[Analysis of constituents in different parts of Forsythia suspensa by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and evaluation of their anti-inflammatory activity].

This study aims to characterize and identify the chemical constituents in 11 parts of Forsythia suspensa by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight-mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) combined with a self-established chemical constituent database, including leaves, flowers, fruits, green F. suspensa, old F. suspensa, and seeds. The quality attributes and differences of different parts of F. suspensa were evaluated by principal component analysis, partial least square discriminant analysis, and other stoichiometric methods. A total of 79 compounds were identified, including 13 phenylethanol glycosides, 10 lignans, 12 flavonoids, 10 organic acids, 14 terpenoids, and 20 other types of compounds. Among them, 34 compounds were the main variables of difference between the different parts of F. suspensa, and the content of each component was relatively higher in the leaves and green F. suspensa. The LPS-induced inflammation model of RAW264.7 cells was applied to study the anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts of the different parts of F. suspensa and the main constituents. The results show that the extracts of green F. suspensa, flower, twig, and stem exhibited anti-inflammatory activity, and the constituents such as forsythoside A, phyllyrin, phillygenin, and(+)-pinoresinol-ß-D-glucopyranoside could significantly inhibit anti-inflammatory activity released by NO. The chemical constituent in different parts of F. suspensa is analyzed comprehensively, and the anti-inflammatory activity is evaluated in this study, which provides a reference for the development and comprehensive utilization of F. suspensa resources.

[Cloning and expression pattern analysis of abscisic acid receptor gene McPYL4 in Mentha canadensis].

Mentha canadensis is a traditional Chinese herb with great medicinal and economic value. Abscisic acid(ABA) receptor PYLs have important roles in plant growth and development and response to adversity. The M. canadensis McPYL4 gene was cloned, and its protein characteristics, gene expression, and protein interactions were analyzed, so as to provide genetic resources for genetic improvement and molecular design breeding for M. canadensis resistance. Therefore, the protein characteristics, subcellular localization, gene expression pattern, and protein interactions of McPYL4 were analyzed by bioinformatics analysis, transient expression of tobacco leaves, RT-qPCR, and yeast two-hybrid(Y2H) techniques. The results showed that the McPYL4 gene was 621 bp in length, encoding 206 amino acids, and its protein had the conserved structural domain of SRPBCC and was highly homologous with Salvia miltiorrhiza SmPYL4. McPYL4 protein was localized to the cell membrane and nucleus. The McPYL4 gene was expressed in all tissue of M. canadensis, with the highest expression in roots, followed by leaves, and it showed a pattern of up-regulation followed by down-regulation in leaves 1-8. In both leaves and roots, the McPYL4 gene responded to the exogenous hormones ABA, MeJA, and the treatments of drought, AlCl_3, NaCl, CdCl_2, and CuCl_2. Moreover, McPYL4 was up-regulated for expression in both leaves and roots under the MeJA treatment, as well as in leaves treated with AlCl_3 stress for 1 h, whereas McPYL4 showed a tendency to be down-regulated in both leaves and roots under other treatments. Protein interactions showed that McPYL4 interacted with AtABI proteins in an ABA-independent manner. This study demonstrated that McPYL4 responded to ABA, JA, and several abiotic stress treatments, and McPYL4 was involved in ABA signaling in M. canadensis and thus in the regulation of leaf development and various abiotic stresses in M. canadensis.

[UPLC-Q-TOF-MS-based metabolomics reveals mechanism of Morinda officinalis iridoid glycosides in treating rheumatoid arthritis and bone loss].

