Development of a Safe and Effective Bacillus thuringiensis-Based Nanobiopesticide for Controlling Tea Pests.

Mg(OH)2 was used as the nanocarrier of the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry1Ac protein, and the synthesized Cry1Ac-Mg(OH)2 composites were regular and uniform nanosheets. Nano-Mg(OH)2 could effectively improve the insecticidal effect of the Cry1Ac protein toward Ectropis obliqua. It could enhance the damage degree of the Cry1Ac protein to intestinal epithelial cells and microvilli, induce and enrich the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the midgut, and enhance the degradation of the Cry1Ac protein into active fragments. Furthermore, an anti-rinsing assay showed that the Cry1Ac-Mg(OH)2 composites were bound to the notch structure of the tea leaf surface. The retention of the Cry1Ac protein increased by 11.45%, and sprayed nano-Mg(OH)2 was rapidly absorbed by different tissues of tea plants. Moreover, nano-Mg(OH)2 and composites did not significantly affect non-target organisms. These results show that nano-Mg(OH)2 can serve as a safe and effective biopesticide carrier, which provides a new approach for stable and efficient Bt preparation.

[Molecular identification of animal species of Bufonis Venenum from secretions].

The animal species is one of the key factors affecting the quality of Bufonis Venenum. The quality of Bufonis Venenum derived from Bufo bufo gargarizans is significantly higher than that from B. melanostictus. Since Bufonis Venenum is from secretions, the conventional identification methods are difficult to identify the animal species due to the lack of the appearance and morphology of the animals. The rapid development of molecular identification technology has provided new methods for the identification of Bufonis Venenum. However, because of the low content and serve degradation of residual DNA in secretions, the research on the molecular identification of Chinese medicinal materials from secretions remains to be carried out. To understand the animal species of Bufonis Venenum, this study collected 83 samples of Bufonis Venenum, including 7 commercially available samples, 5 reference medicinal materials, and 71 animal samples from which Bufonis Venenum was prepared according to the method in the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Different DNA extraction methods were used and compared, and the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene fragments were amplified, on the basis of which the phylogenetic trees were built. Finally, molecular identification of the animal species of the samples was performed. The results showed that the DNA extracted from Bufonis Venenum by the reagent kit had good quality, and 16S rRNA sequences were successfully amplified from 80 out of the 83 samples. In addition, 71 16S rRNA sequences of the animal species of Bufonis Venenum were downloaded from GenBank. The phylogenetic trees constructed based on the neighbor-joining(NJ) method and the Bayesian inference(BI) method showed that the samples derived from B. bufo gargarizans and B. melanostictus were clustered into separate monophyletic clades, with the support of 100%(NJ) and 1.00(BI), respectively. The animal species of both commercially available samples and reference medicinal materials were B. bufo gargarizans. In conclusion, DNA can be extracted from Bufonis Venenum derived from secretions, and the 16S rRNA gene sequences can be amplified, which can be used for molecular identification of the animal species of Bufonis Venenum. The findings provide a reference for the quality control of Bufonis Venenum and the identification of animal species of medicinal materials derived from secretions.

Rutin ameliorated lipid metabolism dysfunction of diabetic NAFLD via AMPK/SREBP1 pathway.

