Bibliometric and visual analysis of photodynamic therapy for lung cancer from 2010 to 2022.

Background: A growing body of research shows that photodynamic therapy (PDT) has become an important mode of treatment in the field of lung cancer (LC) in recent years. Although numerous papers related to PDT in LC have been published, no bibliometric studies have been conducted to summarize the research prospects and highlight the research trends and hotspots in this field. This bibliometric analysis was conducted to investigate and provide a systematic understanding of the development of PDT research for LC over the past 13 years with the aim of providing a reference for new directions and strategies in the field of PDT for LC. Methods: In May 2023, relevant publications from the Web of Science Core Collection were downloaded, and CiteSpace and VOSviewer were used to conduct the scientometrics analysis in this study.Results: A total of 2,932 articles and reviews that met the inclusion criteria were retrieved, with China dominated the volume of publications from 2010 to 2022 and the most prolific institution was Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Conclusions: PDT can be utilized for the diagnosis and treat LC. Bronchoscopic fluorescence diagnosis using photosensitizers helps to detect tumor changes in the large bronchial mucosa. In the future, we should actively explore the use of new photosensitizers, including the development of nanomaterials, in addition, PDT combined with other treatments can significantly prolong survival. This combination therapy may also be the direction of future research.

Total flavonoids of Cynomorium songaricum attenuates cognitive defects in an Aß 1-42 -induced Alzheimer's disease rat model by activating BDNF/TrkB signaling transduction.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a degenerative disorder characterized by cognitive dysfunction and BDNF/TrkB is a well-conceived anti-AD signaling. Cynomorium songaricum Rupr. ( C. songaricum ) is a herb with promising neuroprotective effects and the function is majorly attributed to flavonoids. The current study attempted to explore the effects of total flavonoids of C. songaricum (CS) on AD model by focusing on changes in BDNF/TrkB axis. AD model was induced in rats via transcranial injection of Aß 1-42 and AD symptoms treated with CS of three doses. Donepezil was used as the positive control. Changes in rat memory and learning abilities, brain histological, apoptosis, production of neurotransmitters, BDNF/TrkB axis, and apoptosis-related markers were measured. The injection of Aß 1-42 induced cognitive dysfunction in AD rats. The integrity of brain tissue structure was destructed and apoptosis was induced in AD rats, in which was found the increased production of AChE and Aß 1-42 , and decreased production of ChAT, ACH. At the molecular level, the expression of BDNF, TrkB, and Bcl-2 was suppressed, while the expression of Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9 was induced. After the administration of CS, the memory and learning abilities of rats were improved, the production of neurotransmitter was restored, ordered arrangement of pyramidal cells was retained, and neuron apoptosis was inhibited. The attenuation of Aß 1-42 -indcued impairments was associated with the activation of BDNF/TrkB axis and blockade of apoptosis-related pathways. Collectively, CS can improve learning and memory abilities in Aß 1-42 -induced AD model rats. which may depend on the activation of the hippocampal BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway.

A comparative full-length transcriptomic resource provides insight into the perennial monocarpic mass flowering.

Perennial monocarpic mass flowering represents as a key developmental innovation in flowering time diversity in several biological and economical essential families, such as the woody bamboos and the shrubby Strobilanthes. However, molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying this important biodiversity remain poorly investigated. Here, we generated a full-length transcriptome resource incorporated into the BlueOmics database (http://blueomics.iflora.cn) for two Strobilanthes species, which feature contrasting flowering time behaviors. Using about 112 and 104 Gb Iso-seq reads together with ~185 and ~75 Gb strand-specific RNA seq data, we annotated 80 971 and 79 985 non-redundant full-length transcripts for the perennial polycarpic Strobilanthes tetrasperma and the perennial monocarpic Strobilanthes biocullata, respectively. In S. tetrasperma, we identified 8794 transcripts showing spatiotemporal expression in nine tissues. In leaves and shoot apical meristems at two developmental stages, 977 and 1121 transcripts were differentially accumulated in S. tetrasperma and S. biocullata, respectively. Interestingly, among the 33 transcription factors showing differential expression in S. tetrasperma but without differential expression in S. biocullata, three were involved potentially in the photoperiod and circadian-clock pathway of flowering time regulation (FAR1 RELATED SEQUENCE 12, FRS12; NUCLEAR FACTOR Y A1, NFYA1; PSEUDO-RESPONSE REGULATOR 5, PRR5), hence provides an important clue in deciphering the flowering diversity mechanisms. Our data serve as a key resource for further dissection of molecular and genetic mechanisms underpinning key biological innovations, here, the perennial monocarpic mass flowering.

Two Complete Mitochondrial Genomes of Leptobrachium (Anura: Megophryidae: Leptobrachiinae): Characteristics, Population Divergences, and Phylogenetic Implications.

