Nomogram predicting the efficacy of transurethral surgery in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to develop and validate a nomogram for predicting the efficacy of transurethral surgery in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients. METHODS: Patients with BPH who underwent transurethral surgery in the West China Hospital and West China Shang Jin Hospital were enrolled. Patients were retrospectively involved as the training group and were prospectively recruited as the validation group for the nomogram. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to generate nomogram for predicting the efficacy of transurethral surgery. The discrimination of the nomogram was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and calibration plots were applied to evaluate the calibration of the nomogram. RESULTS: A total of 426 patients with BPH who underwent transurethral surgery were included in the study, and they were further divided into a training group (n = 245) and a validation group (n = 181). Age (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02-1.15, P < 0.01), the compliance of the bladder (OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.20-4.67, P < 0.01), the function of the detrusor (OR 5.92, 95% CI 2.10-16.6, P < 0.01), and the bladder outlet obstruction (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.07-4.54, P < 0.01) were incorporated in the nomogram. The AUC of the nomogram was 0.825 in the training group, and 0.785 in the validation group, respectively. CONCLUSION: The nomogram we developed included age, the compliance of the bladder, the function of the detrusor, and the severity of bladder outlet obstruction. The discrimination and calibration of the nomogram were confirmed by internal and external validation.

Isolation, purification, and structural characterization of polysaccharides from Codonopsis pilosula and its therapeutic effects on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in vitro and in vivo.

Codonopsis pilosula is a famous edible and medicinal plants, in which polysaccharides are recognized as one of the important active ingredients. A neutral polysaccharide (CPP-1) was purified from C. pilosula. The structure was characterized by HPSEC-MALLS-RID, UV, FT-IR, GC-MS, methylation analysis, and NMR. The results showed that CPP-1 was a homogeneous pure polysaccharide, mainly containing fructose and glucose, and a small amount of arabinose. Methylation analysis showed that CPP-1 composed of →1)-Fruf-(2→, Fruf-(1→ and Glcp-(1→ residues. Combined the NMR results the structure of CPP-1 was confirmed as α-D-Glcp-(1 â†’ [2)-ß-D-Fruf-(1 â†’ 2)-ß-D-Fruf-(1]26 â†’ 2)-ß-D-Fruf with the molecular weight of 4.890 × 103 Da. The model of AML12 hepatocyte fat damage was established in vitro. The results showed that CPP-1 could increase the activity of SOD and CAT antioxidant enzymes and reduce the content of MDA, thus protecting cells from oxidative damage. Subsequently, the liver protective effect of CPP-1 was studied in the mouse model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced by the high-fat diet. The results showed that CPP-1 significantly reduced the body weight, liver index, and body fat index of NAFLD mice, and significantly improved liver function. Therefore, CPP-1 should be a potential candidate for the treatment of NAFLD.

A novel phthalein component ameliorates neuroinflammation and cognitive dysfunction by suppressing the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis in rats with vascular dementia.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Chuanxiong, a plant of the Umbelliferae family, is a genuine medicinal herb from Sichuan Province. Phthalides are one of its main active components and exhibit good protective effect against cerebrovascular diseases. However, the mechanism by which phthalides exert neuroprotective effects is still largely unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: In this study, we extracted a phthalein component (named as QBT) from Ligusticum Chuanxiong, and investigated its neuroprotective effects against vascular dementia (VaD) rats and the underlying mechanism, focusing on the chemokine 12 (CXCL12)/chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4) axis. METHODS: A rat model of VaD was established, and treated with QBT. Cognitive dysfunction in VaD rats was assessed using the Y-maze, new object recognition, and Morris water maze tests. Neuronal damage and inflammatory response in VaD rats were examined through Nissl staining, immunofluorescence, enzyme-linked immunospecific assay, and western blotting analysis. Furthermore, the effects of QBT on CXCL12/CXCR4 axis and its downstream signaling pathways, Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), were investigated in VaD rats and BV2 microglial cells exposed to oxygen glucose deprivation. RESULTS: QBT significantly alleviated cognitive dysfunction and neuronal damage in VaD rats, along with inhibition of VaD-induced over-activation of microglia and astrocytes and inflammatory response. Moreover, QBT exhibited anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis and its downstream JAK2/STAT3 and PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathways, thereby attenuating the neuroinflammatory response both in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSION: QBT effectively mitigated neuronal damage and cognitive dysfunction in VaD rats, exerting neuroprotective effects by suppressing neuroinflammatory response through inhibition of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis.

