Analysis of Effect of Music and Art Combined with Kinect Game Therapy in Improving the Cognitive Function and Alleviating Negative Emotions of Alzheimer's Disease Patients in a Residential Aged Care Facilities.

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major disease that affects neurological, cognitive, and memory functions in older adults, and care for AD patients needs to be more specialized and targeted. Objective: To analyze the effect of music and art combined with Kinect game therapy as a special care on improving cognitive function and alleviating negative emotions in AD patients in a nursing facility. Methods: One hundred AD patients admitted to a residential aged care facility in Changsha, Hunan Province, China, from December 2020 to December 2022, were selected as the study subjects. They were divided into the observation group (OG; n=50) for special care of music art combined with Kinect game therapy and the control group (CG; n=50) for conventional care. The activities of daily living scale (ADL) and mini-mental state examination (MMSE) were used to assess the neurological and cognitive functional changes in the two groups before and after the nursing intervention. The Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and self-rating scale of sleep (SRSS) were used to assess the quality of sleep in both groups, and the GQOL-74 scale was used to evaluate the quality of life before and after the intervention. The negative emotions were tested by the self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS). Finally, patient satisfaction with the care was investigated. Results: After the nursing intervention, scores of ADL, PSQI, SRSS, SAS and SDS of the OG were lower compared with the CG, while MMSE and GQOL-74 scores were higher (P < .05). The results of the nursing satisfaction survey were also higher in the OG than in the CG (P < .05). Conclusion: The combined music and art therapy with Kinect game therapy in elderly institutions can effectively enhance AD patients' neurological and cognitive functions, improve their sleep and quality of life, and alleviate negative emotions.

Managing depression with complementary and alternative medicine therapies: a scientometric analysis and visualization of research activities.

Background: Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) interventions may prove to be an attractive option for the treatment of depression. The aim of this scientometric analysis is to determine the global scientific output of research regarding managing depression with CAM and identify the hotspots and frontiers within this theme. Methods: Publications regarding the utilization of CAM for treating depression were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection from 1993 to 2022, and analyzed and visualized by Bibliometrix R-package, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace. Results: A total of 1,710 publications were acquired. The number of annual publications showed an overall rapid upward trend, with the figure peaking at 179 in 2021. The USA was the leading research center. Totally 2,323 distinct institutions involving 7,638 scholars contributed to the research theme. However, most of the cooperation was limited to within the same country, institution or research team. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine was the most productive periodical. The CAM therapies of most interest to researchers were acupuncture and body-mind techniques, such as yoga, meditation and mindfulness. Systematic review and meta-analysis are commonly used methods. "Inflammation," "rating scale" and "psychological stress" were identified as the most studied trend topics recently. Conclusion: Managing depression with evidence-based CAM treatment is gaining attention globally. Body-mind techniques and acupuncture are growing research hotspots or emerging trending topics. Future studies are predicted to potentially investigate the possible mechanisms of action underlying CAM treatments in reducing depression in terms of modulation of psychological stress and inflammation levels. Cross-countries/institutes/team research collaborations should be encouraged and further enhanced.

Dual Key-Activated Nir-I/II Fluorescence Probe for Monitoring Photodynamic and Photothermal Synergistic Therapy Efficacy.

As cancer markers, hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) and viscosity play an essential role in the development of tumors. Meanwhile, based on the performance of near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging and the high efficiency of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) synergistic therapy, it is urgent to develop a dual-key (H2 O2 and viscosity) activated fluorescence probe for cancer phototherapy. Herein, a NIR-I/II fluorescence probe named BX-B is reported. In the presence of both H2 O2 and viscosity, the fluorescence signal of NIR-I (810 nm) and NIR-II (945 nm) can be released. In the presence of H2 O2 , the PDT and PTT effects are observed. BX-B is used to monitor its therapeutic effects in cancer cells and tumor-bearing mice due to the increased viscosity caused by PDT and PTT. In addition, the tumors of mice treated with BX-B are almost completely ablated after the laser irradiation based on its PDT and PTT synergistic therapy. This work provides a reliable platform for effective cancer treatment and immediate evaluation of therapeutic effects.

