Fabrication and characterization of alginate-zein core-shell microcapsules for controlled release of buckwheat honey.

In this study, extrusion method was employed to fabricate alginate-zein core-shell microcapsules loaded with buckwheat honey by dropping alginate and buckwheat honey mixture solution into a 70.0 % zein ethanol solution(v/v) containing 5.0 % CaCl2 solution (wt%). The microcapsules were constructed by two parts: 1) the formation of hydrophilic beads through the crosslinking of alginate chains with Ca2+; 2) the introduction of alginate beads into the aqueous zein ethanol solution which decreased the ethanol concentration, prompting the precipitation of zein and the deposition of zein nanoparticles onto the surfaces of alginate beads. Comparing with the alginate beads, the prepared microcapsules not only possessed better water-holding capacity, but also achieved controlled release of buckwheat honey. Importantly, the microcapsules significantly retained the antioxidant activity of the buckwheat honey. Therefore, this innovative method for fabricating alginate-zein core-shell microcapsules can suggest a promising approach to broaden the application of buckwheat honey in the food field.

Distribution patterns and influential factors of pathogenic bacteria in freshwater aquaculture sediments.

Pathogenic bacteria, the major causative agents of aquaculture diseases, are a serious impediment to the aquaculture industry. However, the bioinformatics of pathogenic bacteria and virulence factors (VFs) in sediments, an important component of freshwater aquaculture ecosystems, are not well characterized. In this study, 20 sediment samples were collected from fish pond sediments (FPS), shrimp field sediments (SFS), fish pond sediment control (FPSC), and shrimp field sediment control (SFSC). Molecular biological information was obtained on a total of 173 pathogenic bacteria, 1093 virulence factors (VFs), and 8475 mobile genetic elements (MGEs) from these samples. The results indicated that (1) aquaculture patterns and sediment characteristics can affect the distribution of pathogenic bacteria. According to the results of the Kruskal-Wallis H test, except for Mycobacterium gilvum, there were significant differences (P < 0.05) among the four sediment types in the average abundance of major pathogenic bacteria (top 30 in abundance), and the average abundance of major pathogenic bacteria in the four sediment types followed the following pattern: FPS > SFS > FPSC > SFSC. (2) Pathogenic bacteria are able to implement a variety of complex pathogenic mechanisms such as adhesion, invasion, immune evasion, and metabolic regulation in the host because they carry a variety of VFs such as type IV pili, HSI-I, Alginate, Colibactin, and Capsule. According to the primary classification of the Virulence Factor Database (VFDB), the abundance of VFs in all four types of sediments showed the following pattern: offensive VFs > non-specific VFs > defensive VFs > regulation of virulence-related genes. (3) Total organic carbon (TOC), total phosphorus (TP), available phosphorus (AP), nitrite, and nitrate were mostly only weakly positively correlated with the major pathogenic bacteria and could promote the growth of pathogenic bacteria to some extent, whereas ammonia was significantly positively correlated with most of the major pathogenic bacteria and could play an important role in promoting the growth and reproduction of pathogenic bacteria. (4) Meanwhile, there was also a significant positive correlation between CAZyme genes and major pathogenic bacteria (0.62 ≤ R ≤ 0.89, P < 0.05). This suggests that these pathogenic bacteria could be the main carriers of CAZyme genes and, to some extent, gained a higher level of metabolic activity by degrading organic matter in the sediments to maintain their competitive advantage. (5) Worryingly, the results of correlation analyses indicated that MGEs in aquaculture sediments could play an important role in the spread of VFs (R = 0.82, P < 0.01), and in particular, plasmids (R = 0.75, P < 0.01) and integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs, R = 0.65, P < 0.05) could be these major vectors of VFs. The results of this study contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the health of freshwater aquaculture sediments and provide a scientific basis for aquaculture management and conservation.