BACKGROUND: In diabetic liver injury, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disease. Rutin is a bioflavonoid produced by the hydrolysis of glucosidases to quercetin. Its biological activities include lowering blood glucose, regulating insulin secretion, regulating dyslipidemia, and exerting anti-inflammatory effects have been demonstrated. However, its effect on diabetic NAFLD is rarely reported. PURPOSE: Our study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Rutin on diabetic NAFLD and potential pharmacological mechanism. METHODS: We used db/db mice as the animal model to investigate diabetic NAFLD. Oleic acid-treated (OA) HeLa cells were examined whether Rutin had the ability to ameliorate lipid accumulation. HepG2 cells treated with 30 mM/l d-glucose and palmitic acid (PA) were used as diabetic NAFLD in vitro models. Total cholesterol (TC) and Triglycerides (TG) levels were determined. Oil red O staining and BODIPY 493/503 were used to detect lipid deposition within cells. The indicators of inflammation and oxidative stress were detected. The mechanism of Rutin in diabetic liver injury with NAFLD was analyzed using RNA-sequence and 16S rRNA, and the expression of fat-synthesizing proteins in the 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway was investigated. Compound C inhibitors were used to further verify the relationship between AMPK and Rutin in diabetic NAFLD. RESULTS: Rutin ameliorated lipid accumulation in OA-treated HeLa. In in vitro and in vivo models of diabetic NAFLD, Rutin alleviated lipid accumulation, inflammation, and oxidative stress. 16S analysis showed that Rutin could reduce gut microbiota dysregulation, such as the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes. RNA-seq showed that the significantly differentially genes were mainly related to liver lipid metabolism. And the ameliorating effect of Rutin on diabetic NAFLD was through AMPK/SREBP1 pathway and the related lipid synthesis proteins was involved in this process. CONCLUSION: Rutin ameliorated diabetic NAFLD by activating the AMPK pathway and Rutin might be a potential new drug ingredient for diabetic NAFLD.

Effects of biochar pyrolysis temperature on uranium immobilization in soil remediation: Revealed by 16S rDNA and metabolomic analyses.

Uranium-stressed soil caused by nuclear industry development and energy acquisition have attracted extensive attentions for a long time. This study investigated the effects of biochar application with different pyrolysis temperatures (300 â„ƒ, 500 â„ƒ and 700 â„ƒ) on remediation of uranium-stressed soil. The results showed that higher pyrolysis temperature (700 â„ƒ) was benefit for ryegrass growing and caused a lower uranium accumulation in plants. At the same time, uranium immobilization was more effective at higher biochar pyrolysis temperature. Careful investigations indicated that activities of soil urease and sucrase were promoted, and bacterial diversity was strengthened in C700 group, which may contribute to uranium immobilization. The biochar application could activate metabolic of lipids and amino acids, organic acids and derivatives, and organic oxygen compounds. Nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, and Benzoxazinoid biosynthesis were unique metabolic pathways in the C700 group, which could enhance the uranium tolerance from different perspectives. Based on these results, we recommend to use biochar with 700 °C pyrolysis temperature when processing remediation of uranium-stressed soil. This study will facilitate the implementation of biochar screening and provide theoretical helps for remediation of uranium-stressed soil.

The effects of P2 segment of posterior cerebral artery to thalamus blood supply pattern on gait in cerebral small vessel disease: A 7 T MRI based study.

Gait disturbance is a manifestation of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). The posterolateral thalamus (PL), whose blood is mainly supplied by the P2 segment of posterior cerebral artery (P2-PCA), plays pivotal roles in gait regulation. We investigated the influence of the distance between P2-PCA and PL on gait with varying CSVD burden. 71 participants were divided into low and high CSVD burden groups. The distance from P2-PCA to PL was measured using 7 T TOF-MRA and categorized into an immediate or distant PCA-to-thalamus pattern. Functional connectivity (FC) and voxel-based morphometry were assessed to evaluate functional and structural alterations. In the low CSVD burden group, immediate PCA-to-thalamus supply strongly correlates with longer step length and higher wave phase time percent, and exhibited enhanced FCs in left supplementary motor area, right precentral cortex (PreCG.R). While in the high CSVD burden group, no association between PCA-to-thalamus pattern and gait was found, and we observed reduced FC in PreCG.R with immediate PCA-to-thalamus pattern. Higher CSVD burden was associated with decreased gray matter density in bilateral thalamus. However, no significant structural thalamic change was observed between the two types of PCA-to-thalamus patterns in all patients. Our study demonstrated patients with immediate PCA-to-thalamus supply exhibited better gait performance in low CSVD burden populations, which also correlated with enhanced FCs in motor-related cortex, indicating the beneficial effects of the immediate PCA-to-thalamus supply pattern. In the higher burden CSVD populations, the effects of PCA-to-thalamus pattern on gait are void, attributable to the CSVD-related thalamic destruction and impairment of thalamus-related FC.

