Chiral Nanoclusters as Alternative Therapeutic Strategies to Confront the Health Threat from Antibiotic-Resistant Pathogens.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), a drug-resistant Gram-negative pathogen, is listed among the "critical" group of pathogens by the World Health Organization urgently needing efficacious antibiotics in the clinics. Nanomaterials especially silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) due to the broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity are tested in antimicrobial therapeutic applications. Pathogens rapidly develop resistance to AgNPs; however, the health threat from antibiotic-resistant pathogens remains challenging. Here we present a strategy to prevent bacterial resistance to silver nanomaterials through imparting chirality to silver nanoclusters (AgNCs). Nonchiral AgNCs with high efficacy against P. aeruginosa causes heritable resistance, as indicated by a 5.4-fold increase in the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) after 9 repeated passages. Whole-genome sequencing identifies a Rhs mutation related to the wall of Gram-negative bacteria that possibly causes morphology changes in resistance compared to susceptible P. aeruginosa. Nevertheless, AgNCs with laevorotary chirality (l-AgNCs) induce negligible resistance even after 40 repeated passages and maintain a superior antibacterial efficiency at the MIC. l-AgNCs also show high cytocompatibility; negligible cytotoxicity to mammalian cells including JB6, H460, HEK293, and RAW264.7 is observed even at 30-fold MIC. l-AgNCs thus are examined as an alternative to levofloxacin in vivo, healing wound infections of P. aeruginosa efficaciously. This work provides a potential opportunity to confront the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance by developing chiral nanoclusters.

Fabrication of targeted and pH responsive lysozyme-hyaluronan nanoparticles for 5-fluorouracil and curcumin co-delivery in colorectal cancer therapy.

Green nanotechnology is considered a promising method to construct functional materials with significant anticancer activity, while overcoming the shortcomings of traditional synthesis process complexity and high organic solvents consumption. Thus, in this study, we report for the first time the rational design and green synthesis of functionalized 5-fluorouracil and curcumin co-loaded lysozyme-hyaluronan composite colloidal nanoparticles (5-Fu/Cur@LHNPs) for better targeted colorectal cancer therapy with minimized side effects. The functionalized 5-Fu/Cur@LHNPs exhibit stabilized particle size (126.1 nm) with excellent homogeneity (PDI = 0.1), favorable colloidal stabilities, and excellent re-dispersibility. In vitro cell experiments illustrate that the cellular uptake of 5-Fu/Cur@LHNPs was significantly improved and further promoted a higher apoptosis ratio of HCT-116 cells. Compared with the control group, the 5-Fu/Cur@LHNPs formulation group achieved effective inhibition (60.1 %) of colorectal tumor growth. The alcohol-free self-assembly method to construct 5-Fu/Cur@LHNPs is simple and safe for a translational chemotherapy drug, also to promote more robust delivery systems for treating colorectal cancer.

Inhibition of pathogenic microbes in oral infectious diseases by natural products: Sources, mechanisms, and challenges.

The maintenance of oral health is of utmost importance for an individual's holistic well-being and standard of living. Within the oral cavity, symbiotic microorganisms actively safeguard themselves against potential foreign diseases by upholding a multifaceted equilibrium. Nevertheless, the occurrence of an imbalance can give rise to a range of oral infectious ailments, such as dental caries, periodontitis, and oral candidiasis. Presently, clinical interventions encompass the physical elimination of pathogens and the administration of antibiotics to regulate bacterial and fungal infections. Given the limitations of various antimicrobial drugs frequently employed in dental practice, the rising incidence of oral inflammation, and the escalating bacterial resistance to antibiotics, it is imperative to explore alternative remedies that are dependable, efficacious, and affordable for the prevention and management of oral infectious ailments. There is an increasing interest in the creation of novel antimicrobial agents derived from natural sources, which possess attributes such as safety, cost-effectiveness, and minimal adverse effects. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of natural products on the development and progression of oral infectious diseases. Specifically, these products exert their influences by mitigating dental biofilm formation, impeding the proliferation of oral pathogens, and hindering bacterial adhesion to tooth surfaces. The review also encompasses an examination of the various classes of natural products, their antimicrobial mechanisms, and their potential therapeutic applications and limitations in the context of oral infections. The insights garnered from this review can support the promising application of natural products as viable therapeutic options for managing oral infectious diseases.

