Molecular structure and characterization of the Thermochromatium tepidum light-harvesting 1 photocomplex produced in a foreign host.

Purple phototrophic bacteria possess light-harvesting 1 and reaction center (LH1-RC) core complexes that play a key role in converting solar energy to chemical energy. High-resolution structures of LH1-RC and RC complexes have been intensively studied and have yielded critical insight into the architecture and interactions of their proteins, pigments, and cofactors. Nevertheless, a detailed picture of the structure and assembly of LH1-only complexes is lacking due to the intimate association between LH1 and the RC. To study the intrinsic properties and structure of an LH1-only complex, a genetic system was constructed to express the Thermochromatium (Tch.) tepidum LH1 complex heterologously in a modified Rhodospirillum rubrum mutant strain. The heterologously expressed Tch. tepidum LH1 complex was isolated in a pure form free of the RC and exhibited the characteristic absorption properties of Tch. tepidum. Cryo-EM structures of the LH1-only complexes revealed a closed circular ring consisting of either 14 or 15 αß-subunits, making it the smallest completely closed LH1 complex discovered thus far. Surprisingly, the Tch. tepidum LH1-only complex displayed even higher thermostability than that of the native LH1-RC complex. These results reveal previously unsuspected plasticity of the LH1 complex, provide new insights into the structure and assembly of the LH1-RC complex, and show how molecular genetics can be exploited to study membrane proteins from phototrophic organisms whose genetic manipulation is not yet possible.

Anion/Cation Co-Doping to Improve the Thermoelectric Performance of Sn-Enriched n-Type SnSe Polycrystals with Suppressed Lattice Thermal Conductivity.

Enhancing the thermoelectric performance of n-type polycrystalline SnSe is essential, addressing challenges posed by elevated thermal conductivity and compromised power factor inherent in its intrinsic p-type characteristics. This investigation utilized solid-state reactions and spark plasma sintering techniques for the synthesis of n-type SnSe. A significant improvement in the figure of merit (ZT) is achieved through strategic reduction in Se concentration and optimization of crystal orientation. The co-doping with Br and Ge further improves the material; Br amplifies carrier concentration, enhancing electrical conductivity, while Ge introduces effective phonon scattering centers. In the Br/Ge co-doped SnSe sample, thermal conductivity dropped to 0.38 Wm⁻¹K⁻¹, yielding a remarkable power factor of 662 µW mK- 2 at 773 K, culminating in a ZT of 1.34. This signifies a noteworthy 605% improvement over the pristine sample, underscoring the pivotal role of Ge doping in enhancing n-type material thermoelectric properties. The enhancement is attributed to Br doping introducing additional electronic states near the valence band, and Ge doping modifying the band structure, fostering resonant states near the conduction band. The Br/Ge co-doping further transforms the band structure, influencing electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, and thermal conductivity, advancing the understanding and application of n-type SnSe materials for superior thermoelectric performance.

P2X7 receptor is essential for ST36-attenuated cardiac fibrosis upon beta-adrenergic insult.

P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) plays an important role in modulating inflammation and fibrosis, but information is limited whether Zusanli (ST36) can inhibit inflammation and fibrosis by regulating P2X7R. Isoprenaline at 5 mg/kg was subcutaneously injected to wild-type and P2X7R knockout mice for 7 days, while treatment groups received electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation at ST36 for 7 sessions. Following 7-session treatment, Masson's trichrome staining was performed to assess the fibrosis. Morphology, electrocardiogram, and echocardiography were carried out to evaluate the cardiac function and structure. Western blotting, hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, and biochemical analysis of inflammatory cytokine and transmission electron microscopy were carried out to characterize the effect of ST36 on inflammation. P2X7R was overexpressed in ISO-treated mice. EA at ST36, but not at non-points, reduced ISO-induced cardiac fibrosis, increases in HW/BW, R+S wave relative to mice in ISO groups. In addition, EA at ST36 downregulated ISO-upregulated P2X7R and NLRP3 in ventricle. Moreover, EA reduced cytokines of IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-18 in serum, and inhibited foam cell gathering, inflammatory cell infiltration, and autophagy. However, EA at ST36 failed to attenuate the cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy in P2X7R knockout mice. In conclusion, EA at ST36 attenuated ISO-induced fibrosis possibly via P2X7R.

