Chinese medicine Di-Long (Pheretima vulgaris) and its active fraction exhibit anti-rheumatoid arthritis effects by inhibiting CXCL10/CXCR3 chemotaxis in synovium.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Di-Long (Pheretima vulgaris) is a classic animal sourced traditional Chinese medicine. It has been used for the treatment of joint inflammation and arthralgia for over two thousand years due to its effects of Tong-Luo-Zhi-Tong (dredging collaterals and alleviating pain). Our previous study showed that Chinese medicine Di-Long has significant anti-rheumatoid arthritis (RA) effects. AIM OF THE STUDY: Considering Di-Long as a potential source of active compounds with specific anti-RA therapeutic effects, this research was to obtain the anti-RA target-specific active fraction from Di-Long extracts (DL), and to further explore the chemical basis and verify the anti-RA mechanism of this active fraction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Transcriptomic was applied to obtain the main anti-RA targets of DL on human RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) and validated by qPCR. The target-corresponding active fraction was isolated from DL by ethanol precipitation and gel chromatography, and analyzed by nanoliter chromatography-mass spectrometry. Anti-RA effects of this active fraction was investigated by collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice, and anti-RA mechanisms were verified in cocultured model of rat FLS and peripheral blood lymphocytes. RESULTS: We confirmed that CXCL10/CXCR3 was the main anti-RA target of DL. The active fraction - A (2182 - 890 Da) was isolated from DL based on its CXCL10 inhibiting effects in RA-FLS. Fraction A contains 195 peptides (192 were newly discovered), 26 of which might be bioactive and were considered to be the chemical basis of its anti-RA effects. Fraction A significantly ameliorated the joint destruction and overall inflammation in CIA mice, and downregulated CXCR3 expression in mice joint. Fraction A inhibited the chemotaxis of Th-cells in rat peripheral blood lymphocytes towards the TNF-α-induced rat FLS through CXCL10/CXCR3 pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Our work indicated that active fraction from DL containing small peptides exhibits promising therapeutic effects for RA through inhibiting CXCL10/CXCR3 chemotaxis.

Research status and trends of physical activity on depression or anxiety: a bibliometric analysis.

Background: Anxiety and depression are prevalent mental disorders. As modern society continues to face mounting pressures, the incidence of anxiety and depression is on the rise. In recent years, there has been an increasing breadth of research exploring the relationship between anxiety, depression, and physical activity (PA). However, the current research progress and future development trends are unclear. The purpose of this study is to explore the research hotspots and development trends in this field, and to provide guidance for future studies and to provide some reference for clinicians. Methods: We searched the relevant literature of Web of Science Core Collection from the establishment of the database to August 15, 2023. CiteSpace, VOSviewer and Bibliometrix Packages based on the R language were used to analyze the number of publications, countries, institutions, journals, authors, references, and keywords. Results: A total of 1,591 studies were included in the analysis, and the research in the field of PA on anxiety or depression has consistently expanded. The USA (304 publications), Harvard University (93 publications), and the journal of affective disorders (97 publications) were the countries, institutions, and journals that published the highest number of articles, respectively. According to the keywords, students and pregnant women, adult neurogenesis, and Tai Chi were the groups of concern, physiological and pathological mechanisms, and the type of PA of interest, respectively. Conclusion: The study of PA on anxiety or depression is experiencing ongoing expansion. Clinicians can consider advising patients to take mind-body exercise to improve mood. In addition, future researchers can explore the mind-body exercise and its impact on anxiety or depression, PA and anxiety or depression in specific populations, and adult neurogenesis of various exercise in anxiety or depression.

Supplements for cognitive ability in patients with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease: a protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: Considering the increasing incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) worldwide, there is an urgent need to identify efficacious, safe and convenient treatments. Numerous investigations have been conducted on the use of supplements in this domain, with oral supplementation emerging as a viable therapeutic approach for AD or MCI. Nevertheless, given the multitude of available supplements, it becomes imperative to identify the optimal treatment regimen. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Eight academic databases and three clinical trial registries will be searched from their inception to 1 June 2023. To identify randomised controlled trials investigating the effects of supplements on patients with AD or MCI, two independent reviewers (X-YZ and Y-QL) will extract relevant information from eligible articles, while the risk of bias in the included studies will be assessed using the Rob 2.0 tool developed by the Cochrane Collaboration. The primary outcome of interest is the overall cognitive function. Pair-wise meta-analysis will be conducted using RevMan V.5.3, while network meta-analysis will be carried out using Stata 17.0 and ADDIS 1.16.8. Heterogeneity test, data synthesis and subgroup analysis will be performed if necessary. The GRADE system will be employed to assess the quality of evidence. This study is scheduled to commence on 1 June 2023 and conclude on 1 October 2023. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval is not required for systematic review and network meta-analysis. The results will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal or at a conference. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO (CRD42023414700).