The Hypothalamic Epigenetic Landscape in Dietary Obesity.

The hypothalamus in the brain plays a pivotal role in controlling energy balance in vertebrates. Nutritional excess through high-fat diet (HFD) feeding can dysregulate hypothalamic signaling at multiple levels. Yet, it remains largely unknown in what magnitude HFD feeding may impact epigenetics in this brain region. Here, it is shown that HFD feeding can significantly alter hypothalamic epigenetic events, including posttranslational histone modifications, DNA methylation, and chromatin accessibility. The authors comprehensively analyze the chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-seq), methylated DNA immunoprecipitation-sequencing (MeDIP-seq), single nucleus assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing (snATAC-seq), and RNA-seq data of the hypothalamus of C57 BL/6 mice fed with a chow or HFD for 1 to 6 months. The chromatins are categorized into 6 states using the obtained ChIP-seq data for H3K4me3, H3K27ac, H3K9me3, H3K27me3, and H3K36me3. A 1-month HFD feeding dysregulates histone modifications and DNA methylation more pronouncedly than that of 3- or 6-month. Besides, HFD feeding differentially impacts chromatin accessibility in hypothalamic cells. Thus, the epigenetic landscape is dysregulated in the hypothalamus of dietary obesity mice.

[Effect of Continuous Cropping on the Physicochemical Properties, Microbial Activity, and Community Characteristics of the Rhizosphere Soil of Codonopsis pilosula].

Effects of continuous cropping on rhizosphere soil physical and chemical properties, soil microbial activity, and community characteristics of Codonopsis pilosula were investigated. The C. pilosula plot(CK) fallow for five years and C. pilosula fields with different years of continuous cropping were studied using Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology combined with soil physical and chemical properties analysis. The response of rhizosphere soil physical and chemical properties, microbial activities, and microbial community characteristics to continuous cropping years of C. pilosula were investigated. The results were as follows:the contents of organic carbon, total phosphorus, total nitrogen, and salt in rhizosphere soil of C. pilosula increased with the extension of continuous cropping years. However, soil pH value decreased with the extension of continuous cropping years. Compared with that in the CK treatment, rhizosphere soil organic carbon content of C. pilosula in continuous cropping for one, two, three, and four years increased by 11.1%, 80.5%, 74.9%, and 78.2%, respectively. Total phosphorus content increased by 11.8%, 52.9%, 66.7%, and 78.4%, and total nitrogen content increased by 31.3%, 68.8%, 52.1%, and 56.3%, respectively. Soil salt content increased significantly under continuous cropping of three and four years, and soil conductivity increased by 54.2% and 84.7% compared with that in the CK treatment, respectively. The C/N ratio of microbial biomass in rhizosphere soil exhibited an increasing trend with the extension of continuous cropping years. Soil respiration entropy and microbial entropy showed a decreasing trend. With the increase in continuous cropping years, the diversity and abundance of bacteria in soil decreased, whereas the diversity and abundance of fungi increased. In addition, with the increase in continuous cropping years, the antagonistic effect between bacterial communities was enhanced, whereas the synergistic effect between fungal communities was mainly observed. Correlation analysis showed that soil total phosphorus, available potassium, carbon to nitrogen ratio of microbial biomass, soil respiration entropy, microbial biomass carbon, and electrical conductivity were the main factors affecting the changes in soil bacterial community characteristics. Soil total nitrogen, available potassium, available phosphorus, and soil respiration entropy were the main factors affecting the changes in fungal community characteristics. In conclusion, continuous cropping significantly changed the physical and chemical properties of soil and microbial activity and affected the abundance and diversity of bacteria and fungi in soil. This changed the interaction between microorganisms, which disrupted the stability of microbial communities in the soil.

Revealing the Preventable Effects of Fu-Zheng-Qu-Xie Decoction against Recurrence and Metastasis of Postoperative Early-Stage Lung Adenocarcinoma Based on Network Pharmacology Coupled with Metabolomics Analysis.

