[Screening for Characteristic Genes of Different Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes of Psoriasis Vulgaris: A Study Based on Bioinformatics and Machine Learning]. / ç”Ÿç‰©ä¿¡æ¯å­¦å’Œæœºå™¨å­¦ä¹ ç­›é€‰é“¶å±‘ç— ä¸­åŒ»è¯åž‹ç‰¹å¾åŸºå› .

Objective: To screen for the key characteristic genes of the psoriasis vulgaris (PV) patients with different Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndromes, including blood-heat syndrome (BHS), blood stasis syndrome (BSS), and blood-dryness syndrome (BDS), through bioinformatics and machine learning and to provide a scientific basis for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of PV of different TCM syndrome types. Methods: The GSE192867 dataset was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The limma package was used to screen for the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of PV, BHS, BSS, and BDS in PV patients and healthy populations. In addition, KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genes) pathway enrichment analysis was performed. The DEGs associated with PV, BHS, BSS, and BDS were identified in the screening and were intersected separately to obtain differentially characterized genes. Out of two algorithms, the support vector machine (SVM) and random forest (RF), the one that produced the optimal performance was used to analyze the characteristic genes and the top 5 genes were identified as the key characteristic genes. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of the key characteristic genes were plotted by using the pROC package, the area under curve (AUC) was calculated, and the diagnostic performance was evaluated, accordingly. Results: The numbers of DEGs associated with PV, BHS, BSS, and BDS were 7699, 7291, 7654, and 6578, respectively. KEGG enrichment analysis was focused on Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), apoptosis, and other pathways. A total of 13 key characteristic genes were identified in the screening by machine learning. Among the 13 key characteristic genes, malectin (MLEC), TUB like protein 3 (TULP3), SET domain containing 9 (SETD9), nuclear envelope integral membrane protein 2 (NEMP2), and BTG anti-proliferation factor 3 (BTG3) were the key characteristic genes of BHS; phosphatase 15 (DUSP15), C1q and tumor necrosis factor related protein 7 (C1QTNF7), solute carrier family 12 member 5 (SLC12A5), tripartite motif containing 63 (TRIM63), and ubiquitin associated protein 1 like (UBAP1L) were the key characteristic genes of BSS; recombinant mouse protein (RRNAD1), GTPase-activating protein ASAP3 Protein (ASAP3), and human myomesin 2 (MYOM2) were the key characteristic genes of BDS. Moreover, all of them showed high diagnostic efficacy. Conclusion: There are significant differences in the characteristic genes of different PV syndromes and they may be potential biomarkers for diagnosing TCM syndromes of PV.

[Research progress of new multifunctional bone cement in bone tumor therapy].

Objective: The research progress of new multifunctional bone cement in bone tumor therapy in recent years was reviewed, in order to provide help for the future research of anti-tumor bone cement. Methods: The related literature on the treatment of bone tumors with new multifunctional bone cement at home and abroad in recent years was extensively reviewed and summarized. Results: The new multifunctional bone cements include those with the functions of photothermotherapy, magnetic thermotherapy, chemoradiotherapy, and antibacterial after operation, which are discussed from the aspects of anti-tumor, drug controlled release, and cytotoxicity. Controlled drug release has been achieved in multifunctional bone cements by adjusting heat and pH or incorporating particles such as chitosan oligosaccharides and γ-cyclodextrin. At present, multifunctional bone cement with hyperthermia, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy has effectively inhibited the local recurrence and distant metastasis of bone tumors. Broadening the application of bone cement for photothermal and magnetic thermal therapy to deeper bone tumors, investigating more precise controlled release of drug-loaded bone cement, and introducing nanoparticles with both thermal conversion and intrinsic enzymatic activities into bone cement for synergistic anti-tumor therapy are promising research directions. Conclusion: The new multifunctional bone cement inhibits bone tumor cells, promotes new bone formation in bone defects, and prevents incision infection after tumor resection. Certain progress has been made in anti-tumor, antibacterial, drug-controlled release, and reduction of cytotoxicity. Expanding the deeper application range of the new multifunctional bone cement, verifying the safety in clinical application, and focusing on the individualized treatment of the new multifunctional bone cement are the problems that need to be solved in the future.