Near-infrared light-triggered nitric oxide nanocomposites for photodynamic/photothermal complementary therapy against periodontal biofilm in an animal model.

Background: Periodontal disease, an oral disease that initiates with plaque biofilm infection, affects 10% of the global population. Due to the complexity of tooth root anatomy, biofilm resistance and antibiotic resistance, traditional mechanical debridement and antibiotic removal of biofilms are not ideal. Nitric oxide (NO) gas therapy and its multifunctional therapy are effective methods to clear biofilms. However, large and controlled delivery of NO gas molecules is currently a great challenge. Methods: The core-shell structure of Ag2S@ZIF-90/Arg/ICG was developed and characterized in detail. The ability of Ag2S@ZIF-90/Arg/ICG to produce heat, ROS and NO under 808 nm NIR excitation was detected by an infrared thermal camera, probes and Griess assay. In vitro anti-biofilm effects were evaluated by CFU, Dead/Live staining and MTT assays. Hematoxylin-eosin staining, Masson staining and immunofluorescence staining were used to analyze the therapeutic effects in vivo. Results: Antibacterial photothermal therapy (aPTT) and antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) could be excited by 808 nm NIR light, and the produced heat and ROS further triggered the release of NO gas molecules simultaneously. The antibiofilm effect had a 4-log reduction in vitro. The produced NO caused biofilm dispersion through the degradation of the c-di-AMP pathway and improved biofilm eradication performance. In addition, Ag2S@ZIF-90/Arg/ICG had the best therapeutic effect on periodontitis and NIR II imaging ability in vivo. Conclusions: We successfully prepared a novel nanocomposite with NO synergistic aPTT and aPDT. It had an outstanding therapeutic effect in treating deep tissue biofilm infection. This study not only enriches the research on compound therapy with NO gas therapy but also provides a new solution for other biofilm infection diseases.

Migration electric-field assisted electrocoagulation with sponge biochar capacitive electrode for advanced wastewater phosphorus removal.

Migrating electric field-assisted electrocoagulation (MEAEC) is a three-electrode electrochemical system, including waste flour-derived sponge biochar (SBC) as an adsorption electrode for efficient phosphorus removal from wastewater. The SBC was applied in the MEAEC system as a pseudo capacitance electrode with low energy consumption and reached an excellent effluent level (0.12 mg/L) with a 200-s treatment time in 1 mg/L phosphate synthetic wastewater. The SBC adsorption electrode had a total charge capacitance of 1.14 F/g with abundant micropores. Continuous charging and discharging at a constant voltage over 100 cycles demonstrated the excellent durability of the biochar electrodes. The energy demand of SBC-MEAEC was only 0.0058 kWh/m3 for 90% phosphate removal, which was 65% less than that of the control. The use of SBC in the MEAEC system greatly enhanced phosphate removal at low concentrations. In the SBC-MEAEC system, the electro-desorption synchronous electrocoagulation process demonstrated efficient concentration and release of ions after electro-adsorption. These results indicate that MEAEC with an SBC electrode could achieve a high level of phosphate removal with a much lower energy consumption than in previous studies. The recovered concentrated phosphorus flocs also contained fewer metal impurities than those in previous electrochemical approaches. The proposed desorption synchronous electrocoagulation utilizing waste-derived SBC electrodes provides a cost-effective pathway to treat low phosphorous-containing wastewater.

