Exploring the characteristics of Burkholderia gladioli pathovar cocovenenans: Growth, bongkrekic acid production, and potential risks of food contamination in wet rice noodles and vermicelli.

This research investigated the presence of Burkholderia gladioli pathovar cocovenenans (BGC) in wet rice and starch products, Tremella, and Auricularia auricula in Guangzhou, China. It examined BGC growth and bongkrekic acid (BA) production in wet rice noodles and vermicelli with varying rice flour, edible starch ratios, and oil concentrations. A qualitative analysis of 482 samples revealed a detection rate of 0.62%, with three positive for BGC. Rice flour-based wet rice noodles had BA concentrations of 13.67 ± 0.64 mg/kg, 2.92 times higher than 100% corn starch samples (4.68 ± 0.54 mg/kg). Wet rice noodles with 4% soybean oil had a BA concentration of 31.72 ± 9.41 mg/kg, 5.74 times higher than those without soybean oil (5.53 ± 1.23 mg/kg). The BA concentration correlated positively (r = 0.707, P < 0.05) with BGC contamination levels. Low temperatures (4 °C and -18 °C) inhibited BGC growth and BA production, while higher storage temperatures (26 °C and 32 °C) promoted BGC proliferation and increased BA production. Reducing edible oil use and increasing edible starch can mitigate the risk of BGC-related food poisoning in wet rice noodles and vermicelli production. Further research is needed to find alternative oils that do not enhance BA production. Strengthening prevention and control measures is crucial across the entire production chain to address BGC contamination and BA production.

Factors Associated With Infections From Peripheral Venous Catheters in Older Patients in the ICU and Exploration of Preventive Measures.

Context: Intensive care units (ICUs) have the highest incidence of hospital-acquired infections. An in-depth understanding of the factors associated with PVIN infections may be the best way to prevent and control PVIN infections. Objective: The study aimed to investigate the factors associated with peripheral venous indwelling needle (PVIN) infections in older patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) and to use the findings to develop targeted preventive-care measures. Design: The research team conducted a prospective observational study of factors influencing PVIN infections and a prospective randomized controlled study of targeted nursing care. Setting: The studies took place at the First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China. Participants: For the first study, participants were 121 patients admitted to the hospital's ICU between April 2018 and June 2020, and for a second analysis, participants were 92 ICU patients admitted between December 2020 and March 2022. The first group took part in an analysis of the factors influencing PFIN infections and the second in a comparison of a targeted nursing intervention and routine care. Groups: For the first analysis, the research team divided the 121 participants into two groups: (1) a control group with 69 participants who didn't develop a PVIN infection and (2) an observation group with 52 participants who developed a PVIN infection. For the second analysis, the team randomly assigned the 92 participants to one of two groups: (1) 46 participants to a targeted nursing group who received care focused on preventing PVIN infections, and (2) 46 participants to a conventional group receiving routine care. Outcome Measures: For the first analysis, the research team carried out logistic regression analysis to assess the factors related to PVIN infections, including the incidence of PVIN infections, durations of PVIN retention, ICU stays, and lengths of hospital stay (LOS). For the second analysis, the research team: (1) measured changes in blood glucose and inflammatory factor levels at baseline and postintervention and (2) conducted a nursing satisfaction survey upon patients' discharges. Results: For the first study, logistic multiple regression analysis revealed that the durations of catheter retention of ≥7d, a number of punctures ≥2 times, a duration of antibiotic administration of ≥14d, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) scores were independent risk factors for PVIN infections in older patients in an ICU (all P < .001). After implementing targeted nursing strategies for the second study, the targeted care group had a significantly lower incidence of PVIN infections (P < .001), shorter duration of PVIN retention (P < .001), shorter ICU stay (P < .001), and shorter LOS (P < .001) compared to those of the conventional group. Additionally, the intervention group showed significantly lower fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and 2h postprandial plasma glucose (2hPG) levels, with P < .001 and P = .002, respectively; significantly lower interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels, with P < .001, P < .001, and P = .001, respectively; and significantly higher nursing satisfaction postintervention (P = .036). Conclusions: The duration of catheterization, antibiotic administration, and APACHE II scores were independent risk factors for PVIN infections in older patients in the ICU. Implementing targeted care based on those factors can effectively prevent PVIN infections in ICU patients and improve patient satisfaction, demonstrating high clinical practicality.

