Identification of sedative-hypnotic compounds shared by five medicinal Polyporales mushrooms using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS-based untargeted metabolomics.

BACKGROUND: Five Polyporales mushrooms, namely Amauroderma rugosum, Ganoderma lucidum, G. resinaceum, G. sinense and Trametes versicolor, are commonly used in China for managing insomnia. However, their active components for this application are not fully understood, restricting their universal recognition. PURPOSE: In this study, we aimed to identify sedative-hypnotic compounds shared by these five Polyporales mushrooms. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS-based untargeted metabolomics, including OPLS-DA (orthogonal projection of potential structure discriminant analysis) and OPLS (orthogonal projections to latent structures) analysis together with mouse assays, were used to identify the main sedative-hypnotic compounds shared by the five Polyporales mushrooms. A pentobarbital sodium-induced sleeping model was used to investigate the sedative-hypnotic effects of the five mushrooms and their sedative-hypnotic compounds. RESULTS: Ninety-two shared compounds in the five mushrooms were identified. Mouse assays showed that these mushrooms exerted sedative-hypnotic effects, with different potencies. Six triterpenes [four ganoderic acids (B, C1, F and H) and two ganoderenic acids (A and D)] were found to be the main sedative-hypnotic compounds shared by the five mushrooms. CONCLUSION: We for the first time found that these six triterpenes contribute to the sedative-hypnotic ability of the five mushrooms. Our novel findings provide pharmacological and chemical justifications for the use of the five medicinal mushrooms in managing insomnia.

Identification of candidate genes and residues for improving nitrogen use efficiency in the N-sensitive medicinal plant Panax notoginseng.

BACKGROUND: Nitrogen (N) metabolism-related key genes and conserved amino acid sites in key enzymes play a crucial role in improving N use efficiency (NUE) under N stress. However, it is not clearly known about the molecular mechanism of N deficiency-induced improvement of NUE in the N-sensitive rhizomatous medicinal plant Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F. H. Chen. To explore the potential regulatory mechanism, the transcriptome and proteome were analyzed and the three-dimensional (3D) information and molecular docking models of key genes were compared in the roots of P. notoginseng grown under N regimes. RESULTS: Total N uptake and the proportion of N distribution to roots were significantly reduced, but the NUE, N use efficiency in biomass production (NUEb), the recovery of N fertilizer (RNF) and the proportion of N distribution to shoot were increased in the N0-treated (without N addition) plants. The expression of N uptake- and transport-related genes NPF1.2, NRT2.4, NPF8.1, NPF4.6, AVP, proteins AMT and NRT2 were obviously up-regulated in the N0-grown plants. Meanwhile, the expression of CIPK23, PLC2, NLP6, TCP20, and BT1 related to the nitrate signal-sensing and transduction were up-regulated under the N0 condition. Glutamine synthetase (GS) activity was decreased in the N-deficient plants, while the activity of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) increased. The expression of genes GS1-1 and GDH1, and proteins GDH1 and GDH2 were up-regulated in the N0-grown plants, there was a significantly positive correlation between the expression of protein GDH1 and of gene GDH1. Glu192, Glu199 and Glu400 in PnGS1 and PnGDH1were the key amino acid residues that affect the NUE and lead to the differences in GDH enzyme activity. The 3D structure, docking model, and residues of Solanum tuberosum and P. notoginseng was similar. CONCLUSIONS: N deficiency might promote the expression of key genes for N uptake (genes NPF8.1, NPF4.6, AMT, AVP and NRT2), transport (NPF1.2 and NRT2.4), assimilation (proteins GS1 and GDH1), signaling and transduction (genes CIPK23, PLC2, NLP6, TCP20, and BT1) to enhance NUE in the rhizomatous species. N deficiency might induce Glu192, Glu199 and Glu400 to improve the biological activity of GS1 and GDH, this has been hypothesized to be the main reason for the enhanced ability of N assimilation in N-deficient rhizomatous species. The key genes and residues involved in improving NUE provide excellent candidates for the breeding of medicinal plants.

