Incorporation of cellulose nanocrystals to improve the physicochemical and bioactive properties of pectin-konjac glucomannan composite films containing clove essential oil.

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) isolated from cotton in augmenting pectin (PEC)/konjac glucomannan (KGM) composite films containing clove essential oil (CEO) for food packaging application. The effects of CNC dosage on film properties were examined by analyzing the rheology of film-forming solutions and the mechanical, barrier, antimicrobial, and CEO-release properties of the films. Rheological and FTIR analysis revealed the enhanced interactions among the film components after CNC incorporation due to its high aspect ratio and abundant hydroxyl groups, which can also prevent CEO droplet aggregation, contributing to form a compact microstructure as confirmed by SEM and 3D surface topography observations. Consequently, the addition of CNC reinforced the polysaccharide matrix, increasing the tensile strength of the films and improving their barrier properties to water vapor. More importantly, antibacterial, controlled release and kinetic simulation experiments proved that the addition of CNC could further slow down the release rate of CEO, prolonging the antimicrobial properties of the films. PEC/KGM/CEO composite films with 15 wt% CNC was found to have relatively best comprehensive properties, which was also most effective in delaying deterioration of grape quality during the storage of 9 days at 25 °C.

Glutamine enhances sucrose taste through a gut microbiota-gut-brain axis in Drosophila.

AIMS: Amino acids (AAs) are known to play important roles in various physiological functions. However, their effect on sweet taste perception remains largely unknown. MAIN METHODS: We used Drosophila to evaluate the effect of each AA on sucrose taste perception. Individual AA was supplemented into diets and male flies were fed on these diets for 6 days. The proboscis extension response (PER) assay was applied to assess the sucrose taste sensitivity of treated flies. We further utilized the RNA-seq and germ-free (GF) flies to reveal the underlying mechanisms of sucrose taste sensitization induced by glutamine (Gln). KEY FINDINGS: We found that supplementation of Gln into diets significantly enhances sucrose taste sensitivity. This sucrose taste sensitization is dependent on gut microbiota and requires a specific gut bacterium Acetobacter tropicalis (A. tropicalis). We further found that CNMamide (CNMa) in the gut and CNMa receptor (CNMaR) in dopaminergic neurons are required for increased sucrose taste sensitivity by Gln diet. Finally, we demonstrated that a gut microbiota-gut-brain axis is required for Gln-induced sucrose taste sensitization. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings can advance understanding of the complex interplay between host physiology, dietary factors, and gut microbiota.

The antidepressive mechanism of Longya Lilium combined with Fluoxetine in mice with depression-like behaviors.

Traditional Chinese medicine is one of the most commonly used complementary and alternative medicine therapies for depression. Integrated Chinese-western therapies have been extensively applied in numerous diseases due to their superior efficiency in individual treatment. We used the meta-analysis, network pharmacology, and bioinformatics studies to identify the putative role of Longya Lilium combined with Fluoxetine in depression. Depression-like behaviors were mimicked in mice after exposure to the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). The underlying potential mechanism of this combination therapy was further explored based on in vitro and in vivo experiments to analyze the expression of COX-2, PGE2, and IL-22, activation of microglial cells, and neuron viability and apoptosis in the hippocampus. The antidepressant effect was noted for the combination of Longya Lilium with Fluoxetine in mice compared to a single treatment. COX-2 was mainly expressed in hippocampal CA1 areas. Longya Lilium combined with Fluoxetine reduced the expression of COX-2 and thus alleviated depression-like behavior and neuroinflammation in mice. A decrease of COX-2 curtailed BV-2 microglial cell activation, inflammation, and neuron apoptosis by blunting the PGE2/IL-22 axis. Therefore, a combination of Longya Lilium with Fluoxetine inactivates the COX-2/PGE2/IL-22 axis, consequently relieving the neuroinflammatory response and the resultant depression.

Herbal compound cepharanthine attenuates inflammatory arthritis by blocking macrophage M1 polarization.