The effect of acupuncture on oxidative stress in animal models of vascular dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Growing evidence showed that acupuncture may improve cognitive function by reducing oxidative stress, key to the pathogenesis in vascular dementia (VaD), but this is yet to be systematically analysed. This study aimed to summarize and evaluate the effect of acupuncture on oxidative stress in animal models of VaD. METHOD: Eight databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane library, CNKI, Wan Fang, CBM, and VIP were searched since their establishment until April 2023, for studies that reported the effect of acupuncture on oxidative stress in VaD animal models. Relevant literature was screened, and information was extracted by two reviewers. The primary outcomes were the levels of oxidative stress indicators. The methodological quality was assessed via the SYRCLE Risk of Bias Tool. Statistical analyses were performed using the RevMan and Stata software. RESULTS: In total, 22 studies with 747 animals were included. The methodology of most studies had flaws or uncertainties. The meta-analysis indicated that, overall, acupuncture significantly reduced the expression of pro-oxidants including reactive oxygen species (standardized mean differences [SMDs] = -4.29, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -6.26, -2.31), malondialdehyde (SMD = -2.27, 95% CI: -3.07, -1.47), nitric oxide (SMD = -0.85, 95% CI: -1.50, -0.20), and nitric oxide synthase (SMD = -1.01, 95% CI: -1.69, -0.34) and enhanced the levels of anti-oxidants including super oxide dismutase (SMD = 2.80, 95% CI: 1.98, 3.61), glutathione peroxidase (SMD = 1.32, 95% CI: -0.11, 2.76), and catalase (SMD = 1.31, 95% CI: 0.05, 2.58) in VaD animal models. In subgroup analyses, acupuncture showed significant effects on most variables. Only partial modelling methods and treatment duration could interpret the heterogeneity of some outcomes. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture may inhibit oxidative stress to improve cognitive deficits in animal models of VaD. Nevertheless, the methodological quality is unsatisfactory. More high-quality research with a rigorous design and further experimental researches and clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: This study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023411720).

Patient Confidential Data Hiding and Transmission System Using Amplitude Quantization in the Frequency Domain of ECG Signals.

The transform domain provides a useful tool in the field of confidential data hiding and protection. In order to protect and transmit patients' information and competence, this study develops an amplitude quantization system in a transform domain by hiding patients' information in an electrocardiogram (ECG). In this system, we first consider a non-linear model with a hiding state switch to enhance the quality of the hidden ECG signals. Next, we utilize particle swarm optimization (PSO) to solve the non-linear model so as to have a good signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), root mean square error (RMSE), and relative root mean square error (rRMSE). Accordingly, the distortion of the shape in each ECG signal is tiny, while the hidden information can fulfill the needs of physiological diagnostics. The extraction of hidden information is reversely similar to a hiding procedure without primary ECG signals. Preliminary outcomes confirm the effectiveness of our proposed method, especially an Amplitude Similarity of almost 1, an Interval RMSE of almost 0, and SNRs all above 30.

Recurrence of common bile duct stones after choledocholithotomy in elderly patients: risk factor analysis and clinical prediction model development.

