In vivo absorption, in vitro simulated digestion and fecal fermentation properties of polysaccharides from Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum Cum Alumine and their effects on human gut microbiota.

Polysaccharides from Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum Cum Alumine (PPA) have various biological activities, but their properties after oral administration are not clear. In this study, the absorption, digestion and fermentation properties of PPA were studied using in vivo fluorescence tracking, in vitro simulated digestion and fecal fermentation experiments. The absorption experiment showed that fluorescence was only observed in the gastrointestinal system, indicating that PPA could not be absorbed. Simulated digestion results showed that there were no significant changes in the molecular weight, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectrum, monosaccharides and reducing sugar of PPA during the digestion process, showing that the overall structure of PPA was not damaged. However, the carbohydrate gel electrophoresis bands of PPA enzymatic hydrolysates after simulated digestion were significantly changed, indicating that simulated digestion might impact the configuration of PPA. In vitro fermentation showed that PPA could be degraded by microorganisms to produce short chain fatty acids, leading to a decrease in pH value. PPA can promote the proliferation of Bacteroideaceae, Megasphaera, Bacteroideaceae, and Bifidobacteriaceae, and inhibit the growth of Desulfobacteriota and Enterobacteriaceae. The results indicated that PPA could treat diseases by regulating gut microbiota, providing a scientific basis for the application and development of PPA.

[Effects of Rehmanniae Radix and Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata on proteomics and autophagy in mice with type 2 diabetes mellitus induced by high-fat diet coupled with streptozotocin].

To compare the pancreatic proteomics and autophagy between Rehmanniae Radix-and Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata-treated mice with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM). The T2DM mouse model was established by high-fat diet coupled with streptozotocin(STZ, intraperitoneal injection, 100 mg·kg~(-1), once a day for three consecutive days). The mice were then randomly assigned into a control group, low-(5 g·kg~(-1)) and high-dose(15 g·kg~(-1)) Rehmanniae Radix groups, low-(150 mg·kg~(-1)) and high-dose(300 mg·kg~(-1)) catalpol groups, low-(5 g·kg~(-1)) and high-dose(15 g·kg~(-1)) Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata groups, low-(150 mg·kg~(-1)) and high-dose(300 mg·kg~(-1)) 5-hydroxymethyl furfuraldehyde(5-HMF) groups, and a metformin(250 mg·kg~(-1)) group. In addition, a normal group was also set and each group included 8 mice. The pancreas was collected after four weeks of administration and proteomics tools were employed to study the effects of Rehmanniae Radix and Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata on protein expression in the pancreas of T2DM mice. The expression levels of proteins involved in autophagy, inflammation, and oxidative stress response in the pancreatic tissues of T2DM mice were determined by western blotting, immunohistochemical assay, and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the differential proteins between the model group and Rehmanniae Radix/Rehmanniae Radix Prae-parata group were enriched in 7 KEGG pathways, such as autophagy-animal, which indicated that the 7 pathways may be associated with T2DM. Compared with the control group, drug administration significantly up-regulated the expression levels of beclin1 and phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin(p-mTOR)/mTOR and down-regulated those of the inflammation indicators, Toll-like receptor-4(TLR4) and Nod-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3), in the pancreas of T2DM mice, and Rehmanniae Radix showed better performance. In addition, the expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2), and heine oxygenase-1(HO-1) in the pancreas of T2DM mice were down-regulated after drug administration, and Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata demonstrated better performance. The results indicate that both Rehmanniae Radix and Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata can alleviate the inflammatory symptoms, reduce oxidative stress response, and increase the autophagy level in the pancreas of T2DM mice, while they exert the effect on different autophagy pathways.

Ambient nitrogen dioxide and cardiovascular diseases in rural regions: a time-series analyses using data from the new rural cooperative medical scheme in Fuyang, East China.

