Integrating network pharmacology and bioinformatics to explore and experimentally verify the regulatory effect of Buyang Huanwu decoction on glycolysis and angiogenesis after cerebral infarction.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Promoting the recovery of cerebral blood circulation after cerebral infarction (CI) is an important intervention. Buyang Huanwu decoction (BHD) is a classic prescription for treating CI that promotes angiogenesis. Cytoplasmic glycolysis ischaemic-region cells after CI may be highly activated to maintain metabolic activity under hypoxia. From the perspective of long-term maintenance of glycolytic metabolism in the ischaemic area after CI, it may be beneficial to promote angiogenesis and maintain glial cell activation and neuronal survival. In this context, the regulatory relationship of lncRNAs and miRNAs with mRNAs is worthy of attention. Mining the competitive binding relationships among RNAs will aid in the screening of key gene targets post-CI. In this study, network pharmacology and bioinformatics were used to construct a ceRNA network, screen key targets, and explore the effect of glycolysis on angiogenesis during BHD-mediated CI regulation. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to explore the effect of BHD on angiogenesis after glycolysis regulation in CI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: According to the 21 active BHD ingredients we identified by our research team, we conducted network pharmacology. BHD targets that can regulate glycolysis and angiogenesis after CI were screened from the GeneCards, CTD and OMIM databases. We retrieved CI-related datasets from the GEO database and screened for differentially expressed lncRNAs and miRNAs. LncRNA‒miRNA-mRNA/TF targeting relationships were screened and organized with the miRcode, miRDB, TargetScan, miRWalk, and TransmiR v2.0 databases. Cytoscape was used to construct an lncRNA‒miRNA-mRNA/TF ceRNA network. Through BioGPS, key mRNAs/TFs in the network were screened for enrichment analysis. Animal experiments were then conducted to validate some key mRNAs/TFs and enriched signalling pathways. RESULTS: PFKFB3 and other genes may help regulate glycolysis and angiogenesis through AMPK and other signalling pathways. The anti-CI effect of BHD may involve maintaining activation of genes such as AMPK and PFKFB3 in the ischaemic cortex, maintaining moderate glycolysis levels in brain tissue, and promoting angiogenesis. CONCLUSION: BHD can regulate glycolysis and promote angiogenesis after CI through multiple pathways and targets, in which AMPK signalling pathway activation may be important.

[A new cinnamic acid ester derivative from Liquidambaris Resina].

Twelve compounds were isolated from Liquidambaris Resina by silica gel column chromatography and thin layer chromatography. Their structures were identified on the basis of spectral data, electron capture detector data, and physicochemical properties as(2'R, 3'R)-2',3'-dihydroxy-hydrocinnamyl-(E)-cinnamate(1),(E)-cinnamyl-(E)-cinnamate(2), cinnamic acid(3), 28-norlup-20(29)-en-3-one-17ß-hydroperoxide(4), erythrodiol(5), 13ß,28-epoxy-30-hydroxyolean-1-en-3-one(6),(3ß)-olean-12-ene-3,23-diol(7), 2α,3α-dihydroxy-olean-12-en-28-oic acid(8), 28-hydroxyolean-12-en-3-one(9), 3-epi-oleanolic acid(10), 3-oxo-oleanolic acid(11), and hederagenin(12). Compound 1 was a new cinnamic acid ester derivative and compounds 2-4,6-8, and 12 were isolated from Liquidambaris Resina for the first time. Compounds 4, 5, 10, and 12 exerted inhibitory effects on the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVEC) with the IC_(50) values of(17.43±2.17),(35.32±0.61),(27.50±0.80), and(46.30±0.30) µmol·L~(-1), respectively.

Untapping the Potential of Astragaloside IV in the Battle Against Respiratory Diseases.

