Jiedu Xiaozheng Yin Inhibits the Progression of Colitis Associated Colorectal Cancer by Stimulating Macrophage Polarization Towards an M1 Phenotype via the TLR4 Pathway.

To investigate the effect of Jiedu Xiaozheng Yin (JXY) on the polarization of macrophages in colitis-associated colon cancer (CAC). An orthotopic model of CAC was established to monitor changes in the pathological state of mice. Colon length, number of colon tumors were recorded, and indices for liver, spleen, and thymus were calculated. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was employed to observe intestinal mucosal injury and tumor formation. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining was utilized to investigate the effect of JXY on M1 and M2 polarization of macrophages in the colonic mucosa of CAC mice. For in vitro experiments, RT-qPCR (Reverse Transcription-quantitative PCR) and flow cytometry were used to observe the effect of JXY on various M1-related molecules such as IL-1ß, TNF-α, iNOS, CD80, CD86, and its phagocytic function as well as M2-related molecules including Arg-1, CD206, and IL-10. Subsequently, after antagonizing the TLR4 pathway with antagonists (TAK242, PDTC, KG501, SR11302, LY294002), the expression of IL-6, TNF-α, iNOS, and IL-1ß mRNA were detected by RT-qPCR. In vivo experiments, the results showed that JXY improved the pathological condition of mice in general. And JXY treatment decreased the shortening of colon length and number of tumors as compared to non-treated CAC mice. Additionally, JXY treatment improved the lesions in the colonic tissue and induced a polarization of intestinal mucosal macrophages towards the M1 phenotype, while inhibiting polarization towards the M2 phenotype. In vitro experiments further confirmed that JXY treatment promoted the activation of macrophages towards the M1 phenotype, leading to increased expression of IL-1ß, TNF-α, iNOS, CD80, CD86, as well as enhanced phagocytic function. JXY treatment concomitantly inhibited the expression of M2-phenotype related molecules Arginase-1 (Arg-1), CD206, and IL-10. Furthermore, JXY inhibited M1-related molecules such as IL-6, TNF-α, iNOS, and IL-1ß after antagonizing the TLR4 pathway. Obviously, JXY could exhibit inhibitory effects on the development of colon tumors in mice with CAC by promoting M1 polarization through TLR4-mediated signaling and impeding M2 polarization of macrophages.

Effects of pressing moxibustion at Baihui (GV 20) and Guanyuan (CV 4) on cognitive impairment and serum levels of Aß1-42, tau, P-tau in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. / åŽ‹ç¸ç™¾ä¼šã€å ³å ƒå¯¹è½»ä¸­åº¦é˜¿å°”èŒ¨æµ·é»˜ç— æ‚£è€ è®¤çŸ¥éšœç¢åŠè¡€æ¸ Aß1-42、tau、P-tau水平的影响.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of pressing moxibustion at Baihui (GV 20) and Guanyuan (CV 4) combined with donepezil hydrochloride tablets and donepezil hydrochloride tablets alone on cognitive impairment in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease(AD), and to explore the mechanism of pressing moxibustion in the treatment of mild to moderate AD from the serum levels of ß-amyloid 1-42 (Aß1-42), microtubule-associated protein tau and phosphorylated tau (P-tau). METHODS: A total of 76 patients with mild to moderate AD were randomly divided into an observation group (38 cases, 4 cases dropped out) and a control group (38 cases, 2 cases dropped out). Patients in the control group were given oral donepezil hydrochloride tablets (5 mg each time, once a day). On the basis of the control group, patients in the observation group were treated with pressing moxibustion at Baihui (GV 20) and Guanyuan (CV 4), 5 cones per acupoint, once every other day, three times a week. Both groups were treated for 8 weeks. The scores of mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) were compared between the two groups before treatment, after treatment and after 4 and 12 weeks of treatment completion. The serum levels of Aß1-42, tau and P-tau were detected before and after treatment in the two groups, and the safety was evaluated. RESULTS: At each time point after treatment, the MMSE and MoCA scores of the two groups were higher than those before treatment (P<0.05), and the scores in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the serum levels of Aß1-42, tau and P-tau in the two groups were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), and above indexes in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the safety level between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The short-term and long-term effect of pressing moxibustion at Baihui (GV 20) and Guanyuan (CV 4) combined with donepezil hydrochloride tablets in improving cognitive impairment in mild to moderate AD is better than that of donepezil hydrochloride tablets alone, and can reduce serum levels of Aß1-42, tau and P-tau, which may be one of the mechanisms of pressing moxibustion to improve cognitive impairment.