Most of studies relating ambient nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exposure to hospital admissions for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) were conducted among urban population. Whether and to what extent these results could be generalizable to rural population remains unknown. We addressed this question using data from the New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme (NRCMS) in Fuyang, Anhui, China. Daily hospital admissions for total CVDs, ischaemic heart disease, heart failure, heart rhythm disturbances, ischaemic stroke, and haemorrhagic stroke in rural regions of Fuyang, China, were extracted from NRCMS between January 2015 and June 2017. A two-stage time-series analysis method was used to assess the associations between NO2 and CVD hospital admissions and the disease burden fractions attributable to NO2. In our study period, the average number (standard deviation) of hospital admissions per day were 488.2 (117.1) for total CVDs, 179.8 (45.6) for ischaemic heart disease, 7.0 (3.3) for heart rhythm disturbances, 13.2 (7.2) for heart failure, 267.9 (67.7) for ischaemic stroke, and 20.2 (6.4) for haemorrhagic stroke. The 10-µg/m3 increase of NO2 was related to an elevated risk of 1.9% (RR: 1.019, 95% CI: 1.005 to 1.032) for hospital admissions of total CVDs at lag0-2 days, 2.1% (1.021, 1.006 to 1.036) for ischaemic heart disease, and 2.1% (1.021, 1.006 to 1.035) for ischaemic stroke, respectively, while no significant association was observed between NO2 and hospital admissions for heart rhythm disturbances, heart failure, and haemorrhagic stroke. The attributable fractions of total CVDs, ischaemic heart disease, and ischaemic stroke to NO2 were 6.52% (1.87 to 10.94%), 7.31% (2.19 to 12.17%), and 7.12% (2.14 to 11.85%), respectively. Our findings suggest that CVD burdens in rural population are also partly attributed to short-term exposure to NO2. More studies across rural regions are required to replicate our findings.

Angiotensin-(1-7) ameliorates sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy by alleviating inflammatory response and mitochondrial damage through the NF-κB and MAPK pathways.

BACKGROUND: There is no available viable treatment for Sepsis-Induced Cardiomyopathy (SIC), a common sepsis complication with a higher fatality risk. The septic patients showed an abnormal activation of the renin angiotensin (Ang) aldosterone system (RAAS). However, it is not known how the Ang II and Ang-(1-7) affect SIC. METHODS: Peripheral plasma was collected from the Healthy Control (HC) and septic patients and Ang II and Ang-(1-7) protein concentrations were measured. The in vitro and in vivo models of SIC were developed using Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to preliminarily explore the relationship between the SIC state, Ang II, and Ang-(1-7) levels, along with the protective function of exogenous Ang-(1-7) on SIC. RESULTS: Peripheral plasma Ang II and the Ang II/Ang-(1-7) levels in SIC-affected patients were elevated compared to the levels in HC and non-SIC patients, however, the HC showed higher Ang-(1-7) levels. Furthermore, peripheral plasma Ang II, Ang II/Ang-(1-7), and Ang-(1-7) levels in SIC patients were significantly correlated with the degree of myocardial injury. Additionally, exogenous Ang-(1-7) can attenuate inflammatory response, reduce oxidative stress, maintain mitochondrial dynamics homeostasis, and alleviate mitochondrial structural and functional damage by inhibiting nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, thus alleviating SIC. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma Ang-(1-7), Ang II, and Ang II/Ang-(1-7) levels were regarded as significant SIC biomarkers. In SIC, therapeutic targeting of RAAS, for example with Ang-(1-7), may exert protective roles against myocardial damage.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis and attenuate sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVES: Sepsis can cause myocardial injury, which is one of the leading causes of death in critically ill patients. Fish oil rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in ultralong chains has immunomodulatory effects and can inhibit the production of various critically ill proinflammatory cytokines. Therefore, this study focused on whether ω-3 PUFAs have a protective effect on sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC). METHODS: Male 6-8 weeks old C57BL/6 mice were pretreated with 3% special fish oil supplement rat food for seven consecutive days prior to surgery. Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was perfromed to induce polymicrobial sepsis.The cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography, apoptosis of cardiomyocyte were detected by TUNEL assay and Western blotting, and the level of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß in plasma was determined 24h after CLP. RESULTS: Pretreatment with omega-3 PUFAs attenuated cardiomyocyte apoptosis, decreased the production of proinflammatory cytokines, attenuated the SIC, and improved the survival rate of septic mice induced by CLP. CONCLUSIONS: ω-3 PUFAs alleviate SIC through attenuating cardiomyocyte apoptosis, which provides a new direction for the prevention and treatment of SIC.

