Elevational variation in metabolic rate, feeding capacity and their associations in the Asiatic toad Bufo gargarizans.

Foraging behavior is known to place demands on the metabolic characteristics of anurans. Active foragers feeding on sedentary prey typically have high aerobic capacity and low anaerobic capacity, whereas sit-and-wait foragers feeding on active and mobile prey have the opposite pattern. Thus, the energetic demands of foraging may influence their metabolic adaptations to harsh environments, such as high elevations. Anurans that engage in active foraging have been found to increase maximum metabolic rate (MMR) and aerobic scope (AS, the difference between MMR and resting metabolic rate, RMR) at high elevations. However, data are lacking in amphibian ambush foragers. In this study, we examined the RMR, MMR, AS, and feeding capacity of a sit-and-wait forager ─the Asiatic toad (Bufo gargarizans), from two populations that are in close geographic proximity but differ by 1350 m in elevation. Our results show that there is no elevational variation in RMR and feeding capacity in either males or females. However, there are sex-specific variations in MMR and AS along an elevational gradient; females from high elevations have lower MMR and smaller net AS than their counterparts from low elevations while males maintain similar MMR and net AS across elevations. Furthermore, aerobic performances do not appear to be associated with feeding capacity at either the individual or population level. Our results support the hypothesis that sit-and-wait foragers may not increase their aerobic capacity as a strategy in hypoxic and low food availability environments and the role of sex in these adaptive adjustments should not be overlooked.

Elevated serum platelet count inhibits the effects of brain functional changes on cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment: A resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study.

Objective: Brain function remodeling has been observed in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and is closely associated with cognitive performance. However, it is not clear if this relationship is influenced by complete blood counts. This study investigated the role of complete blood counts in the relationship between brain function and cognitive performance. Methods: Twenty-two MCI patients and eighteen controls were enrolled. All subjects underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. A neuropsychological battery [Mini-Mental Status Examination, Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT), Symbol Digit Modalities Test, Boston Naming Test (BNT), Shape Trails Test B (STT-B), Rey Complex Figure Test (RCFT), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), and Hamilton Depression Scale] was used to assess cognitive function, and MCI patients received complete blood counts tests for red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells, hemoglobin (HGB), monocytes, and platelet counts (PLT). Results: Compared with controls, MCI patients demonstrated significantly decreased amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) values in the left dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus, left post orbitofrontal cortex, right medial superior frontal gyrus, right insula, and left triangular inferior frontal gyrus. In the MCI group, there were associations between ALFF values of the left hippocampus (HIP.L) and AVLT (p = 0.003) and AVLT-N5 scores (p = 0.001); ALFF values of the right supramarginal gyrus (SMG.R) and BNT scores (p = 0.044); ALFF values of the right superior temporal gyrus (STG.R) and BNT scores (p = 0.022); ALFF values of the left precuneus (PCUN.L) and STT-B time (p = 0.012); and ALFF values of the left caudate nucleus (CAU.L) and RCFT-time (p = 0.036). Moreover, the HAMA scores were negatively correlated with RBC and HGB levels, and positively correlated with monocyte count. The PLT count was positively correlated with STT-B time. Additionally, high PLT count inhibited the effect of ALFF values of the PCUN. L on STT-B performance in MCI patients (p = 0.0207). Conclusion: ALFF values of the HIP. L, SMG.R, STG. R, PCUN.L, and CAU. L were associated with decreased memory, language, executive function, and visuospatial ability in MCI patients. Notably, elevated PLT count could inhibit the effect of brain functional changes in the PCUN.L on executive function in MCI patients.

The application of machine learning methods for prediction of metal immobilization remediation by biochar amendment in soil.