Efficacy of Definitive Radiotherapy for Patients with Clinical Stage IIIB or IIIC Lung Adenocarcinoma and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Mutations Treated Using First- or Second-Generation EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors.

Background: The effectiveness of definitive radiotherapy (RT) for patients with clinical stage IIIB or IIIC lung adenocarcinoma and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations who received first- or second-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is unclear. Methods: Taiwan Cancer Registry data were used in this retrospective cohort study to identify adult patients diagnosed with EGFR-mutated stage IIIB or IIIC lung adenocarcinoma between 2011 and 2020. Patients treated with first- or second-generation EGFR TKIs were classified into RT and non-RT groups. Propensity score (PS) weighting was applied to balance covariates between groups. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS), and the incidence of lung cancer mortality (ILCM) was considered as a supplementary outcome. Additional supplementary analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of the findings. Results: Among 270 eligible patients, 41 received RT and 229 did not. After a median follow-up of 46 months, PS-weighted analysis showed the PS-weighted hazard ratio of death for the RT group compared to the non-RT group was 0.94 (95% CI: 0.61-1.45, p = 0.78). ILCM rates did not differ significantly between the two groups. Supplementary analyses yielded consistent results. Conclusion: The addition of definitive RT to first- or second-generation EGFR TKI treatment does not significantly improve OS of patients with EGFR-mutated stage IIIB or IIIC lung adenocarcinoma. NCT03521154NCT05167851.

RPTOR blockade suppresses brain metastases of NSCLC by interfering the ceramide metabolism via hijacking YY1 binding.

BACKGROUND: Ceramide metabolism is crucial in the progress of brain metastasis (BM). However, it remains unexplored whether targeting ceramide metabolism may arrest BM. METHODS: RNA sequencing was applied to screen different genes in primary and metastatic foci and whole-exome sequencing (WES) to seek crucial abnormal pathway in BM + and BM-patients. Cellular arrays were applied to analyze the permeability of blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the activation or inhibition of pathway. Database and Co-Immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assay were adopted to verify the protein-protein interaction. Xenograft and zebrafish model were further employed to verify the cellular results. RESULTS: RNA sequencing and WES reported the involvement of RPTOR and ceramide metabolism in BM progress. RPTOR was significantly upregulated in BM foci and increased the permeability of BBB, while RPTOR deficiency attenuated the cell invasiveness and protected extracellular matrix. Exogenous RPTOR boosted the SPHK2/S1P/STAT3 cascades by binding YY1, in which YY1 bound to the regions of SPHK2 promoter (at -353 ~ -365 nt), further promoting the expression of SPHK2. The latter was rescued by YY1 RNAi. Xenograft and zebrafish model showed that RPTOR blockade suppressed BM of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and impaired the SPHK2/S1P/STAT3 pathway. CONCLUSION: RPTOR is a key driver gene in the brain metastasis of lung cancer, which signifies that RPTOR blockade may serve as a promising therapeutic candidate for clinical application.

Dolutegravir-induced neural tube defects in mice are folate responsive.