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of Morinda officinalis iridoid glycosides(MOIG) on paw edema and bone loss of rheumatoid arthritis(RA) rats, and analyze its potential mechanism based on ultra-high performance liguid chromatography-guadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) serum metabolomics. RA rats were established by injecting bovin type Ⅱ collagen. The collagen-induced arthritis(CIA) rats were administered drug by gavage for 8 weeks, the arthritic score were used to evaluate the severity of paw edem, serum bone metabolism biochemical parameters were measured by ELISA kits, Masson staining was used to observe the bone microstructure of the femur in CIA rats. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was used to analyze the alteration of serum metabolite of CIA rats, principal component analysis(PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) were used to screen the potential biomarkers, KEGG database analysis were used to construct related metabolic pathways. The results demonstrated that the arthritic score, serum levels of IL-6 and parameters related with bone metabolism including OCN, CTX-Ⅰ, DPD and TRAP were significantly increased, and the ratio of OPG and RANKL was significantly decreased, the microstructure of bone tissue and cartilage were destructed in CIA rats, while MOIG treatments could significantly reduce arthritis score, mitigate the paw edema, reverse the changes of serum biochemical indicators related with bone metabolism, and improve the microstructure of bone tissue and cartilage of CIA rats. The non-targeted metabolomics results showed that 24 altered metabolites were identified in serum of CIA rats; compared with normal group, 13 significantly altered metabolites related to RA were identified in serum of CIA rats, mainly involving alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism; compared with CIA model group, MOIG treatment reversed the alteration of 15 differential metabolites, mainly involving into alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis. Therefore, MOIG significantly alleviated paw edema, improved the destruction of microstructure of bone and cartilage in CIA rats maybe through involving into the regulation of amino acid metabolism.

Influence of hyperbaric oxygen therapy-specialized care on limb motor function and mental state of cerebral infarction patients with hemiplegia.

BACKGROUND: Currently, cerebral infarction (CI) is mainly treated by emergency craniotomy or conservative treatment. However, some studies have questioned the functional recovery of patients after hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)-specialized care. OBJECTIVE: This paper mainly explores the influence of HBOT-specialized care on limb motor function (LMF) and mental state of CI patients with hemiplegia. METHODS: The medical records of 113 CI patients with hemiplegia treated in our hospital from March 2020 to March 2022 were collected. Of these, 53 received routine care nursing (conventional group) and 60 cases were given HBOT-specialized care (research group). Patient general data, scores of Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Self-rating Anxiety/Depression Scale (SAS/SDS) and Barthel Index (BI), and nursing efficiency were comparatively analyzed. RESULTS: The two groups showed comparability in general data. FMA and BI scores were increased in the research group after rehabilitation treatment, higher than the baseline and those of the conventional group, while NIHSS, SAS, and SDS scores were reduced, lower compared with baseline and those of the conventional group. In addition, significantly higher nursing efficiency was determined in the research group. CONCLUSION: HBOT-specialized care has beneficial effects on LMF, mental state, negative emotions and self-care ability of CI patients with hemiplegia and can enhance nursing efficacy, which deserves clinical popularization.

Machine learning-based prediction of cadmium bioaccumulation capacity and associated analysis of driving factors in tobacco grown in Zunyi City, China.

Tobacco grown in areas with high-geochemical backgrounds exhibits considerably different cadmium (Cd) bioaccumulation abilities due to regional disparities and environmental changes. However, the impact of key factors on the Cd bioaccumulation ability of tobacco grown in the karst regions with high selenium (Se) geochemical backgrounds is unclear. Herein, 365 paired rhizospheric soil-grown tobacco samples and 321 topsoil samples were collected from typical karst tobacco-growing soil in southwestern China and analyzed for Cd and Se. XGBoost was used to predict and evaluate the Cd bioaccumulation ability of tobacco and potential influencing factors. Results showed that regional geochemical characteristics, such as soil Cd and Se contents, soil type, and lithology, have the highest influence on the Cd bioaccumulation ability of tobacco, accounting for 46.5% of the overall variation. Moreover, soil Se contents in high-geochemical background areas considerably affect Cd bioaccumulation in tobacco, with a threshold for the mutual suppression effects of Cd and Se at a soil Se content of 0.8 mg/kg. According to the results of bivariate local indicators of spatial association analysis, tobacco cultivated in the central, northeast, and southeast regions of Zunyi City carries a lower risk of soil Cd contamination. This study provides new insights for managing tobacco cultivation in karst regions.

Phosphorus-based nanomaterials as a potential phosphate fertilizer for sustainable agricultural development.