Bitter Almond Albumin ACE-Inhibitory Peptides: Purification, Screening, and Characterization In Silico, Action Mechanisms, Antihypertensive Effect In Vivo, and Stability.

Almond expeller is an undeveloped reservoir of bioactive peptides. In the current study, a zinc ion ligand Arg-Pro-Pro-Ser-Glu-Asp-Glu-Asp-Gln-Glu (RPPSEDEDQE) offering a noncompetitive inhibitory effect on ACE (IC50: 205.50 µmol·L-1) was identified from almond albumin hydrolysates via papain and thermolysin hydrolysis, subsequent chromatographic separation, and UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis. Molecular docking simulated the binding modes of RPPSEDEDQE to ACE and showed the formation of hydrogen bonds between RPPSEDEDQE and seven active residues of ACE. Moreover, RPPSEDEDQE could bind to fifteen active sites of ACE by hydrophobic interactions, and link with the His387 and zinc ions of the zinc tetrahedral coordination. Ultraviolet wavelength scanning and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed that RPPSEDEDQE can provide multiple binding sites for zinc ions. However, RPPSEDEDQE cannot bind with any central pocket of ACE, which was evidenced by an inhibition kinetics experiment. Additionally, the zinc-chelating capacity and inhibiting ability against ACE of RPPSEDEDQE were both not significantly reduced by the hydrolysis of gastrointestinal enzymes. A moderate to high dose of RPPSEDEDQE (100-150 mg·kg bw-1) significantly reduced the systolic and diastolic blood pressure of spontaneous hypertensive rats, but chelation with zinc ions decreased its antihypertensive efficiency. These results indicate that bitter almond albumin peptides may be used for lowering blood pressure.

Predictive Model for PICC Occlusion Risk for Patients in Intensive Care Units: A Retrospective Clinical Study.

Context: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) have a high incidence of catheter occlusion, but research exploring the risk factors for such an occlusion for patients in intensive care units (ICUs) is lacking. Objective: The study intended to examine the impact of multiple risk factors on the occurrence of PICC catheter occlusion to find evidence that can help clinical medical staff identify patients at an early stage who are at high risk of a catheter occlusion. Design: The research team performed a retrospective, observational clinical study. Setting: The study took place at a tertiary general hospital, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University in Wenzhou, China. Participants: Participants were 300 patients with a PICC who received treatment in the hospital's adult ICU between January 2019 and April 2022. Groups: According to the time of catheterization, the research team numbered the 1~300 participants and then selected one starting number to divided them into two groups according to the random number table. These two groups were: (1) a training group with 225 participants and (2) validation group with 75 participants. Outcome Measures: The main outcome measure was the evaluation of the factors impacting patients who had had a PICC occlusion during catheter retention, including complete and incomplete occlusions, to build a risk prediction model of PICC occlusion. A secondary outcome measure was the occurrence of extubation of the PICC discharge of the ICU patient. The research team performed a univariate analysis of the training group's data and a multivariate logistic regression analysis of the risk factors. The team: (1) built a risk prediction model of PICC occlusion using the independent risk factors for catheter occlusion for PICC patients in an ICU and (2) used the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test to test the prediction model. A two tailed using p>0.05 indicated that the model had a good fit. Then, the team applied the model to the validation group and evaluated the model's predictive ability using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The team considered an area under the curve (AUC) >0.5 to have predictive value. The larger the area was, the better the predicted value was. The incidence of PICC occlusion in the training group was 18.22%, including 10 participants with complete occlusion and 31 with partial occlusion. The team used the SPSS 22.0 and R software for statistical analysis. Results: The univariate analysis showed that 13 factors were associated with PICC occlusion, including: (1) an age ≥65 years (P < .001), a BMI of ≥24 kg/m2 (P < .001), (2) a BMI of ≥24kg/m2 (P = .002), (3) diabetes (P < .001), (4) stroke (P < .001), (5) hypertension (P < .001), (6) malignant tumors (P < .001), (7) a history of deep vein thrombosis (P < .001), (8) limb activity (P < .001), (10) flushing and sealing pipe frequency of Q8h (P = .035), (11) retention time (P < .001), (12) an increased platelet count (P = .036), (13) blood transfusions (P < .001), and (14) intravenous nutrition (P < .001). The independent risk factors for PICC occlusion included: (1) age ≥65 years-OR=1.224, P = .028; (2) BMI ≥24 kg/m2-OR=1.679, P = .004; (3) diabetes-OR=1.343, P = .017; (4) malignant tumors-OR=2.736, P < .001; (5) blood transfusions-OR=1.947, P < .001), and (6) intravenous nutrition-OR=2.021, P < .001. The frequency of flushing and sealing the pipe (Q8h)-OR=-2.145, P = .002-was a protective factor. In the training group, the area under the curve (AUC) for predicting a PICC occlusion was 0.917. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test of the prediction model showed that no significant differences existed in the test results within the model (χ2 = 5.830, P = .666), indicating that the model passed the internal validation. The ideal and calibration curves of the prediction model were highly coincident, and the model was well calibrated. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test of the validation group showed that no significant differences existed in the test results outside the model, suggesting that the model had high consistency. Conclusions: Age ≥65 years, BMI ≥24 kg/m2, diabetes, malignant tumors, blood transfusions, and intravenous nutrition were independent risk factors for PICC occlusion, while the frequency of flushing and sealing pipe (Q8h) was a protective factor. This prediction model had an outstanding ability to discriminate in identifying patients with a high-risk of PICC occlusion in the ICU.