Biochar has been used widely in heavy metal contaminated sites as a soil remediation agent. However, due to the diversity of soils, biochars, and heavy metal contamination status, the remediation efficiency is difficult to measure, owing to a variety of parameters such as soil, biochar properties, and remediation procedure. Thus, an appropriate method to predict the remediation results and to select the appropriate biochar for the remediation is required. We initially created a database on soil remediation by biochars, which has 930 datasets with 74 biochars and 43 soils in it, based on collecting and organizing data from published literatures. Then, using data from the database, we modeled the remediation of five heavy metals and metalloids (lead, cadmium, arsenic, copper, and zinc) by biochars using machine learning (ML) methods such as artificial neural network (ANN) and random forest (RF) to predict remediation efficiency based on biochar characteristics, soil physiochemical properties, incubation conditions (e.g., water holding capacity and remediation time), and the initial state of heavy metal. The ANN and RF models outperform the lineal model in terms of accuracy and predictive performance (R2 > 0.84). Meanwhile, model tolerance of the missing data and reliability of the interpolation were studied by the predicted outputs of the models. The results showed that both ANN and RF have excellent performances, with the RF model having a higher tolerance for missing data. Finally, through the interpretability of ML models, the contribution of factors used in the model were analyzed and the findings revealed that the most influential elements of remediation were the type of heavy metals, the pH value of biochar, and the dosage and remediation time. The relative importance of variables could provide the right direction for better remediation of heavy metals in soil.

The protective effect of Buzhong Yiqi decoction on ischemic stroke mice and the mechanism of gut microbiota.

Buzhong Yiqi decoction (BZYQD) has been developed for preventing or reducing the recurrence of ischemic stroke for a long time in China. However, the mechanism of action of the BZYQD is not completely understood. Our research aims to determine whether the mechanism of action of BZYQD is by regulating gut microbiota using 16SR RNA and fecal microbiota transplantation. In a cerebral ischemia mouse model, the results showed that prophylactic administration of BZYQD could reduce brain infarct volume and improve neurological function and behavior. The prophylactic administration of BZYQD could regulate intestinal microbiota and increase the abundance of butyrate-producing Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group and probiotic Akkermansia in mice 72 h after surgery. Transplanting BZYQD-administered bacterial flora into antibiotic-depleted mice could reproduce the therapeutic effects of BZYQD. Overall, our study provided molecular insights into the mechanism and impact of BZYQD in the prevention of cerebral ischemic damage and highlighted the potential of regulation of intestinal microbiota as a therapeutic approach for ischemic stroke.

Sedum sarmentosum Bunge Attenuates Drug-Induced Liver Injury via Nrf2 Signaling Pathway: An Experimental Verification Based on Network Pharmacology Prediction.

Purpose: Using network pharmacology and in vivo experiments, we investigated the antidrug-induced liver injury components and functional processes of Sedum sarmentosum Bunge (SSBE). Methods: The effective components, primary active ingredients, and possible target in the therapy of DILI were predicted using network pharmacology and bioinformatics. APAP was inducing the DILI model. In vivo testing of the pharmacodynamic foundation of SSBE in the treatment of DILI was performed. Results: The TCMSP database evaluated five main active components and 299 related targets. In addition, 707 differential genes for DILI were obtained from the DisGeNET database, DigSee database, and OMIM database. 61 related targets were mapped to predict the targets of SSBE acting on DILI. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) core network contained 59 proteins, including IL-ß, MARK14, SSP1, and MMP9. These genes are closely related to the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway, and they may play a key role in the hepatoprotective effect of SSBE. Verification experiment results showed that, in the DILI mouse model, SSBE promoted inflammation diminution and regulation of Nrf2-ARE cascade. SSBE protected normal hepatocyte growth and inhibited apoptosis of normal liver cells induced by APAP. SSBE inhibited the expression of Nrf2 and ARE proteins in the liver tissue of the DILI mouse model in vivo. Conclusion: By modulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, the active components in SSBE may protect against drug-induced liver damage.

Functional Disability After Ischemic Stroke: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Shanghai, China.