Background: The reasons for the recurrence of common bile duct stones (CBDS) in elderly patients after choledocholithotomy are still unclear. This study aims to establish a prediction model for CBDS recurrence by identifying risk factors. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 1804 elderly patients aged 65 years and above who were diagnosed to have CBDS and were admitted to Nanjing First Hospital between January 1, 2010, and January 1, 2021. According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, 706 patients were selected for the final analysis. The patients were assigned to two groups according to the presence or absence of CBDS recurrence, and their clinical data were then statistically analyzed. Subsequently, a prediction model and nomogram were developed, evaluating effectiveness using the concordance index (C-index). Results: Of the 706 elderly patients, 62 patients experienced CBDS recurrence after surgery, resulting in a recurrence rate of 8.8%. The multivariate Cox analysis showed that prior history of cholecystectomy (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.931, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.051-3.547, p = 0.034), white blood cell (WBC) count ≥11.0 × 109/L (HR = 2.923, 95% CI: 1.723-4.957, p < 0.001), preoperative total bilirubin (TBIL) level ≥ 36.5 mmol/L (HR = 2.172, 95% CI: 1.296-3.639, p = 0.003), number of stones ≥2 (HR = 2.093, 95% CI: 1.592-5.294, p = 0.001), maximum stone diameter ≥ 0.85 cm (HR = 1.940, 95% CI: 1.090-3.452, p = 0.024), and T-tube drainage (HR = 2.718, 95% CI: 1.230-6.010, p = 0.013) were independent risk factors of CBDS recurrence in elderly patients after choledocholithotomy. A postoperative CBDS recurrence prediction model was constructed with a C-index value of 0.758 (95% CI: 0.698-0.818) and internal validation value of 0.758 (95% CI: 0.641-0.875). Conclusion: A history of cholecystectomy, WBC count ≥11.0 × 109/L, preoperative TBIL level ≥ 36.5 mmol/L, number of stones ≥2, maximum stone diameter ≥ 0.85 cm, and T-tube drainage are the independent risk factors of CBDS recurrence after choledocholithotomy in elderly patients. Our developed prediction model for CBDS recurrence has good predictive ability and can help predict the prognosis of patients with CBDS.

Deciphering Treg cell roles in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a comprehensive prognostic and immunotherapeutic analysis.

Background: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a prevalent and aggressive form of cancer that poses significant challenges in terms of prognosis and treatment. Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) have gained attention due to their influential role in immune modulation within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Understanding the intricate interactions between Treg cells and the tumor microenvironment is essential for unraveling the mechanisms underlying ESCC progression and for developing effective prognostic models and immunotherapeutic strategies. Methods: A combination of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and bulk RNA-seq analysis was utilized to explore the role of Treg cells within the TME of ESCC. The accuracy and applicability of the prognostic model were assessed through multi-dimensional evaluations, encompassing an examination of the model's performance across various dimensions, such as the mutation landscape, clinical relevance, enrichment analysis, and potential implications for immunotherapy strategies. Results: The pivotal role of the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) signaling pathway within the ESCC TME was investigated, with a focus on its impact on Treg cells and other subpopulations. Through comprehensive integration of bulk sequencing data, a Treg-associated signature (TAS) was constructed, revealing that ESCC patients with elevated TAS (referred to as high-TAS individuals) experienced significantly improved prognoses. Heightened immune infiltration and increased expression of immune checkpoint markers were observed in high-TAS specimens. The model's validity was established through the IMvigor210 dataset, demonstrating its robustness in predicting prognosis and responsiveness to immunotherapy. Heightened therapeutic benefits were observed in immune-based interventions for high-TAS ESCC patients. Noteworthy differences in pathway enrichment patterns emerged between high and low-TAS cohorts, highlighting potential avenues for therapeutic exploration. Furthermore, the clinical relevance of key model genes was substantiated by analyzing clinical samples from ten paired tumor and adjacent tissues, revealing differential expression levels. Conclusion: The study established a TAS that enables accurate prediction of patient prognosis and responsiveness to immunotherapy. This achievement holds significant implications for the clinical management of ESCC, offering valuable insights for informed therapeutic interventions.

HU-based material conversion for BNCT accurate dose estimation.

NeuMANTA is a new generation boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT)-specific treatment planning system developed by the Neuboron Medical Group and upgraded to an important feature, a Hounsfield unit (HU)-based material conversion algorithm. The range of HU values was refined to 96 specific groups and established corresponding to tissue information. The elemental compositions and mass densities have an important effect on the calculated dose distribution. The region of interest defined in the treatment plan can be converted into multiple material compositions based on HU values or assigned specified single material composition in NeuMANTA. Different material compositions may cause normal tissue maximum dose rates to differ by more than 10% in biologically equivalent doses and to differ by up to 6% in physically absorbed doses. Although the tumor has a lower proportion of BNCT background dose, the material composition difference may affect the minimum dose of biologically equivalent dose and physically absorbed dose by more than 3%. In addition, the difference in material composition could lead to a change in neutron moderation as well as scattering. Therefore, the material composition has a significant impact on the assessment of normal tissue side effects and tumor control probability. It is essential for accurate dose estimation in BNCT.

Correcting for the heterogeneous boron distribution in a tumor for BNCT dose calculation.