The mustache toads Leptobrachium boringii and Leptobrachium liui are two attractive species in Megophryidae, in which adult males have mustache-like keratinized nuptial spines on their upper lip. However, both are under threat due to multiple factors, of which scientific studies are still very limited. In this study, two new complete mitochondrial genomes of L. boringii and L. liui were sequenced, assembled, and annotated based on next-generation sequencing. The mitogenome lengths of L. boringii and L. liui were found to be 17,100 and 17,501 bp, respectively, with both containing 13 protein coding genes, 23 tRNAs, 2 rRNAs, and 1 non-coding control region. Nucleotide diversity analyses indicate that atp8, atp6, and nad2 showed higher nucleotide diversity than cox1, cox3, and cytb. The intraspecific genetic distances among three different populations of L. boringii exceed 4%, and those between two populations of L. liui reach 7%. Phylogenetic relationships support their division into two subfamilies of Megophryidae (Leptobrachiinae and Megophryinae) as well as two species groups within Leptobrachium, corresponding to the number of keratinized nuptial spines (10-48 in the L. boringii species group vs. 2-6 in the L. liui species group). The two new mitogenomes reported in this study provide valuable data for future molecular evolutionary and conservation studies of the genus Leptobrachium and other Megophryidae toads.

Characterization, Comparison of Two New Mitogenomes of Crocodile Newts Tylototriton (Caudata: Salamandridae), and Phylogenetic Implications.

Mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) are valuable resources in molecular and evolutionary studies, such as phylogeny and population genetics. The complete mitogenomes of two crocodile newts, Tylototriton broadoridgus and Tylototriton gaowangjienensis, were sequenced, assembled, and annotated for the first time using next-generation sequencing. The complete mitogenomes of T. broadoridgus and T. gaowangjienensis were 16,265 bp and 16,259 bp in lengths, which both composed of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and 1 control region. The two mitogenomes had high A + T content with positive AT-skew and negative GC-skew patterns. The ratio of non-synonymous and synonymous substitutions showed that, relatively, the ATP8 gene evolved the fastest and COI evolved the slowest among the 13 PCGs. Phylogenetic trees from BI and ML analyses resulted in identical topologies, where the Tylototriton split into two groups corresponding to two subgenera. Both T. broadoridgus and T. gaowangjienensis sequenced here belonged to the subgenus Yaotriton, and these two species shared a tentative sister group relationship. The two mitogenomes reported in this study provided valuable data for future molecular and evolutionary studies of the genus Tylotoriton and other salamanders.

[Research hotspots and trends of Hedysari Radix: based on CiteSpace knowledge map].

This study aims to summarize the research hotspots of Hedysari Radix and predict the research trend with bibliometric methods, which is expected to serve as a reference for future research. CiteSpace V 5.8.R2 was employed for visualization of the number, authors, author affiliations, journals, funds, and keywords of the Chinese and English articles on Hedysari Radix in China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI) and Web of Science(WOS) from 2001 to 2021. A total of 693 Chinese articles and 167 English articles were finally included. According to the knowledge map, most of the articles were from China and the authors from China had a close cooperation with the related institutions in the United States and Australia. Gansu University of Chinese Medicine(288) and Lanzhou University(151) respectively came out on top of the author affiliations in the number of Chinese and English articles. The journals were mainly about Chinese medicine, mainly including Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine and Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Papers(191 in Chinese and 60 in English) funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China were the most. Keyword analysis suggested that the main research directions were pharmacological action and mechanism, component analysis, content determination, and industrialization of medicinal materials of Hedysari Radix and that the research hotspots were the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its complications, tumors, myocardial injury, liver fibrosis and other diseases with active components such as polysaccharides, ultrafiltrate, formononetin, and calycosin. The targets, signaling pathways, and genes related to the anti-tumor, heart protection, prevention and treatment of diabetes and its complications, and regulation of immunity should be further studied.

Dryopteriswulingshanensis (Dryopteridaceae), a new species from Hunan, China.

Dryopteriswulingshanensis, a new species growing on limestone in the Wulingshan Mountains, Hunan, China, is described and illustrated. This species is most similar to D.jishouensis and D.gymnophylla on general morphological traits, such as the form of scales, rhizome and sori, but differs by the number of vascular bundles at the base of the petiole, length to width ratio of lamina, stalk length of basal pinnae, division of the lamina, apex form of the pinnule and habitat. Moreover, molecular phylogenetic analysis using the chloroplast rbcL gene suggested that D.wulingshanensis, as the sister group of D.jishouensis, is a monophyletic clade. According to its restricted geographic range, small populations and few individuals, D.wulingshanensis should be considered endangered, according to the IUCN Red List criteria.

A new species of Odorrana (Anura, Ranidae) from Hunan Province, China.