Respiratory diseases are an emerging public health concern, that pose a risk to the global community. There, it is essential to establish effective treatments to reduce the global burden of respiratory diseases. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is a natural saponin isolated from Radix astragali (Huangqi in Chinese) used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine. This compound has become increasingly popular due to its potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. In the last decade, accumulated evidence has indicated the AS-IV protective effect against respiratory diseases. This article presents a current understanding of AS-IV roles and mechanisms in combatting respiratory diseases. The ability of the agent to suppress oxidative stress, cell proliferation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), to attenuate inflammatory responses, and modulate programmed cell death (PCD) will be discussed. This review highlights the current challenges in respiratory diseases and recommendations to improve disease management.

Buyang Huanwu Decoction alleviates cerebral ischemic injury through modulating caveolin-1-mediated mitochondrial quality control.

Introduction: Mitochondrial quality control (MQC) is an important mechanism of neural repair after cerebral ischemia (CI). Recent studies have shown that caveolin-1 (Cav-1) is an important signaling molecule in the process of CI injury, but its mechanism of regulating MQC after CI is still unclear. Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BHD) is a classic traditional Chinese medicine formula that is often used to treat CI. Unfortunately, its mechanism of action is still obscure. Methods: In this study, we tested the hypothesis that BHD can regulate MQC through Cav-1 and exert an anti-cerebral ischemia injury effect. We used Cav-1 knockout mice and their homologous wild-type mice, replicated middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model and BHD intervention. Neurobehavioral scores and pathological detection were used to evaluate neurological function and neuron damage, transmission electron microscopy and enzymology detection of mitochondrial damage. Finally, western blot and RT-qPCR expression of MQC-related molecules were tested. Results: After CI, mice showed neurologic impairment, neuronal damage, and significant destruction of mitochondrial morphology and function, and MQC was imbalanced. Cav-1 deletion aggravated the damage to neurological function, neurons, mitochondrial morphology and mitochondrial function after CI, aggravated the imbalance of mitochondrial dynamics, and inhibited mitophagy and biosynthesis. BHD can maintain MQC homeostasis after CI through Cav-1 and improve CI injury. Discussion: Cav-1 can affect CI injury by regulating MQC, and this mechanism may be another target of BHD for anti-cerebral ischemia injury.

A UPLC-Q-TOF/MS and network pharmacology method to explore the mechanism of Anhua fuzhuan tea intervention in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

The possible mechanism by which the active components of Anhua fuzhuan tea act on FAM in NAFLD lesions was investigated. 83 components of Anhua fuzhuan tea were analysed by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. Luteolin-7-rutinoside and other compounds were first discovered in fuzhuan tea. According to the TCMSP database and the Molinspiration website tool to predict and review the literature reports, 78 compounds were identified in fuzhuan tea with possible biological activities. The PharmMapper, Swiss target prediction, and SuperPred databases were used to predict the action targets of biologically active compounds. The GeneCards, CTD, and OMIM databases were mined for NAFLD and FAM genes. Then, a fuzhuan Tea-NAFLD-FAM Venn diagram was constructed. Using the STRING database and CytoHubba program of Cytoscape software, protein interaction analysis was performed, and 16 key genes, including PPARG, were screened. GO function and KEGG enrichment analyses of the screened key genes showed that Anhua fuzhuan tea may regulate FAM in the process of NAFLD through the AMPK signalling pathway, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease pathway, etc. After constructing an active ingredient-key target-pathway map with Cytoscape software, combined with literature reports and BioGPS database analysis, we believe that among the 16 key genes, SREBF1, FASN, ACADM, HMGCR, and FABP1 have potential in the treatment of NAFLD. Animal experiments confirmed the effect of Anhua fuzhuan tea in improving NAFLD and confirmed that this tea can interfere with the gene expression of the above five targets by the AMPK/PPAR pathway, providing support for Anhua fuzhuan tea interfering with FAM in NAFLD lesions.

