The genus Ranunculus L. (Ranunculus) in Asia: a review of its botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity, and pharmaceutical preparations.

OBJECTIVES: Ranunculus L. genus contains 413 species, and it is the biggest genus in the family Ranunculaceae Juss. This review is to provide botanical characteristics, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity, and pharmaceutical preparations of the genus Ranunculus. KEY FINDINGS: The genus Ranunculus contains flavonoids, organic acids, coumarins, lactones, glycosides, sterols, polysaccharides, and trace elements. These chemical constituents complement the pharmacological actions and work together to exert anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antitubercular, antibacterial, antimalarial, etc. Those traditional Chinese medicine characteristics, like clearing away heat and detoxification, make this genus significant in ethnic medicine. The progress in research and the development of various pharmaceutical preparations made it appear in epidemiological and clinical studies. SUMMARY: The genus Ranunculus has attracted the attention of experts and scholars in many fields due to its unique advantages. However, there are many species that are not scientifically investigated. The toxicity issues are also a huge concern. Fortunately, the toxicity can be overcome via special processes like drying or heating and by choosing a safe extraction solvent, such as water thus ensuring the safety of medication. Pharmaceutical preparations containing the plants from Ranunculus have gratifying clinical value, but they are not promoted sufficiently. Therefore, further research should be carried out to promote the genus for its health benefits to humans.

Preparation, structural characteristics and pharmacological activity of polysaccharides from Polygala tenuifolia: A review.

Polygala tenuifolia is a traditional Chinese medicine with a long history of application, with the efficacy of suppressing cough, calming asthma, tranquilizing the mind, and benefiting the intellect. It is classified as a top-quality medicine in Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica. Polysaccharide is an important active ingredient in Polygala tenuifolia, which consists of several monosaccharides, including Ara, Gal, Glc, and so on. In this review, the preparation methods, structural characteristics, and biological activities of polysaccharides from Polygala tenuifolia are summarized, and the problems in the current studies are discussed to support further research, development, and utilization.

The complete chloroplast genome of Mussaenda pubescens and phylogenetic analysis.

The chloroplast (cp) genome sequence of Mussaenda pubescens, a promising resource that is used as a traditional medicine and drink, is important for understanding the phylogenetic relationships among the Mussaenda family and genetic improvement and reservation. This research represented the first comprehensive description of the morphological characteristics of M. pubescens, as well as an analysis of the complete cp genome and phylogenetic relationship. The results indicated a close relationship between M. pubescens and M. hirsutula based on the morphological characteristics of the flower and leaves. The cp was sequenced using the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform. The results indicated the cp genome of M. pubescens spanned a total length of 155,122 bp, including a pair of inverted repeats (IRA and IRB) with a length of 25,871 bp for each region, as well as a large single-copy (LSC) region and a small single-copy (SSC) region with lengths of 85,370 bp and 18,010 bp, respectively. The results of phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that species within the same genus displayed a tendency to group closely together. It was suggested that Antirhea, Cinchona, Mitragyna, Neolamarckia, and Uncaria might have experienced an early divergence. Furthermore, M. hirsutula showed a close genetic connection to M. pubescens, with the two species having partially overlapping distributions in China. This study presents crucial findings regarding the identification, evolution, and phylogenetic research on Mussaenda plants, specifically targeting M. pubescens.

Anti-sulfatide antibody-related Guillain-Barré syndrome presenting with overlapping syndromes or severe pyramidal tract damage: a case report and literature review.