Mechanism of cryptotanshinone to improve endocrine and metabolic functions in the endometrium of PCOS rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Cryptotanshinone is the main bioactive component of Salvia miltiorrhiza, with various mechanisms of action, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular protection, neuroprotection, and hepatoprotection. Salvia miltiorrhiza is used clinically by gynecologists in China. AIM OF THE STUDY: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has a significant impact on women's quality of life, leading to infertility and reproductive disorders. Hence, this study aims to assess the pharmacological activity of cryptotanshinone in the treatment of PCOS and investigate its therapeutic mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) combined with insulin is used to simulate a PCOS-like rat model and attempt to discover the abnormal changes that occur and the means by which the pathway acts in this model. RESULTS: The transcriptome sequencing method is used to identify 292 differential genes that undergo significant changes, of which 219 were upregulated and 73 were downregulated. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis of the signaling pathways reveals that differential expressed genes are significantly enriched in 23 typical pathways. Estrogen signaling pathways are screened in the cryptotanshinone and model groups, and significant differential changes in Fos, ALOX12, and AQP8 are found. This suggests that these signaling pathways and molecules may be the main signaling targets for regulating the differences in endometrial tissue. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that cryptotanshinone has targets for regulating the proliferation of endometrial tissue via estrogen signaling pathways in PCOS-like rats, providing an experimental basis for the clinical application of cryptotanshinone in the treatment of PCOS.

Advances in Phytochemistry and Modern Pharmacology of Saposhnikovia Divaricata (Turcz.) Schischk.

Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz.) Schischk (S. divaricata, Fangfeng) is a herb in the Apiaceae family, and its root has been used since the Western Han Dynasty (202 B.C.). Chromones and coumarins are the pharmacologically active substances in S. divaricata. Modern phytochemical and pharmacological studies have demonstrated their antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor, and anticoagulant activities. Technological and analytical strategy theory advancements have yielded novel results; however, most investigations have been limited to the main active substances-chromones and coumarins. Hence, we reviewed studies related to the chemical composition and pharmacological activity of S. divaricata, analyzed the developing trends and challenges, and proposed that research should focus on components' synergistic effects. We also suggested that, the structure-effect relationship should be prioritized in advanced research.

Mediating effect of mindfulness level on the relationship between marital quality and postpartum depression among primiparas.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression refers to a depressive episode or depressive symptoms up to 12 mo after delivery. Trait mindfulness has presented a protective factor for postpartum depressive symptoms and proved efficient in improving relationship satisfaction among couples. AIM: To investigate the correlations among mindfulness, marital quality, anxiety, and depression in a large city in western China during the post-corona virus infectious disease-2019 era and determine whether trait mindfulness mediates the relationship between marital quality and postpartum anxiety and depression among primiparas. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted. The self-administered questionnaire was submitted online through smartphones. The levels of mindfulness, anxiety, depression, and marital quality were respectively investigated by the mindful attention awareness scale (MAAS), the self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), the self-rating depression scale (SDS), and the marriage perception scale (MPS) in these enrolled Han and Tujia primiparas. RESULTS: No statistical significance was observed in the prevalence of postpartum anxiety and depression, nor scores of MAAS and MPS-Total in different regions or ethnicities (P > 0.05). However, MPS-Marital interaction (P < 0.05), MPS-Family relationship (MPS-FR) (P < 0.01), and MPS-Marital conflict (MPS-MC) (P < 0.01) scores of urban primiparas were higher than those of rural primiparas. The MPS-MC score of Han primiparas was higher than that of Tujia primiparas (P < 0.05). Negative correlations were observed between MAAS and SAS (r = -0.457, P < 0.01), and MAAS and SDS (r = -0.439, P < 0.01). SAS has revealed a highly positive correlation with SDS (r = 0.720, P < 0.01) and a weak negative correlation with MPS (r = -0.200, P < 0.05). Besides, a weak negative correlation was observed between MAAS and MPS-MC (r = -0.184, P < 0.05), and a weak positive correlation was noticed between SAS and MPS-MC (r = -0.225, P < 0.01). Mediation analysis demonstrated a full mediation effect of mindfulness level on the relationship between MPS-FR and postpartum anxiety (P < 0.05, 95%CI: -0.384 to 0.033), MPS-MC and postpartum anxiety (P < 0.01, 95%CI: 0.027-0.193), MPS-FR and postpartum depression (P < 0.05, 95%CI: -0.365 to 0.031), and MPS-MC and postpartum depression (P < 0.01, 95%CI: 0.022-0.206). CONCLUSION: Mindfulness demonstrates negative correlations with marital conflict, postpartum anxiety and depression, and it may have cross-ethnic and trans-regional characteristics. Although the mindfulness levels have revealed no significant mediating effect between the total score of marital quality and postpartum depression in this study, it demonstrates a full mediation effect on the relationships between family relationships, marital conflict, and postpartum anxiety and depression.

