Navigating the landscape: Prospects and hurdles in targeting vascular smooth muscle cells for atherosclerosis diagnosis and therapy.

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) have emerged as pivotal contributors throughout all phases of atherosclerotic plaque development, effectively dispelling prior underestimations of their prevalence and significance. Recent lineage tracing studies have unveiled the clonal nature and remarkable adaptability inherent to VSMCs, thereby illuminating their intricate and multifaceted roles in the context of atherosclerosis. This comprehensive review provides an in-depth exploration of the intricate mechanisms and distinctive characteristics that define VSMCs across various physiological processes, firmly underscoring their paramount importance in shaping the course of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, this review offers a thorough examination of the significant strides made over the past two decades in advancing imaging techniques and therapeutic strategies with a precise focus on targeting VSMCs within atherosclerotic plaques, notably spotlighting meticulously engineered nanoparticles as a promising avenue. We envision the potential of VSMC-targeted nanoparticles, thoughtfully loaded with medications or combination therapies, to effectively mitigate pro-atherogenic VSMC processes. These advancements are poised to contribute significantly to the pivotal objective of modulating VSMC phenotypes and enhancing plaque stability. Moreover, our paper also delves into recent breakthroughs in VSMC-targeted imaging technologies, showcasing their remarkable precision in locating microcalcifications, dynamically monitoring plaque fibrous cap integrity, and assessing the therapeutic efficacy of medical interventions. Lastly, we conscientiously explore the opportunities and challenges inherent in this innovative approach, providing a holistic perspective on the potential of VSMC-targeted strategies in the evolving landscape of atherosclerosis research and treatment.

Green synthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticles using Alliaceae waste (Allium sativum) for a sustainable landscape enhancement using support vector regression.

The synthesis of metal nanoparticles using green chemistry methods has gained significant attention in the field of landscape enhancement. Researchers have paid close attention to the development of very effective green chemistry approaches for the production of metal nanoparticles (NPs). The primary goal is to create an environmentally sustainable technique for generating NPs. At the nanoscale, ferro- and ferrimagnetic minerals such as magnetite exhibit superparamagnetic properties (Fe3O4). Magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) have received increased interest in nanoscience and nanotechnology due to their physiochemical properties, small particle size (1-100 nm), and low toxicity. Biological resources such as bacteria, algae, fungus, and plants have been used to manufacture affordable, energy-efficient, non-toxic, and ecologically acceptable metallic NPs. Despite the growing demand for Fe3O4 nanoparticles in a variety of applications, typical chemical production processes can produce hazardous byproducts and trash, resulting in significant environmental implications. The purpose of this study is to look at the ability of Allium sativum, a member of the Alliaceae family recognized for its culinary and medicinal benefits, to synthesize Fe3O4 NPs. Extracts of Allium sativum seeds and cloves include reducing sugars like glucose, which may be used as decreasing factors in the production of Fe3O4 NPs to reduce the requirement for hazardous chemicals and increase sustainability. The analytic procedures were carried out utilizing machine learning as support vector regression (SVR). Furthermore, because Allium sativum is widely accessible and biocompatible, it is a safe and cost-effective material for the manufacture of Fe3O4 NPs. Using the regression indices metrics of root mean square error (RMSE) and coefficient of determination (R2), the X-ray diffraction (XRD) study revealed the lighter, smoother spherical forms of NPs in the presence of aqueous garlic extract and 70.223 nm in its absence. The antifungal activity of Fe3O4 NPs against Candida albicans was investigated using a disc diffusion technique but exhibited no impact at doses of 200, 400, and 600 ppm. This characterization of the nanoparticles helps in understanding their physical properties and provides insights into their potential applications in landscape enhancement.

