Successively Controlling Nanoscale Wrinkles of Ultrathin 2D Metal-Organic Frameworks Nanosheets.

The wrinkles are pervasive in ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) materials, but the regulation of wrinkles is rarely explored systematically. Here, we employed a series of carboxylic acids (from formic acid to octanoic acid) to control the wrinkles of Zr-BTB (BTB=1, 3, 5-(4-carboxylphenyl)-benzene) metal-organic framework (MOF) nanosheet. The wrinkles at the micrometer scale were observed with transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, high-angle annular dark-field (HAADF) images showed lattice distortion in many nanoscale regions, which was precisely matched to the nano-wrinkles. With the changes of hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, MOF-MOF and MOF-solvent interactions were possibly synergistically regulated and wrinkles with different sizes were obtained, which was supported by HAADF, molecular dynamics, and density functional theory calculation. Different wrinkle sizes resulted in different pore sizes between the Zr-BTB nanosheet interlayers, providing highly-oriented thin films and the successive optimization of kinetic diffusion pathways, proved by grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering and nitrogen adsorption. The most suitable wrinkle pore from Zr-BTB-C4 exhibited highly efficient chromatographic separation of the substituted benzene isomers. Our work provides a rational route for the modulation of nanoscale wrinkles and their stacked pores of MOF nanosheets and improves the separation abilities of MOFs.

Analysis of the Amine Submetabolome Using Novel Isotope-Coded Pyrylium Salt Derivatization and LC-MS: Herbs and Cancer Tissues as Cases.

The amine submetabolome, including amino acids (AAs) and biogenic amines (BAs), is a class of small molecular compounds exhibiting important physiological activities. Here, a new pyrylium salt named 6,7-dimethoxy-3-methyl isochromenylium tetrafluoroborate ([d0]-DMMIC) with stable isotope-labeled reagents ([d3]-/[d6]-DMMIC) was designed and synthesized for amino compounds. [d0]-/[d3]-/[d6]-DMMIC-derivatized had a charged tag and formed a set of molecular ions with an increase of 3.02 m/z and the characteristic fragment ions of m/z 204.1:207.1:210.1. When DMMIC coupled with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), a systematic methodology evaluation for quantitation proved to have good linearity (R2 between 0.9904 and 0.9998), precision (interday: 2.2-21.9%; intraday: 1.0-19.7%), and accuracy (recovery: 71.8-108.8%) through the test AAs. Finally, the methods based on DMMIC and LC-MS demonstrated the advantaged application by the nontargeted screening of BAs in a common medicinal herb Senecio scandens and an analysis of metabolic differences among the amine submetabolomes between the carcinoma and paracarcinoma tissues of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). A total of 20 BA candidates were discovered in S. scandens as well as the finding of 13 amine metabolites might be the highest-potential differential metabolites in ESCC. The results showed the ability of DMMIC coupled with LC-MS to analyze the amine submetabolome in herbs and clinical tissues.

Effects of different drying methods on the chemical constituents of Lilium lancifolium Thunb. based on UHPLC-MS analysis and antidepressant activity of the main chemical component regaloside A.

The Lilium lancifolium Thunb. is a herb with multiple functions in both medicine and food in China, and its extracts have shown antidepressant effects. In this study, fresh bulbs of Lilium lancifolium Thunb. were processed to study the effects of different drying processes on changes in its main chemical components. We found that different drying methods can affect the chemical constituents of the herb. Among these components, Regaloside A has been found as the characteristic component. Here, Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, and Western blotting were used to evaluate the neuroprotective antidepressant effects of Regaloside A. The results showed the cell survival rate was improved, the phosphorylation levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, tyrosine kinase receptor B, phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase, protein kinase B, and mammalian target of rapamycin were increased after Regaloside A treatment. In general, different drying methods have a significant influence on the chemical composition of the herb, and Regaloside A may be the main chemical component of the herb. It can alleviate the damage of corticosterone in SH-SY5Y cells, and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling mediated by brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tyrosine kinase receptor B may play an important role in the neuroprotective antidepressant effects of Regaloside A.

