Effects of light qualities on growth and physiological-biochemical traits of Scutellaria baicalensis.

Canopy spectral composition significantly affects growth and functional traits of understory plants. In this study, we explored the optimal light condition suitable for enhancing Scutellaria baicalensis's yield and quality, aiming to provide scientific reference for the exploitation and utilization of medicinal plant resources in the understory of forests. We measured the responses of growth, morphology, biomass allocation, physiological traits, and secon-dary metabolites of S. baicalensis to different light qualities. S. baicalensis was cultured under five LED-light treatments including full spectrum light (control), ultraviolet-A (UV-A) radiation, blue, green, and red light. Results showed that UV-A significantly reduced plant height, base diameter, leaf thickness, leaf area ratio, and biomass of each organ. Red light significantly reduced base diameter, biomass, effective quantum yield of photosystem Ⅱ (ФPSⅡ), and total flavonoid concentration. Under blue light, root length and total biomass of S. baicalensis significantly increased by 48.0% and 10.8%, respectively, while leaf number and chlorophyll content significantly decreased by 20.0% and 31.6%, respectively. The other physiological and biochemical traits were consistent with their responses in control. Our results suggested that blue light promoted photosynthesis, biomass accumulation, and secondary metabolite synthesis of S. baicalensis, while red light and UV-A radiation negatively affected physiological and biochemical metabolic processes. Therefore, the ratio of blue light could be appropriately increased to improve the yield and quality of S. baicalensis.

The effects of vitamin C supplementation in the critically ill patients outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin C has significant anti-inflammatory effects and is particularly important for critically ill patients. However due to inconsistent research findings in critically ill patients in meta-analysis. Therefore, the primary objective of this meta-analysis is to investigate the effects of isolated intravenous supplementation of vitamin C in adults with critical illness by comprehensively incorporating articles from randomized controlled trials. METHODS: Articles included searching through PubMed, Embase, Medline, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science up to April 28, 2023, for articles on vitamin C and the critically ill. We calculated pooled standard relative risk (RR), mean difference (MD), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). And the protocol for the review has been registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023425193). RESULTS: There are 2047 critically ill included in 19 articles. Compared with placebo, patients who underwent intravenous vitamin C (IVVC) have reduced duration of vasopressor used (SMD 0.26; CI 0.01-0.51; I2 = 87.0%, P = .044), mechanical ventilation (SMD -0.29; CI -0.55 to -0.03; I2 = 36.8%, P = .031). However, the administration of IVVC had no statistical difference in 28-d mortality (RR 0.95; CI 0.80-1.11; I2 = 12.2%, P = .337), mortality (RR 0.79; CI 0.55-1.12; I2 = 0%, P = .188), fluid intake (SMD -0.02; CI -0.25 to 0.20; I2 = 0%, P = .838), urine output (SMD 0.23; CI -0.03 to 0.49; I2 = 0%, P = .084), ICU days (SMD 0.10; CI -0.03 to 0.22; I2 = 0%, P = .127), hospital stay (SMD 0.10; CI -0.12 to 0.32; I2 = 0%, P = .375), and pneumonia (RR 0.85; CI 0.50-1.44; I2 = 0%, P = .552). CONCLUSION: This study comprehensively and systematically evaluated IVVC supplementation in the critically ill through a meta-analysis of RCT. There is no difference except for patients who had reduced duration of vasopressor use and mechanical ventilation by the administration of IVVC. Of course. More scientific and rigorous conclusions can be drawn from multi-center RCT research in the future.