Evidence-based evaluation of adjuvant therapy with Chinese medicine for cerebral small vessel disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: As the population ages, the prevalence of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) steadily increases, resulting in a significant economic burden on society. In East Asian nations, Chinese medicine has been used extensively to teat CSVD and has been reported to improve the cognitive function of patients. The present study aimed to comprehensively assess the efficacy and safety of Chinese medicine as adjuvant therapy for CSVD. METHODS: A literature search of the CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, and ChiCTR databases were searched for RCTs investigating the use of TCM as an adjuvant in the treatment of CSVD, published up to July 27, 2023, was performed. Based on the Cochrane Collaboration Network bias risk assessment criteria, Review Manager version 5.3 was used to perform a meta-analysis. RESULTS: Meta-analysis of 27 RCTs, including 2554 subjects, revealed that the majority of the RCTs exhibited risk for ambiguous bias. The findings demonstrated that the use of Chinese medicine as an adjuvant treatment for CSVD effectively enhanced the cognitive function, as evidenced by improvements in the MMSE score (mean difference (MD) = 2.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.79,3.17], P < .00001), MoCA score (MD = 2.39, 95% CI [1.78,2.99], P < .00001) and ADL score (MD = 4.13, 95% CI [1.74,6.51], P = .0007). Furthermore, the study also demonstrated the advantages of Chinese medicine adjuvant therapy in enhancing the Chinese medicine syndrome score (MD = -2.57, 95% CI [-3.31, -1.83], P < .00001), CRP (MD = -1.35, 95% CI [-2.27, -0.43], P = .004), Hcy (MD = -3.44,95% CI [-4.05, -2.83], P < .00001), and blood flow velocity (CBV) (MD = 1.37,95% CI [0.24,2.50], P = .02). Moreover, there was no statistical difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Findings of the present study indicate that the Chinese medicine, as an adjuvant to conventional treatment, appeared to be efficacious in enhancing cognitive function, reducing Chinese medicine syndrome score, improving blood biochemical markers, and improving cerebral blood flow perfusion in patients with CSVD, without any notable adverse reactions. However, it is imperative to validate these conclusions in future high-quality investigations.

Biochar and organic fertilizer drive the bacterial community to improve the productivity and quality of Sophora tonkinensis in cadmium-contaminated soil.

Excessive Cd accumulation in soil reduces the production of numerous plants, such as Sophora tonkinensis Gagnep., which is an important and widely cultivated medicinal plant whose roots and rhizomes are used in traditional Chinese medicine. Applying a mixture of biochar and organic fertilizers improved the overall health of the Cd-contaminated soil and increased the yield and quality of Sophora. However, the underlying mechanism between this mixed fertilization and the improvement of the yield and quality of Sophora remains uncovered. This study investigated the effect of biochar and organic fertilizer application (BO, biochar to organic fertilizer ratio of 1:2) on the growth of Sophora cultivated in Cd-contaminated soil. BO significantly reduced the total Cd content (TCd) in the Sophora rhizosphere soil and increased the soil water content, overall soil nutrient levels, and enzyme activities in the soil. Additionally, the α diversity of the soil bacterial community had been significantly improved after BO treatment. Soil pH, total Cd content, total carbon content, and dissolved organic carbon were the main reasons for the fluctuation of the bacterial dominant species. Further investigation demonstrated that the abundance of variable microorganisms, including Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Chloroflexi, Gemmatimonadetes, Patescibacteria, Armatimonadetes, Subgroups_ 6, Bacillus and Bacillus_ Acidiceler, was also significantly changed in Cd-contaminated soil. All these alterations could contribute to the reduction of the Cd content and, thus, the increase of the biomass and the content of the main secondary metabolites (matrine and oxymatrine) in Sophora. Our research demonstrated that the co-application of biochar and organic fertilizer has the potential to enhance soil health and increase the productivity and quality of plants by regulating the microorganisms in Cd-contaminated soil.

Therapeutic Effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction on the Gut Microbiota and Hippocampal Metabolism in a Rat Model of Cerebral Ischemia.