Selenium attenuates the association of co-exposure to arsenic, cadmium, and lead with cognitive function among Chinese community-dwelling older adults.

The effects of interactions between the toxic and essential metal mixtures on cognitive function are poorly understood. This study aims to identify the joint association of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) with cognitive function in older adults and the moderating role of selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) in this association. This study included 1000 community-dwelling older adults. Cognitive function was assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Blood concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, Se, Zn, and Cu were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Linear regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models were applied to assess the individual and joint associations of As, Cd, and Pb with cognitive function and to examine whether Se, Zn, and Cu (individually and as a mixture) modified these associations. In the adjusted single-metal models, both Cd (ß = - 0.37, 95% CI: - 0.73 to - 0.01) and Pb (ß = - 0.44, 95% CI: - 0.86 to - 0.02) were associated with MMSE scores, while Se (ß = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.30 to 1.13) exhibited a positive relationship with MMSE scores. Univariate exposure-response functions from BKMR models showed similar results. Moreover, the toxic metal mixture (As, Cd, and Pb) exhibited a significant negative association with MMSE scores in a dose-response pattern, with Pb being the greatest contributor within the mixture. The negative association of Pb alone or the toxic metal mixture with MMSE scores became weaker at higher concentrations of Se within its normal range, especially when Se levels were greater than the median (89.18 µg/L). Our findings support that Se can attenuate the negative associations of exposure to single Pb or the As, Cd, and Pb mixtures with cognitive function. Future prospective studies are needed to replicate our findings.

Losartan attenuates sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy by regulating macrophage polarization via TLR4-mediated NF-κB and MAPK signaling.

Sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC) is a serious complication of sepsis with high mortality but no effective treatment. The renin angiotensin (Ang) aldosterone system (RAAS) is activated in patients with sepsis but it is unclear how the Ang II/Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R) axis contributes to SIC. This study examined the link between the Ang II/AT1R axis and SIC as well as the protective effect of AT1R blockers (ARBs). The Ang II level in peripheral plasma and AT1R expression on monocytes were significantly higher in patients with SIC compared with those in non-SIC patients and healthy controls and were correlated with the degree of myocardial injury. The ARB losartan reduced the infiltration of neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages into the heart and spleen of SIC mice. Additionally, losartan regulated macrophage polarization from the M1 to the M2 subtype via nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, thereby maintaining the mitochondrial dynamics balance in cardiomyocytes and reducing oxidative stress and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. In conclusion, the plasma Ang II level and AT1R expression on plasma monocytes are an important biomarker in SIC. Therapeutic targeting of AT1R, for example with losartan, can potentially protect against myocardial injury in SIC.

The association between essential trace element mixture and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk among Chinese community-dwelling older adults.

The evidence about the association of the essential trace element (ETE) mixture with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) amongst older adults is limited. This study aims to evaluate the associations of single ETEs and the ETE mixture with the 10-year ASCVD risks and its predicting factors in Chinese community-dwelling older adults. A total of 607 community-dwelling older adults were included in this study. Blood levels of vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), and selenium (Se) were assessed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The predicted 10-year ASCVD risk was calculated using the Prediction for ASCVD Risk in China (China-PAR) equations. Traditional linear regressions and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were used to assess the associations of single ETEs and the ETE mixture with the 10-year ASCVD risks and its predicting factors such as systolic blood pressure (SBP), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), diabetes, and waist circumference (WC). In linear regression models, blood Cr levels were negatively associated with the 10-year ASCVD risks after adjustment for covariates (ß = - 0.07, 95% CI = - 0.11 ~ - 0.03); The 3th quartile (Q3) of Se levels was also associated with a lower 10-year ASCVD risks when compared with the lowest quartile (Q1) of Se levels (ßQ3 vs. Q1: - 0.12, 95% CI = - 0.22 ~ - 0.02). In BKMR models, the negative associations of Cr and Se with the 10-year ASCVD risks were observed. Higher blood levels of ETE mixture were associated with decreased 10-year ASCVD risks in a dose-response pattern, with Cr having the highest value of the posterior inclusion probability (PIP) within the mixture. Furthermore, a positive association between Cr and HDL-C and a negative association between Se and SBP were found in both linear regression and BKMR models. Cr and Se were negatively associated with the 10-year ASCVD risks, individually and as a mixture. ETE mixture showed a linear dose-response association with decreased 10-year ASCVD risks, with Cr being the most important component within the mixture. The negative association of the ETE mixture with the 10-year ASCVD risks may be attributed to Cr and Se, mainly mediated by HDL-C and SBP, respectively. Further cohort studies are needed to clarify this association.