Fu-Zheng-Qu-Xie (FZQX) decoction is a traditional Chinese herbal prescription for the treatment of lung cancer and exerts proapoptotic and immunomodulatory effects. It has been clinically suggested to be effective in improving the survival of postoperative early-stage lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), but the mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we used network pharmacology coupled with metabolomics approaches to explore the pharmacological action and effective mechanism of FZQX against the recurrence and metastasis of postoperative early-stage LUAD. Network pharmacology analysis showed that FZQX could prevent the recurrence and metastasis of postoperative early-stage LUAD by regulating a series of targets involving vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, estrogen receptor 1, sarcoma gene, epidermal growth factor receptor, and protein kinase B and by influencing the Ras, PI3K-Akt, and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. In liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, 11 differentially expressed metabolites, including PA(12:0/18:4(6Z,9Z,12Z,15Z)), PC(16:0/0:0)[U], LysoPC(18:1(11Z)), and LysoPC(18:0), were discovered in the FZQX-treated group compared to those in the model group before treatment or normal group. They were enriched in cancer metabolism-related signaling pathways such as central carbon metabolism in cancer, choline metabolism, and glycerol phospholipid metabolism. Collectively, our results suggest that the multicomponent and multitarget interaction network of FZQX inhibits the recurrence and metastasis of postoperative early-stage LUAD by activating the receptor signal transduction pathway to inhibit proliferation, induce cell apoptosis, inhibit aerobic glycolysis, and reprogram tumor lipid metabolism.

The mechanism of Qijing Mingmu decoction on cellular senescence of conjunctivochalasis.

BACKGROUND: Qijing Mingmu decoction (QJMM), a compound Chinese medicine preparation, which consists of Lycium barbarum, Polygonatum, Ophiopogon japonicus, Poria cocos, Glycyrrhiza, Eclipta prostrata and Ligusticum striatum, has been confirmed to be effective for the treatment of conjunctivochalasis (CCH) in clinic and reduce cellular senescence. However, the underlying mechanism is still unknown. Our previous study revealed that p38-mediated cellular senescence contributed to the pathogenesis of CCH. METHODS: To explore whether p38 might be the potential therapeutic target of QJMM for CCH, CCH fibroblasts were treated with QJMM granule and then the effect of QJMM granule on the expression and promoter activity of p38α was determined by western blot and dual luciferase reporter gene assay, respectively. Meanwhile, the influence of QJMM granule on cell proliferation, oxidative stress, cellular senescence and the expression of the cellular senescence-associated genes were measured by corresponding methods. RESULTS: QJMM granule significantly decreased the protein expression of p38α and p-p38α in CCH fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner and inhibited p38α promoter activity. QJMM granule as well as the p38 inhibitor SB203580 reduced the level of reactive oxygen species and increased the activity of superoxide dismutase in CCH fibroblasts. QJMM granule and SB203580 promoted cell proliferation and reduced the percentage of SA-ß-Gal-positive cells. The mRNA and protein expression of p53 and p21 was remarkably down-regulated by QJMM granule as well as SB203580 and that of SMP30 was up-regulated in CCH fibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrated that QJMM granule was effective for alleviating cellular senescence of CCH fibroblasts by p38 MAPK signaling and the followed p53/p21 signaling.

Phytochemistry and biological activities of corynanthe alkaloids.

Medicinal plants constitute a source for designing clinically useful drugs targeting diseases through various mechanisms. Plant secondary metabolites can be used as lead compounds of drugs. Corynanthe alkaloids are highly abundant natural bioactive substances of various core structures possessing important properties such as nerve excitation and antimalarial and analgesic effects. In this review, we summarize and review the state-of-the-art corynanthe-type alkaloid research focusing on phytochemistry, pharmacology, and structural chemistry. Approximately 120 articles reporting 231 alkaloids classified into simple corynanthe, yohimbine, oxindole corynanthe, mavacurane, sarpagine, akuammiline, strychnos, and ajmaline-type groups were compiled. Relevant biological properties discussed include antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, muscle-relaxant, vasorelaxant, and analgesic activities and activities affecting the main nervous and cardiac systems, as well as NF-κB inhibitory and Na+-glucose cotransporter inhibitory properties. This review provides insights and a reference for future studies, thus paving the way for the discovery of drugs based on corynanthe alkaloids.

Controlled release of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum by colon-targeted adhesive pectin microspheres: Effects of pectin methyl esterification degrees.

