Effect of Adsorbed Carboxylates on the Dissolution of Boehmite Nanoplates in Highly Alkaline Solutions.

Understanding the dissolution of boehmite in highly alkaline solutions is important to processing complex nuclear waste stored at the Hanford (WA) and Savannah River (SC) sites in the United States. Here, we report the adsorption of model carboxylates on boehmite nanoplates in alkaline solutions and their effects on boehmite dissolution in 3 M NaOH at 80 °C. Although expectedly lower than at circumneutral pH, adsorption of oxalate occurred at pH 13, with adsorption decreasing linearly to 3 M NaOH. Classical molecular dynamics simulations suggest that the adsorption of oxalate dianions onto the boehmite surface under high pH can occur through either inner- or outer-sphere complexation mechanisms depending on adsorption sites. However, both adsorption models indicate relatively weak binding, with an energy preference of 1.26 to 2.10 kcal/mol. By preloading boehmite nanoplates with oxalate or acetate, we observed suppression of dissolution rates by 23 or 10%, respectively, compared to pure solids. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy characterizations revealed no detectable difference in the morphologic evolution of the dissolving boehmite materials. We conclude that preadsorbed carboxylates can persist on boehmite surfaces, decreasing the density of dissolution-active sites and thereby adding extrinsic controls on dissolution rates.

Correction: Wu et al. Rust Fungi on Medicinal Plants in Guizhou Province with Descriptions of Three New Species. J. Fungi 2023, 9, 953.

Error in Figure [...].

Rust Fungi on Medicinal Plants in Guizhou Province with Descriptions of Three New Species.

During the research on rust fungi in medicinal plants of Guizhou Province, China, a total of 9 rust fungal species were introduced, including 3 new species (Hamaspora rubi-alceifolii, Nyssopsora altissima, and Phragmidium cymosum), as well as 6 known species (Melampsora laricis-populina, Melampsoridium carpini, Neophysopella ampelopsidis, Nyssopsora koelrezidis, P. rosae-roxburghii, P. tormentillae). Notably, N. ampelopsidis and P. tormentillae were discovered for the first time in China, while M. laricis-populina, Me. carpini, and Ny. koelreuteriae were first documented in Guizhou Province. Morphological observation and molecular phylogenetic analyses of these species with similar taxa were compared to confirm their taxonomic identities, and taxonomic descriptions, illustrations and host species of those rust fungi on medicinal plant are provided.

Mechanisms of DHEA-induced AMH increase in the ovarian tissues of PCOS rat.

The present study aimed to build a DHEA-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) rat model to evaluate the potential mechanism of DHEA-induced AMH rise in these rat ovarian tissues. A total of 36 female 3-week-old rats were allocated into two groups at random. The control group received merely the same amount of sesame oil for 20 days while the experimental group received 0.2 mL of sesame oil Plus DHEA 6 mg/100 g daily. Both groups' vaginal opening times were noted, and vaginal smears were taken. By using RT-qPCR and Western blot, the mRNA and protein expression of AMH, GATA4, SF1, and SOX9 in the ovarian tissues of the two groups was investigated.The rats in the experimental group appeared to have obvious disorders of the estrus cycle, as evidenced by the ratio of estrus being significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05); HE staining revealed that the ovarian volume, follicular vacuoles, and follicular lumen of the rats in the experimental group increased significantly.The ELISA results revealed that T and AMH in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group at day 15 and 20. AMH、GATA4 and SF1 mRNA and protein expression were higher in the experimental group than in the control group on day 15 and 20 (P < 0.05). On day 20, the experimental group outperformed the control group (P < 0.05). In the DHEA-induced PCOS rat model, androgen may have enhanced AMH expression via increasing the expression of genes associated to the AMH promoter binding site (GATA4, SF1, SOX9).