Perioperative Toripalimab Plus Chemotherapy for Patients With Resectable Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: The Neotorch Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Adjuvant and neoadjuvant immunotherapy have improved clinical outcomes for patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the optimal combination of checkpoint inhibition with chemotherapy remains unknown. Objective: To determine whether toripalimab in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy will improve event-free survival and major pathological response in patients with stage II or III resectable NSCLC compared with chemotherapy alone. Design, Setting, and Participants: This randomized clinical trial enrolled patients with stage II or III resectable NSCLC (without EGFR or ALK alterations for nonsquamous NSCLC) from March 12, 2020, to June 19, 2023, at 50 participating hospitals in China. The data cutoff date for this interim analysis was November 30, 2022. Interventions: Patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive 240 mg of toripalimab or placebo once every 3 weeks combined with platinum-based chemotherapy for 3 cycles before surgery and 1 cycle after surgery, followed by toripalimab only (240 mg) or placebo once every 3 weeks for up to 13 cycles. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcomes were event-free survival (assessed by the investigators) and the major pathological response rate (assessed by blinded, independent pathological review). The secondary outcomes included the pathological complete response rate (assessed by blinded, independent pathological review) and adverse events. Results: Of the 501 patients randomized, 404 had stage III NSCLC (202 in the toripalimab + chemotherapy group and 202 in the placebo + chemotherapy group) and 97 had stage II NSCLC and were excluded from this interim analysis. The median age was 62 years (IQR, 56-65 years), 92% of patients were male, and the median follow-up was 18.3 months (IQR, 12.7-22.5 months). For the primary outcome of event-free survival, the median length was not estimable (95% CI, 24.4 months-not estimable) in the toripalimab group compared with 15.1 months (95% CI, 10.6-21.9 months) in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.40 [95% CI, 0.28-0.57], P < .001). The major pathological response rate (another primary outcome) was 48.5% (95% CI, 41.4%-55.6%) in the toripalimab group compared with 8.4% (95% CI, 5.0%-13.1%) in the placebo group (between-group difference, 40.2% [95% CI, 32.2%-48.1%], P < .001). The pathological complete response rate (secondary outcome) was 24.8% (95% CI, 19.0%-31.3%) in the toripalimab group compared with 1.0% (95% CI, 0.1%-3.5%) in the placebo group (between-group difference, 23.7% [95% CI, 17.6%-29.8%]). The incidence of immune-related adverse events occurred more frequently in the toripalimab group. No unexpected treatment-related toxic effects were identified. The incidence of grade 3 or higher adverse events, fatal adverse events, and adverse events leading to discontinuation of treatment were comparable between the groups. Conclusions and Relevance: The addition of toripalimab to perioperative chemotherapy led to a significant improvement in event-free survival for patients with resectable stage III NSCLC and this treatment strategy had a manageable safety profile. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04158440.

Quality control of Ganoderma lucidum by using C, H, O, and N stable isotopes and C and N contents for geographical traceability.

Rationale: Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) is a popular medicinal fungus that has been used in traditional medicine for decades, with its provenance influencing its medicinal and commercial worth. The amount of active ingredients and the price of G. lucidum from different origins vary significantly; hence, fraudulent labeling is common. Reliable techniques for G. lucidum geographic verification are urgently required to safeguard the interests of consumers, producers, and honest dealers. A stable isotope is widely acknowledged as a useful traceability technique and could be developed to confirm the geographical origin of G. lucidum. Methods: G. lucidum samples from various sources and in varying stages were identified by using δ 13C, δD, δ 18O, δ 15N, C, and N contents combined with chemometric tools. Chemometric approaches, including PCA, OPLS-DA, PLS, and FLDA models, were applied to the obtained data. The established models were used to trace the origin of G. lucidum from various sources or track various stages of G. lucidum. Results: In the stage model, the δ 13C, δD, δ 18O, δ 15N, C, and N contents were considered meaningful variables to identify various stages of G. lucidum (bud development, growth, and maturing) using PCA and OPLS-DA and the findings were validated by the PLS model rather than by only four variables (δ 13C, δD, δ 18O, and δ 15N). In the origin model, only four variables, namely δ 13C, δD, δ 18O, and δ 15N, were used. PCA divided G. lucidum samples into four clusters: A (Zhejiang), B (Anhui), C (Jilin), and D (Fujian). The OPLS-DA model could be used to classify the origin of G. lucidum. The model was validated by other test samples (Pseudostellaria heterophylla), and the external test (G. lucidum) by PLS and FLDA models demonstrated external verification accuracy of up to 100%. Conclusion: C, H, O, and N stable isotopes and C and N contents combined with chemometric techniques demonstrated considerable potential in the geographic authentication of G. lucidum, providing a promising method to identify stages of G. lucidum.

