Analysis of Potential Risks in Abnormal Physical Development Due to Dietary Habits in Preschool Children.

Background: The prevalence of abnormal physical development in preschool children is often linked to their dietary habits, necessitating a comprehensive investigation. Understanding the intricacies of these habits is crucial for formulating targeted interventions to enhance the overall health and well-being of this vulnerable population. Objective: This study aims to explore the dietary habits of preschool children in Shijiazhuang and evaluate their impact on abnormal physical development. The primary objective is to identify key dietary issues, particularly focusing on picky eating, and assess their association with undernutrition and obesity in this age group. Methods: Utilizing a stratified sampling approach, the study involves preschool children and their caregivers from various kindergartens in Shijiazhuang. On-site medical examinations are conducted to measure height and weight and calculate body mass index (BMI). Additionally, parents were surveyed to gather information on the general aspects and dietary habits of their children. Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to ascertain the correlation between picky eating and the risk of undernutrition and obesity. Results: The findings indicate that approximately 70% of preschool children maintain a normal BMI, while 16.67% experience undernutrition, and 13.33% face issues of being overweight or obese. Picky eating emerges as the predominant dietary habit issue, affecting 51.33% of the participants. Binary logistic regression analysis identifies picky eating as a significant risk factor for undernutrition and obesity among children. Conclusions: Picky eating stands out as the primary dietary habit concern for preschool children, concurrently posing a substantial risk for abnormal physical development. Urgent measures are warranted to rectify children's suboptimal dietary habits, elevate nutritional standards, and foster their overall health and development. These findings underscore the imperative need for interventions targeting dietary improvement in preschoolers, contributing to improving their well-being and long-term health outcomes.

Formononetin attenuates psoriasiform inflammation by regulating interferon signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a long-lasting, inflammatory, continuous illness caused through T cells and characterized mainly by abnormal growth and division of keratinocytes. Currently, corticosteroids are the preferred option. However, prolonged use of traditional topical medication can lead to adverse reactions and relapse, presenting a significant therapeutic obstacle. Improved alternative treatment options are urgently required. Formononetin (FMN) is a representative component of isoflavones in Huangqi (HQ) [Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge.]. It possesses properties that reduce inflammation, combat oxidation, inhibit tumor growth, and mimic estrogen. Although FMN has been shown to ameliorate skin barrier devastation via regulating keratinocyte apoptosis and proliferation, there are no reports of its effectiveness in treating psoriasis. OBJECTIVE: Through transcriptomics clues and experimental investigation, we aimed to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms underlying FMN's action on psoriasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cell viability was examined using CCK8 assay in this study. The results of analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between FMN-treated HaCaT cells and normal HaCaT cells using RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) were presented on volcano plots and heatmap. Enrichment analysis was conducted on DEGs using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO), and results were validated through RT-qPCR verification. After 12 days of FMN treatment in psoriasis mouse model, we gauged the PASI score and epidermis thickness. A variety of techniques were used to assess FMN's effectiveness on inhibiting inflammation and proliferation related to psoriasis, including RT-qPCR, HE staining, western blot, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). RESULTS: The findings indicated that FMN could suppress the growth of HaCaT cells using CCK8 assay (with IC50 = 40.64 uM) and 20 uM FMN could reduce the level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) to the greatest extent. FMN-treated HaCaT cells exhibited 985 up-regulated and 855 down-regulated DEGs compared to normal HaCaT cells. GO analysis revealed that DEGs were linked to interferon (IFN) signaling pathway. Furthermore, FMN improved pathological features, which encompassed decreased erythema, scale, and thickness scores of skin lesions in psoriasis mouse model. In vivo experiments confirmed that FMN down-regulated expression of IFN-α, IFN-ß, IFN-γ, decreased secretion of TNF-α and IL-17 inflammatory factors, inhibited expression of IFN-related chemokines included Cxcl9, Cxcl10, Cxcl11 and Cxcr3 and reduced expression of transcription factors p-STAT1, p-STAT3 and IFN regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) in the imiquimod (IMQ) group. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, these results suggested that FMN played an anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative role in alleviating psoriasis by inhibiting IFN signaling pathway, and FMN could be used as a potential therapeutic agent.