Hyperthermic intrathoracic/intraperitoneal chemotherapy versus conventional intrapleural/intraperitoneal chemotherapy for the malignant effusion: a multi-center randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of hyperthermic intrathoracic/intraperitoneal chemotherapy versus conventional intrapleural/intraperitoneal chemotherapy in the treatment of malignant pleural or peritoneal effusion. METHODS: A randomized clinical trial was carried out in 8 cancer centers across China. Patients with malignant pleural or peritoneal effusion were randomly assigned to the study group or control group. Patients in the study group were treated with cisplatin-based hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (HITHOC) or hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), while the control group was treated with conventional intrapleural or intraperitoneal chemotherapy using same chemotherapeutic regime as the study group. The objective response rate (ORR) was analyzed as primary outcome. Quality-of-life (QOL) score was recorded as secondary outcome using the questionnaire 30 (QLQ-C30) of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC). The efficacy and safety of the two treatments were compared. RESULTS: Total 135 patients were recruited and randomized in this study, with 67 patients in the study group and 68 patients in the control group. The ORR in the study group (80.70%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (31.03%, p < 0.001). However, neither changes of QOL scores, nor incidence rates of adverse events were significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.076 and 0.197, respectively). CONCLUSION: Efficacy of HITHOC or HIPEC is superior to that of conventional modality for the treatment of malignant effusion with comparable side effects.

Complete chloroplast genome of Lonicera ligustrina Wall. (Caprifoliaceae) and its phylogenetic implications.

Lonicera ligustrina is a folk medicinal herb in China and India with highly potential medicinal value. Here, we reported the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of L. ligustrina (GenBank accession number: ON968694). The cp genome was 155,330 bp long, with a large single-copy region (LSC) of 88,855 bp and a small single-copy region (SSC) of 18,647 bp separated by a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) of 23,914 bp. We also reconstructed the phylogeny of Lonicera using maximum likelihood (ML) method, including our data and previously reported cp genomes of related taxa. The current study indicated that L. ligustrina is sister with the Nintooa clade of subgen. Lonicera.

Factors that contribute to trait mindfulness level among hospitalized patients with major depressive disorder.

Mindfulness training among patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) reduces symptoms, prevents relapse, improves prognosis, and is more efficient for those with a high level of trait mindfulness. Upon hospital admission, 126 MDD patients completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief, Five-Factor Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), and the Rumination Response Scale (RRS). The 65 patients that scored less than the median of all subjects on the FFMQ were placed into the low mindfulness level (LML) group. The other 61 patients were placed in the high mindfulness level (HML) group. All facet scores were statistically different between the mental health assessment scores of the HML and LML groups except for RRS brooding and FFMQ nonjudgement. Trait mindfulness level exhibited a negative and bidirectional association with MDD severity primarily through the facets of description and aware actions. Trait mindfulness was also related positively with age primarily through the facets of nonreactivity and nonjudgement. Being married is positively associated with trait mindfulness levels primarily through the facet of observation and by an associated increase in perceived quality of life. Mindfulness training prior to MDD diagnosis also associates positively with trait mindfulness level. Hospitalized MDD patients should have their trait mindfulness levels characterized to predict treatment efficiency, help establish a prognosis, and identify mindfulness-related therapeutic targets.

Study on mechanism of Zishen Pill treating benign prostatic hyperplasia based on serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology.

Zishen Pill (ZSP) is a traditional Chinese medicine that is frequently used to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), however its specific mechanism of action and active ingredients are yet unknown. We used a combination of serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology and a series of biochemical assays to explore the action mechanism of ZSP in the treatment of BPH. The BPH rat model was created using testosterone propionate, and following oral ZSP administration, the components of ZSP in rat serum were detected by UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap/MS method. A "component-target-disease" network and PPI networks were constructed on this foundation. The primary mechanism of ZSP decreasing BPH in rats was studied by KEGG pathway and GO analysis. Finally, the potential pathways and key targets were further verified in vivo by molecular biology and immunological methods. 46 substances were charactered from rat serum, and 164 anti-BPH targets were screened from the database. According to network pharmacology, the primary targets were CASP3, STAT3, JUN, and PTGS2/COX2. Three related pathways (PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway and EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance) were closely related to the therapeutic effects of ZSP. The findings of molecular biology demonstrated that ZSP may bring Bcl-2, BAX, CASP3, COX2, and 5LOX protein and gene expression in BPH rats appreciably closer to that of normal rats. Additionally, ZSP can lessen the expression of inflammatory cytokines in BPH rats, including VEGF, TNF-α, CCL5, and interleukin. CONCLUSION: The above results suggest that ZSP may reduce BPH through inflammation/immunity and apoptosis/proliferation-related pathways. This study offers a fresh approach to investigate the basic pharmacological effects and mechanism of ZSP in the treatment of BPH.

[Acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking for girls aged 3-8 years with incomplete precocious puberty: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking for girls aged 3-8 years with incomplete precocious puberty (IPP). METHODS: Sixty girls with IPP were randomly divided into an observation group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (30 cases, 2 cases were eliminated). The girls in the control group were treated with healthy diet and proper exercise for 12 weeks. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, the girls in the observation group were treated with acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking. The acupuncture was applied at Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), Guilai (ST 29), etc., the needles were retained for 20 min, acupuncture was given twice a week (once every 3 days). The auricular point sticking was applied at Luanchao (TF2), Neishengzhiqi (TF2), Neifenmi (CO18), Yuanzhong (AT2,3,4i), etc., twice a week. The treatment was given for 12 weeks. Before treatment, after treatment and in follow-up after 12 weeks of treatment completion, the Tanner stage of breast, serum contents of sex hormone (luteinizing hormone [LH], follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], estradiol [E2]) were observed. The ovarian volume, the number of follicles with diameter>4 mm, and the uterine volume were measured by abdominal color Doppler ultrasound. In addition, the safety of the observation group was evaluated. RESULTS: Compared with before treatment, the Tanner stage of breast in the observation group was improved after treatment and in follow-up (P<0.05); after treatment and in follow-up, the Tanner stage of breast in the observation group was better than that in the control group (P<0.05). Compared with before treatment, the serum levels of LH and E2 in the observation group were increased (P<0.05), and the volume of bilateral ovaries was larger (P<0.05) in follow-up. Compared with before treatment, the serum contents of LH, FSH and E2 in the control group were increased (P<0.05), the volume of bilateral ovaries was larger (P<0.05), and the number of follicles was increased (P<0.05) after treatment and in follow-up. The serum levels of LH, FSH and E2 in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05), the volume of bilateral ovaries was smaller than that in the control group (P<0.05), and the number of follicles was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). Compared with before treatment, the uterine volume in the two groups was larger in follow-up (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups after treatment and in follow-up (P>0.05). During the treatment, 3 cases in the observation group had slight abdominal pain and subcutaneous blood stasis, without serious adverse reactions. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking could improve the Tanner stage of breast, reduce the level of sex hormone, slow down the development and maturation of ovary and follicle, and control the degree and speed of sexual development in girls aged 3-8 years with IPP.

[Modern research progress in external application of traditional Chinese medicine to acupoints].

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has a long history and abundant experience in external therapy, which marks human wisdom. In the early history of human, people found that fumigation, coating, and sticking of some tree branches and herb stems can help alleviate scabies and remove parasites in productive labor, which indicates the emergence of external therapy. Pathogen usually enters the body through the surface, so external therapy can be used to treat the disease. External therapy is among the major characteristic of surgery of TCM. As one of the external therapies in TCM, external application to acupoints smooths the zang-fu organs through meridians and collaterals, thereby harmonizing yin and yang. This therapy emerged in the early society, formed the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, improved in the Song and Ming dynasties, and matured in the Qing dynasty. With the efforts of experts in history, it has had a mature theory. According to modern research, it can avoid the first-pass effect of liver and the gastrointestinal irritation and improve the bioavailability of Chinese medicine. Based on the effect of Chinese medicine and the theory of meridian and collateral, it can stimulate the acupoints, exert regulatory effect on acupoints, and give full play to the efficacy of TCM and the interaction of the two. Thereby, it can regulate qi and blood and balance yin and yang, thus being widely used in the treatment of diseases. In this paper, the use of external application to acupoints, the effect on skin immunity, the regulation of neuro-inflammatory mechanism, the relationship between acupoint application and human circulation network, and the development of its dosage form were summarized through literature review. On this basis, this study is expected to lay a foundation for further research.