Angelicin: A leading culprit involved in fructus Psoraleae liver injury via inhibition of VKORC1.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The adverse effects of Fructus Psoraleae (FP), especially liver injury, have attracted wide attention in recent years. AIM OF THE STUDY: To establish a system to explore potential hepatotoxic targets and the chief culprit of liver injury based on clinical experience, network pharmacological method, molecular docking, and in vitro and in vivo experiments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical applications and adverse reactions to FP were obtained from public literatures. Components absorbed in the blood were selected as candidates to search for potential active targets (PATs) of FP. Subsequently, potential pharmacological core targets (PPCTs) were screened through the "drug targets-disease targets" network. Non-drug active targets (NPATs) were obtained by subtracting the PPCTs from the PATs. The potential hepatotoxic targets (PHTs) of FP were the intersection targets obtained from Venn analysis using NPATs, hepatotoxic targets, and adverse drug reaction (ADR) targets provided by the databases. Then, potential hepatotoxic components and targets were obtained using the "NPATS-component" network relationship. Molecular docking and in vitro and in vivo hepatotoxicity experiments were performed to verify the targets and related components. RESULTS: Overall, 234 NPATs were acquired from our analysis, and 6 targets were identified as PHTs. Results from molecular docking and in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that angelicin is the leading cause of liver injury in FP, and VKORC1 plays an important role. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that six targets, especially VKORC1, are associated with the PHTs of FP, and angelicin is the leading culprit involved in FP liver injury via inhibition of VKORC1.

The association between blood lipids and cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: The study was performed to explore the association between blood lipids and cognitive impairment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: This study included 336 patients with T2DM. Relevant clinical data including total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B were collected, and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score were used to assess the cognitive function in patients with T2DM. RESULTS: Serum apolipoprotein A1 levels were significantly increased in T2DM patients with cognitive impairment compared with T2DM patients without cognitive impairment (p = 0.017). Serum apolipoprotein A1 levels were significantly negatively correlated with MoCA score (r = - 0.143, p = 0.009) and MMSE score (r = - 0.132, p = 0.016) in patients with T2DM. In multivariable-adjusted regression model, serum apolipoprotein A1 was independently associated with cognitive impairment in patients with T2DM (OR = 5.201, p = 0.024). CONCLUSION: Serum apolipoprotein A1 is associated with cognitive impairment in patients with T2DM, but not TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, and apolipoprotein B, indicating that increased serum apolipoprotein A1 may be a risk factor of cognitive impairment in patients with T2DM.

Monogenic Diabetes with GATA6 Mutations: Characterization of a Novel Family and a Comprehensive Analysis of the GATA6 Clinical and Genetics Traits.

Monogenic diabetes caused by GATA6 mutations were almost described as neonatal diabetes, and the phenotypic spectrum has expanded since then. Our study underscores the broad phenotypic spectrum by reporting a de novo GATA6 mutation in a family. Furthermore, we reviewed related literature to summarize the clinical and genetic characteristics of monogenic diabetes with GATA6 mutations (n = 39) in order to improve clinicians' understanding of the disease. We conclude that the GATA6 missense mutation (c. 749G > T, p. Gly250Val) is not reported presently, characterized by adult-onset diabetes with pancreatic dysplasia and located in transcriptional activation region. Carries with GATA6 mutations (n = 55) have a variable spectrum of diabetes, ranging from neonatal (72.7%), childhood-onset (20%) to adults-onset (7.5%). 83.5% of patients with abnormal pancreatic development. Heart and hepatobillary defects are the most common abnormalities of extrapancreatic features. Most mutations with GATA6 are loss of function (LOF, 71.8%) and located in functional region. Functional studies mostly support loss-of-function as the pathophysiological mechanism. In conclusion, there are various types of diabetes with GATA6 mutations, which can also occur in adult diabetes. Phenotypic defects with GATA6 mutations are most frequently malformations of pancreas and heart. This highlights the importance of comprehensive clinical evaluation of identified carriers to evaluate their full phenotypic spectrum.

[Comparative study of purgative pharmacological effects and mechanisms of Moringa oleifera leaves and Rhei Radix et Rhizoma].