Comparison of the effect of moxibustion at "Zusanli" (ST36) on the polarization of synovial macrophages of knee joints in rats with knee osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. / 艾灸"足三里"å¯¹è†å ³èŠ‚éª¨å ³èŠ‚ç‚Žä¸Žç±»é£Žæ¹¿æ€§å ³èŠ‚ç‚Žå¤§é¼ è†å ³èŠ‚æ»‘è†œå·¨å™¬ç»†èƒžæžåŒ–çš„å½±å“çš„æ¯”è¾ƒç ”ç©¶.

OBJECTIVES: To observe the similarities and differences of effects of moxibustion at "Zusanli" (ST36) on target tissues and macrophages polarization in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) rats, and to summarize its efficacy and characteristics. METHODS: Thirty rats were equally and randomly divided into control, KOA, RA, KOA+Moxi and RA+Moxi groups. The KOA model and RA model were induced by injection of sodium monoiodoacetate or Freund's complete adjuvant into the rats' knee joints, respectively. Rats of the KOA+Moxi and RA+Moxi groups received moxibustion stimulation at bilateral ST36 for 30 min, once a day for 21 days, beginning from the 7th day on after modeling. The contents of serum interleukin(IL)-1ß and IL-10 were detected by ELISA. Histopathological changes (Markin score of the knee cartilage and synovial pathology score) of the knee joints were observed after HE staining. The polarization state of M1 and M2 macrophages in the synovial tissue of the knee joints was assessed by detecting the expression of CD86 and CD206 after immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the content of serum IL-1ß, synovial pathology score, and synovial CD86 expression were significantly increased (P<0.01, P<0.05), while the content of serum IL-10 and synovial CD206 expression markedly decreased (P<0.01) in both KOA and RA groups；the Markin score was increased (P<0.01) in the KOA group. In comparison with the KOA group, the Markin score was obviously decreased (P<0.01), while the content of serum IL-10 and CD206 expression were apparently increased (P<0.01) in the KOA+Moxi group. No significant changes were found in the content of serum IL-1ß, synovial pathology score and CD86 expression in the KOA+Moxi group relevant to the KOA group. In comparison with the RA group, the content of serum IL-1ß, synovial pathology score, and CD86 expression were considerably decreased (P<0.01) in the RA+Moxi group. No marked differences were found in the serum IL-10 level, Markin score, and CD206 expression between RA+Moxi and RA model groups. The increased Markin score was significantly higher in the KOA group than in the RA group (P<0.01), but the increased synovial pathology score was significantly lower in the KOA group than in the RA group (P<0.01). Correspondingly, the effect of moxibustion at ST36 was significantly better in RA model than in KOA model in reducing serum IL-1ß (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Moxibustion at ST36 can effectively reduce cartilage injury of knee joint in rats with KOA and reduce synovial injury in rats with RA, which may be related with its effects in lowering IL-1ß level in RA model by inhibiting the polarization of M1 macrophages, and up-regulating level of IL-10 in KOA model by promoting the polarization of M2 macrophages. However, the relevant mechanism needs to be further studied.

Efficacy and safety of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglucoside for idiopathic membranous nephropathy: a systematic review with bayesian meta-analysis.