The aim of this study is to report the preparation of pectin microspheres by varying degrees of methyl esterification (DM) cross-linked with divalent cationic calcium to encapsulate Lactiplantibacillus plantarum STB1 and L. plantarum LJ1, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the compact and smooth surface of pectin of DM 28 %, and the stochastic distribution of L. plantarum throughout the gel reticulation. And the pectin of DM 28 % considerably increased probiotics tolerance after continuous exposure to stimulated gastrointestinal tract conditions, with viable counts exceeding 109 CFU/mL. This data indicated that low methoxy-esterification pectin was more efficient to improve the targeted delivery of probiotics in GIT. Additionally, the controlled release of microspheres was dependent on various pH levels. At pH 7.4, the release rates of L. plantarum STB1 and L. plantarum LJ1 reached up to 97.63 % and 95.33 %, respectively. Finally, the Caco-2 cell adhesion model was used to evaluate the cell adhesion rate after encapsulation, which exhibited better adhesion at DM of 60 %.

Super-pangenome analyses highlight genomic diversity and structural variation across wild and cultivated tomato species.

Effective utilization of wild relatives is key to overcoming challenges in genetic improvement of cultivated tomato, which has a narrow genetic basis; however, current efforts to decipher high-quality genomes for tomato wild species are insufficient. Here, we report chromosome-scale tomato genomes from nine wild species and two cultivated accessions, representative of Solanum section Lycopersicon, the tomato clade. Together with two previously released genomes, we elucidate the phylogeny of Lycopersicon and construct a section-wide gene repertoire. We reveal the landscape of structural variants and provide entry to the genomic diversity among tomato wild relatives, enabling the discovery of a wild tomato gene with the potential to increase yields of modern cultivated tomatoes. Construction of a graph-based genome enables structural-variant-based genome-wide association studies, identifying numerous signals associated with tomato flavor-related traits and fruit metabolites. The tomato super-pangenome resources will expedite biological studies and breeding of this globally important crop.

Contamination and Health Risk Assessment of Multiple Mycotoxins in Edible and Medicinal Plants.

Edible and medicinal plants (EMPs) are widely used but are easily infected by harmful fungi which produce mycotoxins. Herein, 127 samples from 11 provinces were collected to investigate 15 mycotoxins based on geographic, demographic, processing, and risk characteristics. A total of 13 mycotoxins were detected, and aflatoxin B1 (0.56~97.00 µg/kg), deoxynivalenol (9.41~1570.35 µg/kg), fumonisin B1 (8.25~1875.77 µg/kg), fumonisin B2 (2.74~543.01 µg/kg), ochratoxin A (0.62~19.30 µg/kg), and zearalenone (1.64~2376.58 µg/kg) occurred more frequently. Mycotoxin levels and species were significantly different by region, types of EMPs, and method of processing. The margin of exposure (MOE) values was well below the safe MOE (10,000). AFB1 exposure from Coix seed and malt consumption in China was of high health concern. The hazard Index (HI) method showed the range of 113.15~130.73% for malt, indicating a public health concern. In conclusion, EMPs should be concerned because of the cumulative effects of co-occurred mycotoxins, and safety management strategies should be developed in follow-up studies.

Qi Jing Mingmu decoction inhibits the p38 signaling pathway in conjunctivochalasis fibroblasts by down-regulation of Th17 cell differentiation.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Qi Jing Mingmu (QJMM) decoction is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been widely used for the clinical treatment of conjunctivochalasis (CCH). It is an effective treatment to relieve ocular symptoms including improving tear film and promoting tear secretion. However, its effects and molecular mechanisms need to be elucidated. AIM OF THE STUDY: To determine whether QJMM decoction affected T helper 17 (Th17) cell differentiation of CCH patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood samples and conjunctival tissues were collected from CCH patients and normal controls. The fibroblasts were separately induced, and CD4+ T cells were incubated with increasing concentrations of QJMM decoction and co-cultured with CCH fibroblasts. Th17 cell numbers were then analyzed using flow cytometry. Serum levels of interleukin 17 (IL-17) and IL-22 were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The expressions of signal proteins and genes were detected using western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR. RESULTS: Compared with normal controls, Th17 cell numbers and serum levels of IL-17 and IL-22 were elevated in patients with CCH. QJMM decoction down-regulated the expressions of IL-17, IL-22, and STAT3 of CD4+T cells from CCH patients, suggesting that QJMM decoction impeded Th17 cell differentiation. QJMM decoction-treated CD4+ T cells inhibited the expression of p38 in CCH fibroblasts. CONCLUSION: QJMM decoction inhibited Th17 cell differentiation of CD4+T cells from CCH patients, and QJMM decoction-treated CD4+T cells down-regulated the p38 signal pathway in CCH fibroblasts. Our study showed that Th17 cells may be good candidates for clinical treatment of CCH.

