Pueraria lobata antioxidant extract ameliorates non-alcoholic fatty liver by altering hepatic fat accumulation and oxidative stress.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Pueraria lobata is essential medicinal and edible homologous plants widely cultivated in Asian countries. Therefore, P. lobata is widely used in the food, health products and pharmaceutical industries and have significant domestic and international market potential and research value. P. lobata has remarkable biological activities in protecting liver, relieving alcoholism, antioxidation, anti-tumor and anti-inflammation in clinic. However, the potential mechanism of ethyl acetate extract of Pueraria lobata after 70% alcohol extraction (APL) ameliorating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has not been clarified. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to investigate the ameliorative effect of P. lobata extract on human hepatoma cells and injury in rats, and to evaluate its therapeutic potential for ameliorating NAFLD. METHODS: Firstly, the effective part of P. lobata extract was determined as APL by measuring its total substances and antioxidant activity. And then the in vitro and in vivo models of NAFLD were adopted., HepG2 cells were incubated with palmitic acid (PA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In order to evaluate the effect of APL, Simvastatin and Vitamin C (VC) were used as positive control. Various parameters related to lipogenesis and fatty acid ß-oxidation were studied, such as intracellular lipid accumulation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), Western Blot, mitochondrial membrane potential, apoptosis, and the mechanism of APL improving NAFLD. The chemical components of APL were further determined by HPLC and UPLC-MS, and molecular docking was carried out with Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway related proteins. RESULTS: APL significantly reduced lipid accumulation and levels of oxidative stress-related factors in vitro and in vivo. Immunohistochemical、Western Blot and PCR analysis showed that the expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 were up-regulated in APL treatment. The Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 can block the rescue by APL of cellular oxidative stress and lipid accumulation induced by H2O2 and PA, demonstrating its dependence on Nrf2. UPLC/MS analysis showed that there were 3'-hydroxyl puerarin, puerarin, 3'-methoxy puerarin, daidzein, genistin, ononin, daidzin and genistein. CONCLUSION: This study further clarified the mechanism of P. lobata extract in improving NAFLD, which provided a scientific basis for developing new drugs to protect liver injury and laid a solid foundation for developing P. lobata Chinese herbal medicine resources.

Delivering Integrated Community Care for the Elderly: A Qualitative Case Study in Southern China.

The rapid aging and increasing care demands among the elderly population present challenges to China's health and social care system. The concept of aging in place has prompted the implementation of integrated community care (ICC) in the country. This study aims to provide empirical insights into the practices of integrated care policies and approaches at the community level. Data for this study were collected through six months of participatory observations at a local community health service center in a southern Chinese city. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the multidisciplinary community care team to gather frontline formal caregiver perceptions of ICC, thereby facilitating a better understanding of the obstacles and opportunities. Qualitative analysis revealed four themes: the ICC delivery model and development strategies within the community care scheme, the person-centered guiding principle, and the challenges and struggles encountered by formal caregivers within China's current ICC system. The case study presented herein serves as a notable example of the pivotal role of primary care in the successful implementation of elderly care within a community setting. The adoption of a private organization-led approach to medico-social integration care in the community holds significant potential as a service delivery model for effectively addressing a wide range of elderly care issues.

Structural properties of Kudzu protein enzymatic hydrolysate and its repair effect on HepG2 cells damaged by H2O2 oxidation.

We investigated the structural properties, foaming capacity and foaming stability, antioxidant activity, and amino acid composition of Kudzu protein (KP) and Kudzu protein hydrolysate (KPH). The peptide sequence of KPH was analyzed using ultra performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), and the binding ability of the peptide sequence to Keap1 was predicted through molecular docking simulations. The electrophoresis and molecular weight distribution analysis results showed that the molecular weight of KPH was significantly lower than that of KP, with a mean molecular weight of approximately 2000-5000 Da. The structures and properties were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, relative fluorescence, and circular dichroism. The results showed that KP exposed a large number of hydrophobic groups after enzymatic hydrolysis, and its structure changed from α-helical to random coils. KPH has a higher foaming capacity (200%) and foaming stability (97.5%) than KP, which may be related to the change in structure. These results indicate that moderate hydrolysis can improve the functional properties of KP, providing a new opportunity for its application as a food ingredient. The antioxidant assay results showed that KP and KPH had a good hydroxyl radical, superoxide anion, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) scavenging capacity and a high reducing capacity. KPH exerted better antioxidant effects than KP. The scavenging rates for DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl radicals, and superoxide anions were 89.31%, 93.14%, 85.74%, and 58.29%, respectively, and its reducing capacity was 2.191, which may be related to the increase in amino acids with antioxidant activity after enzymolysis. In vitro, KP and KPH could significantly repair H2O2-induced oxidative damage in HepG2 cells, reduce the apoptosis rate, activate the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway, reduce the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde after oxidative damage, increase the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione (GSH) peroxidase, and increase the content of GSH and the total antioxidant capacity. Twenty-one peptide components were identified in KPH using UPLC-MS/MS, and the binding ability of 21 peptide components to Keap1 was analyzed through molecular docking technology. The results showed that all 21 peptides in KPH had good antioxidant activity, and real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis was conducted to further explain the high antioxidant activity of KPH at the genetic level. These results show that KP and KPH are suitable for preparing antioxidant foods and related health foods to prevent oxidation-related diseases. KPH has more beneficial effects than KP.