Background: Currently, the optimal therapy plan for idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) remains controversial as there has been no comprehensive and systematic comparison of therapy plans for IMN. Therefore, in this study, a Bayesian meta-analysis was used to systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of various intervention plans involving traditional Chinese medicine TWM in the treatment of IMN. Methods: An electronic search in 7 databases was conducted from their inception to August 2022 for all published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of various intervention plans for IMN. Network meta-analysis (NMA) was performed by using software R, and the surface under the cumulative ranking area (SUCRA) probability curve was plotted for each outcome indicator to rank the efficacy and safety of different intervention plans. Results: A total of 30 RCTs were included, involving 13 interventions. The results showed that (1) in terms of total remission (TR), ① GC + CNI + TWM was the best effective among all plans, and the addition and subtraction plan of CNI + TWM was the best effective for IMN; ② All plans involving TWM were more effective than GG; ③ Among monotherapy plans for IMN, TWM was more effective distinctly than GC, while TWM and CNI were similarly effective; ④ Among multidrug therapy plans for IMN, the addition of TWM to previously established therapy plans made the original plans more effective; ⑤The efficacy of combining TWM with other plans was superior to that of TWM alone. (2) In terms of lowering 24 h-UTP, GC + TWM was the best effective and more effective than TWM. (3) In terms of safety, there was no statistically significant difference between all groups. However, CNI + TWM was the safest. No serious adverse events (AEs) occurred in all the included studies. Conclusion: The addition of TWM may be beneficial to patients with IMN. It may enhance the efficacy of previously established treatment protocols without leading to additional safety risks. In particular, GC + CNI + TWM, GC + TWM, and CNI + TWM with better efficacy and higher safety can be preferred in clinical decision-making as the therapy plans for IMN.

Wrist-ankle acupuncture combined with pain nursing for the treatment of urinary calculi with acute pain.

BACKGROUND: Urological calculi often cause renal colic, which is characterized by paroxysmal or persistent severe pain in the upper abdomen or lumbar region. Development of methods to quickly relieve these pain symptoms has garnered clinical attention. Wrist-ankle acupuncture is a type of floating acupuncture therapy administered at selected points in the carpal and ankle areas, and it has good pain-relieving effects. We used wrist-ankle acupuncture combined with pain nursing for pain intervention in patients with renal calculi to confirm its application and safety. AIM: To study the effect of wrist-ankle acupuncture combined with pain nursing in the treatment of urinary calculi with acute pain. METHODS: Eighty-two patients with urinary calculi with acute pain as the first symptom followed at our hospital from November 2019 to June 2021 were enrolled in the study and classified into two groups according to the odd and even numbers of the visit sequences, each with 41 cases. The control group received a routine nursing intervention and intramuscular injection of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, whereas the observation group received pain management nursing and wrist-ankle acupuncture. Subsequently, the pain-relieving effect was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The score on the visual analog scale (VAS) at 24, 48, and 72 h postintervention was decreased in both groups compared with the baseline data; moreover, the observation group scored significantly lower than the control group on the VAS at each time point after the intervention (P < 0.05). The clinical efficacy at 24 h postintervention was not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). In turn, the pain recurrence rate at 72 h postintervention was lower in the observation group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Finally, the nursing satisfaction rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that observed in the control group (P < 0.05). No serious adverse reactions occurred during the treatment and the safety of treatment was high in both groups. CONCLUSION: Wrist-ankle acupuncture combined with pain nursing for treating urolithiasis with acute pain effectively alleviated the degree of pain and reduced the recurrence rate, which was worthy of clinical application.

Can the establishment of a protected area improve the lacustrine environment? A case study of Lake Chaohu, China.

Eutrophication of lacustrine environments with frequent cyanobacterial blooms has become a serious problem. Overpopulation and runoff into groundwater and lakes from fertilizers with too much nitrogen and phosphorous have caused most of the problems. Here, we first devised a land use and cover classification system based on the local characteristics of the first-level protected area of Lake Chaohu (FPALC). Lake Chaohu is the fifth largest freshwater lake in China. The land use and cover change (LUCC) products were produced using sub-meter resolution satellite data from 2019 to 2021 in the FPALC. This study presents an evaluation of the effectiveness of the established protected areas. The results show the most impactful type was the reduction in cropland with an area that declined from 7446.4 hm2 to 6433.3 hm2 from 2019 to 2021. Most of the reduced cropland was converted into wetlands, with 460.2 hm2 and 152.0 hm2 of cropland restored to wetlands from 2019 to 2020 and 2020-2021, respectively. The area of cyanobacterial blooms in Lake Chaohu showed a downward trend, and the lacustrine environment was greatly improved after the establishment of the FPALC. These quantified data can inform decision-making related to Lake Chaohu conservation and provide a reference for managing the aquatic environment in other watersheds.

A rare case of pancytopenia causing- Sheehan's syndrome: Case report and literature review.

