Land-use classification based on high-resolution remote sensing imagery and deep learning models.

High-resolution imagery and deep learning models have gained increasing importance in land-use mapping. In recent years, several new deep learning network modeling methods have surfaced. However, there has been a lack of a clear understanding of the performance of these models. In this study, we applied four well-established and robust deep learning models (FCN-8s, SegNet, U-Net, and Swin-UNet) to an open benchmark high-resolution remote sensing dataset to compare their performance in land-use mapping. The results indicate that FCN-8s, SegNet, U-Net, and Swin-UNet achieved overall accuracies of 80.73%, 89.86%, 91.90%, and 96.01%, respectively, on the test set. Furthermore, we assessed the generalization ability of these models using two measures: intersection of union and F1 score, which highlight Swin-UNet's superior robustness compared to the other three models. In summary, our study provides a systematic analysis of the classification differences among these four deep learning models through experiments. It serves as a valuable reference for selecting models in future research, particularly in scenarios such as land-use mapping, urban functional area recognition, and natural resource management.

Exploration in the Mechanism of Ginsenoside Rg5 for the Treatment of Osteosarcoma by Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking.

OBJECTIVE: Osteosarcoma is a primary malignancy originating from mesenchymal tissue characterized by rapid growth, early metastasis and poor prognosis. Ginsenoside Rg5 (G-Rg5) is a minor ginsenoside extracted from Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer which has been discovered to possess anti-tumor properties. The objective of current study was to explore the mechanism of G-Rg5 in the treatment of osteosarcoma by network pharmacology and molecular docking technology. METHODS: Pharmmapper, SwissTargetPrediction and similarity ensemble approach databases were used to obtain the pharmacological targets of G-Rg5. Related genes of osteosarcoma were searched for in the GeneCards, OMIM and DrugBank databases. The targets of G-Rg5 and the related genes of osteosarcoma were intersected to obtain the potential target genes of G-Rg5 in the treatment of osteosarccoma. The STRING database and Cytoscape 3.8.2 software were used to construct the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) platform was used to perform gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. AutoDock vina software was used to perform molecular docking between G-Rg5 and hub targets. The hub genes were imported into the Kaplan-Meier Plotter online database for survival analysis. RESULTS: A total of 61 overlapping targets were obtained. The related signaling pathways mainly included PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Proteoglycans in cancer, Lipid and atherosclerosis and Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus infection. Six hub targets including PIK3CA, SRC, TP53, MAPK1, EGFR, and VEGFA were obtained through PPI network and targets-pathways network analyses. The results of molecular docking showed that the binding energies were all less than -7 kcal/mol. And the results of survival analysis showed TP53 and VEGFA affect the prognosis of sarcoma patients. CONCLUSION: This study explored the possible mechanism of G-Rg5 in the treatment of osteosarcoma using network pharmacology method, suggesting that G-Rg5 has the characteristics of multi-targets and multi-pathways in the treatment of osteosarcoma, which lays a foundation for the follow-up experimental and clinical researches on the therapeutic effects of G-Rg5 on osteosarcoma.

Management Quality of Surgical Instrument and Influence of Cleaning and Sterilization on the Surgical Outcomes of the Patient: A Review.

When a medical device or surgical instrument comes into contact with the patient's sterile tissue or mucous membrane during the various processes, the risk of introducing infections into the patient's body increases. Furthermore, an infection may be transmitted from one patient to another, from a patient to a member of the medical staff and vice versa or from the environment to the patient via improperly sterilized or disinfected equipment. A number of outbreaks and diseases have been documented in the hospital setting as a result of poorly sanitized devices. As a result, adequate disinfection procedures for medical and surgical items are required in all healthcare facilities. It is equally the responsibility of healthcare providers to reduce and eliminate such infections. Each hospital should have its own standards for sterilization and disinfection of equipment based on the intended use of medical devices and associated infections. In order to reduce the risk of both endogenous and exogenous infections, infection control procedures must be implemented in general practice. Using a formulation containing alcohol alone or in combination with other agents to properly wash hands after each patient's checkup and before any procedure reduces the likelihood of transmitting infections to and from patients. Sterilization and disinfection are the most important aspects of infection control. The most common sterilization methods are steam sterilizers and ethylene dioxide sterilizers. Trash generated during practice should be handled according to protocol and rules, as it may be a source of nosocomial infections. Trained personnel are required to carry out these procedures.