OBJECTIVE: Cepharanthine (CEP) is a drug candidate for tumor, viral infection, and some inflammatory diseases, but its effect on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the underlying mechanism are incompletely understood. METHODS: CEP was administered intraperitoneally to a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model. Joints went radiological and histological examination and serum cytokines were examined with cytometry-based analysis. M1 macrophages were induced from THP-1 cells or mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages with LPS and IFN-γ. Bulk RNA-seq was performed on macrophage undergoing M1-polarizatioin. Western blotting was applied to determine pathways involved in monocyte chemotaxis and polarization. Glycolysis metabolites were measured by chemiluminescence while glycolytic enzymes were examined by quantitative PCR. RESULTS: We found CEP significantly ameliorated synovial inflammation and joint destruction of CIA mice. It downregulated TNF-α levels in serum and in joints. The number of M1 macrophages were reduced in CEP-treated mice. In vitro, CEP inhibited monocyte chemotaxis to MCP-1 by downregulating CCR2 and reducing ERK1/2 signaling. Additionally, CEP suppressed M1 polarization of macrophages induced by LPS and IFN-γ. Genes involved in IFN-γ signaling, IL-6-JAK/STAT3 signaling, glycolysis, and oxidative phosphorylation process were downregulated by CEP. Several enzymes critically involved in glycolytic metabolism were suppressed by CEP, which resulted in reduced citrate in M1-polarizing macrophages. The inhibitory effect of CEP on macrophage polarization might be attributed to the blockage of TLRs-MyD88/IRAK4-IRF5 signaling pathway together with suppression of overactivated glycolytic metabolism in M1-polarizing macrophages. CONCLUSION: CEP attenuated joint inflammation by suppressing monocyte chemotaxis and proinflammatory differentiation. It has the potential to be developed into a complementary or alternative therapy for RA.

Ginkgolide C attenuates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion-induced inflammatory impairments by suppressing CD40/NF-κB pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ginkgo biloba L. (Ginkgoaceae), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been applied for thousands of years for the treatment of cardio-cerebral vascular diseases in China. It is written in Compendium of Materia Medica that Ginkgo has the property of "dispersing poison", which is now referred to as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Ginkgolides are important active ingredients in Ginkgo biloba leaves and ginkgolide injection has been frequently applied in clinical practice for the treatment of ischemic stroke. However, few studies have explored the effect and mechanism of ginkgolide C (GC) with anti-inflammatory activity in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CI/RI). AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study aimed to demonstrate whether GC was capable of attenuating CI/RI. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory effect of GC in CI/RI was explored around the CD40/NF-κB pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vivo, middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) model was established in rats. The neuroprotective effect of GC was assessed by neurological scores, cerebral infarct rate, microvessel ultrastructure, blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, brain edema, neutrophil infiltration, and levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and iNOS. In vitro, rat brain microvessel endothelial cells (rBMECs) were preincubated in GC before hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) culture. The cell viability, levels of CD40, ICAM-1, MMP-9, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6, and activation of NF-κB pathway were examined. In addition, the anti-inflammatory effect of GC was also investigated by silencing CD40 gene in rBMECs. RESULTS: GC attenuated CI/RI as demonstrated by decreasing neurological scores, reducing cerebral infarct rate, improving microvessel ultrastructural features, ameliorating BBB disruption, attenuating brain edema, inhibiting MPO activity, and downregulating levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and iNOS. Coherently, in rBMECs exposed to H/R GC enhanced cell viability and downregulated levels of ICAM-1, MMP-9, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6. Furthermore, GC suppressed CD40 overexpression and hindered translocation of NF-κB p65 from the cytosol to the nucleus, phosphorylation of IκB-α, and activation of IKK-ß in H/R rBMECs. However, GC failed to protect rBMECs from H/R-induced inflammatory impairments and suppress activation of NF-κB pathway when CD40 gene was silenced. CONCLUSIONS: GC attenuates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion-induced inflammatory impairments by suppressing CD40/NF-κB pathway, which may provide an available therapeutic drug for CI/RI.

[Determination of 101 pesticide residues in Platycodonis radix and extracts of Angelica sinensis by gel permeation chromatography-gas chromatography-ion trap mass spectrometry].

