Virome Analysis of Aconitum carmichaelii Reveals Infection by Eleven Viruses, including Two Potentially New Species.

Aconitum carmichaelii is a herbaceous herb indigenous to China that has been cultivated for traditional medicine for centuries. Virus-like symptoms of A. carmichaelii plants were observed on leaves in some A. carmichaelii plantations in Zhanyi and Wuding Counties, Yunnan Province, southwest China. High-throughput sequencing (HTS) was performed on 28 symptomatic plants, and the results revealed infection with 11 viruses, including 2 novel viruses and 9 previously described viruses: Aconitum amalgavirus 1 (AcoAV-1), aconite virus A (AcVA), cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), currant latent virus (CuLV), apple stem grooving virus (ASGV), chilli veinal mottle virus (ChiVMV), tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus (TSWV), tobacco vein distorting virus (TVDV), and potato leafroll virus (PLRV). Two novel viruses tentatively named Aconitum potyvirus 1 and Aconitum betapartitivirus 1, were supported by sequence and phylogenetic analysis results of their genomes. We proposed the names Potyvirus aconiti and Betapartitivirus aconiti. RT-PCR assays of 142 plants revealed the predominance and widespread distribution of CMV, AcVA, and AcoPV-1 in plantations. The detection of isolates of CuLV, ASGV, ChiVMV, TSWV, TVDV, and PLRV infections for the first time in A. carmichaelii expands their known host ranges.

E-sports playing and its relation to lifestyle behaviors and psychological well-being: A large-scale study of collegiate e-sports players in China.

BACKGROUND: The research on e-sports mainly concerns the relationship between game playing behavior and Internet addiction, especially among college students. It remained a question of how college students' e-sports playing was associated with their lifestyle behaviors and psychological well-being in China. OBJECTIVES: Our study aimed to explore whether collegiate e-sports players' e-sports participation behaviors differ across demographic backgrounds and how their e-sports playing relates to their lifestyle behaviors and psychological well-being. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 1441 collegiate e-sports players in China. The demographic characteristics of collegiate e-sports players were explored. The Bivariate Person correlation, linear and Tobit regression analyses were used to examine how students' e-sports playing was related to their lifestyle behaviors (i.e., sleep quality and physical activity) and psychological well-being (mobile phone addiction, online game addiction, satisfaction with life, and perceived stress). RESULTS: The results of independent t-test and ANOVA analyses revealed that students from different grades, majors, family residences, and family structures differed in their e-sports participation behaviors. The results of linear regression and Tobit regression analyses also revealed that students' e-sports participation behaviors were related to their lifestyle behaviors and psychological well-being, except for sleep quality and mobile phone addiction. It is noteworthy that the length of time in playing e-sports and e-sports consumption was related to different lifestyle behaviors and psychological well-being. CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrated that e-sports playing had penetrated college students' daily life. Appropriate time arrangement and rational e-sports consumption are crucial in promoting a healthy lifestyle and psychological well-being among college students.

Ultrasensitive evanescent wave optical fiber aptasensor for online, continuous, type-specific detection of sulfonamides in environmental water.

Sensors capable for online continuous monitoring of total sulfonamides in environmental waters are highly desired due to their adverse effects on ecosystem, unexpected concentration fluctuation, and diversity. At present, no sensor with this capability has been reported. In this study, we evaluated the cross reactivity (CR) of the previously reported sulfadimethoxine-binding aptamer using DNase I assay and found that the aptamer was type-specific to sulfonamides. We then fabricated the first type-specific sulfonamide sensor, where the aptamer was immobilized on the optical fiber of the evanescent wave sensor, followed by the surface coating with Tween 80. The competitive binding of sulfonamides and Cy5.5 labeled complementary DNA enabled the low femtomolar to picomolar sensitivity and the detection of total 14 sulfonamides spiked in the lake water. The sensor also exhibited high selectivity, regeneration capability (40 cycles), stability (65 days), and short detection time (5 min). In addition, we found that the CRs were greatly dependent on the buffer composition. By performing the parallel detections in two buffers, the sensors detected 18 out of the 24 sulfonamides with the diversity coverage higher than commercial ELISA kits. Our aptasensor fills the technical gap for continuous monitoring of total sulfonamides in environmental waters.

