Periostracum Cicadae Extract and N-Acetyldopamine Regulate the Sleep-Related Neurotransmitters in PCPA-Induced Insomnia Rats.

Insomnia is the second most prevalent mental illness worldwide. Periostracum cicadae (PC), as an animal traditional Chinese medicine with rich pharmacological effects, has been documented as a treatment for children's night cries, and later extended to treat insomnia. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PC extract and N-acetyldopamine compounds in ameliorating insomnia. The UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS analysis determined that PC extract mainly contained N-acetyldopamine components. Previously, we also isolated some acetyldopamine polymers from PC extract, among which acetyldopamine dimer A (NADA) was present in high content. Molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulations demonstrated that NADA could form stable complexes with 5-HT1A, BDNF, and D2R proteins, respectively. The effects of PC extract and NADA on insomnia were evaluated in the PCPA-induced insomnia model. The results indicated that PC extract and NADA could effectively ameliorate hypothalamic pathology of insomnia rats, increase the levels of 5-HT, GABA, and BDNF, and decrease the levels of DA, DOPAC, and HVA. Meanwhile, the PC extract and NADA also could significantly affect the expression of 5-HT1A, BDNF, and DARPP-32 proteins. This study proved that PC extract and acetyldopamine dimer A could effectively improve PCPA-induced insomnia in rats. It is speculated that the main pharmacological substances of PC were acetyldopamine components.

Integrative analysis of metabolome and transcriptome provides new insights into functional components of Lilii Bulbus.

Objective: Lilium brownii var. viridulum (LB) and L. lancifolium (LL) are the main sources of medicinal lily (Lilii Bulbus, Baihe in Chinese) in China. However, the functional components of these two species responsible for the treatment efficacy are yet not clear. In order to explore the therapeutic material basis of Lilii Bulbus, we selected L. davidii var. willmottiae (LD) only used for food as the control group to analyze the differences between LD and the other two (LB and LL). Methods: Metabolome and transcriptome were carried out to investigate the differences of active components in LD vs LB and LD vs LL. Data of metabolome and transcriptome was analysed using various analysis methods, such as principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and so on. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched through KEGG and GO enrichment analysis. Results: The PCA and HCA of the metabolome indicated the metabolites were clearly separated and varied greatly in LL and LB contrasted with LD. There were 318 significantly differential metabolites (SDMs) in LD vs LB group and 298 SDMs in LD vs LL group. Compared with LD group, the significant up-regulation of steroidal saponins and steroidal alkaloids were detected both in LB and LL groups, especially in LB group. The HCA of transcriptome indicated that there was significant difference in LB vs LD group, while the difference between LL and LD varied slightly. Additionally, 47 540 DEGs in LD vs LB group and 18 958 DEGs in LD vs LL group were identified. Notably, CYP450s involving in the biosynthesis of steroidal saponins and steroidal alkaloids were detected, and comparing with LD, CYP724, CYP710A, and CYP734A1 in LB and CYP90B in LL were all up-regulated. Conclusion: This study suggested that steroidal saponins and steroidal alkaloids maybe the representative functional components of Lilii Bulbus, which can provide new insights for Lilii Bulbus used in the research and development of classic famous formula.

Evolution of blockchain accounting literature from the perspective of CiteSpace (2013-2023).