OBJECTIVES: In 2018, the Botswana Tsepamo Study reported a nine-fold increased risk of neural tube defects in infants whose mothers were treated with dolutegravir (DTG) from the time of conception. As maternal folate supplementation and status is a well known modifier of neural tube defect (NTD) risk, we sought to evaluate birth outcomes in mice fed normal and low folic acid diets treated with DTG during pregnancy. DESIGN: DTG was evaluated for developmental toxicity using pregnant mice fed normal or low folic acid diet. METHODS: CD-1 mice were provided diet with normal (3 mg/kg) or low (0.3 mg/kg) folic acid. They were treated with water, a human therapeutic-equivalent dose, or supratherapeutic dose of DTG from mouse embryonic day E6.5 to E12.5. Pregnant dams were sacrificed at term (E18.5) and fetuses were inspected for gross, internal, and skeletal defects. RESULTS: Fetuses with exencephaly, an NTD, were present in both therapeutic human equivalent and supratherapeutic exposures in dams fed low folic acid diet. Cleft palates were also found under both folate conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Recommended dietary folic acid levels during mouse pregnancy ameliorate developmental defects that arise from DTG exposure. Since low folate status in mice exposed to DTG increases the risk for NTDs, it is possible that DTG exposures in people living with HIV with low folate status during pregnancy may explain, at least in part, the elevated NTD risk signal observed in Botswana. Based on these results, future studies should consider folate status as a modifier for DTG-associated NTD risk.

Polysaccharide of Alocasia cucullata Exerts Antitumor Effect by Regulating Bcl-2, Caspase-3 and ERK1/2 Expressions during Long-Time Administration.

OBJECTIVE: To study the in vitro and in vivo antitumor effects of the polysaccharide of Alocasia cucullata (PAC) and the underlying mechanism. METHODS: B16F10 and 4T1 cells were cultured with PAC of 40 µg/mL, and PAC was withdrawn after 40 days of administration. The cell viability was detected by cell counting kit-8. The expression of Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 proteins were detected by Western blot and the expressions of ERK1/2 mRNA were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). A mouse melanoma model was established to study the effect of PAC during long-time administration. Mice were divided into 3 treatment groups: control group treated with saline water, positive control group (LNT group) treated with lentinan at 100 mg/(kg·d), and PAC group treated with PAC at 120 mg/(kg·d). The pathological changes of tumor tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The apoptosis of tumor tissues was detected by TUNEL staining. Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 protein expressions were detected by immunohistochemistry, and the expressions of ERK1/2, JNK1 and p38 mRNA were detected by qRT-PCR. RESULTS: In vitro, no strong inhibitory effects of PAC were found in various tumor cells after 48 or 72 h of administration. Interestingly however, after 40 days of cultivation under PAC, an inhibitory effect on B16F10 cells was found. Correspondingly, the long-time administration of PAC led to downregulation of Bcl-2 protein (P<0.05), up-regulation of Caspase-3 protein (P<0.05) and ERK1 mRNA (P<0.05) in B16F10 cells. The above results were verified by in vivo experiments. In addition, viability of B16F10 cells under long-time administration culture in vitro decreased after drug withdrawal, and similar results were also observed in 4T1 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Long-time administration of PAC can significantly inhibit viability and promote apoptosis of tumor cells, and had obvious antitumor effect in tumor-bearing mice.

Folate regulation of planar cell polarity pathway and F-actin through folate receptor alpha.

Folate deficiency contribute to neural tube defects (NTDs) which could be rescued by folate supplementation. However, the underlying mechanisms are still not fully understood. Besides, there is considerable controversy concerning the forms of folate used for supplementation. To address this controversy, we prepared culture medium with different forms of folate, folic acid (FA), and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5mTHF), at concentrations of 5 µM, 500 nM, 50 nM, and folate free, respectively. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) were treated with different folates continuously for three passages, and cell proliferation and F-actin were monitored. We determined that compared to 5mTHF, FA showed stronger effects on promoting cell proliferation and F-actin formation. We also found that FOLR1 protein level was positively regulated by folate concentration and the non-canonical Wnt/planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway signaling was significantly enriched among different folate conditions in RNA-sequencing analyses. We demonstrated for the first time that FOLR1 could promote the transcription of Vangl2, one of PCP core genes. The transcription of Vangl2 was down-regulated under folate-deficient condition, which resulted in a decrease in PCP activity and F-actin formation. In summary, we identified a distinct advantage of FA in cell proliferation and F-actin formation over 5mTHF, as well as demonstrating that FOLR1 could promote transcription of Vangl2 and provide a new mechanism by which folate deficiency can contribute to the etiology of NTDs.