We describe the case of a 58-year-old woman who was presented with pancytopenia and hypofibrinogenemia. Treatment with iron supplementation was not satisfactory. Physical findings and a history of a massive postpartum hemorrhage suggested Sheehan's syndrome(SS). After thyroxine and glucocorticoid replacement therapy, the blood cell count improved. SS is a rare etiology of hemocytopenia, of which hematologists need to be aware. We conclude that hormonal therapy can produce full hematological recovery.

[Comparison of chemical compositions of different parts of Xanthoceras sorbifolium seeds based on UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS].

Xanthoceras sorbifolium seeds have a wide range of applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. To compare and analyze the chemical compositions of different parts of X. sorbifolium seeds and explore the potential value and research prospects of non-medicinal parts, this study used ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS) to detect the chemical composition of various parts of the seeds. A total of 82 components were preliminary identified from X. sorbifolium seeds, including 5 amino acids, 4 polyphenols, 3 phenylpropionic acids, 7 organic acids, 15 flavonoids, 6 glycosides, and 23 saponins. Mass spectrometry molecular networking(MN) analysis was conducted on the results from different parts of the seeds, revealing significant differences in the components of the seed kernel, seed coat, and seed shell. The saponins and flavonoids in the seed kernel were superior in terms of variety and content to those in the seed coat and shell. Based on the chromatographic peaks of different parts from multiple batches of samples, multivariate statistical analysis was carried out. Four differential components were determined using HPLC, and the average content of these components in the seed kernel, seed coat, and seed shell were as follows: 0.183 6, 0.887 4, and 1.440 1 mg·g~(-1) for fraxin; 0.035 8, 0.124 1, and 0.044 5 mg·g~(-1) for catechin; 0.032 9, 0.072 0, and 0.221 5 mg·g~(-1) for fraxetin; 0.435 9, 2.114 7, and 0.259 7 mg·g~(-1) for epicatechin. The results showed that catechin and fraxetin had relatively low content in all parts, while fraxin had higher content in the seed coat and seed shell, and epicatechin had higher content in the seed kernel and seed coat. Therefore, the seed coat and seed shell possess certain development value. This study provides rapid analysis and comparison of the chemical compositions of different parts of X. sorbifolium seeds, which offers an experimental basis for the research and clinical application of medicinal substances in X. sorbifolium seeds.

Untargeted LC-MS/MS-Based Metabolomic Profiling for the Edible and Medicinal Plant Salvia miltiorrhiza Under Different Levels of Cadmium Stress.

Salvia miltiorrhiza, a medicinal and edible plant, has been extensively applied to treat cardiovascular diseases and chronic hepatitis. Cadmium (Cd) affects the quality of S. miltiorrhiza, posing serious threats to human health. To reveal the metabolic mechanisms of S. miltiorrhiza's resistance to Cd stress, metabolite changes in S. miltiorrhiza roots treated with 0 (CK), 25 (T1), 50 (T2) and 100 (T3) mg kg-1 Cd by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were investigated. A total of 305 metabolites were identified, and most of them were amino acids, organic acids and fatty acids, which contributed to the discrimination of CK from the Cd-treated groups. Among them, S. miltiorrhiza mainly upregulated o-tyrosine, chorismate and eudesmic acid in resistance to 25 mg kg-1 Cd; DL-tryptophan, L-aspartic acid, L-proline and chorismite in resistance to 50 mg kg-1 Cd; and L-proline, L-serine, L-histidine, eudesmic acid, and rosmarinic acid in resistance to 100 mg kg-1 Cd. It mainly downregulated unsaturated fatty acids (e.g., oleic acid, linoleic acid) in resistance to 25, 50, and 100 mg kg-1 Cd and upregulated saturated fatty acids (especially stearic acid) in resistance to 100 mg kg-1 Cd. Biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, isoquinoline alkaloid, betalain, aminoacyl-tRNA, and tyrosine metabolism were the significantly enriched metabolic pathways and the most important pathways involved in the Cd resistance of S. miltiorrhiza. These data elucidated the crucial metabolic mechanisms involved in S. miltiorrhiza Cd resistance and the crucial metabolites that could be used to improve resistance to Cd stress in medicinal plant breeding.