Deep Learning Models for Predicting Hearing Thresholds Based on Swept-Tone Stimulus-Frequency Otoacoustic Emissions.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to develop deep learning (DL) models for the quantitative prediction of hearing thresholds based on stimulus-frequency otoacoustic emissions (SFOAEs) evoked by swept tones. DESIGN: A total of 174 ears with normal hearing and 388 ears with sensorineural hearing loss were studied. SFOAEs in the 0.3 to 4.3 kHz frequency range were recorded using linearly swept tones at a rate of 2 Hz/msec, with stimulus level changing from 40 to 60 dB SPL in 10 dB steps. Four DL models were used to predict hearing thresholds at octave frequencies from 0.5 to 4 kHz. The models-a conventional convolutional neural network (CNN), a hybrid CNN-k-nearest neighbor (KNN), a hybrid CNN-support vector machine (SVM), and a hybrid CNN-random forest (RF)-were individually built for each frequency. The input to the DL models was the measured raw SFOAE amplitude spectra and their corresponding signal to noise ratio spectra. All DL models shared a CNN-based feature self-extractor. They differed in that the conventional CNN utilized a fully connected layer to make the final regression decision, whereas the hybrid CNN-KNN, CNN-SVM, and CNN-RF models were designed by replacing the last fully connected layer of CNN model with a traditional machine learning (ML) regressor, that is, KNN, SVM, and RF, respectively. The model performance was evaluated using mean absolute error and SE averaged over 20 repetitions of 5 × 5 fold nested cross-validation. The performance of the proposed DL models was compared with two types of traditional ML models. RESULTS: The proposed SFOAE-based DL models resulted in an optimal mean absolute error of 5.98, 5.22, 5.51, and 6.06 dB at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz, respectively, superior to that obtained by the traditional ML models. The produced SEs were 8.55, 7.27, 7.58, and 7.95 dB at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz, respectively. All the DL models outperformed any of the traditional ML models. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed swept-tone SFOAE-based DL models were capable of quantitatively predicting hearing thresholds with satisfactory performance. With DL techniques, the underlying relationship between SFOAEs and hearing thresholds at disparate frequencies was explored and captured, potentially improving the diagnostic value of SFOAEs.

Mind-Body Practice and Family Caregivers' Subjective Well-Being: Findings From the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) Study.

Objectives: Informal caregiving has been associated with higher stress and lower levels of subjective well-being. Mind-body practices including yoga, tai chi, and Pilates also incorporate stress reducing activities. The current study aimed to examine the association between mind-body practice and subjective well-being among informal family caregivers. Methods: A sample of informal caregivers were identified in the Midlife in the United States study (N = 506, M ± SDage = 56 ± 11, 67% women). We coded mind-body practice into three categories, including regular practice (participating in one or more of them "a lot" or "often"), irregular (participating "sometimes" and "rarely") and no practice ("never"). Subjective well-being was measured using the 5-item global life satisfaction scale and the 9-item mindfulness scale. We used multiple linear regression models to examine associations between mind-body practice and caregivers' subjective well-being, controlling for covariates of sociodemographic factors, health, functional status, and caregiving characteristics. Results: Regular practice was associated with both better mindfulness-related well-being (b = 2.26, p < .05) and better life satisfaction (b = 0.43, p < .05), after controlling for covariates. Discussion: Future research should examine whether there is a selection effect of caregivers with higher well-being being more likely to choose these activities, and/or if mind-body practices are effective non-pharmacological interventions to improve family caregivers' quality of life.