Effects of electroacupuncture preconditioning on microglial cells and serum inflammatory factors in the early stage of ischemic stroke. / ç”µé’ˆé¢„å¤„ç†å¯¹ç¼ºè¡€æ€§ä¸­é£Žå°é¼ æ—©æœŸå°èƒ¶è´¨ç»†èƒžåŠè¡€æ¸ ç‚Žæ€§å› å­çš„å½±å“.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects on the motor function, cortex blood flow perfusion, microglial cells, and the contents of serum inflammatory factors, i.e. interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) after electroacupuncture (EA) preconditioning at "Baihui" (GV20) and "Dazhui" (GV14) in the mice with ischemic stroke, so as to explore the mechanism of EA preconditioning for improving motor function after ischemic stroke. METHODS: C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into sham-operation group, model group, and EA preconditioning group (EA group), with 15 mice in each group. A photothrombotic method was used to induce the model of unilateral ischemic stroke and motor impairment. The mice in the EA group received EA preconditioning, 20 min each time, once daily for 7 consecutive days before modeling. The motor function of mice was evaluated by the grid-walking test and cylinder test before and after modeling. Laser speckle blood flow video monitoring system was employed to assess the cerebral blood flow perfusion in the primary motor cortex of mice. The contents of IL-1ß, TGF-ß, and IL-10 in the serum were measured by ELISA, and the expressions of microglial cell and M2 subtype cell marker in the primary motor cortex were detected using immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: After modeling, compared with the sham-operation group, the grid error rate and the dragging rate of the affected limb were increased (P<0.01)；the utilization rate of the affected limb and percentage of the blood perfusion in the affected cortex to healthy side were decreased (P<0.01)；the contents of serum IL-1ß, TGF-ß, and IL-10 were increased (P<0.01, P<0.05)；and the microglia in the primary motor cortex on the affected side showed ameboid, the fluorescence intensity of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA1) and CD206 was increased (P<0.01) in the model group. In the EA group, when compared with the model group, the grid error rate and the dragging rate of affected limb were decreased (P<0.01)；the utilization rate of affected limb and the percentage of blood perfusion were increased (P<0.05)；the content of serum IL-1ß was decreased (P<0.01), while the contents of TGF-ß and IL-10 were increased (P<0.01)；and the microglia in the primary motor cortex on the affected side got more round and were distributed more densely, the fluorescence intensity of IBA1 and CD206 was increased (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Electroacupuncture preconditioning at "GV20" and "GV14" can up-regulate the expression of microglial cells, especially the M2 subtype cell marker, and increase the contents of the anti-inflammatory factors and decrease that of the pro-inflammatory factors in the serum, thereby alleviate the inflammatory reaction.

Inhibition of DRP1-dependent mitochondrial fission by Mdivi-1 alleviates atherosclerosis through the modulation of M1 polarization.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation and immune dysfunction with classically activated macrophages(M1) infiltration are important mechanisms in the progression of atherosclerosis (AS). Dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1)-dependent mitochondrial fission is a novel target for alleviating inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effects of DRP1 inhibitor Mdivi-1 on AS. METHODS: ApoE-/- mice were fed with a high-fat diet supplemented with or without Mdivi-1. RAW264.7 cells were stimulated by ox-LDL, pretreated with or without MCC950, Mito-TEMPO, or Mdivi-1. The burden of plaques and foam cell formation were determined using ORO staining. The blood lipid profles and inflammatory cytokines in serum were detected by commercial kits and ELISA, respectively. The mRNA expression of macrophage polarization markers, activation of NLRP3 and the phosphorylation state of DRP1 were detected. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mito-ROS), mitochondrial staining, ATP level and mitochondrial membrane potential were detected by mito-SOX, MitoTracker, ATP determination kit and JC-1 staining, respectively. RESULTS: In vivo, Mdivi-1 reduced the plaque areas, M1 polarization, NLRP3 activation and DRP1 phosphorylation at Ser616. In vitro, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) triggered M1 polarization, NLRP3 activation and abnormal accumulation of mito-ROS. MCC950 and Mito-TEMPO suppressed M1 polarization mediated foam cell formation. Mito-TEMPO significantly inhibited NLRP3 activation. In addition, Mdivi-1 reduced foam cells by inhibiting M1 polarization. The possible mechanisms responsible for the anti-atherosclerotic effects of Mdivi-1 on reducing M1 polarization were associated with suppressing mito-ROS/NLRP3 pathway by inhibiting DRP1 mediated mitochondrial fission. In vitro, similar results were observed by DRP1 knockdown. CONCLUSION: Inhibition of DRP1-dependent mitochondrial fission by Mdivi-1 alleviated atherogenesis via suppressing mito-ROS/NLRP3-mediated M1 polarization, indicating DRP1-dependent mitochondrial fission as a potential therapeutic target for AS.