Psoralea corylifolia L. and its active component isobavachalcone demonstrate antibacterial activity against Mycobacterium abscessus.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Psoralea corylifolia L. (Fabaceae) is a traditional medicinal herb used to treat various diseases, including kidney disease, asthma, psoriasis and vitiligo. AIM OF THE STUDY: To explore the antibacterial activity of Psoralea corylifolia L. and its bioactive components against Mycobacterium abscessus (M. abscessus). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ultra high performance liquid chromatography was utilized to analyze the bioactive fractions and compounds present in 30%, 60%, and 90% ethanol extracts of Psoralea corylifolia L.. The antibacterial effects of Psoralea corylifolia L. and potential active ingredients were determined by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The bactericidal activity of the active ingredient isobavachalcone was evaluated and then scanning electron microscopy was used to explore the bactericidal mechanism of isobavachalcone. RESULTS: The 90% ethanol extracts of Psoralea corylifolia L. showed significant antibacterial activity against M. abscessus, with an MIC of 156 µg/mL. Isobavachalcone was identified as the bioactive ingredient, and testing of 118 clinical isolates of M. abscessus indicated their MICs ranged from 2 to 16 µg/mL, with an average MIC of 8 µg/mL. Furthermore, the minimum bactericidal concentration/MIC ratio and the time-kill test indicated rapid bactericidal activity of isobavachalcone against M. abscessus. Finally, we found that the bactericidal mechanism of isobavachalcone involved damage to the bacterial cell membrane, causing wrinkled and sunken cell surface and a noticeable reduction in bacterial length. CONCLUSION: Psoralea corylifolia L. ethanol extracts as well as its active component isobavachalcone show promising antimicrobial activity against M. abscessus.

Multiple pathological fractures and muscle atrophy caused by a parathyroid carcinoma with postoperative hungry bone syndrome: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Parathyroid carcinoma (PC) is a rare endocrine malignancy causing pathological changes such as abnormal bone metabolism, elevated serum calcium, and impaired renal function, and uncontrollable hypercalcemia is the main cause of death in PC patients. The diagnosis of PC is challenging and relying on postoperative histopathology. Radical surgery at the first time is the only effective therapy to cure PC. Hungry bone syndrome (HBS) is a relatively uncommon complication of parathyroidectomy characterized by profound and prolonged hypocalcemia, timely electrolyte monitoring and alternative interventional protocols can prevent symptomatic hypocalcemia. CASE: A 57-year-old man presented with multiple pathological fractures and muscle atrophy as the main symptoms accompanied by bone pain, hypercalcemia, elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH), and an enlarged left-sided neck mass. After consultation of multidisciplinary team, he was treated conservatively with plaster bandage fixation and infusion of intravenous zoledronic acid; and then complete resection of parathyroid mass + removal of involved tissue structures + left thyroid and isthmus lobectomy + lymph node dissection in the VI region in left neck were performed. The postoperative histopathology suggested a diagnosis of parathyroid carcinoma. Calcium and fluid supplementation and oral levothyroxine tablets were given postoperatively. Unexpectedly, the patient's PTH level decreased rapidly at 24 h postoperative, and serum calcium and phosphorus decreased continuously, and he felt numb around perioral sites and fingertips, which considered to be postoperative HBS complicated by parathyroidectomy. Then, a large amount of calcium supplementation and vitamin D were given timely and the patient got better at 1 month postoperatively. At 9-month postoperative, his bone pain and fatigue were significantly relieved compared with before with calcium, phosphorus, and PTH levels at normal range. CONCLUSION: The possibility of parathyroid disease, particularly PC, should be considered in the presence of multiple pathological fractures, muscle atrophy, generalized bone pain, hypercalcemia, and clear neck mass. Radical resection of the tumor lesions at the first surgery is a key element affecting the prognosis of PC, and the effective management of preoperative hypercalcemia and postoperative HBS is also of great significance for improving prognosis.

A dual-target SPR screening system for simultaneous ligand discovery of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and its receptor ACE2 from Chinese herbs.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a supremely valuable resource for the development of drug discovery. Few methods are capable of hunting for potential molecule ligands from TCM towards more than one single protein target. In this study, a novel dual-target surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor was developed to perform targeted compound screening of two key proteins involved in the cellular invasion process of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2): the spike (S) protein receptor binding domain (RBD) and the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The screening and identification of active compounds from six Chinese herbs were conducted taking into consideration the multi-component and multi-target nature of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Puerarin from Radix Puerariae Lobatae was discovered to exhibit specific binding affinity to both S protein RBD and ACE2. The results highlight the efficiency of the dual-target SPR system in drug screening and provide a novel approach for exploring the targeted mechanisms of active components from Chinese herbs for disease treatment.