Response of microalgae size-class structure to nutrients differences in northern Yellow Sea, China.

Marine phytoplankton size-class structure affects ecological functions and shellfish culture. We use high-throughput sequencing and size-fractioned grading techniques to identify and analyze responses of phytoplankton differences in environmental variables at Donggang, northern Yellow Sea (high inorganic nitrogen (DIN)) and Changhai (low DIN) for 2021. The main environmental variables that correlate with differences in the proportional contributions of pico-, nano-, and microphytoplankton to the total phytoplankton community are inorganic phosphorus (DIP), nitrite to inorganic nitrogen ratio (NO2/dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN)), and ammonia nitrogen to inorganic nitrogen ratio (NH4/DIN), respectively. DIN, which contributes most to environmental differences, mainly positively correlates with changes in picophytoplankton biomass in high DIN waters. Nitrite (NO2) correlates mostly with changes in the proportional contribution of microphytoplankton in high DIN waters and nanophytoplankton in low DIN waters, and negatively correlates with changes in the biomass and proportional representation of microphytoplankton in low DIN waters. For near-shore phosphorus-limited waters, an increase in DIN may increase total microalgal biomass, but proportions of microphytoplankton may not increase; for high DIN waters, an increase in DIP may increase proportions of microphytoplankton, while for low DIN waters, an increase in DIP may preferentially increase proportions of picophytoplankton and nanophytoplankton. Picophytoplankton contributed little to the growth of two commercially cultured filter-feeding shellfish, Ruditapes philippinarum and Mizuhopecten yessoensis.

Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation on Serum Lipid Profile and Blood Pressure in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) supplementation on serum lipid profile and blood pressure in patients with metabolic syndrome. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane library from database inception to 30 April 2022. This meta-analysis included eight trials with 387 participants. We found that supplementation of n-3 PUFAs has no significant reduction in TC level (SMD = -0.02; 95% CI: -0.22 ~ 0.18, I2 = 23.7%) and LDL-c level in serum (SMD = 0.18; 95% CI: -0.18 ~ 0.53, I2 = 54.9%) of patients with metabolic syndrome. Moreover, we found no significant increase in serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (SMD = 0.02; 95% CI: -0.21 ~ 0.25, I2 = 0%) in patients with metabolic syndrome after consuming n-3 PUFAs. In addition, we found that n-3 PUFAs can significantly decrease serum triglyceride levels (SMD= -0.39; 95% CI: -0.59 ~ -0.18, I2 = 17.2%), systolic blood pressure (SMD = -0.54; 95% CI: -0.86 ~ -0.22, I2 = 48.6%), and diastolic blood pressure (SMD = -0.56; 95% CI: -0.79 ~ 0.33, I2 = 14.0%) in patients with metabolic syndrome. The results from the sensitivity analysis confirmed that our results were robust. These findings suggest that n-3 PUFA supplementation may serve as a potential dietary supplement for improving lipids and blood pressure in metabolic syndrome. Given the quality of the included studies, further studies are still needed to verify our findings.

Graves' Disease in Children Presenting With Fragility Fracture: A Case Report.

Background: Adults with hyperthyroidism have been found to have decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and higher fracture risk. The most typical cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease. However, there are limited studies on how hyperthyroidism affects bone metabolism and fractures in children. We describe a unique instance of a patient who initially displayed a fragility fracture and was ultimately identified with Graves' disease after biochemical evaluations. Case Summary: A 2-year-8-month-old female presented with fragility fractures three times in only 7 months. A series of examinations were performed to evaluate any possible malformations or abnormalities of bone metabolism. Graves' disease was found, and drug therapies were employed (methimazole, propranolol, calcium carbonate, vitamin D). Since children with Graves' disease and fragility fractures have been uncommonly described in the past, a stringent and thorough long-term follow-up was initiated. Conclusions: Children with undiagnosed Graves' disease had a higher risk of fractures and osteoporosis. This case suggests that BMD measurement may be necessary for the initial evaluation of Graves' disease in children.