Efficacy of Chinese Herbal Medicines on Pregnancy Outcomes in Patients with Endometriosis in Long-Term Management: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the factors related to pregnancy of endometriosis and whether Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) can improve pregnancy outcomes in patients with endometriosis in long-term management. METHODS: This multicenter cohort study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of endometriosis patients with fertility needs from January 2019 to November 2019. A total of 252 patients with endometriosis from 5 level-III Grade A hospitals in Beijing were included in this study. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed for the relevant factors. The propensity score matching (PSM) function of SPSS software was used to match the CHMs group with the non-CHMs group. The pregnancy rate and live birth rate were analyzed. RESULTS: The results of univariate analysis showed that age, disease course, presence of infertility, presence of adenomyosis, time after surgery or use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a), use of CHMs and follow-up time were influencing factors of pregnancy in endometriosis patients (P<0.05). The results of multivariate analysis showed that age, presence of adenomyosis, time after surgery or use of GnRH-a, use of CHMs and follow-up time were independent factors affecting pregnancy in endometriosis patients, among which, age ⩾35 years old, presence of adenomyosis and follow-up time >6 months were independent risk factors (OR=0.445, 0.348, 0.140, respectively, P<0.05), time after surgery or use of GnRH-a ⩽6 months and use of CHMs were independent protective factors (OR=3.839, 3.842, respectively, P<0.05). After PSM, 99 pairs of two groups were matched successfully. The pregnancy rate of the CHMs group was higher than that of the non-CHMs group [55.56% (55/99) vs. 36.36% (36/99), P<0.05]. The live birth rate of the CHMs group was higher than that of the non-CHMs group [49.49% (49/99) vs. 35.35% (35/99), P<0.05]. CONCLUSION: CHMs can effectively improve clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate of patients with endometriosis in the chronic disease management.

Selenium Deficiency Caused Fibrosis as an Oxidative Stress-induced Inflammatory Injury in the Lungs of Mice.

Selenium (Se) is a vital trace element in the regulation of inflammation and antioxidant reactions in both animals and humans. Se deficiency is rapidly affecting lung function. The present study investigated the molecular mechanism of Se deficiency aggravates reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced inflammation, leading to fibrosis in lung. Mice fed with different concentrations of Se to establish the model. In the Se-deficient group, the ROS and malondialdehyde (MDA) was increased, and the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and catalase (CAT) reduced. The histopathological observation showed that Se deficiency lead to lung texture damage with varying degrees of degeneration, necrosis, shedding of some alveolar epithelial cells, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Immunohistochemistry showed that the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) increased. The fibrosis index was verified with Sirius red staining. The ELISA and qPCR results showed that the inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1ß) and ECM (collagen I, collagen IV, fibronectin, and laminin) were increased with ROS increasing, which was induced by Se deficiency. The results displayed that oxidative stress with Se deficiency led to an increase in tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMPs), but a decrease in matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). All the results indicated that Se deficiency induced excessive ROS accumulation to generate inflammation, which disrupted ECM homeostasis and aggravated fibrosis in the lung.

[Effect on ankylosing spondylitis at early-middle stage and bone marrow edema of sacroiliac joint treated with acupuncture and governor vessel moxibustion].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy of the combined treatment with acupuncture and governor vessel moxibustion on ankylosing spondylitis (AS) at early-middle stage and investigate the effect on bone marrow edema of sacroiliac joint. METHODS: Seventy patients of AS at early-middle stage were randomized into an observation group (35 cases) and a control group (35 cases, 1 case dropped off ). In the control group, the recombinant human tumor necrosis factor receptor-antibody of type Ⅱ fusion protein for injection was injected subcutaneously, 25 mg each time, once on every Monday and Friday, consecutively for 3 weeks. In the observation group, on the base of the intervention as the control group, acupuncture combined with governor vessel moxibustion were provided. Acupuncture was applied to Dazhui (GV 14), Changqiang (GV 1), Zhibian (BL 54), Baihui (GV 20), etc.; the thermal needling technique was adopted at Dazhui (GV 4) and Changqiang (GV 1) for promoting the circulation of the governor vessel, and the ginger-isolated moxibustion on the governor vessel was combined. Such intervention measure was provided once daily. One treatment session contained 7 treatments and 3 sessions were required. Before and after treatment, the scores of Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC), Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI) and Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index (BASFI) and Bath ankylosing spondylitis patient global score (BAS-G) were observed in the two groups separately. The efficacy and adverse effects were assessed in the two groups after treatment. RESULTS: The scores of SPARCC, BASDAI, BASFI and BAS-G were all reduced after treatment compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05), and those in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 97.1% (34/35) in the observation group, higher than 82.4% (28/34) in the control group (P<0.05). There were 4 cases of gastrointestinal reactions and 1 case of skin rashes in the control group; and 3 cases of local skin redness and pruritus after governor vessel moxibustion, no any drug adverse effect was found in the observation group. CONCLUSION: Based on the western medicine treatment, the combined therapy of acupuncture and governor vessel moxibustion may relieve bone marrow edema of sacroiliac joint in patients with AS at early-middle stage, control the progression of disease and improve the daily life activity. This therapy is relatively safe and effective.