Luteolin suppresses TNF-α-induced inflammatory injury and senescence of nucleus pulposus cells via the Sirt6/NF-κB pathway.

Luteolin (3',4',5,7-tetrahydroxy flavone) is a flavonoid, which is widely distributed in various plants including flowers, vegetables, and medicinal herbs and spices. Luteolin can be applied in the treatment of various diseases due to its multiple biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidative activity. However, its role in intervertebral disc degeneration has not been previously reported. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to explore the effects of luteolin on Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced inflammatory injury and senescence of human nucleus pulposus cells (HNPCs), as well as the underlying mechanisms of action of this compound. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed by MTT assay and TUNEL staining, respectively. ELISA kits were applied to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines and the activity of telomerase. Senescence ß-galactosidase staining was used to detect the activity levels of ß-galactosidase in the cells. Cell transfection was performed to achieve interference of sirtuin 6 (Sirt6). The protein expression levels were detected by western blot analysis. TUNEL staining and western blot analysis were performed to assess the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins. The results indicated that TNF-α induced a significant decrease in HNPC viability and an increase in inflammatory factor levels, while the application of luteolin effectively increased cell viability and decreased intracellular interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-6 expression levels. Furthermore, luteolin decreased apoptosis compared with the TNF-α groups in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the results of the detection kits suggested that luteolin reversed TNF-α-induced senescence. Notably, interference with Sirt6 partially reduced the protective effect of luteolin on TNF-α-induced HNPC senescence via the Sirt6/NF-κB pathway. In summary, the data indicated that luteolin suppresses TNF-α-induced inflammatory injury and senescence of HNPCs via the Sirt6/NF-κB pathway.

Antifibrotic activities of Scutellariae Radix extracts and flavonoids: Comparative proteomics reveals distinct and shared mechanisms.

BACKGROUND: Scutellariae Radix (SR), the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, and SR flavonoids have antifibrotic activities. It remains obscure, however, amongst SR aqueous extract (SRA), SR methanolic extract (SRM) and five major SR flavonoids (baicalein, baicalin, wogonoside, wogonin and oroxyloside), which ones are the most promising antifibrotics and what their mechanisms are. PURPOSE: To compare the antifibrotic activities of SR extracts and flavonoids, and the proteomic signatures of selected SR extract and flavonoid, versus IN1130 phosphate, an antifibrotic positive control (abbreviated as IN1130), in TGF-ß1-induced in vitro model of fibrosis in NRK-49F renal fibroblasts. METHODS: Isobaric labelling-based mass spectrometry was used for proteomic studies. Differentially expressed proteins were further analyzed using Gene Ontology annotation enrichment, protein-protein interaction network analysis and pathway analysis. Selected proteins of interest were validated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Baicalein was the SR flavonoid with the best efficacy-toxicity ratio. SRM contained 8-fold more flavonoids and was more potently antifibrotic than SRA. Proteomic analysis of cells treated by TGF-ß1, with or without baicalein (40 and 80 µM), SRM (40 and 80 µg/ml) and IN1130 (1 µM) suggested that baicalein, SRM and IN1130 all repressed TGF-ß1-induced ribosomal proteins in cell lysates, while baicalein and SRM, but not IN1130, regulated the intracellular lysosome pathway; secretomic analysis suggested that 40 and 80 µg/ml SRM and 80 µM baicalein, but not IN1130 and 40 µM baicalein increased ribosomal proteins in conditioned media, whereas only baicalein regulated the lysosome pathway. ELISA verified secretomic findings that baicalein, SRM and IN1130 repressed TGF-ß1-induced PAI-1 (Serpine1), Plod2, Ctgf (Ccn2), Ccl2 and Ccl7; baicalein and IN1130, but not SRM, reversed TGF-ß1-induced Cyr61 (Ccn1) and Tsku; only baicalein reversed TGF-ß1 repression of Mmp3; only IN1130 reversed TGF-ß1-repressed Nov (Ccn3). ELISA validated cell-lysate proteomic findings that baicalein, SRM and IN1130 all reversed TGF-ß1-induced Enpp1; only IN1130 reversed TGF-ß1-induced Impdh2 and Sqstm1 and TGF-ß1-repressed Aldh3a1. Baicalein and SRM induced Ccdc80, while only baicalein induced Tfrc. CONCLUSION: Baicalein, SRM and IN1130 repress TGF-ß1-induced fibrogenesis in renal fibroblasts by regulating overlapping protein targets and biological pathways. Our findings offer a comprehensive view of shared, drug- and dose-specific pharmacological and toxicological mechanisms and provide a valuable resource for further research and development of more efficacious and safer antifibrotics.