Flavonoid metabolites in tea plant (Camellia sinensis) stress response: Insights from bibliometric analysis.

In the context of global climate change, tea plants are at risk from elevating environmental stress factors. Coping with this problem relies upon the understanding of tea plant stress response and its underlying mechanisms. Over the past two decades, research in this field has prospered with the contributions of scientists worldwide. Aiming in providing a comprehensive perspective of the research field related to tea plant stress response, we present a bibliometric analysis of the this area. Our results demonstrate the most studied stresses, global contribution, authorship and collaboration, and trending research topics. We highlight the importance of flavonoid metabolites in tea plant stress response, particularly their role in maintaining redox homeostasis, yield, and adjusting tea quality under stress conditions. Further research on the flavonoid response under various stress conditions can promote the development of cultivation measures, thereby improving stress resistance and tea quality.

Effects of Preharvest Shading on Dynamic Changes in Metabolites, Gene Expression, and Enzyme Activity of Three Tea Types during Processing.

Preharvest shading significantly influences tea flavor. However, little attention has been given to the mechanism of shading on metabolites, genes, and enzymes in the processing of different tea types. Our study identified 1028 nonvolatile metabolites covering 10 subclasses using a widely targeted metabolome. The results show that shading had a greater effect on the compositions of amino acids, flavonoids, and theaflavins in tea leaves. The combined transcriptomics and enzyme activity analysis results indicate that the upregulated expression of asparagine, aspartate, and tryptophan synthesis genes and proteolytic enzymes promoted the accumulation of amino acids. The downregulated enzyme genes resulted in the reduction of nongalloylated catechins and flavonoid glycosides. Simultaneously, the accumulation of TFs in shaded tea was due to the enhanced enzymatic activities of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase during processing. Theaflavin-3-3'-di-O-gallate was also significantly positively correlated with the antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities of shaded tea. The results contribute to a better understanding of how preharvest treatments influence summer tea quality.

Self-Assembling Anchorage of Hyaluronic Acid on the Nanoparticle Surface Confers Superiority of Triple Negative Breast Cancer Treatment.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has been listed as one of the most fatal diseases, and no effective targeting treatment is clinically available. Although CD44-targeting hyaluronic acid (HA) has been utilized as targeting ligands in many studies, no facile ways have been developed through HA self-assembly at the nanoparticle surface. Herein, we reported N-isopropylacrylamide-grafted chitosan-based nanoparticles self-assembling with HA (HA-NPs) through electrostatic forces and loaded with curcumin (CUR). The HA-NPs displayed pH-responsive properties due to the chemical modification of chitosan, and the preparation process was optimized by central composite design-response surface methodology. HA anchorage confers the vehicle with tumor-targeting capability. HA-NPs displayed more robust effects of inhibiting TNBC primary tumor growth than free CUR and a plain counterpart but without increased systemic cytotoxicity. In addition, in vivo pharmacokinetic studies showed that HA-NPs significantly increased the in vivo residence time of free CUR and improved the bioavailability of CUR. These findings suggested that chitosan-based HA-NPs may provide a feasible and unique strategy to achieve CD44 targeting and enhance its efficacy in vivo for the treatment of advanced TNBC.