[Role of lymphatic system in coronary heart disease based on theory of combined phlegm and stasis].

According to the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) theory, coronary heart disease(CHD) is mainly caused by heart vessel obstruction due to Qi stagnation, blood stasis, and phlegm turbidity. Chest impediment with combined phlegm and stasis is a common syndrome of CHD, with the manifestations of chest tightness, chest pain, and asthma. Lymphatic system is one of the important immune systems in the human body and has a close relationship with the Qi and blood movement in TCM. The dysfunction of the lymphatic system may lead to metabolism disorders, the generation of dampness pathogen which turns into sticky and difficult-to-dissolve phlegm turbidity. Moreover, it can affect blood circulation and coagulation, causing slow blood flow, increased blood viscosity, and microcirculation disorders. Alterations in lymphatic hydrodynamics may affect the interaction between blood circulation and the lymphatic system. A variety of small molecule drugs and TCM can treat cardiovascular diseases by targeting the lymphatic system. This review discusses the role of the lymphatic system in CHD based on the theory of combined phlegm and stasis, involving the influences of mechanical factors on lymphatic function and the effects and pharmacological mechanisms of TCM and chemicals that target lymphocyte function and lymphatic circulation. By expounding the development process of combined phlegm and stasis in CHD from the lymphatic system, this paper aims to provide new ideas for deciphering pharmacological mechanisms of TCM for resolving phlegm and stasis.

Naringin protects against inflammation and apoptosis induced by intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury through deactivation of cGAS-STING signaling pathway.

Effective amelioration of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced intestinal injury and revealing its mechanisms remain the challenges in both preclinic and clinic. Potential mechanisms of naringin in ameliorating I/R-induced intestinal injury remain unknown. Based on pre-experiments, I/R-injured rat intestine in vivo and hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R)-injured IEC-6 cells in vitro were used to verify that naringin-alleviated I/R-induced intestinal injury was mediated via deactivating cGAS-STING signaling pathway. Naringin improved intestinal damage using hematoxylin and eosin staining and decreased alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase contents in plasma. Naringin decreased inflammation characterized by reducing IL-6, IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IFN-ß contents in both plasma and IEC-6 cells. Naringin mitigated oxidative stress via recovering superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and malondialdehyde levels in the I/R-injured intestine. Naringin reduced the expression of apoptotic proteins, including Bax, caspase-3, and Bcl-2, and reduced terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling-positive cells both in vivo and in vitro, and decreased Hoechst 33342 signals in vitro. cGAS, STING, p-TBK1, p-IRF3, and NF-κB expressions were up-regulated both in vivo and in vitro respectively and the up-regulated indexes were reversed by naringin. Transfection of cGAS-siRNA and cGAS-cDNA significantly down-regulated and up-regulated cGAS-STING signaling-related protein expressions, respectively, and partially weakened naringin-induced amelioration on these indexes, suggesting that deactivation of cGAS-STING signaling is the crucial target for naringin-induced amelioration on I/R-injured intestine.

Symbiotic treatment of ammonia-nitrogen wastewater by algae and activated sludge: effects of algae and sludge inoculation rates.