A tri-herb formulation protects against ethanol-induced mouse liver injury and downregulates mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1.

BACKGROUND: A tri-herb formulation comprising Ganoderma (the dried fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum), Puerariae Thomsonii Radix (the dried root of Pueraria thomsonii) and Hoveniae Semen (the dried mature seed of Hovenia acerba) -GPH for short- has been using for treating liver injury; however, the pharmacological basis of this application of GPH is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the liver protective effects and mechanisms of action of an ethanolic extract of GPH (GPHE) in mice. METHODS: To control the quality of GPHE, the contents of ganodermanontriol, puerarin and kaempferol in the extract were quantified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography. An ethanol (6 ml/kg, i.g.)-induced liver injury ICR mouse model was employed to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of GPHE. RNA-sequencing analysis and bioassays were performed to reveal the mechanisms of action of GPHE. RESULTS: The contents of ganodermanontriol, puerarin and kaempferol in GPHE were 0.0632%, 3.627% and 0.0149%, respectively. Daily i.g. administration of 0.25, 0.5 or 1 g/kg of GPHE for 15 consecutive days suppressed ethanol (6 ml/kg, i.g., at day 15)-induced upregulation of serum AST and ALT levels and improved histological conditions in mouse livers, indicating that GPHE protects mice from ethanol-induced liver injury. Mechanistically, GPHE downregulated the mRNA level of Dusp1 (encoding MKP1 protein, an inhibitor of the mitogen-activated protein kinases JNK, p38 and ERK), and upregulated expression and phosphorylation of JNK, p38 and ERK, which are involved in cell survival in mouse liver tissues. Also, GPHE increased PCNA (a cell proliferation marker) expression and reduced TUNEL-positive (apoptotic) cells in mouse livers. CONCLUSION: GPHE protects against ethanol-induced liver injury, and this effect of GPHE is associated with regulation of the MKP1/MAPK pathway. This study provides pharmacological justifications for the use of GPH in treating liver injury, and suggests that GPHE has potential to be developed into a modern medication for managing liver injury.

Exogenous gibberellic acid shortening after-ripening process and promoting seed germination in a medicinal plant Panax notoginseng.