Buyang Huanwu decoction (BHD) is a well-known Chinese herbal prescription. It has been widely used in the clinical treatment of cerebral ischemia (CI) in China. However, the mechanism underlying the treatment of CI with BHD remains to be elucidated. In this study, we combined microbiomic and metabolomic strategies to explore the therapeutic effects of BHD on middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats. Our results showed that BHD could effectively improve neurological severity scores and alleviate neuronal damage in rats with MCAO. BHD could also reduce the level of peripheral proinflammatory cytokines and inhibit neuroinflammation. 16S rRNA sequencing showed that BHD could increase the relative abundances of the genera Lactobacillus, Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-002, etc., while decreasing the relative abundances of the genera Escherichia-Shigella, Klebsiella, Streptococcus, Coprococcus_2, Enterococcus, etc. Untargeted metabolomic analysis of hippocampal samples showed that 17 significantly differentially abundant metabolites and 9 enriched metabolic pathways were linked with BHD treatment. We also found that the regulatory effects of BHD on metabolites were correlated with the differentially abundant microbial taxa. The predicted function of the gut microbiota and the metabolic pathway enrichment results showed that purine metabolism, glutamatergic synapses, arginine and proline metabolism, and alanine, aspartic acid and glutamate metabolism were involved in the effects of BHD. These pathways may be related to pathological processes such as excitotoxicity, neuroinflammation, and energy metabolism disorder in CI. In summary, these findings suggest that regulation of hippocampal metabolism and of the composition and function of the gut microbiota may be important mechanisms underlying the effect of BHD in the treatment of CI.

Liuwei Dihuang Decoction Alleviates Cognitive Dysfunction in Mice With D-Galactose-Induced Aging by Regulating Lipid Metabolism and Oxidative Stress via the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis.

Background: Aging is an important cause of cognitive dysfunction. Liuwei Dihuang decoction (LW), a commonly applied Chinese medicine formula, is widely used for the treatment of aging-related diseases in China. Previously, LW was confirmed to be effective in prolonging life span and reducing oxidative stress in aged mice. Unfortunately, the underlying mechanism of LW remains unclear. The aim of this study was to interpret the mechanism by which LW alleviates cognitive dysfunction related to aging from the perspective of the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Method: All C57BL/6 mice (n = 60) were randomly divided into five groups: the control, model, vitamin E (positive control group), low-dose LW and high-dose LW groups (n = 12 in each group). Except for those in the control group, D-galactose was subcutaneously injected into mice in the other groups to induce the aging model. The antiaging effect of LW was evaluated by the water maze test, electron microscopy, 16S rRNA sequencing, combined LC-MS and GC-MS metabolomics, and ELISA. Results: Liuwei Dihuang decoction ameliorated cognitive dysfunction and hippocampal synaptic ultrastructure damage in aging mice. Moreover, LW decreased Proteobacteria abundance and increased gut microbiota diversity in aging mice. Metabolomic analysis showed that LW treatment was associated with the significantly differential abundance of 14 metabolites, which were mainly enriched in apelin signaling, sphingolipid metabolism, glycerophospholipid and other metabolic pathways. Additionally, LW affected lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in aging mice. Finally, we also found that LW-regulated microbial species such as Proteobacteria and Fibrobacterota had potential relationships with lipid metabolism, oxidative stress and hippocampal metabolites. Conclusion: In brief, LW improved cognitive function in aging mice by regulating lipid metabolism and oxidative stress through restoration of the homeostasis of the microbiota-gut-brain axis.