Against the backdrop of the Industrial Revolution 4.0, the advantages of blockchain technology in traceability, transparency, safety improvement, and efficiency improvement have made it possible to reduce the work of accounting personnel by 50 %, thus saving billions of dollars for global companies by combining this technology with accounting. However, the blockchain technology associated with accounting is in the experimental stage and has several problems to be solved including limited data processing capacity, information confidentiality, and regulatory difficulties. This innovation and progress in science and technology has provided more abundant, efficient, and professional technical support for the research of blockchain accounting documents. Among these advances, CiteSpace software has promoted the development of blockchain and accounting in the direction of visualization, comprehensiveness, security, and relevance. In this study, we used the knowledge map drawn by CiteSpace to search the core Blockchain Accounting database from 2013 to 2023 on the Web of Science (WoS). We obtained 1414 documents measured according to co-citation analysis, log-likelihood ratio (LLR) network clustering, co-occurrence keywords, and emergent time zone diagram method. We analyzed and summarized the important documents, research keywords, key research fields, and knowledge evolution related to "blockchain accounting" by network, literature integration, and popular research topics. We found that adopting blockchain technology in accounting information systems is expected to improve recordkeeping and reporting. Blockchain, as an innovative technology, provides a tamper-proof, traceable, and shareable platform for accounting information by using a distributed ledger system. By implementing blockchain, artificial intelligence can improve safety, transparency, and accuracy, and also may completely change the way we manage financial records. With its ability to improve overall efficiency and reduce errors, blockchain technology may change our familiar accounting methods. In addition, blockchain technology, intelligent contract, artificial intelligence, the Internet, information systems, and supply chain are the most important keywords, while blockchain technology, intelligent contract, and artificial intelligence are important components of blockchain accounting knowledge system. This research provided an important opportunity to advance the understanding of the crucial contribution of blockchain to the accounting field.

Feasibility of the enhanced neuromuscular blockade recovery protocol with selective use of sugammadex in thyroid surgery with intraoperative neuromonitoring.

BACKGROUND: To investigate feasibility of utilizing enhanced neuromuscular blocking agents with selective recovery protocol during thyroid surgery with intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM). METHODS: Two-hundred and ninety patients were randomized into two groups: group A 0.3 mg/kg rocuronium and group B 0.6 mg/kg. Sugammadex 2 mg/kg was injected if needed followed initial vagal stimulation (V0). Electromyography signals from vagus and recurrent laryngeal nerves before and after resection were recorded as V1, V2, R1, and R2. RESULTS: In group B, 30 patients (20.7%) had V0 signals <100 µV, compared to 9 (6.2%) in group A. After sugammadex administration, 144 patients (99.3%) in both groups achieved positive V1 signals. Group B demonstrated a shorter surgical time from rocuronium injection to V2 stimulation compared to group A, accompanied by a significantly lower incidence of intraoperative body movement (0 vs. 16 patients). CONCLUSIONS: 0.6 mg/kg rocuronium with selective use 2 mg/kg sugammadex for IONM in thyroid surgery can meet both anesthesia and surgery demands.

De novo transcriptome assembly database for 100 tissues from each of seven species of domestic herbivore.

Domesticated herbivores are an important agricultural resource that play a critical role in global food security, particularly as they can adapt to varied environments, including marginal lands. An understanding of the molecular basis of their biology would contribute to better management and sustainable production. Thus, we conducted transcriptome sequencing of 100 to 105 tissues from two females of each of seven species of herbivore (cattle, sheep, goats, sika deer, horses, donkeys, and rabbits) including two breeds of sheep. The quality of raw and trimmed reads was assessed in terms of base quality, GC content, duplication sequence rate, overrepresented k-mers, and quality score distribution with FastQC. The high-quality filtered RNA-seq raw reads were deposited in a public database which provides approximately 54 billion high-quality paired-end sequencing reads in total, with an average mapping rate of ~93.92%. Transcriptome databases represent valuable resources that can be used to study patterns of gene expression, and pathways that are related to key biological processes, including important economic traits in herbivores.

Graphiumisides A-D, Monoterpene Glycosides from an Animal-Derived Endophytic Fungus Graphium sp. GD-11.

Four new monoterpene rhamnosides, graphiumisides A-D (1-4), along with four known steroid compounds (5-8) were isolated from the fermentation extract of animal-derived endophytic fungus, Graphium sp. GD-11. The chemical structures of all compounds were elucidated using 1D and 2D NMR, HRESIMS spectroscopic analyses, and other spectroscopic methods. Compounds 1-4 exhibit a distinctive structure connected by one p-menthane type monoterpene and one L-rhamnose. This is the first report of monoterpene glycosides from Graphium sp. All compounds (1-8) were tested for cytotoxic activities against four cancer cell lines (HepG2, SMMC7721, SW480, and A549), and only compound 1 showed weak anti-tumor activity against SMMC7721 cells.