Age-related alterations in the nutritional quality of Arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus).

The biochemical composition of the muscle in Arctic graylings at three age stages was evaluated and compared. For conventional biochemical composition, there was no significant difference in the crude protein content among the three age stages, but the crude fat content in the 1 year old was significantly lower than that of the others (P < 0.05). For amino acids composition, there was no significant difference in the content of essential amino acids and delicious amino acids among the three age stages, but the essential amino acid index of the 2 year old was the highest (72.205), indicating that its essential amino acid composition was more suitable for human needs. For fatty acids composition, the content of monounsaturated fatty acids (2.759 mg/g) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (3.422 mg/g) of the 3 year old was significantly higher than that of the others (P < 0.05), and it also had relatively lowest atherogenicity index (0.419) and thrombogenicity index (0.179) and the highest hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic fatty acid ratio (2.404), indicating that its fatty acid composition was healthier and more beneficial to the prevention of human cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. For minerals composition, the contents of iron, zinc, and copper increased with age, while the contents of selenium and manganese decreased with age, with the highest selenium content in the 1 year old (1.522 mg/kg). The chromium, arsenic, lead, and cadmium contents were all lower than the Chinese national standard. In conclusion, the nutritional composition of Arctic graylings variated with age and consumers could select suitable Arctic graylings based on their nutritional needs. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This work analyzed the nutritional components in the muscle of Arctic graylings at different ages, which can provide an effective reference for consumers when purchasing Arctic graylings.

[Effect of Rehmanniae Radix on depression-like behavior and hippocampal monoamine neurotransmitters of chronic unpredictable mild stress model rats].

To investigate the effect of Rehmanniae Radix on depression-like behavior and monoamine neurotransmitters of chronic unpredictable mild stress(CUMS) model rats. CUMS combined with isolated feeding was used to induce the depression model of rats. The depression-like behavior of rats was evaluated by sucrose preference test, open field test, and forced swim test. Hematoxylin-Eosin(HE) staining was used to investigate the pathological changes of neurons in the CA1 and CA3 area of hippocampus. Ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS) was used to detect the contents of 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid(5-HIAA), dopamine(DA), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid(DOPAC), homovanillic acid(HVA), norepinephrine(NE), and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl glycol(MHPG) in rats. Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of tryptophan hydroxylase 2(TPH2), serotonin transporter(SERT), and monoamine oxidase A(MAO-A) in the hippocampus of rats. Compared with the normal group, depressive-like behavior of rats was obvious in the model group. The arrangements of neurons in the CA1 and CA3 area of hippocampus were loose and disorderly. The levels of 5-HT, 5-HIAA, and 5-HT/5-HIAA in the hippocampal area were decreased(P<0.01). The protein expression of TPH2 was decreased(P<0.01), but those of SERT and MAO-A were increased(P<0.01). In the Rehmanniae Radix groups with 1.8 g·kg~(-1) and 7.2 g·kg~(-1), the depression-like behavior of CUMS rats and pathological changes of neurons in CA1, CA3 area of hippocampus were improved. The protein expression of TPH2(P<0.05, P<0.01) was increased, and those of SERT and MAO-A were down-regulated(P<0.05, P<0.01). The levels of 5-HT, 5-HIAA, and 5-HT/5-HIAA in hippocampus were increased(P<0.05, P<0.01). The changes in DA, DOPAC, HVA, DA/(DOPAC +HVA), NE, DHPG, and NE/DHPG were not statistically significant. The results suggested that Rehmanniae Radix improved depression-like behavior of CUMS rats, and the mechanism might be related to the regulation of synthesis, transportation, and metabolism of 5-HT neurotransmitter in the hippocampus.

Sulforaphane Ameliorates Limb Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Muscular Injury in Mice by Inhibiting Pyroptosis and Autophagy via the Nrf2-ARE Pathway.