Impatiens balsamina: An updated review on the ethnobotanical uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activity.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Impatiens balsamina is an annual herb of the Balsaminaceae family, which is cultivated extensively in Asia as an ornamental plant. Notably, as a folk medicine, I. balsamina has been long prescribed for the treatment of rheumatism, isthmus, generalized pain, fractures, inflammation of the nails, scurvy, carbuncles, dysentery, bruises, foot diseases, etc. AIM OF THE STUDY: The paper overviews comprehensive information on ethnobotanical uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activity, and toxicity of I. balsamina, aiming at laying a sturdy foundation for further development of I. balsamina. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Research information was acquired through electronic databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, SciFinder, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and CNKI with the keyword "Impatiens balsamina ". RESULTS: Briefly, more than 307 natural compounds have been separated and identified from various medicinal parts of I. balsamina, which are classified into diverse groups, like flavonoids, naphthoquinones, coumarins, terpenoids, sterols, phenols, fatty acids and their ester, naphthalene derivatives, nitrogen-containing compounds, polysaccharides, and other compounds. In particular, 2-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, one of the naphthoquinones, is the predominant and most representative component. Moreover, I. balsamina furnishes numerous and complicated pharmacological activities, including antimicrobial, antiallergic, antipruritic, antitumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-hepatic fibrosis, insecticidal, and anthelmintic as well as enzyme-inhibiting activities, etc. Toxicological studies have shown that the hexane extract of the stems and leaves was less toxic, and the hydroalcoholic extract of stems was more toxic. CONCLUSIONS: The paper contributes to updating the ethnobotanical uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activity, and toxicity of I. balsamina, which offer abundant information for future investigations and applications of I. balsamina.

Changes on proteomic and metabolomic profiling of cryopreserved sperm effected by melatonin.

Cryopreservation may reduce sperm fertility due to cryodamage including physical-chemical and oxidative stress damages. As a powerful antioxidant, melatonin has been reported to improve cryoprotective effect of sperm. However, the molecular mechanism of melatonin on cryopreserved ram sperm hasn't been fully understand. Give this, this study aimed to investigate the postthaw motility parameters, antioxidative enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation, as well as proteomic, metabolomic changes of Huang-huai ram spermatozoa with freezing medium supplemented with melatonin. Melatonin was firstly replenished to the medium to yield five different final concentrations: 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mM. A control (NC) group without melatonin replenishment was included. Protective effects of melatonin as evidenced by postthaw motility, activities of T-AOC, T-SOD, GSH-Px, CAT, contents of MDA, 4-HNE, as well as acrosome integrity, plasma membrane integrity, with 0.5 mM being the most effective concentration (MC group). Furthermore, 29 differentially abundant proteins involving in sperm functions were screened among Fresh, NC and MC groups of samples (n = 5) based on the 4D-LFQ, with 7 of them upregulated in Fresh and MC groups. 26 differentially abundant metabolites were obtained involving in sperm metabolism among the three groups of samples (n = 8) based on the UHPLC-QE-MS, with 18 of them upregulated in Fresh and MC groups. According to the bioinformatic analysis, melatonin may have positive effects on frozen ram spermatozoa by regulating the abundance changes of vital proteins and metabolites related to sperm function. Particularly, several proteins such as PRCP, NDUFB8, NDUFB9, SDHC, DCTN1, TUBB6, TUBA3E, SSNA1, as well as metabolites like L-histidine, L-targinine, ursolic acid, xanthine may be potential novel biomarkers for evaluating the postthaw quality of ram spermatozoa. In conclusion, a dose-dependent replenishment of melatonin to freezing medium protected ram spermatozoa during cryopreservation, which can improve motility, antioxidant enzyme activities, reduce levels of lipid peroxidation products, modify the proteomic and metabolomic profiling of cryopreserved ram spermatozoa through reduction of oxidative stress, maintenance of OXPHOS and microtubule structure. SIGNIFICANCE: Melatonin, a powerful antioxidant protects ram spermatozoa from cryopreservation injuries in a dose-dependent manner, with 0.5 mM being the most effective concentration. Furthermore, sequencing results based on the 4D-LFQ combined with the UHPLC-QE-MS indicated that melatonin modifies proteomic and metabolomic profiling of ram sperm during cryopreservation. According to the bioinformatic analysis, melatonin may have positive effects on frozen ram spermatozoa by regulating the expression changes of vital proteins and metabolites related to sperm metabolism and function. Particularly, several potential novel biomarkers for evaluating the postthaw quality of ram spermatozoa were acquired, proteins such as PRCP, NDUFB8, NDUFB9, SDHC, DCTN1, TUBB6, TUBA3E, SSNA1, as well as metabolites like L-histidine, L-targinine, ursolic acid, xanthine.