BACKGROUND: Panax notoginseng (Burk) F.H. Chen is an essential plant in the family of Araliaceae. Its seeds are classified as a type of morphophysiological dormancy (MPD), and are characterized by recalcitrance during the after-ripening process. However, it is not clear about the molecular mechanism on the after-ripening in recalcitrant seeds. RESULTS: In this study, exogenous supply of gibberellic acid (GA3) with different concentrations shortened after-ripening process and promoted the germination of P. notoginseng seeds. Among the identified plant hormone metabolites, exogenous GA3 results in an increased level of endogenous hormone GA3 through permeation. A total of 2971 and 9827 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in response to 50 mg L-1 GA3 (LG) and 500 mg L-1 GA3 (HG) treatment, respectively, and the plant hormone signal and related metabolic pathways regulated by GA3 was significantly enriched. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed that GA3 treatment enhances GA biosynthesis and accumulation, while inhibiting the gene expression related to ABA signal transduction. This effect was associated with higher expression of crucial seed embryo development and cell wall loosening genes, Leafy Contyledon1 (LEC1), Late Embryogenesis Abundant (LEA), expansins (EXP) and Pectinesterase (PME). CONCLUSIONS: Exogenous GA3 application promotes germination and shorts the after-ripening process of P. notoginseng seeds by increasing GA3 contents through permeation. Furthermore, the altered ratio of GA and ABA contributes to the development of the embryo, breaks the mechanical constraints of the seed coat and promotes the protrusion of the radicle in recalcitrant P. notoginseng seeds. These findings improve our knowledge of the contribution of GA to regulating the dormancy of MPD seeds during the after-ripening process, and provide new theoretical guidance for the application of recalcitrant seeds in agricultural production and storage.

High nitrogen inhibits biomass and saponins accumulation in a medicinal plant Panax notoginseng.

Nitrogen (N) is an important macronutrient and is comprehensively involved in the synthesis of secondary metabolites. However, the interaction between N supply and crop yield and the accumulation of effective constituents in an N-sensitive medicinal plant Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F. H. Chen is not completely known. Morphological traits, N use and allocation, photosynthetic capacity and saponins accumulation were evaluated in two- and three-year-old P. notoginseng grown under different N regimes. The number and length of fibrous root, total root length and root volume were reduced with the increase of N supply. The accumulation of leaf and stem biomass (above-ground) were enhanced with increasing N supply, and LN-grown plants had the lowest root biomass. Above-ground biomass was closely correlated with N content, and the relationship between root biomass and N content was negatives in P. notoginseng (r = -0.92). N use efficiency-related parameters, NUE (N use efficiency, etc.), NC (N content in carboxylation system component) and P n (the net photosynthetic rate) were reduced in HN-grown P. notoginseng. SLN (specific leaf N), Chl (chlorophyll), NL (N content in light capture component) increased with an increase in N application. Interestingly, root biomass was positively correlated with NUE, yield and P n. Above-ground biomass was close negatively correlated with photosynthetic N use efficiency (PNUE). Saponins content was positively correlated with NUE and P n. Additionally, HN improved the root yield of per plant compared with LN, but reduced the accumulation of saponins, and the lowest yield of saponins per unit area (35.71 kg·hm-2) was recorded in HN-grown plants. HN-grown medicinal plants could inhibit the accumulation of root biomass by reducing N use and photosynthetic capacity, and HN-induced decrease in the accumulation of saponins (C-containing metabolites) might be closely related to the decline in N efficiency and photosynthetic capacity. Overall, N excess reduces the yield of root and C-containing secondary metabolites (active ingredient) in N-sensitive medicinal species such as P. notoginseng.

Two new bibenzyls from Pleione grandiflora (Rolfe) Rolfe and their antioxidant activity.

Two new bibenzyls (1 and 2) were isolated from the pseudobulbs of Pleione grandiflora (Rolfe) Rolfe along with six known compounds, including isoarundinin I (3), isoarundinin II (4), bulbocodin D (5), batatasin III (6), 5,3'-dihydroxy- 4-(p-hydroxybenzyl)-3-methoxybibenzyl (7) and shancigusin F (8). Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic methods. These compounds showed potent DPPH free radical scavenging effects with IC50 values ranging from 49.72 ± 0.35 µM to 65.41 ± 0.49 µM.

iTRAQ and RNA-seq analyses provide an insight into mechanisms of recalcitrance in a medicinal plant Panax notoginseng seeds during the after-ripening process.

