then twist and fire drying was higher than others. CONCLUSION: The method scald by boiling water then twist and fire drying is good for medical materials dried and the remaining of active component. It provide a scientific evidence to Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2005 and offer quantization index to the processing of Dendrobium loddigesii.

Comparison of photosynthesis and fluorescent parameters between Dendrobium officinale and Dendrobium loddigesii.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the photosynthesis and fluorescent parameters between Dendrobium officinale and Dendrobium loddigesii, based on which to provide helpful information for the artificial cultivation of these cultivars. METHODS: Seeds were placed on the MS medium supplemented with 0.2 mg/L NAA, 2% (w/v) sucrose, 15% (v/v) potato extracts and powered agar (pH 5.8). Two months after germination, seedlings (n = 10) were transferred onto rooting medium containing MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/L NAA, 3% (w/v) sucrose, 20% (v/v) potato extracts and 1‰ (w/v) activated carbon (pH 5.8) in a glass bottle (6.5 cm in diameter and 9.5 cm in height) with a white transparent plastic cap. Chlorophyll content was determined using the UV-Vis spectrophotometric method. In addition, rates of oxygen evolution and uptake were measured. The chlorophyll fluorescence was determined at room temperature using PAM 2000 chlorophyll fluorometer (Heinz Walz GmbH, Germany). RESULTS: From month 5 to month 10, the overall contents of both chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b were higher in D. loddigesii compared with those in D. officinale. No statistical differences were observed in the apparent photosynthetic rate (APR) between D. loddigesii and D. officinale. No statistical difference was noticed in the Fo, Fm and Fv between D. loddigesii and D. officinale (P > 0.05). Significant increase was noticed in the oxygen consuming in PSI in month-8 and month-10 compared with that of month-6 in D. loddigesii. Nevertheless, in the D. officinale, the oxygen consuming in PSI in month-6 was remarkably increased with those of month-8 and month-10, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The photosynthesis and fluorescence parameters varied in the seedling of D. loddigesii and D. officinale. Such information could contribute to the artificial cultivation of these cultivars.

[The underground part growth distribution pattern of Glycyrrhiza uralensis and its effects on glycyrrhizinic acid content].

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the relationship between glycyrrhizinic acid content and the underground part growth character of Glycyrrhiza uralensis and provide the theoretical evidence for wild resources protection and artificial cultivation method of G. uralensis. METHOD: Through the analytical investigation on the underground part of G. uralensis and analysis of glycyrrhizinic acid content in different organs, parts, ages, and diameter medicinal materials, the systematic study on the relationship between glycyrrhizinic acid content and the underground part growth character of glycyrrhiza uralensis was carried out. RESULT: The underground part of a G. uralensis seedling consisted of seed root, random root, horizontal underground stem, vertical underground stem and assimilating root. The glycyrrhizinic acid content in horizontal underground stem with the age below two years old or in random root with the diameter below 0.5 cm was low. The difference of glycyrrhizinic acid content among horizontal underground stem, random root and vertical underground stem was obvious, but the difference between horizontal underground stem and random root was not obvious. CONCLUSION: The horizontal underground stem was of G. uralnesis acts as a link that can connect random root, vertical underground and stem assimilating root, so that the whole underground part constructs one huge underground net system. The glycyrrhizinic acid accumulation is a effected by organ type, growth age, root diameter and grow position, and the distribution pattern of random root and vertical underground stem has influence on glycyrrhizinic acid distribution in horizontal underground stem.

Energy saving achieved by limited filamentous bulking sludge under low dissolved oxygen.

Limited filamentous bulking caused by low dissolved oxygen (DO) was proposed to establish a low energy consumption wastewater treatment system. This method for energy saving was derived from two full-scale field observations, which showed pollutants removal would be enhanced and energy consumption could be reduced by at least 10% using limited filamentous bulking. Furthermore, preliminary investigation including the abundance evaluation and the identification of filamentous bacteria demonstrated that the limited filamentous bulking could be repeated steadily in a lab-scale anoxic-oxic reactor fed with domestic wastewater. The sludge loss did not occur in the secondary clarifier, while COD and total nitrogen removal efficiencies were improved by controlling DO for optimal filamentous bacterial population. Suspended solids in effluent were negligible and turbidity was lower than 2 NTU, which were distinctly lower than those under no bulking. Theoretical and experimental results indicated the aeration consumption could be saved by the application of limited filamentous bulking.