Objective: This study aimed to understand the demographics, functional disabilities, cognitive impairment, and depressive mood among stroke patients and to explore the correlation between functional disability and the other health conditions so as to provide some data for community rehabilitation among stroke patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the functional status of ischemic stroke patients with stroke history between 1 month and 2 years by applying the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Data were collected during October 2016 and January 2017 from 11 communities in two districts of Shanghai, China. We used face-to-face questionnaire interviews to collect information on sociodemographics, vascular risks associated with stroke, cognitive function [Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)], and depression [Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)]; and we applied SPSS 24.0 for data analysis. Results: In this study, 305 patients with ischemic stroke were finally recruited, including 189 (61.97%) men, with an average age of 67 years. According to the mRS score, ischemic stroke patients were divided into patients without symptoms (controls, mRS = 0), patients without obvious disability (mRS = 1), and patients with mild to severe disability (mRS = 2-5). Ischemic stroke patients with different mRS levels demonstrated significant differences in age, tobacco smoke exposure, previous stroke history, cognitive function, and depression status. Compared with patients without symptoms (mRS = 0), patients with mRS = 1 had a lower MMSE score [odds ratio (OR): 0.48, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.26-0.90]; and patients with mRS = 2-5 had a lower MMSE score [OR = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.08-0.33], had a higher PHQ-9 score [OR = 5.36, 95% CI: 2.19-13.11], and were more likely to have previous stroke history [OR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.01-4.79]. Conclusion: Lower degrees of functional independence are related to cognitive impairment, as well as the previous stroke history and depression status.

Socioeconomic status is inversely associated with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma risk: results from a population-based case-control study in China.

Socioeconomic status (SES) is suspected to influence the risk of esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma (ESCC) in China, however, the evidence is still inconclusive and the selection of SES indicators remains inconsistent. In current study, we examined the association between SES and risk of ESCC based on a population-based case-control study in Taixing, China, with 1298 histopathology-confirmed cases and 1900 controls recruited between October 2010 and September 2013. Data on SES indicators was collected using a structured questionnaire. We constructed a composite wealth score based on the ownership of a series of household appliances and other variables by using multiple correspondence analysis (MCA). We used unconditional logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of ESCC in association with SES indicators. SES was inversely associated with ESCC risk in current study. Higher education (secondary high school or above vs illiteracy, OR=0.60, 95%CI, 0.41-0.87), larger house area per person (>70 vs <45 square meters, OR=0.71, 95%CI, 0.59-0.86) and higher wealth score (5th quintile (high) vs 1st quintile (low), OR=0.43, 95%CI, 0.32-0.57) were associated with a decreased risk of ESCC. Subjects possessing several household appliances >5 years also had a lower ESCC risk. Whereas physical labor (very active vs sedentary, OR=1.69, 95%CI, 1.27-2.26) and larger families (≥6 vs <3 in household, OR=1.63, 95%CI, 1.30-2.03) increased the risk of ESCC. These findings confirm the strong inverse association between SES and ESCC risk. Future studies are needed to verify these findings and identify contributing factors underlying the observed associations.

Nogo-B Promotes Angiogenesis in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy via VEGF/PI3K/Akt Pathway in an Autocrine Manner.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Nogo-B, a conservative protein of endoplasmic reticulum, is a member of the reticulon family of proteins. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is the major concerning problem of diabetic retinopathy. This study explored the role of Nogo-B in the regulation of angiogenesis in PDR patients and primary human retinal endothelial cells (HRMECs). METHODS: Nogo-B was down-regulated through the use of Lentivirus-NogoB-RNAi, the effects of Nogo-B on angiogenesis under high glucose stimulation were evaluated via CCK-8 assay, wound closure assay, transwell assay, and tube formation assay. Expression of Nogo-B, VEGF, PI3K and Akt were determined by western blotting, immunofluorescence, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Co-culture systerm was used to explore cell communication. RESULTS: Nogo-B was highly enriched in ocular tissues of PDR patients and in HRMECs exposed to high glucose. Down-regulation of Nogo-B attenuated high glucose induced cell migration and tube formation in HRMECs. Mechanistically, in comparison with the negative control group, Lentivirus-NogoB-RNAi group had exhibited reduced VEGF secretion, weakened PI3K and Akt activation. Besides, high glucose treatment promoted the secretion of Nogo-B and presented as a "long-term memory". CONCLUSIONS: These data collectively indicated that Nogo-B promoted angiogenesis in HRMECs via VEGF/PI3K/Akt pathway in an autocrine manner.