Panax notoginseng (Burk) F.H. Chen is an important economic and medicinal plant from the family of Araliaceae, and its seed is characterised by the recalcitrance and after-ripening process. However, the molecular mechanism on the dehydration sensitivity is not clear in recalcitrant seeds. In the present study, isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) and RNA-seq were used to analyse the proteomic and transcriptomic changes in seeds of P. notoginseng in days after-ripening (DAR). A total of 454 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and 12000 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained. The activity of enzymes related to antioxidant system were significantly increased, and the late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) protein family and most members of glutathione metabolism enzymes have been downregulated during the after-ripening process. The lack or inadequate accumulation of LEA proteins in the embryo and the low activity of antioxidant defense in glutathione metabolism might be the key factors leading to the dehydration sensitivity in recalcitrant seeds of P. notoginseng. In addition, the increased activity of elycolysis (EMP), citric acid cycle (TCA) and pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) pathways might be one of important signals to complete the after-ripening process. Overall, our study might provide a new insight into the molecular mechanism on dehydration sensitivity of recalcitrant seeds.

Textual and information research of classical prescription Mijiao Pills / 中国中药杂志

Elaphurus davidianus( Milu),a rare animal unique to China,has been used as medicine for more than a thousand years,but the extinction of Milu in modern times resulted in the unavailability of related medical products. Today,the reintroduction of Milu population makes it possible to restore its medicinal usage. The resource reserves of Cervi Cornu,the natural shedding product from Milu,are increasing with the expansion of the population,allowing it to be fully utilized in the medical field. Mijiao Pills,first recorded in Important Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold for Emergency( Bei Ji Qian Jin Yao Fang) by Sun Simiao in the Tang Dynasty,is the first Chinese medicinal prescription with Cervi Cornu as the sovereign medicinal,which is effective in tonifying. Its composition,preparation,efficacy and indications,and administration are described in detail in the Important Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold for Emergency,which however,have changed significantly over the thousands of years,seriously affecting the clinical application of this classical prescription and related product development. Therefore,the key information of this prescription should be systematically collated and summarized. According to the principles of textual research on key information in ancient classical prescriptions promulgated by relevant authorities,this paper reviewed ancient Chinese medical books of the past dynasties,modern literature,as well as the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China( 2020 Version) to figure out such key information as the source,historical evolution,original plants and animals and their processing,dosage,preparation,and usage of Mijiao Pills. This paper aimed to provide a basis for the clinical application of Mijiao Pills and subsequent product development,thus facilitating the development and utilization of this precious medicinal animal resource.

Integrated analysis on biochemical profiling and transcriptome revealed nitrogen-driven difference in accumulation of saponins in a medicinal plant Panax notoginseng.

The medicinal plant Panax notoginseng is considered a promising source of secondary metabolites due to its saponins. However, there are relatively few studies on the response of saponins to nitrogen (N) availability and the mechanisms underlying the N-driven regulation of saponins. Saponins content and saponins -related genes were analyzed in roots of P. notoginseng grown under low N (LN), moderate N (MN) and high N (HN). Saponins was obviously increased in LN individuals with a reduction in ß-glucosidase activity. LN facilitated root architecture and N uptake rate. Compared with the LN individuals, 2872 and 1122 genes were incorporated into as differently expressed genes (DEGs) in the MN and HN individuals. Clustering and enrichment showed that DEGs related to "carbohydrate biosynthesis", "plant hormone signal transduction", "terpenoid backbone biosynthesis", "sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid biosynthesis" were enriched. The up-regulation of some saponins-related genes and microelement transporters was found in LN plants. Whereas the expression of IPT3, AHK4 and GS2 in LN plants fell far short of that in HN ones. Anyways, LN-induced accumulation of C-based metabolites as saponins might derive from the interaction between N and phytohormones in processing of N acquisition, and HN-induced reduction of saponins might be result from an increase in the form of ß-glucosidase activity and N-dependent cytokinins (CKs) biosynthesis.