A symbiotic microalgal-bacterial system may be an optional technology for wastewater treatment. It was composed of microalgae and activated sludge and established in the SBR to explore the effect of different dosing ratios of algae and sludge on the removal of nitrogen and phosphorus from simulated wastewater containing ammonium. It can be seen from the result that varied algae-sludge dosing ratios had a higher removal effect on COD removal, but the difference was not significant. The algal-bacterial symbiosis system had a 100% removal rate for ammonium removal on the 8th day. Relatively speaking, the removal of nutrients and related mechanisms vary with environmental conditions (inoculation rate). In general, when the additive ratio was 5:1 (algae: AS), the removal rate of TN and TP was the highest, reaching 53.85% and 85.13% in the shortest time (14 days), among them, the removal rate of ammonium and COD was 100%, and the reduction rates of Nitrite nitrogen and Nitrate nitrogen were 362.99% and 73.42%, respectively. In addition, 16S rDNA gene analysis results demonstrated that the microbial community in the reactor with algal sludge inoculation ratio of 5:1 had differences in three stages of the initial reaction, the middle reaction and the end of the reaction. Comamonadaceae, Flavobacterium, Paenarthrobacter, Mesorhizobium, Nitrobacter were enriched during the reaction operation.

Laparoscopically Assisted, Tubular, Stomach Construction for the Radical Resection of Esophageal Cancer.

Context: Tubular esophagogastrostomy is a digestive-tract reconstruction method that has emerged in recent years. Relevant research on totally laparoscopic, tubular, gastroesophageal resections remains limited. Objective: The study aimed to explore the clinical efficacy of totally laparoscopic, tubular, gastroesophageal resection for esophageal-cancer patients who underwent the procedure. Design: The research team designed a retrospective study of data from clinical files. Setting: The study took place in the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital in Chongqing, China. Participants: Participants were 199 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent totally laparoscopic, tubular gastrectomy at the hospital between January 2022 and September 2022. Outcome Measures: The research team measured: (1) the operations' lengths, (2) intraoperative blood loss, (3) the tubular stomach's length, (4) number of staples used, (5) total amount of thoracic drainage at 2 days postoperatively, (6) length of postoperative hospital stay, and (7) postoperative hospitalization stay. The research team also determined the incidence of postoperative complications, evaluated the surgical efficacy, and evaluated participants' quality of life. Results: A summary analysis of the data, such as chest drainage and other indicators, showed that the means of the indicators were: (1) total operation time-223.13 ± 17.34 min, (2) intraoperative blood loss-300.00 ± 30.22 mL, (3) the tubular stomach's length-34.43 ± 14.12 cm, (4) number of staples used-2.33 ± 0.9, (5) total amount of chest drainage-approximately 453.32 ± 32.44 mL over 2 days, and (6) postoperative hospitalization stay-approximately 15.43 ± 2.33 days. Regarding surgical complications out of the 199 participants: (1) three had pulmonary infections; (2) two had anastomotic leakage, (3) one had a residual gastric fistula, (4) 10 had pleural effusion, and 5 had incision infections. No participants had co-infections. At 2 months postintervention, participants' lung function was in good condition, with no reduction, and the participants were satisfied, according to self-assessments of their quality of life. No anastomotic fractures, delayed anastomotic leakage, dilatation of the chest and stomach, or reflux esophagitis occurred. No participants died or experienced a recurrence of cancer. Conclusions: Laparoscopically assisted, tubular stomach construction has a good clinical effect in patients with esophageal cancer and is worthy of promotion.

Non-targeted metabolomics and 16s rDNA reveal the impact of uranium stress on rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil of ryegrass.

As a radioactive heavy metal element with a long half-life, uranium causes environmental pollution when it enters the surrounding soil. This study analyzed the changes about soil enzyme activity, non-targeted metabolomics, microbial community structure and function microbial community structure and function to assess the differences in the effects of uranium stress on rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil. Results showed that uranium stress significantly inhibited the activities of urease and sucrase in rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere, which had less effect on rhizosphere. Compare to the non-rhizosphere soil, the uranium stress induced the production of gibberellin A1, to promoted several metabolic pathways, such as nitrogen and PTS (Phosphotransferase system) metabolic in rhizosphere soil. The species and abundance of Aspergillus, Acidobacter, and Synechococcus in both rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil were decreased by uranium stress. However, the microorganisms in rhizosphere soil were less inhibited according to the soil metabolism and microbial network map analysis. Furthermore, the Chujaibacter in rhizosphere soil under uranium stress was found significantly positively correlated with lipid and organic oxygen compounds. Overall, the results indicated that ryegrass roots significantly alleviated the effects of uranium stress on soil microbial activity and population abundances, thus playing a protective role. The study also provided a theoretical basis for in-depth understanding of the biological effects, prevention and control mechanisms of uranium-contaminated soil.