Simple Preparation of LaPO4:Ce, Tb Phosphors by an Ionic-Liquid-Driven Supported Liquid Membrane System.

In this work, LaPO4:Ce, Tb phosphors were prepared by firing a LaPO4:Ce, Tb precipitate using an ionic-liquid-driven supported liquid membrane system. The entire system consisted of three parts: a mixed rare earth ion supply phase, a phosphate supply phase, and an ionic-liquid-driven supporting liquid membrane phase. This method showed the advantages of a high flux, high efficiency, and more controllable reaction process. The release rate of PO43- from the liquid film under different types of ionic liquid, the ratio of the rare earth ions in the precursor mixture, and the structure, morphology, and photoluminescence properties of LaPO4:Ce, Tb were investigated by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectra, scanning electron microscopy, and photoluminescence emission spectra methods. The results showed that a pure phase of lanthanum orthophosphate with a monoclinic structure can be formed. Due to differences in the anions in the rare earth supply phase, the prepared phosphors showed micro-spherical (when using rare earth sulfate as the raw material) and nanoscale stone-shape (when using rare earth nitrate as the raw material) morphologies. Moreover, the phosphors prepared by this method had good luminescent properties, reaching a maximum emission intensity under 277 nm excitation with a predominant green emission at 543 nm which corresponded to the 5D4-7F5 transition of Tb3+.

Expression of fascin_1 protein in cancer tissues of patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer and its relevance to patients' clinicopathologic features and prognosis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to explore the expression of Fascin_1 protein in cancer tissues of patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its relevance to patients' clinicopathologic features and prognosis. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was performed on 81 patients with NSCLC who were admitted to our hospital and received surgical treatment from February 2012 to March 2016. To analyze the correlation of Fascin_1 protein expression in cancer tissues with the clinicopathologic features and prognosis of the patients, the immuno-histochemical method was applied to examine Fascin_1 protein expression in cancer and normal paracarcinoma tissues of the included 81 NSCLC patients. RESULTS: Fascin_1 protein was diffused in cancer tissues, and cancer cells surrounding the carcinoma lesions were strongly stained. The protein was mainly located on the cytoplast or membrane of positive cells and manifested as a focal or diffuse brown granular distribution. The negative, weakly positive, and strongly positive expression rates in cancer tissues were 23.5% (19/81), 35.8% (29/81), and 40.7% (33/81), respectively. The negative, weakly positive, and strongly positive expression rates in paracarcinoma tissues were 71.6% (58/81), 12.3% (10/81), and 16% (13/81), respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05), and the positive expression rate of Fascin_1 in cancer tissues was significantly higher than that of in paracarcinoma tissues (P < 0.05). The positive expression of Fascin_1 in cancer tissues was significantly correlated with the neoplasm stage (P < 0.05) and mediastinal lymph node metastases (P < 0.05); however, it was not relevant to the patients' age, gender, tumor size, pathological type, tumor grading, or pleural effusion (P > 0.05). The median survival times for patients with positive Fascin_1 and negative Fascin_1 expression in cancer tissues were 26 and 44 months, respectively, indicating that the median survival time of the Fascin_1-positive group was significantly lower than that of in the Fascin_1-negative group (heart rate = 2.74, 95% confidence interval: 1.32-6.87, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Fascin_1 protein expression in NSCLC tissues and normal paracarcinoma issues were different. Fascin_1 expression in cancer tissues was related to the poor prognosis of NSCLC patients.

Synthesis of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes/TiO2 Composite and Its Photocatalytic Activity.

TiO2 particles coated Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT/TiO2 composite) were prepared via a sol-gel method using Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and tetrabutyl titanate as raw materials. The phase constitutes and microstructures of the prepared composite were analyzed by XRD and TEM, respectively. Their photocatalytic activities were investigated under simulated ultra-violet light and visible-light irradiation for the degradation of methyl orange (MO) and methylene blue (MB) aqueous solution, respectively. The experimental results indicated that TiO2 calcined at temperatures of 400-600 degrees C in the MWCNT/TiO2 composite was mainly composed of nanometric anatase. The composite exhibited enhanced absorption properties in the visible-light region compared to pure TiO2, which was attributed to the enhanced light electron-hole separation by adding MWCNTs.