A comparison review of Hehuan flowers and Hehuan bark on the traditional applications, phytochemistry and pharmacological effects.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Albizia julibrissin Durazz is a well-known medicinal plant with the Chinese name Hehuan []. Hehuan bark and Hehuan flowers have long been recognized as traditional Chinese herbal medicine for treating anxiety, melancholy, insomnia, bruises, pulmonary abscess, fractures, carbuncle, amnesia, acute conjunctivitis, blurred vision, neonatal tetanus and stroke for thousands of years. They are recorded in Chinese Pharmacopoeia separately with different properties. Until now, new chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Hehuan have been continuously studied and revealed. THE AIM OF THE REVIEW: This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of traditional applications, phytochemistry, pharmacology effects, and toxicology of Hehuan bark and Hehuan flowers, and give critical assessment and point out the promising direction for further research on Hehuan. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search was undertaken on Hehuan bark and Hehuan flowers by analyzing the information from scientific databases (SciFinder, Pubmed, Elsevier, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Baidu Scholar). We also gathered the information of Hehuan from classic herbal literatures and conference papers on ethnopharmacology. RESULTS: According to Chinese and English documents, the medicinal history of Hehuan in China can be traced back to ad 25. Meanwhile, its medicinal history as a kind of herbal medicine can also be found in other Asian countries. So far about 140 compounds have been isolated from Hehuan bark and Hehuan flowers, including triterpenoids, flavonoids, lignans, phenolic acids, alkaloids, etc. Among them, flavonoids mainly exist in Hehuan flowers, while Hehuan bark contains lignans and saponins. The composition differences between the barks and flowers of Hehuan account for the different effects and applications. Modern pharmacological studies have indicated that crude extracts and pure compounds of Hehuan flowers and Hehuan bark have multiple pharmacological activities, such as antineoplastic, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, antidepressant, metabolic regulation, anti-insomnia, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, sedative, and anti-osteolytic activities. CONCLUSIONS: Hehuan (Albizia julibrissin Durazz) is traditionally used to relieve depression, calm nerves, promote blood circulation and reduce swelling. Modern pharmacological studies have revealed that natural products from Hehuan bark and Hehuan flowers possess extensive pharmacological activities in treating cancer, enhancing immunity, regulating metabolism, improving mental state, etc. These properties make it great clinical application potential. Further research on natural pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, pharmacokinetics, and quality standards of Hehuan are still required to verify the efficacy and safety for future clinical applications.

Thalamic gray matter volume mediates the association between KIBRA polymorphism and olfactory function among older adults: a population-based study.

The kidney and brain expressed protein (KIBRA) rs17070145 polymorphism is associated with both structure and activation of the olfactory cortex. However, no studies have thus far examined whether KIBRA can be linked with olfactory function and whether brain structure plays any role in the association. We addressed these questions in a population-based cross-sectional study among rural-dwelling older adults. This study included 1087 participants derived from the Multidomain Interventions to Delay Dementia and Disability in Rural China, who underwent the brain MRI scans in August 2018 to October 2020; of these, 1016 took the 16-item Sniffin' Sticks identification test and 634 (62.40%) were defined with olfactory impairment (OI). Data were analyzed using the voxel-based morphometry analysis and general linear, logistic, and structural equation models. The KIBRA rs17070145 C-allele (CC or CT vs. TT genotype) was significantly associated with greater gray matter volume (GMV) mainly in the bilateral orbitofrontal cortex and left thalamus (P < 0.05) and with the multi-adjusted odds ratio of 0.73 (95% confidence interval 0.56-0.95) for OI. The left thalamic GMV could mediate 8.08% of the KIBRA-olfaction association (P < 0.05). These data suggest that the KIBRA rs17070145 C-allele is associated with a reduced likelihood of OI among older adults, partly mediated through left thalamic GMV.

Overall adjustment acupuncture improves osteoporosis and exerts an endocrine-modulating effect in ovariectomized rats.