Toll-like receptor 4 protects against stress-induced ulcers via regulation of glucocorticoid production in mice.

Stress-induced gastric ulcer is an important life-threatening condition, while the molecular basis of its development is incompletely understood. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), an innate immune pattern recognition receptor, can induce pro-inflammatory transcription, aggravating a stress ulcer. The present study found that TLR4 played a protective role in a mouse model of water immersion (23 °C) restraint stress. Wild-type (WT) and TLR4-/- male mice were respectively divided into five groups (5 per group), and exposed to the stressor for 0, 0.5, 1, 2, or 4 hours. Gastric ulcer index, determined post mortem, increased with time in both types of mice but was greater in TLR4-/- mice. Furthermore, increased serum cortisol and corticosterone concentrations were observed in WT mice only, and such increases were detected only in WT mice 4 h after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment (2 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection). Moreover, the administration of cortisol alleviated the gastric injury in TLR4-/- mice. Western blotting showed expression in the adrenal of P450scc (CYP11A1), the first rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of steroids, was increased 4 h after water immersion restraint stress or LPS treatment in WT mice, but was conversely decreased in TLR4-/- mice after either stressor. Furthermore, in adrenal glands of TLR4-/- mice, structural distortion of mitochondria (which contain CYP11A1) was found with electron microscopy, and lack of lipid-storing droplets was found using light microscopy on adrenal cryosections stained with Oil red O. These data indicate that TLR4 plays a protective role in stress-induced gastric ulcer that is exerted via impacting synthesis of glucocorticoid in the adrenal gland.

Poor oral health is associated with an increased risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma - a population-based case-control study in China.

To further examine the association between oral hygiene and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) risk and the effect modification of other exposures, we conducted a population-based case-control study between 2010 and 2012 in Taixing, China, a high-risk area for ESCC. Cases were primarily recruited from endoscopy units at local hospitals, supplemented by linkage to the local Cancer Registry. Control subjects were frequency matched to cases by sex and age (5-year groups) and were randomly selected from the Taixing Population Registry. For the current analysis, data from 616 histopathologically confirmed cases and 770 controls with complete information on oral hygiene were analyzed. Unconditional logistic regression models, including oral hygiene indicators and potential behavioral confounders, were used to derive odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Tooth loss was only marginally significantly associated with ESCC risk (yes vs. no, OR = 1.29, 95% CI 0.94-1.74). However, the excess risk increased with increasing numbers of lost teeth (more than 6 teeth lost vs. none, OR = 1.48, 95% CI 1.04-2.11). Tooth brushing once or less per day, compared with tooth brushing twice or more per day, was associated with a 1.81-fold increased risk of ESCC. In the stratification analyses, the increased risks associated with these indicators of oral health were more pronounced in older subjects (age ≥ 70 years), women, non-smokers, and non-drinkers. Further studies are warranted to verify these findings and to explore the underlying mechanisms, e.g., changed oral microbiota, associated with poor oral hygiene.

Use of serum albumin and activities of daily living to predict mortality in long-lived individuals over 95 years of age: a population-based study.

Both activities of daily living (ADL) and some blood biomarkers (such as albumin) have been associated with mortality in very elderly people, but scarce data is available on the predictive performance of them in isolation or in combination, which is important for clinicians in decision making. Here, based on prospective mortality data over a 6-year follow-up period from 433 long-lived individuals (LLIs) aged 95+ years in the Rugao longevity cohort, we aimed to evaluate Cox proportional hazard ratios (HRs) and discriminative power (ROC curve) of 14 biomarkers and ADL for all-cause mortality. We found that six biomarkers (total triglyceride, albumin, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, platelet count, lymphocyte count, and neutrophil count) were associated with mortality with a p < .10 in the univariate model. Significant associations of albumin and neutrophil count with mortality were observed when they were simultaneously included in a multivariate model, with HRs of 0.97 (95 % CI 0.94, 0.99; p = .005) and 1.09 (95 % CI 1.00, 1.18; p = .043). With respect to ADL, the corresponding HR was 1.10 (95 % CI 1.07, 1.14; p < .001). Low albumin (<40 g/L) combined with ADL dependent had a significantly increased mortality risk (HR = 2.19; 95 % CI 1.63, 2.95). Albumin and ADL separately showed good discriminative accuracies (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.68 and 0.66, respectively), and their combination had an increased predictive utility (AUC = 0.73). In conclusion, both albumin and ADL are efficient predictors of all-cause mortality in long-lived populations and their combination further increases discriminative power. The preliminary findings, if validated and translated, would help clinicians to identify the elderly people at varying mortality risk.