[Blaps rynchopetera combined with cyclophosphamide affects proliferation and apoptosis of lung cancer cells via Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway].

This study aims to investigate the effects of Blaps rynchopetera Fairmaire and/or cyclophosphamide on the proliferation and apoptosis of lung cancer cells and decipher the underlying mechanism. B. rynchopetera and cyclophosphamide-containing serum and blank serum were prepared from SD rats. Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) assay was employed to examine the proliferation of lung cancer cell lines A549 and Lewis treated with corresponding agents. The Jin's formula method was used to evaluate the combined effect of the two drugs. According to the evaluation results, appropriate drug concentrations and lung cancer cell line were selected for subsequent experiments, which included control, B. rynchopetera, cyclophosphamide, B. rynchopetera + cyclophosphamide, and B. rynchopetera + Wnt/ß-catenin pathway agonist lithium chloride(LiCl) groups. Immunocytochemistry was employed to measure the expression of proliferation-related proteins in Lewis cells after drug interventions. Flow cytometry was employed to determine the cell cycle and apoptosis. The expression levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA), cyclinD1, B-cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2), Bcl-2-assiocated X protein(Bax), Wnt1, and ß-catenin were determined by Western blot. The results showed that B. rynchopetera and/or cyclophosphamide significantly inhibited the proliferation of A549 and Lewis cells. Compared with B. rynchopetera alone, the combination increased the inhibition rate on cell proliferation. The combination of B. rynchopetera and cyclophosphamide demonstrated a synergistic effect according to Jin's formula-based evaluation. Compared with the control group, the B. rynchopetera, cyclophosphamide, and B. rynchopetera + cyclophosphamide groups showed increased proportion of Lewis cells in G_0/G_1 phase, increased apoptosis rate, up-regulated expression of Bax, and down-regulated expression of PCNA, cyclinD1, Bcl-2, Wnt1, and ß-catenin. Compared with the cyclophosphamide group, the combination group showed increased proportion of cells in G_0/G_1 phase, increased apoptosis rate, up-regulated expression of Bax, and down-regulated expression of PCNA, cyclinD1, Bcl-2, Wnt1, and ß-catenin. Compared with the B. rynchopetera group, the B. rynchopetera + LiCl group had deceased proportion of cells in G_0/G_1 phase, decreased apoptosis rate, down-regulated expression of Bax, and up-regulated expression of PCNA, cyclinD1, Bcl-2, Wnt1, and ß-catenin. The results indicated that B. rynchopetera could inhibit the proliferation, arrest the cell cycle, and induce the apoptosis of lung cancer cells by inhibiting the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway. Moreover, B. rynchopetera had a synergistic effect with cyclophosphamide.

Metabolic Engineering of Pichia pastoris for High-Level Production of Lycopene.

Lycopene is widely used in cosmetics, food, and nutritional supplements. Microbial production of lycopene has been intensively studied. However, few metabolic engineering studies on Pichia pastoris have been aimed at achieving high-yield lycopene production. In this study, the CRISPR/Cpf1-based gene repression system was developed and the gene editing system was optimized, which were applied to improve lycopene production successfully. In addition, the sterol regulatory element-binding protein SREBP (Sre) was used for the regulation of lipid metabolic pathways to promote lycopene overproduction in P. pastoris for the first time. The final engineered strain produced lycopene at 7.24 g/L and 75.48 mg/g DCW in fed-batch fermentation, representing the highest lycopene yield in P. pastoris reported to date. These findings provide effective strategies for extended metabolic engineering assisted by the CRISPR/Cpf1 system and new insights into metabolic engineering through transcriptional regulation of related metabolic pathways to enhance carotenoid production in P. pastoris.