Introduction: Anti-sulfatide antibodies are key biomarkers for the diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). However, case reports on anti-sulfatide antibody-related GBS are rare, particularly for atypical cases. Case description case 1: A 63 years-old man presented with limb numbness and diplopia persisting for 2 weeks, with marked deterioration over the previous 4 days. His medical history included cerebral infarction, diabetes, and coronary atherosclerotic cardiomyopathy. Physical examination revealed limited movement in his left eye and diminished sensation in his extremities. Initial treatments included antiplatelet agents, cholesterol-lowering drugs, hypoglycemic agents, and medications to improve cerebral circulation. Despite this, his condition worsened, resulting in bilateral facial paralysis, delirium, ataxia, and decreased lower limb muscle strength. Treatment with intravenous high-dose immunoglobulin and dexamethasone resulted in gradual improvement. A 1 month follow-up revealed significant neurological sequelae. Case description case 2: A 53 years-old woman was admitted for adenomyosis and subsequently experienced sudden limb weakness, numbness, and pain that progressively worsened, presenting with diminished sensation and muscle strength in all limbs. High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin, vitamin B1, and mecobalamin were administered. At the 1 month follow-up, the patient still experienced limb numbness and difficulty walking. In both patients, albuminocytologic dissociation was found on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, positive anti-sulfatide antibodies were detected in the CSF, and electromyography indicated peripheral nerve damage. Conclusion: Anti-sulfatide antibody-related GBS can present with Miller-Fisher syndrome, brainstem encephalitis, or a combination of the two, along with severe pyramidal tract damage and residual neurological sequelae, thereby expanding the clinical profile of this GBS subtype. Anti-sulfatide antibodies are a crucial diagnostic biomarker. Further exploration of the pathophysiological mechanisms is necessary for precise treatment and improved prognosis.

Decomposition of exotic versus native aquatic plant litter in a lake littoral zone: Stoichiometry and life form analyses.

The decomposition rates and stoichiometric characteristics of many aquatic plants remain unclear, and our understanding of material flow and nutrient cycles within freshwater ecosystems is limited. In this study, an in-situ experiment involving 23 aquatic plants (16 native and 7 exotic species) was carried out via the litter bag method for 63 days, during which time the mass loss and nutrient content (carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P)) of plants were measured. Floating-leaved plants exhibited the highest decomposition rate (0.038 ± 0.002 day-1), followed by submerged plants and free-floating plants (0.029 ± 0.002 day-1), and emergent plants had the lowest decomposition rate (0.019 ± 0.001 day-1). Mass loss by aquatic plants correlated with stoichiometric characteristics; the decomposition rate increased with an increasing P content and with a decreasing C content, C:N ratio, and C:P ratio. Notably, the decomposition rate of submerged exotic plants (0.044 ± 0.002 day-1) significantly exceeded that of native plants (0.026 ± 0.004 day-1), while the decomposition rate of emergent exotic plants was 55 ± 4 % higher than that of native plants. The decomposition rates of floating-leaved and free-floating plants did not significantly differ between the native and exotic species. During decomposition, emergent plants displayed an increase in C content and a decrease in N content, contrary to patterns observed in other life forms. The P content decreased for submerged (128 ± 7 %), emergent (90 ± 5 %), floating-leaved (104 ± 6 %), and free-floating plants (32 ± 6 %). Exotic plants released more C and P but accumulated more N than did native plants. In conclusion, the decomposition of aquatic plants is closely linked to litter quality and influences nutrient cycling in freshwater ecosystems. Given these findings, the invasion of the littoral zone by submerged and emergent exotic plants deserves further attention.

[Cloning and expression pattern analysis of abscisic acid receptor gene McPYL4 in Mentha canadensis].