Shenlingcao oral liquid for patients with non-small cell lung cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy after radical resection: A multicenter randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Low quality of life (QoL) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving adjuvant chemotherapy after radical resection is a major global health issue. High-quality evidence for the effectiveness of Shenlingcao oral liquid (SOL) as a complementary treatment in this patients is lacking at present. PURPOSE: To determine whether complementary SOL treatment in NSCLC patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy would yield greater improvements in QoL than chemotherapy alone. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a multicenter, randomized controlled trial of stages IIA-IIIA NSCLC patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy in seven hospitals. METHODS: Using stratified blocks, participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive SOL combined with conventional chemotherapy or conventional chemotherapy alone. The primary outcome was the change in global QoL from baseline to the fourth chemotherapy cycle, and intention-to-treat analysis was applied with a mixed-effect model. Secondary outcomes were functional QoL, symptoms, and performance status scores at the 6-month follow-up. Missing data were handled with multiple imputation and a pattern-mixture model. RESULTS: Among 516 randomized patients, 446 (86.43%) completed the study. After the fourth chemotherapy cycle, in comparison with the control group, patients receiving SOL showed a lower reduction in mean global QoL (-2.76 vs. -14.11; mean difference [MD], 11.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 8.28 to 14.41), greater improvement in physical function (MD, 11.61; 95% CI, 8.57 to 14.65), role function (MD, 10.15; 95% CI, 5.75 to 14.54), and emotional function (MD, 4.71; 95% CI, 1.85 to 7.57), and greater improvements in lung cancer-related symptoms (e.g., fatigue, nausea/vomiting, and appetite loss) and performance status during the 6-month follow-up period (treatment main effect, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: SOL treatment for NSCLC patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy can significantly improve QoL and performance status within 6 months after radical resection. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03712969.

Valtrate, an iridoid compound in Valeriana, elicits anti-glioblastoma activity through inhibition of the PDGFRA/MEK/ERK signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Valtrate, a natural compound isolated from the root of Valeriana, exhibits antitumor activity in many cancers through different mechanisms. However, its efficacy for the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM), a tumor type with a poor prognosis, has not yet been rigorously investigated. METHODS: GBM cell lines were treated with valtrate and CCK-8, colony formation and EdU assays, flow cytometry, and transwell, 3D tumor spheroid invasion and GBM-brain organoid co-culture invasion assays were performed to assess properties of proliferation, viability, apoptosis and invasion/migration. RNA sequencing analysis on valtrate-treated cells was performed to identify putative target genes underlying the antitumor activity of the drug in GBM cells. Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were performed to evaluate protein levels in valtrate-treated cell lines and in samples obtained from orthotopic xenografts. A specific activator of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) was used to identify the pathways mediating the effect. RESULTS: Valtrate significantly inhibited the proliferation of GBM cells in vitro by inducing mitochondrial apoptosis and suppressed invasion and migration of GBM cells by inhibiting levels of proteins associated with epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). RNA sequencing analysis of valtrate-treated GBM cells revealed platelet-derived growth factor receptor A (PDGFRA) as a potential target downregulated by the drug. Analysis of PDGFRA protein and downstream mediators demonstrated that valtrate inhibited PDGFRA/MEK/ERK signaling. Finally, treatment of tumor-bearing nude mice with valtrate led to decreased tumor volume (fivefold difference at day 28) and enhanced survival (day 27 vs day 36, control vs valtrate-treated) relative to controls. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our study demonstrated that the natural product valtrate elicits antitumor activity in GBM cells through targeting PDGFRA and thus provides a candidate therapeutic compound for the treatment of GBM.