Maize sterility gene DRP1 encodes a desiccation-related protein that is critical for Ubisch bodies and pollen exine development.

Desiccation tolerance is a remarkable feature of pollen, seeds, and resurrection-type plants. Exposure to desiccation stress can cause sporophytic defects, resulting in male sterility. Here, we report the novel maize sterility gene DRP1 (Desiccation-Related Protein 1), which was identified by bulked-segregant analysis sequencing and encodes a desiccation-related protein. Loss of function of DRP1 results in abnormal Ubisch bodies, defective tectum of the pollen exine, and complete male sterility. Our results suggest that DRP1 may facilitate anther dehydration to maintain appropriate water status. DRP1 is a secretory protein that is specifically expressed in the tapetum and microspore from the tetrad to the uninucleate microspore stage. Differentially expressed genes in drp1 are enriched in Gene Ontology terms for pollen exine formation, polysaccharide catabolic process, extracellular region, and response to heat. In addition, DRP1 is a target of selection that appears to have played an important role in the spread of maize from tropical/subtropical to temperate regions. Taken together, our results suggest that DRP1 encodes a desiccation-related protein whose loss of function causes male sterility. Our findings provide a potential genetic resource that may be used to design crops for heterosis utilization.

Comparative analysis of complete chloroplast genome of ethnodrug Aconitum episcopale and insight into its phylogenetic relationships.

Aconitum episcopale Leveille is an important medicinal plant from the genus Aconitum L. of Ranunculaceae family and has been used as conventional medicine in Bai, Yi, and other ethnic groups of China. According to the available data and Ethno folk applications, A. episcopale is the only Aconitum species that has detoxifying and antialcoholic property. It can detoxify opium, especially the poisoning of Aconitum plants. Aconitum species have been widely used for their medicinal properties, and it is important to be noted that many of the species of this plant are reported to be toxic also. Distinguishing the species of this plant based on the morphology is a tough task and there are also no significant differences in the chemical composition. Therefore, before application of this plant for medicinal usage, it is very important to identify the species which could be life-threatening and exclude them. In this paper, the complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequence of A. episcopale was acquired by Illumina paired-end (PE) sequencing technology and compared with other species in the same family and genus. Herein, we report the complete cp genome of A. episcopale. The whole circular cp genome of A. episcopale has been found to be of 155,827 bp in size and contains a large single-copy region (LSC) of 86,452 bp, a small single-copy region (SSC) of 16,939 bp, and two inverted repeat regions (IRs) of 26,218 bp. The A. episcopale cp genome was found to be comprised of 132 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 37 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), eight ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), and two pseudogenes. A total of 20 genes contained introns, of which 14 genes contained a single intron and two genes had two introns. The chloroplast genome of A. episcopale contained 64 codons encoding 20 amino acids, with the number of codons encoding corresponding amino acids ranging from 22 to 1068. The Met and Trp amino acids have only one codon, and other amino acids had 2-6 codons. A total of 64 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified, among which mononucleotide sequences accounted for the most. Phylogenetic analysis showed that A. episcopale is closely related with A. delavayi. Cumulatively the results of this study provided an essential theoretical basis for the molecular identification and phylogeny of A. episcopale.

Heterostructured Metal-Organic Frameworks/Polydopamine Coating Endows Polyetheretherketone Implants with Multimodal Osteogenicity and Photoswitchable Disinfection.