Cryptoporus volvatus polysaccharides attenuate LPS-induced expression of pro-inflammatory factors via the TLR2 signaling pathway in human alveolar epithelial cells.

CONTEXT: Cryptoporus volvatus (Peck) Hubb grows wild in China, and its fruiting bodies have been used traditionally to treat asthma and bronchitis. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates the anti-inflammatory effect of Cryptoporus polysaccharides (CP) extracted from fruiting bodies of C. volvatus on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pro-inflammatory factors and the signaling pathways involved in human alveolar epithelial cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To evaluate the effects of CP on LPS-induced pro-inflammatory factors, A549 cells were pre-incubated with CP 1, 10, and 100 µg/ml for 1 h and then stimulated with LPS 10 µg/ml for 24 h. The expression of pro-inflammatory factors monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), and phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38, and NF-κB p65 were measured by q-PCR, ELISA, and western blotting. RESULTS: CP decreased LPS-induced mRNA expression of MCP-1, TNF-α, and IL-1ß (IC50 = 83.3, 85.2, and 91.6 µg/ml, respectively) and their correspondent protein expression (IC50 = 88.6, 76.4, and 81.6 µg/ml, respectively). Investigation of potential mechanisms indicated that CP 100 µg/ml reduced LPS-induced expression of TLR2 mRNA (66.9%, p < 0.01) and protein (63.2%, p < 0.01) that was a result of the decreased pro-inflammatory factors. LPS induction increased the expression of TLR2 and the phosphorylation of p38 and ERK1/2, NF-kB p65 concomitantly. CP 100 µg/ml inhibited the LPS-induced phosphorylation of the signaling proteins (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This suggests that CP pretreatment down-regulates LPS-mediated inflammation in lung epithelial cells. This study further confirmed that CP is a potential anti-inflammatory drug for the treatment of airway inflammatory diseases.

[Preparation and application of chromatographic stationary phase based on two-dimensional materials].

The stationary phase is the heart of chromatographic separation technology and a critical contributor to the overall separation performance of a chromatographic separation technique. However, traditional silicon-based materials designed for this purpose usually feature complex preparation processes, suboptimal permeability, pronounced mass-transfer resistance, and limited pH-range compatibility. These limitations have spurred ongoing research efforts aimed at developing new chromatographic stationary phases characterized by higher separation efficiency, adaptable selectivity, and a broader scope of applicability. In this context, the scientific community has made significant strides toward the development of new-generation materials suitable for use as chromatographic stationary phases. These materials include carbon-based nanomaterial arrays, carbon quantum dots, and two-dimensional (2D) materials. 2D-materials are characterized by nanometer-scale thicknesses, extensive specific surface areas, distinctive layered structures, and outstanding mechanical properties under standard conditions. Thus, these materials demonstrate excellent utility in various applications, such as electrical and thermal conductivity enhancements, gas storage and separation solutions, membrane separation technologies, and catalysis. Graphene, which is arguably the most popular 2D-material used for chromatographic separation, consists of a 2D-lattice of carbon atoms arranged in a single layer, with a large specific surface area and efficient adsorption properties. Its widespread adoption in research and various industries is a testament to its versatility and effectiveness. In addition to graphene, the scientific community has developed various 2D-materials that mirror the layered structures of graphene, such as boron nitride, transition-metal sulfides, and 2D porous organic frameworks, all of which offer unique advantages. 2D porous organic frameworks, in particular, have received attention because of their nanosheet morphology, one-dimensional pores, and special interlayer forces; thus, these frameworks are considered promising candidate chromatographic stationary phase materials. Such recognition is especially true for 2D-metal organic frameworks (MOFs) and 2D-covalent organic frameworks (COFs), which exhibit low densities, high porosities, and substantial specific surface areas. The modifiability of these materials, in terms of pore size, shape, functional groups, and layer-stacking arrangements allows for excellent separation selectivity, highlighting their promising potential in chromatographic separation. Compared with their three-dimensional counterparts, 2D-MOFs feature a simple pore structure that offers reduced mass-transfer resistance and enhanced column efficiency. These attributes highlight the advantages of 2D-MOF nanosheets as chromatographic stationary phases. Similarly, 2D-COFs, given their high specific surface area and porosity, not only exhibit great thermal stability and chemical tolerance but also support a wide selection of solvents and operational conditions. Therefore, their role in the preparation of chromatographic stationary phases is considered highly promising. This review discusses the latest research developments in 2D porous organic framework materials in the context of gas- and liquid-chromatographic stationary phases. It introduces the synthesis methods for these novel materials, elucidates their retention mechanisms, and describes the applications of other 2D-materials, such as graphene, its derivatives, graphitic carbon nitride, and boron nitride, in chromatography. This review aims to shed light on the promising development prospects and future directions of 2D-materials in the field of chromatographic separation, offering valuable insights into the rational design and application of new 2D-materials in chromatography.