Coronal Movement during Flexion and Extension of Knee Joints.

Objective: There are variabilities in the distance between the tibial tuberosity and the trochlear groove. The knee angle needs to be considered when talking about patellofemoral instability. Methods: This retrospective study analyses the MRI images of knee angles from 0 and 30 degrees in the patella dislocation group (20 cases) and in the control group (20 cases) from Dec 2017 to Dec 2019. Two experienced orthopedic physicians separately measure the study with a blind experiment method. Results: The TT-TG data of the patella dislocation group and control group are 17.88 ± 3.40 mm and 13.31 ± 3.01 mm when the knee angle is 0, which indicates a difference with statistical significance (P < 0.01). The TT-TG data of the patella dislocation group and control group are 11.51 ± 3.60 mm and 7.40 ± 1.93 mm when the knee angle is at 30 degrees, indicating a statistically significant difference (P < 0.01). Also, the TT-TG data of both the patella dislocation group and control group have statistically significant differences within different knee angles of the same group (P < 0.01). The differences of TT-TG are 6.36 ± 2.43 mm and 5.92 ± 1.65 mm when the knee angle changes from 0 to 30, which shows no statistically significant difference (P > 0.01). Conclusion: This research initially obtained the relevant MRI data of the TT-TG distance from different knee angles between the Chinese patella dislocation patient group and control group. The study received a new criterion to evaluate the TT-TG of patients with patella dislocations when the knee angle is below 30 degrees. The knee flexion angles need to be considered to measure the TT-TG distance when comprehensively evaluating patellofemoral instability. The TT-TG distance gradually increases when the knee changes from flexion to extension. The difference of the TT-TG distances shows no statistically significant difference.

Effects of "Mindfulness Acceptance Insight Commitment" Training on Flow State and Mental Health of College Swimmers: A Randomized Controlled Experimental Study.

This research explores the intervention effect of the mindfulness acceptance insight commitment (MAIC) training program on the mindfulness level, flow state, and mental health of college swimmers. A sample of 47 college swimmers from a regular university was recruited and randomly divided into two groups before the intervention. Independent variables between groups are psychological training mode (MAIC training/no training), and the independent variable within group was time (pre-test, post-test, and continuity test). The dependent variables are mindfulness level, flow state, and mental health (anxiety, depression, training, and competition satisfaction). Results show that after the intervention of MAIC training, the mindfulness level of athletes' flow state has been significantly improved, whereas anxiety and depression significantly decreased. In addition, the satisfaction with training and competition significantly improved. In the continuous stage after the intervention, the mindfulness level, flow state, and mental health of athletes are still significantly higher than those in the pre-test. The comparison of the post-test and continuity test show no significant differences in the mindfulness level, flow state, depression, and training and competition satisfaction of athletes. Still, the anxiety level shows an upward trend with a significant difference. This study demonstrates that the MAIC mindfulness training program can significantly improve the mindfulness level, flow state, anxiety, depression, and training and competition satisfaction of college swimmers with a good continuity effect. Thus, the athletes' sports experience can be improved, and good psychological benefits can be attained.