Potential mechanism of ginseng in the treatment of periodontitis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the mechanism of ginseng in the treatment of periodontitis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology. METHODS: Potential targets of ginseng and periodontitis were obtained through various databases. The intersection targets of ginseng and periodontitis were obtained by using VENNY, the protein-protein interaction network relationship diagram was formed on the STRING platform, the core target diagram was formed by Cytoscape software, and the ginseng-active ingredient-target network diagram was constructed. The selected targets were screened for gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. The core targets of ginseng's active ingredients in treating periodontitis were analyzed by molecular docking technique. RESULTS: The 22 ginseng's active ingredients, 591 potential targets of ginseng's active ingredients, 2 249 periodontitis gene targets, and 145 ginseng-periodontitis intersection targets were analyzed. Ginseng had strong binding activity on core targets such as vascular endothelial growth factor A and epidermal growth factor receptor, as well as hypoxia induced-factor 1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-protein kinase B (PI3K-Akt) signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Ginseng and its active components can regulate several signaling pathways such as HIF-1 and PI3K-Akt, thereby indicating that ginseng may play a role in treating periodontitis through multiple pathways.

Soil C:N:P stoichiometry in rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica forests.

The aim of this study was to reveal the stoichiometric characteristics of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus in rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica in the Hulunbuir desert. We investigated the contents and stoichiometry of organic carbon, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus contents of rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils across different stand ages (28, 37 and 46 a) of P. sylvestris var. mongolica plantations, with P. sylvestris var. mongolica natural forest as the control. We analyzed the correlation between soils properties and soil stoichiometry. The results showed that rhizosphere effect significantly affected soil N:P, and stand age significantly affected soil organic carbon content in P. sylvestris var. mongolica plantation. Soil organic carbon content in plantation was significantly lower than that in natural forest. Soil organic carbon and total nitrogen contents of plantations in both rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils firstly decreased and then increased with increasing stand age, while total phosphorus firstly increased and then decreased in rhizosphere soils, and firstly decreased and then increased in non-rhizosphere soils. There was significant positive correlations between C:N and C:P in rhizosphere soils but not in non-rhizosphere soils, suggesting that higher synergistic rhizosphere soil N and P limitation. The mean N:P values of rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils were 4.98 and 8.40, respectively, indicating that the growth of P. sylvestris var. mongolica was restricted by soil N and the rhizosphere soils were more N-restricted. The C:N:P stoichiometry of rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils were significantly influenced by soil properties, with available phosphorus being the most important driver. The growth of P. sylvestris var. mongolica was limited by N in the Hulunbuir desert, and root system played an obvious role in enriching and maintaining soil nutrients. It was recommended that soil nitrogen should be supplemented appropriately during the growth stage of P. sylvestris var. mongolica plantation, and phosphorus should be supplemented appropriately according to the synergistic nature of nitrogen and phosphorus limitation.

Cardamonin inhibits osteogenic differentiation by downregulating Wnt/beta-catenin signaling and alleviates subchondral osteosclerosis in osteoarthritic mice.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease, and subchondral osteosclerosis is an important pathological change that occurs in its late stages. Cardamonin (CD) is a natural flavonoid isolated from Alpinia katsumadai that has anti-inflammatory activity. The objectives of this study were to investigate the therapeutic effects and potential mechanism of CD in regulating OA subchondral osteosclerosis at in vivo and in vitro settings. Eight-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups: sham operation, anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT)-induced OA model, low-dose and high-dose CD treated ACLT-OA model groups. Histological assessment and immunohistochemical examinations for chondrocyte metabolism-related markers metalloproteinase-13, ADAMTS-4, Col II, and Sox-9 were performed. Microcomputed tomography was used to assess the sclerosis indicators in subchondral bone. Further, MC3T3-E1 (a mouse calvarial preosteoblast cell line) cells were treated with various concentrations of CD to reveal the influence and potential molecular pathways of CD in osteogenic differentiations. Animal studies suggested that CD alleviated the pathological changes in OA mice such as maintaining integrity and increasing the thickness of hyaline cartilage, decreasing the thickness of calcified cartilage, decreasing the Osteoarthritis Research Society International score, regulating articular cartilage metabolism, and inhibiting subchondral osteosclerosis. In vitro investigation indicated that CD inhibited alkaline phosphatase expression and production of calcium nodules during osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. In addition, CD inhibited the expression of osteogenic differentiation-related indicators and Wnt/ß-catenin pathway-related proteins. In conclusion, CD inhibits osteogenic differentiation by downregulating Wnt/ß-catenin signaling and alleviating subchondral osteosclerosis in a mouse model of OA.