Rutin Inhibits Cardiac Apoptosis and Prevents Sepsis-Induced Cardiomyopathy.

Rutin is a flavanol-type polyphenol that consists of flavanol quercetin and the disaccharide rutinose, which has been reported to exert various biological effects such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. It is not clear whether rutin has a protective effect on sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC). In this study, we used male C57BL/6 mice and cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) surgery to establish the model of SIC. Rutin was precautionarily treated (50, 100, 200 mg/kg per day, 7 days) before CLP. The results showed that rutin pretreatment (100, 200 mg/kg per day, 7 days) reduced the mortality of murine sepsis. We chose the 100 mg/kg dose for further studies. Mice were pretreatment with rutin (100 mg/kg per day, 7 days) before subjected to CLP, and myocardial tissue and blood samples were collected 24 h after CLP. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and cTNT decreased, while interleukin-10 (IL-10) increased with rutin pretreatment. The cardiomyocytes apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction were also alleviated with rutin pretreatment. In conclusion, this study confirmed the efficacy of rutin-enriched diet in the prophylaxis of cardiac apoptosis and cardiac injury induced by CLP in mouse model. It provides a potential new approach on SIC prophylaxis in sepsis.

Regulatory T Cells: Angels or Demons in the Pathophysiology of Sepsis?

Sepsis is a syndrome characterized by life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by the dysregulated host response to an infection. Sepsis, especially septic shock and multiple organ dysfunction is a medical emergency associated with high morbidity, high mortality, and prolonged after-effects. Over the past 20 years, regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been a key topic of focus in all stages of sepsis research. Tregs play a controversial role in sepsis based on their heterogeneous characteristics, complex organ/tissue-specific patterns in the host, the multi-dimensional heterogeneous syndrome of sepsis, the different types of pathogenic microbiology, and even different types of laboratory research models and clinical research methods. In the context of sepsis, Tregs may be considered both angels and demons. We propose that the symptoms and signs of sepsis can be attenuated by regulating Tregs. This review summarizes the controversial roles and Treg checkpoints in sepsis.

The association between essential trace element mixture and cognitive function in Chinese community-dwelling older adults.

BACKGROUND: The evidence about the effect of essential trace element (ETE) mixture on cognitive function amongst older adults is limited. This study aims to evaluate the associations of single ETEs and ETE mixture with cognitive function using a representative sample of community-dwelling older adults in China. METHODS: A total of 3814 older adults were included in the study. Urinary concentrations of selenium (Se), vanadium (V), cobalt (Co), strontium (Sr), and molybdenum (Mo) were detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Cognitive function in older adults was assessed using the Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Linear regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were performed to explore the associations of single ETEs and ETE mixture with cognitive function, respectively. RESULTS: Linear regression showed that urinary levels of Se and V were positively associated with MMSE scores in the adjusted single-element models. BKMR also showed marginally positive associations of Se and V with MMSE scores. Moreover, higher urinary levels of ETE mixture were significantly associated with increased MMSE scores in a dose-response pattern, and Se was the most important contributor within the mixture. Both Se and V demonstrated positive additive effects on the associations of other ETEs with MMSE scores, whereas Co had a negative additive effect. CONCLUSIONS: V and Se are positively associated with cognitive function, individually and as a mixture. ETE mixture exhibits a linear dose-response association with improved cognitive function, with Se being the most important component within the mixture. Mixture analyses rather than single ETE analyses may provide a real-world perspective on the relationship between ETE mixture and cognitive function. Further cohort studies are needed to clarify the association of multiple ETEs with cognitive function.