A case report of appendix mucinous adenocarcinoma that recurred after additional surgery and a brief literature review.

BACKGROUND: The clinical incidence of appendiceal mucinous adenocarcinoma is low. Moreover, the case reports of postoperative relapse after surgery are rarely based on literature search results. Here, we report such a case spanning nearly 7 years and and review the relevant literature. CASE PRESENTATION: A 50-year-old female underwent additional surgery after appendectomy, and pathological examination confirmed mucinous adenocarcinoma. The patients underwent HIPEC (hyperthermic intraoperative chemotherapy) and adjuvant chemotherapy. Twenty-six months after the previous surgeries, another surgery, HIPEC, and adjuvant chemotherapy were performed again due to tumour recurrence. To date, the follow-up time is 43 months, and no recurrence or metastasis has been found. CONCLUSIONS: Appendix mucinous adenocarcinoma has a poor prognosis and the diagnosis depends on pathological and immunohistochemical examinations. Its clinical manifestations are non-specific, and CRS + HIPEC should be used for treatment, which is safe and effective.

Radical-Mediated Strategies for the Functionalization of Alkenes with Diazo Compounds.

One of the most common reactions of diazo compounds with alkenes is cyclopropanation, which occurs through metal carbene or free carbene intermediates. Alternative functionalization of alkenes with diazo compounds is limited, and a methodology for the addition of the elements of Z-CHR2 (with Z = H or heteroatom, and CHR2 originates from N2═CR2) across a carbon-carbon double bond has not been reported. Here we report a novel reaction of diazo compounds utilizing a radical-mediated addition strategy to achieve difunctionalization of diverse alkenes. Diazo compounds are transformed to carbon radicals with a photocatalyst or an iron catalyst through PCET processes. The carbon radical selectively adds to diverse alkenes, delivering new carbon radical species, and then forms products through hydroalkylation by thiol-assisted hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), or forms azidoalkylation products through an iron catalytic cycle. These two processes are highly complementary, proceed under mild reaction conditions, and show high functional group tolerance. Furthermore, both transformations are successfully performed on a gram-scale, and diverse γ-amino esters, γ-amino alcohols, and complex spirolactams are easily prepared with commercially available reagents. Mechanistic studies reveal the plausible pathways that link the two processes and explain the unique advantages of each.

[Advances in biosynthesis of indigo in plants].

Natural indigo, as one of the oldest dyes, is also a pivotal dye utilized in cotton fabrics today. A diversity of plants rich in indigo compounds belong to traditional Chinese herbal medicines. Indigo compounds have a variety of biological and pharmacological activities, including anticonvulsant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and anticancer activities. A substantial progress in indigo biosynthesis has been made lately. This paper summarizes the value of indigo from the aspects of cultural history, biosynthetic pathways and the medicinal activities of its related derivatives involved in the pathways. In addition, the latest research advancements in indigo biosynthetic pathways is demonstrated in this paper, which would lay the theoretical foundation for the exploration and utilization of natural indigo.

Effect of Leifsonia sp. on retardation of uranium in natural soil and its potential mechanisms.

Uranium mining and milling activities for many years resulted in release of uranium into the adjoining soil in varying degrees. Bioremediation approaches (i.e., immobilization via the action of bacteria) resulting in uranium bearing solid is supposed as an economic and clean in-situ approach for the treatment of uranium contaminated sites. This study purposes to determine the immobilization efficiency of uranium in soil by Leifsonia sp. The results demonstrated that cells have a good proliferation ability under the stress of uranium and play a role in retaining uranium in soil. Residual uranium in active Leifsonia-medium group (66%) was higher than that in the controls, which was 31% in the deionised water control, 46% in the Leifsonia group, and 47% in the medium group, respectively. This indicated that Leifsonia sp. facilitates the immobilization efficiency of uranium in soil by converting part of the reducible and oxidizable fraction of uranium into the residual fraction. X-ray photoelectron fitting results showed that tetravalent states uranium existed in the soil samples, which indicated that the hexavalent uranium was converted into tetravalent by cells. This is the first report of effect of Leifsonia sp. on uranium immobilization in soil. The findings implied that Leifsonia sp. could, to some extent, prevent the migration and diffusion of uranium in soil by changing the chemical states into less toxicity and less risky forms.