Cross-sectional analysis of primary care clinics' policies, practices, and availability of patient support services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare accessibility and utilization are important social determinants of health. Lack of access to healthcare, including missed or no-show appointments, can have negative health effects and be costly to patients and providers. Various office-based approaches and community partnerships can address patient access barriers. OBJECTIVES: (1) To understand provider perceptions of patient barriers; (2) to describe the policies and practices used to address late or missed appointments, and (3) to evaluate access to patient support services, both in-clinic and with community partners. METHODS: Mailed cross-sectional survey with online response option, sent to all Nebraska primary care clinics (n = 577) conducted April 2020 and January through April 2021. Chi-square tests compared rural-urban differences; logistic regression of clinical factors associated with policies and support services computed odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Response rate was 20.3% (n = 117), with 49 returns in 2020. Perceived patient barriers included finances, higher among rural versus urban clinics (81.6% vs. 56.1%, p =.009), and time (overall 52.3%). Welcoming environment (95.5%), telephone appointment reminders (74.8%) and streamlined admissions (69.4%) were the top three clinic practices to reduce missed appointments. Telehealth was the most commonly available patient support service in rural (79.6%) and urban (81.8%, p =.90) clinics. Number of providers was positively associated with having a patient navigator/care coordinator (OR = 1.20, CI = 1.02-1.40). For each percent increase in the number of privately insured patients, the odds of providing legal aid decreased by 4% (OR = 0.96, CI = 0.92-1.00). Urban clinics were less likely than rural clinics to provide social work services (OR = 0.16, CI = 0.04-0.67) or assist with applications for government aid (OR = 0.22, CI = 0.06-0.90). CONCLUSIONS: Practices to reduce missed appointments included a variety of reminders. Although finances and inability to take time off work were the most frequently reported perceived barriers for patients' access to timely healthcare, most clinics did not directly address them. Rural clinics appeared to have more community partnerships to address underlying social determinants of health, such as transportation and assistance applying for government aid. Taking such a wholistic partnership approach is an area for future study to improve patient access.

Molecular mechanisms of quetiapine bidirectional regulation of bipolar depression and mania based on network pharmacology and molecular docking: Evidence from computational biology.

BACKGROUND: Quetiapine monotherapy is recommended as the first-line option for acute mania and acute bipolar depression. However, the mechanism of action of quetiapine is unclear. Network pharmacology and molecular docking were employed to determine the molecular mechanisms of quetiapine bidirectional regulation of bipolar depression and mania. METHODS: Putative target genes for quetiapine were collected from the GeneCard, SwissTargetPrediction, and DrugBank databases. Targets for bipolar depression and bipolar mania were identified from the DisGeNET and GeneCards databases. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was generated using the String database and imported into Cytoscape. DAVID and the Bioinformatics platform were employed to perform the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses of the top 15 core targets. The drug-pathway-target-disease network was constructed using Cytoscape. Finally, molecular docking was performed to evaluate the interactions between quetiapine and potential targets. RESULTS: Targets for quetiapine actions against bipolar depression (126 targets) and bipolar mania (81 targets) were identified. Based on PPI and KEGG pathway analyses, quetiapine may affect bipolar depression by targeting the MAPK and PI3K/AKT insulin signaling pathways via BDNF, INS, EGFR, IGF1, and NGF, and it may affect bipolar mania by targeting the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction signaling pathway via HTR1A, HTR1B, HTR2A, DRD2, and GRIN2B. Molecular docking revealed good binding affinity between quetiapine and potential targets. LIMITATIONS: Pharmacological experiments should be conducted to verify and further explore these results. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that quetiapine affects bipolar depression and bipolar mania through distinct biological core targets, and thus through different mechanisms. Furthermore, our results provide a theoretical basis for the clinical use of quetiapine and possible directions for new drug development.