Molecular mechanism of vitiligo treatment by bailing tablet based on network pharmacology and molecular docking.

BACKGROUND: Bailing tablet, a patent Chinese medicine, is widely used to treat vitiligo in China. However, the underlying mechanism of this combined drug in treating vitiligo still remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the pharmacological mechanism of bailing tablet in the prevention and treatment of vitiligo using network pharmacology and molecular docking. METHODS: Genetic data of vitiligo and normal people were obtained by gene expression omnibus (GEO) DataSets database and GEO difference analysis was conducted to obtain differential genes. The main active compounds and corresponding target genes of bailing tablet were collected from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform. Combined with the results of GEO difference analysis, the main compounds and corresponding target genes of bailing tablet in the treatment of vitiligo were screened. The network diagram of "traditional Chinese medicine compound target" was constructed by Cytoscape software. According to the differential genes, the core targets with potential therapeutic effect were searched, the protein-protein interaction network was constructed, and the key proteins were explored by topological analysis (CytoNCA). Meanwhile, the core targets were analyzed by biological process (gene ontology) and signal pathway (Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes) function enrichment. Molecular docking technology was adopted to verify the combination of main components and core targets. RESULTS: A total of 170 active compounds and 1777 prediction targets were screened from 11 traditional Chinese medicines of bailing tablet, of which 65 active components and 68 related prediction targets were closely related to vitiligo. A total of 320 key proteins were obtained by analyzing the topological characteristics of the protein-protein interaction network, mainly including neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase 1, tumor protein P53, cullin 3, estrogen receptor 1, etc. The main biological processes involve oxidative stress response, cell response to reactive oxygen species, and reactive oxygen species metabolism. Bailing tablet treats vitiligo mainly by regulating immune inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy, which involves phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase Akt signal pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase signal pathway, Janus kinase signal transducer and activator of transcription signal pathway, melanin production, and helper T cell (Th)1, Th2, and Th17 differentiation pathway, etc. Molecular docking results showed that the main components could bind to the target protein well. CONCLUSIONS: Based on network pharmacology and molecular docking, the mechanism of bailing tablet in the treatment of vitiligo through multicomponent, multitarget, and multichannel was deeply explored.

The acute effects of physical exercise breaks on cognitive function during prolonged sitting: The first quantitative evidence.

PURPOSE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to investigate the cognitive benefits of breaking up prolonged sitting by acute physical exercises. METHODS: We developed a search protocol based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis checklist (PROSPERO, CRD42021224949). A systematic literature search was performed in six electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane Library) to identify randomized controlled trials with a within-subjects cross-over and a pre-posttest design that examined the effects of physical exercise breaks during 3-5 h of prolonged sitting on cognitive performance (e.g., executive function, attention, and memory function). Additionally, study quality was rated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. RESULTS: Thirteen randomized controlled trials with a total of 295 participants (171 female and 124 male) were included in this systematic review. Of these studies, nine were included in our meta-analysis. The results indicated that during prolonged sitting, acute physical exercise breaks did not affect overall cognitive performance, with small between-study heterogeneity (I2<25%). This is further supported by the subgroup analyses showing no differences in effect sizes between cognitive domains and different exercise intensities. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the current evidence on interrupting prolonged sitting by acute physical exercise breaks is not univocal and that some heterogeneity exists concerning the exercise protocols exists (e.g., exercise intensity, frequency of the acute physical exercise breaks). Thus, future studies are needed to investigate whether the effectiveness of acute physical exercise breaks on cognitive performance might change as a function of different mediators (e.g., exercise characteristics, age, sleep patterns). In summary, acute physical exercise breaks during prolonged sitting allow the integration of regular physical activity in daily routines (i.e., through acute physical exercise breaks) without compromising the performance of cognitively demanding tasks.