Phosphorus-based nanomaterials (PNMs) have been reported to have substantial promise for promoting plant growth, improving plant tolerance mechanisms, and increasing resistance to pathogenic organisms. Recent scientific investigation has demonstrated that utilizing PNMs can enhance plant physiological growth, photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant system, metabolism, nutrient absorption, rhizosphere secretion, and soil nutrients activation. Previous research on PNMs mostly concentrated on calcium phosphate, zeolite, and chitosan, with little systematic summarization, demanding a thorough evaluation of PNMs' broader uses. In our current review article, we address the knowledge gap by classifying PNMs according to green synthesis methods and the valence state of phosphorus while elucidating the underlying mechanisms through which these PNMs facilitate plant growth. In addition, we also targeted some strategies to improve the bioavailability of PNMs, offering valuable insights for the future design and safe implementation of PNMs in agricultural practices.

[Mechanism of stress-induced microglial activation in depression and traditional Chinese medicine regulation].

Depression exists with high prevalence and heavy disease burden. Stress events play a key role in the occurrence of depression, but the pathological mechanism has not been fully clarified by reason of the complexity and heterogeneity. In recent years, neuroinflammation as a pathological mechanism of depression has received extensive attention. The activated microglia is regarded as the marker of neuroinflammation, which is an important link of stress-induced depression. Stress might induce microglia activation through pattern recognition receptors(PRR), intestinal flora, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA) axis, and other pathways. Cross-talk between impaired microglia function and neurobiological factors such as inflammatory cytokines, serotonin metabolism, and neuroplasticity may lead to depression. At present, a large number of studies have proved that traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) plays an anti-depressive role by inhibiting microglia activation, which may be potential treatment strategies for depressive disorder. This paper reviewed the research progress of stress-induced microglia activation in depression and summarized the mechanism of TCM against depression with regard to microglia, hoping to provide experimental evidence and consideration for TCM against depression through microglia.

Analysis of Heat Exposure During Pregnancy and Severe Maternal Morbidity.

Importance: The rate of severe maternal morbidity (SMM) is continuously increasing in the US. Evidence regarding the associations of climate-related exposure, such as environmental heat, with SMM is lacking. Objective: To examine associations between long- and short-term maternal heat exposure and SMM. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective population-based epidemiological cohort study took place at a large integrated health care organization, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2018. Data were analyzed from February to April 2023. Singleton pregnancies with data on SMM diagnosis status were included. Exposures: Moderate, high, and extreme heat days, defined as daily maximum temperatures exceeding the 75th, 90th, and 95th percentiles of the time series data from May through September 2007 to 2018 in Southern California, respectively. Long-term exposures were measured by the proportions of different heat days during pregnancy and by trimester. Short-term exposures were represented by binary variables of heatwaves with 9 different definitions (combining percentile thresholds with 3 durations; ie, ≥2, ≥3, and ≥4 consecutive days) during the last gestational week. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was SMM during delivery hospitalization, measured by 20 subconditions excluding blood transfusion. Discrete-time logistic regression was used to estimate associations with long- and short-term heat exposure. Effect modification by maternal characteristics and green space exposure was examined using interaction terms. Results: There were 3446 SMM cases (0.9%) among 403 602 pregnancies (mean [SD] age, 30.3 [5.7] years). Significant associations were observed with long-term heat exposure during pregnancy and during the third trimester. High exposure (≥80th percentile of the proportions) to extreme heat days during pregnancy and during the third trimester were associated with a 27% (95% CI, 17%-37%; P < .001) and 28% (95% CI, 17%-41%; P < .001) increase in risk of SMM, respectively. Elevated SMM risks were significantly associated with short-term heatwave exposure under all heatwave definitions. The magnitude of associations generally increased from the least severe (HWD1: daily maximum temperature >75th percentile lasting for ≥2 days; odds ratio [OR], 1.32; 95% CI, 1.17-1.48; P < .001) to the most severe heatwave exposure (HWD9: daily maximum temperature >95th percentile lasting for ≥4 days; OR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.62-3.54; P < .001). Greater associations were observed among mothers with lower educational attainment (OR for high exposure to extreme heat days during pregnancy, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.26-1.63; P < .001) or whose pregnancies started in the cold season (November through April; OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.24-1.53; P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance: In this retrospective cohort study, long- and short-term heat exposure during pregnancy was associated with higher risk of SMM. These results might have important implications for SMM prevention, particularly in a changing climate.