Four new eudesmane-type and one new eremophilane-type sesquiterpenes from the whole plant of Carpesium abrotanoides L.

The extract of the whole plant of Carpesium abrotanoides L. yielded five new sesquiterpenes including four eudesmanes (1-4) and one eremophilane (5). The new compounds were characterized by spectroscopic analysis especially 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and HRESIMS data. Structurally, both compounds 1 and 2 were sesquiterpene epoxides and 2 owned an epoxy group at C-4/C-15 position to form a spiro skeleton. Compounds 4 and 5 were two sesquiterpenes without lactones and 5 possessed a carboxy group in the molecule. Additionally, all the isolated compounds were preliminarily evaluated for the inhibitory activity against SARS-CoV-2 main protease. As a result, compound 2 showed moderate activity with an IC50 value of 18.79 µM, while other compounds were devoid of noticeable activity (IC50 > 50 µM).

Integrating pharmacological evaluation and computational identification for deciphering the action mechanism of Yunpi-Huoxue-Sanjie formula alleviates diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Background: Yunpi-Huoxue-Sanjie (YP-SJ) formula is a Chinese herbal formula with unique advantages for the treatment of diabetic cardiovascular complications, such as Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). However, potential targets and molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, our research was designed to evaluate rat myocardial morphology, fat metabolism and oxidative stress to verify myocardial protective effect of YP-SJ formula in vivo. And then to explore and validate its probable mechanism through network pharmacology and experiments in vitro and in vivo. Methods: In this study, DCM rats were randomly divided into five groups: control group, model group, and three YP-SJ formula groups (low-dose, middle-dose, and high-dose groups). Experimental rats were treated with 6 g/kg/d, 12 g/kg/d and 24 g/kg/d YP-SJ formula by gavage for 10 weeks, respectively. Cardiac function of rats was measured by high-resolution small-animal imaging system. The cells were divided into control group, high glucose group, high glucose + control serum group, high glucose + dosed serum group, high glucose + NC-siRNA group, high glucose + siRNA-FoxO1 group. The extent of autophagy was measured by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and western blotting. Results: It was found that YP-SJ formula could effectively improve cardiac systolic function in DCM rats. We identified 46 major candidate YP-SJ formula targets that are closely related to the progression of DCM. Enrichment analysis revealed key targets of YP-SJ formula related to environmental information processing, organic systems, and the metabolic occurrence of reactive oxygen species. Meanwhile, we verified that YP-SJ formula can increase the expression of forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1), autophagy-related protein 7 (Atg7), Beclin 1, and light chain 3 (LC3), and decrease the expression of phosphorylated FoxO1 in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that YP-SJ formula could activate the FoxO1 signaling pathway associated with DCM rats. Further experiments showed that YP-SJ formula could improve cardiac function by regulating autophagy. Conclusion: YP-SJ formula treats DCM by modulating targets that play a key role in autophagy, improving myocardial function through a multi-component, multi-level, multi-target, multi-pathway, and multi-mechanism approach.

Suppression of Cucumber Green Mottle Mosaic Virus Infection by Boron Application: From the Perspective of Nutrient Elements and Carbohydrates.

Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) infection causes "blood flesh" symptoms in watermelon fruits, which severely reduces yield and edibleness. However, the growth of watermelon fruits is strongly associated with boron (B), a trace element for improving fruit quality. In this study, B-gradient hydroponic experiments (B concentration: 0, 2.86, and 5.72 mg·L-1 H3BO3) and foliar-spray experiments (B concentration: 30 and 300 mg·L-1 H3BO3) were performed. We found that the B-supplement could inhibit CGMMV infection and especially relieve "blood flesh" symptoms in watermelon fruits. The nutrient element, soluble sugar, and cell wall polysaccharide contents and their metabolism- and transport-related gene expressions were determined in leaves and fruits of the watermelons in B-gradient hydroponic and foliar-spray experiments. We found that the accumulation and metabolism of nutrients and carbohydrates in cells were disrupted by CGMMV infection; however, the B-supplement could restore and maintain their homeostasis. Additionally, we uncovered that NIP5;1 and SWEET4, induced by B-application with CGMMV infection, could majorly contribute to the resistance to CGMMV infection by regulating nutrient elements and carbohydrate homeostasis. These results provided a novel insight into the molecular mechanism of B-mediated CGMMV suppression and an efficient method of B-application for the improvement of watermelon quality after CGMMV infection.