Qinzhuliangxue mixture ameliorates psoriasis by restraining apoptosis in psoriasis via downregulating the MDA-5 pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Psoriasis is characterized by hyperkeratosis that produces the classic silvery scales, and the pathogenesis of psoriasis involves abnormal proliferation of keratinocytes. Emerging evidence supports that apoptosis regulates keratinocyte proliferation and formation of stratum corneum, which maintains the homeostasis of the skin. Qinzhuliangxue mixture (QZLX) is a representative formula for the treatment of psoriasis, which was earliest recorded in the classic Chinese medicine book Xia's Surgery. In our previous clinical studies, QZLX demonstrated 83.33% efficacy with few side effects in the treatment of psoriasis. Furthermore, our published basic research has also proved that the QZLX mixture effectively inhibits the hyperproliferation of keratinocytes, thus exerting therapeutic effects on psoriasis. However, whether QZLX mixture can regulate keratinocytes apoptosis requires further clarification. OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY: To investigate the mechanism of QZLX in the treatment of psoriasis from the perspective of keratinocyte apoptosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: First, psoriasis-like mice with imiquimod (IMQ)-induced were given QZLX intragastric administration and Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) scores were recored for 11 consecutive days to appraise the efficacy. Then, tissue samples were collected for transcriptome analysis. The DEseq2 method detected significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs), Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) Pathway databases were used to analyze the functions and pathway enrichment of DEGs. After that, the therapeutic mechanisms of QZLX in intervening with psoriasis were explored using TUNEL, immunohistochemical staining, and western blotting. RESULTS: QZLX ameliorated the symptoms and pathological characteristics of IMQ-induced psoriasis in mice. The epidermal cell hyperplasia in the skin was inhibited, in accordance with the suppressed expression of PCNA and Ki67 after treatment. Transcriptome sequencing showed that melanoma differentiation associated gene-5 (MDA-5) was downregulated. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of the signaling pathways indicated that the differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in apoptosis pathways. Besides, QZLX treatment decreased the apoptosis of keratinocyte as shown by reduced TUNEL-positive cells. As MDA-5 protein levels decreased, so did the expression of the downstream protein Caspase-8, which indicates that the apoptotic pathway was triggered. Furthermore, QZLX therapy might also help to balance the apoptotic Bcl-2 family expression. CONCLUSION: QZLX restrains the apoptosis of keratinocyte in psoriasis-like mice by downregulating the MDA-5 pathway. The restoration of the balance between cell apoptosis and proliferation in the skin may lead to considerable psoriasis relief. Our study reveals the possible molecular processes behind the effects of QZLX therapy on the skin lesions of psoriasis, and lends support to its clinical efficacy.

Red ginseng ameliorates lipotoxicity-induced renal fibrosis in hyperuricemia mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Chronic kidney disease can be caused by numerous diseases including obesity and hyperuricemia (HUA). Obesity may exacerbate the renal injury caused by HUA. Red ginseng, a steamed products of Panax ginseng Meyer root, is known for its remarkable efficacy in improving metabolic syndrome, such as maintaining lipid metabolic balance. However, the role of red ginseng on hyperuricemia-induced renal injury in obese cases remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to investigate the action of red ginseng extract (RGE) on lipotoxicity-induced renal injury in HUA mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity model was employed to initially investigate the effects of RGE on body weight, TC, OGTT, renal lipid droplets, and renal function indices such as uric acid, creatinine, and urea nitrogen. Renal structural improvement was demonstrated by H&E staining. Subsequently, an animal model combining obesity and HUA was established to further study the impact of RGE on OAT1 and ACC1 expression levels. The mechanisms underlying renal injury regulation by RGE were postulated on the basis of RNA sequencing, which was verified by immunohistochemical (including F4/80, Ki67, TGF-ß1, α-SMA, and E-cadherin), Masson, and Sirius red staining. RESULTS: RGE modulated HFD-induced weight gain, glucose metabolism, and abnormalities of uric acid, urea nitrogen, and creatinine. RGE alleviated the more severe renal histopathological changes induced by obesity combined with HUA, with down-regulated the protein levels of ACC1, F4/80, Ki67, TGF-ß1, and α-SMA, and up-regulated OAT1 and E-cadherin. CONCLUSIONS: RGE has ameliorative effects on chronic kidney disease caused by obesity combined with HUA by maintaining lipid balance and reducing renal inflammation and fibrosis.

Asiaticoside exerts neuroprotection through targeting NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is characterized by motor symptoms due to the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) and striatum (STR), alongside neuroinflammation. Asiaticoside (AS), a primary active component with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, is derived from Centella asiatica. However, the precise mechanisms through which AS influences PD associated with inflammation are not yet fully understood. PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the protective mechanism of AS in PD. METHODS: Targets associated with AS and PD were identified from the Swiss Target Prediction, Similarity Ensemble Approach, PharmMapper, and GeneCards database. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to identify potential therapeutic targets. Concurrently, GO and KEGG analyses were performed to predict potential signaling pathways. To validate these mechanisms, the effects of AS on 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced PD in mice were investigated. Furthermore, neuroinflammation and the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome were assessed to confirm the anti-inflammatory properties of AS. In vitro experiments in BV2 cells were then performed to investigate the mechanisms of AS in PD. Moreover, CETSA, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations (MDs) were performed for further validation. RESULTS: Network pharmacology analysis identified 17 potential targets affected by AS in PD. GO and KEGG analyses suggested the biological roles of these targets, demonstrating that AS interacts with 149 pathways in PD. Notably, the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway was identified as a key pathway mediating AS's effect on PD. In vivo studies demonstrated that AS alleviated motor dysfunction and reduced the loss of dopaminergic neurons in MPTP-induced PD mice. In vitro experiments demonstrated that AS substantially decreased IL-1ß release in BV2 cells, attributing this to the modulation of the NLRP3 signaling pathway. CETSA and molecular docking studies indicated that AS forms a stable complex with NLRP3. MDs suggested that ARG578 played an important role in the formation of the complex. CONCLUSION: In this study, we first predicted that the potential target and pathway of AS's effect on PD could be NLRP3 protein and NOD-like receptor signaling pathway by network pharmacology analysis. Further, we demonstrated that AS could alleviate symptoms of PD induced by MPTP through its interaction with the NLRP3 protein for the first time by in vivo and in vitro experiments. By binding to NLRP3, AS effectively inhibits the assembly and activation of the inflammasome. These findings suggest that AS is a promising inhibitor for PD driven by NLRP3 overactivation.