Background: Limb ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, as a life-threatening syndrome, is commonly caused by skeletal muscle damage resulting from oxidative stress. Additionally, inflammation-induced pyroptosis and dysregulated autophagy are vital factors contributing to the aggravation of I/R injury. Of note, sulforaphane (SFN) is a natural antioxidant, but whether it worked in limb I/R injury and the possible mechanism behind its protection for skeletal muscle has not been clearly established. Methods: Effects of SFN on limb I/R-injured skeletal muscle were assessed by HE staining, followed by assessment of wet weight/dry weight (W/D) ratio of muscle tissues. Next, ELISA and biochemical tests were used to measure the inflammatory cytokine production and oxidative stress. Immunofluorescent analysis and Western blot were adopted to examine the level of pyroptosis- and autophagy-related proteins in vivo. Moreover, protein levels of Nrf2-ARE pathway-related factors were also examined using Western blot. Results: SFN treatment could protect skeletal muscle against limb I/R injury, as evidenced by diminished inflammation, pyroptosis, autophagy, and oxidative stress in skeletal muscles of mice. Further mechanistic exploration confirmed that antioxidative protection of SFN was associated with the Nrf2-ARE pathway activation. Conclusions: SFN activates the Nrf2-ARE pathway, and thereby inhibits pyroptosis and autophagy and provides a novel therapeutic strategy for the limb I/R-induced muscle tissue damage.

Highly selective extraction of uranium from wastewater using amine-bridged diacetamide-functionalized silica.

A major environmental concern related to nuclear energy is wastewater contaminated with uranium, thus necessitating the development of pollutant-reducing materials with efficiency and effectiveness. Herein, highly selective mesoporous silicas functionalized with amine-bridged diacetamide ligands SBA-15-ABDMA were prepared. Different spectroscopy techniques were used to probe the chemical environment and reactivity of the chelating ligands before and after sorption. The results showed that the functionalized SBA-15-ABDMA had a strong affinity for uranium at low pH (pH = 3) with desirable sorption capacity (68.82 mg/g) and good reusability (> 5). It showed excellent separation performance with a high distribution coefficient (Kd,U > 105 mL/g) and separation factors SFU/Ln > 1000 at a pH of 3.5 in the presence of lanthanide nuclides, alkaline earth metal and transition metal ions. In particular, SiO2spheres-ABDMA was used as a column material, which achieved excellent recovery of U(VI) (> 98%) and good reusability for samples of simulated mining and nuclear industries wastewater. XPS and crystallography studies clearly illustrated the tridentate coordination mode of U(VI)/PEABDMA and the mechanism and origin behind the high selectivity for U.

Systematic analysis of the mechanism of Xiaochaihu decoction in hepatitis B treatment via network pharmacology and molecular docking.

Hepatitis B (HB) is a globally prevalent infectious disease caused by the HB virus. Xiaochaihu decoction (XCHD) is a classic herbal formula with a long history of clinical application in treating HB. Although the anti-HB activity of XCHD has been reported, systematic research on the exact mechanism of action is lacking. Here, a network pharmacology-based approach was used to predict the active components, important targets, and potential mechanism of XCHD in HB treatment. Investigation included drug-likeness evaluation; absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination (ADME) screening; protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction and cluster analysis; Gene Ontology (GO) analysis; and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) annotation. Molecular docking was adopted to investigate the interaction between important target proteins and active components. Eighty-seven active components of XCHD and 155 anti-HB targets were selected for further analysis. The GO enrichment and similarity analysis results indicated that XCHD might perform similar or the same GO functions. Glycyrrhizae Radix (GR), one of the seven XCHD herbs, likely exerts some unique GO functions such as the regulation of interleukin-12 production, positive regulation of interleukin-1 beta secretion, and regulation of the I-kappaB/NF-kappaB complex. The PPI network and KEGG pathway analysis results showed that XCHD affects HB mainly through modulating pathways related to viral infection, immunity, cancer, signal transduction, and metabolism. Additionally, molecular docking verified that the active compounds (quercetin, chrysin, and capsaicin) could bind with the key targets. This work systematically explored the anti-HB mechanism of XCHD and provides a novel perspective for future pharmacological research.

Functional characteristics of the human primary somatosensory cortex: An electrostimulation study.