Moringa oleifera leaves are known for their "Virechana"(purgative) effect in Ayurvedic medicine in India. This study compared the purgative effects and mechanisms of M. oleifera leaves with the reference Rhei Radix et Rhizoma to establish a foundation for the further application of M. oleifera leaves in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). Using network pharmacology and molecular docking methods, this study identified the material basis, common targets, and signaling pathways through which Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and M. oleifera leaves exerted their purgative pharmacological effects. A low-fiber diet-induced constipation mouse model was established to measure fecal parameters and small intestinal propulsion rate, and histological changes in the colon were observed using HE staining. Relative expression levels of relevant genes and target proteins were assessed using RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The results showed that mapping the targets of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and M. oleifera leaves onto the biological process network of constipation revealed close proximity, indicating that they may exert their therapeutic effects on constipation through similar biological processes. Molecular docking results indicated that compounds such as sennoside C and isoquercitrin could target serine/threonine protein kinases(AKT1) and mitogen-activated protein kinase 3(MAPK3), thereby affecting MAPK and calcium signaling pathways to promote defecation. Animal experiments demonstrated that both M. oleifera leaves and Rhei Radix et Rhizoma increased the number of fecal pellets and water content in constipated mice, improved small intestine motility, colon mucosal thickness, and muscle layer thickness, upregulated the gene expression levels of AKT1 and MAPK3 in the colon, and downregulated the expression of AQP3 protein. These findings suggest that M. oleifera leaves and Rhei Radix et Rhizoma share similarities in their therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms for treating constipation. Using Rhei Radix et Rhizoma as a reference can provide a better understanding of the characteristics of the "Virechana"(purgative) effect of M. oleifera leaves in TCM.

High-Performance Thermoelectric Flexible Ag2Se-Based Films with Wave-Shaped Buckling via a Thermal Diffusion Method.

Herein, an n-type Ag2Se thermoelectric flexible thin film has been fabricated on a polyimide (PI) substrate via a novel thermal diffusion method, and the thermoelectric performance is well-optimized by adjusting the pressure and temperature of thermal diffusion. All of the Ag2Se films are beneficial to grow (013) preferred orientations, which is conducive to performing a high Seebeck coefficient. By increasing the thermal diffusion temperature, the electrical conductivity can be rationally regulated while maintaining the independence of the Seebeck coefficient, which is mainly attributed to the increased electric mobility. As a result, the fabricated Ag2Se thin film achieves a high power factor of 18.25 µW cm-1 K-2 at room temperature and a maximum value of 21.7 µW cm-1 K-2 at 393 K. Additionally, the thermal diffusion method has resulted in a wave-shaped buckling, which is further verified as a promising structure to realize a larger temperature difference by the simulation results of finite element analysis (FEA). Additionally, this unique surface morphology of the Ag2Se thin film also exhibits outstanding mechanical properties, for which the elasticity modulus is only 0.42 GPa. Finally, a flexible round-shaped module assembled with Sb2Te3 has demonstrated an output power of 166 nW at a temperature difference of 50 K. This work not only introduces a new method of preparing Ag2Se thin films but also offers a convincing strategy of optimizing the microstructure to enhance low-grade heat utilization efficiency.

Efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture for secondary constipation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Secondary constipation refers to constipation that occurs after certain diseases or medications, such as acute stroke or opioids, and the efficacy of electroacupuncture for secondary constipation is controversial. So, this study aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture for secondary constipation through a meta-analysis and systematic review. METHOD: We retrieved articles from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases up to 28 February 2023. The study was screened strictly according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Revman5.4 was used for quality evaluation; grade rating was used for index evaluation, and stata15.0 was used for data consolidation analysis. RESULT: Thirteen randomized controlled studies, involving a total of 1437 people (722 electroacupuncture and 715 control groups), were included in this review. Meta-analysis results indicated that electroacupuncture significantly improved constipation overall response (RR = 1.31, 95%CI: 1.11, 1.55, P < 0.001), reduced defecation straining score (MD = - 0.46, 95%CI: - 0.67, - 0.251, P < 0.001), increased weekly complete spontaneous bowel movements (MD = 0.41, 95%CI: 0.20, 0.63, P = 0.002), and increased in the weekly spontaneous bowel movements (MD = 0.80, 95%CI (0.49, 01.11), P < 0.001), and electroacupuncture had no effect on change stool consistency score compared (MD = - 0.03, 95%CI (- 0.38, 0.33), P = 0.88) and did not increase adverse events (RR = 0.50, 95%CI: 0.18, 1.44, P = 0.20). CONCLUSION: According to the current studies, the overall relief rate of patients with secondary constipation after electroacupuncture treatment was improved, the defecation pressure score was reduced, the weekly natural defecation was more complete, and adverse reactions were not increased. Electroacupuncture therefore shows potential for treating constipation, but more high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings.