Background: Acupuncture is a widely practiced, convenient, and safe treatment modality within complementary and integrative medicine. Increasing studies have revealed the efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of osteoporosis in both human and non-human subjects. The aim of the present study was to assess the improvement of osteoporosis after overall adjustment acupuncture (OA) as well as its endocrine-modulating effect in an ovariectomized rat model. Methods: In total, 32 female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into the sham, model, ovariectomy+estrogen (OVX+E), and OVX+OA (OVX+A) groups with eight rats in each group. The postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) rat model was induced by bilateral ovariectomy. At 12 weeks after surgery, rats in the OVX+E group received estradiol (0.2 mg/kg/i.g./qod) for 12 weeks, and rats in the OVX+A group were treated with acupuncture at Zusanli (ST36), Shenshu (BL23), and Dazhu (BL11) points (qod) for 12 weeks. At the end of the treatment, all rats were sacrificed, and the body weight, uterus index, bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), bone trabeculae structural parameters, femoral biomechanical properties, femoral histomorphology, and several hormone levels were examined. Results: In OVX rats, OA abrogated the body weight gain and improved osteoporosis in terms of BMD, BMC, bone trabeculae structural parameters, bone strength, and bone tissue histomorphology. Moreover, OA modulated the serum levels of estradiol, corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and corticosterone (CORT). Conclusions: OA improves osteoporosis and exerts an endocrine-modulating effect in ovariectomized rats.

Transcriptome and Metabolome Analysis Provide New Insights into the Process of Tuberization of Sechium edule Roots.

Chayote (Sechium edule) produces edible tubers with high starch content after 1 year of growth but the mechanism of chayote tuberization remains unknown. 'Tuershao', a chayote cultivar lacking edible fruits but showing higher tuber yield than traditional chayote cultivars, was used to study tuber formation through integrative analysis of the metabolome and transcriptome profiles at three tuber-growth stages. Starch biosynthesis- and galactose metabolism-related genes and metabolites were significantly upregulated during tuber bulking, whereas genes encoding sugars will eventually be exported transporter (SWEET) and sugar transporter (SUT) were highly expressed during tuber formation. Auxin precursor (indole-3-acetamide) and ethylene precursor, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid, were upregulated, suggesting that both hormones play pivotal roles in tuber development and maturation. Our data revealed a similar tuber-formation signaling pathway in chayote as in potatoes, including complexes BEL1/KNOX and SP6A/14-3-3/FDL. Down-regulation of the BEL1/KNOX complex and upregulation of 14-3-3 protein implied that these two complexes might have distinct functions in tuber formation. Finally, gene expression and microscopic analysis indicated active cell division during the initial stages of tuber formation. Altogether, the integration of transcriptome and metabolome analyses unraveled an overall molecular network of chayote tuberization that might facilitate its utilization.

The traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Abrus precatorius L.: A comprehensive review.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Abrus precatorius L. (AP) is a folk medicine with a long-term medicinal history worldwide, which is extensively applied to various ailments, such as bronchitis, jaundice, hepatitis, contraception, tumor, abortion, malaria, etc. Meanwhile, its leaves are also served as tea in China, and its roots are employed as a substitute for Glycyrrhiza uralensis or as a raw material for the extraction of glycyrrhizin in India. Thus, AP is considered to be a plant with dual values of medicine and economy as well as its chemical composition and biological activity, which are of growing interest to the scientific community. AIM OF REVIEW: In the review, the traditional application, botany, chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, and toxicity are comprehensively and systematically summarized. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An extensive database retrieval was conducted to gather the specific information about AP from 1871 to 2022 using online bibliographic databases Web of Science, PubMed, SciFinder, Google Scholar, CNKI, and Baidu Scholar. The search terms comprise the keywords "Abrus precatorius", "phytochemistry", "pharmacological activity", "toxicity" and "traditional application" as a combination. RESULTS: To date, AP is traditionally used to treat various diseases, including sore throat, cough, bronchitis, jaundice, hepatitis, abdominal pain, contraception, tumor, abortion, malaria, and so on. More than 166 chemical compounds have been identified from AP, which primarily cover flavonoids, phenolics, terpenoids, steroids, alkaloids, organic acids, esters, proteins, polysaccharides, and so on. A wide range of in vitro and in vivo pharmacological functions of AP have been reported, such as antitumor, antimicrobial, insecticidal, antiprotozoal, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antifertility, antidiabetic, other pharmacological activities. The crushed seeds in powder or paste form were comparatively toxic to humans and animals by oral administration. Interestingly, the methanolic extracts were non-toxic to adult Wistar albino rats at various doses (200 and 400 mg/kg) daily. CONCLUSIONS: The review focuses on the traditional application, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and toxicity of AP, which offers a valuable context for researchers on the current research status and a reference for further research and applications of this medicinal plant.