Acacetin attenuates the pancreatic and hepatorenal dysfunction in type 2 diabetic rats induced by high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin.

Acacetin is a natural flavonoid compound with multiple therapeutic potential in oxidative stress, inflammation, cancers, cardiovascular disease and infections. The present study aimed to detect the effect of acacetin on pancreatic and hepatorenal dysfunction in type 2 diabetic rats. The diabetic rats were induced by high-fat diet (HFD) followed by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) at a dose of 45 mg/kg. Different doses of acacetin were orally administrated once a day for 8 weeks after the diabetic model was successfully established. The experimental results revealed that acacetin and acarbose displayed obvious attenuation in the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG) and lipids compared to the untreated diabetic rats. In addition, the physiological function of liver and kidney was impaired in the persistent environment of hyperglycemia, while acacetin improved the damage of liver and kidney. Furthermore, hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining indicated that acacetin alleviated the pathological alterations of the pancreas, liver and kidney tissues. Besides, the increased levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8 and malondialdehyde (MDA) were recused by acacetin treatment, while the reduction of superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were suppressed by acacetin treatment. In conclusion, the experimental results demonstrated that acacetin improved the lipids and glucose levels, and hepatorenal antioxidant capacity, as well as ameliorated hepatorenal dysfunction in type 2 diabetic rats, and the potential mechanism might be associated with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

[Effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation combined with auricular acupressure on sexual hormone level and gonadal development in girls with precocious puberty].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) combined with auricular acupressure on serum sexual hormone level, and the ovarian, follicular and uterine development in the girls with precocious puberty. METHODS: Sixty girls with precocious puberty were randomly divided into a control group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a treatment group (30 cases, 3 cases dropped off). In both the control group and the treatment group, the healthy life-style intervention was provided for 12 weeks. Besides, in the treatment group, TEAS was delivered for 20 minutes each time, twice a week; and bilateral auricular acupressure was combined. The duration of treatment was 12 weeks. The levels of serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E2), as well as ovarian volume, maximum follicular diameter and uterine volume before and after treatment were detected, and the safety was evaluated separately. RESULTS: Compared with before treatment, the contents of serum LH and FSH were increased (P<0.05), and the ovarian volume and the maximum follicle diameter were increased (P<0.05) in the control group after treatment; the contents of serum FSH and E2 were decresed (P<0.05), and the maximum follicular diameter was reduced significantly (P<0.05) in the treatment group after treatment. Compared with the control group, the contents of serum LH, FSH and E2 were decreased (P<0.05), while the ovarian volume and the maximum follicle diameter were decreased (P<0.05) in the treatment group after treatment. CONCLUSION: TEAS combined with auricular acupressure can effectively decrease the level of sex hormone, improve the ovarian and uterine development and retard the gonadal development. Such combined therapy is of high safety and conductive to regulating the development for the girls with precocious puberty.

Feasibility of Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Veterans Managing Chronic Pain.

Background. Chronic pain impacts people's activity participation, productivity, mental health, and sense of wellbeing. Purpose. This study aimed to (1) evaluate the feasibility of the Mindfulness-Based Chronic Pain Management (MBCPMTM) program on reducing pain perception and enhancing the quality of life, and (2) understand veterans' experience with the program. Method. The pretest-posttest single-group, mixed-methods design was used. Thirty-one veterans were offered the 12-week intervention. The Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-29 were administered before and after the program. Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted to understand the experience. Findings. Participants' PCS scores improved (Z = -3.116, p = .002), but the pain intensity did not change significantly. Themes from qualitative data include: (1) We are not alone! (2) I have a sense of awareness, choices, and control; and (3) It does work! Implications. The study shows preliminary feasibility of MBCPMTM for veterans. This promising effect supports future rigorous testing of this intervention.

