Efficacy of hyaluronic acid on the prevention of intrauterine adhesion and the improvement of fertility: A meta-analysis of randomized trials.

BACKGROUND: and purpose:Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) and re-adhesion were common problems in women of childbearing age. The aim of our research was to evaluate the efficacy of hyaluronic acid gel on preventing IUA and improving the fertility. METHODS: A systematic search for randomized controlled trial (RCT) articles that tested the effectiveness of using hyaluronic acid gel during intrauterine surgery in prevention of IUA and improvement of fertility was performed in PubMed, Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library and clinicaltrials.gov until December 2020. Data were extracted independently and analyzed using RevMan statistical software version 5.3. RESULTS: Twelve articles (11 studies) were deemed eligible for inclusion. There was a significantly reduced proportion of IUA after using hyaluronic acid gel during intrauterine operation (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.52). It has significantly reduced the incidence of moderate-to-severe IUA after using hyaluronic acid gel, but no effect on the mild IUA. In addition, our analysis showed that the hyaluronic acid gel group was associated with a significant increased incidence of pregnancy (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.08 to 2.50). CONCLUSION: Our analysis confirmed that using hyaluronic acid gel during intrauterine operation seemed to be more helpful for patients with high risk of IUA. However, larger and well-designed studies would be desired in the future to confirm its efficacy and safety in protecting fertility.

Effects of multi-frequency ultrasonic on the physicochemical properties and bioactivities of polysaccharides from different parts of ginseng.

The effect of multi-frequency ultrasonic extraction (MUE) on the yields, physicochemical properties, antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of polysaccharides (GPs) from different parts of ginseng were compared. Results demonstrated that yields of polysaccharides from different parts were found to vary significantly differences, in the order of roots (M-GRPs) > flowers (M-GFPs) > leaves (M-GLPs). Compared with heat reflux extraction, MUE not only increased the yield of GPs by up to 9.14%-210.87%, with higher uronic acid content (UAC: increased by 4.99%-53.48%), total phenolics content (TPC: increased by 7.60% to 42.61%), total flavonoids content (TFC: increased by 2.52%-5.45%), and lower molecular weight (Mw: reduced by 6.51%- 33.08%) and protein content (PC: reduced by 5.15%-8.95%), but also improved their functional properties and bioactivities. All six purified polysaccharides extracted by MUE were acidic pyran polysaccharide with different monosaccharide composition, possessed remarkable antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Especially, M-GFP-1 exhibited the highest bioactivities, illustrated that the activities were highly correlated with UAC and TPC, Mw, and triple helical structure. These results indicate that MUE was an efficient technique for improving yields, physicochemical and functional properties and enhancing biological activities of polysaccharide.

[Effects of Dissolved Oxygen on Nutrient Removal Performance and Microbial Community in Low Carbon/Nitrogen Municipal Wastewater Treatment Process].

To explore the effects of dissolved oxygen (DO) on the treatment of low carbon/nitrogen municipal wastewater, this study examined the characteristics of the microbial community in a low carbon source environment. The treatment process was conducted with the aeration area having DO concentrations of 2-3, 1-2, and lower than 1 mg·L-1. The results demonstrated that reduced DO concentration in the aeration area increased the efficiency of the nitrogen removal process by 20.23% and 80.54%, for external and internal carbon sources, respectively. Similarly, the efficiency of internal carbon source utilization in the phosphorus removal process increased by 13.89%, thus enhancing the nutrient removal efficiency of the low carbon/nitrogen wastewater treatment system. High-throughput sequencing and RDA analysis showed that reduced oxygen concentration motivated an adjustment in microbial community structure, causing functional microorganisms (i.e., Dechloromonas) to become dominant. In addition, the upregulation of genes associated with energy production and conversion, signal transduction, substrate transport, and metabolism provided favourable nutritional conditions for the proliferation of functional microorganisms in low carbon source conditions. This study provides a theoretical basis for improving the growth of microorganisms involved in the nutrient removal process when treating low carbon/nitrogen municipal wastewater.

[Quality evaluation of fried Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma pieces by HPLC fingerprint and multicomponent quantitative analysis].