With the growing global popularity of traditional medicine and natural drugs， especially in Southeast Asia， the quality of traditional Chinese medicines （TCMs） has attracted the attention of regulators. China's major TCM export destinations， such as South Korea， Japan， and Europe， have formulated strict maximum residue limits （MRLs） of pesticides in TCMs. Therefore， a sensitive and high-throughput method for the simultaneous determination of 101 pesticide residues in Platycodonis radix and extracts of Angelica sinensis was established， involving gel permeation chromatography （GPC） coupled with gas chromatography-ion trap mass spectrometry （GC-ITMS）. In this method， the samples were first ground into fine powder and extracted twice with 20 mL acetonitrile in an ultrasonic cleaner for 30 min. After centrifugation for 10 min at 6000 r/min， the supernatants were combined and dried at 40 ℃ using a rotary vacuum evaporator. The residue was re-dissolved in 2 mL ethyl acetate-cyclohexane （1∶1， v/v） and purified by gel permeation chromatography using a 40 cm×20 mm column. The eluent collecting time was optimized as 17-30 min to ensure both the recovery of target compounds and the removal of interferences such as pigments and lipids from the target compounds. The eluent was then dried and re-dissolved with 1 mL toluene for analysis. The 101 pesticide residues were separated using the DB-5MS capillary column and analyzed by ion trap mass spectrometry. The pretreatment conditions and ion trap mass spectrometry parameters were optimized to effectively reduce the interference of complex TCM matrices and greatly improve the quantitative accuracy of the analysis and recovery of the target pesticides. Three spiked levels of 101 pesticides were tested. The average recovery range was 58.3%-108.9% and the relative standard deviations （RSDs） at the three spiked levels （n=10） ranged from 0.4% to 16.5%. The limits of detection （LODs， S/N=3） of the 101 pesticide compounds ranged from 0.2 to 40.0 µg/kg， while the limits of quantification （LOQs， S/N=10） ranged from 0.6 to 120.0 µg/kg， which met the maximum residue limits of China's main TCM export countries and organizations. This rapid analysis method was easy to operate and high throughput， with strong sensitivity and good repeatability. The employment of gel permeation chromatography overcame the drawback of inadequate cleanup of the solid phase extraction column during TCM analysis. The application of ion trap technology further eliminated the interference of matrix impurities and increased the accuracy of the quantitative and qualitative analyses. This method fills the knowledge gap in multiple pesticide residue determination in TCMs using gas chromatography-ion trap mass spectrometry and is a useful and beneficial alternative to current analytical methods of TCMs.

Nutritional geometry framework of sucrose taste in Drosophila.

Dietary protein (P) and carbohydrate (C) have a major impact on the sweet taste sensation. However, it remains unclear whether the balance of P and C influences the sweet taste sensitivity. Here, we use the nutritional geometry framework (NGF) to address the interaction of protein and carbohydrates on sweet taste using Drosophila as a model. Our results reveal that high-protein, low-carbohydrate (HPLC) diets sensitize to sweet taste and low-protein, high-carbohydrate (LPHC) diets desensitize sweet taste in both male and female flies. We further investigate the underlying mechanisms of the effects of two diets on sweet taste using RNA sequencing. When compared to the LPHC diet, the mRNA expression of genes involved in the metabolism of glycine, serine, and threonine is significantly upregulated in the HPLC diet group, suggesting these amino acids may mediate sweet taste perception. We further find that sweet sensitization occurs in flies fed with the LPHC diet supplemented with serine and threonine. Our study demonstrates that sucrose taste sensitivity is affected by the balance of dietary protein and carbohydrates possibly through changes in serine and threonine.

SmJAZ4 interacts with SmMYB111 or SmMYC2 to inhibit the synthesis of phenolic acids in Salvia miltiorrhiza.