[Impact of Land Use Types at Different Scales on Surface Water Environment Quality and Its Driving Mechanism].

As an important carrier of human activities, the spatial type of land use has an important impact on the surface water environment. Taking the Ruoergai wetland as an example, based on object-oriented remote sensing interpretation of land use types combined with water quality examination data, this study analyzed the impact and driving mechanism of land use types at different scales on the surface water environment at the small watershed and buffer scale. ① It was found that the water quality of the Ruoergai wetland could been classified as water grade V, and it was slightly eutrophic as a whole. The main pollutants were total nitrogen(TN) and phosphorus(TP), and the pollution originated from domestic sewage and grazing. ② The environmental quality of surface water was closely related to land use types. There was a negative correlation between chemical oxygen demand(COD) and the proportion of water area, a positive correlation between TN and the proportion of swamp area, and a negative correlation between total TP. ③ There was a significant correlation between spatial land use types at different scales and surface water environment. The land use type within a buffer of 1000 m had the highest interpretation degree for all factors, the land use type within a buffer of 200 m had the greatest interpretation degree for COD, the land use type within a buffer of 500 m zone had the greatest interpretation degree for TP and TN, and the land use type within a buffer of 800 m had the greatest explanation for Chl-a. The results of this study showed that the Ruoergai wetland wetland had a certain purification effect on pollutants and eutrophication. However, different land use types had different effects on different pollutants. The water body had a purification effect on Fe2+, COD, and Chl-a, and the swamp had a purification effect on TP but a cumulative effect on TN. Thus, the small-buffer zone(≤ 1000 m) land use type should be controlled, the water body and swamp areas should be controlled, the self-purification capacity of wetland waters should be improved, and the surface water environment of the Ruoergai wetland should be further protected and repaired.

[Chemical ingredient groups B and C in Kansui Radix stir-fried with vinegar affect diversity of gut microbiota in rat model of malignant ascites induced by Walker-256 cells].

This study aims to explore the effects of chemical ingredient groups B and C in Kansui Radix stir-fried with vinegar on the diversity of gut microbiota in the rat model of malignant ascites, identify the key differential microbial taxa, and reveal the biological mechanism of water-expelling effect of the two chemical ingredient groups. The rat model of malignant ascites induced by Walker-256 cells was established, and phenolphthalein was used as the positive drug. The rats were orally administrated with corresponding agents for consecutive 7 days. On day 6, fresh feces samples were collected from the rats, and 16 S rDNA high-throughput sequencing and GC-MS were employed to determine the composition of gut microbiota and the content of short-chain fatty acids, respectively. On day 7, serum and intestinal tissue samples were collected for the determination of related indicators. Compared with the control group, the model group showed decreased feces volume and urine volume(P<0.01), increased volume of ascites and levels of Na~+, K~+, and Cl~- in urine(P<0.01), down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of intestinal AQP8(P<0.01), lowered abundance of beneficial Lactobacillus(P<0.01) while risen abundance of potential pathogenic Lachnospiraceae and Anaeroplasma(P<0.01), and reduced content of short-chain fatty acids(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, administration with chemical ingredient groups B and C alleviated all the above indicators(P<0.01). In conclusion, chemical ingredient groups B and C in Kansui Radix stir-fried with vinegar could alleviate the disordered gut microbiota in rats with malignant ascites to expel water through increasing the abundance of beneficial Lactobacillus and reducing the abundance of harmful Lachnospiraceae and Anaeroplasma. This study can provide a reference for the reasonable clinical application of Kansui Radix stir-fried with vinegar.

[Effect of Kansui Radix stir-fried with vinegar on fecal metabolomics in Walker-256 rats with ascites].