Evaluation of individualized treatment of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy: a multicenter, randomized, parallel-controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the differences in the efficacy of stationary treatment and individualized treatment for patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). METHODS: This study was a randomized, controlled, multicenter clinical trial. Participants with NPDR were randomized into the stationary treatment group or the individualized treatment group. The stationary treatment group was given the basic treatment and Qiming granules, and the individualized treatment group was given the basic treatment, Qiming granules, and individualized Chinese herbal medicines over a 12-week period. The individualized therapeutic formula was also changed over time to adjust to the changes in the clinical presentation of the patient. We conducted observations of fundus retinal exudation and hemorrhage, visual acuity, Traditional Chinese Medicine symptom scores and other indicators. RESULTS: A total of 140 participants with NPDR were randomized into the stationary treatment group or the individualized treatment group, and 132 participants completed this study. Following the 12-week treatment, significant improvements in both primary and secondary outcomes were observed in the stationary and individualized treatment groups. No remarkable difference in the primary outcomes between the two groups was observed. However, there was a significant difference in the Traditional Chinese Medicine symptom scores (18 ± 7 vs 15 ± 6; P < 0.05). There were no severe adverse effects. CONCLUSION: Compared with stationary treatment, individualized treatment is more effective at relieving the Traditional Chinese Medicine symptoms and improving vision and fundus lesions at 12 weeks post treatment.

Effect of acupuncture on hormone level in patients with gastrointestinal dysfunction after general anesthesia: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction (PGD) refers to one of the common postoperative complications. Acupuncture can facilitate the recovery of PGD, whereas no therapeutic schedule of acupuncture has been internationally recognized for treating PGD. In the present study, a scientific trial protocol has been proposed to verify the feasibility of acupuncture in treating gastrointestinal dysfunction after laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia. We conduct this protocol to investigate whether acupuncture recovery gastrointestinal dysfunction by influencing the expression of gastrointestinal hormone. METHOD: The present study refers to a randomized, evaluator blinded, controlled, multi-center clinical trial; it was designed complying with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT 2010) as well as the Standard for Reporting Interventions in Controlled Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA). The subjects will be taken from the inpatients having undergone laparoscopic surgery of Mianyang Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of traditional Chinese medicine, Mianyang Third Hospital and Mianyang Anzhou Hospital. Based on the random number yielded using SPSS 25.0 software, the qualified subjects will be randomly classified to the experimental group and the control group. Therapies will be performed 30 min once after operation, the experimental group will be treated with acupuncture, while the control group will receive intravenous injection of granisetron. The major outcome will be the time to first flatus, and the secondary outcomes will include the time to first defecation, abdominal pain, dosage of analgesia pump, abdominal distention, nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal hormone, as well as mental state. The efficacy and safety of acupuncture will be also assessed following the principle of Good Clinical Practice (GCP). DISCUSS: A standardized and scientific clinical trial is conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for gastrointestinal dysfunction after laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia. The aim is to objectively evidence and improves the clinical practice of acupoint prescription, as an attempt to promote the clinical application of this technology.

Microenvironment Remodeling Micelles for Alzheimer's Disease Therapy by Early Modulation of Activated Microglia.

Current strategies for Alzheimer's disease (AD) treatments focus on pathologies in the late stage of the disease progression. Poor clinical outcomes are displayed due to the irreversible damages caused by early microglia abnormality which triggers disease development before identical symptoms emerge. Based on the crosstalk between microglia and brain microenvironment, a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive polymeric micelle system (Ab-PEG-LysB/curcumin (APLB/CUR)) is reported to normalize the oxidative and inflammatory microenvironment and reeducate microglia from an early phase of AD. Through an ß-amyloid (Aß) transportation-mimicked pathway, the micelles can accumulate into the diseased regions and exert synergistic effects of polymer-based ROS scavenging and cargo-based Aß inhibition upon microenvironment stimuli. This multitarget strategy exhibits gradual correction of the brain microenvironment, efficient neuroprotection, and microglia modulation, leading to decreased Aß plaque burdens and consequently enhanced cognitive functions in APPswe/PSEN1dE9 model mice. The results indicate that microglia can be exploited as an early target for AD treatment and their states can be controlled via microenvironment modulation.

Double-sided effect of tumor microenvironment on platelets targeting nanoparticles.

The cancer cells and stromal cells in tumor microenvironment secrete cytokines and recruit "homing" cells (macrophage, lymphocytes, platelets, etc.). Platelets can interact with tumor microenvironment and specifically aggregate at tumor sites. Surprising, we observed different "homing" effects of activated platelets in breast cancer model and pancreatic cancer model which is highly related with the blood supply of tumors. Besides, platelets targeting magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) can home to breast cancer but be repelled from pancreatic cancer. We observed the targeting effect of MNPs is highly related with the expressions of collagen Ⅰ (marker of extracellular matrix) and CD34 (marker of tumor neovascularization). The homing nanoparticles such as platelets targeting MNPs could realize the tumor targeting ability, photo-thermal effect and tumor immunotherapeutic ability in the accessible tumor (e.g. breast cancer) but not the hypovascular tumor (e.g. pancreatic cancer).