Systemic Elevation of n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (n-3-PUFA) Is Associated with Protection against Visual, Motor, and Emotional Deficits in Mice following Closed-Head Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration leading to various pathological complications such as motor and sensory (visual) deficits, cognitive impairment, and depression. N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) containing lipids are known to be anti-inflammatory, whereas the sphingolipid, ceramide (Cer), is an inducer of neuroinflammation and degeneration. Using Fat1+-transgenic mice that contain elevated levels of systemic n-3 PUFA, we tested whether they are resistant to mild TBI-mediated sensory-motor and emotional deficits by subjecting Fat1-transgenic mice and their WT littermates to focal cranial air blast (50 psi) or sham blast (0 psi, control). We observed that visual function in WT mice was reduced significantly following TBI but not in Fat1+-blast animals. We also found Fat1+-blast mice were resistant to the decline in motor functions, depression, and fear-producing effects of blast, as well as the reduction in the area of oculomotor nucleus and increase in activated microglia in the optic tract in brain sections seen following blast in WT mice. Lipid and gene expression analyses confirmed an elevated level of the n-3 PUFA eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in the plasma and brain, blocking of TBI-mediated increase of Cer in the brain, and decrease in TBI-mediated induction of Cer biosynthetic and inflammatory gene expression in the brain of the Fat1+ mice. Our results demonstrate that suppression of ceramide biosynthesis and inflammatory factors in Fat1+-transgenic mice is associated with significant protection against the visual, motor, and emotional deficits caused by mild TBI. This study suggests that n-3 PUFA (especially, EPA) has a promising therapeutic role in preventing neurodegeneration after TBI.

Drought resistance mechanisms of Phedimus aizoon L.

Phedimus aizoon L. is a drought-resistant Chinese herbal medicine and vegetable. However, its drought tolerant limit and the mechanism of drought tolerance are unknown, which restricts the promotion of water-saving cultivation of Phedimus aizoon L. in arid areas. To solve the above problem, we carried out a 30-day-long drought stress experiment in pots that presented different soil water contents and were divided into four groups: control check, 75-80% of the maximum water-holding capacity (MWHC); mild drought, 55-60%; moderate drought, 40-45%; and severe drought, 20-25%. The dynamic changes in both plant physiological indexes from 10 to 30 days and leaf anatomical structure on the 30th day of stress were recorded. The results show that Phedimus aizoon L. grew normally under mild drought stress for 30 days, but the growth of the plants became inhibited after 20 days of severe drought and after 30 days of moderate drought. At the same time, Phedimus aizoon L. physiologically responded to cope with drought stress: the growth of the root system accelerated, the waxy layer of the leaves thickened, and the dark reactions of the plants transformed from those of the C3 cycle to CAM. The activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD and CAT) continuously increased to alleviate the damage caused by drought stress. To ensure the relative stability of the osmotic potential, the contents of osmoregulatory substances such as proline, soluble sugars, soluble protein and trehalose increased correspondingly. Although Phedimus aizoon L. has strong drought stress resistance, our experimental results show that the soil available water content should not be less than 27% during cultivation.

Extreme Resistance to Potato Virus A in Potato Cultivar Barbara is Independently Mediated by Ra and Rysto.

Potato virus A (PVA) and potato virus Y (PVY) are two members of genus Potyvirus infecting potato crops worldwide. Host resistance offers an economical and effective means for the control or management of these viruses. In this study, 20 potato clones were screened for their resistance against PVA and PVY by mechanical or graft inoculation assay, and were explored for the relationship between extreme resistance genes Ra and Ry by the detection of molecular markers linked to Ryadg, Rysto, and Rychc. Six clones, including Barbara, Jizhangshu 8, Longshu 7, Longshu 8, M6, and Solara, were found to be extremely resistant to both PVA and PVY; three clones (AC142, Eshu 3, and Shepody) were deemed to be extremely resistant to PVA but susceptible to PVY. To further reveal the inheritance of the extreme resistance (ER) against PVA, a tetraploid F1 population of Barbara × F58050 (susceptible to both PVY and PVA) and a tetraploid BC1 population of BF145 (a PVA-resistant but PVY-susceptible progeny of Barbara × F58050) × F58050 were obtained. Phenotyping of the F1 and BC1 populations by graft inoculation with PVA showed segregation ratios of 3:1 and 1:1 (resistant:susceptible), respectively. These results suggest that two independent loci control ER against PVA in Barbara: one confers ER to both PVA and PVY and the other confers ER to PVA only. The deduced genotype of Barbara is RyryryryRararara.