Utilizing metabolomics technology, this study explored the change of fecal endogenous metabolites in Walker-256 rats with malignant ascites after the administration with Kansui Radix(KR) stir-fried with vinegar(VKR), sought the potential biomarkers in feces which were related to the treatment of malignant ascites by VKR and revealed the biological mechanism of water-expelling effect of VKR. Ultra-fast liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UFLC-Q-TOF-MS) was employed to detect the feces of rats in all groups. Principle component analysis(PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) were conducted to achieve pattern recognition. Combining t-test and variable importance in the projection(VIP) enabled the screening of potential biomarkers for the malignant ascites. Metabolic pathway analysis was accomplished with MetaboAnalyst. Correlation analysis was finally conducted integrating the sequencing data of gut microbiota to elucidate the mechanism underlying the water-expelling effect of VKR. The results showed that both KR and VKR could restore the abnormal metabolism of model rats to some extent, with VKR being inferior to KR in the regulation. Eleven potential biomarkers were identified to be correlated with the malignant ascites and five metabolic pathways were then enriched. Four kinds of gut microbiota were significantly related to the potential biomarkers. The water-expelling effect of VKR may be associated with the regulation of phenylalanine metabolism, biosynthesis of phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan, tryptophan metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and glycosylphosphatidylinositol(GPI)-anchor biosynthesis. This study can provide a scientific basis for comprehensive understandings of the interaction between gut microbiota and host which has relation to the water-expelling effect of VKR and guide the reasonable clinical application of VKR.

Influence of the Environment on the Distribution and Quality of Gentiana dahurica Fisch.

Gentiana dahurica Fisch. is a characteristic medicinal plant found in Inner Mongolia, China. To meet the increase in market demand and promote the development of medicinal plant science, we explored the influence of the environment on its distribution and the quantity of its active compounds (loganic acid and 6'-O-ß-D-glucosylgentiopicroside) to find suitable cultivation areas for G. dahurica. Based on the geographical distribution of G. dahurica in Inner Mongolia and the ecological factors that affect its growth, identified from the literature and field visits, a boosted regression tree (BRT) was used to model ecologically suitable areas in the region. The relationship between the content of each of active compound in the plant and ecological factors was also established for Inner Mongolia using linear regression. The results showed that elevation and soil type had the most significant influence on the distribution of G. dahurica-their relative contribution was 30.188% and 28.947%, respectively. The factors that had the greatest impact on the distribution of high-quality G. dahurica were annual precipitation, annual mean temperature, and temperature seasonality. The results of BRT and linear regression modeling showed that suitable areas for high-quality G. dahurica included eastern Ordos, southern Baotou, Hohhot, southern Wulanchabu, southern Xilin Gol, and central Chifeng. However, there were no significant correlations between the contents of loganic acid and 6'-O-ß-D-glucosylgentiopicroside and the ecological factors. This study explored the influence of the environment on the growth and quantity of active compounds in G. dahurica to provide guidance for coordinating the development of medicinal plant science.

The reproductive regulation of LPXRFa and its receptor in the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis of the spotted scat (Scatophagus argus).

Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) plays a critical role in regulating gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), gonadotropin hormone (GtH), and steroidogenesis. The Lpxrfa (the piscine ortholog of GnIH) system has been found to regulate fish reproduction. To gain insight into the role of Lpxrfa in the regulation of spotted scat (Scatophagus argus) reproduction, spotted scat Lpxrfa (ssLpxrfa), and its receptor (ssLpxrfa-r) were cloned and analyzed. Tissue distribution and expression patterns at the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG axis) of sslpxrfa and sslpxrfa-r mRNA were also investigated during gonadal development of spotted scat. The open reading frame (ORF) of the sslpxrfa was 606 bp encoding 201 amino acids and includes a putative signal peptide and two mature ssLpxrfa peptides with LPXRFamide motif at their C-terminus. The sslpxrfa-r ORF was 1449 bp encoding 482 amino acids and contracted a seven-hydrophobic transmembrane (TM) domain structure. The tissue distribution showe d that the sslpxrfa was highly expressed in hypothalami, gill, and the gonads. In addition, sslpxrfa-r was highly expressed in hypothalami, pituitaries, and the gonads. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) revealed that sslpxrfa had the highest expression in the hypothalami and pituitaries, and the lowest expression in the gonads in stage V. During gonadal development, the expression of sslpxrfa-r was gradually increased in the hypothalami but reduced in the gonads. However, no obvious trend was observed in the pituitaries. The expression of sslpxrfa and sslpxrfa-r decreased significantly after injection with 17ß-estradiol (E2). However, the expression of both sslpxrfa and sslpxrfa-r was not changed after injection with 17α-methyltestosterone(17α-MT) in the hypothalami. In addition, no changes were observed in the expression of fshß and lhß in the pituitaries after injecting ssLpxrfa-1. However, ssLpxrfa-2 could downregulate the expression of sbgnrh and fshß in the hypothalami and pituitaries, respectively. Taken together, these findings suggested that ssLpxrfa may participate in E2 feedback in reproduction and regulate the reproductive axis of spotted scat.