[Rehmanniae Radix and Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata improve diabetes induced by high-fat diet coupled with streptozotocin in mice through AMPK-mediated NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway].

This study investigated the differential mechanisms of Rehmanniae Radix and Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata in improving diabetes in mice through AMPK-mediated NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. The diabetic mouse model was established with high-fat diet coupled with streptozotocin(STZ, intraperitoneal injection, 100 mg·kg~(-1), once a day for three consecutive days), after which the mice were randomly divided into model group, low-dose(5 g·kg~(-1)) and high-dose(15 g·kg~(-1)) Rehmanniae Radix groups, low-dose(5 g·kg~(-1)) and high-dose(15 g·kg~(-1)) Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata groups, catalpol group(250 mg·kg~(-1)), 5-hydroxymethylfurfural(5-HMF) group(250 mg·kg~(-1)), metformin group(250 mg·kg~(-1)), with the normal group also set. The organ indexes of heart,liver, spleen, lung, kidney and pancreas were calculated after four weeks of administration. The pathological changes and fibrosis of pancreas, kidney and liver in mice were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and Masson staining. Western blot was used to determine the expression levels of Toll-like receptor-4(TLR4), nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB), Nod-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3),interleukin-1ß(IL-1ß), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK), phosphorylated AMPK(p-AMPK) in the pancreas, kidney and liver of mice. Compared with the model group, the administration groups witnessed significant decrease in the liver,spleen, kidney, pancreas and fat indexes of diabetic mice, and there was no significant difference in heart and lung indexes. The pathological states and fibrosis of pancreatic, kidney and liver tissues were significantly improved after administration. Additionally, the expression levels of TLR4, NF-κB and NLRP3 in pancreas, kidney and liver of diabetic mice were significantly lowered. The expression levels of p-AMPK/AMPK were enhanced significantly in kidney and liver of mice in Rehmanniae Radix group while in pancreas, kidney and liver in Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata group. This suggests that Rehmanniae Radix and Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata differ in the mechanism of regulating energy metabolism of multiple organs and thereby exerting anti-inflammatory effects to alleviate symptoms of diabetic mice.

The associations between urinary metals and metal mixtures and kidney function in Chinese community-dwelling older adults with diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have found associations between single toxic metals, such as arsenic and cadmium, and kidney function in adults with diabetes. However, studies with regards to other metals and metal mixtures are still limited. OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to investigate the associations between urinary concentrations of 5 selected metals and metal mixtures and kidney function using a sample of older adults with diabetes mellitus in Chinese communities. METHODS: In a sample of older adults (n = 5186), 592 eligible subjects were included in this study. Urinary concentrations of 5 metals, i.e., arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), vanadium (V), cobalt (Co), and thallium (Tl), were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated and dichotomized into indicator of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Logistic analysis and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were used to explore the associations between single metals and metal mixtures and CKD, respectively. RESULTS: Urinary levels of As and V were positively correlated with CKD (OR=2.37, 95% CI: 1.31-4.30 for As; OR=2.24, 95% CI: 1.25-4.03 for V), when compared the 4th quartile with the 1st quartile. After adjustment for potential confounders, the significant association between As and CKD still existed (OR=2.73, 95% CI: 1.23-6.07). BKMR analyses showed strong linear positive associations between As and V and CKD. Higher urinary levels of the mixture were significantly associated with higher odds of CKD in a dose-response pattern. As and V showed the highest posterior inclusion probabilities. CONCLUSION: Urine As and V were positively associated with CKD in older adults with diabetes mellitus, separately and in a mixture. The metals mixture showed a linear dose-response association with the odds of CKD. The analyses of mixtures, rather than of single metals, may provide a real-world perspective on the relationship between metals and kidney function.

The Influence of Lower Temperature Induction of Valsa mali on the Infection of Apple Trees.