Baicalin attenuated metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation via the p62-Keap1-Nrf2 signalling pathway in db/db mice.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the main cause of chronic liver disease. Baicalin (Bai), a bioactive molecule found in Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, possesses antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. These activities suggest Bai could be a promising therapeutic agent against NAFLD; however, its specific effects and underlying mechanism are still not clear. This study aims to explore the effect of Bai to attenuate MAFLD and associated molecular mechanisms. Bai (50, 100 or 200 mg/kg) was orally administered to db/db mice with MAFLD for 4 weeks or db/m mice as the normal control. Bai markedly attenuated lipid accumulation, cirrhosis and hepatocytes apoptosis in the liver tissues of MAFLD mice, suggesting strong ability to attenuate MAFLD. Bai significantly reduced proinflammatory biomarkers and enhanced antioxidant enzymes, which appeared to be modulated by the upregulated p62-Keap1-Nrf2 signalling cascade; furthermore, cotreatment of Bai and all-trans-retinoic acid (Nrf2 inhibitor) demonstrated markedly weakened liver protective effects by Bai and its induced antioxidant and antiinflammatory responses. The present study supported the use of Bai in attenuating MAFLD as a promising therapeutic agent, and its strong mechanism of action in association with the upregulating the p62-keap1-Nrf2 pathway.

Pathophysiological consequences and treatment strategy of obstructive jaundice.

Obstructive jaundice (OJ) is a common problem in daily clinical practice. However, completely understanding the pathophysiological changes in OJ remains a challenge for planning current and future management. The effects of OJ are widespread, affecting the biliary tree, hepatic cells, liver function, and causing systemic complications. The lack of bile in the intestine, destruction of the intestinal mucosal barrier, and increased absorption of endotoxins can lead to endotoxemia, production of proinflammatory cytokines, and induce systemic inflammatory response syndrome, ultimately leading to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Proper management of OJ includes adequate water supply and electrolyte replacement, nutritional support, preventive antibiotics, pain relief, and itching relief. The surgical treatment of OJ depends on the cause, location, and severity of the obstruction. Biliary drainage, surgery, and endoscopic intervention are potential treatment options depending on the patient's condition. In addition to modern medical treatments, Traditional Chinese medicine may offer therapeutic benefits for OJ. A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed for relevant articles published up to August 1970. This review discusses in detail the pathophysiological changes associated with OJ and presents effective strategies for managing the condition.

Heterologous production of bioactive xenoacremone analogs in Aspergillus nidulans.

Tyrosine-decahydrofluorene derivatives are a class of hybrid compounds that integrate the properties of polyketides and nonribosomal peptides. These compounds feature a [6.5.6] tricarbocyclic core and a para-cyclophane ether moiety in their structures and exhibit anti-tumor and anti-microbial activities. In this study, we constructed the biosynthetic pathway of xenoacremones from Xenoacremonium sinensis ML-31 in the Aspergillus nidulans host, resulting in the identification of four novel tyrosine-decahydrofluorene analogs, xenoacremones I-L (1-4), along with two known analogs, xenoacremones A and B. Remarkably, compounds 3 and 4 contained a 12-membered para-cyclophane ring system, which is unprecedented among tyrosine-decahydrofluorene analogs in X. sinensis. The successful reconstruction of the biosynthetic pathway and the discovery of novel analogs demonstrate the utility of heterologous expression strategy for the generation of structurally diverse natural products with potential biological activities.