[Mechanism of Alisma orientale in treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease].

In this study, network pharmacology technology was combined with molecular docking technology and experimental verification to clarify the active ingredients, potential targets and mechanism of Alisma orientale for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD), providing a basis for its clinical application. The active ingredients of A. orientale were screened through traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database(TCMSP), and the potential targets related to both active ingredients and NAFLD were predicted through protein databases by considering the oral bioavailability(OB) and drug-likeness(DL). The "active ingredient-potential target" network was constructed by using Cytoscape software, and the molecular docking was performed between active ingre-dients and potential targets. KEGG pathway analysis and enrichment analysis were performed through DAVID biological information annotation databases. ClueGO software was used to analyze target GO annotation. Western blot and immunocytochemistry were used to detect the protein expression levels, and fluorescent probe was used to detect the reactive oxygen species(ROS) generation level. The results revealed that 7 active ingredients of A. orientale were obtained from TCMSP database and analysis platform, 140 ingredient-related targets were screened, and 59 potential targets were obtained by intersecting disease targets with ingredient-related targets. Molecular docking showed that 7 active ingredients of A. orientale could act on the potential targets including 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase(HMGCR) and tyrosine-protein phosphatase non-receptor type 1(PTPN1). In addition, KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the potential targets were mainly enriched in inflammatory mediator regulation, insulin resistance, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, vascular smooth muscle contraction, FcγR-mediated phagocytosis and other related pathways of tryptophan(TRP) channel. GO enrichment analysis showed that potential targets mainly affected the biological processes of G-protein coupled receptor signaling pathway, organic hydroxyl compound transport, positive regulation of lipid biosynthesis process, positive regulation of lipid metabolic process. Western blot, immunocytochemistry and fluorescent probe confirmed that the extract of A. orientale could reduce HMGCR and PTPN1 protein expression levels effectively, and also could reduce ROS production level of HepG2 cells. This study systematically revealed the material basis and mechanism of A. orientale in regulating NAFLD through multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway characteristics, which provided a theoretical basis and scientific basis for the clinical application of A. orientale.

Identification, functional characterization, and estrogen regulation on gonadotropin-releasing hormone in the spotted scat, Scatophagus argus.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a key neuropeptide of the reproductive system. However, little is known about the role of GnRH in the spotted scat (Scatophagus argus). Here, three GnRH subtypes (cGnRH-II, sGnRH, and sbGnRH) were identified in the spotted scat. cGnRH-II and sGnRH were only expressed in the brains and gonads of both male and female fish, exhibiting a tissue-specific expression pattern, while sbGnRH was expressed at different transcription levels in all examined tissues. During ovarian maturation, hypothalamus-associated sbGnRH was upregulated, while the expression of sGnRH was variable and cGnRH-II first increased and then decreased. In vivo experiments showed that sbGnRH significantly promoted the expression of fsh and lh genes in a dose-dependent manner and exhibited a desensitization effect on lh expression at high concentrations. For sGnRH and cGnRH-II, only high concentrations could induce fsh and lh expression. Furthermore, treatment with highly concentrated sbGnRH peptide also induced fsh and lh expression, whereas the sGnRH and cGnRH-II peptides only induced fsh expression in vitro. 17ß-Estradiol (E2) significantly inhibited the expression of sbGnRH mRNA in a dose-dependent manner and did not impact sGnRH and cGnRH-II mRNA levels in vivo or in vitro. The inhibitory effect of E2 on sbGnRH expression was attenuated by the estrogen receptor (ER) broad-spectrum antagonist (fulvestrant) and the ERα-specific antagonist (methyl-piperidinopyrazole), respectively, implying that the feedback regulation on sbGnRH is mediated via ERα. This study provides a theoretical basis for the reproductive endocrinology of the spotted scat by studying GnRH.