Influence on Uranium(VI) migration in soil by iron and manganese salts of humic acid: Mechanism and behavior.

Soil contains large amounts of humic acid (HA), iron ions and manganese ions, all of which affect U(VI) migration in the soil. HA interacts with iron and manganese ions to form HA salts (called HA-Fe and HA-Mn in this paper); however, the effects of HA-Fe and HA-Mn on the migration of U(VI) is not fully understood. In this study, HA-Fe and HA-Mn were compounded by HA interactions with ferric chloride hexahydrate and manganese chloride tetrahydrate, respectively. The influence of HA, HA-Fe and HA-Mn on U(VI) immobilization and migration was investigated by bath adsorption experiments and adsorption-desorption experiments using soil columns. The results showed that the presence of HA, HA-Fe and HA-Mn retarded the migration of U(VI) in soil. Supported by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and BCR sequential extraction analyses, a plausible explanation for the retardation was that HA-Fe and HA-Mn could reduce hexavalent uranium to stable tetravalent uranium and increase the specific gravity of Fe/Mn oxide-bound uranium and organic/sulfide-bound uranium, which made it difficult for them to longitudinally migrate in soil. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and surface area and pore size analyses indicated that the complex formed between the hydroxyl, amino and carboxyl groups of HA-Fe and U(VI) increased the crystallinity of HA-Fe. The reaction between U(VI) and the hydroxyl, amino, aldehyde, keto and chlorine-containing groups of HA-Mn had no effect on the crystallinity of HA-Mn. Notably, the column desorption experiment found that the U(VI) immobilized in the soil remigrated under the effect of rain leaching, and acid rain promoted uranium remigration better than neutral rain. The findings provide some guidance for the decommissioning disposal of uranium contaminated site and it's risk assessments.

Effect of Shenling Baizhusan on Protein and mRNA Expression of NF-κB p65，IκBα，IκKβ in Ulcerative Colitis Rats with Syndrome of Dampness Stagnancy Due to Spleen Deficiency / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To observe the effect of Shenling Baizhusan on the protein and mRNA expression of inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B kinase (IκK)/inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B(IκB)/nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB) signaling pathway in the colon of rats with ulcerative colitis (UC) of spleen deficiency and dampness stagnation type, and to explore the mechanism of Shenling Baizhusan in the treatment of UC. Method:The 48 Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, Shenling Baizhusan group (15.6 g·kg-1) and osalazine sodium group (0.68 g·kg-1), 12 rats in each group. The model of UC with spleen deficiency and dampness stagnation was reproduced by trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)/ethanol enema combined with environment and diet intervention.Serum levels of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β(IL-1β) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA）. The expression of NF-κB p65, IκBα, IκKβ protein in colon tissue was measured by Western blot and immunohistochemical method, and the mRNA expression of NF-κB p65, IκBα and IκKβ in colon tissue of rats in each group was detected and compared by real time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). Result:Compared with normal group,the levels of TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-1β in the serum, the protein and mRNA expression of NF-κB p65, IκKβ in colon tissue of the model group was significantly higher than that of normal group (P<0.01), and the protein and mRNA expression of IκBα was significantly lower than that of normal group (P<0.01). Compared with model group,the protein and mRNA expression of NF-κB p65, IκKβ in colon tissue of the Shenling Baizhusan group and osalazine sodium group were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the protein and mRNA expression of IκBα was significantly increased (P<0.01). Conclusion:Shenling Baizhusan can obviously down regulate the protein and mRNA expression of NF-κB p65, IκKβ,up regulate the expression of IκBα in colon tissue of UC rats with spleen deficiency and dampness stagnation. The inhibition of IκK/IκB/NF-κB signal pathway activation by Shenling Baizhusan is an important mechanism of its role in protecting intestinal mucosa.