Mentha canadensis is a traditional Chinese herb with great medicinal and economic value. Abscisic acid(ABA) receptor PYLs have important roles in plant growth and development and response to adversity. The M. canadensis McPYL4 gene was cloned, and its protein characteristics, gene expression, and protein interactions were analyzed, so as to provide genetic resources for genetic improvement and molecular design breeding for M. canadensis resistance. Therefore, the protein characteristics, subcellular localization, gene expression pattern, and protein interactions of McPYL4 were analyzed by bioinformatics analysis, transient expression of tobacco leaves, RT-qPCR, and yeast two-hybrid(Y2H) techniques. The results showed that the McPYL4 gene was 621 bp in length, encoding 206 amino acids, and its protein had the conserved structural domain of SRPBCC and was highly homologous with Salvia miltiorrhiza SmPYL4. McPYL4 protein was localized to the cell membrane and nucleus. The McPYL4 gene was expressed in all tissue of M. canadensis, with the highest expression in roots, followed by leaves, and it showed a pattern of up-regulation followed by down-regulation in leaves 1-8. In both leaves and roots, the McPYL4 gene responded to the exogenous hormones ABA, MeJA, and the treatments of drought, AlCl_3, NaCl, CdCl_2, and CuCl_2. Moreover, McPYL4 was up-regulated for expression in both leaves and roots under the MeJA treatment, as well as in leaves treated with AlCl_3 stress for 1 h, whereas McPYL4 showed a tendency to be down-regulated in both leaves and roots under other treatments. Protein interactions showed that McPYL4 interacted with AtABI proteins in an ABA-independent manner. This study demonstrated that McPYL4 responded to ABA, JA, and several abiotic stress treatments, and McPYL4 was involved in ABA signaling in M. canadensis and thus in the regulation of leaf development and various abiotic stresses in M. canadensis.

Role of phosphate in microalgal-bacterial symbiosis system treating wastewater containing heavy metals.

Phosphorus is one of the important factors to successfully establish the microalgal-bacterial symbiosis (MABS) system. The migration and transformation of phosphorus can occur in various ways, and the effects of phosphate on the MABS system facing environmental impacts like heavy metal stress are often ignored. This study investigated the roles of phosphate on the response of the MABS system to zinc ion (Zn2+). The results showed that the pollutant removal effect in the MABS system was significantly reduced, and microbial growth and activity were inhibited with the presence of Zn2+. When phosphate and Zn2+ coexisted, the inhibition effects of pollutants removal and microbial growth rate were mitigated compared to that of only with the presence of Zn2+, with the increasing rates of 28.3% for total nitrogen removal, 48.9% for chemical oxygen demand removal, 78.3% for chlorophyll-a concentration, and 13.3% for volatile suspended solids concentration. When phosphate was subsequently supplemented in the MABS system after adding Zn2+, both pollutants removal efficiency and microbial growth and activity were not recovered. Thus, the inhibition effect of Zn2+ on the MABS system was irreversible. Further analysis showed that Zn2+ preferentially combined with phosphate could form chemical precipitate, which reduced the fixation of MABS system for Zn2+ through extracellular adsorption and intracellular uptake. Under Zn2+ stress, the succession of microbial communities occurred, and Parachlorella was more tolerant to Zn2+. This study revealed the comprehensive response mechanism of the co-effects of phosphate and Zn2+ on the MABS system, and provided some insights for the MABS system treating wastewater containing heavy metals, as well as migration and transformation of heavy metals in aquatic ecosystems.

[Development and application of SSR markers of Saposhnikovia divaricata based on transcriptome].

Transcriptome sequencing was employed to mine the simple sequence repeat(SSR) locus information of Saposhnikovia divaricata and design specific primers, which aimed to provide a basis for the research on the genetic diversity of S. divaricata germplasm resources. The seed purity, 1 000-seed weight, germination rate, and seed vigor were determined. MISA was used to obtain the SSR locus information from 12 606 unigene longer than 1 kb in the transcriptome database. Forty-three pairs of SSR primers designed in Primer 3 were used to analyze the polymorphism of 28 S. divaricata samples of different sources. The results showed that there were differences in the seed purity, 1 000-seed weight, germination rate, vigor, and seed length and width among S. divaricata samples of different sources. Particularly, the germination rate and seed vigor had significant differences, and HB-ZJK1, NMG-CF4, NMG-BT, NMG-HLE1, and NMG-CF2 had significantly higher 1 000-seed weight, germination rate, and seed vigor than the samples of other sources. Among the 86 233 unigene, 12 606(14.62%) unigene contained 15 958 SSR loci, with one SSR locus every 5 009 bp on average. The SSR loci were mainly single nucleotide and dinucleotide repeats, which were dominated by G/C and TC/AG, respectively. All the primers were screened by using 28 S. divaricata sample from different habitats, and the primers corresponding to the amplification products with clear bands and stable polymorphism were obtained. The clustering results of the biological characteristics and genetic diversity of the 28 S. divaricata samples were basically consistent, and the samples of the same origin(HB-AG1, HB-AG2, HB-ZJK1, and HB-ZJK2) generally gathered together and had close genetic relationship. The SSRs in S. divaricata transcriptome has high frequency, rich types, and high polymorphism, which provides candidate molecular markers for the germplasm identification, genetic map construction, and molecular-assisted breeding.