Autophagy-Targeted Calcium Phosphate Nanoparticles Enable Transarterial Chemoembolization for Enhanced Cancer Therapy.

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is commonly used for treating advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the instability of lipiodol-drug emulsion and the altered tumor microenvironment (TME, such as hypoxia-induced autophagy) postembolization are responsible for the unsatisfactory therapeutic outcomes. Herein, pH-responsive poly(acrylic acid)/calcium phosphate nanoparticles (PAA/CaP NPs) were synthesized and used as the carrier of epirubicin (EPI) to enhance the efficacy of TACE therapy through autophagy inhibition. PAA/CaP NPs have a high loading capacity of EPI and a sensitive drug release behavior under acidic conditions. Moreover, PAA/CaP NPs block autophagy through the dramatic increase of intracellular Ca2+ content, which synergistically enhances the toxicity of EPI. TACE with EPI-loaded PAA/CaP NPs dispersed in lipiodol shows an obvious enhanced therapeutic outcome compared to the treatment with EPI-lipiodol emulsion in an orthotopic rabbit liver cancer model. This study not only develops a new delivery system for TACE but also provides a promising strategy targeting autophagy inhibition to improve the therapeutic effect of TACE for the HCC treatment.

Exploring the potential of ginseng glycoprotein to improve learning and memory in mice via Notch signaling pathway and structural analysis using multi-information fusion based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer reportedly exhibits various beneficial pharmacological activities. Panax ginseng glycoproteins (PGG) are a class of glycosylated protein components extracted from ginseng and can exert significant activity for improving learning and memory abilities. AIM OF THE STUDY: The objective of the present study was to investigate the PGG-mediated protective mechanism against neurodegenerative diseases via the Notch signaling pathway using proteomic methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined learning and memory in mice using the Morris water maze and nest-building paradigms. The PGG structure was determined using multi-information fusion based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Accurate glycosylation sites of glycoproteins were identified using the advanced glycosylation analysis software Byonic. Furthermore, connection modes of the oligosaccharide chain were clarified by methylation analysis of sugar residues. The differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between wild-type (WT) and APP/APS1 mice were measured and compared using label-free quantitative proteomics, and related signaling pathways were identified. For validation, we performed a series of in vitro tests, including an assessment of cell viability, apoptosis assay, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and western blotting. RESULTS: In the Morris water maze and nesting experiments, PGG-treated WT mice exhibited significantly improved learning and memory. The structures of 171 glycoprotein fragments in PGG matched the credible score, and typical structures were identified using LC/MS data analysis. According to the proteomic analysis results, 188 DEPs were detected between the model and administration groups, and two downregulated DEPs were related to the Notch signaling pathway. Based on the in vitro verification tests, PGG significantly inhibited the expression of key proteins in the Notch signaling pathway in microglia. CONCLUSIONS: PGG could prevent the development of neuroinflammation by inhibiting excessive activation of the Notch signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting neuroapoptosis.

Resibufogenin Targets the ATP1A1 Signaling Cascade to Induce G2/M Phase Arrest and Inhibit Invasion in Glioma.

Resibufogenin (RB) is a major active ingredient in the traditional Chinese medicine Chansu and has garnered considerable attention for its efficacy in the treatment of cancer. However, the anticancer effects and underlying mechanisms of RB on glioblastoma (GBM) remain unknown. Here, we found that RB induced G2/M phase arrest and inhibited invasion in a primary GBM cell line, P3#GBM, and two GBM cell lines, U251 and A172. Subsequently, we demonstrated that RB-induced G2/M phase arrest occurred through downregulation of CDC25C and upregulation of p21, which was caused by activation of the MAPK/ERK pathway, and that RB inhibited GBM invasion by elevating intercellular Ca2+ to suppress the Src/FAK/Paxillin focal adhesion pathway. Intriguingly, we confirmed that upon RB binding to ATP1A1, Na+-K+-ATPase was activated as a receptor and then triggered the intracellular MAPK/ERK pathway and Ca2+-mediated Src/FAK/Paxillin focal adhesion pathway, which led to G2/M phase arrest and inhibited the invasion of GBM cells. Taken together, our findings reveal the antitumor mechanism of RB by targeting the ATP1A1 signaling cascade and two key signaling pathways and highlight the potential of RB as a new class of promising anticancer agents.

Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and clinical applications of Cortex Juglandis Mandshuricae: A comprehensive review.

ETHNOPHARMALOGICAL RELEVANCE: Cortex Juglandis Mandshuricae (CJM) is the dry branch or stem bark of the Juglans mandshurica Maxim. and is widely used as a traditional Chinese medicine in Asia and Africa. Its use was first recorded in Kaibao Bencao. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present review provides a deeper insight, better awareness and detailed knowledge of phytochemistry, pharmacology, quality control, along with clinical applications of Cortex Juglandis Mandshuricae. METHODS: The relevant information of Cortex Juglandis Mandshuricae was obtained from several databases including Web of Science, PubMed, and CNKI. The medical books, PhD and MSc dissertations in Chinese were also used to perform this work. RESULTS: CJM has been traditionally used against a wide range of diseases, including dysentery, acute conjunctivitis, bacterial infections, and cancer. A total of 249 compounds have been isolated from CJM; they mainly include quinones and their derivatives, flavonoids, tannins, diarylheptanoids, triterpenoids, coumarins, phenylpropanoids, and volatile oils. These compounds exert anti-tumor, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, bacteriostatic, anti-complement, immunomodulatory, anti-parasitic activities. Specifically, the effects of juglone, alkaloids and unsaturated fatty acid CJM components against hepatic cancer occur through exertion of apoptosis through a mitochondria-dependent pathway. In addition, taxifolin and several tannins have been found to have anti-HIV activity, and (±)-juglanaloid A and (±)-juglanaloid B target Alzheimer disease. Quality control is monitored through identification of juglone, quercetin, and volatile oils. A clinical preparation of CJM, Compound Muji Granules, is used in the treatment of various liver diseases with good therapeutic effect. CONCLUSION: While CJM has been used extensively as a folk medicine, the relationships between structure and activity remain unclear. More in vivo models are needed to study the pharmacological mechanisms of action and to assess potential toxic components, in addition to which the evidence used to demonstrate the quality standards of medicinal materials is clearly inadequate. Therefore, more in-depth research is needed to provide a reasonable scientific basis improve its clinical utilization.

[Consensus on collaborative ethical review of multi-center clinical trials of new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine (version 1.0)].

At present, the issues regarding multi-center clinical trials of new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) remain: the lack of agreement on the content and scope of the ethical review among the ethics committee members of the center and the participating units results in repeated review, which leads to a time-consuming ethical review process. Moreover, the review capabilities of the ethics committees of various research centers are uneven, which is not necessarily beneficial to the protection of subjects' rights and safety. In view of the existing problems, to improve the efficiency of ethical review of multi-center clinical trials of new drugs of TCM and avoid repeated reviews, the TCM Clinical Evaluation Professional Committee of Chinese Pharmaceutical Association organized experts to formulate the "Consensus on collaborative ethical review of multi-center clinical trials of new drugs of TCM(version 1.0)"(hereinafter referred to as "Consensus"). The "Consensus" is formulated in accordance with the requirements of relevant documents such as but not limited to "the opinions on deepening the reform of the evaluation and approval system to encourage the innovation of pharmaceutical medical devices", "the regulations of ethical review of biomedical research involving human subjects". The "Consensus" covers the scope of application, formulation principles, conditions for the ethics committee of the center, sharing of ethical review resources, scope and procedure of collaborative review, rights and obligations, etc. The aims of the "Consensus" is to preliminarily explore and establish a scientific and operable ethical review procedure. Additionally, on the basis of fully protecting the rights and interests of the subjects, a collaborative ethical review agreement needs to be signed to clarify the ethical review responsibilities of all parties, to avoid repeated review, and to improve the efficiency and quality of ethical review in multi-center clinical trials of new drugs of TCM.