Pharmacokinetics of Herb-Drug Interactions of Plumbagin and Tazemetostat in Rats by UPLC-MS/MS.

Objective: A sensitive and rapid UPLC-MS/MS method for determination of tazemetostat in rat plasma was developed, and the pharmacokinetics of herb-drug interactions (HDIs) of plumbagin (PLB) and tazemetostat was investigated. Methods: After the rat plasma samples were precipitated by acetonitrile, tazemetostat and verubecestat (ISTD) were detected. Gradient elution was performed with 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile as mobile phases. The multi-reaction monitoring was used with ESI+ source, and the ion pairs for tazemetostat and ISTD were m/z 573.12→135.99 and m/z 410.10→124.00, respectively. 12 SD rats were randomly divided into the control group and the experimental group, 6 rats in each group. The rats in the experimental group were given PLB 100 mg/kg by gavage once a day for 7 consecutive days. The rats in the control group were given the same amount of 0.1% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solution by gavage once a day for 7 consecutive days. At the seventh day, tazemetostat (80 mg/kg) was given and the blood was collected at different time points. The main parameters of pharmacokinetics were calculated and the herb-drug interactions (HDIs) were evaluated. Results: In the calibrated range of 1-1000 ng/mL, tazemetostat had a good linearity. The extraction recovery was more than 84%, and the RSD of intra-batch and inter-batch precision were both less than 15%. The Cmax of tazemetostat in the experimental group was 32.48% higher than that in the control group, and the AUC(0-t) and AUC(0-∞) of tazemetostat in the experimental group were 46.24% and 46.67% higher than that in the control group, respectively, and the t1/2 was prolonged from 10.56 h to 11.73 h. Conclusion: A simple, rapid and sensitive UPLC-MS/MS method for the determination of tazemetostat in rat plasma was established. PLB can inhibit the metabolism of tazemetostat and increase the plasma exposure of tazemetostat in rats.

Injectable chitosan hydrogels tailored with antibacterial and antioxidant dual functions for regenerative wound healing.

Herein, an injectable self-healing hydrogel with inherent antibacterial activity was fabricated based on the dynamic covalent bond formation between boronic acid and catechol groups in quaternized chitosan as building blocks in conjunct with the in-situ encapsulation of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG, a green tea derivative). Benefiting from the catechol groups and therapeutic effect of EGCG, the resulting natural-based injectable hydrogels showed excellent antibacterial and antioxidant dual functions in preventing bacterial infection and scavenging radicals. The hydrogels loaded with EGCG also exhibited good biocompatibility along with contact-active antibacterial activity via a "capture and kill" strategy. The dynamic covalent bonding enables shear-thinning delivery of the gels via syringe, followed by rapid self-healing. Additionally, the in vivo wound healing evaluation in a full-thickness skin defect model revealed the appreciable and regenerative wound healing performance of the hydrogels, demonstrating their great potential as novel wound dressings for wound management.

Yishen Huashi Granules Ameliorated the Development of Diabetic Nephropathy by Reducing the Damage of Glomerular Filtration Barrier.