Polar alcohol guest molecules regulate the stacking modes of 2-D MOF nanosheets.

The modulation of two-dimensional metal-organic framework (2-D MOF) nanosheet stacking is an effective means to improve the properties and promote the application of nanosheets in various fields. Here, we employed a series of alcohol guest molecules (MeOH, EtOH and PrOH) to modulate Zr-BTB (BTB = benzene-1,3,5-tribenzoate) nanosheets and to generate untwisted stacking. The distribution of stacking angles was statistically analyzed from high-angle annular dark-field (HAADF) and fast Fourier transform (FFT) images. The ratios of untwisted stacking were calculated, such as 77.01% untwisted stacking for MeOH, 83.45% for EtOH, and 85.61% for PrOH. The obtained untwisted Zr-BTB showed good separation abilities for different substituted benzene isomers, superior para selectivity and excellent column stability and reusability. Control experiments of 2-D Zr-TCA (TCA = 4,4',4''-tricarboxytriphenylamine) and Zr-TATB (TATB = 4,4',4''-(1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triyl)tribenzoic acid) nanosheets with similar pore sizes and stronger polarity regulated by the alcohol guests exhibited moderate separation performance. The electron microscopy images revealed that polar alcohol regulation dominantly generated the twisted stacking of Zr-TCA and Zr-TATB with various Moiré patterns. Polar guest molecules, such as alcohols, provide strong host-guest interactions during the regulation of MOF nanosheet stacking, providing an opportunity to design new porous Moiré materials with application prospects.

Complete genome sequence of a virulent porcine epidemic diarrhea virus strain.

In recent years, acute outbreaks of epizootic diarrhea have occurred on many swine farms in China. Although the putative causative virus of the disease was not isolated, the genomic sequence of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) was consistently detected from feces of diseased pigs by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR). Here we report a complete genome sequence of PEDV which is apparently different from those of early PEDV circulated in Chinese swine herds.

Cardiovascular protection and antioxidant activity of the extracts from the mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis act partially via adenosine receptors.

Mycelia of cultured Cordyceps sinensis (CS) is one of the most common substitutes for natural CS and was approved for arrhythmia in China. However, the role of CS in ameliorating injury during ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) is still unclear. We examined effects of extracts from CS on I/R and investigated the possible mechanisms. Post-ischemic coronary perfusion pressure, ventricular function, and coronary flow were measured using the Langendorff mouse heart model. Oxidative stress of cardiac homogenates was performed using an ELISA. Our results indicate that CS affords cardioprotection possibly through enhanced adenosine receptor activation. Cardioprotection was demonstrated by reduced post-ischemic diastolic dysfunction and improved recovery of pressure development and coronary flow. Treatment with CS largely abrogates oxidative stress and damage in glucose- or pyruvate-perfused hearts. Importantly, observed reductions in oxidative stress [glutathione disulfide (GSSG)]/[GSSG + glutathione] and [malondialdehyde (MDA)]/[superoxide dismutase + MDA] ratios as well as the resultant damage upon CS treatment correlate with functional markers of post-ischemic myocardial outcome. These effects of CS were partially blocked by 8-ρ-sulfophenyltheophylline, an adenosine receptor antagonist. Our results demonstrate a suppressive role of CS in ischemic contracture. Meanwhile, the results also suggest pre-ischemic adenosine receptor activation may be involved in reducing contracture in hearts pretreated with CS.

Fire-prone Rhamnaceae with South African affinities in Cretaceous Myanmar amber.