A-DA'D-A Structured Organic Phototheranostics for NIR-II Fluorescence/Photoacoustic Imaging-Guided Photothermal and Photodynamic Synergistic Therapy.

Multimodal imaging-guided combinational phototherapies triggered by a single near-infrared (NIR) laser are highly desirable. However, their development is still a big challenge. Herein, we have developed an "acceptor-donor-acceptor'-donor-acceptor" structured organic phototheranostics (Y16-Pr) with strong light-harvesting ability in the NIR region. After being modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG), the obtained biocompatible nanoparticles (Y16-Pr-PEG NPs) could conduct NIR-II fluorescence imaging (FLI) and photoacoustic imaging (PAI) and perform photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) simultaneously. Notably, Y16-Pr-PEG NPs showed an impressive photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) of 82.4% under 808 nm laser irradiation. The irradiated NPs could also produce hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and singlet oxygen (1O2) for type I and type II PDT, respectively. In vivo and in vitro experiments revealed that the Y16-Pr-PEG NPs significantly inhibit tumor cell growth without apparent toxic side effects under laser irradiation. Overall, the single-laser-triggered multifunctional phototheranostic Y16-Pr-PEG NPs can achieve NIR-II FLI/PAI-guided synergistic PTT/PDT against tumors.

[Molecular mechanism of Ganoderma against gastric cancer based on network pharmacology and experimental test].

This study aims to explore the molecular mechanism of Ganoderma against gastric cancer based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and cell experiment. The active components and targets of Ganoderma were retrieved from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP), and gastric cancer-related targets from GeneCards and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM). The protein-protein interaction(PPI) network of the common targets was constructed with STRING, followed by Gene Ontology(GO) term enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of the common genes based on Bioconductor and R language. The medicinal-disease-component-target network and medicinal-disease-component-target-pathway network were established by Cytoscape. Molecular docking was performed between ß-sitosterol(the key component in Ganoderma) and the top 15 targets in the PPI network. Cell experiment was performed to verify the findings. A total of 14 active components and 28 targets of Ganoderma were retrieved, and the medicinal and the disease shared 25 targets, including caspase-3(CASP3), caspase-8(CASP8), caspase-9(CASP9), and B-cell lymphoma-2(BCL2). The common targets involved 72 signaling pathways and apoptosis and p53 signaling pathway may play a crucial role in the effect of Ganoderma against gastric cancer. ß-sitosterol had strong binding activity to the top 15 targets in the PPI network. The in vitro cell experiment demonstrated that ß-sitosterol inhibited gastric cancer AGS cell proliferation by inducing cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in the S phase, which might be related to the regulation of the p53 pathway. This study shows the multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway characteristics of Ganoderma against gastric cancer, which lays a scientific basis for further research on the molecular mechanism.