Differences of Typical Wuyi Rock Tea in Taste and Nonvolatiles Profile Revealed by Multisensory Analysis and LC-MS-Based Metabolomics.

Wuyi Rock tea, specifically Shuixian and Rougui, exhibits distinct sensory characteristics. In this study, we investigated the sensory and metabolite differences between Shuixian and Rougui. Quantitative description analysis revealed that Rougui exhibited higher intensity in bitter, thick, harsh, and numb tastes, while Shuixian had stronger salty and umami tastes. Nontargeted metabolomics identified 151 compounds with 66 compounds identified as key differential metabolites responsible for metabolic discrimination. Most of the catechins and flavonoids were enriched in Rougui tea, while epigallocatechin-3,3'-di-O-gallate, epigallocatechin-3,5-di-O-gallate, gallocatechin-3,5-di-O-gallate, isovitexin, and theaflavanoside I were enriched in Shuixian tea. Catechins, kaempferol, quercetin, and myricetin derivatives were positively correlated with bitter taste and numb sensation. Sour taste was positively correlated to organic acids. Amino acids potentially contributed to salty and umami tastes. These results provide further insights into the taste characteristics and the relationship between taste attributes and specific metabolites in Wuyi Rock tea.

Effect of selenium nanoparticles-supplemented INRA96 extender on Turkmen stallion sperm quality and lipid peroxidation during storage at 5°C.

Oxidative damage to sperm during cooled storage is a significant issue, and selenium with antioxidant potential could be a solution. Moreover, nano-sized selenium offers more advantages compared to its ionic forms. This research aimed to assess the impact of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) supplemented in the INRA96 extender on the quality of Turkmen stallion sperm and lipid peroxidation during 72 h of cooled storage. A total of 25 ejaculates were treated using different concentrations of SeNPs, including no SeNPs (Control), 0.5 µM SeNPs (SeNPs 0.5), 1.0 µM SeNPs (SeNPs 1.0), and 1.5 µM SeNPs (SeNPs 1.5). The samples were then evaluated for sperm quality characteristics and lipid peroxidation. The results indicated a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in total and progressive motility, viability, and plasma membrane functionality after 48 h of cooled storage, along with an increase (P < 0.05) in spermatozoa abnormality and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as the cooled storage time increased. However, SeNPs demonstrated an improvement (P < 0.05) in sperm total motility after 24 h of cooled storage, progressive motility throughout the entire 72-hour period, functionality of the plasma membrane after 48 hours of cooled storage, spermatozoa abnormality after 48 h of cooled storage, and semen MDA levels throughout the cooled storage (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the enrichment of the INRA96 extender with nano-sized selenium can enhance the quality of Turkmen stallion sperm during storage at 5 °C by increasing total, progressive, and curvilinear motilities, improving plasma membrane functionality, and reducing sperm abnormalities and lipid peroxidation.

Quality and functional properties of bread containing the addition of probiotically fermented Cicer arietinum.

This study aimed to determine the impact of supplementation with probiotically fermented chickpea (Cicer arietinum L) seeds on the quality parameters and functional characteristics of wheat bread. The addition of chickpea seeds caused significant changes in the chemical composition of the control wheat bread. The legume-supplemented products exhibited higher values of a* and b* color parameters and higher hardness after 24 h of storage than the control. The application of fermented or unfermented chickpeas contributed to an increase in total polyphenol and flavonoid contents, iron chelating capacity, and antioxidant properties of the final product. The variant containing unfermented seeds had the highest riboflavin content (29.53 ± 1.11 µg/100 g d.w.), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (227.02 ± 7.29 µmol·L-1 TX/100 g d.w.), and free radical scavenging activity (71.37 ± 1.30 % DPPH inhibition). The results of this preliminary research have practical importance in the production of innovative bakery products with potential properties of functional food.