Uniaxial Compressive Constitutive Relationship of Concrete Confined by Special-Shaped Steel Tube Coupled with Multiple Cavities.

A method is presented to predict the complete stress-strain curves of concrete subjected to triaxial stresses, which were caused by axial load and lateral force. The stress can be induced due to the confinement action inside a special-shaped steel tube having multiple cavities. The existing reinforced confined concrete formulas have been improved to determine the confinement action. The influence of cross-sectional shape, of cavity construction, of stiffening ribs and of reinforcement in cavities has been considered in the model. The parameters of the model are determined on the basis of experimental results of an axial compression test for two different kinds of special-shaped concrete filled steel tube (CFT) columns with multiple cavities. The complete load-strain curves of the special-shaped CFT columns are estimated. The predicted concrete strength and the post-peak behavior are found to show good agreement within the accepted limits, compared with the experimental results. In addition, the parameters of proposed model are taken from two kinds of totally different CFT columns, so that it can be concluded that this model is also applicable to concrete confined by other special-shaped steel tubes.

Experimental Study on the Seismic Performance of Recycled Concrete Brick Walls Embedded with Vertical Reinforcement.

Recycled concrete brick (RCB) is manufactured by recycled aggregate processed from discarded concrete blocks arising from the demolishing of existing buildings. This paper presents research on the seismic performance of RCB masonry walls to assess the applicability of RCB for use in rural low-rise constructions. The seismic performance of a masonry wall is closely related to the vertical load applied to the wall. Thus, the compressive performance of RCB masonry was investigated firstly by constructing and testing eighteen RCB masonry compressive specimens with different mortar strengths. The load-bearing capacity, deformation and failure characteristic were analyzed, as well. Then, a quasi-static test was carried out to study the seismic behavior of RCB walls by eight RCB masonry walls subjected to an axial compressive load and a reversed cyclic lateral load. Based on the test results, equations for predicting the compressive strength of RCB masonry and the lateral ultimate strength of an RCB masonry wall were proposed. Experimental values were found to be in good agreement with the predicted values. Meanwhile, finite element analysis (FEA) and parametric analysis of the RCB walls were carried out using ABAQUS software. The elastic-plastic deformation characteristics and the lateral load-displacement relations were studied.

The Fire Resistance Performance of Recycled Aggregate Concrete Columns with Different Concrete Compressive Strengths.

In order to ascertain the fire resistance performance of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) components with different concrete compressive strengths, four full-scaled concrete columns were designed and tested under high temperature. Two of the four specimens were constructed by normal concrete with compressive strength ratings of C20 and C30, respectively, while the others were made from recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) concrete of C30 and C40, respectively. Identical constant axial forces were applied to specimens while being subjected to simulated building fire conditions in a laboratory furnace. Several parameters from the experimental results were comparatively analyzed, including the temperature change, vertical displacement, lateral deflection, fire endurance, and failure characteristics of specimens. The temperature field of specimens was simulated with ABAQUS Software (ABAQUS Inc., Provindence, RI, USA) and the results agreed quite well with those from the experiments. Results show that the rate of heat transfer from the surface to the interior of the column increases with the increase of the concrete's compressive strength for both RAC columns and normal concrete columns. Under the same initial axial force ratio, for columns with the same cross section, those with lower concrete compressive strengths demonstrate better fire resistance performance. The fire resistance performance of RAC columns is better than that of normal concrete columns, with the same concrete compressive strength.

Clinical observations on curative effect of TCM massage on dyssomnia of infants.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the curative effect of TCM massage on difficulty in falling asleep, waking during night and other sleep disorder of infants. METHODS: The 51 outpatients were treated by basic recipe for massage treatment and modified recipe according to syndromes. RESULTS: The total Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) score 3.2800 +/- 1.5784 after treatment is lower than 9.2400 +/- 1.4286 before treatment (P < 0.01), there is statistical difference in AIS scores before and after treatment. CONCLUSION: TCM massage can remarkably improve sleep condition of infants with dyssomnia.

Forty-six cases of the nerve root-involved cervical spondylopathy treated by needling the "Sitian" points.

In order to investigate the analgesic effect of needling at "Sitian" points for the nerve root-involved cervical spondylopathy, 68 cases of the nerve root-involved cervical spondylopathy were randomly divided into a treatment group of 46 cases treated by needling at "Sitian" points, and a control group of 22 cases treated by needling at cervical Jiaji points. After 2 therapeutic courses, the therapeutic effects were evaluated by using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the semeiographic format. The results showed that the markedly effective rate was 78.3% and 54.5%, respectively in the treatment group and the control group, and the difference between the two groups was of significance (P<0.05). It can be concluded that needling at "Sitian" points can bring about a better therapeutic effect on the improvement of clinical symptoms, physical signs and pain than that of the needling at the cervical Jiaji points.