A new species, Odorrana sangzhiensis sp. nov., is described, based on five specimens from Sangzhi County, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province, China. Molecular phylogenetic analyses, based on mitochondrial 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA gene sequences, strongly support the new species as a monophyletic group nested into the O. schmackeri species complex. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: (1) body size medium (SVL: 42.1-45.1 mm in males, 83.3-92.7 mm in females); (2) dorsolateral folds absent; (3) tympanum diameter 1.53 times as long as the width of the disc of finger III in females; 2.3 times in males; (4) dorsal skin green with dense granules and sparse irregular brown spots; males with several large warts on dorsum; (5) two metacarpal tubercles; (6) relative finger lengths: I ≤ II < IV < III; (7) tibiotarsal articulation beyond the tip of the snout; (8) ventral surface smooth in females; throat and chest having pale spinules in adult males; (9) dorsal limbs green or yellow green with brown transverse bands; and (10) paired external vocal sacs located at corners of the throat, finger I with light yellow nuptial pad in males. This discovery increases the number of Odorrana species to 59 and those known from China to 37.

The Protective Effect of Aesculus hippocastanum (Venoplant®) Against Concanavalin A-Induced Liver Injury.

AIM: The present study was performed to investigate the effect of Aesculus hippocastanum (AH; Venoplant®) on concanavalin A (ConA)-induced acute liver injury and explore the mechanism in mice. METHODS: ConA (20 mg/kg) was administered via tail vein injection to induce hepatic damage. The groups of AH (Venoplant®) were given at 65.8, 131.6, and 263.2 mg/kg by oral gavages for 20 days. The serum levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total protein (TP), and albumin (Alb) were determined by automatic biochemical analyzer, and the Alb/globulin (A/G) ratio was calculated. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IFN-γ levels were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The liver tissue was attained by hematoxylin and eosin, and the histopathological changes were calculated. The cell apoptosis was assayed by terminal dUTP nick-end labeling. The malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) content of liver tissue were assayed by related kits. The activity of caspase-3 was detected by spectrophotometry. The expressions of cytochrome c, Bax, Bcl-2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p-JNK were detected by western blot. RESULTS: The results showed that the levels of ALT, AST, IFN-γ, and TNF-α in AH (Venoplant®) groups were significantly lower than those in ConA-injured group, while the levels of TP, Alb, and A/G were significantly higher. The SOD and GSH levels were significantly increased, and the MDA level was decreased; liver histopathology was changed consistently with the serological indicators, AH (Venoplant®) treatment significantly reduced the pathological damage and cell apoptosis; while in AH (Venoplant®) group, the expressions of cytochrome c, caspase-3, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and p-JNK were significantly decreased. CONCLUSION: AH (Venoplant®) could significantly protect the ConA-induced acute liver injury in mice via inhibition of reactive oxygen species and JNK pathway.

[Research on the Correlation Between Soil Mineral Elements and NIR Fingerprint of Angelica sinensis].

Objective: To investigate the correlation between soil mineral elements and NIR fingerprint of Angelica sinensis. Methods: The fingerprint of 130 batches of Angelica sinensis from 12 production regions were determined by near infrared spectra with integrating sphere and diffuse device of near infrared spectrometer. The determination of 15 kinds of mineral elements in the corresponding origin of soil mass fraction were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, grey correlation analysis and multivariate nonlinear regression method were used to analyze. Results: The soil mineral elements and their contribution were Cu > Pb, which were the main influencing factors of Angelica sinensis NIR fingerprint maximum absorbance on peak 7 249cm-1; the contribution of mineral elements in soil were Cr > Fe > Zn > Cd > Ca on peak 6 996 cm-1,there were positive correlation between Cr and Cd, and negative correlation between Fe and Ca; on peak 5 900 cm-1were Cu; on peak 5 000 cm-1were K > Ca > Zn; on peak 4 762 cm-1were K > Sb; on peak 4 651 cm-1were Ca > K > As > Cr, there were positive correlation between Ca and K, and the positive correlation or negative correlation between the square of As and Cr; the contribution of mineral elements in soil on peak 4 545cm-1were Ni > Cu > As; on peak 4 347 cm-1were Cd > Ca > As > Fe > K > Sb, and there were positive correlation among Cd, K, As and Fe. Conclusion: Angelica sinensis NIR fingerprint spectrum characteristics associate with a variety of soil mineral elements, which show the multiplicity and interactivity.