Effects of rumen-protected biotin on the growth performance, nitrogen utilization and blood parameters of yearling Liaoning cashmere doelings.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of rumen-protected biotin (RPB) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen utilization and plasma biochemical parameters of Liaoning cashmere goats during the cashmere fiber growing period. METHODS: Sixteen 6-month-old Liaoning cashmere twin-doelings (24.8±1.20 kg) were allocated to 2 diet groups that were individually ad libitum fed 30% concentrate and 70% forage diet (dry matter [DM]) by a paired experimental design. Goats of the control group were fed the basal diet, while goats belonging to the RPB group were fed the basal diet with 10 mg RPB/d per animal. The duration of the experiment was 16 weeks with two 8-week periods. Digestibility was determined at weeks 7 and 15, and other measures were taken every four weeks. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the average daily gain of the RPB group increased by 10.94% (p<0.05), and the intake of neutral detergent fiber was increased (p = 0.045). There were some increasing tendencies for the intake of DM, acid detergent fiber and ether extract (p = 0.070, 0.088, and 0.070, respectively). The intake and digestibility of N tended to increase (p = 0.062 and 0.093, respectively), while the N fecal excretion percentage of N intake was decreased (p = 0.093) in the RPB compared with the control group. N retention tended to increase (p = 0.084) with the addition of adding RPB to the diet. Plasma total protein was increased (p = 0.037), whereas the urea-N concentration was decreased (p = 0.049) in the RPB diet group compared with the control diet group. The levels of propionyl-CoA carboxylase (p<0.001) and methylmalonyl-CoA (p = 0.013) were increased in the RPB group. CONCLUSION: Supplementation of rumen-protected biotin in the diet of cashmere goats can enhance the utilization of N and improve daily weight gain during cashmere fiber growing period.

Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Dysmenorrhea causes pain and inconvenience during menstruation. In addition to medication, natural compounds are widely used to relieve various types of pain. In this study, we aimed to assess the effects of vitamin D (vit. D) supplementation in relieving the symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea. A comprehensive systematic database search of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed. Oral forms of vit. D supplementation were included and compared with a placebo or standard care. The degree of dysmenorrhea pain was measured with a visual analogue scale or numerical rating scale. Outcomes were compared using the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in a meta-analysis. RCTs were assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias v2 (RoB 2) tool. The meta-analysis included 8 randomized controlled trials involving 695 participants. The results of the quantitative analysis showed a significantly lower degree of pain in the vit. D versus placebo in those with dysmenorrhea (SMD: -1.404, 95% CI: -2.078 to -0.731). The results of subgroup analysis revealed that pain lessened when the average weekly dose of vit. D was over 50,000 IU, in which dysmenorrhea was relieved regardless of whether vit. D was administered for more or less than 70 days and in any dose interval. The results revealed that vit. D treatment substantially reduced the pain level in the primary dysmenorrhea population. We concluded that vit. D supplementation is an alternative treatment for relieving the pain symptoms of dysmenorrhea.

Global DNA methylation and the association between metal exposure and chronic kidney disease.

Introduction: Prior studies indicate that exposure to metals may alter DNA methylation. Evidence also shows that global DNA methylation is associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to examine the association between CKD and 5-methyl-2-deoxycytidine (5mdC, %), a marker of global DNA methylation, and to evaluate the interaction between metal exposures and 5mdC (%) on CKD. We also explored the mediation effect of 5mdC (%) on the association between metal exposures and renal function (i.e., estimated glomerular filtration rate, eGFR). Methods: A total of 218 CKD patients and 422 controls were recruited in this case-control study. 5mdC (%), concentrations of blood lead and cadmium, plasma selenium, and total urinary arsenic were measured. CKD cases were clinically defined among patients with eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 for at least 3 months and without hemodialysis. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated by logistic regression models to examine the association between metal exposures, 5mdC (%), and CKD, adjusted for confounders. Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine associations between metal exposures, 5mdC (%), and eGFR. Results and Discussion: CKD cases compared to controls had 6.06-fold (95% CI: 3.11-11.81) higher odds of having high blood cadmium and high 5mdC (%) levels. A positive interaction on an additive scale was identified between blood cadmium and 5mdC (%) on CKD. Cases compared to controls had 4.73-fold (95% CI: 2.65-8.45) higher odds of having low plasma selenium and high 5mdC (%) levels; and a significant multiplicative interaction between plasma selenium and 5mdC (%) on CKD was observed. In addition, we found that blood lead and cadmium concentrations were positively associated, while plasma selenium concentrations were inversely associated, with 5mdC (%). The associations of blood lead and plasma selenium with eGFR were partially mediated by 5mdC (%). Our results suggest that 5mdC (%) may interact with plasma selenium and blood cadmium to influence the risk of CKD. The 5mdC (%) also potentially mediates the associations between exposure to metals and renal function.