Therapeutic and immune-regulation effects of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi polysaccharide on pseudorabies in piglets.

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) can cause fatal encephalitis in newborn pigs and escape the immune system. While there is currently no effective treatment for PRV, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi polysaccharides (SGP) and Rodgersia sambucifolia Hemsl flavonoids (RHF) are traditional Chinese herbal medicines with potential preventive and therapeutic effects against PRV infection. In order to explore which one is more effective in the prevention and treatment of PRV infection in piglets. We investigate the therapeutic effects of RHF and SGP in PRV-infected piglets using clinical symptom and pathological injury scoring systems. The immune regulatory effects of RHF and SGP on T lymphocyte transformation rate, cytokines, T cells, and Toll-like receptors were also measured to examine the molecular mechanisms of these effects. The results showed that SGP significantly reduced clinical symptoms and pathological damage in the lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys in PRV-infected piglets and the T lymphocyte conversion rate in the SGP group was significantly higher than that in the other treatment groups, this potential dose-dependent effect of SGP on T lymphocyte conversation. Serum immunoglobulin and cytokine levels in the SGP group fluctuated during the treatment period, with SGP treatment showing better therapeutic and immunomodulatory effects in PRV-infected piglets than RHF or the combined SGP + RHF treatment. In conclusion, RHF and SGP treatments alleviate the clinical symptoms of PRV infection in piglets, and the immunomodulatory effect of SGP treatment was better than that of the RHF and a combination of both treatments. This study provides evidence for SGP in controlling PRV infection in piglets.

[Effects of revegetation on soil nitrogen-fixation and carbon-fixation microbial communities in the Horqin Sandy Land, China]. / 科尔沁沙地植被重建对土壤固氮和固碳菌群的影响.

To determine the diversity of nitrogen-fixing and carbon-fixing microbial groups in aeolian sandy soil and the effects of sand-fixation plantation type on the structures of two microbial groups in the Horqin Sandy Land, we selected six representative sand-fixation vegetations with the same age, including Caragana microphylla, Artemisia halodendron, Salix gordejevii, Hedysarum fruticosum, Populus simonii, and Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica as well as their adjacent natural Ulmus pumila open forest as test objects to investigate the diversities and structures of nifH- and cbbL-carrying microbial communities in soil by high-throughput sequencing technique. The results showed that vegetation type significantly affected soil physical and chemical properties, microbiological activities, diversities and the main compositions of nitrogen-fixing and carbon-fixing microbial communities. The diversity of soil nitrogen-fixing microbial communities under S. gordejevii and P. simonii plantations and that of carbon-fixing microbial communities under P. sylvestris var. mongolica and P. simonii plantations were significantly higher than those of other plantations. Skermanella, Bradyrhizobium, Azospirillum, and Azohydromonas were dominant nitrogen-fixation genera, with the average relative abundance of 22.3%, 21.5%, 20.8%, and 17.8%, respectively. Soil carbon-fixation microbial communities were dominated by Pseudonocardia, Bradyrhizobium, Cupriavidus, and Mesorhizobium, with relative abundance of 22.4%, 18.5%, 10.5%, and 6.0%, respectively. Soil nitrogen-fixing microbial community under C. mirophylla plantation and carbon-fixing communities under S. gordejevii and P. simonii plantations were very close to those of natural U. pumila open forest. Soil organic matter, NH4+-N, and total phosphorus were the direct determining factors for nitrogen-fixing microbial community, while pH, soil moisture, and available phosphorus were main factors influencing carbon-fixing microbial community. These observations potentially provide the scienti-fic foundations for evaluating the ecological benefits of revegetation practice in sandy lands.

Effects of crude protease produced by Bacillus subtilis (MAFIC Y7) on growth performance, immune indices, and anti-inflammatory responses of broilers fed soybean meal- or cottonseed meal-based diets.