To establish the HPLC fingerprint and multi-component determination method of fried Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma pieces. HPLC analysis was performed on Thermo Acclaim ~(TM)120 C_(18) column(4.6 mm×250 mm, 5 µm). Acetonitrile-0.1% phosphoric acid aqueous solution was taken as the mobile phase for gradient elution. The flow rate was 1 mL·min~(-1),the column temperature was maintained at 30 ℃, and the detection wavelength was 237 nm and 360 nm. The similarity of 15 batches of fried Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma pieces was higher than 0.849, and 17 common peaks were identified. Liquiritin, isoliquiritin apioside, isoliquiritin, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin and glycyrrhizic acid were identified; among them, the mass fractions of Liquiritin, isoliquiritin apioside, isoliquiritin, liquiritigenin, glycyrrhizic acid were were 0.519%-3.058%, 0.227%-0.389%, 0.070%-0.439%, 0.038%-0.173%, 1.381%-4.252%, respectively. According to the cluster analysis, the 15 batches of decoction pieces were classified into three categories; principal component analysis screened out four principal components, with the cumulative variance contribution rate of 86.630%, indicating that the principal components contained most information of original data. Partial least squares discriminant ana-lysis marked 6 differential components in the decoction pieces. The established fingerprint and multicomponent determination are stable and reliable, and can provide a reference for the quality control of Radix Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizomae and fried Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma pieces.

Purification and Structural Characterization of Dendrobium officinale Polysaccharides and Its Activities.

In this study, Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide (named DOPS-1) was isolated from the stems of Dendrobium officinale by hot-water extraction and purified by using Sephadex G-150 column chromatography. The structural characterization, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity were carried out. Based on the results of HPLC, GC, Congo red experiment, together with periodate oxidation, Smith degradation, SEM, FT-IR, and NMR spectral analysis, it expressed that DOPS-1 was largely composed of mannose, glucose and galacturonic acid in a molar ratio of 3.2 : 1.3 : 1. The molecular weight of DOPS-1 was 1530 kDa and the main chain was composed of (1→4)-ß-D-Glcp, (1→4)-ß-D-Manp and 2-O-acetyl-(1→4)-ß-D-Manp. The measurement results of antioxidant activity showed that DOPS-1 had the strong scavenging activities on hydroxyl radicals, DPPH radicals and superoxide radicals and the high reducing ability in vitro. Moreover, DOPS-1 was cytotoxic to all three human cancer cells of MDA-MB-231, A549 and HepG2.

Microalgae as sustainable food and feed sources for animals and humans - Biotechnological and environmental aspects.

Offering a potential solution for global food security and mitigating environmental issues caused by the expansion of land-based food production, the carbon-hunger and nutrient-rich microalgae emerged as a sustainable food source for both humans and animals. Other than as an alternative source for protein, microalgae offer its most valuable nutrients, omega-3 and 6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids where the content can compete with that of marine fish with lower chemicals contamination and higher purity. Furthermore, the colorful pigments of microalgae can act as antioxidants together with many other health-improving properties as well as a natural colorant. In addition, the supplementation of algae as animal feed provides plentiful benefits, such as improved growth and body weight, reduced feed intake, enhanced immune response and durability towards illness, antibacterial and antiviral action as well as enrichment of livestock products with bioactive compounds. The significant breakthrough in algal biotechnology has made algae a powerful "cell factory" for food production and lead to the rapid growth of the algal bioeconomy in the food and feed industry. The first overview of this review was to present the general of microalgae and its potential capability. Subsequently, the nutritional compositions of microalgae were discussed together with its applications in human foods and animal feeds, followed by the exploration of their economic feasibility and sustainability as well as market trends. Lastly, both challenges and future perspectives were also discussed.

Beneficial effects of an endogenous enrichment in n3-PUFAs on Wnt signaling are associated with attenuation of alcohol-mediated liver disease in mice.

Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is a major human health issue for which there are limited treatment options. Experimental evidence suggests that nutrition plays an important role in ALD pathogenesis, and specific dietary fatty acids, for example, n6 or n3-PUFAs, may exacerbate or attenuate ALD, respectively. The purpose of the current study was to determine whether the beneficial effects of n3-PUFA enrichment in ALD were mediated, in part, by improvement in Wnt signaling. Wild-type (WT) and fat-1 transgenic mice (that endogenously convert n6-PUFAs to n3) were fed ethanol (EtOH) for 6 weeks followed by a single LPS challenge. fat-1 mice had less severe liver damage than WT littermates as evidenced by reduced plasma alanine aminotransferase, hepatic steatosis, liver tissue neutrophil infiltration, and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. WT mice had a greater downregulation of Axin2, a key gene in the Wnt pathway, than fat-1 mice in response to EtOH and LPS. Further, there were significant differences between WT and fat-1 EtOH+LPS-challenged mice in the expression of five additional genes linked to the Wnt signaling pathway, including Apc, Fosl1/Fra-1, Mapk8/Jnk-1, Porcn, and Nkd1. Compared to WT, primary hepatocytes isolated from fat-1 mice exhibited more effective Wnt signaling and were more resistant to EtOH-, palmitic acid-, or TNFα-induced cell death. Further, we demonstrated that the n3-PUFA-derived lipid mediators, resolvins D1 and E1, can regulate hepatocyte expression of several Wnt-related genes that were differentially expressed between WT and fat-1 mice. These data demonstrate a novel mechanism by which n3-PUFAs can ameliorate ALD.

Combined Treatment of Heteronemin and Tetrac Induces Antiproliferation in Oral Cancer Cells.

BACKGROUND: Heteronemin, a marine sesterterpenoid-type natural product, possesses an antiproliferative effect in cancer cells. In addition, heteronemin has been shown to inhibit p53 expression. Our laboratory has demonstrated that the thyroid hormone deaminated analogue, tetrac, activates p53 and induces antiproliferation in colorectal cancer. However, such drug mechanisms are still to be studied in oral cancer cells. METHODS: We investigated the antiproliferative effects by Cell Counting Kit-8 and flow cytometry. The signal transduction pathway was measured by Western blotting analyses. Quantitative PCR was used to evaluate gene expression regulated by heteronemin, 3,3',5,5'-tetraiodothyroacetic acid (tetrac), or their combined treatment in oral cancer cells. RESULTS: Heteronemin inhibited not only expression of proliferative genes and Homo Sapiens Thrombospondin 1 (THBS-1) but also cell proliferation in both OEC-M1 and SCC-25 cells. Remarkably, heteronemin increased TGF-ß1 expression in SCC-25 cells. Tetrac suppressed expression of THBS-1 but not p53 expression in both cancer cell lines. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of tetrac and heteronemin inhibited ERK1/2 activation and heteronemin also blocked STAT3 signaling. Combined treatment increased p53 protein and p53 activation accumulation although heteronemin inhibited p53 expression in both cancer cell lines. The combined treatment induced antiproliferation synergistically more than a single agent. CONCLUSIONS: Both heteronemin and tetrac inhibited ERK1/2 activation and increased p53 phosphorylation. They also inhibited THBS-1 expression. Moreover, tetrac suppressed TGF-ß expression combined with heteronemin to further enhance antiproliferation and anti-metastasis in oral cancer cells.

Maternal immune activation impairs cognitive flexibility and alters transcription in frontal cortex.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies suggest that the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia is increased by prenatal exposure to viral or bacterial infection during pregnancy. It is still unclear how activation of the maternal immune response interacts with underlying genetic factors to influence observed ASD phenotypes. METHODS: The current study investigated how maternal immune activation (MIA) in mice impacts gene expression in the frontal cortex in adulthood, and how these molecular changes relate to deficits in cognitive flexibility and social behavior, and increases in repetitive behavior that are prevalent in ASD. Poly(I:C) (20 mg/kg) was administered to dams on E12.5 and offspring were tested for social approach behavior, repetitive grooming, and probabilistic reversal learning in adulthood (n = 8 vehicle; n = 9 Poly(I:C)). We employed next-generation high-throughput mRNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to comprehensively investigate the transcriptome profile in frontal cortex of adult offspring of Poly(I:C)-exposed dams. RESULTS: Exposure to poly(I:C) during gestation impaired probabilistic reversal learning and decreased social approach in MIA offspring compared to controls. We found long-term effects of MIA on expression of 24 genes, including genes involved in glutamatergic neurotransmission, mTOR signaling and potassium ion channel activity. Correlations between gene expression and specific behavioral measures provided insight into genes that may be responsible for ASD-like behavioral alterations. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that MIA can lead to impairments in cognitive flexibility in mice similar to those exhibited in ASD individuals, and that these impairments are associated with altered gene expression in frontal cortex.

Ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block combined with acupuncture for the treatment of calcified tendinitis of rotator cuff / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the method and effect of ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block combined with acupuncture in the treatment of calcified tendinitis of rotator cuff.@*METHODS@#From January 2015 to December 2017, total 30 patients with calcified tendinitis, including 23 cases of supraspinatus tendon, 5 cases of infraspinatus tendon and 2 cases of subscapular tendon, were treated with ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block combined with acupuncture. There were 7 males and 23 females, ranging in age from 36 to 71 years old, with an average of 51.6 years old. There were 17 cases on the right and 13 cases on the left. VAS pain score, Constant-murley score, UCLA score and X-ray examination were used to evaluate the clinical results before and after surgery.@*RESULTS@#The mean follow-up was 14.3 months (6 to 30 months). The preoperative VAS score was 3.82±1.13, Constant-Murley score was 36.91±7.95 and UCLA score was 11.35±2.17. The final follow-up scores were 1.32±1.06, 90.61±2.89 and 33.22±1.51, respectively. The final follow-up scores were improved significantly(<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Conservative treatment of calcified rotator cuff tendinitis is ineffective. Suprascapular nerve block guided by ultrasound combined with acupuncture has a good therapeutic effect. It is a minimally invasive, economic, safe and effective method, which is worth promoting.

Evaluation of the Relationship Between the 18S rRNA/rDNA Ratio and Population Growth in the Marine Diatom Skeletonema tropicum via the Application of an Exogenous Nucleic Acid Standard.

Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) has been regarded as a proxy for metabolic activity and population growth in microbes, but the limitations and assumptions of this approach should be better defined, particularly in eukaryotic microalgae. In this study, the 18S rRNA/rDNA ratio of a marine diatom, Skeletonema tropicum, was examined in batch and semi-continuous cultures subjected to low nitrogen and phosphorus treatments at a temperature of 20 °C. In the semi-continuous cultures, the measured 18S rRNA/rDNA ratio ranged from 4.0 × 102 to 5.0 × 103 , and the logarithmic form of this ratio increased linearly with the population growth rate under both low nitrogen and low phosphorus conditions. In batch cultures grown under low nitrogen or low phosphorus conditions, log (rRNA/rDNA) also increased linearly with growth rate when the latter ranged between -0.4 and 1.5 day-1 . The 18S rRNA/rDNA ratios of Skeletonema sampled from in the southern East China Sea were substantially lower than measured from laboratory cultures. Among the field samples, ratios obtained at a coastal station were higher than those obtained farther offshore. These results imply higher growth rate at the coastal station, but the influences of other factors, such as cell size and temperature, cannot be ruled out.