Neurobehavioral mechanisms underlying the effects of physical exercise break on episodic memory during prolonged sitting.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Episodic memory is the ability that enables individuals to recall and re-experience previous events and usually includes information concerning the spatial and temporal context. This study examined the effects of a physical exercise break during a period of prolonged sitting on episodic memory. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate whether alterations of functional connectivity patterns might contribute to the exercise-induced changes in episodic memory. METHODS: Sixty healthy male college students were randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to a prolonged-sitting group (PS group) or a physical-exercise-break group (PE group). The face-name paired-associate learning task was used to probe episodic memory. During the task, cortical hemodynamics in the prefrontal cortex were recorded using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Changes in cortical hemodynamics were used to determine functional connectivity using graph-theoretical network analysis. RESULTS: There was no between-group difference in neurobehavioral outcomes at the pretest assessment. During the posttest assessment, compared with the PS group, higher nodal efficiency in the anterior prefrontal cortex (orbitofrontal and frontopolar cortices) was observed during the encoding phase (FDR corrected p values = 0.039), and higher nodal efficiency and degree centrality of orbitofrontal cortex were observed in the retrieval phase in the PE group (FDR corrected p values = 0.035). Moreover, the PE group showed closer temporal correlational interactions between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the anterior prefrontal cortex in the left hemisphere during the episodic memory encoding phase (FDR corrected p values = 0.043), when compared to the PS group. Neither significant between-group difference in accuracy nor correlations between neural and behavioral outcomes were observed after the intervention. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that a physical exercise break during a prolonged sitting period has neither a beneficial nor a detrimental effect on behavioral performance concerning episodic memory. However, physical breaks do facilitate functional connectivity patterns of the prefrontal cortex while performing a episodic memory task.

Comparison of enucleation between thulium laser and holmium laser for benign prostatic hyperplasia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of Thulium laser enucleation of prostate (ThuLEP) and Holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP). We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases within a period from the date of database establishment to October 2020. RevMan 5.4. was used for calculation and statistical analyses. 8 studies of 2125 patients were included. ThuLEP provided less hemoglobin decrease (MD: -0.37, 95%CI -0.61 to -0.14, P = 0.002) and shorter length of hospital stay (MD: -0.41, 95%CI -0.72 to -0.10, P = 0.01). During the postoperative follow-ups, statistically significant differences only were found in IPSS (MD: -0.96; 95%CI -1.27 to -0.65; P < 0.00001) at the 3rd month. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that ThuLEP, compared with HoLEP, has better security, faster improvement of symptoms. However, our conclusions still require a larger sample size, multi-center, and longer follow-up randomized controlled trials to verify.

Challenges of Providing Concordant Interpretation of Somatic Variants in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Multicenter Study.

Background: Success of multiple-gene mutation tests by next-generation sequencing (NGS), associated with molecular targeting therapies for cancers, depending on the accuracy and consistency of interpreting variants. Here, we summarized reports from clinical laboratories for cases with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and discussed conflicting interpretations of somatic variants. Methods: Three mimetic DNA samples, containing six somatic mutations, were prepared based on three clinical case reports of NSCLC. Clinical reports and genetic testing questionnaires were collected from 67 laboratories enrolled in this investigation. Results: Thirty-four laboratories with correct variant results identified two variants, based on FDA approval of targeted drugs for the same tumor, consistently, with strong clinical significance, whereas the other variants were classified with conflicting interpretations. Discordant interpretations were reported for ERBB2 with three different classifications, including strong clinical significance (53.0%, 18/34), potential clinical significance (38.2%, 13/34), and unknown significance (8.8%, 3/34). In the variant therapeutic drug recommendation section, 32.4% of the laboratories (11/34) did not recommend all the available therapeutic drugs designated by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). In the remaining group of 33 laboratories with incorrect variant results, less correct classifications were acquired for the variants with strong clinical significance. Conclusions: Owing to numerous reasons, the interpretation of variants differed greatly, which might in turn lead to the inappropriate clinical care of patients with NSCLC. By analyzing the limitations of different databases used by laboratories, we integrated various types of databases with different levels of evidence to form a comprehensive and detailed variant interpretation pipeline, aiming to standardize the variant classification and provide accurate and sufficient therapeutic drug recommendation to clinicians for minimal-inappropriate therapeutic options.