A targeting theranostics nanomedicine as an alternative approach for hyperthermia perfusion.

Real-time monitoring drug-release is often regarded crucial in theranostics nanomedicine design, since it provides precise establishment of spatio-temporal activation of the drug-release in vitro and in vivo. A symmetrical self-immolative drug-dye conjugation (DDC) prodrug is developed in this study with disulfide bond as the trigger. The prodrug can be escorted by targeting PEG-PLGA micelles and hereby accumulated in the tumor by both active and passive targeting effect. Glutathione (GSH) with higher concentration in the tumor microenvironment can readily cleave the disulfide bond to initiate a subsequent decomposition of DDC, where the drug and dye can be released simultaneously in a strict one-to-one mode. Upon the disintegration, the "Turned-On" probe can emit near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence, with the aim of providing accurate and real-time information for the prodrugs' activation and biodistribution in vivo in a non-invasive way. Furthermore, the released dye can meanwhile act as a photothermic sensitizer, which can in-situ assist a deep penetration for the released drug in the tumor tissue with enhanced therapeutic efficiency. This "babysitting" strategy provides new reference for designing versatile theranostic nanomedicines for preclinical evaluations and an alternative approach for hyperthermia perfusion in clinic.

Stationary Treatment Compared with Individualized Chinese Medicine for Type 2 Diabetes Patients with Microvascular Complications: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Microvascular complications in type 2 diabetes (T2DM), including diabatic retinopathy (DR), diabetic kidney disease (DKD), diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) are the leading causes of visual loss, end-stage renal disease or amputation, while the current therapies are still unsatisfactory. Chinese medicine (CM) has been widely used for treating diabetic mellitus. However, most of the previous studies focused on the single complication. The role of CM treatment in T2DM patients with 2 or multiple microvascular complications is not clear. OBJECTIVE: To appraise the curative effect of CM in T2DM patients with 2 or multiple microvascular complications, and to compare the effects of stationary treatment and individualized treatment in T2DM patients with microvascular complications. METHODS: This trial will be an 8-center, randomized, controlled study with 8 parallel groups. A total of 432 patients will be randomized to 8 groups: DR study group (32 cases) and a corresponding control group (32 cases), DR+DKD study group (64 cases) and a corresponding control group (64 cases), DR+DPN study group (64 cases) and a corresponding control group (64 cases), DR+DKD+DPN study group (56 cases) and a corresponding control group (56 cases). The control group will receive stationary treatment, and the study group will receive individualized treatment based on CM syndrome differentiation in addition to stationary treatment. The study duration will be 50 weeks, comprising a 2-week run-in period, 24 weeks of intervention, and 24 weeks of follow-up. The outcomes will assess efficacy of treatment, improvement in CM symptoms, safety assessments, adherence to the treatment, and adverse events. CONCLUSION: This study will provide evidence of evidence-based medicine for CM treatment in two or multiple microvascular complications caused by T2DM. (Registration No. ChiCTR-IPR-15007072).

Rheological, emulsifying and thermostability properties of two exopolysaccharides produced by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens LPL061.

The rheological, emulsification, thermostability and certain physicochemical properties of two purified exopolysaccharides from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens LPL061 were studied. EPS1 showed entangled spider mesh structure that composed of dense rope with homogeneous hexagonal particles under scanning electron microscopy. EPS2 had a porous sponge structure with uniform cylindrical particles. The two exopolysaccharides showed higher intrinsic viscosity and better emulsification activity with sunflower seed oil, rice oil, olive oil and peanut oil compared to guar gum. EPS1 is the most promising one for applications in the industry, as it had high intrinsic viscosity, apparent viscosity and thermostablity in aqueous solution, dense entangled structure and good emulsification activity.

A new lyoniresinol derivative from Smilax microphylla.

A new lignan, lyoniresinol-9-O-8"-syringylglycerol ether (1), together with five known compounds, piceatannol (2), resveratrol (3), oxyresveratrol (4), quercetin-3'-glucoside (5) and diosgenin (6) were isolated from the rhizomes of Smilax microphylla. The structure of the new compound was determined by means of chemical evidence and 1D-and 2D-NMR (1H, 13C, HSQC, HMBC, 1H-1H COSY and NOESY) spectroscopic analysis and HR-ESI-MS.