[Effect of chemical ingredients B and C in Kansui stir-baked with vinegar on fecal metabolomics in rats].

To reveal the toxic mechanism of Kansui stir-baked with vinegar(VEK), conducta comparative study on the metabolites of fecal samples of rats before and after being treated with chemical constituents group B and C(VEKB/VEKC) extracted from VEK by metabolomics approach. The fecal samples of each group were analyzed using ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry(UFLC-Q-TOF-MS). Then the data was processed by principal component analysis(PCA) and partial least square discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) to screen and identify biomarkers relating to the toxicity of VEK. Besides, t-test was adopted for univariate statistical analysis, so as to study the changes of these biomarkers in drug groups before and after being treated with VEKB/VEKC and explore the effect of VEKB/VEKC on the metabolism of rat feces. Furthermore, the toxic mechanism of VEKB/VEKC was explored based on the results of the metabolic pathway analysis. The results displayed that compared with control group, the metabolism of fecal samples of VEKB and VEKC treated groups show obvious changes, and the VEKB treated group show more significant changes. A total of 16 potential biomarkers and 5 metabolic pathways relating to the toxicity of VEK were found and identified. And the toxicity of VEK might be associated with the disorder of such metabolic pathways as tryptophan metabolism, primary bile acid biosynthesis, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, purine metabolism, and degradation of valine, leucine and isoleucine. This study provides a scientific basis for the clinical safety application of VEK.

Phoenixin participated in regulation of food intake and growth in spotted scat, Scatophagus argus.

Phoenixin (Pnx) is an endogenous peptide known to be involved in reproduction and food intake in rats, with two active isoforms, phoenixin-14 (Pnx-14) and phoenixin-20 (Pnx-20). However, little is known about the functions of Pnx in teleost. Here, pnx was cloned and was detected in all tissues of both male and female in spotted scat (Scatophagus argus), including growth axis, hypothalamus, pituitary, and liver. Real-time PCR analysis showed that pnx in the hypothalamus increased significantly after 2 d and 7 d fasting, while reduced significantly after re-feeding (P < 0.05). When pituitary and liver fragments were cultured in vitro with Pnx-14 and Pnx-20 (10 nM and 100 nM) for 6 h, the expression of ghrhr (growth hormone-releasing hormone receptor) and gh (growth hormone) in the pituitary, and ghr1 (growth hormone receptor 1) in the liver increased significantly, except ghr2 (growth hormone receptor 2) incubated with 10 nM and 100 nM Pnx-20 and ghr1 incubated with 10 nM Pnx-20. Similarly, the expression of ghrhr and gh in the pituitary, as well as ghr1 and ghr2 in the liver, increased significantly after injecting S. argus with Pnx-14 and Pnx-20 (10 ng/g and 100 ng/g body weight). These results indicate that Pnx is likely to be involved in the regulation of food intake, and also regulates the growth of S. argus by increasing ghrhr and gh expression in the pituitary, ghr1 and ghr2 in the liver, and ghr1 directly in the liver.

Comparative Efficacy of Autologous Stromal Vascular Fraction and Autologous Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Combined With Hyaluronic Acid for the Treatment of Sheep Osteoarthritis.

The current study explored whether intra-articular (IA) injection of autologous adipose mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) combined with hyaluronic acid (HA) achieved better therapeutic efficacy than autologous stromal vascular fraction (SVF) combined with HA to prevent osteoarthritis (OA) progression and determined how long autologous ASCs combined with HA must remain in the joint to observe efficacy. OA models were established by performing anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) and medial meniscectomy (MM). Autologous SVF (1×107 mononuclear cells), autologous low-dose ASCs (1×107), and autologous high-dose ASCs (5×107) combined with HA, and HA alone, or saline alone were injected into the OA model animals at 12 and 15 weeks after surgery, respectively. Compared with SVF+HA treatment, low-dose ASC+HA treatment yielded better magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scores and macroscopic results, while the cartilage thickness of the tibial plateau did not differ between low, high ASC+HA and SVF+HA treatments detected by micro-computed tomography (µCT). Immunohistochemistry revealed that high-dose ASC+HA treatment rescued hypertrophic chondrocytes expressing collagen X in the deep area of articular cartilage. Western blotting analysis indicated the high- and low-dose ASC+HA groups expressed more collagen X than did the SVF+HA group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed treatment with both ASC+HA and SVF+HA resulted in differing anti-inflammatory and trophic effects. Moreover, superparamagnetic iron oxide particle (SPIO)-labeled autologous ASC signals were detected by MRI at 2 and 18 weeks post-injection and were found in the lateral meniscus at 2 weeks and in the marrow cavity of the femoral condyle at 18 weeks post-injection. Thus, IA injection of autologous ASC+HA may demonstrate better efficacy than autologous SVF+HA in blocking OA progression and promoting cartilage regeneration, and autologous ASCs (5×107 cells) combined with HA potentially survive for at least 18 weeks after IA injection.