Study on Hepatotoxicity of Rhubarb Based on Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology.

BACKGROUND: Rhubarb, as a traditional Chinese medicine, is the preferred drug for the treatment of stagnation and constipation in clinical practice. It has been reported that rhubarb possesses hepatotoxicity, but its mechanism in vivo is still unclear. METHODS: In this study, the chemical components in rhubarb were identified based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS combined with data postprocessing technology. The metabolic biomarkers obtained through metabolomics technology were related to rhubarb-induced hepatotoxicity. Furthermore, the potential targets of rhubarb-induced hepatotoxicity were obtained by network pharmacology involving the above components and metabolites. Meanwhile, GO gene enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway analysis were performed on the common targets. RESULTS: Twenty-eight components in rhubarb were identified based on UPLC-Q-TOF/MS, and 242 targets related to rhubarb ingredients were predicted. Nine metabolic biomarkers obtained through metabolomics technology were closely related to rhubarb-induced hepatotoxicity, and 282 targets of metabolites were predicted. Among them, the levels of 4 metabolites, namely dynorphin B (10-13), cervonoyl ethanolamide, lysoPE (18:2), and 3-hydroxyphenyl 2-hydroxybenzoate, significantly increased, while the levels of 5 metabolites, namely dopamine, biopterin, choline, coenzyme Q9 and P1, P4-bis (5'-uridyl) tetraphosphate significantly decreased. In addition, 166 potential targets of rhubarb-induced hepatotoxicity were obtained by network pharmacology. The KEGG pathway analysis was performed on the common targets to obtain 46 associated signaling pathways. CONCLUSION: These data suggested that rhubarb may cause liver toxicity due to its action on dopamine D1 receptor (DRD1), dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2), phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B), vanilloid receptor (TRPV1); transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 8 (TRPM8), prostanoid EP2 receptor (PTGER2), acetylcholinesterase (ACHE), muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M3 (CHRM3) through the cAMP signaling pathway, cholinergic synapses, and inflammatory mediators to regulate TRP channels. Metabolomics technology and network pharmacology were integrated to explore rhubarb hepatotoxicity to promote the reasonable clinical application of rhubarb.

NAD(P)H-triggered probe for dual-modal imaging during energy metabolism and novel strategy of enhanced photothermal therapy in tumor.

The reduced coenzymes (NADH and NADPH) are an important product in energy metabolism and closely related to the occurrence and development of cancer. So it is necessary to use a powerful detection tool to visualize NAD(P)H in energy metabolism of tumor cells and find a new strategy to improve cancer treatment based on NAD(P)H. Herein, a novel multifunctional probe (Cy-N) is synthesized with good near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) response to NAD(P)H and the photoacoustic (PA) and photothermal properties are successfully activated by NAD(P)H. The probe is successfully applied in visualizing NAD(P)H in energy metabolism of tumor cells and imaging NAD(P)H in bacteria. Moreover, the probe can be used to image NAD(P)H in energy metabolism of tumor-bearing mice by dual-modal imaging (NIRF and PA). More importantly, in terms of the role of NAD(P)H in energy metabolism, the photothermal therapy (PTT) is activated by NAD(P)H and a novel strategy of enhanced PTT is proposed by injecting glucose. As far as we know, this is the first probe to detect NAD(P)H in energy metabolism through dual-modal imaging, and also the first probe to activate PTT based on NAD(P)H, which will provide important information of the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Development of 23 novel microsatellite markers of Amomum tsao-ko (Zingiberaceae) based on restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing.