[Callus cultivation and determination of gentiopicroside from Gentiana macrophylla].

OBJECTIVE: To explore and improve the utilization efficiency of Gentiana macrophylla resources. METHODS: The germination of Gentiona macrophylla seeds were used as explants to induce calluses; Cultured on various culture media and condition for callus induction and subculture by test; The content of gentiopicroside in callus was determined by HPLC. RESULTS: The optimum medium for callus was MS +2,4-D (1.0 mg/L) + 6-BA (0.5 mg/L), and MS +2,4-D (1.0 mg/L) +6-BA (0.5 mg/L) + NAA (0.5 mg/L) was the optimum for subculture,the optimum time of subculture was 30 d; The accumulated gentiopicroside reached the highest level with 0.78 mg/g DW when entered 28-30 d. CONCLUSION: The optimized culture method of callus of Gentiana. macrophylla is obtained; The growth curve of callus of Gentiona macrophylla turns on "S" appearance and the accumulated gentiopicroside increases along with the callus appreciation.

Steroidal saponins and pregnane glycosides from Smilax microphylla.

Six steroidal saponins and two pregnane glycosides were isolated from the BuOH subfraction of 70% EtOH extract of Smilax microphylla C.H.Wright, among them two were new compounds (1 and 7). Pregnane glycosides were firstly isolated from the genus Smilax (Smilacaceae). Structures of the new compounds were determined on the basis of HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analysis.

[Iron chloride for simultaneous denitrification and chemical-biological flocculation process].

The efficiency of iron chloride on simultaneous denitrification and chemical-biological flocculation process was investigated through a lab-scale study. The results showed that: there were not significant differences in the denitrification rate, COD and NO3(-) -N removal efficiency between the control reactor and the denitrification reactor with the dosage of 20 mg x L(-1) Fe after 14 days' domestication. Meanwhile the TP removal efficiency was increased to over 80%. Though sludge concentration was increased by adding FeCl3, the settling performance wasn't change because the sludge density was increased and the particle size was reduced. The sludge settling volume (SV30) and specific resistance of filtration (SRF) after adding FeCl3 were only 22% and 1.5 x 10(12) m x kg(-1), which were lower than the values in the control reactor and benefit for sludge treatment.

[Study on seed morphology of the section Cruciata Gaudin].

OBJECTIVE: To provide a scientific evidence for the identification of the section Cruciata Gaudin. METHODS: Seed morphology of the section Cruciata Gaudin in different regions from Gansu were studied by means of scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: The seeds of section Cruciata Gaudin had relative conformability in terms of shape,size and ornamentation. But the reticulate cell of Gentiana dahurica was obviously wider than those of other species. CONCLUSION: This study provides some useful information for classification and identification of section Cruciata Gaudin.

[Study on the quality and genetic diversity of Gentiana macrophylla pall of different habitats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the quality and genetic diversity in Gentiana macrophylla of different habitats for controlling the quality of Gentiana macrophylla. METHODS: Main characteristics and microscopic identification were adapted to identify Gentiana macrophylla; HPLC method was applied for analysising the contents of Gentiana macrophylla. RAPD method was applied to study genetic structure and genetic diversity of Gentiana macrophylla. RESULTS: The experiment showed that the Gentiana macrophylla of different habitats have different main charactericstics, microscopic identifications and contents, and effective ingredient contents of gentiopicroside. The levels of population genetic diversity of various groups followed by HUANGZHONG County population (K) > HUAN County population (J) > ZiWU Mountain population (H). CONCLUSION: The study of external morphology, internal structure, active ingredient content and genetic level of Gentiana macrophylla from different areas provides a scientific basis for protecting wild species and ensuring the quality in introducing and cultivating Gentiana macrophylla.

[Karyotype analysis of Gentiana straminea].