Natural linear coumarin-heterocyclic conjugates: A review of their roles in phytotherapy.

Heterocycle conjugates provide a fresh investigative scope to find novel molecules with enhanced phytotherapeutic characteristics. Coumarin-based products are widely used in the synthesis of several compounds with biological and medicinal properties since they are naturally occurring heterocycles with a broad dispersion. The investigation of coumarin-based phytochemicals with annulated heterocyclic rings is a promising approach to discovering novel conjugates with significant phytotherapeutic attributes. Due to the applicable coumarin extraction processes, a range of linear coumarin-heterocyclic conjugates were isolated from different natural resources and exhibited remarkable therapeutic efficacy. This review highlights the phytotherapeutic potential and origins of various natural linear coumarin-heterocyclic conjugates. We searched several databases, including Science Direct, Web of Science, Springer, Google Scholar, and PubMed. After sieving, we ultimately identified and included 118 pertinent studies published between 2000 and the middle of 2023. This will inspire medicinal chemists with extremely insightful ideas for designing and synthesizing therapeutically active lead compounds in the future that are built on the pharmacophores of coumarin-heterocyclic conjugates and have significant therapeutic attributes.

Identification of calcium chelating peptides from peanut protein hydrolysate and absorption activity of peptide-calcium complex.

BACKGROUND: Peanut peptides have good chelating ability with metal ions. However, there are few studies on the chelation mechanism of peanut peptides with calcium and absorption properties of peptide-calcium complex. RESULTS: Peptides with high calcium chelating rate were isolated and purified from peanut protein hydrolysate (PPH), and the chelation rate of component F21 was higher (81.4 ± 0.8%). Six peptides were identified from component F21 by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and the frequency of acidic amino acids and arginine in the amino acid sequence was higher in all six peptides. Peanut peptide-calcium complex (PPH21-Ca) was prepared by selecting component F21 (PPH21). Ultraviolet analysis indicated that the chelate reaction occurred between peanut peptide and calcium ions. Fourier transform infrared analysis showed that the chelating sites were carboxyl and amino groups on the amino acid residues of peptides. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the surface of peanut peptide had a smooth block structure, but the surface of the complex had a granular morphology. Caco-2 cell model tests revealed that the bioavailability of PPH21-Ca was 58.4 ± 0.5%, which was significantly higher than that of inorganic calcium at 37.0 ± 0.4%. CONCLUSION: Peanut peptides can chelate calcium ions by carboxyl and amino groups, and the peptide-calcium complex had higher bioavailability. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development of new calcium supplement products that are absorbed easily. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Evaluation of the mosquitocidal efficacy of fluralaner, a potential candidate for drug based vector control.

Vector control is a key intervention against mosquito borne diseases. However, conventional methods have several limitations and alternate strategies are in urgent need. Vector control with endectocides such as ivermectin is emerging as a novel strategy. The short half-life of ivermectin is a limiting factor for its application as a mass therapy tool for vector control. Isoxazoline compounds like fluralaner, a class of veterinary acaricides with long half-life hold promise as an alternative. However, information about their mosquitocidal effect is limited. We explored the efficacy of fluralaner against laboratory reared vector mosquitoes-Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi, and, Culex quinquefasciatus. 24 h post-blood feeding, fluralaner showed a significant mosquitocidal effect with LC50 values in the range of 24.04-49.82 ng/mL for the three different mosquito species tested. Effects on life history characteristics (fecundity, egg hatch success, etc.) were also observed and significant effects were noted at drug concentrations of 20, 25 and 45 ng/mL for Ae. aegypti, An. stephensi, and, Cx. quinquefasciatus respectively. At higher drug concentration of 250 ng/mL, significant mortality was observed within 1-2 h of post blood feeding. Potent mosquitocidal effect coupled with its long half-life makes fluralaner an excellent candidate for drug based vector control strategies.