A New Pathway for the Synthesis of Ketones from Aldehydes and Sulfonylhydrazones: Is Diazo the Key Intermediate?

A new pathway via a cyclic intermediate for the synthesis of ketones from aldehydes and sulfonylhydrazone derivatives under basic conditions is proposed. Several control experiments were performed along with analysis of the mass spectra and in-situ IR spectra of the reaction mixture. Inspired by the new mechanism, an efficient and scalable method for homologation of aldehydes to ketones was developed. A wide variety of target ketones were obtained in yields of 42-95 % by simply heating the 3-(trifluoromethyl)benzene sulfonylhydrazones (3-(Tfsyl)hydrazone) for 2 h at 110 °C with aldehydes and with K2 CO3 and DMSO as base and solvent, respectively.

Asymmetric gradient orbital interaction of hetero-diatomic active sites for promoting C - C coupling.

Diatomic-site catalysts (DACs) garner tremendous attention for selective CO2 photoreduction, especially in the thermodynamical and kinetical mechanism of CO2 to C2+ products. Herein, we first engineer a novel Zn-porphyrin/RuCu-pincer complex DAC (ZnPor-RuCuDAC). The heteronuclear ZnPor-RuCuDAC exhibits the best acetate selectivity (95.1%), while the homoatomic counterparts (ZnPor-Ru2DAC and ZnPor-Cu2DAC) present the best CO selectivity. In-situ spectroscopic measurements reveal that the heteronuclear Ru-Cu sites easily appear C1 intermediate coupling. The in-depth analyses confirm that due to the strong gradient orbital coupling of Ru4d-Cu3d resonance, two formed *CO intermediates of Ru-Cu heteroatom show a significantly weaker electrostatic repulsion for an asymmetric charge distribution, which result from a side-to-side absorption and narrow dihedral angle distortion. Moreover, the strongly overlapped Ru/Cu-d and CO molecular orbitals split into bonding and antibonding orbitals easily, resulting in decreasing energy splitting levels of C1 intermediates. These results collectively augment the collision probability of the two *CO intermediates on heteronuclear DACs. This work first provides a crucial perspective on the symmetry-forbidden coupling mechanism of C1 intermediates on diatomic sites.

Combined computational analysis and cytology show limited depth osteogenic effect on bone defects in negative pressure wound therapy.

Background: The treatment of bone defects remains a clinical challenge. The effect of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) on osteogenesis in bone defects has been recognized; however, bone marrow fluid dynamics under negative pressure (NP) remain unknown. In this study, we aimed to examine the marrow fluid mechanics within trabeculae by computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and to verify osteogenic gene expression, osteogenic differentiation to investigate the osteogenic depth under NP. Methods: The human femoral head is scanned using micro-CT to segment the volume of interest (VOI) trabeculae. The VOI trabeculae CFD model simulating the bone marrow cavity is developed by combining the Hypermesh and ANSYS software. The effect of trabecular anisotropy is investigated, and bone regeneration effects are simulated under NP scales of -80, -120, -160, and -200 mmHg. The working distance (WD) is proposed to describe the suction depth of the NP. Finally, gene sequence analysis, cytological experiments including bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) proliferation and osteogenic differentiation are conducted after the BMSCs are cultured under the same NP scale. Results: The pressure, shear stress on trabeculae, and marrow fluid velocity decrease exponentially with an increase in WD. The hydromechanics of fluid at any WD inside the marrow cavity can be theoretically quantified. The NP scale significantly affects the fluid properties, especially those fluid close to the NP source; however, the effect of the NP scale become marginal as WD deepens. Anisotropy of trabecular structure coupled with the anisotropic hydrodynamic behavior of bone marrow; An NP of -120 mmHg demonstrates the majority of bone formation-related genes, as well as the most effective proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs compared to the other NP scales. Conclusion: An NP of -120 mmHg may have the optimal activated ability to promote osteogenesis, but the effective WD may be limited to a certain depth. These findings help improve the understanding of fluid mechanisms behind NPWT in treating bone defects.