OBJECTIVE: Study on chromosome number, karyotype of Gentiana straminea for the first time. Compare karyotypes of Gentiana straminea, Gentiana macrophylla and Gentiana dahurica. Provide cytological evidence for further studies on genetics and evolution. METHODS: Soak the root tip in 0.002 mol/L 8-oxychinolin solution for 5.7 h. Decomposed in 2.5% mixed enzyme solution for 1.6 h at 25 degrees C and use Hypotonic treatment for 3 h in refrigerator. At last, make specimen slides by the Air-drying technique. Sections combined with micrograph were used to analyze chromosome. RESULTS: The karyotypes formula of Gentiana straminea is K(2n) = 26 = 2M + 24 m, the AS. K was 52.68%, which belong to "1A" type. CONCLUSION: Compare karyotypes of Gentiana straminea, Gentiana macrophylla and Gentiana dahurica, the result showed that Gentiana macrophylla lives in highest stage of evolution. Gentiana straminea is intermediate between Gentiana macrophylla and Gentiana dahurica.

[rDNA ITS sequence analysis of wild Gentiana from Gansu province].

OBJECTIVE: To find the patterns of the rDNA ITS sequence variation in Gentiana, and establish the molecular biological method for the identification of the four kinds wild Gentiana from different regions in Gansu. METHOD: The ITS gene fragments were PCR amplified and sequenced. The rDNA ITS regions were analyzed by means of the software of Clustal X, MEGA3. RESULT: The Complete ITS sequence of G. macrophylla, G. straminea, G. dahurica and G. officinale was 800 bp. The sequences of ITS1, ITS2 and 5.8S were 290, 340, 170 bp, respectively. Phylogenetic tree based on ITS1 and ITS2 sequences data was constrcuted by Neighbor-joining method. CONCLUSION: ITS sequence could be as the evidence for the molecular authentication of Gentiana.

[Studies on plantlet regeneration and propagation of Gentiana stramines].

OBJECTIVE: To provide scientific basis for large scale production by studying the technique of tissue culture of Gentiana stramines. METHOD: Callus was induced from germ-free stem segment of G. stramines on a MS medium supplemented with different hormones. RESULT: The MS medium with 0.5-1.0 mg x L(-1) BA and 0.5 mg x L(-1) NAA was suitable for the induction and proliferation of cluster bads. MS medium with 1.0 mg x L(-1) IAA and 3 mg x L(-1) BA was suitable for the induction of calli. MS medium with 1.0 mg x L(-1) IAA and 2.0-3.0 mg x L(-1) BA was suitable for the subculture of calli. MS medium with 2.0 mg x L(-1) BA and 0.5 mg x L(-1) NAA was suitable for the differentiation of calli. CONCLUSION: Aseptic seeding of G. stramines can be quickly propagated by shoot culture.

[Studies on establishing rRNA gene map of Angelica sinensis and Rheum palmatum from Gansu by DNA sequencing].

OBJECTIVE: To amplify and sequence the internal transcripted spacer of rRNA gene of the seeds of Angelica sinensis and Rheum palmatum for establishing a new method to identify the Chinese herb seeds in molecular level. METHODS: rDNA in the seeds was extracted. Specific synthesized primers were applied to amplify the internal transcripted spacer of rRNA gene by nested PCR. And the PCR products were sequenced. RESULTS: PCR results were confirmed by agarose electrophoresis, the above-mentioned methods could achieve the PCR products of interval region of rRNA gene in the seeds, and the sequences of the internal transcripted spacer of rRNA gene in the seeds were acquired by sequencing. There existed marked difference. CONCLUSION: The base sequences of the internal transcripted spacer of rRNA gene in different plant Chinese seeds can be applied to be identifying marker in molecular level.

[Primary study on the electrophoresis atlas of the PCR products of the internal transcribed spacerl regions of the rRNA gene from home-planted and wild Gentiana macrophylla, G. straminea].

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the electrophoresis atlas of the PCR amplified products of the internal transcribed spacerl regions of the rRNA gene in DNA extracted from home-planted and wild Gentiana macrophylla, G. straminea in Gansu. METHODS: With synthetic peculiar PCR primer, internal transcribed spacerl sequences of rRNA gene were amplified in DNA extracted from home-planted and wild Gentiana macrophylla, G. straminea. And then the electrophoretic atlas of nPCR amplified products on the agar sugar gel were analysed. RESULT: The electrophoresis atlas showed that the lengths of the internal transcribed spacerl regions of the rRNA gene in DNA from Gentiana macrophylla, G. straminea had the same region 360 bp. The length had enough genetic information to analyse base sequence. CONCLUSION: The PCR amplified products electrophoretic atlas of internal transcribed spacerl regions of the rRNA gene in DNA from Gentiana macrophylla, G. straminea can be used as one of signs for identification on molecule level.