Jasmonic acid (JA), as an important plant hormone, can induce the synthesis of phenolic acids in Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, a model medicinal plant, but the specific mechanism remains to be further elucidated. JA-responsive SmMYB111 positively regulates the biosynthesis of salvianolic acid B (SalB), but the molecular mechanism is unclear. Here, we found that SmMYB111 directly binds to the promoters of SmTAT1 and SmCYP98A14 and activates their transcription. Yeast two hybrid and bimolecular fluorescent complementation assay indicated that SmMYB111 interacts with SmJAZ4. Furthermore, we systematically characterized the function of SmJAZ4, which was highly expressed in flowers and roots and located in the nucleus and cell membrane. The contents of phenolic acids in the SmJAZ4-overexpressed transgenic plantlets and SmJAZ4-overexpressed transgenic hairy roots decreased significantly. SmJAZ4 interacts with SmMYC2 or SmMYB111 to repress their transcriptional activation activity on target enzyme genes of the biosynthesis pathway of phenolic acids. Overall, the molecular mechanism of SmJAZ4-SmMYC2/SmMYB111 module participating in JA signaling regulation of SalB biosynthesis was elucidated, which give a clue for the molecular regulation of phenolic acids biosynthesis in S. miltiorrhiza.

Protective Effect and Mechanism of Kuntai Capsule on Angiotensin II -Induced Hypertension in Ovariectomized Rats.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the protective effect and mechanism of Kuntai (KT) Capsule on angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertension in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. METHODS: Fifty-four rats were randomly divided into 6 groups according to a random number table, 9 in each group: control, OVX sham+Ang II, OVX, OVX+Ang II, OVX+Ang II +E2, and OVX+Ang II +KT. OVX rats model was constructed by retroperitoneal bilateral ovariectomy. After 4 weeks of pretreatment with KT Capsule [0.8 g/(kg·d) and 17- ß -estradiol (E2, 1.2 mg/(kg·d)] respectively, Ang II was injected into a micro-osmotic pump with a syringe to establish a hypertensive rat model. Blood pressure of rat tail artery was measured in a wake state of rats using a non-invasive sphygmomanometer. Blood pressure changes were compared between the intervention groups (OVX+Ang II +KT, OVX+Ang II +E2) and the negative control group (OVX+Ang II). Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were detected respectively. The expressions of oxidative stress-related protein superoxide dismutase2 (SOD2) and anti-thioredoxin (TRX), autophagy marker protein [beclin1, light chain (LC) 3 II/I ratio and autophagy canonical pathway protein phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/serine/threonine kinase (AKT)-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)] were evaluated by Western blotting. RESULTS: Compared with the OVX+Ang II group, the systolic blood pressure of OVX+Ang II +KT group was significantly lowered (P<0.05) but not the diastolic blood pressure. Besides, SOD2 and TRX protein levels in mycardial tissues were significantly reduced in the OVX+Ang II +KT group compared with the OVX+Ang II group (P<0.05). Oxidative stress serum markers MDA and SOD were down- and up-regulated in the OVX+Ang II +KT group, respectively (P<0.05). Compared with OVX+Ang II group, the levels of cardiac proteins beclin-1 and LC3II/LC3 I in OVX+Ang II +KT group were also up-regulated (P<0.05), and the expression levels of p-PI3K, p-AKT and mTOR protein were down-regulated (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: KT could protect blood pressure of Ang II-induced OVX rats by inhibiting oxidative stress and up-regulating protective autophagy.

The Antifatigue Mechanism of Buyang-huanwu Decoction as Revealed by Serum Metabolomics in an Endurance Swimming Rat Model.

Buyang-huanwu decoction (BHD) is a classic prescription that has great potential to be developed into antifatigue functional food. It may activate blood circulation to relieve fatigue in some clinical cases by unclear mechanisms. In this study, a metabolomics approach was conducted to investigate the antifatigue mechanism of BHD. The murine fatigue model was established in rats by endurance swimming, and hemorheology, blood biochemistry, and ultraperformance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolomics were conducted on serum samples. The rate of weight gain, hemorheological parameters, and serum creatine kinase activities were significantly altered in model rats and they returned to a normal level after BHD administration. Pattern recognition screened 18 potential biomarkers, which are mainly involved in glycerophospholipid, arachidonic acid, and cholesterol metabolisms. The results demonstrate that the antifatigue mechanism of BHD is mainly related to the function of enhancing nerve conduction, relieving inflammation and regulating cholesterol metabolism and energy metabolism.