Towards characterizing the regional cerebral perfusion in evaluating the severity of major depression disorder with SPECT/CT.

BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common mental disorder worldwide, but now there is a lack of clinically effective assessment and management of MDD. In this study, we used technetium-99 m ethylcysteinate dimer ([99mTc]ECD) SPECT/CT to characterize the regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) status of MDD patients, and to explore an objective image assessment model of MDD which is non- or minimally-invasive, convenient and accurate in a clinical setting. METHODS: The severity of MDD was assessed by three trained psychiatrists, based on scores obtained from HAMD and HAMA. [99mTc]ECD rCBF SPECT/CT was performed in 20 healthy controls and 74 unipolar MDD patients before receiving the treatment. The CT attenuation-corrected SPECT images data were automatically registered, analyzed simultaneously by 3D-SSP and eZIS. RESULTS: The mean score of HAMD and HAMA in the MDD patients was 25.49 ± 6.00, and 23.12 ± 5.83, respectively. There was a positive correlation between two scores. The MDD women had higher HAMD scores than MDD men. The decreased rCBF of MDD patients in frontal lobes (bilateral B11, B47 and right B4, B6, B10, B46), temporal lobe (right B21, B41, B42) and cingulated cortex (bilateral B24, B33), while their increased rCBF in occipital lobe (bilateral B17, B19 and left B18). Additionally, the depression severity was negatively correlated with decreased rCBF in left ventral anterior cingulate cortex B24, and was positively correlated with decreased rCBF in left inferior prefrontal gyrus B47 and increased rCBF in right associative visual cortex B19. The anxiety severity was negatively correlated with decreased rCBF in left subgenual cortex B25. CONCLUSIONS: Although the mechanism underlying the correlation is not yet fully understood, our findings indicated that the rCBF SPECT/CT may provide an objective assessment for MDD severity. It might be used monitoring therapeutic efficacy in the management of MDD.

[Study on prescription screening and preparation process of compound danshen pulse capsule].

To develop gastric floating erodible plug pulse capsules with compound Danshen as the model drug, in order to realize the pulse release of traditional Chinese medicines. Through the study on impermeable capsules, optimized prescriptions, drug-containing rapid-release tablets and prescription screening, and erodible plug prescription and process, we successfully prepared compounded Danshen pulse capsule, so as to provide a new dosage form for controlling and treating heart disease to better cater to clinical demands.

ß1 integrin-extracellular matrix interactions are essential for maintaining exocrine pancreas architecture and function.

Integrin receptors are responsible for integrating extracellular matrix signals inside the cell. The most prominent integrin receptor, ß1 integrin, has a role in cell function, survival and differentiation. Recently, we demonstrated a profound in vivo role of ß1 integrin expression in the pancreas on glucose homeostasis and islet function. Here, we extend these results by examining the role of ß1 integrin in exocrine pancreatic structure and function. Adult C57Bl/6 mice hemizygous for a collagen type Iα2 (Col1a2) promoter-controlled tamoxifen-inducible Cre recombinase gene and homozygous for loxP-ß1 integrin were injected with tamoxifen or corn oil to generate mice deleted or not for ß1 integrin. Pancreata derived from these male mice were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, western blot and immunofluorescence. Our results showed that ß1 integrin-deficient mice displayed a significant decrease in pancreas weight with a significant reduction of amylase, regenerating islet-derived protein II and carboxypeptidase-A expression (P<0.05-0.01). Compared with control pancreata, ß1 integrin-deficient pancreata showed reduced mRNA expression of extracellular matrix (collagen type Iα2, fibronectin and laminin) genes (P<0.05), detached acini clusters and lost focal adhesion structure. Moreover, ß1 integrin-deficient pancreatic acinar cells displayed decreased proliferation (P<0.05) and increased apoptosis (P<0.001). Apoptosis was reduced to that of controls when isolated exocrine clusters were cultured in media supplemented with extracellular matrix proteins. Taken together, these results implicate ß1 integrin as an essential component for maintaining exocrine pancreatic structure and function.