Research on Medication Rules of Depression Syndrome Based on Ancient Medical Records / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::To analyze and excavate the medication rules of ancient physicians in the treatment of depression syndrome, so as to provide reference for clinical treatment of depression syndrome. Method::The ancient medical records of depression syndrome sorted out in Yian Leiju were retrieved and collated, the data of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions in medical records were extracted, the obtained data of TCMs in prescriptions were standardized, and the data mining function of the ancient and modern medical records cloud platform V1.5 was adopted to carry out frequency statistics, cluster analysis, association analysis and complex network analysis of TCM data, the common drugs used by ancient physicians for treatment of depression syndrome, properties and classifications of commonly used medicines, pairs of commonly used medicines and core prescriptions were obtained. Result::After screening, a total of 364 medical cases, 461 visits and 439 prescription data of TCM were included, involving 67 ancient books. A total of 607 Chinese medicines were involved, and the total frequency of medication was 4 127.High frequency medicines included Poria (186 times), Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (115 times), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (113 times), Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (101 times), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (98 times), Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (94 times), etc. The main properties and flavors of commonly used Chinese medicines were warm, flat, bitter and acrid, which were mainly attributed to the four meridians of spleen, lung, heart and liver. Commonly used couplet medicines were Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma-Poria, Poria-Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Poria-Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma-Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma-Poria, etc. The core prescription was based on the addition and subtraction of Danzhi Xiaoyaosan. Conclusion::In the treatment of depression syndrome, ancient physicians adopt the principles of invigorating the spleen, nourishing Qi and blood, soothing the liver and regulating Qi, nourishing the heart and tranquilizing the mind, giving consideration to both Qi and blood, and harmonizing the liver, spleen and heart.

[Study on low temperature moisture regain drying characteristics of different grades of Angelicae Sinensis Radix based on Weibull distribution function].

The drying process of different grades of Angelicae Sinensis Radix under low temperature and resurgence conditions was simulated based on the Weibull distribution function,in order to clarify the low-temperature moisture regain drying characteristics of different grades of Angelicae Sinensis Radix,and explore the effect of grade and drying conditions on the drying process of Angelicae Sinensis Radix. Research results indicated that the Weibull function can be used to simulate different grades of Angelicae Sinensis Radix low-temperature moisture regain drying process,and the lower the drying temperature,the smaller the grade,and the better the simulation effect. The grade and drying temperature showed a significant effect on the low-temperature moisture regain drying process of Angelicae Sinensis Radix,and the effect of temperature on the relative moisture regain rate of Angelicae Sinensis Radix was greater than the grade. The relative moisture regain rate of different grades of Angelicae Sinensis Radix at 40 ℃ was higher than 55 ℃,and the relative moisture regain rate at 40 ℃ was first class > second class > third class. After drying,the moisture ratio at 40 ℃ was lower than that at 55 ℃; the effect of the grade on the effective diffusion coefficient of dry water was greater than the temperature. Under different conditions of 40 ℃ and 55 ℃ moisture regain,the effective diffusion coefficient of water was between 2. 941 6×10-6-7. 991 5×10-6 and3. 093 8×10-6-8. 483 8×10-6 for different grades. Under the same temperature conditions,the effective diffusion coefficient of water was first class > second class > third class. Therefore,Weibull function can be used to study and simulate the drying characteristics of different grades of Angelicae Sinensis Radix under low-temperature moisture regain conditions,providing experimental basis for the improvement of traditional drying technology of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and the optimization of drying process of different specifications or grades of Angelicae Sinensis Radix.