Effect of Observation of Shou Hui Tong Bian Capsule (Polygonum Multiflorum and Aloe-Based Herbal Capsule for Cathartic Effect) in Rapid Rehabilitation of Joint Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Shou Hui Tong Bian capsule (polygonum multiflorum and aloe-based herbal capsule for cathartic effect) in rapid rehabilitation of joint surgery. METHODS: A total of 98 patients undergoing perioperative joint surgery in our hospital from July 2019 to March 2020 were included in the study. According to the situation of arthroscopy and joint replacement therapy, the patients were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group, with 49 cases in each group. The control group was treated with conventional therapy. On the basis of the control group, the patients in the observation group were orally administrated with Shou Hui Tong Bian capsule, 2 capsules/time, 3 times/day. Both groups received continuous treatment for 14 days. The clinical effects, awakening time, postoperative exhaust time, and the number of patients with different degrees of abdominal distension in the four groups before and after treatment were observed and compared. RESULTS: After treatment, the total effective rate of arthroscopy in the control group was 66.7%, which was significantly lower than 83.3% in the observation group (P < 0.05). The total effective rate of joint replacement in the control group was 64.0%, which was significantly lower than 84.0% in the observation group (P < 0.05). After arthroscopic treatment and joint replacement treatment, the recovery time and postoperative exhaust time of borborygmus in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (both P < 0.05). After the treatment, the number of patients with different degrees of abdominal distension in the arthroscopic and joint replacement treatment group and the control group was significantly improved (P < 0.05), and the observation group was significantly better than the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The curative effect of Shou Hui Tong Bian capsule on patients undergoing arthroscopic joint surgery and joint replacement during perioperative period is obviously superior to that of conventional treatment. It can effectively improve the total effective rate, shorten the first exhaust time, and increase the number of patients without abdominal distension after treatment. It was safe and effective, and worthy of clinical promotion.

Hepatic protective effects of Shenling Baizhu powder, a herbal compound, against inflammatory damage via TLR4/NLRP3 signalling pathway in rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

OBJECTIVE: High-fat diet (HFD) and inflammation are two key contributors to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Shenling Baizhu powder (SLBZP), a classical herbal compound, has been successfully used to alleviate NAFLD. However, its specific mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we assessed the anti-NAFLD effect of SLBZP in vivo. METHODS: Rats were fed an HFD with or without SLBZP or with probiotics. At the end of week 16, an echo magnetic resonance imaging (EchoMRI) body composition analyser was used to quantitatively analyse body composition; a micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging system was used to evaluate whole body and liver fat; and the Moor full-field laser perfusion imager 2 was used to assess liver microcirculation, after which, all rats were sacrificed. Then, biochemical indicators in the blood and the ultrastructure of rat livers were evaluated. Protein expression related to the liver Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/Nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) signalling pathway was assessed using Western blot analysis. Further, high-throughput screening of 29 related inflammatory factors in liver tissue was performed using a cytokine array. RESULTS: SLBZP supplementation reduced body weight, serum free fatty acid, and insulin resistance index (P < 0.05). It also ameliorated liver microcirculation and ultrastructural abnormalities. EchoMRI and micro-CT quantitative analyses showed that treatment with SLBZP reduced fat mass and visceral fat (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). In addition, SLBZP decreased the expression of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated TLR4/NLRP3 signalling pathway-related proteins and altered the expression levels of some inflammatory cytokines in liver tissues. CONCLUSION: SLBZP can inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation and interleukin-1ß release by suppressing LPS-induced TLR4 expression in rats with HFD-induced NAFLD. Thus, SLBZP may be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory damage and associated diseases.

A new strategy for quality evaluation and control of Chinese patent medicine based on chiral isomer ratio analysis: With Yuanhuzhitong tablet as an example.

Chiral compounds commonly exist in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), but little research on the quality control of TCM has been conducted. In this study, a new strategy is proposed, taking Yuanhuzhitong tablet [YHZT, consisting of Radix Angelicae Dahuricae and Rhizoma Corydalis (Yan Hu Suo, YHS)] for example, which is based on chiral isomer ratio analysis to monitor the production process of Chinese patent medicine companies. In the process of content determination for tetrahydropalmatine (THP) in YHZT from different companies, noticeable differences were observed in their chromatographic behaviors. It is known that THP has two enantiomers, naturally coexisting in YHS as a racemic mixture, so we prepared THP twice and subsequently performed chiral separation analysis using supercritical fluid chromatography. As a result, the peak area ratios of two enantiomers from different companies varied remarkably, demonstrating that some companies did not probably manufacture YHZT products in accordance with the prescription proportion, used inferior or extracted YSH crude materials in the production process, and added raw chemical medicine in the production to reach the standard and lower the costs. In conclusion, the peak area ratio of chiral isomers could be taken as a key quality index.

Polydatin alleviates high-fat diet induced atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice by autophagic restoration.