NF-κB p65 repression by the sesquiterpene lactone, Helenalin, contributes to the induction of autophagy cell death.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have demonstrated that autophagy plays a vital role in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Interestingly, several anticancer agents were found to exert their anticancer effects by triggering autophagy. Emerging data suggest that autophagy represents a novel mechanism that can be exploited for therapeutic benefit. Pharmacologically active natural compounds such as those from marine, terrestrial plants and animals represent a promising resource for novel anticancer drugs. There are several prominent examples from the past proving the success of natural products and derivatives exhibiting anticancer activity. Helenalin, a sesquiterpene lactone has been demonstrated to have potent anti-inflammatory and antitumor activity. Albeit previous studies demonstrating helenalin's multi modal action on cellular proliferative and apoptosis, the mechanisms underlying its action are largely unexplained. METHODS: To deduce the mechanistic action of helenalin, cancer cells were treated with the drug at various concentrations and time intervals. Using western blot, FACS analysis, overexpression and knockdown studies, cellular signaling pathways were interrogated focusing on apoptosis and autophagy markers. RESULTS: We show here that helenalin induces sub-G1 arrest, apoptosis, caspase cleavage and increases the levels of the autophagic markers. Suppression of caspase cleavage by the pan caspase inhibitor, Z-VAD-fmk, suppressed induction of LC3-B and Atg12 and reduced autophagic cell death, indicating caspase activity was essential for autophagic cell death induced by helenalin. Additionally, helenalin suppressed NF-κB p65 expression in a dose and time dependent manner. Exogenous overexpression of p65 was accompanied by reduced levels of cell death whereas siRNA mediated suppression led to augmented levels of caspase cleavage, autophagic cell death markers and increased cell death. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, these results show that helenalin mediated autophagic cell death entails inhibition of NF-κB p65, thus providing a promising approach for the treatment of cancers with aberrant activation of the NF-κB pathway.

[The preparation of arabinogalactan and the mechanism of release].

OBJECTIVE: The study is the research on the preparation of arabinogalactan (AG) dropping pills and the releasing mechanism. METHOD: Use the orthogonal test to find out the best way to produce and advance the preparation of AG dropping pills, analysis according to the chart and DSC to find the releasing mechanism. RESULT: The best preparation conditions are: the liquid of AG is at 75 degrees C, the temperature above the polydimethls iloxane is 30 degrees C, the distance to the frizzed liquid is 6 cm, the speed of the liquid is 30 drop x min(-1). The chart and DSC suggest: The solid disoperation of AG-PREG 4000 the complex is in a certain form which made the melting point decreased obviously, so as to increase the solution of the medicine in carrier to increase the releasing speed. CONCLUSION: The best preparation is reasonable, AG and carrier become a form, the melting point is low, it can release fast.

[The study on the treatment of Oviducts Ranae protein with enzyme hydrolysis].

The paper introduced a process to enhance the yield of Oviducts Ranae protein using in vitro enzyme hydrolysis. The treatment process included two steps: (1) a 3 - 4 h of hydrolysis of a 0.025 g x g(-1) concentration of substance, at pH 7 and 60 degrees C, using 4% of papain; and (2) followed with a 6 - 8 h hydrolysis, at pH 2 - 2.5 and 60 degrees C, using 3% of pepsin. This treatment process significantly improved the lyophilized Oviducts Ranae in solubility and fluidity, which is convenient for the relative pharmaceutical preparations.