The rapid Cretaceous diversification of flowering plants remains Darwin's 'abominable mystery' despite numerous fossil flowers discovered in recent years. Wildfires were frequent in the Cretaceous and many such early flower fossils are represented by charcoalified fragments, lacking complete delicate structures and surface textures, making their similarity to living forms difficult to discern. Furthermore, scarcity of information about the ecology of early angiosperms makes it difficult to test hypotheses about the drivers of their diversification, including the role of fire in shaping flowering plant evolution. We report the discovery of two exquisitely preserved fossil flower species, one identical to the inflorescences of the extant crown-eudicot genus Phylica and the other recovered as a sister group to Phylica, both preserved as inclusions together with burned plant remains in Cretaceous amber from northern Myanmar (~99 million years ago). These specialized flower species, named Phylica piloburmensis sp. nov. and Eophylica priscastellata gen. et sp. nov., exhibit traits identical to those of modern taxa in fire-prone ecosystems such as the fynbos of South Africa, and provide evidence of fire adaptation in angiosperms.

Exploration of the relationship between geographical environment and human diseases in ancient China.

The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, created in the Warring States period (475 to 221 BC) described a phenomenon whereby the eastern, western, northern, southern, and central regions were liable to different diseases. It brought forward the principle of treatment in accordance with local conditions. Lv's Spring and Autumn Annals, Huai Nan Tzu (Huainanzi), and the Regiment of Health (Yangshenglun) in the Qin, Han, Wei, Jin, and Southern and Northern Dynasties all describe regional diseases such as goiter (endemic goiter) and yellowish teeth (dental fluorosis) as being caused by geologic and climatic factors. Zhang (miasma), first mentioned in the Han Dynasty, was considered related to the summer heat and dampness particular to the geographical environment of the south. Zhang was further associated with malaria in the Jin Dynasty. General Treatise on the Etiology and Symptomology of Diseases (Zhubingyuanhou Lun), in the Sui Dynasty, held that as a type of poisonous gas, Zhang was the predisposing cause of malaria, seasonal disease, and barbiers, among other conditions. General Guide (Zhinan Zonglun), in the Southern Song Dynasty, regarded Zhang malaria as a separate disease. Healthy Prescription in the Southern Wuling District (Lingnan Weisheng Fang), in the late Song and early Yuan Dynasties, explicitly put forward the concepts of cold Zhang, hot Zhang, and lockjaw Zhang. Guidelines for Treatment of Zhang Malaria (Zhangnue Zhinan), in the Ming Dynasty, maintained that cold Zhang was equivalent to malaria, while hot Zhang and lockjaw Zhang were equivalent to cold damage, the latter of which can be treated by prescriptions for cold damage. Records on Zhang gas and Zhang disease decreased during the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

Baihe Jizihuang Tang Ameliorates Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress-Induced Depression-Like Behavior: Integrating Network Pharmacology and Brain-Gut Axis Evaluation.

Baihe Jizihuang Tang (BHT) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, which can also be used as a nutritional food with medicinal value. Herein, we aimed to clarify the antidepressive effects and molecular mechanism of BHT. Network pharmacological analysis; chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) rat model assessment; behavioral tests; analysis of hippocampal neurotransmitter levels, hippocampal pathological structure, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis; western blot analysis; 16s RNA sequencing; ultraperformance liquid chromatography (UPLC)/mass spectrometry (MS); and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)/ultraviolet (UV) analysis were used. We found 8 potentially active components and 12 targets from the database. KEGG analysis suggested that BHT significantly affected BDNF/tyrosine receptor kinase B levels, glutamate binding, synaptic transmission based on neurotransmitter signal, and the response to glucocorticoid signaling pathways. Consistently, 7 chemical components were identified using UPLC/quadrupole time-of-flight/MS; among them, regalosides A, B, C, and E were unique components of lily of TCM, and their content in BHT was significantly different: regaloside A > B > E > C. BHT could nourish hippocampal neurons, affect neurotransmitter metabolism, reduce HPA axis hyperactivity, improve deficits in hippocampal tissue structure, and change depressive behavior. Moreover, BHT regulated BDNF expression in the hippocampus and improved intestinal flora deficits in CUMS rats by changing the content of Bifidobacterium, Rothia, Glutamicibacter, and Lactobacillus at the genus level. Collectively, BHT attenuated CUMS-induced depression-like behavior by regulating BDNF and intestinal flora disorder through the brain-gut axis. Therefore, including BHT in the medication list may constitute a potential strategy for preventing depression.