Characteristics of Users of a Digital Hypnotherapy Intervention for Hot Flashes: Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Hot flashes are associated with a lower quality of life and sleep disturbances. Given the many consequences of hot flashes, it is important to find treatments to reduce them. Hypnotherapy, the use of hypnosis for a medical disorder or concern, has been shown in clinical trials to be effective in reducing hot flashes, but it is not routinely used in clinical practice. One solution to close this implementation gap is to administer hypnotherapy for hot flashes via a smartphone app. Evia is a smartphone app that delivers hypnotherapy for hot flashes. Evia has made hypnotherapy more widely accessible for women who are experiencing hot flashes; however, the app has yet to undergo empirical testing. Additionally, research on user characteristics is lacking. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to (1) determine the average age, stage of menopause, and length of menopause symptoms for users of the Evia app; (2) determine the characteristics of hot flashes and night sweats for users of the Evia app; (3) determine the self-reported sleep quality of users of the Evia app; (4) determine the self-reported mental health of users of the Evia app; and (5) determine the relationship between hot flash frequency and anxiety and depression for users of the Evia app. METHODS: This study analyzed data collected from participants who have downloaded the Evia app. Data were collected at 1 time point from a self-report questionnaire that assessed the demographic and clinical characteristics of users. The questionnaire was given to users when they downloaded the Evia app. Users of the Evia app fill out a questionnaire upon enrolling in the program and prior to beginning the intervention. This included 9764 users. RESULTS: Results showed that the mean age of users was 49.31 years. A total of 41.6% (1942/4665) of users reported experiencing 5 or more hot flashes per day, while 51.2% (1473/2877) of users reported having difficulty falling asleep each night and 47.7% (1253/2626) of users reported their sleep quality to be terrible. In addition, 38.4% (1104/2877) of users reported that they often feel anxious or depressed. There was a small, significant, and negative correlation between hot flash frequency and self-report frequency of anxiety and depression (r=-0.09). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the average age of app users is in line with the median age of natural menopause. A large percentage of users reported experiencing 5 or more hot flashes per day, reported difficulties with sleep, and reported experiencing depression and anxiety. These findings are in line with previous studies that assessed hot flash frequency and the consequences of hot flashes. This was the first study to report on the characteristics of users of the Evia app. Results will be used to optimize the hypnotherapy program delivered via the Evia app.

Physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility of ginseng starches under citric acid-autoclaving treatment.

In this study, the effects of citric acid-autoclaving (CA-A) treatment on physicochemical and digestive properties of the native ginseng starches were investigated. The results showed that ginseng starch exhibited a B-type crystal structure with a low onset pasting temperature of 44.23 ± 0.80 °C, but high peak viscosity and setback viscosity of 5897.34 ± 53.72 cP and 692.00 ± 32.36 cP, respectively. The granular morphology, crystal and short-range ordered structure of ginseng starches were destroyed after CA-A treatment. The more short-chain starches were produced, resulting in the ginseng starches solubility increased. In addition, autoclaving, citric acid (CA) and CA-A treatment promoted polymerization and recrystallization of starch molecules, increased the proportion of amylopectin B1, and B3 chains, and improved molecular weight and resistant starch (RS) content of ginseng starches. The most significant multi-scale structural change was induced by CA-A treatment, which reduced the relative crystallinity of ginseng starch from 28.26 ± 0.24 % to 2.75 ± 0.08 %, and increased the content of RS to 54.30 ± 0.14 %. These findings provided a better understanding of the structure and properties of Chinese ginseng starches and offered new ideas for the deep processing of ginseng foods.

A newly-discovered tea population variety processed Bai Mu Dan white tea: Flavor characteristics and chemical basis.