[Regularity of meridian-acupoint reactions of foot three yin meridians in primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea patients].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the meridian-acupoint reactions of foot three yin meridians in primary dysmenorrhea(PD) and secondary dysmenorrhea(SD) patients, so as to summarize the rules of meridian-acupoint reaction and acupoints selection. METHODS: Thirty-five patients with PD (PD group), 34 patients with SD (SD group) and 35 healthy subjects (healthy group) were recruited. The compression method was used to examine the lower leg segment of the foot three yin meridians. Positive reactions(palpable skin changes, including cords, nodules, depressions) and tenderness of meridians and acupoints were recorded. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the tenderness severity of acupoints. RESULTS: Compared with the healthy group, the probability of positive reactions and tenderness in foot three yin meridians were higher in PD and SD groups (P<0.01,P<0.05). Compared with the PD group, the probability of positive reactions in Spleen and Liver Meridians were higher in the SD group, with higher probability of tenderness in Liver Meridian(P<0.05). The probability of positive reactions and tenderness in the Spleen Meridian of PD and SD groups was significantly higher than that in the Kidney Meridian (P<0.01), while the probability of tenderness in the Spleen Meridian of the PD group was significantly higher than that in the Liver Meridian (P<0.05). Positive reactions and tenderness were concentrated at Yinlingquan (SP9), Diji (SP8) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) of Spleen Meridian and Xiguan (LR7) and Ligou (LR5) in Liver Meridian of PD and SD groups. In comparison with the PD group, the probability of positive reactions, tenderness and VAS score of SP8 and LR5 of the SD group were higher (P<0.05, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The positive reaction occurs most frequently in the Spleen Meridian, followed by the Liver Meridian, and least frequently in the Kidney Meridian. The acupoints with positive reaction are different between PD and SD, which suggests that the Spleen Meridian acupoints should be the main acupoints when treating the two kinds of dysmenorrhea, and acupoints should also be selected according to the meridian and acupoint examination results.

[Effect of acupuncture on protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase/eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α signaling pathway in hippocampus of rats with post-traumatic stress disorder].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of acupuncture on the protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)/eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) signaling pathway in the hippocampus of rats with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), so as to explore the underlying mechanism of acupuncture in treating PTSD. METHODS: Twenty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into normal, model, acupuncture and sertraline groups, with 7 rats in each group. The PTSD model was established by single prolonged stress method. The next day after modeling, acupuncture was applied to "Baihui" (GV20) and "Dazhui" (GV14) of rats in the acupuncture group for 10 min, once a day for 7 days. Sertraline (10 mg/kg) was given by gavage to rats of the sertraline group daily for 7 days. The behavioral changes of rats were detected by elevated cross maze experiment and new object recognition experiment. The expression levels of PERK,phosphorylated(p)-PERK, eIF2α, p-eIF2α and activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) proteins in hippocampus were detected by Western blot. The ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons was observed by transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, the percentage of times and retention time of entering the open arm of the elevated cross maze experiment, and new object recognition index were significantly decreased (P<0.01); the expression levels of p-PERK, p-eIF2α and ATF4 proteins in hippocampus were significantly increased (P<0.05) of rats in the model group. Compared with the model group, the percentage of times and retention time of entering the open arm, and new object recognition index were significantly increased (P<0.05，P<0.01), the expression levels of p-PERK, p-eIF2α and ATF4 proteins in hippocampus were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01) of rats in the acupuncture and sertraline groups; the expression level of eIF2α protein was significantly decreased (P<0.05) in the sertraline group. Hippocampal neurons in the model group were damaged, the rough endoplasmic reticulum showed severe dilation, the mitochondrial cristae showed reduction or mild cavitation; compared with the model group, hippocampal neurons structural damage and the rough endoplasmic reticulum dilation were alleviated， and only some of the mitochondrial cristae decreased in the acupuncture and sertraline groups. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture can alleviate the anxiety behavior as well as the recognition and memory ability of PTSD rats, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of hippocampus PERK/eIF2α signaling pathway and the reduction of hippocampal neuron damage caused by endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Application of UPLC-Triple TOF-MS/MS metabolomics strategy to reveal the dynamic changes of triterpenoid saponins during the decocting process of Asian ginseng and American ginseng.