XQ-1H regulates Wnt/GSK3ß/ß-catenin pathway and ameliorates the integrity of blood brain barrier in mice with acute ischemic stroke.

10-O-(N, N-dimethylaminoethyl) ginkgolide B methanesulfonate (XQ-1H), a novel analog of ginkgolide B, has been preliminarily recognized to show bioactivities against ischemia-induced injury. However, the underlying mechanism still remains to be fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of XQ-1H against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CIRI) from the perspective of blood brain barrier (BBB) protection, and explore whether the underlying mechanism is associated with Wnt/GSK3ß/ß-catenin signaling pathway activation. The therapeutic effects of XQ-1H were evaluated in mice subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) and in immortalized mouse cerebral endothelial cells (bEnd.3) challenged by oxygen and glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R). Results showed that treatment with XQ-1H improved neurological behavior, reduced brain infarction volume, diminished edema, and attenuated the disruption of BBB in vivo. In vitro, XQ-1H increased cell viability and maintained the barrier function of bEnd.3 monolayer after OGD/R. Moreover, the protection of XQ-1H was accompanied with activation of Wnt/GSK3ß/ß-catenin pathway and upregulation of tight junction proteins. Notably, the protection of XQ-1H was abolished by Wnt/GSK3ß/ß-catenin inhibitor XAV939 or ß-catenin siRNA, indicating XQ-1H exerted protection in a Wnt/GSK3ß/ß-catenin dependent profile. In summary, XQ-1H attenuated brain injury and maintained BBB integrity after CIRI, and the possible underlying mechanism may be related to the activation of Wnt/GSK3ß/ß-catenin pathway and upregulation of tight junction proteins.

Ma Xing Shi Gan Decoction Protects against PM2.5-Induced Lung Injury through Suppression of Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and Epithelial Barrier Disruption.

This research was designed to explore the effect of Ma Xing Shi Gan decoction (MXD) in alleviating particulate matter less than 2.5 µm in diameter (PM2.5) induced lung injury from the perspective of epithelial barrier protection and inhibition of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Rats were exposed to PM2.5 to establish a lung injury model in vivo, and a PM2.5-stimulated primary cultured type II alveolar epithelial cell model was introduced in vitro. Our results indicated that MXD alleviated the weight loss and pathologic changes and improved the epithelial barrier dysfunction. MXD also significantly inhibited the TGF-ß/Smad3 pathway, increased the level of ZO-1 and claudin-5, and reversed the EMT process. Notably, the protection of MXD was abolished by TGF-ß in vitro. Our results indicated that MXD has a protection against PM2.5-induced lung injury. The proposed mechanism is reversing PM2.5-induced EMT through inhibiting TGF-ß/Smad3 pathway and then upregulating the expression of tight-junction proteins.

Proteomics of the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus of rats with stress-induced gastric ulcer.

BACKGROUND: Stress-induced gastric ulcer (SGU) is one of the most common visceral complications after trauma. Restraint water-immersion stress (RWIS) can cause serious gastrointestinal dysfunction and has been widely used to study the pathogenesis of SGU to identify medications that can cure the disease. The mediodorsal thalamic nucleus (MD) is the centre integrating visceral and physical activity and contributes to SGU induced by RWIS. Hence, the role of the MD during RWIS needs to be studied. AIM: To screen for differentially expressed proteins in the MD of the RWIS rats to further elucidate molecular mechanisms of SGU. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were selected randomly and divided into two groups, namely, a control group and an RWIS group. Gastric mucosal lesions of the sacrificed rats were measured using the erosion index and the proteomic profiles of the MD were generated through isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) coupled with two-dimensional liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Additionally, iTRAQ results were verified by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: A total of 2853 proteins were identified, and these included 65 dysregulated (31 upregulated and 34 downregulated) proteins (fold change ratio ≥ 1.2). Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that most of the upregulated proteins are primarily related to cell division, whereas most of the downregulated proteins are related to neuron morphogenesis and neurotransmitter regulation. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis revealed that the dysregulated proteins are mainly involved in the neurological disease signalling pathways. Furthermore, our results indicated that glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta might be related to the central mechanism through which RWIS gives rise to SGU. CONCLUSION: Quantitative proteomic analysis elucidated the molecular targets associated with the production of SGU and provides insights into the role of the MD. The underlying molecular mechanisms need to be further dissected.