Clinically, bacteria-induced contagion and insufficient osseointegrative property inevitably elicit the failure of orthopedic implants. Herein, a heterostructured coating consisting of simvastatin (SIM)-laden metal-organic frameworks and polydopamine nanolayers is created on a porous bioinert polyetheretherketone implant. The heterostructured coating significantly promotes cytocompatibility and osteogenic differentiation through multimodal osteogenicity mechanisms of zinc ion (Zn2+ ) therapy, SIM drug therapy, and surface micro-/nano-topological stimulation. Under the illumination of near-infrared (NIR) light, singlet oxygen (1 O2 ) and local hyperthermia are produced; besides, NIR light dramatically accelerates the release of Zn2+ ions from heterostructured coatings. Gram-positive and -negative bacteria are effectively eradicated by the synergy of photothermal/photodynamic effects and photo-induced accelerated delivery of Zn2+ ions. The superior osteogenicity and osseointegration, as well as photoswitchable disinfection controlled by NIR light are corroborated via in vivo results. This work highlights the great potential of photoresponsive heterostructured orthopedic implants in treatment of the noninvasive bone reconstruction of bacteria-associated infectious tissues through multimodal phototherapy and photoswitchable ion-therapy.

Multi-activity cobalt ferrite/MXene nanoenzymes for drug-free phototherapy in bacterial infection treatment.

Drug-free antibacterial strategies are of great significance for pathogenic bacterial infection treatment in clinical practice. Phototherapy with antibacterial function plays a vital role in mainstream germicidal research. However, phototherapy could lead to residual heat and excess reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are the main side-effects during antibacterial treatment. Unique CoFe2O4/MXene (CM) nanoenzymes, which were fabricated with electrostatic interactions, have been designed to conquer those challenges caused by side-effects of phototherapy in our research. The CM nanoenzymes possess many promising properties including photothermal and photodynamic induced phototherapy and mimic peroxidase (POD), glutathione oxidase (GSHOx), and catalase (CAT). Upon treatment with near-infrared (NIR) light, CM nanoenzymes can create a local high-temperature circumstance as well as raise bacterial membrane permeability. Furthermore, the photodynamic process and multi-enzyme-mimicking activities of CM enzymes boost the interbacterial ROS level. Herein, bacteria can hardly survive in synergistic phototherapy and multi-enzyme-mimicking catalytic therapy in vitro and in vivo. Meanwhile, the CM nanoenzymes exhibit excellent biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo. Overall, this research establishes a strong foundation for effectively employing nanoenzymes, leading to a new way to cure bacterial infections.

Male sterile 28 encodes an ARGONAUTE family protein essential for male fertility in maize.

Male sterility is a common biological phenomenon in plants and is a useful trait for hybrid seed production. Normal tapetum development is essential for viable pollen generation. Although many genes involved in tapetum differentiation and degradation have been isolated in maize, elements that regulate tapetum development during pollen mother cell (PMC) meiosis are less studied. Here, we characterized a classical male-sterile mutant male sterile 28 (ms28) in maize. The ms28 mutant had a regular male meiosis process, while its tapetum cells showed premature vacuolation at the early meiotic prophase stage. Using map-based cloning, we cloned the Ms28 gene and confirmed its role in male fertility in maize together with two allelic mutants. Ms28 encodes the ARGONAUTE (AGO) family protein ZmAGO5c, and its transcripts primarily accumulate in premeiosis anthers, with more intense signals in PMCs. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that genes related to anther development, cell division, and reproductive structure development processes were differentially expressed between the ms28 mutant and its fertile siblings. Moreover, small RNA (sRNA) sequencing revealed that the small interfering RNA (siRNA) and microRNA (miRNA) abundances were obviously changed in ms28 meiotic anthers, which indicated that Ms28 may regulate tapetal cell development through small RNA-mediated epigenetic regulatory pathways. Taken together, our results shed more light on the functional mechanisms of the early development of the tapetum for male fertility in maize.

Evaluation of antitumor efficacy of folate-poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)-distearoyl phosphatidyl ethanolamine based liposome.