Using Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2, and Planet satellite data to map field-level tillage practices in smallholder systems.

Remote sensing can be used to map tillage practices at large spatial and temporal scales. However, detecting such management practices in smallholder systems is challenging given that the size of fields is smaller than historical readily-available satellite imagery. In this study we used newer, higher-resolution satellite data from Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2, and Planet to map tillage practices in the Eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains in India. We specifically tested the classification performance of single sensor and multiple sensor random forest models, and the impact of spatial, temporal, or spectral resolution on classification accuracy. We found that when considering a single sensor, the model that used Planet imagery (3 m) had the highest classification accuracy (86.55%) while the model that used Sentinel-1 data (10 m) had the lowest classification accuracy (62.28%). When considering sensor combinations, the model that used data from all three sensors achieved the highest classification accuracy (87.71%), though this model was not statistically different from the Planet only model when considering 95% confidence intervals from bootstrap analyses. We also found that high levels of accuracy could be achieved by only using imagery from the sowing period. Considering the impact of spatial, temporal, and spectral resolution on classification accuracy, we found that improved spatial resolution from Planet contributed the most to improved classification accuracy. Overall, it is possible to use readily-available, high spatial resolution satellite data to map tillage practices of smallholder farms, even in heterogeneous systems with small field sizes.

An Exploration of the Safety of "Pneumonia Prevention No. 1" in Healthy Populations.

Background: "Pneumonia Prevention No.1" belongs to 'traditional Chinese medicine prescription for prevention of viral pneumonia and influenza' was urgently formulated by Notice on Printing the Novel Coronavirus Diagnosis and Treatment Scheme for COVID-19 (Trial Version 3) and Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment Scheme for COVID-19 in Hubei Province (Trial). Because the prescription drug has the bidirectional regulation function of human immune function, moderate improvement of immune function can effectively resist virus invasion, while excessive immune function will produce immune overresponse. Excessive immune response will aggravate the condition of patients with COVID-19, resulting in the death of severe patients. Methods: Twenty medical workers aged 20-60 years old, who had no immune disease, no current disease and healthy physical examination, were selected as participants. The participants took Hubei "Pneumonia Prevention No.1" decoction, one dosage each day, twice a day, for 7 consecutive days. With the before-after control method, blood samples were collected from the median cubital veins before and after medication. Immunoglobulin IgA, IgG and IgM were measured by immunoturbidimetry, and T lymphocyte subsets CD3, CD4, CD8 and CD4/CD8 were measured by flow cytometry. The changes of indexes before and after medication were compared with SPPS 13.0 statistical software. The data were expressed by (mean ± standard deviation). T-test was adopted, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant (P < 0.05). Results: The results of this study show that in healthy participants, the immunoglobulin and T lymphocyte subsets did not differ significantly before and after drug administration (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Under normal drug administration circumstances, "Pneumonia Prevention No. 1" had no significant regulating effect on the immune system in a healthy population and did not increase the immune system capacity beyond a reasonable range. It is safe to be used as a prophylactic measure in healthy populations.

The efficacy and safety of combined traditional Chinese and western medicine in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease complicated with respiratory failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis study.