[Historical evolution of Xuanfu Daizhe Decoction].

Xuanfu Daizhe Decoction, first seen in Zhang Zhongjing's Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases, was composed of seven medicinal materials: Inulae Flos, Glycyrrhizae Radix, Ginseng Radix, Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, Haematitum, Pinelliae Rhizoma and Jujubae Fructus. It was used to treat gastric fullness and hardness and belching due to the wrong treatment of typhoid fever and sweating. With detailed records and description in ancient medical books, Xuanfu Daizhe Decoction was widely adopted in clinical practice by physicians of later generations, which expanded its main therapeutic functions. By comprehensive collation of ancient and modern literature on Xuanfu Daizhe Decoction, this paper systematically explored the historical evolution of the prescription from the source, composition, dosage, processing, clinical application, function interpretation and decocting method. It was found that the composition and processing method of the prescription in the past dynasties were relatively consistent, and there was a gradual decrease in dosage in clinical application. In ancient times, Xuanfu Daizhe Decoction was mainly used to treat nausea, vomiting, hiccups, constipation, etc., while modern clinicians mainly used it for digestive diseases such as reflux esophagitis and gastritis. Through the analysis and textual research, the composition, dosage, processing, function evolution and decocting method of this prescription were determined, which provided reference for the research and development of compound preparations of Xuanfu Daizhe Decoction.

Network pharmacological investigation into the mechanism of Kaixinsan powder for the treatment of depression.

Kaixinsan powder (KXS), a classic prescription of traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is widely used in the treatment of depression, but its mechanism remains unclear. The network pharmacology method was used to constructe the "herb-component-target" network, and elucidated KXS potential mechanisms of action in the treatment of depression. Moreover, molecular docking was applied to valid the important interactions between the ingredients and the target protein. The "herb-component-target" network indicated that the ingredients of Girinimbin, Gomisin B and Asarone, and the protein targets of ESR, AR and NR3C1 mostly contribute to the antidepressant effect of KXS. KEGG pathway analysis highlighted the most significant pathways associated with depression treatment, including neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway, serotonergic synapse pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway. Go enrichment analysis indicated that the mechanism of KXS in treating depression was involved in the biological process of GPCR signal transduction, hormone metabolism and nerve cell apoptosis. Moreover, molecular docking results showed that Polygalaxanthone III, Girinimbine and Pachymic acid performed greater binding ability with key antidepressant target 5-HTR. In conclusion, this study preliminarily revealed key active components in KXS, including Gomisin B, Asarone, Ginsenoside Rg1, Polygalaxanthone III and Pachymic acid, could interact with multiple targets (5-HTR, DR, ADRA, AR, ESR, NR3C1) and modulate the activation of multiple pathways (Neuroactive ligand -receptor interaction pathway, serotonergic synapse pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and MAPK signaling pathway).

Ficus hirta Vahl. Ameliorates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease through Regulating Lipid Metabolism and Gut Microbiota.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has gradually become one of the most serious liver diseases threatening human health in the world. Currently, Chinese herbal medicine is a potentially important treatment option for NAFLD, and the development of effective Chinese herbal medicine has a good prospect. Previous studies have suggested that Ficus hirta Vahl. (FV) has various protective effects on the liver. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic outcomes of FV treatment for the liver disease and its underlying mechanism using HepG2 cell lines induced by palmitate (PA) and mouse model fed with high-fat diet (HFD). FV mainly exerts pharmacological effects by mediating lipid metabolism and inflammation. During the lipid metabolism regulation process, CD36, SREBP-1, SCD1, PPAR γ, ACOX1, and CPT1α are the key factors related to the healing effects of FV on NAFLD. During the inflammation process, the downregulation of IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α is involved in alleviation of NAFLD. Furthermore, CD36 overexpression promotes lipid abnormal metabolism and inflammation in PA-induced HepG2 cells, while CD36 knockdown and FV supplementation reverse these responses. In addition, FV also modulates gut microbiota composition, such as Allobaculum, Faecalibaculum, and Butyricicoccus in HFD-fed mice. In summary, our findings demonstrated that FV exerted a beneficial preventive and therapeutic effect on NAFLD by improving lipid metabolism and inflammation as well as regulating the structure of gut microbiota, and therefore, FV may be a candidate for the treatment of NAFLD.