Medial prefrontal cortex exacerbates gastric dysfunction of rats upon restraint water­immersion stress.

Restraint water­immersion stress (RWIS) can induce a gastric mucosal lesions within a few hours. The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is involved in the RWIS process. The present study investigated the modulatory effects and molecular mechanisms of the mPFC on gastric function under an RWIS state. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups; namely, the control, RWIS 4 h (RWIS for 4 h only), sham­operated and bilateral­lesioned (bilateral­lesioned mPFC) groups. The gastric erosion index (EI) and gastric motility (GM) were determined, and the proteomic profiles of the mPFC were assessed by isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) coupled with two­dimensional liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Additionally, iTRAQ results were verified by western blot analysis. Compared with the RWIS 4 h group and the sham­control group, the bilateral­lesioned group exhibited a significantly lower EI (P<0.01). In the bilateral­lesioned group, RWIS led to a significant decrease in EI and GM. When comparing the control and RWIS 4 h groups, 129 dysregulated proteins were identified, of which 88 were upregulated and 41 were downregulated. Gene Ontology functional analysis demonstrated that 29 dysregulated proteins, including postsynaptic density protein 95, were directly associated with axon morphology, axon growth and synaptic plasticity. Ingenuity pathway analysis revealed that the dysregulated proteins were mainly involved in neurological disease signaling pathways, including the NF­κB and ERK signaling pathways. These data indicated that the presence of the mPFC exacerbates gastric mucosal injury in awake rats during RWIS. Although the quantitative proteomic analysis elucidated the nervous system molecular targets associated with the production of gastric mucosal lesions, such as the role of PSD95. The underlying molecular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity need to be further elucidated.

Oral administration of allergen extracts from Dermatophagoides farinae desensitizes specific allergen-induced inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in rats.

Clinically sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) by using allergen extracts effectively alleviates the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and asthma. Supposed that oral administration of high-dose of allergen extracts imitates SLIT and may prevent IgE-related responses in allergic diseases, we investigated the effects of oral administration of allergen extracts from Dermatophagoides farinae (Derf) on allergen-induced inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in a model of asthmatic rat. After administration to the specific Derf-sensitized rats with Derfdrop solution containing Derf1 and Derf2 extracts derived from Derf, the effects of Derfdrop on AHR, inflammatory cell accumulation, cytokine production in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissue, as well as serum IgE and IgG levels were investigated. Results indicated that Derfdrop not only dose-dependently prevented the AHR in response to methacholine, but also significantly reduced the serum total and allergen-specific IgE levels, all the maximal effects were achieved at dose of 5 mg/kg/d, and were as comparable as those of dexamethasone at dose of 1.0 mg/kg/d. Furthermore, oral administration of Derfdrop not only dose-dependently elevated allergen-specific serum IgG levels and reduced total and allergen-specific IgE levels, but also normalized the imbalance between the Th1 cytokine, IFN-gamma and Th2 cytokine, IL-4. Finally, oral administration of Derfdrop significantly reduced Goblet cell hyperplasia and eosinophilia in the Derf-sensitized allergic rat model. These data suggest that Derfdrop effectively improves specific allergen-induced inflammation and AHR in Derf-sensitized and -challenged rats and provide with the rationale for clinical SLIT by using Derfdrop in a specific allergen-induced asthma.