Apple valsa canker (AVC), caused by Valsa mali, is one of the most important diseases of apple trees in China. AVC occurred severely along with cold winter or cold spring. However, the effect of lower temperature on V. mali is poorly understood. This study evaluated the influence of lower temperature pretreatment of V. mali on the infection of apple twigs and leaves. The results showed that exposing V. mali to lower temperatures (between -10°C and 10°C) for more than 18 h significantly increased the disease severity of apple leaves and twigs, with a higher lesion area ratio (LAR), lesion length, and disease incidence (DI) than that at 25°C. In addition, cold treatment ranging from -5°C to 10°C promoted colony growth. Meanwhile, the relative expression of four cell wall degrading enzyme (CWDE)-related genes pretreated at -5°C and 5°C were significantly higher than that at 25°C. The results indicated that the virulence of V. mali mycelium is sensitive to lower temperatures. After sensing lower temperature changes, V. mali can adjust its infection of apple trees by regulating the expression of pathogenicity gene and growth rate. Spring has very frequent temperature changes, and V. mali is highly invasive in this season. Therefore, more attention should be paid in spring to protecting apple trees from infection of V. mali, by reducing pruning wound formation in spring and applying protective agents to pruning wounds in time.

Quantification of Chinese yam processing methods based on pyrolysis characteristics and its relation to Maillard reaction.

Objective: Chinese yam (Shanyao in Chinese, SY) as one of the representatives for Chinese medicines can be used as both of medicine and food with rich nutritional and medicinal value. Most of Chinese herbal medicines need to be processed prior to be used in clinical practice. SY was divided into Maoshanyao (Hairy Shanyao, MSY) and Guangshanyao (Smooth Shanyao, GSY) based on different processing methods at the place of origin, and it also could be processed as stir-fried SY and bran stir-fried SY to meet the different clinical use. Moreover, during the processing of Chinese herbal medicines, more complicated Maillard reaction occurs compared to food processing. Therefore, the objective of this research is to quantify the firepower of SY processing, and combined this with the relevant parameters of Maillard reaction. Methods: The MSY and GSY produced in Shanxi and Henan Provinces were chosen as the research objects. By using thermal analysis technology, we first established the correlation between pyrolysis and processing of SY and its mixtures. We also quantified the firepower of Shaoyao processing, and combined this with the relevant parameters of Maillard reaction (pH value, amino acid, and 5-HMF) and the changes in medicinal ingredients (allantoin). Results: The SY was mainly fried with moderate-fire (190 °C-200 °C), and the starting temperatures of different SY-ingredient mixtures were (176.3 ± 5.33) °C for (honey) bran, and (205.9 ± 8.05) °C for rice. The upper limits of processing temperature were (289.9 ± 6.47) °C for (honey) bran and (298.9 ± 1.15) °C for rice. The cooking time was (10.80 ± 1.76) min for soil stir-fry, (10.31 ± 1.06) min for bran stir-fry, and (8.43 ± 0.68) min for rice stir-fry. Moreover, the pH values and the content of 5-HMF were increased (P < 0.001), while the content of glycine was decreased significantly (P < 0.001) after processing. Conclusion: The results verified and quantified the firepower of traditional processing of SY, and also provided scientific reference for other studies related to SY processing.

Latent Infection of Valsa mali in the Seeds, Seedlings and Twigs of Crabapple and Apple Trees is a Potential Inoculum Source of Valsa Canker.

A real-time quantitative PCR assay using a species-specific primer pair was developed to rapidly and accurately quantify Valsa mali, the causative pathogen of apple Valsa canker (AVC), in crabapple seeds, crabapple seedlings, apple twigs and apple seeds. Surveys were conducted in different regions, and crabapple or apple seeds were collected for V. mali detection by qPCR assay. Our results showed that 12.87% to 49.01% of crabapple seeds collected from different regions were positive for V. mali. The exopleura and endopleura were the two major areas of V. mali infection in crabapple seeds. The presence of V. mali infection in crabapple seeds was also confirmed by a high-throughput sequencing approach. With the growth of crabapple seedlings, the concentration of V. mali gDNA in crabapple seedlings gradually increased until eight or more leaf blades emerged. One-year-old twigs from an apple scion nursery were infected with V. mali, and only apple seeds from infected apple trees showing evident Valsa canker symptoms carried V. mali. In conclusion, this study reports that crabapple seeds and apple seeds carried V. mali as latent inoculum sources. V. mali infected not only apple tissues but also crabapple seedlings, which are the rootstocks of apple trees. This study indicated that the inoculum sources for AVC vary. Application of a novel qPCR assay can potentially improve the accuracy of early diagnosis, and is helpful to reveal the epidemic regularity of AVC.