Most treatment planning systems of boron neutron capture therapy perform dose calculations based on the assumption of a homogeneous boron distribution in tumors, which leads to dose distortion due to the difference between the tumor-to-normal tissue ratio (TNR) range measured in positron emission tomography images (PET) and the target delineation in computed tomography images of the treatment plan. The heterogeneous boron distribution in the target of the treatment plan can be obtained by image fusion. This study provides a way to quantify a heterogeneous boron distribution based on PET images. Theoretically, the same mean TNR for dose calculation by homogeneous or heterogeneous boron distribution should get almost the same mean dose. However, slightly different mean doses are found due to the partial volume effect for a small target volume. The wider the boron distribution is, the higher the impact on the dose-volume histogram distribution is. Dose distribution with homogeneous boron distribution may be overestimated in low boron uptake regions by wrong boron concentration and neutron flux depression. To accurately give the tumor prescription dose and achieve better tumor control, for low dose regions of the tumor should be considered more boron neutron capture therapy treatments or combined with other treatment modalities. The heterogeneous boron distribution must be taken into consideration to have an accurate dose estimation. Therefore, the way how medical physicists and clinicians process the TNR in gross tumor volume should be refined, and the method demonstrated in the work provides a good reference.

Network pharmacology and molecular docking-based investigation on traditional Chinese medicine Astragalus membranaceus in oral ulcer treatment.

To analyze the mechanism of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) in molecular level in the oral ulcer (OU) treatment with reference to network pharmacology. Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform database was used in screening the AM active components and AM action targets; GeneCards database was used to screen OU targets; the common target were screened by Venny online tool; Cytoscape software was applied to construct the target gene regulation map of AM active components; STRING database was used to construct the protein-protein interaction network and the key targets were screened as per degree value; gene ontology enrichment and KEGG pathway enrichment of interactive genes were calculated through David database. There were 17 active ingredients and 429 target spots in Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform database. There are 606 target genes for OU in GeneCards database. There are 67 common targets, including 10 key targets: IL10, IL6, TNF, IL1B, CXCL8, CCL2, TLR4, IL4, ICAM1, and IFNG. It involves 30 gene ontology terms and 20 KEGG signal channels. The molecular docking results showed that quercetin and kaempferol had a good binding activity with IL6, IL1B, TNF, and CCL2. Network pharmacological analysis shows that AM can regulate multiple signal pathways through multiple targets to treat OU.

Functional Mechanism of MicroRNA-25-3p in Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma Cell Proliferation and Migration Through Regulation of Dual Specificity Phosphatase 5.

OBJECTIVE: Hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) is a highly aggressive biliary tract tumor. microRNAs (miRs) exert dual actions in various cancers. This paper seeks to expound on the functional mechanisms of miR-25-3p/dual specificity phosphatase 5 (DUSP5) in HCCA cell proliferation and migration. METHODS: HCCA-related data were downloaded from GEO database to screen out differentially-expressed genes. The potential target miR (miR-25-3p) and its expression in HCCA were analyzed on Starbase. The binding relation between miR-25-3p and DUSP5 was confirmed by dual-luciferase assay. Levels of miR-25-3p and DUSP5 in FRH-0201 cells and HIBEpics were determined by RT-qPCR and Western blot. miR-25-3p and DUSP5 levels were intervened with to explore their effects on FRH-0201 cells. The apoptosis, proliferation, migration, and invasion of FRH-0201 cells were evaluated by TUNEL, CCK8, scratch healing, and Transwell assays. Flow cytometry was conducted to assess FRH-0201 cell cycle. Levels of cell cycle-related proteins were determined by Western blot. RESULTS: DUSP5 was weakly-expressed and miR-25-3p was highly-expressed in HCCA samples and cells. miR-25-3p targeted DUSP5. miR-25-3p suppressed FRH-0201 cell apoptosis and increased cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. DUSP5 overexpression partially abrogated miR-25-3p overexpression-exerted effects on FRH-0201 cells. miR-25-3p stimulated G1/S phase transition of FRH-0201 cells by targeting DUSP5. CONCLUSION: miR-25-3p regulated HCCA cell cycle and facilitated cell proliferation and migration by targeting DUSP5.

Introduction to the Monte Carlo dose engine COMPASS for BNCT.