A strain of Bacillus subtilis (MAFIC Y7) was isolated from the intestine of Tibetan pigs and was able to express high protease activity. The aim of this study was to characterize the proteases produced by MAFIC Y7, and to investigate the effects of protease addition on growth performance, ileal amino acid digestibility, and serum immunoglobulin and immune factors of broilers fed SBM-based diets, or on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and intestinal morphology of broilers fed CSM-based diets. B. subtilis (MAFIC Y7) expressed protease showed its optimal enzyme activity at 50 °C and pH 7.0. The coated crude enzyme (CCE) showed greater stability at pH 3.0 than its uncoated counterpart. Experiment 1 was conducted with six diets based on three levels of crude protein (CP)-CPlow, CPmedium, and CPhigh-with or without CCE. In CPlow, CCE increased gain:feed (G:F) (days 1 to 21, days 1 to 42) by 8%, 3%, respectively, and enhanced apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of crude protein and lysine (on day 42) by 8.8%, 4.6%, respectively, compared with diets containing no CCE (P < 0.05). CCE increased G:F from days 1 to 21 from 0.63 to 0.68, improved G:F and average daily gain (ADG) during days 1 to 42, and enhanced AID of crude protein, lysine, cysteine, and isoleucine on day 42 compared with the unsupplemented treatments (in CPmedium, P < 0.05). CCE increased serum IgA (on day 21), serum IgA and IgG and increased serum IL-10 (on day 42), but decreased serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α; on day 21), and serum IL-8 and TNF-α (on day 42) compared with unsupplemented treatments. At CPhigh, CCE decreased serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α (on day 21), and IL-8 and TNF-α (on day 42) compared with unsupplemented treatments (in CPhigh, P < 0.05). In experiment 2, CSM-based diets with two lysine-to-protein ratios (5.2% or 5.5%) with or without CCE. In the high Lys diet (5.5% Lys:protein), CCE increased ADG and G:F, increased carcass, but decreased abdominal fat compared with the unsupplemented treatment (P < 0.05). In the 5.2% Lys:protein dietary treatment, CCE improved duodenal villus height compared with the unsupplemented treatment (P < 0.05). Supplementation of protease produced by MAFIC Y7 was associated with lower inflammatory responses in SBM diets (CPmedium or CPhigh) and improved ADG in broilers fed CPmedium or CPhigh. The proteases improved ADG and the efficiency of CSM use when the ratio of Lys to protein was 5.5%.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Bacillus subtilis (MAFIC Y7)-expressed protease on reducing inflammatory responses of soybean meal (SBM) diets and improving the efficiency of cottonseed meal (CSM) in broilers. Experiment 1 was conducted with six dietary treatments based on three levels of crude protein (CP)­CPlow, CPmedium, and CPhigh­without or with proteases (0 or 4,000 U/kg). Supplementation of proteases significantly improved growth performance, gain:feed (G:F), and apparent ileal digestibility of crude protein and amino acids (cysteine, isoleucine, and histidine) in broilers fed CPmedium treatment (P < 0.05). Proteases inhibited inflammatory responses in SBM-based diets by decreasing serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (in CPmedium and CPhigh), and interleukin (IL)-6 (in CPhigh); and IL-8 and TNF-α (in CPmedium and CPhigh) on day 21. In experiment 2, broilers were fed with CSM-based diets with two ratios of lysine-to-protein (5.2% or 5.5%) with or without proteases. Proteases in the diet of 5.5% Lys to protein ratio increased growth performance and G:F compared to diets without proteases (P < 0.05). Proteases produced by MAFIC Y7 improved growth performance and G:F in CPmedium. Supplementation of protease was associated with lower inflammatory responses of broilers fed SBM-based diets (CPmedium or CPhigh) and improved the efficiency of CSM use when the ratio of lysine-to-protein was 5.5%.

Sambucus williamsii Hance: A comprehensive review of traditional uses, processing specifications, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics.

OBJECTIVE: Sambucus williamsii Hance, belonging to the Sambucus L. family (Viburnaceae), possesses medicinal properties in its roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits. It is recognized for its ability to facilitate bone reunion, enhance blood circulation, remove stasis, and dispel wind and dampness. This traditional Chinese medicine holds significant potential for development and practical use. Hence, this paper offers an in-depth review of S. williamsii, covering traditional uses, processing guidelines, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics, aiming to serve as a reference for its further development and utilization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Information for this study was gathered from various books, bibliographic databases, and literature sources such as Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Baidu Scholar, VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, and Wanfang Data. RESULTS: Phytochemical investigations have identified approximately 238 compounds within the root bark, stem branches, leaves, and fruits of S. williamsii. These compounds encompass flavonoids, sugars, glycosides, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids, phenols, phenolic glycosides, and other chemical constituents, with phenylpropanoids being the most prevalent. S. williamsii exhibits a wide range of pharmacological effects, particularly in promoting osteogenesis and fracture healing. CONCLUSION: This comprehensive review delves into the traditional uses, processing guidelines, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics of S. williamsii. It provides valuable insights into this plant, which will prove beneficial for future research involving S. williamsii.