[Blood-cooling and hemostasis effects of Rehmanniae Radix before and after carbonizing].

To compare the blood-cooling and hemostasis effects of Rehmanniae Radix before and after carbonizing on rats with blood heat and hemorrhage syndrome. The blood heat and hemorrhage syndrome rat model was established. Indexes including rectal temperature,whole blood viscosity,plasma viscosity,thrombin time(TT),activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT),prothrombin time(PT),fibrinogen content(FIB),red blood cell(RBC),hemoglobin(Hb),hematocrit(HCT),blood platelet count(PLT),mean platelet volume(MPV),serum IL-1,serum IL-6 and lung histopathology were detected to investigate the blood-cooling and hemostasis effects of Rehmanniae Radix and its carbonized products. Compared with the blank control group,the rectal temperature was significantly increased with rise of the high,middle and low whole blood viscosities and plasma viscosity(P<0.05); both the high and low whole blood restore viscosity and the high and low whole blood relative viscosity were increased significantly(P< 0.05); TT,APTT and PT were notably prolonged with the increase in FIB content(P<0.05); RBC,Hb and HCT increased significantly(P< 0.05); concentrations of serum IL-1 and IL-6 were also increased(P< 0.05) in model group. Additionally,obvious hemorrhages in lung and stomach were observed in rats of the model group. Rehmanniae Radix and its carbonized products can significantly reduce rectal temperature,high middle and low whole blood viscosities and plasma viscosity(P<0.05). TT and APTT were shortened,with lower expression of FIB in group of Rehmannia Radix and its carbonized products. Hemorrhages of lung and stomach were improved by Rehmannia Radix and its carbonized products. The results indicated that Rehmannia Radix before and after carbonizing had the hemostasis and blood-cooling effects by promoting coagulation,improving blood rheology and inhibiting expressions of IL-1 and IL-6.

Hyperbaric oxygen improves functional recovery of rats after spinal cord injury via activating stromal cell-derived factor-1/CXC chemokine receptor 4 axis and promoting brain-derived neurothrophic factor expression.

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a worldwide medical concern. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism underlying the protective effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) against SCI-induced neurologic defects in rats via exploring the stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1)/CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) axis and expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). METHODS: An acute SCI rat model was established in Sprague-Dawley rats using the Allen method. Sixty rats were divided into four groups (n = 15 in each group): sham-operated, SCI, SCI treated with HBO (SCI + HBO), and SCI treated with both HBO and AMD3100 (an antagonist of CXCR4; SCI + HBO + AMD) groups. The rats were treated with HBO twice a day for 3 days and thereafter once a day after the surgery for up to 28 days. Following the surgery, neurologic assessments were performed with the Basso-Bettie-Bresnahan (BBB) scoring system on postoperative day (POD) 7, 14, 21, and 28. Spinal cord tissues were harvested to assess the expression of SDF-1, CXCR4, and BDNF at mRNA and protein levels, using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, and histopathologic analysis. RESULTS: HBO treatment recovered SCI-induced descent of BBB scores on POD 14, (1.25 ±â€Š0.75 vs. 1.03 ±â€Š0.66, P < 0.05), 21 (5.27 ±â€Š0.89 vs. 2.56 ±â€Š1.24, P < 0.05), and 28 (11.35 ±â€Š0.56 vs. 4.23 ±â€Š1.20, P < 0.05) compared with the SCI group. Significant differences were found in the mRNA levels of SDF-1 (mRNA: day 21, SCI + HBO vs. SCI + HBO + AMD, 2.89 ±â€Š1.60 vs. 1.56 ±â€Š0.98, P < 0.05), CXCR4 (mRNA: day 7, SCI + HBO vs. SCI, 2.99 ±â€Š1.60 vs.1.31 ±â€Š0.98, P < 0.05; day 14, SCI + HBO vs. SCI + HBO + AMD, 4.18 ±â€Š1.60 vs. 0.80 ±â€Š0.34, P < 0.05; day 21, SCI + HBO vs. SCI, 2.10 ±â€Š1.01 vs.1.15 ±â€Š0.03, P < 0.05), and BDNF (mRNA: day 7, SCI + HBO vs. SCI, 3.04 ±â€Š0.41 vs. 2.75 ±â€Š0.31, P < 0.05; day 14, SCI + HBO vs. SCI, 3.88 ±â€Š1.59 vs. 1.11 ±â€Š0.40, P < 0.05), indicating the involvement of SDF-1/CXCR4 axis in the protective effect of HBO. CONCLUSIONS: HBO might promote the recovery of neurologic function after SCI in rats via activating the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis and promoting BDNF expression.