This study aims to explore and evaluate the antitumor efficacy of doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded liposomes containing the novel tri-block polymer folate-poly (2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)-distearoyl phosphatidyl ethanolamine (F-PEOz-DSPE), compared with folate-polyethylene glycol-distearoyl phosphatidyl ethanolamine (F-PEG-DSPE) to offer an alternative for PEG decorated carriers. PEOz, a pH-sensitive polymer, exhibits similar solubility and segmental flexibility to PEG. In our previous study, PEOz was employed to an F-PEOz-DSPE which was segmentally similar to F-PEG-DSPE and exhibited selective targeting and pH-sensitivity in tumor cells. In this work, DOX-loaded liposomes containing F-PEOz-DSPE (F-PEOz liposome) or F-PEG-DSPE (F-PEG liposome) were prepared. In vivo/vitro antitumor efficacy and biodistribution were compared between the two liposomes. F-PEOz liposome showed higher in vitro antitumor activity and significantly stronger inhibition of tumor growth in HeLa tumor-bearing nude mice (tumor inhibition rate, 81.20 vs 52.99% with the treatment of 9 mg/kg DOX-loaded F-PEOz liposome/F-PEG liposome) and much less toxicity than free DOX. In vivo fluorescence imaging experiment confirmed that F-PEOz liposome accumulated much more than F-PEG liposome in tumor. Based on the above, F-PEOz liposome may be a promising carrier in tumor chemotherapy to achieve better therapeutic efficacy.

Phosphorus deficiency induces root proliferation and Cd absorption but inhibits Cd tolerance and Cd translocation in roots of Populus × euramericana.

To disclose how phosphorus deficiency influence phytoremediation of Cd contamination using poplars, root architecture, Cd absorption, Cd translocation and antioxidant defense in poplar roots were investigated using a clone of Populus × euramericana. Root growth was unaltered by Cd exposure regardless of P conditions, while the degree of root proliferation upon P deficiency was changed by high level of Cd exposure. The concentration and content of Cd accumulation in roots were increased by P deficiency. This can be partially explained by the increased expression of genes encoding PM H + -ATPase under the combined conditions of P deficiency and high Cd exposure, which enhanced Cd2+-H+ exchanges and led to an increment of Cd uptake under P deficiency. Despite of the increasing Cd accumulation in roots, the translocation of Cd from roots to aerial tissues sharply decreased upon P deficiency. The relative expression of genes responsible for Cd translocation (HMA4) decreased upon P deficiency and thus inhibited Cd translocation via xylem. GR activity was decreased by P deficiency, which can inhibit the form of GSH and GSH-Cd complexes and decrease Cd translocation via GSH-Cd complexes. The transportation of PC-Cd complexes into vacuole decreased under P deficiency as a result of the low expression of PCS and ABCC1, and thus suppressed Cd tolerance and Cd detoxification in roots. Moreover, P deficiency decreased the levels of antioxidase (GR and CAT) and phytohormones including JA, ABA and GA3, which synchronously reduced antioxidant capacity in roots.

Amelioration of paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice by regulating miR-140-5p expression with the fibrogenic inhibitor Xuebijing.

Intravenous Xuebijing (XBJ) therapy suppresses paraquat (PQ)-induced pulmonary fibrosis. However, the mechanism underlying this suppression remains unknown. This work aimed to analyze the miR-140-5p-induced effects of XBJ injection on PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. The mice were arbitrarily assigned to four groups. The model group was administered with PQ only. The PQ treatment group was administered with PQ and XBJ. The control group was administered with saline only. The control treatment group was administered with XBJ only. The miR-140-5p and miR-140-5p knockout animal models were overexpressed. The gene expression levels of miR-140-5p, transglutaminase-2 (TG2), ß-catenin, Wnt-1, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (Smad), and transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) in the lungs were assayed with quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. The levels of TGF-ß1, CTGF, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hydroxyproline (Hyp) levels and pulmonary fibrosis were also scored. After 14 days of PQ induction of pulmonary fibrosis, AdCMV-miR-140-5p, and XBJ upregulated miR-140-5p expression; blocked the expressions of TG2, Wnt-1, and ß-catenin; and decreased p-Smad2, p-Smad3, CTGF, MMP-9, and TGF-ß1 expressions. In addition, Hyp and pulmonary fibrosis scores in XBJ-treated mice decreased. Histological results confirmed that PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis in XBJ-treated lungs was attenuated. TG2 expression and the Wnt-1/ß-catenin signaling pathway were suppressed by the elevated levels of miR-140-5p expression. This inhibition was pivotal in the protective effect of XBJ against PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Thus, XBJ efficiently alleviated PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice.