Analysis of lung cancer screening through low-dose spiral computed tomography among petroleum company staffs in Sichuan-Chongqing Area in 2020 / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective: To provide scientific evidence for early lung cancer screening, to analyze the incidence of pulmonary nodules among petroleum company staffs in Sichuan-Chongqing Area. Methods: In January 2021 , 6002 petroleum company staffs in Sichuan-Chongqing Area which scanned by low-dose spiral computed tomography (LDCT) of chest in medical examination center in 2020 were retrospectively collected as objects. Their imaging and clinical data were collected. χ(2) test was used to analyze the differences in the detection rates of lung nodules and suspected lung cancer nodules among workers in petroleum company staffs of different genders, ages and types of work. Results: Among the 6002 objects, 3853 (64.2%) were male and 2149 (35.8%) were female, with an average age of (47.25±12.13) years old. A total of 431 cases (7.2%) of pulmonary nodules and 57 cases (0.9%) of suspected lung cancer nodules were detected. 45 cases were followed up with surgical treatment, and 41 cases (91.1%) of lung cancer were diagnosed by postoperative pathology. There were significant differences in the detection rates of pulmonary nodules and suspected lung cancer nodules between different age groups (χ(2)=51.23, 18.81 , P<0.001). The detection rates of pulmonary nodules in the age groups 51-60 years old and ≥61 years old were higher than those in the age groups≤40 years old and 41-50 years old (P<0.05). The detection rate of suspected lung cancer nodules in the age group≥ 61 years old was higher than those in the age groups≤40 years old, 41-50 years old and 51-60 years old (P< 0.05) . And the detection rate of suspected lung cancer pulmonary nodules in oil workers was higher than that of ordinary workers (P<0.05) . Among female objects, the detection rate of pulmonary nodules in oil workers was higher than that in ordinary workers (χ(2)=8.09, P=0.004) . The detection rate of pulmonary nodules in oil workers aged ≥61 years old was higher than ordinary workers (χ(2)=37.94, P<0.001) . Among male objects, the detection rate of suspected lung cancer pulmonary nodules in oil workers was higher than that in ordinary workers (χ(2)=8.42, P=0.004) . The detection rates of suspected lung cancer pulmonary nodules in oil workers aged 51-60 years old and ≥61 years old groups were higher than those of ordinary workers (χ(2)=4.70, 8.74; P=0.030, 0.003) . Conclusion: LDCT is suitable for early lung cancer screening for petroleum company staffs. During the clinical screening process, LDCT should be used as a routine physical examination item for petroleum workers older than 51 years old.

New monoterpenoids from the stigmas of Crocus sativus.

One new compound, crocusatin M (1), and three new glycosidic compounds, crocusatins N-P (2-4), along with nine known compounds were isolated from the dried stigmas of Crocus sativus. The structures of new compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, and the absolute configurations of 1, 2, and 3 were unambiguously assigned by the comparison of experimental and calculated ECD data. This is the first report of the isolation of 4 with the HMG moiety from the genus Crocus. Compounds 1 and 4 exhibited weak anti-inflammatory activities on inhibiting lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO production.

Effect of Anti-Hp treatment on nutritional status of children with Helicobacter Pylori-Positive Gastritis and its clinical significance.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the outcome of anti-HP treatment on the nutritional status of children with Helicobacter pylori-positive gastritis. METHODS: Sixty children with Helicobacter pylori-positive gastritis admitted to our hospital from June 2018 to June 2020 were selected as the experimental group, and 60 healthy normal people (Hp negative) were selected as the control group. The experimental group were given anti-HP treatment, and the improvement of their clinical symptoms after treatment and the changes of nutritional indexes such as hemoglobin and serum ferritin were observed one year after treatment. Gastroscopy was performed before treatment and four weeks after treatment, and the improvement of gastric inflammation and the positive rate of Hp were compared and analyzed before and after treatment. RESULTS: The nutritional indicators of the children in experimental group were inferior compared with those in the control group (p<0.05). The clinical symptoms and signs of the experimental group were significantly alleviated after anti-Hp treatment, and the biochemical indicators were significantly improved after one Year of follow-up compared with those before treatment (p<0.05). The incidence of moderate and severe gastric mucosal inflammation in the experimental group decreased from 70% before treatment to 17% (p<0.05). The HP infection decreased from 100% before treatment to 13% (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Helicobacter pylori infection has a negative impact on the nutritional status of children. Anti-HP therapy can improve the gastrointestinal symptoms and nutritional status of children, which plays an important role in the growth and development of children.