[Preliminary investigation on processing mechanism of Kansui Radix by liquorice based on thermal analysis technology].

In the thermal analysis, the pyrolysis characteristics of crude Kansui Radix, alcohol extract of Kansui Radix, petroleum ether extract, chloroform extract, ethyl acetate extract, n-butanol extract, and licorice vinegar were analyzed with simulated air (N2-O2 4:1) as the carrier gas, at a temperature increase rate of 10 °C·min⁻¹ and a volume flow rate of 60 mL·min⁻¹, respectively. The results showed that due to the different polarity of the extraction solvent, the type and quantity of the chemical components contained in each polar part were different, and with the increase in the amount of solid powder of licorice, the peak of the maximum heat loss rate occurred in advance. For petroleum ether, chloroform, and ethyl acetate fractions, (157.40±1.06), 3.50, (25.83±1.66) °C in advance respectively, but the weight loss rate of the chloroform fraction was increased by (2.62±5.19) °C, while decreased by (33.90±1.72), (19.28±1.11) °C for the petroleum ether and ethyl acetate fractions. So we can conclude that with the addition of licorice, the pyrolysis rate of the petroleum ether and chloroform fractions in the toxic part of Kansui Radix was increased; the temperature point at the peak of the maximum weight loss rate was decreased, and the ethyl acetate fraction (effective part) showed a decrease in temperature rising process, but its overall ratio of weight loss and weight loss rate were relatively small, retaining the effect of medicinal ingredients. This proved the mechanism of licorice system Kansui Radix on attenuating toxicity after processing and the scientificity and rationality of licorice system Kansui Radix. At the same time, as the proportion of glycyrrhizin was increased, the peak of the maximum heat loss rate of petroleum ether, chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions occurred in advance; the peak temperature was decreased, with easy pyrolysis. Among them, the thermogravimetric rate of the mixture of petroleum ether and chloroform fractions (10:1) was relatively large, with a low peak temperature, while ethyl acetate fraction showed opposite results. This conclusion has certain guiding significance for the ratio of gansui to licorice.

Incidence and risk factors for multiple medical complications in adult degenerative scoliosis long-level fusion.

Adult degenerative scoliosis (ADS) surgery is known for its high incidence of complications. The propose of this study was to determine current complication rates and the predictors of medical complications in surgical ASD patients. A retrospective study of 153 ADS patients who underwent long level spinal fusion with 2-year follow-up between 2012 and 2017. The patient- and surgical-related risk factors for each individual medical complication were identified by using univariate testing. All patients were divided into groups with and without medical complication, infection, neurological complications, and cardiopulmonary complications, respectively. Potential risk factors were identified using univariate testing. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to evaluate independent predictors of medical complications. The total medical complication incidence was 26.1%. Patient-related independent risk factors for the development of medical complications included diabetes, smoking; for infection were diabetes and smoking; for neurological complications were BMI and diabetes; for cardiopulmonary complications were hypertension, smoking and cardiac comorbidity. Surgical-related independent risk factors for the development of medical complications were fusion level, operative time, osteotomy, blood transfusion and LOS; for infection were fusion level, blood transfusion, and LOS; for neurological complication were fusion level, osteotomy and blood transfusion; for cardiopulmonary complication were fusion level. Diabetes and smoking were the most common patient-related independent risk factors increase the development of each individual medical complication. On the other hand, fusion levels and blood transfusion were the most common surgical-related independent risk factors increase the development of each individual medical complication. Prevention of these risk factors can reduce the incidence of complications in Chinese patients with ADS surgery.