Carbon fluxes response of an artificial sand-binding vegetation system to rainfall variation during the growing season in the Tengger Desert.

Revegetation is considered as an effective approach for desertification control, and artificial sand-binding vegetation exerts a significant contributor to carbon cycling in arid and semiarid regions; however, this is largely determined by the rainfall regime. We measured carbon fluxes (the net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE), the gross ecosystem productivity (GEP) and the ecosystem respiration (Reco)) during the growing season of 2014-2016 using the eddy covariance technique and explored the effects of rainfall variables (amount, timing distribution and pulse size) and environmental factors on carbon fluxes at different time scales. The system had NEE values of -117.5 and -98.9 g C m-2 during the growing seasons of 2015 (dry year) and 2016 (wet year), respectively. When the rainfall amount did not differ significantly between spring and autumn, the cumulative GEP was greater in spring than in autumn, whereas the cumulative Reco and NEE showed the opposite pattern. Small (<5 mm) rain events failed to trigger obvious GEP and NEE pulses, whereas ≥ 5 mm or a series of small rain events led to high assimilation but with hysteresis. The magnitude of Reco increased as the rain pulses increased. The Random Forest (RF) algorithm revealed that soil water contents had a great impact on carbon fluxes at different integration periods. A correlation analysis showed that the soil water contents were positively correlated with GEP and Reco and negatively correlated with NEE over different time scales in most cases. These findings suggest that artificial vegetation not only improves habitat restoration but is a significant carbon sink during both dry and wet growing season, which is likely to supplement our knowledge gap to accurately evaluate the current carbon budget in dry land.

Phosphorus influence Cd phytoextraction in Populus stems via modulating xylem development, cell wall Cd storage and antioxidant defense.

The soils in mining lands with cadmium (Cd) contamination usually are deficient in nutrients. Disclosing how P nutrition and N:P stoichiometric ratio influences Cd accumulation and stress tolerance in stems of Populus spp. will facilitate the phytoremediation of mining sites polluted by Cd. In this study, investigations at the anatomical and physiological levels were conducted using a clone of Populus × euramericana. Both phosphorus deficiency and cadmium exposure inhibited xylem development via reducing cell layers in the xylem. Under P-sufficient condition, appropriate P status and balanced N:P ratio in stem promoted xylem development under Cd exposure via stimulating cell division, which enhanced Cd accumulation in stems. Cd accumulation in cell walls of collenchyma tissues of the stem was enhanced by P application due to increased polysaccharide production and cell wall affinity for Cd. The low P concentrations (0.3-0.4 mg g-1) and imbalanced N:P ratio under P deficiency inhibited the production of APX and ascorbate-GSH cycle, which increased oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation as indicated by high MDA concentration in stem. Under P-sufficient condition, the interactions between phytohormones and antioxidants play crucial roles in the process of antioxidant defense under Cd exposure. In conclusions, appropriate P addition and balanced N:P ratio enhanced secondary xylem development and promoted cadmium accumulation and stress tolerance in Populus stems, which can benefit the phytoextraction of Cd from Cd-contaminated soil.

Tai Chi Chuan vs General Aerobic Exercise in Brain Plasticity: A Multimodal MRI Study.

This study contrasted the impact of Tai Chi Chuan and general aerobic exercise on brain plasticity in terms of an increased grey matter volume and functional connectivity during structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), explored the advantages of Tai Chi Chuan in improving brain structure and function. Thirty-six college students were grouped into Tai Chi Chuan (Bafa Wubu of Tai Chi), general aerobic exercise (brisk walking) and control groups. Individuals were assessed with a sMRI and rs-fMRI scan before and after an 8-week training period. The VBM toolbox was used to conduct grey matter volume analyses. The CONN toolbox was used to conduct several seed-to-voxel functional connectivity analyses. We can conclude that compared with general aerobic exercise, eight weeks of Tai Chi Chuan exercise has a stronger effect on brain plasticity, which is embodied in the increase of grey matter volume in left middle occipital gyrus, left superior temporal gyrus and right middle temporal gyrus and the enhancement of functional connectivity between the left middle frontal gyrus and left superior parietal lobule. These findings demonstrate the potential and advantages of Tai Chi Chuan exercises in eliciting brain plasticity.