[Mechanism of Tanreqing Injection in treatment of acute lung injury based on network pharmacology and molecular docking].

This study aimed to explore the mechanism of Tanreqing Injection in the treatment of acute lung injury(ALI) based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. The active components and action targets of Tanreqing Injection were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP), PubChem, and SwissTargetPrediction databases, as well as available literature reports. The ALI-related targets were obtained from the GeneCards database and then mapped with Tanreqing Injection targets. Following the construction of "drug-component-potential target" network with Cytoscape 3.6.1, the potential targets were input into STRING to yield the protein-protein interaction(PPI) network, which was plotted using Cytoscape 3.6.1. Then the screened key targets were subjected to gene ontology(GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG) enrichment analysis based on DAVID database. The top three key targets RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase(AKT1), albumin(ALB) and interleukin-6(IL6) were docked to the top three key compounds by PyMOL and AutoDock vina. A total of 58 active components of Tanreqing Injection, 597 corresponding targets and 503 common targets shared by Tanreqing Injection and ALI were fi-gured out, with the key targets AKT1, ALB and IL6 involved. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis yielded 1 445 biological processes and 148 signaling pathways, respectively. Molecular docking verified a good binding ability of the top three key targets to the top three key compounds. The analysis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking uncovered that Tanreqing Injection directly or indirectly regulated the pulmonary capillary endothelial cells and alveolar epithelial cells via anti-inflammation, thus alleviating ALI.

Systems Pharmacology-Based Identification of Mechanisms of Action of Bolbostemma paniculatum for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND Traditional Chinese medicine has widely used Bolbostemma paniculatum to treat diseases, including cancer, but its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The present study aimed to elucidate the potential pharmacological mechanisms of "Tu Bei Mu" (TBM), the Chinese name for Bolbostemmatis Rhizoma, the dry tuber of B. paniculatum, for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIAL AND METHODS The active components and putative therapeutic targets of TBM were explored using SwissTargetPrediction, Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), and Search Tool for Interactions of Chemicals (STITCH). The HCC-related target database was built using DrugBank, DisGeNet, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), and Therapeutic Target Database (TTD). A protein-protein interaction network of the common targets was constructed, based on the matches between TBM potential targets and HCC-related targets, using Cytoscape software. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses of the cluster networks were used to elucidate the biological functions of TBM. RESULTS Pharmacological network diagrams of the TBM compound-target network and HCC-related target network were successfully constructed. A total of 22 active components, 191 predicted biological targets of TBM, and 3775 HCC-related targets were identified. Through construction of an HCC-related target database and a protein-protein interaction network of the common targets, TBM was predicted to be effective in treating HCC mainly through the PI3K-Akt, HIF-1, p53, and PPAR signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS The PI3K/Akt, HIF1, p53, and PPAR pathways may play vital roles in TBM treatment of HCC. Also, the potential anti-cancer effect of TBM on HCC appears to stem from the synergetic effect of multiple targets and mechanisms.

Mechanism of Tanreqing Injection in treatment of acute lung injury based on network pharmacology and molecular docking / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to explore the mechanism of Tanreqing Injection in the treatment of acute lung injury(ALI) based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. The active components and action targets of Tanreqing Injection were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP), PubChem, and SwissTargetPrediction databases, as well as available literature reports. The ALI-related targets were obtained from the GeneCards database and then mapped with Tanreqing Injection targets. Following the construction of "drug-component-potential target" network with Cytoscape 3.6.1, the potential targets were input into STRING to yield the protein-protein interaction(PPI) network, which was plotted using Cytoscape 3.6.1. Then the screened key targets were subjected to gene ontology(GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG) enrichment analysis based on DAVID database. The top three key targets RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase(AKT1), albumin(ALB) and interleukin-6(IL6) were docked to the top three key compounds by PyMOL and AutoDock vina. A total of 58 active components of Tanreqing Injection, 597 corresponding targets and 503 common targets shared by Tanreqing Injection and ALI were fi-gured out, with the key targets AKT1, ALB and IL6 involved. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis yielded 1 445 biological processes and 148 signaling pathways, respectively. Molecular docking verified a good binding ability of the top three key targets to the top three key compounds. The analysis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking uncovered that Tanreqing Injection directly or indirectly regulated the pulmonary capillary endothelial cells and alveolar epithelial cells via anti-inflammation, thus alleviating ALI.