[Simultaneous determination of the five alkaloids in Rhizoma Coptidis by nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis].

A method for the simultaneous determination of berberine, palmatine, jatrorrhizine, magnoflorine and coptisine from Rhizoma Coptidis samples based on the nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis (NACE) mode has been developed. The effects of several important factors, such as nonaqueous solvents, running buffer system and its concentration and pH, separation voltage, temperature and detection wavelength, were investigated to acquire the optimum conditions. The optimum conditions for the separation were as follows: the selected running buffer was a methanol solution (pH 5.8) containing 40 mmol/L sodium acetate and 40 mmol/L ammonium acetate; the separation voltage was 25 kV; detection wavelength was set at 254 nm; the sample was injected at 5 kPa x 6 s and the column temperature was maintained at 20 degrees C. The analytes can be obtained good baseline resolutions in a 64.5 cm x 75 microm capillary (56 cm of effective length) within 20 min. The average recoveries of the established method were between 98.37% and 101.03%. The method is simple, accurate and reproducible, and can be used for the quality control analysis of Rhizoma Coptidis.

[Studies on HPCE fingerprint of Folium Apocyni Veneti].

OBJECTIVE: To establish the analytical method for the fingerprint of Folium Apocyni Veneti by HPCE and estimate the quality of Folium Apocyni Veneti from different habitats. METHODS: Folium Apocyni Veneti from different habitats were analyzed and the chromatographic fingerprint were determined by HPCE. The data were analysed by Fuzzy Cluster and Fingerprint Similarity Evaluation Software to compare the similarity of samples. RESULTS: HPCE fingerprint of 7 main peaks was established preliminarily. It was discovered that a small number of samples differed from others. CONCLUSION: The method is reliable, accurate and can be used for quality control of Folium Apocyni Veneti.

[Study on the dynamic change of essential components in Folium Apocyni Veneti].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the dynamic change of essential components in Folium Apocyni Veneti, and provide scientific basis for determining the best collecting time. METHODS: The essential components of Folium Apocyni Veneti from different harvesting time were analyzed by HSGC-MS. The relative content of the components were determined with peak area normalization method, and the dynamic changes of 7 main bioactive components were determined. RESULTS: 39 constituents were separated and 38 compounds were identified. There were 21 co-containing compounds in Folium Apocyni Veneti from different harvesting time, the accumulation of which showed a regular pattern. CONCLUSION: The main essential components in Folium Apocyni Veneti are the highest in the traditional harvesting time.

[MEKC-DAD fingerprint of Radix et Rhizoma Rhei].

OBJECTIVE: To establish the analytical method for the fingerprint of Radix et Rhizoma Rhei by MEKC-DAD and compare the fingerprints of Radix et Rhizoma Rhei and its processed products. METHOD: Based on the mode of micellar electrokinetic chromatography, 25 mmol x L(-1) borax -25 mmol x L(-1) SDS-10% acetonitrile was selected for the running buffer (pH 9.2). The separation voltage was 12 kV and the detection wavelength was set at 254 nm. Rhein was used as a reference standard, the chromatographic fingerprint was determined via the data analyzed by fuzzy cluster and fingerprint similarity evaluation software to compare the similarity of samples. RESULT: MEKC-DAD fingerprints with 11 common peaks of 10 batches of Radix et Rhizoma Rhei from the place of the genuine were established preliminarily. It was discovered that a small number of samples differed from others. Regarding to the fingerprints of Radix et Rhizoma Rhei and its processed products, there were obvious differences in the relative areas of common peaks. CONCLUSION: The method is reliable, accurate and can be used for quality control of Radix et Rhizoma Rhei.