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most common complications of diabetes and the primary cause of end-stage renal disease. At present, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockers have been applied as first-class drugs to restrain development of DN; however, its long-term effect is limited. Recent evidence has shown definite effects of Chinese medicine on DN. Yishen Huashi (YSHS) granule is a traditional Chinese Medicine prescription that has been used in the clinic to treat DN, but its mechanism is not understood. Methods: In the present study, both in vitro and in vivo studies were carried out. The DN model was induced by STZ in Wistar rats, and GEnC and HPC cell lines were applied in the in vitro study. Quality of YSHS was evaluated by LC-MS/MS. A metabolomic study of urine was carried out by LC-MS; influence of YSHS on composition of DN was analyzed by network pharmacology. Mechanism of the YSHS on DN was analyzed by Q-PCR, Western Blot, and multi-immunological methods. Results: We found YSHS administration significantly reduced levels of HbA1c and mALB. Histopathological analysis found that YSHS preserved integrity of glomerular filtration barrier by preserving viability of glomerular endothelial cells and podocytes, inhibiting glomerular fibrosis, reducing oxidative stress damage, and enhancing cross-talk among glomerular endothelial cells and podocytes. Network pharmacology, differential metabolite analysis, as well as intracellular pathway experimental study demonstrated that the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway played a pivotal role in it. Conclusion: Our present findings supplied new understanding toward the mechanism of YSHS on inhibiting DN.

Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Anthocyanins from Malus 'Royalty' Fruits: Optimization, Separation, and Antitumor Activity.

Red Malus 'Royalty' fruits are rich in anthocyanins. This study aimed to obtain the optimal parameters for the extraction and separation of anthocyanins from Malus 'Royalty' fruits and to evaluate the inhibitory effect of the enriched anthocyanin fraction on gastric cancer cells. Ultrasonic-assisted extraction was used for the extraction of the anthocyanins of Malus 'Royalty' fruit, and the extraction results showed that the optimum parameters were an extraction temperature of 20 °C, a solid-liquid ratio of 1:6 (g/mL), ethanol and formic acid contents of 70% and 0.4%, respectively, an extraction time of 40 min, and an ultrasonic power of 300 W. The optimum extraction parameters to achieve the highest anthocyanin yield by a single-factor experiment coupled with response surface methodology were identified. The separation results showed that the AB-8 macroporous resin was a better purifying material, with 60% ethanol as an adsorbent, and the adsorption-desorption equilibrium times were 6 h and 1 h, respectively. Cyanidin-3-galactoside was the main body composition separation of anthocyanins by a high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector. The antitumor activity results showed that the anthocyanins of Malus 'Royalty' fruits have a significant inhibitory effect on the gastric cancer cell line BGC-803. The in vitro cell viability test of CCK-8 showed that the inhibitory effect on tumor cells was more significant with the increased anthocyanin concentration, with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 105.5 µg/mL. The cell morphology was observed by an inverted microscope, and it was found that the backbone of BGC-803 treated with a high concentration of anthocyanins was disintegrated and the nucleoplasm was concentrated. The mechanism of apoptosis was analyzed by Western blotting, and the results showed that with increasing anthocyanin concentration in the medium, the expression levels of the proapoptotic proteins Bax and Bak increased, and the expression levels of the antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL decreased, which coordinated the regulation of cell apoptosis. This research suggests that the enriched anthocyanin fraction from Malus 'Royalty' fruits have potential antitumor and adjuvant therapeutic effects on gastric cancer.

Cleaning Disposal of High-Iron Bauxite Residue Using Hydrothermal Hydrogen Reduction.

The hydrothermal hydrogen reduction process for treating high-iron bauxite residue (red mud) was investigated, and the optimum conditions of alumina extraction as well as the enrichment of iron minerals were verified by experiments. Results show that the surface magnetization of Al-goethite under the function of hydrogen reduction accelerates its conversion to hematite and/or magnetite. This conversion releases the substituted Al in goethite as well as the undigested gibbsite/boehmite and further enriches the iron content in residue. After hydrothermal hydrogen reduction with H2/Red mud ratio of 0.085 mol/20 g at 270°C for 60 min, the alumina relative recovery ratio reaches 95.40% and the grade of iron (total iron in the form of iron element) in the residue can be enriched to 55.85%. Further, co-processing of the obtained iron-rich residue in the steel industry can achieve a significant reduction of red mud discharge.