An evidence-based evaluation of Buyang Huanwu decoction for the treatment of the sequelae of stroke: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Buyang Huanwu decoction (BYHWD) is a famous traditional Chinese formula that has been widely prescribed for sequelae of stroke in China. However, the efficacy and safety of BYHWD in treating sequelae of stroke have never been systematically evaluated. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of BYHWD in the treatment of sequelae of stroke. STUDY DESIGN: A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA)-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Five common electronic databases were searched for relevant RCTs from their inception until May 20, 2022. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to evaluate the methodological quality and the risk of bias of the included RCTs. Review Manager 5.4 was used to analyse all the data obtained. The clinical effective rate (CER) was the primary outcome, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) scores were the secondary outcomes. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) system was used to evaluate the quality of evidence for each outcome. RESULTS: Thirty-two clinical studies that recruited 2,527 eligible patients were included in this meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis suggested that compared with conventional treatment alone, the addition of BYHWD significantly improved the CER (RR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.20-1.29, p < 0.00001), decreased the NIHSS score (MD = -5.42, 95% CI: -5.87-4.97, p < 0.00001), and increased the FMA score (MD = 17.28, 95% CI: 15.12-19.45, p < 0.00001). There were no reported adverse events in the included studies. Most results were robust, and the quality of evidence was moderate. CONCLUSION: Our study is the first meta-analysis of RCTs evaluating the effects of BYHWD on sequelae of stroke. The addition of BYHWD to conventional treatment for sequelae of stroke significantly improved the CER and promoted neurological rehabilitation in patients, and there were no reported adverse events associated with this combination therapy. The findings of our study support the use of BYHWD as an adjunct treatment to conventional treatment in this clinical population. However, due to the limitations of the included clinical trials, high-quality clinical trials with longer follow-ups are needed to assess the long-term effectiveness and safety of BYHWD for treating the sequelae of stroke.

The effect of vitamin D on the lipid profile as a risk factor for coronary heart disease in postmenopausal women: a meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The exact effect of vitamin D administration on the lipid profile in postmenopausal women is unknown. However, as dyslipidemia is a recognized risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD) in this population, the lipid-lowering effects of vitamin D need to be explored Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the impact of vitamin D use on triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) as a risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD) in postmenopausal women. METHODS: We developed a search strategy for multiple databases (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science) to identify relevant RCTs whose results were published until June 1st, 2021. We combined the results using a random effects model (the DerSimonian and Laird random effects model). Lipid profile outcomes were expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between intervention and comparator groups. RESULTS: Supplementation with vitamin D decreased TG (WMD: -3.55 mg/dL, 95% CI: -5.34 to -1.76, P < 0.001) in postmenopausal females versus controls. In the subgroup analyses, vitamin D increased TC when the treatment duration was ˂26 weeks (WMD: 6.56 mg/dL, 95% CI: 0.78 to 12.35, P = 0.02) as compared to ≥26 weeks (WMD: -2.06 mg/dL, 95% CI: -5.49, 1.36, P = 0.23) and in the participants with a BMI ≥30 kg/m2 (WMD: 3.65 mg/dL, 95% CI: 0.09, 7.22, P = 0.044). Moreover, vitamin D increased HDL-C when the treatment duration was ˂26 weeks (WMD: 2.67 mg/dL, 95% CI: 0.66 to 4.68, P = 0.009). In addition, vitamin D decreased LDL-C when the vitamin D dose was ˃400 IU/day (WMD: -1.89 mg/dL, 95% CI: -2.47 to -1.31, P < 0.001) as compared to ≤400 IU/day (WMD: 2.50 mg/dL, 95% CI: -2.50, 7.52, P = 0.327). CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D administration on the lipid profile as a risk factor for CHD in postmenopausal women reduces TG. Its effects to lower LDL-C and increase HDL-C and TC levels are clinically negligible but should be investigated in future research. In addition, supplementation with vitamin D results in a clinically significant reduction in TG, particularly in postmenopausal females with hypertriglyceridemia at baseline.