BACKGROUND: Polydatin has been reported to possess remarkable anti-atherosclerotic activities. However, there are different opinions on its regulatory mechanisms. It remains unclear whether the anti-atherosclerotic mechanism of polydatin is related to its autophagic restoration or not. The aim of this study was to explore the question. METHODS: Using atherosclerotic model induced by high-fat diet in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice, the investigation was performed with polydatin alone or in combination with autophagic inhibitor or inducer intervention. Inhibitory sites of polydatin to PI3K were identified by molecular docking. RESULTS: Polydatin can significantly inhibit PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway proteins expression, improve autophagic dysfunction and reduce atherosclerotic lesions. These effects could be antagonized and reinforced by adding autophagic inhibitor and inducer, respectively. Inhibitory sites of polydatin to PI3K were found to be ASP-810, SER-854, VAL-851, LEU-807, SER-774, LYS-802, ASP-933, SER-919, ASN-920, PHE-930, MEF-922, GLN-859 of PI3Kα. CONCLUSIONS: The mechanism of polydatin to alleviate atherosclerotic lesions was achieved by autophagic restoration.

Hepatic protective effects of Shenling Baizhu powder, a herbal compound, against inflammatory damage via TLR4/NLRP3 signalling pathway in rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#High-fat diet (HFD) and inflammation are two key contributors to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Shenling Baizhu powder (SLBZP), a classical herbal compound, has been successfully used to alleviate NAFLD. However, its specific mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we assessed the anti-NAFLD effect of SLBZP in vivo.@*METHODS@#Rats were fed an HFD with or without SLBZP or with probiotics. At the end of week 16, an echo magnetic resonance imaging (EchoMRI) body composition analyser was used to quantitatively analyse body composition; a micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging system was used to evaluate whole body and liver fat; and the Moor full-field laser perfusion imager 2 was used to assess liver microcirculation, after which, all rats were sacrificed. Then, biochemical indicators in the blood and the ultrastructure of rat livers were evaluated. Protein expression related to the liver Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/Nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) signalling pathway was assessed using Western blot analysis. Further, high-throughput screening of 29 related inflammatory factors in liver tissue was performed using a cytokine array.@*RESULTS@#SLBZP supplementation reduced body weight, serum free fatty acid, and insulin resistance index (P < 0.05). It also ameliorated liver microcirculation and ultrastructural abnormalities. EchoMRI and micro-CT quantitative analyses showed that treatment with SLBZP reduced fat mass and visceral fat (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). In addition, SLBZP decreased the expression of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated TLR4/NLRP3 signalling pathway-related proteins and altered the expression levels of some inflammatory cytokines in liver tissues.@*CONCLUSION@#SLBZP can inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation and interleukin-1β release by suppressing LPS-induced TLR4 expression in rats with HFD-induced NAFLD. Thus, SLBZP may be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory damage and associated diseases.

Roles of metabolic regulation in developing Quercus variabilis acorns at contrasting geologically-derived phosphorus sites in subtropical China.

BACKGROUND: Phosphorus (P) -rich soils develop in phosphorite residing areas while P-deficient soils are ubiquitous in subtropical regions. Little has been reported that how metabolites participate in the seed development and the processes involved in their coping with contrasting-nutrient environments. RESULTS: Here we quantified the metabolites of Quercus variabilis acorns in the early (July), middle (August), late (September) development stages, and determined element (C, H, O, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Al, Mn, Na, Zn, and Cu) concentrations of acorns in the late stage, at geologically-derived contrasting-P sites in subtropical China. The primary metabolic pathways included sugar metabolism, the TCA cycle, and amino acid metabolism. Most metabolites (especially C- and N-containing metabolites) increased and then decreased from July to September. Acorns between the two sites were significantly discriminated at the three stages, respectively, by metabolites (predominantly sugars and organic acids). Concentrations of P, orthophosphoric acid and most sugars were higher; erythrose was lower in late-stage acorns at P-rich sites than those at P-deficient sites. No significant differences existed in the size and dry mass of individual acorns between oak populations at the two sites. CONCLUSIONS: Oak acorns at the two sites formed distinct metabolic phenotypes related to their distinct geologically-derived soil conditions, and the late-stage acorns tended to increase P-use-efficiency in the material synthesis process at P-deficient sites, relative to those at P-rich sites.