A novel and alternative therapy for persistent allergic rhinitis via intranasal acupuncture: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Acupuncture is used to treat allergic rhinitis (AR) in traditional Chinese medicine, and the ST2 and ST36 acupoints are generally selected in clinical practice. We report a new intranasal acupuncture method at the Neiyingxiang (EX-HN9) and Biqiu points for the treatment of persistent AR (PAR). Here, the efficacy and safety of this method were evaluated. METHODS: A total of 120 patients diagnosed with PAR were randomly allocated (2:1 ratio) to intranasal acupuncture or Western medicine groups, the basic principle of random grouping is SAS random grouping method. The applicator held a nasal endoscope and a 0.30 × 75 mm filiform needle in their left and right hands, respectively. When aiming at the Neiyingxiang or Biqiu point, the applicator quickly inserted the needle to a 20-mm depth as parallel as possible to the inferior turbinate or middle turbinate, without special reinforcing and reducing techniques (the needle remained for 20 min). The intranasal acupuncture groups received acupuncture treatment three times per week for 2 weeks. The Western medicine group was treated with budesonide nasal spray (two sprays/nostril, twice/day) and loratadine (one tablet/night) for 2 weeks. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores were the primary outcome. Quality of life, medication dosages and adverse events were secondary outcomes measured using the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (RQLQ). Confidence assessments were performed to evaluate data from the treatment and follow-up periods. RESULTS: The results were as follows: (1) VAS and RQLQ scores were significantly lower in the intranasal acupuncture group than in the Western medicine group on day 1 (i.e., first treatment) (P < 0.05; 95% CI - 13.1 to - 9.6 VAS points) (P < 0.05; 95% CI - 20.27 to - 12.28 RQLQ points). Overall symptoms (95% CI - 2.86 to - 1.86 points), nasal obstruction (95% CI - 6.33 to - 5.36 points), olfactory function (95% CI - 2.91 to - 1.75 points), sleep (95% CI - 5.05 to - 3.57 points), actual problems (95% CI - 2.03 to - 0.06 points), nasal symptoms (95% CI - 6.62 to - 4.5 points), and emotional problems (95% CI - 5.05 to - 3.5 points) were significantly improved. (2) VAS and RQLQ scores in the two groups were significantly improved at week 2; however, there were no significant group differences in the VAS (P > 0.05; 95% CI - 1.21 to - 1.38 points) and RQLQ (P > 0.05; 95% CI - 0.33 to - 3.46 points) scores. Olfactory function symptoms were significantly improved (95% CI - 1.58 to - 0.21 points). (3) During the follow-up period, there was a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05) with higher RQLQ and VAS scores in the intranasal acupuncture group than in the Western medicine group. VAS scores on rhinobyon symptoms, nasal itch, rhinorrhea and olfactory function and RQLQ scores for activities, non-nasal/eye symptoms, actual problems, nasal symptoms, and eye symptoms were significantly improved. (4) No adverse events were observed in either group during treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Intranasal acupuncture has good efficacy and safety in the treatment of PAR. Moreover, VAS and RQLQ scores were much lower in the intranasal acupuncture group than in the Western medicine group, and acupuncture had an immediate impact, especially for improving nasal congestion, olfactory function and sleep.

Salt-like transcription factor 4 promotes laryngeal cancer progression through transcriptional activation of ubiquitin-specific protease 21 to stabilize Yin Yang 1.