Liver-directed microRNA-7a depletion induces nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by stabilizing YY1-mediated lipogenic pathways in zebrafish.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been associated with the function and changes in expression levels of microRNAs (miRs). MiR-7 has been proven to play an important role in many cellular processes; however, its functions in the context of liver lipogenesis remain unknown. We applied the microRNA-sponge (miR-SP) technology and generated transgenic miR-7a-SP models (hC7aSP and bC7aSP), which disrupted the activities of hepatic miR-7a and induced the early onset of NAFLD and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in zebrafish. We identified a novel miR-7a target, YY1, and demonstrated novel miR-7a functions to regulate zebrafish hepatic lipid metabolism by controlling YY1 stabilization through the regulation of the expression of lipogenic signaling pathways. Correspondingly, liver specific miR-7a depletion functionally promoted lipid accumulation in hC7ASP livers. NASH hC7aSP increased the expression of inflammatory genes (il-1b, il-6, tnf-α, ifn-γ, nfkb2, and NF-kB) and endoplasmic reticulum stress markers (atf6, ern2, ire1, perk, hspa5 and ddit3). Molecular analysis revealed that miR-7a-SP can stabilize YY1 expression and contribute to the accumulation of hepatic triglycerides by reducing the CHOP-10 expression in the hC7aSP and then inducing the transactivation of C/EBP-α and PPAR-γ expression. PPAR-γ antagonists and miR-7a mimic treatment ameliorate hC7aSP NASH phenotypes. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that miR-7a-SP acts as a lipid enhancer by directly increasing YY1 stability to disrupt CHOP-10-dependent suppression of lipogenic pathways, resulting in increased lipid accumulation. MiR-7a expression improves liver steatosis and steatohepatitis in hC7aSPs, which suggests a novel strategy for the prevention and early treatment of NASH in humans.

Hair growth is promoted by BeauTop via expression of EGF and FGF­7.

Minoxidil and finasteride have been approved to treat hair loss by the Food and Drug Administration. However, the further elucidation of treatments for hair loss, including those using Chinese herbal medicine, remains important clinically. BeauTop (BT) is a health food supplement which contains Ginseng radix, Astragali radix, Radix Angelicae sinensis, Ligustri fructus, Rehmannia glutinosa and Eclipta prostrata (Linn). Susbsequent to oral administration of BT at 0.6 g/kg/day to wax/rosin­induced alopecia in C57BL/6 mice, BT significantly induced hair growth at day 8 compared with control treatment (P<0.05). The expression levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF), and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)­7 were increased compared with control animals on day 8. In contrast, levels of FGF­5 of the BT group were reduced compared with the control on day 12. There were no effects on the expression of insulin­like growth factor 1. The results demonstrated that the mechanism of BT improving alopecia is potentially associated with modulation of EGF and FGF­7 levels. Taken together, it is suggested that BT may have a potential effect of the promotion of hair growth.

Therapeutic applications of resveratrol and its derivatives on periodontitis.

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of the supporting tissues of the teeth induced by periodontopathic bacteria that results in the progressive destruction of periodontal tissues. Treatment of periodontitis is painful and time-consuming. Recently, herbal medicines have been considered for use in treating inflammation-related diseases, including periodontitis. Resveratrol and its derivative 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-ß-glucoside (THSG), a polyphenol extracted from Polygonum multiflorum, have anti-inflammatory properties and other medical benefits. Here, we highlight the importance of resveratrol and its glycosylated derivative as possible complementary treatments for periodontitis and their potential for development as innovative therapeutic strategies. In addition, we present evidence and discuss the mechanisms of action of resveratrol and THSG on periodontitis, focusing on Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced inflammatory responses in human gingival fibroblasts and animal modeling of ligature-induced periodontitis. We also illuminate the signal transduction pathways and the cytokines involved.

Evaluation of LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury Attenuation in Rats by Aminothiazole-Paeonol Derivatives.

Paeonol is a key phenolic compound in the root bark of Moutan Cortex Radicis that has been used in traditional Chinese Medicine to ameliorate inflammation. A series of aminothiazole-paeonol derivatives (APDs) were synthesized in this work and subjected to preliminary evaluation in cells followed by verification in animals. Quantification of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in culture media of LPS-activated A549 cells, a lung epithelial adenocarcinoma cell line, were used to investigate the anti-inflammatory capability of APDs. ALI-bearing rats were employed to verify therapeutic efficacy of APDs according to observations of total cells, protein amounts, MCP-1 and IL-6 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Histopathological examinations of lung tissues were consequently applied for validation of APDs. Among these compounds, 2-(2-aminothiazol-4-yl)-5-methoxyphenol (4) had the most potent activity, showing comparable inhibition of MCP-1/IL-6 and superior elimination of neutrophil infiltration and protein exudation in lungs compared to others as well as dexamethasone. This study demonstrated a comprehensive strategy to evaluate APDs through integration of cell-based screening and animal-based verification. In order to fulfill unmet needs of treating acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), APDs introduced in this work could be promising lead compounds to develop high potent anti-inflammation agents.