Triterpenoid saponins are the main bioactive components contributed to the nutritional value of ginseng, and different process conditions will affect their content and quality. To study the holistic characterization and dynamic changes of triterpenoid saponins in Asian ginseng (ASG) and American ginseng (AMG) during soaking and decoction, a UPLC-Triple TOF-MS/MS-based metabolomics strategy was used to characterize and discover differential saponin markers. In total, 739 triterpenoid saponins (including 225 potential new saponins) were identified from ASG and AMG in untargeted metabolomics. Based on PCA and OPLS-DA, 51 and 48 saponin markers were screened from soaked and decocted ASG and AMG, respectively. Additionally, targeted metabolomics analysis and HCA of 22 ginsenoside markers suggested that decoction of ASG and AMG for 2 h to 4 h could significantly increase the contents of rare ginsenosides (G), such as G-Rg3, G-Rg5, G-F4. This study provides a scientific insight that high boiling combined with simmering enriches ASG and AMG extracts with rich rare ginsenosides that are more beneficial to human health.

Video-Assisted Versus Traditional Problem-Based Learning: A Quasi-Experimental Study Among Pediatric Nursing Students.

BACKGROUND: The text-assisted problem-based, methods traditionally used to teach nursing students cannot adequately simulate holistic clinical situations and patient symptoms. Although video-assisted, problem-based learning methods combined with text have shown positive results in terms of improving comprehension and cognitive abilities, some studies have shown these methods to be inferior to text-assisted methods in terms of promoting deep critical thinking in medical students. PURPOSE: This study was designed to assess the benefits in nursing education of video-assisted, problem-based learning using online multimedia technologies compared with text-assisted, problem-based learning using traditional face-to-face classes. METHODS: A quasi-experimental, nonequivalent control group, preintervention-and-postintervention design was used. The experimental group ( n = 31) received video-assisted, problem-based learning materials with multimedia technologies (video scenarios, Google Docs worksheets, Google slides, Zoom cloud meetings, and e-learning management system) and weekly online lectures (100 minutes) for 4 weeks. The control group ( n = 35) received text-assisted, problem-based learning materials with traditional face-to-face classes and weekly lectures (100 minutes) for 4 weeks. The study data were analyzed using chi-square, Fisher's exact, and independent t tests as well as analysis of variance. RESULTS: At posttest, learning motivation ( t = 3.25, p = .002), academic self-efficacy ( t = 2.41, p = .019), and self-directed learning ( t = 3.08, p = .003) were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Video-assisted, problem-based learning using multimedia technologies was shown to be effective in increasing learning motivation, academic self-efficacy, and self-directed learning in nursing students. These findings have implications for the development and planning of contactless classes in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Notably, no intergroup differences were found in terms of problem-solving skills. Future studies should include in-depth reviews and assessments of the difficulties faced in producing problem scenarios as well as the methods of instruction.