The common knowledge of the functional organization of the human primary somatosensory cortex (S1) had been primarily established by Penfield who electrically stimulated the exposed surface [referred as Brodmann area (BA)1] of S1 under neurosurgical conditions. Nevertheless, the functional information regarding the deep surface (BA 2 and 3) of S1 is poorly understood. We retrospectively analyzed all the clinical manifestations induced by extra-operative cortical electrical stimulation (ES) in 33 patients with medically intractable epilepsy who underwent stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG) monitoring for presurgical assessment. Demographic and clinical data were gathered and evaluated to delineate the determinants of the occurrence of positive responses, types of responses, and size of body regions involved. The stimulation of 244 sites in S1 yielded 198 positive sites (81.1%), most of which were located in the sulcal cortex. In multivariable analyses, no clinical or demographic factors predicted the occurrence of responses or their threshold levels. The size of body region involved in the responses had ordinal association with the stimulated BA sites (p < 0.001). Various types of responses elicited from the S1 were documented and classified, and the predictors of those responses were also assessed. Our analysis revealed the functional characteristics of the entire S1 and proved the multiplicity of functions of S1.

Bioactive effects of nonthermal argon-oxygen plasma on inorganic bovine bone surface.

As a commonly used bone substitute material in the clinic, inorganic bovine bone has the characteristics of osteoconduction but not osteoinduction. This study aimed to treat inorganic bovine bone using nonthermal argon-oxygen plasma (NTAOP) to obtain greater bioreactivity for enhancing adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of mouse preosteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells. In this study, inorganic bovine bone was activated by NTAOP, and the surface characteristics were analyzed. MC3T3-E1 cells were then seeded onto the surface of inorganic bovine bone. Cell morphology, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation were examined. There was no obvious change in the surface morphology of specimens between the two groups. Regarding the elemental composition of the material, the amount of surface carbon was reduced, whereas oxygen, phosphorus and calcium levels were increased in the NTAOP group. Further studies showed that the NTAOP groups performed better than their untreated counterparts in terms of supporting cell proliferation and differentiation. Inorganic bovine bone treated with NTAOP can promote preosteoblast adhesion, proliferation and differentiation.

Study on the mechanisms of "Xiaoerhuashi Pill, XP" in intervening the health status of high-calorie diet animals.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: "Xiaoerhuashi Pill, XP", with a history of 30 years in China, was included in the first part of the 2015 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and is widely used in the treatment for pediatric diseases in clinical application. Its main indications include the accumulation of heat caused by food stagnation in children, which has the effect of digestive stagnation and purge heat to relax the bowels. AIM OF THE STUDY: High-calorie diet, closely related to the occurrence and development of multiple diseases, is an unhealthy status of life. However, there is no effective intervention in clinic. Thus, based on animal experiments and bioinformatics, this study aims to explore the potential mechanisms of action of Chinese patent medicine- "Xiaoerhuashi Pill, XP" in the intervention of high-calorie diet. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A high-calorie diet model was prepared by 3-week-old rats. The defecation and intestinal mucosal morphology were observed after intragastric administration of "Xiaoerhuashi Pill, XP". The components of "Xiaoerhuashi Pill, XP" were obtained by chromatography-mass spectrometry, with the corresponding targets obtained by database and target fishing. The key effects substances were obtained by molecular docking, with the obtaining of the ore pathway of "Xiaoerhuashi Pill, XP" in intervention of high-calorie diet based on the enrichment analysis. RESULTS: "Xiaoerhuashi Pill, XP" can actively interfere with defecation and intestinal mucosal structures in high-calorie diet animals. A total of 37 substances were identified in the pediatric digestion solution, and 356 target proteins were mapped, 25 of which were associated with a high-calorie diet. Overall, the analysis shows that the highest degree of integration was quercetin and PON1 protein, with the highest enrichment of insulin resistance pathway. CONCLUSION: "Xiaoerhuashi Pill, XP" can intervene in the health status of high-calorie diet animals. Integration of quercetin and PON1 protein can regulate lipid levels, which may be the key mechanisms of action in "Xiaoerhuashi Pill, XP". The mechanisms, more specifically, may be related to the regulation of pancreas islet function, thus providing a reference for the clinical application of "Xiaoerhuashi Pill, XP", clinical intervention of high-calorie diet and new drug development.