Metabolomic Mechanisms of Radix Fici Hirtae against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Acute Liver Damage in Mice.

Background: Radix Fici Hirtae (RFH), known as Cantonese ginseng, is an alternative folk medicine that is widely used to treat various diseases in southern China. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and metabolic mechanisms of pretreatment with RFH on the serum metabolic profiles of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced acute liver injury in mice. Methods: Mice fed with the water extract of RFH at a dose of 1.5 g/kg and 0.75 g/kg for consecutive 7 days, and then serum samples were taken for the metabolomic analysis. Furthermore, the bioinformatics and pathways analysis were measured. Results: The UHPLC-Orbitrap/MS based-metabolomic analysis identified 20 differential metabolic markers in serum of CCl4-induced liver injury mice compared to that of the normal controls, which were mainly related to the metabolism of amino acids and fatty acids. Furthermore, most of these biomarkers contributing to CCl4 induction were ameliorated by RFH, and the bioinformatics and pathways analysis revealed that therapeutic actions of RFH were mainly involved in the regulation of the oxidative stress responses and energy homeostasis. Conclusion: These findings provide potential metabolic mechanism for future study and allow for hypothesis generation about the hepatoprotective effects of Radix Fici Hirtae.

In vitro and in vivo Activity of Phibilin Against Candida albicans.

The increase in the occurrence of antifungal-resistant Candida albicans infections necessitates more research to explore alternative effective and safe agents against this fungus. In this work, Phibilin, a new antimicrobial peptide obtained from Philomycus bilineatus and used in traditional Chinese medicine, effectively inhibits the growth and activities of C. albicans, including the clinical resistant strains. Phibilin is a fungicidal antimicrobial peptide that exhibited its antimicrobial effect against C. albicans mainly by disrupting the membrane and interacting with the DNA of the fungi. In particular, Phibilin induces the necrosis of C. albicans via the ROS-related pathway. Moreover, this antifungal compound inhibited the biofilm formation of C. albicans by preventing the development of hyphae in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, Phibilin and clotrimazole displayed a synergistic effect in inhibiting the growth of the fungi. In the mouse cutaneous infection model, Phibilin significantly inhibited the formation of skin abscesses and decreased the counts of C. albicans cells in the infected area. Overall, Phibilin is potentially an effective agent against skin infections caused by C. albicans.

Titanium nanosheet as robust and biosafe drug carrier for combined photochemo cancer therapy.

Two-dimensional (2D) Titanium nanosheets (Ti NSs) have shown many excellent properties, such as nontoxicity, satisfactory photothermal conversion efficacy, etc. However, the biomedical applications of Ti NSs have not been intensively investigated. Herein, we synthesized a multifunctional Ti NS drug delivery system modified with polydopamine/polyethylene glycol (Ti@PDA-PEG) and applied simultaneously for photothermal therapy and chemotherapy. Doxorubicin (DOX) was utilized as a model drug. Ti@PDA-PEG NS shows an ultrahigh antitumor drug DOX loading (Ti@PDA-PEG-DOX). The prepared Ti@PDA-PEG-DOX NS as robust drug delivery system demonstrates great stability and excellent multi-response drug-release capabilities, including pH-responsive and near-infrared -responsive behavior and obviously high photothermal efficiency. Both in vitro and in vivo experimental results have shown high biosafety and outstanding antitumor effects. Therefore, this work exhibits the enormous potential of a multifunctional platform in the treatment of tumors and may stimulate interest in the exploration of other new 2D nanomaterials for biomedical applications.