Two Novel Quassinoid Glycosides with Antiviral Activity from the Samara of Ailanthus altissima.

Phytochemistry investigations on Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, a Simaroubaceae plant that is recognized as a traditional herbal medicine, have afforded various natural products, among which C20 quassinoid is the most attractive for their significant and diverse pharmacological and biological activities. Our continuous study has led to the isolation of two novel quassinoid glycosides, named chuglycosides J and K, together with fourteen known lignans from the samara of A. altissima. The new structures were elucidated based on comprehensive spectra data analysis. All of the compounds were evaluated for their anti-tobacco mosaic virus activity, among which chuglycosides J and K exhibited inhibitory effects against the virus multiplication with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 56.21 ± 1.86 and 137.74 ± 3.57 µM, respectively.

Protective effects of Naoxintong capsule alone and in combination with ticagrelor and atorvastatin in rats with Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome.

CONTEXT: Naoxintong Capsule (NXT), a Chinese medicine, has been widely used for the treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD) in clinics. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the cardioprotective effects of NXT alone and in combination with ticagrelor (TIC) and atorvastatin (ATO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Qi deficiency and blood stasis rats were established by 8 weeks high fat diet feeding and 16 days exhaustive swimming and randomly divided into seven groups, that is, NXT (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg/d), TIC (20 mg/kg/d), ATO (8 mg/kg/d), NXT (500 mg/kg/d)+TIC (20 mg/kg/d) and NXT (500 mg/kg/d)+ATO (8 mg/kg/d) group, with oral administration for 12 weeks. The contents of TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, AST, ALT, SOD, MDA, CK-MB, LDH, TXA2, PGI2, IgA, IgG, IgM and C3 in serum were measured. RESULTS: NXT + TIC group was significantly superior to the TIC group in decreasing the levels of TC (4.34 vs. 5.54), TG (3.37 vs. 4.66), LDL-C (1.21 vs. 1.35), LDH (4919.71vs. 5367.19) and elevating SOD level (248.54 vs. 192.04). NXT + ATO group was significantly superior to the ATO group in decreasing the levels of AST (195.931 vs. 241.63), ALT (71.26 vs. 83.16), LDH (4690.05 vs. 5285.82), TXA2 (133.73 vs. 158.67), IgG (8.08 vs. 9.80), C3 (2.03 vs. 2.35) and elevating the levels of HDL-C (1.19 vs. 0.91), SOD (241.91vs. 209.49). CONCLUSIONS: The present findings demonstrate that the combined use of NXT with TIC and ATO had better integrated regulating effects than TIC and ATO, respectively. The mechanism of action requires further research.

Novel phosphate-solubilizing bacteria enhance soil phosphorus cycling following ecological restoration of land degraded by mining.

Little is known about the changes in soil microbial phosphorus (P) cycling potential during terrestrial ecosystem management and restoration, although much research aims to enhance soil P cycling. Here, we used metagenomic sequencing to analyse 18 soil microbial communities at a P-deficient degraded mine site in southern China where ecological restoration was implemented using two soil ameliorants and eight plant species. Our results show that the relative abundances of key genes governing soil microbial P-cycling potential were higher at the restored site than at the unrestored site, indicating enhancement of soil P cycling following restoration. The gcd gene, encoding an enzyme that mediates inorganic P solubilization, was predominant across soil samples and was a major determinant of bioavailable soil P. We reconstructed 39 near-complete bacterial genomes harboring gcd, which represented diverse novel phosphate-solubilizing microbial taxa. Strong correlations were found between the relative abundance of these genomes and bioavailable soil P, suggesting their contributions to the enhancement of soil P cycling. Moreover, 84 mobile genetic elements were detected in the scaffolds containing gcd in the 39 genomes, providing evidence for the role of phage-related horizontal gene transfer in assisting soil microbes to acquire new metabolic potential related to P cycling.