Terpenoid VOC profiles and functional characterization of terpene synthases in diploid and tetraploid cytotypes of Chrysanthemum indicum L.

Chrysanthemum indicum L. is a valuable medicinal plant with diploid and tetraploid forms that are widely distributed in central and southern China, and it contains abundant volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Despite the discovery of some terpene synthase (TPS) in C. indicum (i.e., CiTPS) in previous studies, many TPSs and their corresponding terpene biosynthesis pathways have yet to be discovered. In the present study, terpenoid VOCs in different tissues from two cytotypes of C. indicum were analyzed. We identified 52 types of terpenoid VOCs and systematically investigated the content and distribution of these compounds in various tissues. The two cytotypes of C. indicum exhibited different volatile terpenoid profiles. The content of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes in the two cytotypes showed an opposite trend. In addition, four full-length candidate TPSs (named CiTPS5-8) were cloned from Ci-GD4x, and their homologous TPS genes were screened based on the genome data of Ci-HB2x. These eight TPSs displayed various tissue expression patterns and were discovered to produce 22 terpenoids, 5 of which are monoterpenes and 17 are sesquiterpenes. We further proposed corresponding terpene synthesis pathways, which can enable the establishment of an understanding of the volatile terpenoid profiles of C. indicum with different cytotypes. This knowledge may provide a further understanding of germplasm in C. indicum and may be useful for biotechnology applications of Chrysanthemum plants.

Neurobiological mechanisms of dialectical behavior therapy and Morita therapy, two psychotherapies inspired by Zen.

Psychotherapy is a learning process. Updating the prediction models of the brain may be the mechanism underlying psychotherapeutic changes. Although developed in different eras and cultures, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and Morita therapy are influenced by Zen principles, and both emphasize the acceptance of reality and suffering. This article reviews these two treatments, their common and distinct therapeutic factors, and their neuroscientific implications. Additionally, it proposes a framework that includes the predictive function of the mind, constructed emotions, mindfulness, therapeutic relationship, and changes enabled via reward predictions. Brain networks, including the Default Mode Network (DMN), amygdala, fear circuitry, and reward pathways, contribute to the constructive process of brain predictions. Both treatments target the assimilation of prediction errors, gradual reorganization of predictive models, and creation of a life with step-by-step constructive rewards. By elucidating the possible neurobiological mechanisms of these psychotherapeutic techniques, this article is expected to serve as the first step towards filling the cultural gap and creating more teaching methods based on these concepts.

Effect of Chinese herbal medicine therapy on risks of all-cause mortality, infections, parasites, and circulatory-related mortality in HIV/AIDS patients with neurological diseases.

Introduction: Long-term living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and/or antiretroviral therapy (ART) is associated with various adverse effects, including neurocognitive impairment. Heterogeneous neurocognitive impairment remains an important issue, affecting between 15-65% of human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) patients and resulting in work performance, safety, and health-related outcomes that have a heavy economic burden. Methods: We identified 1,209 HIV/AIDS patients with neurological diseases during 2010-2017. The Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazards model were used to analyze 308 CHM users and 901 non-CHM users within this population. Major CHM clusters were determined using association rule mining and network analysis. Results and Discussion: Results showed that CHM users had a 70% lower risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 0.30, 95% confidence interval (CI):0.16-0.58, p < 0.001) (p = 0.0007, log-rank test). Furthermore, CHM users had an 86% lower risk of infections, parasites, and circulatory-related mortality (aHR = 0.14, 95% confidence interval (CI):0.04-0.46, p = 0.001) (p = 0.0010, log-rank test). Association rule mining and network analysis showed that two CHM clusters were important for patients with neurological diseases. In the first CHM cluster, Huang Qin (HQ; root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi), Gan Cao (GC; root of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.), Huang Lian (HL; root of Coptis chinensis Franch.), Jie Geng (JG; root of Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A.DC.), and Huang Bai (HB; bark of Phellodendron amurense Rupr.) were identified as important CHMs. Among them, the strongest connection strength was identified between the HL and HQ. In the second CHM cluster, Suan-Zao-Ren-Tang (SZRT) and Ye Jiao Teng (YJT; stem of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.) were identified as important CHMs with the strongest connection strength. CHMs may thus be effective in treating HIV/AIDS patients with neurological diseases, and future clinical trials are essential for the prevention of neurological dysfunction in the population.