The quality of white tea (WT) is impacted by selected tea cultivars. To explore the organoleptic quality of a recently-discovered WT ("Caicha", CC), HS-SPME/GC-MS and UPLC were employed to identify volatile and non-volatile compounds in tea samples. Multiple statistical methods demonstrated the distinctions between CC and four mainstream WT varieties from main producing areas. CC exhibited abundant volatile alcohol, terpenoids, ketone, aldehyde and ester, as well as non-volatile lignans and coumarins, phenolic acids and low-molecular carbohydrates. These substances combinedly contributed to the flavor attributes of CC, characterized by an intense herbal/citrus-like cleanness and flower/fruit-like sweetness, scarce in existing commercial WT varieties. Sensory evaluation corroborated these findings. In conclusion, we have processed a new tea variety (CC) with WT manufacturing technology, and discovered the unique cleanness and sweetness of it. This study enriches the raw material database for WT production and blending, and boosts the development of more premium WT varieties.

Peripheral pulse harmonic analysis and its clinical application: A systematic review.

Introduction: Pulse harmonic analysis is a quantitative and objective methodology within traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used to evaluate pulse characteristics. However, interpreting pulse wave data is challenging due to its inherent complexity. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review and comparison of existing human pulse wave harmonic analysis methods to elucidate their patterns and characteristics. Methods: A systematic review of clinical research reports published from 1990 to 2021 was conducted, focusing on variations in harmonic characteristics across different medical conditions and physiological states. Keyword searches included terms related to analysis methods (e.g., "Pulse Spectrum," "harmonic analysis," "harmonic index") and measured indicators (e.g., "vascular response," "PPG," "Photoplethysmography," "aortic," "arterial," "blood pressure"). Supplementary research using PubMed's Mesh terms specifically targeted "Pulse wave analysis" within the methods and statistical analysis domain. Articles were filtered based on predefined criteria, including human participants and research related to pulse pressure or vascular volume changes. Conference papers, animal studies, and irrelevant research were excluded, with literature evaluation scales selected based on the retrieved research reports. Results: Initially, 6487 research reports were identified, and after screening, 50 reports were included in the review. The analysis revealed that low-frequency harmonics increase following vigorous activity or sympathetic excitation but decrease during rest or parasympathetic excitation. Cardiovascular patients exhibited elevated first harmonics associated with the liver meridian, while diabetes patients displayed weakened third harmonics related to the spleen meridian. Liver dysfunction was linked to changes in the first harmonic, and cancer patients showed signs of liver and kidney yin deficiency in the first and second harmonics. These findings underscore the potential of harmonic analysis for TCM disease diagnosis and organ assessment. Moreover, individuals with conditions such as liver dysfunction, cancer, and gynecological disorders displayed distinct intensity patterns across harmonics one through ten compared to healthy controls, albeit with some variations. Heterogeneity in these studies mainly stemmed from differences in measurement methods and study populations. Additionally, research suggested that factors like blood circulation and cognitive activity influenced harmonic intensity. Conclusions: In summary, this report consolidates prior research on pulse wave harmonics analysis, revealing unique patterns associated with various physiological conditions. Despite limitations, such as limited sample sizes in previous studies, the observed associations between physiological states and harmonics hold promise for potential clinical applications. This study lays a solid foundation for future applications of arterial wave harmonics analysis, promoting wider adoption of this analytical approach.

[Acute and chronic rhinosinusitis age characteristics]. / Vozrastnye osobennosti techeniya ostrogo i khronicheskogo rinosinusita.