Amomum tsao-ko (Zingiberaceae) is a traditional Chinese medicine and condiment, and an important economic crop in the tropical forest of southwest China. However, few simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers are available in A. tsao-ko, which is hindering genetic research in this species. The aim of this study was to develop and characterize microsatellite markers for A. tsao-ko using restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing. A total of 115,482 microsatellites were identified using MISA software, and 13,411 SSR primer pairs were designed. 100 pairs of SSR primers were selected at random and used to evaluate polymorphisms among 4 A. tsao-ko samples. Finally, 23 pairs of SSR primers with clear bands and obvious polymorphism were selected for genetic diversity analysis of 72 A. tsao-ko accessions. The number of alleles and effective number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 6 and from 1.315 to 3.776, respectively. The observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.208 to 0.779, and the expected heterozygosity was from 0.239 to 0.735. The average values of the polymorphic information content were 0.454. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) analysis showed that 10 loci significantly deviated from HWE (P < 0.05). The pairwise FST and genetic distance values revealed low levels of genetic differentiation and high genetic similarity among six A. tsao-ko populations. These microsatellite markers developed will provide a valuable tool for further germplasm characterization, genetic diversity, and breeding studies in A. tsao-ko.

Enhanced production of mono-rhamnolipid in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and application potential in agriculture and petroleum industry.

Differences in the rhamnolipid structures must result in its different activities, thus affecting its application effect. The rhlC gene in Pseudomonas aeruginosa SG was knocked out to construct strain P. aeruginosa SGΔrhlC. Rhamnolipid production was enhanced by 23.3% through knocking out rhlC gene. P. aeruginosa SGΔrhlC produced 14.22 g/L of rhamnolipid using glycerol and nitrate. Five kinds of mono-rhamnolipid but no di-rhamnolipid were produced by strain SGΔrhlC. The main rhamnolipid homologues were Rha-C10-C10, Rha-C10-C12:1 and Rha-C10-C12. Mono-rhamnolipid exhibited better antimicrobial activity to Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium chrysogenum. Rhamnolipid produced from strain SGΔrhlC showed greater emulsifying activity to crude oil with EI24 of 84.73%. Rhamnolipid produced from strain SGΔrhlC efficiently washed oily sludge at 35 °C. High-producing strain P. aeruginosa SGΔrhlC and its produced mono-rhamnolipid are more promising in agriculture and petroleum industry. This study is a step forward to the tailor-made biosynthesis and application of rhamnolipid.

Effect of Yugengtongyu Granules in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease on Reducing Adverse Cardiovascular Events: A Double-Blind Controlled Trial.

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of Yugengtongyu granules on reducing the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events and improving quality of life (QOL) in patients with stable coronary artery disease (SCAD). Methods: A double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted among SCAD population. One hundred fourteen patients were randomly assigned to experimental group (n = 57) and control group (n = 57) following randomized block design. Combined with the basis of standard treatment of SCAD, the experimental group and control group received Yugengtongyu granules or placebo, respectively, twice daily for 6 months and were followed for another 1 year (18 months in total from enrollment). Major outcomes (any occurrence of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or coronary revascularization), minor outcomes (any occurrence of all-cause death, ischemic stroke, readmission due to unstable angina, heart failure, or malignant arrhythmia), and composite outcomes (union of major and minor outcomes) were used to evaluate prognosis; Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) was applied to evaluate QOL, and levels of low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and high sensitive C reacting protein (HS-CRP) in serum were tested. Results: The incidence of composite outcomes in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group (3 [5.2%] vs. 11 [19.2%], hazard ratio: 0.273, 95% confidence interval: 0.080-0.926, p = 0.022); major outcomes, minor outcomes, and independent events such as nonfatal myocardial infarction showed lowering trend in experimental group. Experimental group scored significantly higher than control group in four dimensions of SAQ: physical limitation, angina frequency, treatment satisfaction, and disease perception at the third- and sixth-month follow-up; there was no significant difference in serum level of LDL or HS-CRP at all scheduled timepoints. Conclusion: The addition of Yugengtongyu granules based on current standard treatment reduced the incidence of composite outcomes and improved QOL in patients with SCAD. The trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-TRC-13004370).