Effects of Danggui-Shaoyao-San on central neuroendocrine and pharmacokinetics in female ovariectomized rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The traditional Chinese medicine formula Danggui-Shaoyao-San (DSS) has been reported to have estrogen-like effects and therapeutic effects on the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD). AIM OF THE STUDY: To explore whether the central oxytocin and neuroendocrine system is involved in the modulating effects of DSS on the cognition and neuropsychiatric hebaviors in female AD rats, and to investigate the pharmacokinetics of paeoniflorin and ferulic acid in female AD rats with DSS treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: DSS (1.2, 3.2, 8.6 g/kg/day) was orally administered to ovariectomized (OVX) rats, and saline was orally administered to sham operation rats as control group. The Morris water maze test, novel object recognition test, and passive avoidance test were conducted for evaluation of learning and memory abilities, while elevated plus maze test and forced swim test were performed to assess anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors. ELISA kits were used to detect the levels of estrogen (E), estrogen receptor α (ERα), oxytocin (OT), oxytocin receptor (OTR), acetylcholine (Ach), acetylcholin esterase (AchE), and choline acetyl transferase (ChAT) in the cortex. The concentrations of Ach, glutamate (Glu), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) in the hippocampus were assessed by HPLC-MS. The changes of neuronal morphology in the hippocampus were observed by Nissl staining. The pharmacokinetics of paeoniflorin and ferulic acid in OVX rats with DSS treatment were studied by HPLC. RESULTS: In the Morris water maze test, novel object recognition test, and passive avoidance test, OVX rats showed cognitive impairment. In the elevated plus maze test and forced swim test, the anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors of OVX rats were significant as compared to the control group. Treatment of DSS significantly imporved the cognitive deficits, and ameliorated anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors of OVX rats. The expression of E, ERα, OT, OTR, AchE and ChAT in the cortex of model group were significantly decreased, and DSS significantly reversed these changes. The concentrations of Ach, Glu, GABA, 5-HT and NE in the hippocampus of OVX rats were significantly decreased, whereas DSS significantly increased the levels of Ach, Glu, GABA, 5-HT and NE. There was no significant difference in the concentration of DA in the hippocampus among groups. Degenerating neurons in the hippocampal CA3 region were observed in OVX rats, and the number of neurons was decreased. DSS treatment reduced the degenerating neurons, and incresed the number of neurons. The MRT (0 - ∞), AUC (0 - ∞), Cmax and t1/2z values of paeoniflorin, and the AUC 0-∞ and Cmax value of ferulic acid were higher in DSS-treated OVX rats than those in the DSS-treated control rats. CONCLUSIONS: DSS improves the learning and memory ability, and attenuates anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors of OVX rats. The mechanism may be through increasing estrogen, reducing cholinergic damage, and modulating neurotransmitters. The increase in absorption and elimination time of paeoniflorin and ferulic acid in OVX rats may enhance the efficacy of DSS.

Intracellular Polysaccharides of Aspergillus cristatus from Fuzhuan Brick Tea Leverage the Gut Microbiota and Repair the Intestinal Barrier to Ameliorate DSS-Induced Colitis in Mice.

The intracellular polysaccharides of Aspergillus cristatus (IPSs) from Fuzhuan brick tea have been demonstrated to improve immune function linked to modulating the gut microbiota. Herein, to further investigate the efficacy of IPSs to maintain gut homeostasis, the protection of the purified fraction of IPSs (IPSs-2) on the mice with colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and the underlying mechanisms were explored in this study. The results revealed that IPSs-2 alleviated the typical symptoms of colitis and suppressed the excessive inflammatory mediators, regulating the genes related to inflammatory responses in the colon at the mRNA level. Meanwhile, IPSs-2 treatment reinforced the intestinal barrier function by ameliorating the DSS-induced histological injury, facilitating the differentiation of goblet cells to enhance Mucin-2 generation, and enhancing the expression of tight junction proteins to alleviate colitis. In addition, IPSs protected against colitis by promoting the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), the activation of SCFAs receptors, and the leverage of the gut microbiota via the enrichment of Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, Faecalibacterium, Flavonifractor_plautii, and Butyricicoccus, linking with reducing inflammation and repairing intestinal barrier function. Overall, our research revealed the therapeutic potential of IPSs-2 as a prebiotic for attenuating inflammatory bowel disease and provided a rationale for future investigation.

Research trends of acupuncture therapy for hypertension over the past two decades: a bibliometric analysis.