[Electroacupuncture improves insomnia by down-regulating peripheral benzodiazepine receptor expression in hippocampus, and up-regulating 5-HT, 5-HIAA, TNF-α and IL-1ß contents in hypothalamus in insomnia rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at five Back-Shu points on sleep, hippocampal peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) expression and hypothalamic 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-1ß contents in insomnia rats, so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of insomnia. METHODS: Forty male SD rats were randomly divided into control, model, EA and medication (Diazepam) groups (n=10 rats in each group). The insomnia model was established by intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of para-Chlorophenylalanine (PCPA, 300 mg/kg) once daily for 2 days. EA (60 Hz, 1 mA) was applied to bilateral five Back-Shu points, i.e., Feishu (BL13), Xinshu (BL15), Ganshu (BL18), Pishu (BL20) and Shenshu (BL23) for 10 min, once daily for 6 days. Rats of the medication group were treated by gavage of Diazepam (0.92 mg/kg) once daily for 6 days. The sleep duration was recorded after i.p. of Pentobarbital Sodium (45 mg/kg). Histopathological changes of the hippocampus were displayed by H.E. staining. The contents of 5-HT, 5-HIAA, TNF-α and IL-1ß in the hypothalamus were assessed by using ELISA. The expression levels of PBR mRNA and protein in the hippocampus were detected by quantitative real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blot, separately. RESULTS: Following modeling, the sleep duration was considerably shortened in rats of the model group relevant to the control group (P<0.05). After the treatment, the sleep duration was significantly increased in both EA and medication groups relevant to the model group (P<0.05). After modeling, the hippocampal neurons were obviously decreased in number, and disordered in the arrangement, the levels of hypothalamic 5-HT, 5-HIAA, TNF-α, and IL-1ß were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05), and the expression of PBR mRNA and protein in hippocampus was obviously increased relevant to the control group (P<0.05). Following the treatment, the hippocampal neurons were increased in number and arranged regularly, and the contents of hypothalamic 5-HT, 5-HIAA, TNF-α, and IL-1ß were considerably increased (P<0.05), and the expression of PBR mRNA and protein in hippocampus was significantly decreased in both EA and medication groups relevant to the model group (P<0.05). The therapeutic effect of EA was comparable to that of medication in increasing sleep duration, body weight, 5-HT and 5-HIAA contents (P>0.05), and significantly superior to that of the medication in increasing TNF-α and IL-1ß levels (P<0.05), and considerably superior to that of medication in down-regulating PBR mRNA and protein expression (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: EA at five Back-Shu-points of the five Zang-organs can significantly improve the sleep in insomnia rats, which is closely associated with its effects in reducing the expression of PBR in hippocampus and up-regulating the levels of 5-HT, 5-HIAA, TNF-α and IL-1ß in hypothalamus.

HAp@GO drug delivery vehicle with dual-stimuli-triggered drug release property and efficient synergistic therapy function against cancer.

Nanoscale hydroxyapatite (HAp) is an optimal candidate material in biomedical area for its good biocompatibility and bioactivity. In this study, HAp nanorods are prepared via hydrothermal method and combined with monolayered graphene oxide (GO). The obtained HAp@GO with excellent biocompatibility is revealed to have high drug loading capacity (698.7 µg/mg) for anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) and efficient photothermal conversion property. And the drug release property of DOX loaded HAp@GO (HAp@GO-DOX) is demonstrated to be controlled by pH and near-infrared light, which is favorable for cancer therapy. in vitro studies on cancer therapy demonstrate that the combined treatment, compared with either chemotherapy or photothermal therapy alone, has better synergistic therapeutic effect. These findings prove the great potential application of the nanocomposites for cancer therapy.