Construction of a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network revealed the potential mechanism of Buyang Huanwu Decoction in the treatment of cerebral ischemia.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BHD) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that is effective for treating cerebral ischemia (CI). However, the molecular mechanisms of BHD in CI have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we integrated the circular RNA (circRNA)-microRNA (miRNA)-messenger RNA (mRNA) network of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MACO) rats treated with BHD. METHODS: SD rats were randomly divided into a control group, model group, model+BHD group (2.5, 5, 10 g/kg) and model+butylphthalide (NBP) group (54 mg/kg). The neurological functions of the rats were evaluated by a modified neurological severity scoring (mNSS) system. Pathological lesions were assessed by Nissl staining, and the effects of BHD on neurovascular unit (NVU) associated protein microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and von Willebrand factor (VWF) were assessed by immunohistochemistry. CeRNA and miRNA microarrays were used to establish the circRNA, miRNA, and mRNA profiles. Finally, a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA ternary transcription network was constructed. RESULTS: BHD improved the neurobehavioral test scores (P < 0.01) and the histopathological changes in ischemic brain tissue in MCAO rats. The expression of MAP2 and VWF decreased and the expression of GFAP increased in the ischemic side brain tissue of MCAO rats (P < 0.01), and treatment with BHD reversed the above changes (P < 0.01 or 0.05). We identified seven, three, and 86 significantly dysregulated circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs, respectively, that were associated with the neuroprotective effects of BHD. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis showed that these targets may exert therapeutic effects through multiple pathways, such as the VEGF and Hippo signaling pathways. Finally, we constructed a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network. CONCLUSIONS: In brief, our study provides novel insights into ceRNA-mediated gene regulation in the progression of NVU after CI and the mechanism of action for BHD.

Mind-Body Health Benefits of Traditional Chinese Qigong on Women: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Most women live with an inactive lifestyle, which suggests a need for preference-based choices to promote their participation in physical activity. This systematic review synthesized key findings on the health benefits of Qigong among women. We conducted a systematic search of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Qigong among women according to the PRISMA guidelines using the following databases from their inception through March 2021: PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and US National Library of Medicine. The risk of bias was examined using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing the risk of bias in randomized trials. Altogether, 18 RCTs were included for final review. Results showed that Qigong was a feasible exercise in improving health outcomes, particularly depressive symptoms (63% of trials), quality of life (43%), and fatigue (29%), among general women, intimate partner violence survivors, and women with chronic conditions (e.g., breast cancer patients or survivors). Almost 90% (7/8) of trials reported high adherence rates ranging from 73 to 95% for supervised group training and 63 to 80% for home self-practice. Thus far, there was no evidence of serious adverse effects from performing Qigong. For the risk of bias across trials, a lack of allocation concealment (72% of trials), no blinding of participants and personnel (67%), and incomplete outcome data (67%) were the major sources. In summary, Qigong is a safe, feasible, and beneficial exercise for general women, abused sufferers, and health-compromised women. However, given the potential risk of bias found in many studies, improved rigor of study design in future trials will be imperatively required.

[Molecular mechanism of Fagopyri Dibotryis Rhizoma in treatment of acute lung injury based on network pharmacology and in vitro experiments].

The present study explored the mechanism of Fagopyri Dibotryis Rhizoma(FDR) and its main active components in the treatment of acute lung injury(ALI) based on the network pharmacology and the in vitro experiments. The main active components of FDR were obtained from the TCMSP database and screened by oral bioavailability and drug-likeness. The related target proteins of FDR were retrieved from the PubChem database, and the target genes related to ALI were screened out from the GeneCards database. A protein-protein interaction(PPI) network of compound target proteins and ALI target genes was constructed using STRING 11.0. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis(IPA) platform was used to analyze the common pathways of the potential compound target proteins of FDR and ALI target genes, thereby predicting the key targets and potential signaling pathways of FDR for the treatment of ALI. Finally, the potential pathways and key targets were verified by the in vitro experiments of lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells intervened by epicatechin(EC), the active component of FDR. The results of network pharmacology showed that 15 potential active components such as EC, procyanidin B1, and luteolin presumedly functioned in the treatment of ALI through nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB) signaling pathway, transforming growth factor-ß(TGF-ß) signaling pathway, and adenosine 5'-monophosphate(AMP)-activated protein kinase(AMPK) signaling pathway through key targets, such as RELA(P65). The results of in vitro experiments showed that 25 µmol·L~(-1) EC had no toxicity to cells and could inhibit the expression of the p65-phosphorylated protein in the NF-κB signaling pathway to down-regulate the expression of downstream inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), IL-1ß and nitric oxide(NO), and up-regulate the expression of IL-10. These results suggested that the therapeutic efficacy of FDR on ALI was achieved by inhibiting the phosphorylation of p65 protein in the NF-κB signaling pathway and down-regulating the level of proinflammatory cytokines downstream of the signaling pathways.