[Effect of nanoparticles of different stiffness combined with menthol/curcumol on mechanical properties of bEnd.3 cells].

This study aimed to investigate the effects of nanoparticles PLGA-NPs and mesoporous silicon nanoparticles(MSNs) of different stiffness before and after combination with menthol or curcumol on the mechanical properties of bEnd.3 cells. The particle size distributions of PLGA-NPs and MSNs were measured by Malvern particle size analyzer, and the stiffness of the two nanoparticles was quantified by atomic force microscopy(AFM). The bEnd.3 cells were cultured in vitro, and the cell surface morphology, roughness, and Young's modulus were examined to characterize the roughness and stiffness of the cell surface. The changes in the mechanical properties of the cells were observed by AFM, and the structure and expression of cytoskeletal F-actin were observed by a laser-scanning confocal microscope. The results showed that both nanoparticles had good dispersion. The particle size of PLGA-NPs was(98.77±2.04) nm, the PDI was(0.140±0.030), and Young's modulus value was(104.717±8.475) MPa. The particle size of MSNs was(97.47±3.92) nm, the PDI was(0.380±0.016), and Young's modulus value was(306.019±8.822) MPa. The stiffness of PLGA-NPs was significantly lower than that of MSNs. After bEnd.3 cells were treated by PLGA-NPs and MSNs separately, the cells showed fine pores on the cell surface, increased roughness, decreased Young's modulus, blurred and broken F-actin bands, and reduced mean gray value. Compared with PLGA-NPs alone, PLGA-NPs combined with menthol or curcumol could allow deepened and densely distributed surface pores of bEnd.3 cells, increase roughness, reduce Young's modulus, aggravate F-actin band breakage, and diminish mean gray value. Compared with MSNs alone, MSNs combined with menthol could allow deepened and densely distributed surface pores of bEnd.3 cells, increase roughness, reduce Young's modulus, aggravate F-actin band breakage, and diminish mean gray value, while no significant difference was observed in combination with curcumol. Therefore, it is inferred that the aromatic components can increase the intracellular uptake and transport of nanoparticles by altering the biomechanical properties of bEnd.3 cells.

Chronic Kidney Disease: Combined Effects of Gene Polymorphisms of Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinase 3, Total Urinary Arsenic, and Blood Lead Concentration.

The tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 (TIMP3) is known to be an anti-fibrotic factor. Arsenic, lead, and cadmium exposure and selenium intake may affect TIMP3 expression. The downregulation of TIMP3 expression is related to kidney fibrosis. Genotypes of TIMP3 are related to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, this study explored whether TIMP3 polymorphism is associated with hypertension-related chronic kidney disease (CKD). In addition, the combined effects of TIMP3 polymorphism and total urinary arsenic, blood lead and cadmium, and plasma selenium concentrations on CKD, were investigated. This was a case-control study, with 213 CKD patients and 423 age- and sex-matched controls recruited. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to determine TIMP3 gene polymorphisms. The concentrations of urinary arsenic species, plasma selenium, and blood lead and cadmium were measured. The odds ratio (OR) of CKD in the TIMP3rs9609643 GA/AA genotype was higher than that of the GG genotype at high levels of total urinary arsenic and blood lead; the OR and 95% confidence interval (CI) were 0.57 (0.31-1.05) and 0.52 (0.30-0.93), respectively, after multivariate adjustment. High blood lead levels tended to interact with the TIMP3rs9609643 GG genotype to increase the OR of CKD, and gave the highest OR (95% CI) for CKD of 5.97 (2.60-13.67). Our study supports a possible role for the TIMP3rs9609643 risk genotype combined with high total urinary arsenic or with high blood lead concentration to increase the OR of CKD.