Association between erythrocyte membrane n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and carotid atherosclerosis: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The relationship of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) with cardiovascular risk is still controversial. We aimed to determine whether erythrocyte n-3 and n-6 PUFAs are related to the risk of carotid atherosclerosis. METHODS: From 2008 to 2019, baseline erythrocyte n-3 and n-6 PUFAs were determined in a cohort of 4040 Chinese adults (40-75 ys). The intima-media thickness (IMT) at the common carotid artery (CCA) and bifurcation of the carotid artery (BIF) and carotid plaque were assessed using ultrasonography at baseline and every 3 years. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 8.8 years, we identified the following newly diagnosed cases: 535 cases of CCAIMT thickening, 654 cases of BIFIMT thickening, and 850 cases of carotid plaque. Higher erythrocyte docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) and lower gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) were associated with decreased risks of BIFIMT thickening. N-3 eicosatrienoic acid (ETrA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and n-6 dodecylthioacetic acid (DTA) presented a significant beneficial association with carotid IMT thickening in the short-term (2.8 y) follow-up (all p trend <0.02), although the association was attenuated in the relatively long-term (8.8 y) follow-up. In addition, carotid plaque risk was found to be inversely associated with ETrA and DHA but positively associated with alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). N-6 linolenic acid (LA) and eicosadienoic acid (EDA) were not significantly associated with carotid atherosclerosis risk. CONCLUSIONS: Higher erythrocyte very-long-chain n-3 and n-6 PUFAs (especially DHA and ARA) and lower erythrocyte GLA are associated with lower carotid atherosclerosis risk, suggesting potential cardioprotective roles of very-long-chain PUFAs.

Traditional chinese medicine for diabetic retinopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used to treat diabetic complications including diabetic retinopathy for many years. OBJECTIVES: This review was performed to systematically assess the efficacy and safety of TCM for treating non- proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). METHODS: Retrieval from 7 electronic databases was conducted to determine eligible trials published until March 1, 2018. Randomized controlled trials of NPDR that comparing compound Chinese medicine containing the therapeutic method of activating blood and remove stasis versus controls were included for analysis. Primary outcomes were progression of retinopathy. Secondary outcomes included visual acuity, mean defect of visual field, micro-aneurysms, hemorrhage areas, exudates, capillary nonperfusion areas, hemorheological indicators, oscillatory potentials (Ops), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), and adverse events. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed. Results expressing as risk ratios (RRs) or mean differences (MD) were analyzed with a fixed- or random- effect model. I statistics were used to assess heterogeneity. RESULTS: A total of 33 trials and 3373 participants were included. Findings revealed that no included studies reported the progression of retinopathy. Compared with conventional medicine, TCM was significantly better at improving visual acuity (MD, -0.10; 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.16 to -0.05) and Ops (MD, -4.68, 95% CI -8.51 to -0.85), and reducing the mean defect of visual field (MD, -1.43; 95%CI, -2.17 to -0.68), micro-aneurysms (MD, -4.51; 95% CI, -6.23 to -2.79), hemorrhage areas (MD, -0.62; 95% CI, -1.06 to -0.19), plasma viscosity (MD, -0.10; 95% CI, -0.20 to 0.00), and HbA1c (MD, -0.22; 95% CI, -0.42 to -0.03). Compared with placebo, TCM was also associated with a decline in the number of microaneurysms (MD, -4.35; 95% CI, -6.25 to -2.45), exudates (MD, -0.17; 95% CI -0.31 to -0.03), capillary nonperfusion areas (MD, -0.18; 95% CI, -0.31 to -0.04), and HbA1c (MD, -0.88; 95% CI, -1.44 to -0.32). Compared with blank groups, TCM was superior at decreasing the mean defect of visual field (MD, -0.87; 95% CI -0.95 to -0.79) and the numbers of micro-aneurysms (MD, -3.35; 95% CI, -4.73 to -1.97). Adverse events were also assessed. CONCLUSION: Activating blood compound Chinese herbal medicine could help to improve visual acuity, micro-aneurysms and HbA1c. Further trials are needed to provide more reliable evidence.