BACKGROUND: The conventional drugs to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) complicated with respiratory failure (RF) (COPD + RF) in western medicine include antibiotics, etc., but the patients have serious adverse reactions and are prone to drug resistance. This study aims to analyze the curative effect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combined with Western medicine (WM) in treating COPD + RF. METHODS: Randomized controlled studies on the treatment of COPD with RF were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and The Cochrane Library. Outcome measures were treatment efficiency, oxygen partial pressure (PO2), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2), and pulmonary function [forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)%]. The Cochrane Reviewer's Handbook 4.2.5 was adopted for quality assessment of studies, and the data was analyzed using RevMan 5.3. RESULTS: Seven suitable articles were selected, including 490 patients. The literature quality met the requirements of this article, and there was no obvious publication bias. The effective rate of patients in the combined TCM and WM treatment group and control group (WM treatment) was analyzed as odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI): 5.40 (3.14 to 9.29)], and statistically tested as Z=6.09 (P<0.00001). The analysis structure of PO2 after treatment was mean difference (MD) (95% CI): 5.92 (2.27 to 9.56), and the statistical analysis suggested Z=3.18, P=0.001. The analysis of PCO2 after treatment was MD (95% CI): -4.53 (-7.14 to -1.92), and Z=3.40, P=0.0007. The analysis structure of lung function index data was MD (95% CI): 8.16 (2.57 to 13.75), and Z=2.86 (P=0.004). DISCUSSION: The TCM combined with WM can effectively treat the symptoms related to COPD; the treatment efficiency is significantly improved compared with traditional WM; and the PO2, PCO2, and lung function (FEV1%) are improved for sure after treatment. Data of this study show that the combined treatment of TCM and WM has a good therapeutic effect on the acute exacerbation of COPD complicated with RF, which is worthy of clinical application. However, the included outcome indexes in this study were not sufficient, and the sample size and outcome indexes should be further expanded in the future.

Qi Sui Zhu Shui Plaster Inhibits AQP1 and MAPK Signaling Reduces Liver Damage Induced by Cirrhotic Ascites.

Objective: At present, there is no special treatment for cirrhotic ascites in modern medicine. Qi Sui Zhu Shui plaster (QSZSP) has been used in ascites. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism of action of QSZSP in the treatment of cirrhotic ascites and its relationship with aquaporin 1 (AQP1). Methods: Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups, six rats in each group. Carbon tetrachloride-olive oil is injected into modeling. The control and model groups are treated with blank gel plaster (2 cm × 2 cm), QSZSP low-dose group is treated with Qi Sui Zhu Shui plaster (1 cm × 1 cm), and QSZSP high-dose group is treated with Qi Sui Zhu Shui plaster (2 cm × 2 cm). The changes in body weight and abdominal circumference were measured, the histopathological changes in liver, kidney, and peritoneum were observed in HE staining, the biochemical indexes related to liver function were detected, and the changes in AQP1 expression and the activation of MAPK pathway in the liver, kidney, and peritoneal tissues were evaluated in IHC staining and Western blot. Results: After one week of injection of carbon tetrachloride-olive oil, the rats in the model group increased their body weight slowly, the abdominal circumference of the model rats continued to increase with time. After 16 weeks of construction of the cirrhotic ascites model, the liver, kidney, and peritoneum were significantly damaged, and the serum levels of TBiL, AST, ALT, Cr, BUN, K, Na, and Ca in the rats were significantly higher (P < 0.001) and ALB levels were significantly lower (P < 0.001) than those in the control group. After 4 weeks of treatment, the liver, kidney, and peritoneal injury were improved. TBiL, AST, ALT, Cr, BUN, K, Na, and Ca levels were significantly lower (P < 0.001) and ALB levels were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than those in the model group. The protein expression of AQP1, p-ERK, p-JNK, and p-p38 was found to be inhibited in the liver, kidney, and peritoneum. Conclusion: QSZSP inhibits the protein expression of AQP1 and MAPK signaling pathway in the liver, peritoneum, and kidney to alleviate liver, kidney, and peritoneal injury caused by cirrhotic ascites, thus reducing the abnormal growth of abdominal circumference.