Deep Sequencing, Nested PCR, and Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis Reveal a Wider Distribution of Chinese Caterpillar Mushroom, Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Ascomycetes), in Native Soil Types.

Ophiocordyceps sinensis appears as stroma emerging from underground sclerotium enclosed by the skeleton of Thitarodes moth larvae. However, the actual distribution of the fungus in soil still remains unclarified. In this study, 40 soil samples were used for detection of O. sinensis to confirm its distribution in native habitats using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, nested internal transcribed spacer (ITS) PCR, and 454 pyrosequencing methods. The soil samples included six types: Os, where both stromata and host moth larvae were found; NL, representing no signs of stromata, but where moth larvae were found; NOs, where neither stroma nor moth larvae were found; BS, with bare soil without the presence of stroma of O. sinensis or moth larvae; AF, from soil surrounding the stroma; and MP, soil particles firmly wrapping the sclerotium of O. sinensis. Of 40 samples tested, 36 showed positive detection of O. sinensis by at least one of the three detection methods, with positive detection in all six sample types at all five sites. The results showed that traces of O. sinensis can be detected in locations with no macroscopically visible evidence of the fungus or its host and at least 100 m away from such locations.

Measurements of Older Adults' Physical Competence under the Concept of Physical Literacy: A Scoping Review.

Physical literacy, especially in the fields of physical education and public health, has been gaining global interest in recent years. Applying an appropriate method to measure physical competence under the concept of physical literacy for older adults aligns with the goal of healthy aging. In this scoping review, we reflected on previous empirical studies regarding the measurements of physical competence among older adults holistically and systematically to identify and analyze gaps in the topic of "physical literacy" among older adults as a precursor to a systematic review. We searched five databases using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) for Protocols guidelines: (1) SPORTDiscus; (2) PubMed; (3) Scopus; (4) ScienceDirect; and (5) Web of Science. There were 29 studies included in our thematic analysis. Through our review, we found that 73% of the mean age of the participants comprised older baby boomers who were from 65-74 years old as aging continues. Therefore, more effort should be made in developing physical literacy for older adults with the goal of health promotion. Our results showed that most studies adopted both self-reported and objective measures, in which objective measures were widely embraced by scholars in the measurement, while self-reported measures were encouraged to be included in the assessment as well. Using assessment tools to measure a combination of actual physical competence and perceived physical competence is recommended in the measurement of physical competence, especially in older adults. In addition, other elements of physical literacy should be taken into account when measuring physical competency in older adults. For future implementation, when framing the model to chart physical literacy for older adults, it is important to review the definition again and adopt a holistic measurement system including every aspect of physical literacy.

On the Typification of Ganoderma sichuanense (Agaricomycetes)-the Widely Cultivated Lingzhi Medicinal Mushroom.

The well-known and widely cultivated lingzhi has had a significant impact on Chinese culture and is now an important fungal crop providing medicinal benefits to human health and economic value to social development within China and around the world. The European mushroom name, Ganoderma lucidum, has been misapplied to this species for over 100 years until recently reidentified as G. sichuanense. Soon after this, a new species name, G. lingzhi, was also proposed for the fungus because of an unusual internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence purportedly of the holotype of G. sichuanense. This extraordinary ITS sequence, which apparently belongs to another species, created an inconsistency between morphological characteristics and molecular data of the holotype making it "demonstrably ambiguous"; this led to an epitypification to support the holotype for the precise application of the name, according to the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants. However, arguments concerning the names G. sichuanense and G. lingzhi are still heating up, including attempts to reject the epitype of G. sichuanense. To clarify the confusion, the typification of G. sichuanense is reviewed here to demonstrate that the epitype of G. sichuanense was appropriately designated for the purpose to support the holotype of the name, the fact that both G. sichuanense and G. lingzhi are conspecific, and that the name G. lingzhi was based on the unwarranted ITS sequence claimed to be of the holotype of G. sichuanense. Suggestions are made for this case to make a way forward, especially re-examination of relevant fungarium collections to reach a consensus to stabilize the use of the name.