Acupuncture has already been extensively utilized to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in several nations. Nevertheless, the bibliometric research on the worldwide usage of acupuncture for hypertension is mostly unclear. As a result, our objective for the research aimed to investigate the present state as well as developments in the global usage of acupuncture on hypertension during the last 20 years using CiteSpace (5.8.R2). The Web of Science (WOS) database examined papers on acupuncture treatment of hypertension from 2002 to 2021. We examined the number of publications, cited journals, nations/regions, organizations, authors, cited authors, cited references, and keywords utilizing CiteSpace. The record of 296 documents was obtained between 2002 and 2021. The quantity and frequency of annual publications rose gradually. Regarding frequency and centrality of citations, Circulation and Clin Exp Hypertens (Clinical and Experimental Hypertension) scored top and second respectively. China had the most publications among countries/regions, as well as the five largest institutions were also in China. Cunzhi Liu was the most productive author, while P Li was the most referenced author. XF Zhao produced the first article inside the quantity of cited references classification. 'Electroacupuncture' had a significant frequency with centrality for the keywords, which suggested electroacupuncture is a popular treatment in this field. In the treatment of hypertension, electroacupuncture has a beneficial effect on reducing blood pressure. However, because of the many different applications of electroacupuncture frequencies in research, whether the electroacupuncture frequency is connected to the therapeutic impact should be given more significant consideration. The findings of this bibliometric analysis give an overview of the present state as well as developments of clinical studies on acupuncture for hypertensive patients during the last two decades, which could assist researchers in identifying hot subjects and exploring novel directions in further study within the field.

The interaction between no folic acid supplementation during early pregnancy and preeclampsia increased the risk of preterm birth.

OBJECTIVES: To explore if there is a positive additive interaction between no folic acid (FA) supplementation in early period of pregnancy and preeclampsia which increases the risk of preterm birth (PTB). METHODS: We matched 1471 women who had live-birth singleton preterm infants with 1471 women who had live-birth singleton term infants at 15 Chinese hospitals in 2018. We excluded women who took folic acid less than 0.4 mg/d or less than 12 weeks in early stage, women with gestational hypertension, chronic hypertension, or preeclampsia during previous pregnancy. We calculate odds ratios for PTB by performing conditional logistic regression comparing preterm group with term group.We quantified the interaction between 2 exposures by synergy (S) and relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI). RESULTS: Approximately 40% of preterm cases did not take FA in early pregnancy. After adjusting confounding factors by logistic regression, when the 2 exposures (no early FA supplementation and preeclampsia) co-existed, the risk of all PTB increased significantly (aOR11=12.138; 95% CI 5.726-25.73), the interaction between 2 exposures was positive (S=1.27) and increased 2.385-fold risk of all PTB (RERI=2.385); and there were similar results on iatrogenic PTB (aOR11=23.412; 95% CI 8.882-60.71, S=1.18, RERI=3.347). CONCLUSION: Our multicenter study showed, for the first time, that there was a positive additive interaction between no FA supplementation in early pregnancy and preeclampsia which increased the risk of all PTB, especially iatrogenic PTB.

Resveratrol attenuated fatty acid synthesis through MAPK-PPAR pathway in red tilapia.

High-fat (HF) diets have been shown to cause hepatic impairment in fish species, but the mode of action, especially the pathways involved, has not yet been determined. In this study, the effects of resveratrol (RES) supplementation on the hepatic structure and fat metabolism of red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were determined. Based on transcriptome and proteomics results, RES was found to promote fatty acid ß-oxidation in the blood, liver, and liver cells associated with apoptosis and the MAPK/PPAR signaling pathway. RES supplementation was found to alter the expression of genes related to apoptosis and fatty acid pathways like blood itga6a and armc5 which were upregulated and downregulated respectively by high-fat feeding while ggh and ensonig00000008711 increased and decreased, respectively, with RES addition. Relative to the PPAR signaling pathway, fabp10a and acbd7 showed a reverse U-shaped tendency, both in different treatments and at different times. Proteomics results demonstrated that MAPK/PPAR, carbon/glyoxylate, dicarboxylate/glycine serine, and threonine/drug-other enzymes/beta-alanine metabolism pathways in the RES group were significantly affected, and Fasn and Acox1 decreased and increased, respectively, with RES addition. Seven subgroups were obtained using scRNA-seq, and enrichment analysis showed that the PPAR signaling pathway was upregulated with RES supplementation. RES significantly increased the expression of the marked genes (pck1) ensonig00000037711, fbp10a, granulin, hbe1, and zgc:136461, which are liver cell-specific genes. In conclusion, RES resulted in significantly enriched DGEs associated with fat metabolism and synthesis via the MAPK-PPAR signaling pathway.