Influence of small-group experiential learning of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine on the oral health knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors of elderly patients with diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at the oral health problems of elderly patients with diabetes. A training course of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine was constructed, helping patients improve their oral health quality of life. METHODS: A randomized controlled prospective experimental study was conducted. A total of 190 elderly patients were divided randomly into an observation group and a control group with 95 cases in each. The control group received regular health education, while the observation group was based on the control group to implement the integrated experiential learning of traditional Chinese and Western medicine in small groups. The oral health knowledge, attitude, behavior, and blood glucose control status along with the oral health quality of life of the two groups were compared before the intervention and at 3-month postintervention. RESULTS: Three months after the intervention, the fasting blood glucose control and the 2-h postprandial blood glucose/glycosylated hemoglobin levels in the observation group were significantly better than in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The oral health quality of life in the observation group was significantly better than in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The small-group experiential learning model of integrated Chinese and Western medicine can promote the transformation of knowledge-beliefs-behaviors in elderly patients with diabetes, which is conducive to controlling blood sugar levels and improving the quality of oral health.

Influence of small-group experiential learning of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine on the oral health knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors of elderly patients with diabetes

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at the oral health problems of elderly patients with diabetes. A training course of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine was constructed, helping patients improve their oral health quality of life. METHODS: A randomized controlled prospective experimental study was conducted. A total of 190 elderly patients were divided randomly into an observation group and a control group with 95 cases in each. The control group received regular health education, while the observation group was based on the control group to implement the integrated experiential learning of traditional Chinese and Western medicine in small groups. The oral health knowledge, attitude, behavior, and blood glucose control status along with the oral health quality of life of the two groups were compared before the intervention and at 3-month postintervention. RESULTS: Three months after the intervention, the fasting blood glucose control and the 2-h postprandial blood glucose/glycosylated hemoglobin levels in the observation group were significantly better than in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The oral health quality of life in the observation group was significantly better than in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The small-group experiential learning model of integrated Chinese and Western medicine can promote the transformation of knowledge-beliefs-behaviors in elderly patients with diabetes, which is conducive to controlling blood sugar levels and improving the quality of oral health.

The assessment of spirituality between cancer and chronic inpatients: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: Spiritual well-being had a protective effect on quality of life in cancer, due to the cultural, regional, and custom differences; it was rarely been discussed between cancer and chronic diseases in Chongqing, China. We aimed at comparing the level of spirituality in two groups and discussing its factors of subjects with cancer at county regions. METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was distributed to 630 inpatients who received treatment between January and December 2020 in Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital. In addition to basic demographic data, spirituality was measured using the Chinese version of Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being (FACIT-Sp-12). The mean, standard deviation, independent t-tests, ANOVA, and multiple regression were used for statistical description and analysis. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between cancer and chronic diseases in total scores of FACIT-Sp-12 and each domain (P < 0.05). The meaning, peace, faith, and total scores in cancer were 11.21 ± 3.38, 10.66 ± 4.46, 11.43 ± 3.54, and 33.3 ± 10.35, respectively, which were lower than chronic diseases (13.00 ± 3.21, 12.95 ± 4.76, 12.66 ± 3.64, 38.61 ± 10.88, respectively). The spiritual well-being had significant differences in gender, character, and emotional with spouse for cancer (P < 0.05). The male and extravert character were significantly associated with a greater spiritual well-being. CONCLUSION: The study shows a medium level of spiritual well-being in cancer, which stands the population with lower economic and education in county regions. It suggests that under the current nursing mode, we should provide specifically spiritual care to the female, introvert, and those with poor relationship with spouses and create a harmonious doctor-patient environment to improve the spiritual well-being.