Comparative benefits of local anesthesia and spinal anesthesia in adult open inguinal hernia: a meta-analysis of clinical randomized controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this meta-analysis is to systematically evaluate the clinical effects of local anesthesia and spinal anesthesia in the treatment of open inguinal hernia in adults, and provide theoretical evidence for clinical choice. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We searched the PubMed, Embase and The Cochrane Library, and collected published clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the efficacy and safety of local anesthesia and spinal anesthesia for open inguinal hernia surgery in adults. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the literature was screened and the data was analyzed by using Review Manager. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: A total of 11 RCT studies were included in the meta-analysis, with 591 cases in the local anesthesia group and 584 cases in the spinal anesthesia group. Our results showed that compared with the spinal hernia repair group, the hernia repair group under local anesthesia had a lower incidence of headache (RR=0.11, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.46), urinary retention (RR=0.13, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.32) and postoperative pain score at 12 hours (SMD=-1.09, 95% CI: -1.41, -0.76), and a higher anesthesia efficiency (RR=1.09, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.16) and satisfaction rate (RR=1.12, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.24). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in operation time, the incidence of intraoperative pain, hematoma, infection, postoperative chronic pain in the groin area, and testicular pain/swelling. CONCLUSIONS: In open inguinal hernia surgery for adults, local anesthesia is better than spinal anesthesia with lower incidence of adverse events, higher efficacy and satisfaction.

Comparison of Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Effects of Different Varieties of Chrysanthemum Flos in China.

Chrysanthemum Flos is the prestigious traditional Chinese medicinal material and the popular health drink. This article comprehensively evaluated the chemical constituents, antioxidant activity, and hepatoprotective effects of 25 common chrysanthemum varieties in China. Firstly, we analyzed the chemical compositions of water extracts of chrysanthemum using UPLC/Q-TOF-MS, and identified 29 chemical components. The results displayed that chrysanthemum was rich in chemical constituents, but there were significant differences in the contents of four phenolic acids and five flavonoids among different varieties, and the coefficient of variation (CVs) ranged from 35.96 % to 114.62 %. Then, the antioxidant activities of different chrysanthemums were investigated, respectively via 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assays. The spectrum-effect relationships between nine main components and antioxidant activities were investigated to identify the antioxidant constitutes in chrysanthemums. Meanwhile, H2 O2 -induced hepatocyte injury testing showed wide variation in cultivar antioxidant capacity, with Tongchengju (TCJ) producing the best effect (90.32 %), followed by Chuju (CJ; 85.78 %). In addition, the hepatoprotective effects of 8 mainstream varieties were determined by the model of acute alcoholic liver injury. They protected liver from injury by affecting relevant liver function and antioxidant indexes. Huangshangongju (HSG) could decrease aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity by 39.27 % in liver tissue; Hangju-Fubaiju (HJ-FBJ), Jinsihuangju (JSH), and Chuju (CJ) significantly decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content of liver tissue, which reduced by more than 40 %; Jinsihuangju (JSH) of used for tea could double the content of glutathione (GSH) and had the similar effect on superoxide dismutase (SOD) as the positive group, showing significant antioxidant capacity. Therefore, this study confirmed that chrysanthemums are potential resources as antioxidants, functional foods, and medicinal materials. Importantly, it may provide a scientific support for further development and utilization of chrysanthemum, and screen excellent varieties for different demands.

Shengxuening Extracted from Silkworm Excrement Mitigates Myelosuppression via SCF-Mediated JAK2/STAT3 Signaling.

Shengxuening (SXN) is a Chinese patent medicine with main ingredients (including chlorophyll derivatives and sodium iron chlorophyllin) extracted from silkworm excrement. SXN exhibited efficacy in clinical trials of renal anemia and iron deficiency anemia; however, the specific mechanisms remain unclear. This study found that SXN increased the number of peripheral blood cells and improved the bone marrow morphology in myelosuppressed mouse model, reversed the reduction in body weight and spleen indices, and increased the serum levels of erythropoietin and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Quantitative real-time PCR array and Western blot analysis showed the enhanced expression of stem cell factor (SCF), JAK2, and STAT3 in the liver. These results suggested that SXN promoted the recovery of hemopoietic function in myelosuppressed models by increasing the secretion of hematopoietic factors and activating the JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Therefore, this medicine may be applied as therapeutic pharmaceutical drug to mitigate myelosuppression.