Chemical profiling and multicomponents quantitative analysis of Panzerina lanata by ultra-fast liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.

Panzerina lanata is a Chinese medicine with the bioactivity of detumescence and detoxification. In this study, novel qualitative and quantitative methods were established by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometry, respectively. As a result, 20 compounds were identified or tentatively characterized including flavonoids, organic acids, alkaloids, and lignans, five of which were identified for the first time based on the reference standards. The quantitative approach exhibited good linearity (R2  > 0.995), precision (RSDs < 4.97%), stability (RSDs < 4.77%), and recovery (96.04-104.14%). Afterward, this method was implemented to determine 11 flavonoids in four batches of P. lanata. Among them, seven compounds were quantified for the first time. Narcissin was abundant in each batch of P. lanata (average of 10.890-14.230 mg/g) with the highest quantities. The results provide valuable information for quality evaluation.

NIR-II Absorbing Semiconducting Polymer-Triggered Gene-Directed Enzyme Prodrug Therapy for Cancer Treatment.

Exploration of facile strategies for precise regulation of target gene expression remains highly challenging in the development of gene therapies. Especially, a stimuli-responsive nanocarrier integrated with ability of noninvasive remote control for treating wide types of cancers is rarely developed. Herein, a NIR-II absorbing semiconducting polymer (PBDTQ) is employed to remotely activate the heat-inducible heat-shock protein 70 (HSP70) promoter under laser irradiation, further realizing regulation of gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT) for cancer treatment in mild hyperthermia. In this multifunctional nanocomposite, the PBDTQ and double suicide gene plasmid (pSG) based on HSP70 promoter are incorporated into a lipid complex. Upon NIR-II laser excitation, the mild photothermal effect (≈43 °C) generated from PBDTQ can cause the release of pSG and activation of HSP70 promoter, and then upregulate suicide gene expression triggered by the HSP70 promoter which can further convert the nontoxic prodrug into its cytotoxic metabolites. Therefore, this work demonstrates a universal NIR-II laser-triggered GDEPT using semiconducting polymers as the photothermal generator for cancer treatment with minimized collateral damage and nontargeted side effects.

Bioremediation of oily sludge by solid complex bacterial agent with a combined two-step process.

In the present research, a bioremediation process was developed using solid complex bacterial agents (SCBA) through a combined two-step biodegradation process. Four isolated strains showed high efficiency for the degradation of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and the reduction of COD of the oily sludge, at 96.6% and 92.6%, respectively. The mixed strains together with bran prepared in form of SCBA exhibited improved performance compared to individual strains, all of which had an optimal temperature of around 35 °C. The use of SCBA provided advantages over commonly used liquid media for storage and transportation. The two-step process, consisting of firstly biosurfactant-assisted oil recovery and secondly biodegradation of the remaining TPH with SCBA, demonstrated the capability for treating oily sludge with high TPH content (>10 wt%) and short process period (60 days). The large-scale (5 tons oily sludge) field test, achieving a TPH removal efficiency of 93.8% and COD reduction of 91.5%, respectively, confirmed the feasibility and superiority of the technology for industrial applications.

Catharmus tinctorius volatile oil promote the migration of mesenchymal stem cells via ROCK2/Myosin light chain signaling.