[NIR Fingerprints of Different Medicinal Parts of Angelicae Sinensis Radix].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the spectrum characteristics of near-intrared dittuse retlectance spectroscopy (NIR) fingerprint of different medicinal parts of Angelicae Sinensis Radix. METHODS: 96 batches of samples were collected from 14 counties of Gansu Province and Yunnan Province. The NIR fingerprints were collected by integrated sphere. Similarity analysis and partial least square discriminant analysis(PLS-DA) were used to analyze the fingerprint. RESULTS: The average spectrum of NIR fingerprint of different medicinal parts of Angelicae Sinensis Radix showed some differences; the absorbance in characteristic absorption was in a decreasing order of body > tail > head > whole. Most NIR fingerprint similarities of different medicinal parts of Angelicae Sinensis Radix exceeded 0. 95. The established model of PLS-DA could be used to accurately classify the medicinal parts of Angelicae Sinensis Radix. The differences of NIR fingerprints of different medicinal parts of Angelicae Sinensis Radix were mainly existing in the wave number ranges of 8,443 - 8,284 cm -1, 7,003 - 6,896 cm-1, 6,102 - 5,864 cm-1, 4,847 - 4,674 cm-1, and 4,386 - 4,208 cm-1. CONCLUSION: The different medicinal parts of Angelicae Sinensis Radix have some differences in chemical components.

[Correlation Analysis Between Common Peaks of Angelica sinensis HPLC Fingerprint and Mineral Elements in Its Growing Soil].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between common peaks of Angelica sinensis HPLC fingerprint and mineral elements in its growing soil. METHODS: The fingerprints of 120 batches of Angelica sinensis from 12 habitats were determined by HPLC. The contents of Pb, As, Cr, Sb, Hg, Cu, Cd, Ni, Zn, Mg, Mn, Ca, Fe, Na and K in corresponding soil were determined by ICP-MS and AAS. Bivariate and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the correlation. RESULTS: There were significant ( P < 0. 01 or P < 0.05) positive and negative correlation between many common peaks in HPLC fingerprint of Angelica sinensis and mineral elements in its growing soil. The contribution of mineral elements in soil on peak 1 were Zn > K > Sb > Fe > Na; on peak 6 (3-butylphthalide) were Mn > Mg > Ca; on peak 7 were Cr > Zn; on peak 8 were Mn > Na; on peak 11 were As > K > Fe > Cd; on peak 12 were Zn > Mn > K; on peak 13 (Z-butylidenephthalide) were Mn > Zn > Cd; on peak 15 were Zn > K; on peak 16 were Fe > Ni; on peak 17 were Zn > Mn > Ni > Fe > K; on peak 18 were Zn > Na; peaks 2,3 (ferulic acid), 4 and 14 (Z-ligustilide) was mainly affected by As, Zn, Sb and Cu, respectively. CONCLUSION: The relationship between HPLC fingerprint peak of Angelica sinensis and mineral elements in its growing soil shows complexity, multiplicity and interactivity, which should be selectively examined during manuring micronutrient fertilizer and Angelica sinensis cultivation.

[Application of entropy-weight TOPSIS model in synthetical quality evaluation of Angelica sinensis growing in Gansu Province].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the establishment and application methods of entropy-weight TOPSIS model in synthetical quality evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine with Angelica sinensis growing in Gansu Province as an example. METHODS: The contents of ferulic acid, 3-butylphthalide, Z-butylidenephthalide, Z-ligustilide, linolic acid, volatile oil, and ethanol soluble extractive were used as an evaluation index set. The weights of each evaluation index were determined by information entropy method. The entropyweight TOPSIS model was established to synthetically evaluate the quality of Angelica sinensis growing in Gansu Province by Euclid closeness degree. RESULTS: The results based on established model were in line with the daodi meaning and the knowledge of clinical experience. CONCLUSION: The established model was simple in calculation, objective, reliable, and can be applied to synthetical quality evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine.

[Study on mineral elements distribution in soil of Angelica sinensis producing regions and its relationship with altitude and soil types].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the distribution characteristics of mineral elements in the soil of Angelica sinensis producing regions and its relationship with altitude and soil types. METHODS: The contents of 15 mineral elements in 103 batches of soil from 13 counties were determined by ICP-MS or AAS. Pearson correlation analysis, partial correlation analysis and systematical cluster analysis were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Pearson correlation analysis showed that the content of Mg in soil and altitude showed significant positive correlation(P <0. 01), the content of Cd in soil and altitude showed significant negative correlation(P <0. 05), and the con- tents of Pb, Cd, As, Cu, Cr as well as Ni in soil and altitude showed negative correlation. The result of systematic cluster analysis showed that 103 batches of soil were clustered into 5 groups. The main soil types of group I were black soil, haplic kastanozems and black sandy-soil, group II was loess, group III was cinnamon soil, group IV were red soil and grey cinnamon soil, and group V were black soil, haplic kastanozems, grey cinnamon soil and cinnamon soil. CONCLUSION: The distribution of mineral elements in soil is closely related to altitude and soil types.