Characterization of the chemical constituents of Jie-Geng-Tang and the metabolites in the serums and lungs of mice after oral administration by LC-Q-TOF-MS.

Jie-Geng-Tang (JGT), a traditional formula, is employed in the treatment of sore throat and cough and comprises Platycodonis Radix and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in the ratio 1 : 2. Our previous study demonstrated that JGT protected mice from S. aureus-induced acute lung injury (ALI). Five constituents of JGT showed antibacterial activities against S. aureus in vitro. However, the potential effective constituents of JGT in vivo were still unclear. In this study, the chemical constituents of JGT were identified by liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF-MS). A total of 96 constituents were identified or assumed, including seven organic acids, 45 flavonoids, 36 triterpene saponins, and eight compounds of other types. The structures of 31 of the constituents were confirmed by comparing them with corresponding authentic standards. Moreover, 15 prototypes and 49 metabolites were deduced in the serums of mice, 24 prototypes and 47 metabolites were deduced in the lungs of mice after the oral administration of JGT. Three types of constituents, namely organic acids, flavonoids, and triterpene saponins, could be absorbed into the blood. Moreover, flavonoids and triterpene saponins were more likely distributed in the lung than in the blood. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the systematic metabolites profile of JGT in vivo. The results reported were beneficial to the elucidation of the effective material basis of JGT.

[Analysis and evaluation of mineral elements of Chrysanthemum morifolium for medicinal and tea use of different germplasm resources].

In this study, 23 germplasm resources of Chrysanthemum morifolium used in medicine and tea were collected from Dabie Mountains and its surrounding producing areas, and the contents of 13 mineral elements were determined and compared. The thermal maps of correlation analysis, principal component analysis and cluster analysis were used for comprehensive evaluation. The results showed that the average content of each element in Ch. morifolium of different germplasm resources was: K>N>P>Mg>Ca>Fe>Mn>Zn>Cu>Ni>Cr>Pb>Cd, and the leaves were: K>N>Ca>Mg>P>Fe>Mn>Zn>Cr>Cu>Ni>Pb>Cd. There are rich contents of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and Fe in Ch. morifolium flowers and their leaves, among them, K element has the largest change range, while N, Ca, Fe, Mg and Zn elements have a larger change range. The absorption and accumulation of each element in the leaves of different germplasm resources varied greatly. The correlation analysis shows that there is a strong positive correlation between Ca element, Mg, Mn and Cd element.Principal component analysis in Ch. morifolium flowers characteristic elements for Mn, Cr, Cu, P, K, can be used as a Ch. morifolium resources to identify the characteristics of the elements, choose top five principal component(F1-F5) comprehensive evalua-tion of medicinal Ch. morifolium, scored in the top five varieties for Hangiu-Fuhuangju, Hangju-Xiaoyangju, Hangju-Sheyangju, Hangju-Dayanghua, Hangju-Subeiju,indicates that in terms of mineral elements, the five medicinal Ch. morifolium resources quality is better. The PCA score chart can divide 23 Ch. morifolium resources into 4 groups, and the cluster analysis heat map divides 23 Ch. morifolium resources into 5 groups. All the Ch. morifolium resources of the same type can be well clustered together, indicating that the difference in mineral element content of Ch. morifolium germplasm resources is closely related to genetic factors.

[Content characteristics of mineral elements and its correlation with soil nutrients and effective components in Chrysanthemum morifolium from different producing areas in Macheng].