Study on the compatibility principle of Wutou Decoction based on network pharmacology / 数字中医药（英文）

@#Objective To investigate the underlying drug enhancement mechanisms of the Chuanwu (Aconiti Radix) and Huangqi (Astragali Radix) combination and toxicity reduction of Chuanwu combined with Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) in Wutou Decoction (乌头汤, WTD), and to elucidate the compatibility principle. Methods The active compounds and potential effective targets of the selected combinations were retrieved from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and Traditional Chinese Medicines Integrated Database (TCMID). The toxicity of Chuanwu (Aconiti Radix) was investigated by selecting all five toxic compounds from the literature and the TCMSP database, and obtaining their targets through SwissTargetPrediction. Targets related to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were searched using DisGeNET, GenCards, and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM). Mutual targets between the drug pairs and RA were selected as potential RA therapy targets. The medicinally active compound-target network was constructed using Cytoscape 3.9.0. Gene ontology (GO) term enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment were performed using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) platform. Results We obtained 191 active compound targets for Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), 171 for Huangqi (Astragali Radix), and 103 for Chuanwu (Radix Aconiti) (hypoaconitine’s target was obtained through literature and SwissTargetPrediction). A total of 5872 genes were obtained for RA. A drug-active compound-target network involving 13 effect-enhancing and nine toxicity reduction targets was constructed. PGR was the main effect enhancement target, and KCNH2 was the main toxicity reduction target. The effect-enhancing targets were related to 23 GO terms (such as positive regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter, steroid hormone-mediated signaling pathway, plasma membrane, and protein binding) (P < 0.01), and 13 KEGG pathways related to synergism [such as estrogen signaling pathway, cholinergic synapse, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway]. The toxicity reduction targets were related to 28 GO terms (mainly involes G-protein coupled receptor signaling pathway, plasma membrane, and drug binding) (P < 0.01), and five KEGG pathways related to toxicity reduction (cholinergic synapse, calcium signaling pathway, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, and serotonergic synapse). Conclusion The combination of Chuanwu (Aconiti Radix) and Huangqi (Astragali Radix) plays an important effect-enhancing role in WTD and involves the estrogen and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways, with PGR as the core. The Chuanwu (Aconiti Radix) and Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) combination decreases toxicity in WTD and is associated with the cholinergic synapse and calcium signaling pathways, with KCNH2 as the core.

Sesamin Protects against and Ameliorates Rat Intestinal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury with Involvement of Activating Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 Signaling Pathway.

Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) may induce cell/tissue injuries, leading to multiple organ failure. Based on our preexperiments, we proposed that sesamin could protect against and ameliorate intestinal I/R injuries and related disorders with involvement of activating Nrf2 signaling pathway. This proposal was evaluated using SD intestinal I/R injury rats in vivo and hypoxia/reoxygenation- (H/R-) injured rat small intestinal crypt epithelial cell line (IEC-6 cells) in vitro. Sesamin significantly alleviated I/R-induced intestinal histopathological injuries and significantly reduced serum biochemical indicators ALT and AST, alleviating I/R-induced intestinal injury in rats. Sesamin also significantly reversed I/R-increased TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß, and MPO activity in serum and MDA in tissues and I/R-decreased GSH in tissues and SOD in both tissues and IEC-6 cells, indicating its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative stress effects. Further, sesamin significantly decreased TUNEL-positive cells, downregulated the increased Bax and caspase-3 protein expression, upregulated the decreased protein expression of Bcl-2 in I/R-injured intestinal tissues, and significantly reversed H/R-reduced IEC-6 cell viability as well as reduced the number of apoptotic cells among H/R-injured IEC-6 cell, showing antiapoptotic effects. Activation of Nrf2 is known to ameliorate tissue/cell injuries. Consistent with sesamin-induced ameliorations of both intestinal I/R injuries and H/R injuries, transfection of Nrf2 cDNA significantly upregulated the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1, respectively. On the contrary, either Nrf2 inhibitor (ML385) or Nrf2 siRNA transfection significantly decreased the expression of these proteins. Our results suggest that activation of the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 signaling pathway is involved in sesamin-induced anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antiapoptotic effects in protection against and amelioration of intestinal I/R injuries.