Gut Microbiota-Mediated Personalized Treatment of Hyperlipidemia Using Berberine.

Nitroreductases (NRs) are bacterial enzymes that reduce nitro-containing compounds. We have previously reported that NR of intestinal bacteria is a key factor promoting berberine (BBR) intestinal absorption. We show here that feeding hamsters with high fat diet (HFD) caused an increase in blood lipids and NR activity in the intestine. The elevation of fecal NR by HFD was due to the increase in either the fraction of NR-producing bacteria or their activity in the intestine. When given orally, BBR bioavailability in the HFD-fed hamsters was higher than that in those fed with normal chow (by +72%, *P<0.05). BBR (100 mg/kg/day, orally) decreased blood lipids in the HFD-fed hamsters (**P<0.01) but not in those fed with normal diet. Clinical studies indicated that patients with hyperlipidemia had higher fecal NR activity than that in the healthy individuals (**P<0.01). Similarly, after oral administration, the blood level of BBR in hyperlipidemic patients was higher than that in healthy individuals (*P<0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a positive relationship between blood BBR and fecal NR activity (r=0.703). Thus, the fecal NR activity might serve as a biomarker in the personalized treatment of hyperlipidemia using BBR.

Carvacrol Ameliorates Ligation-Induced Periodontitis in Rats.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate the ameliorative effect of carvacrol, an anti-inflammatory monoterpenoid phenol and a major component of Plectranthus amboinicus, on periodontal damage in an experimental rat model of periodontitis. METHODS: Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into ligation (Lig), non-ligation (n-Lig), and two ligation plus carvacrol (Lig+C) groups. Carvacrol (17.5 or 35.0 mg/kg body weight/day) was administered intragastrically from 1 day before ligation. On day 8, dental alveolar bone loss and gingival inflammation in periodontal specimens were examined by dental radiography, microcomputed tomography, and histology. Expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and inducible nitric oxide synthase messenger (m)RNAs, and levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 in gingiva were examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and zymography. RESULTS: Dental radiography revealed periodontal bone-supporting ratios in Lig and Lig+C groups were lower than the n-Lig group, with Lig group ratios being lowest. Compared with the n-Lig group, the cemento-enamel junction-bone distance was significantly longer in Lig and Lig+C groups, with Lig+C groups showing shorter distances regardless of radiographic methods used. Histology and histometry showed less inflammatory area and stronger connective tissue attachment in Lig+C groups than in the Lig group. Cytokine/mediator mRNA expression and MMP-9 levels were reduced in the Lig+C groups. CONCLUSIONS: Carvacrol reduced tissue damage and bone loss caused by ligation-induced periodontitis. The present results indicate that carvacrol might reduce tissue destruction by downregulating expression of proinflammatory mediators and MMP-9.

Effects of epidural compression on stellate neurons and thalamocortical afferent fibers in the rat primary somatosensory cortex.

A number of neurological disorders such as epidural hematoma can cause compression of cerebral cortex. We here tested the hypothesis that sustained compression of primary somatosensory cortex may affect stellate neurons and thalamocortical afferent (TCA) fibers. A rat model with barrel cortex subjected to bead epidural compression was used. Golgi-Cox staining analyses showed the shrinkage of dendritic arbors and the stripping of dendritic spines of stellate neurons for at least 3 months post-lesion. Anterograde tracing analyses exhibited a progressive decline of TCA fiber density in barrel field for 6 months post-lesion. Due to the abrupt decrease of TCA fiber density at 3 days after compression, we further used electron microscopy to investigate the ultrastructure of TCA fibers at this time. Some TCA fiber terminal profiles with dissolved or darkened mitochondria and fewer synaptic vesicles were distorted and broken. Furthermore, the disruption of mitochondria and myelin sheath was observed in some myelinated TCA fibers. In addition, expressions of oxidative markers 3-nitrotyrosine and 4-hydroxynonenal were elevated in barrel field post-lesion. Treatment of antioxidant ascorbic acid or apocynin was able to reverse the increase of oxidative stress and the decline of TCA fiber density, rather than the shrinkage of dendrites and the stripping of dendritic spines of stellate neurons post-lesion. Together, these results indicate that sustained epidural compression of primary somatosensory cortex affects the TCA fibers and the dendrites of stellate neurons for a prolonged period. In addition, oxidative stress is responsible for the reduction of TCA fiber density in barrels rather than the shrinkage of dendrites and the stripping of dendritic spines of stellate neurons.