Jia Wei Xiao Yao San ameliorates chronic stress-induced depression-like behaviors in mice by regulating the gut microbiome and brain metabolome in relation to purine metabolism.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of depression remains largely unknown. Accumulating evidence demonstrates the existence of a complex relationship between gut microbiome composition and brain functions. Jia Wei Xiao Yao San (JWXYS) is considered a potential antidepressant. However, the pharmacological mechanisms of JWXYS have not yet been clarified. PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the effects of JWXYS on chronic stress-induced depression-like behaviors in mice. METHODS: A chronic restraint stress mouse model of depression was established. JWXYS was administered, and the responses of these mice to treatment were evaluated through several behavioral tests. The activity of astrocytes and microglia was detected by specific fluorescent labels. Inflammatory cytokines were quantified in intestinal and cerebral tissues. An integrated approach with full-length 16S rRNA sequencing and different types of untargeted metabolomics was conducted to investigate the relationship between the gut microbiome at the species level, metabolic brain functions, and JWXYS. RESULTS: We found that behavioral symptoms were associated with the relative abundance of Lactobacillus animalis. After JWXYS treatment, the relative abundance of Ileibacterium valens with enzymes potentially involved in purine metabolism was also described. The activation of astrocytes and microglia was negatively correlated with the relative abundance of L. animalis. Combined with network pharmacological analysis, several targets predicted based on JWXYS treatment focused on purine metabolism, which was also enriched from cerebral metabolites regulated by JWXYS. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that L. animalis is involved in depression-like behaviors in mice. JWXYS increases the abundance of I. valens with potential enzymes in relation to cerebral purine metabolism, which is positively correlated with the activation of astrocytes in the amygdala.

Effectiveness of a nurse-led Mindfulness-based Tai Chi Chuan (MTCC) program on Posttraumatic Growth and perceived stress and anxiety of breast cancer survivors.

Background: With the development of positive psychology, posttraumatic growth research on cancer patients has attracted increasing attention from researchers. It is immensely important to effectively increase the posttraumatic growth level of cancer patients and improve their quality of life. Objectives: To investigate the effectiveness of a nurse-led mindfulness-based Tai Chi Chuan (MTCC) programme for increasing posttraumatic growth (PTG) and decreasing the perceived stress and anxiety of breast cancer survivors. Methods: A RCT was conducted. Participants were randomly assigned to either the MTCC group or the control group. The programme included 59 women with stage I-III breast cancer. Participants in the intervention group participated in a nurse-led 8-week, twice a week, one-hour per day mindfulness-based exercise programme. The effectiveness of the intervention was measured three times (T1 - before intervention; T2 - after intervention; T3 - one year after intervention) using validated scales, including the PTG inventory (PTGI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS). A repeated-measure analysis of variance model was used to analyse the data. Results: Compared with the wait-list control group, the PTG level in the MTCC group was much higher after the 8-week intervention and the follow-up (F = 374.98, P < .000). The results showed that MTCC increased the level of PTG, and the effect persisted 1 year after intervention. In addition, PSS (F = 55.22, P < .000) and SAS (F = 148.92, P < .000) scores were significantly decreased at T2 and T3. Conclusion: The research preliminarily revealed that the MTCC programme was simple, effective, and more suitable to clinical nurses which should be recommended to cancer survivors to promote their recovery.