Molecular cloning, characterization and expression analysis of spexin in spotted scat (Scatophagus argus).

Spexin (Spx), a novel neuropeptide, composed of 14 amino acid residues, is evolutionally conserved from fish to mammals. It has been suggested that Spx has pleiotropic functions in mammals. However, reports about Spx are very limited. To clarify the roles of Spx in the regulation of reproduction and food-intake in the spotted scat, the spx (ssspx) gene was cloned and analyzed. Analysis of the tissue distribution by RT-PCR showed that ssspx expression was widespread. During ovary development, expression of ssspx was found to be highest in phase II, moderate in phase III, and at its lowest level in phase IV. Ssspx expression was significantly down-regulated in the hypothalamus after treatment with E2 both in vitro and in vivo. A significant increase of ssspx was observed after 2 and 7 days of food deprivation. However, the ssspx transcript levels in the 7 day fasting group decreased significantly after refeeding 3 h after the scheduled feeding time. This suggests that ssSpx may be involved in the regulation of reproduction and food-intake in the spotted scat.

The toxicity and efficacy evaluation of different fractions of Kansui fry-baked with vinegar on Walker-256 tumor-bearing malignant ascites effusion rats and normal rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Kansui, the root of Euphorbia kansui S.L.Liou ex S.B.Ho (E.kansui), is a classical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with certain toxicity. According to the theory of TCM, kansui fry-baked wtith vinegar (VEK) possesses low toxicity and mild diuretic and purgative efficacy. In clinical practice, it is commonly used for the treatmtablent of ascites and oliguria. The present study aimed to evaluate the toxicity and efficacy of different fractions of VEK and reveal the underlying material basis by employing an animal model of malignant ascites effusion (MAE) in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODSTA: The MAE rats as the model were constructed in SPF male wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of Walker-256 tumor cells. The MAE rats were used and randomly divided into the control group (normal rats), control groups with different fractions (VEKA, VEKB, VEKC and VEKD), model group (MAE rats), positive control group (model group with furosemide), model groups with different fractions (VEKA, VEKB, VEKC and VEKD). Histopathological observation was used to confirm Walker-256 tumor-bearing organ injuries in rats. For the efficacy evaluation, the ascites and urine volumes, the urinary electrolyte concentrations (Na+, K+ and Cl-) and pH, the ascites levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ and VEGF), PRA, the serum levels of Ang II, ALD and ADH, as well as AQP8 protein expression in the gastrointestinal tract were detected. Furthermore, different levels of indicators were measured in the toxicity evaluation of different fractions both on normal and model rats, including serum liver enzymes (AST and ALT), serum oxidative damage parameters (GSH, MDA, LDH and SOD), expressions of inflammatory parameters (NF-κB, ICAM-1 and E-cadherin) and apoptosis signals (caspase-3, -8, -9, Bcl-2 and Bax) in the liver and gastrointestinal tract. RESULTS: Walker-256 tumor-bearing malignant ascites effusion rats showed obvious hepatic and gastrointestinal injuries by histopathological observation. In the efficacy evaluation, model rats treated with VEKB and VEKC showed significant urine increase (VEKB, P < 0.01; VEKC, P < 0.01) and ascites reduction (VEKB, P < 0.01; VEKC, P < 0.01). These two fractions also balanced the concentrations of Na+, K+ and Cl- in urine (VEKB, all P < 0.05; VEKC, all P < 0.05), remarkably decreased urinary pH (VEKB, P < 0.01; VEKC, P < 0.01), and reduced the ascites levels of IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ and VEGF (VEKB, all P < 0.01; VEKC, all P < 0.01) in the model rats. Moreover, levels of PRA, the serum Ang II, ALD and ADH of model rats were decreased after treated by VEKB and VEKC (VEKB, all P < 0.05; VEKC, all P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the expression of gastrointestinal AQP8 of the model rats was also enhanced after treated by VEKB and VEKC (VEKB, P < 0.01; VEKC, P < 0.01). In the toxicity evaluation, although VEKB and VEKC caused toxic indexes moved to the worse aspects in normal rats, nearly all of these indicators notably improved in the model rats. Additionally, VEKA showed no effect on the indicators, either in the efficacy evaluation or in the toxicity evaluation. And VEKD could significantly improve some indicators (urine volume, concentration of K+ in urine, serum MDA, AI and caspase-9) in MAE rats. CONCLUSIONS: VEKB and VEKC were demonstrated a significant efficacy in treating malignant ascites effusion, which could reduce hepatic and gastrointestinal damage on the model rats but cause the same damage to the normal. These data embody the traditional Chinese medicine application principle: You Gu Wu Yun. And these results will provide reference for the safer and better clinical utilization of kansui.