Laryngeal cancer (LC) is a rare and challenging clinical problem. Our aim was to investigate the mechanism of salt-like transcription factor 4 (SALL4) in LC. LC tissue and paracancerous tissue were collected. Relative mRNA or protein levels were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction or Western blot. MTT, wound healing, and transwell assay were performed to evaluate cell proliferation, migration and invasion. The binding relationship between SALL4 and USP21 promoter was verified by dual-luciferase assay and ChIP. Co-IP and glutathione-S-transferase (GST)-pull down were performed to measure the protein interaction between USP21 and YY1. Additionally, YY1 ubiquitination level was analyzed. It was found that SALL4 mRNA and SALL4 protein levels were elevated in LC clinical tissues and various LC cells. Knockdown of SALL4 inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of LC cells. USP21 was transcriptionally activated by SALL4. Co-IP and GST-pull down confirmed USP21 interacted with YY1. USP21 protected YY1 from degradation through deubiquitination. Furthermore, overexpression of USP21 reversed the effect of knockdown of SALL4 on YY1 and EMT in LC cells. In general, SALL4 facilitated EMT of LC cells through modulating USP21/YY1 axis.

Gut microbiota modulation by plant polyphenols in koi carp (Cyprinus carpio L.).

Plant polyphenol supplementation may improve fish health in aquaculture systems. To assess the potential benefits and function mechanism of plant polyphenols in aquaculture, fish were fed either basal feed (CON) or the basal feed supplemented with 500 mg/kg of curcumin (CUR), oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC), chlorogenic acid (CGA), or resveratrol (RES). After an 8-week feeding experiment, blood samples were used to analyze the concentrations of biochemical indices. Gut samples were collected to evaluate microbiota, short chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels, and gene expression. The results indicated that polyphenol administration reduced serum glucose and insulin. Lysozyme activity was enhanced by OPC and CGA, and superoxide dismutase activity was increased by CUR, OPC, and CGA. The gut microbial structure of the RES group was segregated from that of the CON, and the genus Bacteroides was identified as a potential biomarker in the CUR, CGA, and RES groups. Total gut SCFA increased in the CUR, CGA, and RES groups. A strong correlation was observed between Bacteroides and SCFA. In conclusion, dietary polyphenols have distinct anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-hyperglycemic activities that may be closely associated with their microbiota-modulation effects.

[Effects of electroacupuncture on sexual development and ovarian estrogen receptor ß expression in female adolescent obese rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture on sexual development and ovarian estrogen receptor ß(ER-ß) expression in female adolescent obese rats induced by high-fat diet, so as to explore its underlying mechanisms of improving adolescent obesity. METHODS: Female SD rats (age of 21 days) were randomly divided into control, model and acupuncture groups, with 6 rats in each group. The obese model was established by feeding high-fat diet for 6 weeks. Rats of the acupuncture group received electroacupuncture(2 Hz, 0.5-1.2 mA)stimulation at bilateral "Sanyinjiao"(SP6), "Fenglong"(ST40) and "Zusanli"(ST36) for 30 min, once a day for 14 days. The body mass and abdominal circumference of rats were measured before and after treatment. The contents of serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol (E2) were detected by ELISA. The number of corpus luteum and follicle were observed by HE staining. The expression levels of ER-ß mRNA and protein in ovary were detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot, respectively. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the body mass and abdominal circumference, the contents of serum FSH and E2, and the expression levels of ER-ß mRNA and protein in ovary were significantly increased (P<0.05)in the model group, while the number of mature follicles and corpus luteum increased significantly. Compared with the model group, the body mass and abdominal circumference, the contents of serum FSH and E2, and the expression levels of ER-ß mRNA and protein in ovary were significantly decreased (P<0.05) in the acupuncture group, while the number of mature follicles and corpus luteum decreased significantly. CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture can effectively improve the levels of sex hormone and the development of ovary, down-regulate the expression levels of ER-ß mRNA and protein in ovary, so as to regulate the process of sexual development of female adolescent obese rats induced by high-fat diet.

Study on the cultivation of seedlings using buds of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.).