Gastric ectopic pancreas combined with synchronous multiple early gastric cancer: A rare case report.

BACKGROUND: A large percentage of patients with ectopic pancreas are asymptomatic. When present, the symptoms are typically non-specific. These lesions are predominantly located in the stomach and benign in nature. Synchronous multiple early gastric cancer (SMEGC) (two or more simultaneous malignant lesions with early gastric cancer) is relatively rare and particularly easy to overlook during endoscopic examination. The prognosis of SMEGC is generally poor. We report a rare case of ectopic pancreas with concomitant SMEGC. CASE SUMMARY: A 74-year-old woman presented with paroxysmal upper abdominal pain. On initial investigations, she tested positive for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). She underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy which revealed a 1.5 cm × 2 cm major lesion at the greater curvature and a 1 cm minor lesion at the lesser curvature of the stomach. On endoscopic ultrasound, the major lesion showed hypoechoic changes, uneven internal echoes and unclear boundaries between some areas and the muscularis propria. Endoscopic submucosal dissection was performed to excise the minor lesion. A laparoscopic resection was chosen for the major lesion. On histopathological examination, the major lesion contained high grade intraepithelial neoplasia with a small focus of cancer. A separate underlying ectopic pancreas was found under this lesion. The minor lesion contained high grade intraepithelial neoplasia. In this case, the patient was diagnosed with SMEGC with concomitant ectopic pancreas in the stomach. CONCLUSION: Patients with atrophy, H. pylori, and other risk factors should be carefully investigated to avoid missing other lesions including SMEGC and ectopic pancreas.

Screening of Lymphoma Radiotherapy-Resistant Genes with CRISPR Activation Library.

Objective: The objective of this study was to screen lymphoma radiotherapy-resistant genes using CRISPR activation (CRISPRa). Methods: The Human CRISPRa library virus was packaged and then transfected into lymphoma cells to construct an activation library cell line, which was irradiated at the minimum lethal radiation dose to screen radiotherapy-resistant cells. Radiotherapy-resistant cell single-guide RNA (sgRNA) was first amplified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in the coding region and then subject to next-generation sequencing (NGS) and bioinformatics analysis to screen radiotherapy-resistant genes. Certain radiotherapy-resistant genes were then selected to construct activated cell lines transfected with a single gene so as to further verify the relationship between gene expression and radiotherapy resistance. Results: A total of 16 radiotherapy-resistant genes, namely, C20orf203, MTFR1, TAF1L, MYADM, NIPSNAP1, ZUP1, RASL11A, PSMB2, PSMA6, OR8H3, TMSB4Y, CD300LF, EEF1A1, ATP6AP1L, TRAF3IP2, and SNRNP35, were screened based on the NGS results and bioinformatics analysis of the radiotherapy-resistant cells. Activated cell lines transfected with a single gene were constructed using 10 radiotherapy-resistant genes. The qPCR findings showed that, when compared with the control group, the experimental group had significantly up-regulated mRNA expression of MTFR1, NIPSNAP1, ZUP1, PSMB2, PSMA6, EEF1A1, TMSB4Y and TAF1L (p < 0.05). No significant difference in the mRNA expression of AKT3 or TRAF3IP2 (p > 0.05) was found between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The 16 genes screened are potential lymphoma radiotherapy-resistant genes. It was initially determined that the high expression of 8 genes was associated with lymphoma radiotherapy resistance, and these genes could serve as the potential biomarkers for predicting lymphoma radiotherapy resistance or as new targets for therapy.

Effects of Si Substrates with Variable Initial Orientations on the Growth and Thermoelectric Properties of Bi-Sb-Te Thin Films.