In this study, 24 copies of samples of Chrysanthemum morifolium and soil from two main production towns in Macheng city were collected, and the contents of 13 mineral elements, 5 effective components and 14 soil nutrient factors in Ch. morifolium were determined. The enrichment characteristics of available soil nutrients by mineral elements were analyzed and the dominant factors affecting the effective components of Ch. morifolium were screened. The results showed that the content of mineral elements and soil nutrients and effective components are very different, and variation of soil fertility was much greater than that of inorganic elements in chrysanthemum plants. In general, the level of element content in Ch. morifolium from different producing areas is K>N>P>Mg>Ca>Fe>Mn>Zn>Cu>Ni>Cr>Pb>Cd. The content of K, N and Mg is higher than that of common crops, and the content of Cu, Cd and Pb in Ch. morifolium from various producing areas does not exceed the relevant standards. The N, P and K enrichment capacity in soil was stronger than that of other elements, and the Ca enrichment ability was the worst. The content of AvCu in the soil was positively correlated with the contents of N, Mg, K, Fe and Cu elements in Ch. morifolium. The contents of chlorogenic acid, luteolin, 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid reached the pharmacopoeia standard. The percentage of chlorogenic acid and 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid in Ch. morifolium that from Huangtugang town in the active components were generally higher than that from Futianhe town, and the diffe-rences of luteolin contents in the two producing areas were relatively small. The correlation and regression analysis showed that the contents of Cu, Zn and Cr in Ch. morifolium were positively correlated with the active components, while the contents of Fe, Mn and Ni were negatively correlated with the contents of AvP, AvK, TK, AvMn and AvCu in soil. In general, Zn and Ca fertilizer should be added to the ecological planting of Ch. morifolium, K fertilizer should be added, and N and P fertilizer should be applied appropriately.

Developments of specialized pro-resolving mediators in periodontitis.

Resolution of inflammation plays an important part in maintaining homeostasis. It is an actively programmed progress involving multiple immune cells and mediators. Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) derived from Ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids include resolvins, protectins and maresins, and they exert abilities in the resolution of inflammation, host defense, organ protection, and tissue generation. Periodontitis is an inflammatory and destructive disease in the periodontal tissue initiated by dental plaque. Inadequate proinflammatory or proresolving responses, or the imbalance between the two, may contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease. Studies have shown that activating specialized receptors SPMs displayed multiple biological effects towards periodontitis, including resolution of inflammation, alveolar bone protection, periodontal tissue regeneration, and pathogen resistance. Thus, the relationship between SPM and periodontitis and the potentials and challenges in SPM application were reviewed.

Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome: Symptoms, Pathology, Diagnosis, and Recovery.

The motoric cognitive risk (MCR) syndrome is a pre-dementia condition, marked by the enhanced risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia, together with falls, disability, and abnormal movements. The research studies revealed the distinct neurological and non-neurological clinical gait irregularities during dementia and accelerated functional decline, such as postural and balance impairments, memory loss, cognitive failure, and metabolic dysfunctions. The disabling characteristics of MCR comprise altered afferent sensory and efferent motor responses, together with disrupted visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive components. The pathological basis of MCR relates with the frontal lacunar infarcts, white matter hyperintensity (WMH), gray matter atrophy in the pre-motor and pre-frontal cortex, abnormal cholinergic functioning, inflammatory responses, and genetic factors. Further, cerebrovascular lesions and cardiovascular disorders exacerbate the disease pathology. The diagnosis of MCR is carried out through neuropsychological tests, biomarker assays, imaging studies, questionnaire-based evaluation, and motor function tests, including walking speed, dual-task gait tests, and ambulation ability. Recovery from MCR may include cognitive, physical, and social activities, exercise, diet, nutritional supplements, symptomatic drug treatment, and lifestyle habits that restrict the disease progression. Psychotherapeutic counseling, anti-depressants, and vitamins may support motor and cognitive improvement, primarily through the restorative pathways. However, an in-depth understanding of the association of immobility, dementia, and cognitive stress with MCR requires additional clinical and pre-clinical studies. They may have a significant contribution in reducing MCR syndrome and the risk for dementia. Overall, the current review informs the vital connection between gait performance and cognition in MCR and highlights the usefulness of future research in the discernment and treatment of dementiating illness.