Gastroprotective action of the extract of Corydalis yanhusuo in Helicobacter pylori infection and its bioactive component, dehydrocorydaline.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a frequent chronic infection. Persistent infection is the strongest risk factor for developing gastric complications leading to gastric cancer. The antibiotic resistance of current anti-H. pylori drugs lead to the search for novel candidates from medicinal plants. Traditionally, Corydalis yanhusuo (Y.H. Chou & Chun C.Hsu) W.T. Wang ex Z.Y. Su & C.Y. Wu (Papaveraceae) has been used for the treatment of digestive system diseases in China. So, it's essential to explore and confirm the anti-H. pylori activity of C. yanhusuo and characterize the pharmacologically active compounds. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of C. yanhusuo as complementary or alternative modes of treatment against H. pylori-related diseases and ascertain the active substances of C. yanhusuo to develop non-toxic, natural, and inexpensive products. MATERIALS AND METHODS: C. yanhusuo was subjected to solid-liquid extraction with water (WECY), ethanol EECY), and chloroform (CECY). The extracts were screened by agar diffusion assay, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC), the minimum bactericidal (MBC) for their in vitro antimicrobial activity, and by Berthelot reaction for urease inhibition. To assess the in vivo action, H. pylori-induced C57BL/6 mice were used to detect RUT biopsy, perform visual and histopathological analyses and evaluate IgG expression. Furthermore, we compared the anti-H. pylori activities of major alkaloids in CECY to identify the bioactive constituents. RESULTS: Among the three C. yanhusuo extracts, CECY showed the maximum in vitro antibacterial activity. Administration of CECY significantly inhibited the survival of H. pylori colonized in the gastric mucosa and alleviated gastric damage along with a reduction in the expression levels of IgG in H. pylori-infected mice. Berberine and dehydrocorydaline exhibited obvious anti-H. pylori activity with MIC of 25 and 12.5 µg/mL, respectively. CONCLUSION: C. yanhusuo extracts showed anti-H. pylori activity in different degrees. Among them, CECY showed significant anti-H. pylori, gastroprotective and anti-inflammatory activities in vivo and in vitro. Dehydrocorydalmine, an active alkaloid compound isolated from C. yanhusuo, warranted further investigation for its potential anti-H. pylori activity.

Analysis of the Pathogenicity and Phylogeny of Colletotrichum Species Associated with Brown Blight of Tea (Camellia sinensis) in Taiwan.

Brown blight, a destructive foliar disease of tea, has become a highly limiting factor for tea cultivation in Taiwan. To understand the population composition of the causal agents (Colletotrichum spp.), the fungal diversity in the main tea-growing regions all over Taiwan was surveyed from 2017 to 2019. A collection of 139 Colletotrichum isolates was obtained from 14 tea cultivars in 86 tea plantations. Phylogenic analysis using the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer, glutamine synthetase gene, Apn2-Mat1-2 intergenic spacer, ß-tubulin, actin, calmodulin, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase genes together with morphological characterization revealed three species associated with brown blight of tea; namely, Colletotrichum camelliae (95.6% of all isolates), C. fructicola (3.7%), and C. aenigma (0.7%). This is the first report of C. aenigma in Taiwan. The optimal growth temperatures were 25°C for C. camelliae and 25 and 30°C for C. fructicola and C. aenigma. Although C. fructicola and C. aenigma were more adapted to high temperature, C. camelliae was the most pathogenic across different temperatures. Regardless of whether spore suspensions or mycelial discs were used, significantly larger lesions and higher disease incidences were observed for wounded than for nonwounded inoculation and for the third and fourth leaves than for the fifth leaves. Wounded inoculation of detached third and fourth tea leaves with mycelial discs was found to be a reliable and efficient method for assessing the pathogenicity of Colletotrichum spp. within 4 days. Preventive application of fungicides or biocontrol agents immediately after tea pruning and at a young leaf stage would help control the disease.