For thermoelectric thin film, the substrate plays an important role during the growing process and produces effects on its thermoelectric properties. Some special kinds of substrates provide an optimal combination of influences on both the structure and thermoelectric properties. In this work, Bi-Sb-Te films are deposited on Si substrates with different initial orientations by magnetron sputtering in two ways: with and without a pre-coating process. The preferred orientations of the Bi-Sb-Te films are greatly affected by the substrates, in which the thin film tends to deposit on Si substrate with (100) initial orientation and high (015)-texture, while the (00l)-textured Bi-Sb-Te film easily deposits on Si substrate with (110) initial orientation. The experimental and theoretical calculation results indicate that Bi-Sb-Te film with (00l)-texture presents good electrical conductivity and a higher power factor than that of film with (015)-texture.

Parthenolide Attenuates Sepsis-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Rats by Reducing Inflammation.

Background: Sepsis is a common complication of severe trauma, burns, infection, or major surgery. This disease-related end-organ dysfunction results from systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Acute kidney damage (AKI), also known as acute renal failure, is one of the most frequent and serious sequelae of sepsis. Nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) regulates the transcription of inflammation-related genes and operates as a mediator in the immune system. While parthenolide (PTL) has been reported to prevent harmful inflammatory reactions, its effects on sepsis-associated AKI are unknown. The current study investigates the effects of PTL in sepsis-associated AKI using cell and cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) models. Methods: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated rat glomerular mesangial cells were treated with 10 µM PTL. Inflammatory mediators, including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß, in the culture supernatants were measured by ELISA, and NF-κB levels were assessed by qPCR. After the generation of the septic CLP model, rats were intraperitoneally injected with 500 g/kg PTL and were euthanized after 72 h. Serum and kidney samples were analyzed. Results: TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 levels were elevated after LPS treatment of rat glomerular mesangial cells (p=0.004, p=0.002, and p=0.004, respectively) but were significantly reduced in the PTL treatment group (p ≤ 0.001, p=0.01, and p ≤ 0.001). NF-κB p65 levels were also increased after LPS treatment in this group and were reduced in the PTL treatment group. PTL treatment also reduced kidney damage after CLP induction, as shown by histological analysis and reductions in the levels of BUN, Cre, KIM-1, and NAGL. CLP-induced kidney inflammation together with increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines and inflammatory-related proteins. The elevated levels of renal TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß were downregulated after PTL treatment. The PTL treatment also reduced the CLP-induced activation of NF-κB p65 in the damaged kidneys. Conclusion: PTL reduced inflammation induced by CLP-induced AKI in rat models and LPS-induced damage to glomerular mesangial cells by suppressing NF-κB signaling.

Nutritional qualities and antioxidant activity of Pleurotus floridanus grown on composted peach sawdust substrate with different composting time.

Recently, composting cultivation method is widely used in oyster mushroom production. In this study, we focused on the effects of composting processes on nutritional qualities and antioxidant activity of Pleurotus floridanus mushroom fruiting bodies. Three treatments of different composting time (2, 4, and 5 days) were performed with an atmospheric sterilization treatment as the control. The results showed that the pH value, total carbon content, and total nitrogen content of substrate were critical parameters which would significantly affect mushroom qualities and bioactivities. Fruiting bodies of the control demonstrated significantly higher crude protein content, total amino acid content, and essential amino acid content than that of composting treatments. Moreover, fruiting bodies of treatment D4 and D5 manifested significantly higher crude polysaccharide contents. Crude polysaccharide of treatment D4 represented the highest scavenging ability toward both radical 3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS·+ ) and Hydroxyl radical (OH·). It suggests that composting processes is suitable for oyster mushroom cultivation based on nutritional and antioxidant qualities of fruiting bodies.

Synthesis of 19-hydroxyprogesterone and insights into the ring-opening mechanism of the 6,19-epoxy bridge.

An efficient and scalable process for the synthesis of 19-hydroxyprogesterone was obtained through seven steps with 34.5% total yield, which is much higher than the process reported in the literature (11.0% total yield). The plausible ring-opening mechanism of 6,19-epoxy bridge in compound 7 was first proposed and the structures of intermediates were supported by the LC-MS analysis of the reaction mixture.