Efficient analysis of phytochemical constituents in the peel of Chinese wild citrus Mangshanju (Citrus reticulata Blanco) by ultra high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry.

An efficient ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry method was developed for separation and profiling of phytochemical constituents of Chinese wild mandarin Mangshanju (Citrus reticulata Blanco). All constituents were well separated within 16 min. Based on retention times, accurate mass, MSE fragments, and/or reference standards as well as databases, a total of 81 compounds were unambiguously identified or tentatively assigned including flavonoid glycosides, acylated flavonoid glycosides, flavones, polymethoxylated flavonoids, and limonoids as well as four other compounds. Among them, 22 polymethoxylated flavones and ten polymethoxylated flavanones/chalcones were identified in Mangshanju, more types than other citrus reported before. A basic procedure for identifying flavonoid-O-glycosides and the aglycones including polymethoxylated flavonoids was proposed. In addition, this method was successfully used to analyze another four mandarin germplasms, Cenxi suan ju, Xipi gousi gan, Nanfeng miju, and Or, showing that Mangshanju contained two characteristic compounds distinct from the other four citrus species. This study systematically profiled phytochemical constituents of Mangshanju, which was helpful for further utilization of Mangshanju owing to its abundant bioactive compounds.

Evaluation of toxicity studies of flavonoid fraction of Lithocarpus polystachyus Rehd in rodents.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety of flavonoid fraction of Lithocarpus polystachyus Rehd (Sweet Tea-F, ST-F) in mice and rats through acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies respectively. For acute toxicity study, a single dose of 5000 mg/kg of ST-F was given orally to healthy KM mice. The mice were observed mortality and toxic symptoms for 24 h, then once a day up to 14 days. In the sub-chronic toxicity study, ST-F was administered orally at doses of 0, 70, 140, 560 mg/kg/day to rats for 26 weeks. Body weight and food intake were recorded weekly. Hematological, biochemical, coagulation and organ parameters were analyzed at the end of 26 weeks administration. Vital organs were evaluated by histopathology. In the acute toxicity study, ST-F caused neither significant toxic symptoms, nor mortality in mice. In sub-chronic toxicity study, daily oral administration of ST-F at the dose of 70 mg/kg resulted in a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the relative body weight at the 10-week, and the same situation brought at the dose of 140 mg/kg/day at the 22-week. Hematological and biochemical showed significant changes (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05) in WBC, GLU, ALP, AST and serum electrolytes levels at the dose of 560 mg/kg/day. The amount of RBC decreased significantly (P < 0.05) while the content of PLT slightly increased (P < 0.05) at the dose of 140 mg/kg/day. In additional, no obvious histological changes were observed in vital organs of ST-F treated animals compared to control group. The ST-F may be exit slight side effects at the dose of 560 mg/kg/day in rats. Thus, the overall results show that the no-observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of ST-F was considered to be 140 mg/kg for male SD rats.