Flos Farfarae Inhibits Enterovirus 71-Induced Cell Injury by Preventing Viral Replication and Structural Protein Expression.

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection can cause airway symptoms, brainstem encephalitis, neurogenic shock, and neurogenic pulmonary edema with high morbidity and mortality. There is no proven therapeutic modality. Flos Farfarae is the dried flower bud of Tussilago farfara L. that has been used to manage airway illnesses for thousands of years. It has neuro-protective activity and has been used to manage neuro-inflammatory diseases. However, it is unknown whether Flos Farfarae has activity against EV71-induced neuropathy. The current study used both human foreskin fibroblast (CCFS-1/KMC) and human rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cell lines to test the hypothesis that a hot water extract of Flos Farfarae could effectively inhibit EV71 infection. The authenticity of Flos Farfarae was confirmed by HPLC-UV fingerprint. Through plaque reduction assays and flow cytometry, Flos Farfarae was found to inhibit EV71 infection ([Formula: see text]). Inhibition of viral replication and protein expression were further confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), and western blot, respectively. The estimated IC[Formula: see text]s were 106.3[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL in CCFS-1/KMC, and 15.0[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL in RD cells. Therefore, Flos Farfarae could be beneficial to inhibit EV71 infection by preventing viral replication and structural protein expression.

Identification of natural antimicrobial peptides from bacteria through metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analysis of high-throughput transcriptome data of Taiwanese oolong teas.

BACKGROUND: Anti-microbial peptides (AMPs), naturally encoded by genes and generally containing 12-100 amino acids, are crucial components of the innate immune system and can protect the host from various pathogenic bacteria and viruses. In recent years, the widespread use of antibiotics has resulted in the rapid growth of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms that often induce critical infection and pathogenesis. Recently, the advent of high-throughput technologies has led molecular biology into a data surge in both the amount and scope of data. For instance, next-generation sequencing technology has been applied to generate large-scale sequencing reads from foods, water, soil, air, and specimens to identify microbiota and their functions based on metagenomics and metatranscriptomics, respectively. In addition, oolong tea is partially fermented and is the most widely produced tea in Taiwan. Many studies have shown the benefits of oolong tea in inhibiting obesity, reducing dental plaque deposition, antagonizing allergic immune responses, and alleviating the effects of aging. However, the microbes and their functions present in oolong tea remain unknown. RESULTS: To understand the relationship between Taiwanese oolong teas and bacterial communities, we designed a novel bioinformatics scheme to identify AMPs and their functional types based on metagenomics and metatranscriptomic analysis of high-throughput transcriptome data. Four types of oolong teas (Dayuling tea, Alishan tea, Jinxuan tea, and Oriental Beauty tea) were subjected to 16S ribosomal DNA and total RNA extraction and sequencing. Metagenomics analysis results revealed that Oriental Beauty tea exhibited greater bacterial diversity than other teas. The most common bacterial families across all tea types were Bacteroidaceae (21.7%), Veillonellaceae (22%), and Fusobacteriaceae (12.3%). Metatranscriptomics analysis results revealed that the dominant bacteria species across all tea types were Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Chryseobacterium sp. StRB126, which were subjected to further functional analysis. A total of 8194 (6.5%), 26,220 (6.1%), 5703 (5.8%), and 106,183 (7.8%) reads could be mapped to AMPs. CONCLUSION: We found that the distribution of anti-gram-positive and anti-gram-negative AMPs is highly correlated with the distribution of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria in Taiwanese oolong tea samples.