Regulation of Yes associated protein in diabetic nephropathy mice by Yishen Huashi Granule / 中国药理学通报

Aim To explore the protective effect of Yishen Huashi Granule (YSHS) on streptozotocin (STZ) - indueed diabetes nephropathy (DN) in mice and its possible mechanism. Methods The STZ induced DN mice model was established, which was randomly divided into model group, YSHS group and YAP inhibitor Vertepofin group, and the eontrol group was also established. The intervention was started eight weeks after the successful modeling with the course of four weeks. Urine protein concentration before and after intervention in each group as well as serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (Bun) levels after intervention were measured. After the treatment, the mice were sacrificed, and the pathological changes of glomeruli were observed by light microscope HE staining. The protein expression of YAP, p-YAP S127 and CTGF were detected by Western blot, and the mRNA expressions of YAP, CTGF and podocyte functional proteins nephrin, podophyxin and WT1 were detected by RT-PCR. Results The biochemical indexes of YSHS group were better than those of model group, and HE staining showed that the pathological injury of glomeruli was improved. In the model group the protein expression of YAP, p-YAP (S127) and CTGF as well as the mRNA expression of YAP and CTGF increased, while the mRNA expression of nephrin, podocalyxin and WT1 decreased. After YSHS treatment, the protein expression of YAP, p-YAP S127, CTGF and the mRNA expression of YAP and CTGF decreased, while the mRNA expression of nephrin, podocalyxin and WT1 increased. Conclusions YSHS can reduce urinary protein, protect renal function and alleviate glomerular pathological injury in DN mice. Its possible mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of YAP in renal tissue, the reduction of CTGF expression level and the up-regulation of podocyte protein mRNA expression.

Exploring of Transformation Rule of Saponins in Polygalae Radix Before and After Processing Based on Simulated Processing Technology / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the transformation mechanism and content variation of saponins from Polygalae Radix before and after being boiled with licorice juice and water. MethodSimulated licorice juice boiled products and simulated water boiled products of onjisaponin B， onjisaponin Z， onjisaponin F， polygalasaponin ⅩⅩⅧ were prepared by simulated processing technology， and analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry（UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap/MS）. Then the contents of onjisaponin B， onjisaponin Z， onjisaponin F， polygalasaponin ⅩⅩⅧ and tenuifolin in Polygalae Radix， licorice-boiled Polygalae Radix and water-boiled Polygalae Radix were determined by UPLC-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry（UPLC-QQQ-MS/MS）. ResultDuring the boiling process with licorice juice and water， onjisaponin B could be hydrolyzed to produce 4-methoxycinnamic acid， desacylsenegin Ⅲ， polygalasaponin ⅩⅩⅧ and tenuifolin， onjisaponin Z could be hydrolyzed to produce 3，4，5-trimethoxycinnamic acid， onjisaponin TF， polygalasaponin ⅩⅩⅧ and tenuifolin， onjisaponin F could be hydrolyzed to produce 3，4，5-trimethoxycinnamic acid， onjisaponin G， polygalasaponin ⅩⅩⅧ and tenuifolin， and polygalasaponin ⅩⅩⅧ was hydrolyzed to produce tenuifolin. After being boiled with licorice juice or water， the content of onjisaponin B decreased significantly（P<0.05， P<0.01）， but the contents of onjisaponin Z， onjisaponin F， polygalasaponin ⅩⅩⅧ and tenuifolin increased significantly（P<0.05， P<0.01） in Polygalae Radix. Compared with the water-boiled products， the contents of onjisaponin Z and tenuifolin increased significantly（P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the change of tenuifolin content was the most significant in the licorice-boiled products.However， there was no significant difference in the content of onjisaponin B， onjisaponin F and polygalasaponin ⅩⅩⅧ between the water-boiled products and the licorice-boiled products. ConclusionBeing boiled with licorice juice or water can hydrolyze onjisaponin B， onjisaponin Z， onjisaponin F and polygalasaponin ⅩⅩⅧ， and generate secondary glycosides and aglycones（organic acids） through deglycosylation， which leads to obvious changes in the contents of onjisaponins after Polygalae Radix being processed.It is inferred that licorice juice can promote the hydrolysis of some onjisaponins in Polygalae Radix to onjisaponin Z and tenuifolin.This study provides an experimental basis for revealing processing mechanism of Polygalae Radix.