The Monte Carlo method is the most commonly used dose calculation method in the field of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). General-purpose Monte Carlo (MC) code (e.g., MCNP) has been used in most treatment planning systems (TPS) to calculate dose distribution, which takes overmuch time in radiotherapy planning. Based on this, we developed COMPASS (COMpact PArticle Simulation System), an MC engine specifically for BNCT dose calculation. Several optimization algorithms are used in COMPASS to make it faster than general-purpose MC code. The parallel computation of COMPASS is performed by the message passing interface (MPI) library and OpenMP commands, which allows the user to increase computational speed by increasing the computer configurations. The physical dose of each voxel is calculated for developing a treatment plan. Comparison results show that the computed dose distribution of COMPASS is in good agreement with MCNP, and the computational efficiency is better than MCNP. These results validate that COMPASS has better performance than MCNP in BNCT dose calculation.

Sequencing and analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of Eothenomys eleusis Thomas 1911 from China and its phylogenetic analysis.

The complete mitogenome sequence of Eothenomys eleusis Thomas 1911 was determined using PCR. A circular double-stranded structure makes up the mitochondrial genome of E. eleusis. The complete length of the mitochondrial genome is 16,419 bp. The mitochondrial genome of E. eleusis included 13 protein-coding genes, 1 control region, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes and 1 origin of L strand replication. The total base composition of E. eleusis mitochondrial genome was A (32.6%), T (26.3%), G (13.6%) and C (27.5%). We found significant A-T skew in base composition, especially in control regions and protein-coding genes. E. eleusis was supported by bootstrap values of 100%. This study verifies the evolutionary status of E. eleusis in Myodini tribe of Cricetidae at the molecular level. The mitochondrial genome would be a significant supplement for the E. eleusis genetic background.

Investigation of optimal conditions needed for the production of indigo and subsequent dyeing using CO2/O2 sensors and a cellphone camera.

An investigation of the process involved in the production of and dyeing with indigo based on a CO2/O2 sensor device and a cellphone-camera is reported. The former involves transforming indican to indigo, and the latter the process by which indigo and indigo-white are produced. During the process of indigo production, a clear and positive correlation can be observed between the concentration of gas levels (either the production of CO2 or the consumption of O2) and the final yield. The authors found that for the first time that the change in the concentration levels of CO2/O2 can be used as important parameters for indigo dyeing. The optimal time required to produce indigo can be decided by the change of CO2/O2 concentration level. It is no long should depending on the experience of a craftsperson. Furthermore, the optimal time needed to produce indigo also can be decided by the concentration levels of glucose. The color analysis of indigo dyeing can be performed by using a camera and by calculating the RGB and HSV (hue, saturation, value) values.

[Enhancing effects of chemical permeation enhancer propylene glycol and ultrasonic technology on transdermal permeation of Baimai Ointment].

This study aimed to improve the transdermal permeation quantity of Baimai Ointment by investigating the enhancing effects of physical and chemical permeation promoting methods on transdermal permeation of Baimai Ointment. The improved Franz diffusion cell method was used for in vitro transdermal experiment. The abdominal skin of mice was used, and the skin was treated with 3% propylene glycol in the chemical enhancement group. Ultrasonic technology was introduced in the physical enhancement group. The conditions of ultrasonic technology were optimized by single factor trial. Taking Q_(EF) and ER as the indexes of penetration promotion performance, the enhancing effects of the two methods were compared. The results showed that the promotion performance of 3% propylene glycol for ammonium glycyrrhizinate, nardosinone and curcumin of the chemical enhancement group were 1.74, 1.60, and 3.73 times higher than those of the blank group, respectively. The overall permeation efficiency of the Baimai Ointment was significantly improved. The comprehensive promoting effect on each component was curcumin>ammonium glycyrrhizinate>nardosinone. In the physical enhancement group, the penetration promoting effect of ultrasonic power 1.0 W was better than that of 2.0 W and 0.5 W, ultrasonic time 5 min was better than 3 min and 8 min, and the ultrasonic frequency 1 MHz was better than 3 MHz. Therefore, the optimal ultrasonic condition was 1.0 W-5 min-1 MHz. Under this condition, in terms of the transdermal permeation for ammonium glycyrrhizinate, the Q_(EF) and ER of the ultrasonic technology were better than those of 3% propylene glycol. In terms of the transdermal permeation for nardosinone and curcumin, the QEF and ER of 3% propylene glycol were better than those of the ultrasonic technology. Therefore, 3% propylene glycol combined with ultrasonic technology can be used to promote permeation of Baimai Ointment that contains both water-soluble and fat-soluble components in the clinical application. This study provides a theoretical basis for the clinical application of Baimai Ointment and other transdermal preparations.