MSC transplantation has been explored as a new clinical approach to stem cell-based therapies for bone diseases in regenerative medicine due to their osteogenic capability. However, only a small population of implanted MSC could successfully reach the injured areas. Therefore, enhancing MSC migration could be a beneficial strategy to improve the therapeutic potential of cell transplantation. Catharmus tinctorius volatile oil (CTVO) was found to facilitate MSC migration. Further exploration of the underlying molecular mechanism participating in the pro-migratory ability may provide a novel strategy to improve MSC transplantation efficacy. This study indicated that CTVO promotes MSC migration through enhancing ROCK2 mRNA and protein expressions. MSC migration induced by CTVO was blunted by ROCK2 inhibitor, which also decreased myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation. Meanwhile, the siRNA for ROCK2 inhibited the effect of CTVO on MSC migration ability and attenuated MLC phosphorylation, suggesting that CTVO may promote BMSC migration via the ROCK2/MLC signaling. Taken together, this study indicates that C. tinctorius volatile oil could enhance MSC migration via ROCK2/MLC signaling in vitro. C. tinctorius volatile oil-targeted therapy could be a beneficial strategy to improve the therapeutic potential of cell transplantation for bone diseases in regenerative medicine.

Biodegradation of crude oil by Chelatococcus daeguensis HB-4 and its potential for microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR) in heavy oil reservoirs.

Biodegradation of crude heavy oil was investigated with Chelatococcus daeguensis HB-4 that was isolated from the produced fluid of Baolige Oilfield in China. Batch growth characterization and crude oil degradation tests confirmed HB-4 to be facultative anaerobic and able to degrade heavy oil. The oil degradation was found to occur through degrading long hydrocarbons chains to shorter ones, resulting in oil viscosity reduction. By mixing crude oil with glucose, or using sole crude oil as carbon source, the content of light fractions (C8-C22) increased by 4.97% while heavy fractions (C23-C37) decreased by 7.98%. It was also found that bioemulsifiers were produced rather than commonly observed biosurfactants in the fermentation process, which was attributed to the extracellular degradation of hydrocarbons. Core flooding tests demonstrated 20.5% oil recovery by microbial enhancement, and 59.8% viscosity reduction, showing potential of strain HB-4 for application in the oil industry, especially in enhanced heavy oil recovery.

[Protective effects of total saponins of Panax japonicas on HepG2 cell apoptosis induced with palmitic acid].

This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism and protective effect of total saponins of Panax japonicas (TSPJ) on HepG2 cells apoptosis induced by palmitic acid (PA).The HepG2 cells were cultured in vitro, and divided into five groups: the control group, the model group, the high-dose group (50 mg·L⁻¹), the middle-dose group (25 mg·L⁻¹) and the low-dose group (12.5 mg·L⁻¹).The cells of the five groups were cultured continuously for 24 hours. The cell viability was measured with MTT. HepG2 cells apoptosis was detected by Hoechest staining and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. The protein expressions of BCL-2, CHOP and TLR4 were measured with western blotting and flow cytometry analysis. The mRNA expressions of TNF-α, IL-1ß, BCL-2, CHOP and GAPDH were measured with RT-PCR. The results suggested that compared with the control group, the number of HepG2 cells of the model group were reduced significantly (P<0.01), while the number of apoptotic HepG2 cells were increased. Compared with the model group, the number of HepG2 cells of the high-dose group and the middle-dose group were increased significantly (P<0.01), whereas the number of apoptotic HepG2 cells were reduced. Compared with the control group, TNF-α, IL-1ß and CHOP mRNA expressions and CHOP and TLR4 protein expressions in the model group were significantly up-regulated (P<0.01), while BCL-2 protein and mRNA expressions in the model group were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, TNF-α, IL-1ß and CHOP mRNA expressions and CHOP and TLR4 protein expressions in the high-dose group were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while BCL-2 protein and mRNA expressions in the high-dose group were significantly up-regulated (P<0.01).In conclusion, TSPJ can reduce inflammation and apoptosis induced by palmitic acid, with a certain protective effect on liver cells.

Therapeutic Potential of Co-enzyme Q10 in Retinal Diseases.