Antecedentes: Con el desarrollo de la psicología positiva, la investigación de crecimiento postraumático en pacientes con cáncer ha atraído cada vez más la atención de los investigadores. Es sumamente importante aumentar de manera eficaz el nivel de crecimiento postraumático de los pacientes con cáncer y mejorar su calidad de vida.Objetivos: Investigar la efectividad de un programa de Tai Chi Chuan basado en mindfulness (MTCC en sus siglas en inglés) dirigido por enfermeras para aumentar el crecimiento postraumático (PTG en sus siglas en inglés) y disminuir la percepción de estrés y ansiedad de las sobrevivientes de cáncer de mama.Métodos: Se condujo un ECA. Las participantes fueron asignadas al azar al grupo MTCC o al grupo control. El programa incluyó a cincuenta y nueve mujeres con cáncer de mama en estadio I-III. Las participantes en el grupo de intervención participaron en un programa de ejercicios basados en mindfulness dirigido por enfermeras, de 8 semanas, dos veces por semana, de una hora diaria. La efectividad de la intervención se midió tres veces (T1 ­ antes de la intervención; T2 ­ después de la intervención; T3 ­ un año después de la intervención) usando escalas validadas, incluidas el inventario de PTG (PTGI), la Escala de Estrés Percibida (PSS) y la Escala de Ansiedad Auto-reportada (SAS). Para analizar los datos se utilizó un modelo de análisis de varianza de medidas repetidas.Resultados: En comparación con el grupo control de la lista de espera, el nivel de PTG en el grupo MTCC fue mucho más alto después de intervención de 8 semanas y al seguimiento (F = 374.98, P< 0.000). Los resultados mostraron que la MTCC aumentó los niveles de PTG y el efecto persistió un año después de la intervención. Además, las puntuaciones de PSS (F = 55.22, P< 0.000) y SAS (F = 148.92, P< 0.000) disminuyeron significativamente en T2 y T3.Conclusiones: Las investigaciones preliminares revelaron que el programa de MTCC era simple, efectivo y más adecuado para las enfermeras clínicas, lo que debería recomendarse a las sobrevivientes de cáncer para promover su recuperación.

Efficacy of group reminiscence therapy based on Chinese traditional festival activities (CTFA-GRT) on loneliness and perceived stress of rural older adults living alone in China: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the efficacy of group reminiscence therapy based on Chinese traditional festival activities (CTFA-GRT) to mediate the loneliness and perceived stress of older adults living alone in rural China. The results can provide a scientific foundation for improving psychological health. METHOD: A randomized controlled trial of 64 (aged 65.70 ± 3.69 years) Chinese rural older adults living alone was conducted. They were randomly divided into either an eight-month intervention group or a control group. The perceived stress scale (PSS) and the UCLA loneliness scale (UCLA-LS) evaluated the perceived stress and loneliness of the two groups at three different times. A repeated-measures analysis of variance model was used to compare each outcome measure of the two groups. RESULTS: The CTFA-GRT yielded a benefit for the perceived stress and loneliness of rural older adults living alone in the intervention group. Combined with a simple effects test, the PSS and UCLA-LS of those in the intervention groups significantly decreased at eight months after the baseline (F PSS = 23.540, F UCLA-LS = 40.159; all P < 0.01). In addition, the sustainable effect of this program lasted three months after the intervention (F PSS = 65.756, F UCLA-LS = 60.983; all P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The CTFA-GRT significantly decreased the perceived stress and loneliness of rural older adults living alone in China.

Effects of ligustrazine on the expression of neurotransmitters in the trigeminal ganglion of a rat migraine model.

BACKGROUND: Migraine is one of the most common neurological diseases which has been treated by active substances from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), such as ligustrazine, an extract of the Chinese herb Chuanxiong. However, the pathogenesis of migraine and the curative mechanisms of ligustrazine have remained unclear. The genes P2X3, TRPV1, ERK, and c-fos have been implicated to play a role. In this work, we attempted to elucidate the analgesic mechanism of ligustrazine using a classic migraine-representative rat model. METHODS: The migraine rat model was established by administration of nitroglycerin (NTG). Ligustrazine treatment was administered by intravenous injection. The animal's behavior was continuously recorded, and then trigeminal ganglions (TGs) were isolated. Total RNA was extracted from cells and total protein was extracted from TG. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot analyses were used to detect the levels of P2X3, TRPV1, c-Fos, and ERK in TG. RESULTS: Ligustrazine could reduce the neurological activities of NTG-induced migraine rats. The rats TG nerve showed varying degrees of expression of P2X3, TRPV1, c-Fos and ERK expression element. Ligustrazine could inhibit over-expression of P2X3, TRPV1, c-fos, and ERK in the TG nerve of NTG-induced migraine rats. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that ligustrazine had potent activity against NTG-induced migraine rats through inhibition of the c-fos/ERK signaling pathway. This work may provide a comprehensive basis for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of migraine and the curative mechanisms of ligustrazine.