Iron-electrolysis assisted anammox/denitrification system for intensified nitrate removal and phosphorus recovery in low-strength wastewater treatment.

Two iron-electrolysis assisted anammox/denitrification (EAD) systems, including the suspended sludge reactor (ESR) and biofilm reactor (EMR) were constructed for mainstream wastewater treatment, achieving 84.51±4.38 % and 87.23±3.31 % of TN removal efficiencies, respectively. Sludge extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) analysis, cell apoptosis detection and microbial analysis demonstrated that the strengthened cell lysate/apoptosis and EPS production acted as supplemental carbon sources to provide new ecological niches for heterotrophic bacteria. Therefore, NO3--N accumulated intrinsically during anammox reaction was reduced. The rising cell lysis and apoptosis in the ESR induced the decline of anammox and enzyme activities. In contrast, this inhibition was scavenged in EMR because of the more favorable environment and the significant increase in EPS. Moreover, ESR and EMR achieved efficient phosphorus removal (96.98±5.24 % and 96.98±4.35 %) due to the continued release of Fe2+ by the in-situ corrosion of iron anodes. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated that vivianite was the dominant P recovery product in EAD systems. The anaerobic microenvironment and the abundant EPS in the biofilm system showed essential benefits in the mineralization of vivianite.

The material basis of bitter constituents in Carbonized Typhae Pollen, based on the integration strategy of constituent analysis, taste sensing system and molecular docking.

The discovery of bitter constituents is of great significance to the exploration of medicinal substances for they have potential physiological effects. Carbonized Typhae Pollen (CTP), which is a typical example of carbonized Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has a bitter taste and hemostatic effect after carbonized processing. The objective of this study is to elucidate the material basis of bitter constituents in CTP. Firstly, the constituents of CTP extracts with 7 different solvents were characterized by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. Then, multivariate statistical analysis was used to visualize the CTP extracts from 7 solvents. A total of 37 constituents were tentatively identified and 17 constituents were considered as the key constituents in differentiating 7 different solvent extracts. Subsequently, the bitter evaluation of extracts from different polar parts was investigated by using an electronic tongue. As a result, the order of bitterness of the extracts was as follows: ethanol > methanol > water > n-butyl alcohol > petroleum ether > butyl acetate > isopropanol. There were statistically significant differences in the bitter degree of extracts. By correlation analysis of bitter information and chemical constituents with partial least squares regression (PLSR), 8 potential bitterness constituents were discovered, including phenylalanine, valine, chlorogenic acid, isoquercitrin, palmitic acid, citric acid, quercetin-3-O-(2-α-L-rhamnosyl)-rutinoside, and typhaneoside. Additionally, molecular docking analysis was conducted to reveal the interaction of these constituents with the bitter taste receptor. The docking result showed that these constituents could be embedded well into the active pocket of T2R46 and had significant affinity interactions with critical amino acid residues by forming hydrogen bonds. This study provided a reliable theoretical basis for future research on biological activity of bitterness substances.

Polygonum ciliinerve (Nakai) Ohwi: a review of its botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and toxicology.

Polygonum ciliinerve (Nakai) Ohwi is a perennial twining vine plant from the Polygonaceae family, which is a Chinese herbal medicine with great value for development and utilization. The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic review of the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology of Polygonum ciliinerve (Nakai) Ohwi, as well as an outlook on the future research directions and development prospects of the plant. Data on Polygonum ciliinerve (Nakai) Ohwi were obtained from different databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Baidu Academic, Wanfang Database, Google Academic, PubMed, Web of Science, SpringerLink, Wiley; books; standards; and Ph.D. and MSc theses. So far, 86 compounds have been identified from Polygonum ciliinerve (Nakai) Ohwi, including anthraquinones, stilbenes, flavonoids, tannins, chromogenic ketones, organic acids and esters, lignans, isobenzofurans, alkaloids, naphthols, and others. Studies have found that Polygonum ciliinerve (Nakai) Ohwi has a wide range of pharmacological effects, including antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic, antitumor, immunomodulatory, hypoglycemic, and antioxidant effects. Clinically, Polygonum ciliinerve (Nakai) Ohwi is very effective in the treatment of gastritis and chronic gastritis. Based on its traditional use, chemical composition, and pharmacological activity, Polygonum ciliinerve (Nakai) Ohwi is a promising source of natural medicine in drug development.