BACKGROUND: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) plays a critical role in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation by serving as an electron carrier in the respiratory electron transport chain. CoQ10 also functions as a lipid-soluble antioxidant by protecting lipids, proteins and DNA damaged by oxidative stress. CoQ10 deficiency has been associated with a number of human diseases in which CoQ10 supplementation therapy has been effective in slowing or reversing pathological changes. Oxidative stress is a major contributory factor in the process of retinal degeneration. METHOD: The related literature was reviewed through searching PubMed using keywords: CoQ10, CoQ10 and oxidative stress, CoQ10 and retinal degeneration. The functions of CoQ10 were summarized and its use in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma highlighted. The therapeutic potential of CoQ10 for other retinal diseases was also discussed. RESULTS: CoQ10 has been applied in different types of neurodegeneration. CoQ10 is detectable in retina and declines with ageing. Early studies showed treatment of CoQ10 improved visual function in patients with age-related macular degeneration. In glaucomatous models, CoQ10 exposure protected ganglion cell death from environmental stress; in glaucoma patients, CoQ10 treatment demonstrated beneficial effects on function of inner retina and enhancement of visual cortical response. Since oxidative stress also plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy and retinitis pigmentosa, CoQ10 is a therapeutic target for both conditions. CONCLUSION: A wide range of evidence supports a role of CoQ10 in retinal diseases through inhibiting production of reactive oxygen species and protecting neuroretinal cells from oxidative damage.

Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Phenolic Acids, Flavonoids and Iridoid Glycosides in Yinhua Kanggan Tablet by UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS.

A simple, rapid and specific ultra-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry method was developed for the analysis of 29 bioactive components (10 phenolic acids, 16 flavonoids, and three iridoid glycosides) in Yinhua Kanggan tablet (YHKGT), a herbal prescription used for treating upper respiratory infections, fevers, coughs and pharyngalgia. The separation was successfully achieved using a Waters Cortecs UPLC C18 column (50 × 2.1 mm, 1.6 µm) and gradient elution with water-0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile. Polarity switching mode was used in the optimization of multiple reaction monitoring conditions. The analytical method was validated for linearity, precision and accuracy. Calibration curves for the 29 marker compounds showed good linear regression (r > 0.9982). The limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ) for the 29 analytes were in the range of 0.03-4.99 ng/mL and 0.16-14.87 ng/mL, respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) values of intra-day precision, inter-day precision, repeatability, and stability were less than 2.79%, 4.87%, 4.18% and 4.71%, respectively. The recoveries of the 29 marker compounds were in the range of 94.67%-104.78% (RSD ≤ 4.72%). These results have shown that this developed method was efficient for the quality evaluation of YHKGT.

[Study on the quality of digested piggery wastewater in large-scale farms in Jiaxing].

Pollution characteristics of digested piggery wastewater (DPW), including not only the chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrogen and phosphorus but also the veterinary antibiotics and heavy metals, were investigated in ten large-scale pig farms in Jiaxing City. Results showed that the water quality of DPW greatly varied with farms and seasons. DPW in the spring group showed the highest pollutant concentration, with seven of the ten pig farms demonstrating COD of over 2 000 mg x L(-1), total nitrogen and ammonia nitrogen of over 1 000 mg x L(-1) and total phosphorus of over 60 mg x L(-1). Pollutant concentrations of DPW were lower in the autumn and winter groups, while the lowest was observed in the summer group. Unbalanced nutrient was observed in DPW, the carbon nitrogen ratio showed the lowest value of 0.8-4.3 in the autumn group. Four classes (tetracyclines, quinolones, macrolides and sulfonamides) of ten antibiotics and six heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni and Cr) were detectable in DPW from all the ten farms. Cu and Zn were the top two dominant heavy metals, with an average concentration of 1.88 mg x L(-1) and 7.63 mg L(-1), respectively. Tetracyclines (including Tetracycline, Oxytetracycline and Chlortetracycline) were always the dominant antibiotics. The total concentration of the ten antibiotics was in the range of 10.1 microg x L(-1) to 1090 microg x L(-1), far exceeding the antibiotics limit of 10 ng x L(-1) in the water environment specified by EU. Efficient but low cost treatment technologies are in urgent need in order to deal with the pollution by DPW, a wastewater that is not only difficult to remove nitrogen and phosphorus, but also seriously polluted by heavy metals and antibiotics.