Efficacy and safety of Zaoren Anshen capsules in the treatment of insomnia: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Zaoren Anshen capsules (ZRAS) have been widely used to treat patients with insomnia. However, the efficacy and safety of ZRAS for insomnia treatment is not entirely clear. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the effect of ZRAS for the treatment of insomnia by a systematic meta-analysis. METHODS: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and WanFang databases and performed a manual search to retrieve relevant articles (available through January 2019) describing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of ZRAS for the treatment of insomnia. The quality of the selected articles was assessed with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. A meta-analysis of the selected articles was performed with RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS: A total of 13 articles including 1175 patients were included in the study. Overall, our results showed that ZRAS was slightly higher than that of the conventional Western medicine for insomnia in terms of clinical efficacy rate; but there was no statistical difference between the 2 groups (relative risk [RR] = 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.97, 1.09], P = .34). However, it should be noted that ZRAS treatment causes far fewer adverse reaction than treatment with conventional Western medicine (RR = 0.20, 95% CI = [0.14, 0.28], P < .00001). CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that ZRAS is an effective and safe treatment for insomnia, especially in adverse reaction. However, multi-regional and well-designed RCTs studies are needed in the future to validate the results.

[Compensation effect of re-watering after different drought stresses on source-sink metabolism during tuber expansion period of potato.] / 马铃薯块茎膨大期不同程度干旱后复水的源库补偿效应.

The compensation effect of re-watering after drought has been widely reported in various crops during different growth stages. It is considered as an important self-regulation mechanism for plants to resist abiotic stresses and also an efficient utilization of limited water resource. In this study, two rounds of re-watering after drought treatments were carried out during tuber expansion period of potato, to investigate the drought threshold of potato and explore the potential mechanisms of compensation effect with source-sink aspect. We used virus-free plantlets of "Atlantic" potato as experimental materials. Four treatments were included: sufficient water supply (W), re-watering after mild drought (D1-W), re-watering after medium drought (D2-W) and re-watering after severe drought (D3-W). The results showed that potato yield exhibited an over-compensation effect after two rounds of D1-W treatment, with water use efficiency and yield being increased by 17.5% and 6.3%, respectively, compared with the sufficient water supply. D2-W treatment had no significant effect on potato yield, but water use efficiency was increased by 8.4%, indicating a near-equivalent compensation effect. On the contrary, D3-W treatment did not show any compensation effect in yield. In addition, leaf chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, and leaf area were all reduced after drought treatment, indicating a reduction in "source" size and activity. After re-watering, D1-W and D2-W treatments showed over-compensation and compensation effects through improving source supply capacity. Meanwhile, re-watering after moderate drought increased the sink activity through significantly enhancing the activities of key enzymes in tubers (sink), thus increased the average weight of tubers. In conclusion, re-watering after moderate drought stress during potato tuber expansion period had compensation and over-compensation effects on both source and sink, and thus could compensate for the drought-induced yield loss and improve water use efficiency.

Classification, Biological Characteristics and Cultivations of Ganoderma.

Species of Ganoderma (Ling-zhi) have been widely researched and cultivated due to their highly prized medicinal value, which is famous as a traditional Chinese medicine. The aims of this chapter are to (1) review the historical taxonomy of the family Ganodermataceae, (2) provide an account of the genera and species of Ganoderma together with the distributions and habitats, (3) evaluate morphological features and phylogenetic methods to define the genera and species and (4) present two commonly used cultivated methods (wood-log cultivation and substitute cultivation) for Ganoderma.