Background: Potato, a vegetable crop grown worldwide, has many uses, a short growth period, a large market demand and high economic benefits. The loss of potato seediness due to traditional potato growing methods is becoming increasingly evident, and research on new ways of growing potatoes is particularly important. Bud planting technology has the advantages of more reproduction, faster growth, and simplified maintenance of crop plants under cultivation. Methods: In this study, a bud planting method was adopted for the cultivation of potato seedlings. Specifically, we assessed different types of treatments for the production of high-quality buds and seedlings of potato. A total of four disease-free potato varieties (Fujin, Youjin, Zhongshu 4, and Feiwuruita) were selected, potato buds with three different lengths (3 cm, 5 cm, and 7 cm) were considered the T1, T2, and T3 treatments, and terminal buds, middle buds, and tail buds were used as the T4, T5, and T6 treatments. A nutrient pot experiment was performed following a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates and a natural control (CK) treatment. Cultivation was performed with the common horticultural practices of weeding and hoeing applied as needed. The photosynthetic indices, physiological indices, growth indices and quality of potato seedlings and quality of potato buds were measured at two-week intervals, and yield indices were measured when the final crop was harvested 14 weeks after planting. Results and Conclusions: Cultivation of seedlings from potato buds of different lengths increased the reproduction coefficient and reduced the number of seed potatoes needed for cultivation. All morphological, physiological, and yield indices showed positive trends. A potato bud length of 7 cm was optimal for raising seedlings. Moreover, buds located at the terminal of the potato yielded seedlings with the best quality. In conclusion, we recommend that our proven bud planting technique be adopted at the commercial level, which could support good crop production with maximum yield.

Moderate sedation with single-dose remimazolam tosilate in elderly male patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate with spinal anesthesia: a prospective, single-arm, single-centre clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Remimazolam tosilate (RT) is a newly listed benzodiazepine for sedation and anesthesia featuring quick onset of effects, short maintenance and recovery times, which is currently under research. This trial was conducted to determine the median effective dose (ED50) and the 95% effective dose (ED95) of single-dose remimazolam for moderate sedation in elderly patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) under spinal anesthesia, and to evaluate its efficacy and safety. METHODS: Thirty male patients aged 65-80 years old were recruited for selective TURP. Remimazolam was administered intravenously to pain-free patients (VAS score < 1) within 1 min of successful spinal anesthesia by the same anesthesiologist. We used modified Dixon's up-and-down sequential allocation method to determine the ED50 and ED95 of the agent with an initial dosage of 0.1 mg/kg. Successful sedation was defined as an MOAA/S score ≤ 3 and above 1. A score of > 3 was deemed as failed sedation. Recruitment continued until ten independent pairs (from successful sedation to failed sedation) would give a reliable estimation of the ED50 and ED95 of RT and their 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The ED50 of remimazolam was 0.063 (95% C.I. 0.045-0.073) mg/kg. Its ED95 was 0.079 (95% C.I. 0.07-0.137) mg/kg. Remimazolam was safe in its application. CONCLUSIONS: A single-dose of RT proves to be safe for assisted sedation during TURP in elderly male patients under spinal anesthesia with a lower incidence of adverse events. Its ED50 and ED95 were 0.063 mg/kg and 0.079 mg/kg, respectively. TRIAL REGISTRATION: http://www.chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR2100051912).

Treating patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant with a traditional Chinese medicine, Shufeng Jiedu capsule.

Patients infected with the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 mainly develop mild COVID-19, manifesting as upper respiratory symptoms, fatigue, and fever. Shufeng Jiedu capsule (SFJDC), a traditional Chinese medicine indicated for treatment of upper respiratory infections in China, was tested for its efficacy and safety in treatment of an Omicron infection at a mobile cabin hospital in response to an outbreak of COVID-19 in Shanghai, China in April 2022. In this open-label, randomized controlled trial, patients in the control group received best supportive care, while those in the test group received additional SFJDC therapy for 7 days. SFJDC markedly alleviated patients' symptoms including a sore throat, coughing, fatigue, and a fever after 7 days of treatment. The virus negative time was significantly shorter in the SFJDC treatment group, but there were no obvious differences in the virus negative rate between the two groups at the end of the 7-day follow-up. These results suggest that patients with the Omicron infection may benefit from SFJDC treatment. Double-blind, randomized controlled trials are warranted to comprehensively evaluate the efficacy and safety of SFJDC in a large cohort study in the future.