Fissistiganoids A and B: two new flavonoids from the Fissistigma tungfangense.

Two new flavanoids fissistiganoids A and B (1 and 2), together with two known pterocarpans derivatives (3 and 4), were isolated from the stems of Fissistigma tungfangense. The structures of these compounds were elucidated using comprehensive spectroscopic methods. The absolute configurations of fissistiganoids A and B (1 and 2) were determined by comparing their ECD spectra with quantum-mechanics ECD calculations. The inhibitory activities of all compounds against three cancer cell lines HeLa, MCF-7 and A549 were evaluated. Compounds 1-4 showed moderate inhibitory effects on HeLa, MCF-7 and A549 cells with IC50 values ranging from 12.5 to 42.3 µM.

Analysis of chemical ingredients of modified Shenqi Dihuang decoction by UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS / 药学实践杂志

Objective To analyze the chemical compounds of Shenqi Dihuang decoction by the ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with linear quadrupole ion trap-orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS). Methods Warters ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 (2.1 mm ×100 mm, 1.8 μm) was used as chromatographic column with mobile phase: 0.1% formic acid water (A)-0.1% formic acid acetonitrile (B) with gradient elution, and flow rate was 0.3 ml/min. Electrospray ion source (ESI) and an electrostatic field orbital ion trap mass analyzer were adopted, which was used to collect mass spectrometry fragment information with positive and negative ion modes, by comparing with the relative retention time of the reference substance. In addition, the fragment information of the mass spectrum was used to identify the compounds. The accurate identification of the chemical components in Shenqi Dihuang decoction was confirmed with literature. Results The study found that UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS technology could be used to identify 62 chemical components, including 13 aromatic acids, 9 flavonoids, 8 saponins, and 5 aromatic amines, 3 keto acids, 2 phenols, 1 aromatic quinone and other ingredients in Shenqi Dihuang decoction. Conclusion The identification analysis method in this study was efficient and accurate, which could be applied to the identification and analysis of chemical components in Shenqi Dihuang decoction and provided the important experimental data for the research on the material basis and mechanism.

Anti-anaphylactic potential of benzoylpaeoniflorin through inhibiting HDC and MAPKs from Paeonia lactiflora.

Guided by cell-based anti-anaphylactic assay, eighteen cage-like monoterpenoid glycosides (1-18) were obtained from the bioactive fraction of P. lactiflora extract. Among these, compounds 1, 5, 6, 11, 12, 15, and 17 significantly reduced the release rate of ß-HEX and HIS without or with less cytotoxicity. Furthermore, the most potent inhibitor benzoylpaeoniflorin (5) was selected as the prioritized compound for the study of action of mechanism, and its anti-anaphylactic activity was medicated by dual-inhibiting HDC and MAPK signal pathway. Moreover, molecular docking simulation explained that benzoylpaeoniflorin (5) blocked the conversion of L-histidine to HIS by occupying the HDC active site. Finally, in vivo on PCA using BALB/c mice, benzoylpaeoniflorin (5) suppressed the IgE-mediated PCA reaction in antigen-challenged mice. These findings indicated that cage-like monoterpenoid glycosides, especially benzoylpaeoniflorin (5), mainly contribute to the anti-anaphylactic activity of P. lactiflora by dual-inhibiting HDC and MAPK signal pathway. Therefore, benzoylpaeoniflorin (5) may be considered as a novel drug candidate for the treatment of anaphylactic diseases.

Sequencing and analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of the lesser bandicoot rat (Bandicota bengalensis) from China and its phylogenetic analysis.

The complete mitogenome sequence of the lesser bandicoot rat (Bandicota bengalensis Gray and Hardwicke, 1833) was determined using long PCR. The genome was 16,327 bp in length and contained 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 1 origin of L strand replication and 1 control region. The overall base composition of the heavy strand is A (34.2%), C (24.9%), T (28.5%) and G (12.4%). The base compositions present clearly the A-T skew, which is most obviously in the control region and protein-coding genes. Mitochondrial genome analyses based on MP, ML, NJ and Bayesian analyses yielded identical phylogenetic trees. This study verifies the evolutionary status of Bandicota bengalensis in Muridae at the molecular level. The mitochondrial genome would be a significant supplement for the Bandicota bengalensis genetic background. The two Bandicota species formed a monophyletic group with the high bootstrap value (100%) in all examinations.