Children's and adults' rhinosinusitis are two diseases that have both similarities and differences in anatomy, epidemiology, causes, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment. At the same rhinosinusitis is one of the most common in otorhinolaryngology's practice, both in children and adults. The of adults paranasal sinuses (PNS) anatomy differs from children's PNS anatomy. Although ostiomeatal complex occlusion is recognized as a major cause of poor ventilation and drainage of the adult paranasal sinuses, it does not have a strong effect on pediatric rhinosinusitis, but adenoids play a key role. Adenoids are bacteria and biofilms reservoirs that cause chronic refractory rhinosinusitis regardless of pharyngeal tonsil size. The prevalence of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is lower in children than in adults. Diagnosis of children's rhinosinusitis is more difficult because nasal cavity endoscopic examination is performed rarely due to the occasional need of general anesthesia during the procedure. Moreover, it's necessary to take into account prevailing etiological role of viruses in ARS at children's age and chronic adenoiditis often accompanies pediatric CRS, which requires attention prescribing medical therapy as the basis of rhinosinusitis treatment. The DysheLORz based on Pelargonium sidoides roots is highly effective and safe for children's and adults ARS and CRS treatment, both as monotherapy and in combination with topical steroids and antibiotics. This herbal medicine immunomodulatory effect is mediated mainly by stimulating the production of TNF-α, IL-1, IL-12 and IFN-γ. It activates macrophages and improves their phagocytic activity. IL-12, together with TNF-α, enhances NK and cytotoxic CD8+ lymphocytes' activity against infected cells. IL-12 effect on Th1 lymphocytes maturation provides a link between innate and adaptive immunity. This is also increasing MCP-1, IP-10 and MIP-1ß chemokines synthesis and decreasing MIP-1α, ENA-78, GROα and IL-8 production in PNS and nasal mucosa. This leads to decrease of neutrophils chemotaxis to the inflammation site, and decline of serine proteases concentration (neutrophils main enzymes), that increases mucous membrane epithelial barrier permeability, reducing bacterial infections risk. Additionally, Pelargonium sidoides increases epithelial cells beating cilia frequency and inhibits hemagglutinin and neuraminidase present on influenza virus surface. The drug increases antimicrobial peptides production as defensins, human neutrophil peptides (HNP) and bactericidal permeability-increasing protein (BPI), which is also important for rapid inflammation regression in rhinosinusitis. It causes bacterial adhesion to epithelial cells inhibition, phagocytosis stimulation, nitric oxide (NO) release and oxidative burst. The medicine had a direct effect on Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Neisseria, Moraxella catarrhalis and Haemophilus influenza. Based on these data, it is possible to explain the high effectiveness and safety of the drugs based on Pelargonium sidoides in ENT organs inflammation treatment, for both adults and children over 1 year old.

Utilization of wollastonite, jarosite, and their blends for the sustainable development of concrete paver block mixes containing reclaimed asphalt pavement aggregates.

While several research studies considered the utilization of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) aggregates for asphalt and concrete pavements, very few attempted its possible utilization for precast concrete applications like concrete paver blocks (CPBs). Moreover, few attempts made in the recent past to improve the strength properties of RAP inclusive concrete mixes by incorporating certain supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) have reported an insignificant or marginal effect. The present study attempts to comprehensively investigate the utilization potential of some locally and abundantly available materials having suitable physicochemical properties to improve the performance of a zero-slump CPB mix containing 50% RAP aggregates. The studied filler materials, namely, wollastonite (naturally occurring calcium metasilicate mineral) and jarosite (hazardous zinc industry waste), were used to replace 5-15% and 10-20% by volume of Portland cement in the 50% RAP CPB mix. Apart from their individual effects, the efficacy of wollastonite-jarosite blends was also investigated. Considering the lack of indoor storage facilities and economic aspects of CPBs, the influence of water spray curing regime on the performance of the RAP CPB mixes was studied and compared to that of continuous water curing regime. Inclusion of the considered fillers was found to statistically and significantly enhance the flexural strength, tensile splitting strength, and abrasion resistance of the 50% RAP CPB mix; however, the compressive strength (in most cases), permeable voids, water absorption, and water permeability properties showed an insignificant improvement. Results of thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the occurrence of pozzolanic reactivity, and microstructure analysis revealed improvements in packing of concrete matrix and ITZ with filler inclusion qualitatively substantiating the improvements in strength and durability characteristics. The toxicity characteristics of heavy metals that may leach from the hazardous jarosite-based RAP CPB mixes were found to be within permissible limits. Based on the performance requirements specified by IS, IRC, and ASTM standards, all the RAP CPB mixes with filler inclusions fulfilled the acceptance criteria for heavy traffic applications, and water spray curing can enact as an alternate method for curing these mixes. However, to avail maximum performance benefits, it is recommended to use 5% wollastonite, 15% jarosite, and a combination of 10% wollastonite and 10% jarosite as a Portland cement substitute to produce sustainable eco-friendly RAP CPB mixes.