[Clinical analysis of surgically treated cervical spondylotic myelopathy with erectile dysfunction].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the recovery of sexual function of surgically treated male patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy. METHODS: A prospective and a mean 16-month postoperative follow-up were conducted for 22 male patients surgically treated for cervical spondylotic myelopathy complicated by sexual dysfunction. Their neurologic scores were obtained by the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) Scoring System, their sexual function assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), and their pre- and post-operative reflexogenic and psychogenic erection analyzed by comparison. RESULTS: Most of the patients experienced an obvious improvement in neurological function after the surgery, with a significantly higher JOA score than pre-operation ( P < 0.01). Compared with the preoperative rates of abnormal reflexogenic and psychogenic erection, 82% (18/22) and 18% (4/22) , the average IIEF score was elevated from preoperatively (9.90 +/- 2. 22) to postoperatively (20.89 +/- 3.89), with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy induces sexual as well as neurological dysfunction, mostly with abnormal psychogenic but normal reflexogenic erection. With neurological recovery, most of the patients may experience an improvement in their sexual function after surgery.

Salvianolic acid B improves airway hyperresponsiveness by inhibiting MUC5AC overproduction associated with Erk1/2/P38 signaling.

Salvianolic acid B (SalB) is one of the main water-soluble composites from Chinese medicine Dansen (Radix miltiorrhiza). It is used for clinical treatment of various diseases including cardiovascular, lung, Liver, renal and cancers. However, the effects of SalB to allergy induced airway mucin hypersecretion, inflammation and hyperresponsiveness (AHR) remains not clear. Overproduction of airway MUC5AC is a central effector of inflammation that is strongly associated with AHR in asthmatic attack. In this study, we investigated the anti-asthmatic activity and mechanism of SalB in a murine model and human epithelial cells by monitoring changes in mucin expression and secretion, airway inflammation, AHR, and signaling pathways. SalB was administered by intragastric administration (i.g) daily for a week, starting at 21 days after sensitization of ovalbumin (OVA). All examinations were performed 24h after the last antigen challenge. We found that treatments with SalB significantly inhibited increase in the tracheobronchial secretion, glycosaminoglycan levels, interleukin (IL)-13, IL-4, and IL-5 cytokines mRNA and protein expression, and decrease in mucociliary clearance in lung tissues. Histological results demonstrated that SalB attenuated OVA-induced eosinophil infiltration, airway goblet cell hyperplasia, and MUC5AC and MUC5B mRNA and protein expression in lung tissues. SalB exhibited protective effects against AHR in OVA-challenged animals. In vitro, SalB significantly inhibited IL-13-induced MUC5AC and MUC5B mRNA and protein expression in human epithelial cells. These effects were blocked by SalB by downregulating the Erk1/2 and P38 signaling pathways. Taken together, these data indicate that treatment with SalB may improve AHR by inhibiting MUC5AC overproduction.

[Association mapping of schizophrenia loci on chromosome 1 by use of pooled DNA genomic screening in eastern Shandong peninsula].

OBJECTIVE: To find out association mapping of loci related to schizophrenia on chromosome 1 with microsatellite markers in DNA pooling samples from schizophrenic cases and normal controls in Shandong peninsula. METHODS: A total of 31 microsatellite markers on chromosome 1 spaced at approximately 10 cM were scanned to two separated DNA pooling samples consisting of 119 schizophrenic cases and 119 normal controls respectively. Statistic analysis was performed by Chi-square test method to compare the difference between the ratio of each allele between the two pooling samples. RESULTS: Significant statistic difference was found at D1S2878 between cases and controls, and P< 0.01 at this loci. CONCLUSION: D1S2878 locus on chromosome 1 associates with schizophrenia in Shandong peninsula. Fine mapping and searching for candidate genes are warranted in this region.

Thoughts on the importance of government regulated Chinese medicine terminology standardization.

The applications of a standardized Chinese medicine (CM) terminology are ultimately the translation and publication of literature, education, as well as scholarly and legal communication. Over the past 20-30 years the amount of published CM literature, including clinical and experimental research, has increased exponentially. In addition, the numbers of professionally trained Western CM scholars and clinicians have been continuously rising, and they are now forming a considerable academic force that should be taken seriously. Because of the continuous advancements of CM abroad, there is a strong demand for the application of a "common official language" to facilitate this progress and the future developments in the field. A standard to be applied within China is also a necessary work needed for the uniform transmission of the indigenous medical system abroad.