Postpartum life interventions to prevent type 2 diabetes in women with gestational diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major metabolic disease that seriously endangers life and health, but women with gestational diabetes mellitus are at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of postpartum lifestyle intervention on the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and the effect of lifestyle intervention on glycemic outcomes and anthropometric measures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched PubMed and other databases to retrieve articles published before May 21, 2023, on randomized controlled trials of postnatal lifestyle interventions (diet and/or physical activity) in women with gestational diabetes mellitus. We estimated the pooled odds ratios using fixed or random effects models and conducted a subgroup analysis of the different intervention methods to explore differences in the different lifestyle interventions. RESULTS: The review included 17 randomized controlled trials. Overall, lifestyle changes started after a pregnancy complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus an 11% (RR = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.74-1.07) reduction in diabetes risk; significant differences were found for weight (MD = -1.33; 95% CI: [-1.76; -0.89], P < 0.00001) body mass index (MD = -0.53; 95% CI: [-0.74, -0.32], P < 0.00001), and waist circumference change (MD = -1.38; 95% CI: [-2.12; -0.64], P = 0.0002) but not for fasting glucose (MD = -0.06; 95% CI: [-0.19; 0.06], P = 0.32), 2 h glucose (MD = -0.12; 95% CI: [-0.30; 0.06], P = 0.19), and hemoglobin A1c (MD = -0.11; 95% CI: [-0.23; 0.02], P = 0.09). Subgroup analyses showed no significant differences in the effects of different lifestyle interventions on the incidence of type 2 diabetes, blood glucose levels, and anthropometric parameters. CONCLUSION: Our comprehensive meta-analysis of lifestyle interventions can improve modifiable anthropometric measures in women with gestational diabetes. We need further research to provide more intensive lifestyle intervention, more scientific intervention methods, and to reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes in patients with gestational diabetes.

Survival outcome and optimal candidates of primary tumor resection for patients with metastatic medullary thyroid cancer.

CONTEXT: Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) often exhibits aggressive growth with distant organ metastasis, leading to poor survival. OBJECTIVE: The question of whether primary tumor resection (PTR) is beneficial for patients with metastatic MTC remains a subject of debate. In this study, we evaluated the prognostic significance of organ-specific metastases and the number of metastatic organs in these patients, and we also conducted an analysis to determine the therapeutic value of PTR in managing this rare malignancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients initially diagnosed with metastatic MTC were identified within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were performed to identify survival predictors. Survival outcomes were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank tests. RESULTS: A total of 186 patients with metastatic MTC at initial diagnosis from 2010 to 2020 were included. Bone, lung and liver were the most common metastatic organs. Patients with brain metastasis had significantly worse overall survival (OS) (p = 0.007) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) (p = 0.0013). Among all patients, 105 (56.45%) underwent PTR, and this group showed reduced overall mortality (OM) and cancer-specific mortality (CSM) (all p < 0.05). When analyzing different metastatic patterns, PTR significantly lowered the risk of OM and CSM for patients with bone, lung, liver, or distant lymph node (DLN) involvement (all p < 0.05). Additionally, among patients with one or two metastases, those undergoing surgical resection were significantly associated with favorable OS (p = 0.008) and CSS (p = 0.0247). CONCLUSIONS: PTR may confer therapeutic benefits for carefully selected individuals with metastatic MTCs. To integrate these insights into clinical decision-making settings, it is imperative to undertake multicenter prospective studies in the future.

Generation of arbitrarily structured optical vortex arrays based on the epicycle model.

Optical vortex arrays (OVAs) are complex light fields with versatile structures that have been widely studied in large-capacity optical communications, optical tweezers, and optical measurements. However, generating OVAs with arbitrary structures without explicit analytical expressions remains a challenge. To address this issue, we propose an alternative scheme for customizing OVAs with arbitrary structures using an epicycle model and vortex localization techniques. This method can accurately generate an OVA with an arbitrary structure by pre-designing the positions of each vortex. The influence of the number and coordinates of the locating points on customized OVAs is discussed. Finally, the structures of the OVA and each vortex are individually shaped into specifically formed fractal shapes by combining cross-phase techniques. This unique OVA will open up novel potential applications, such as the complex manipulation of multiparticle systems and optical communication based on optical angular momentum.

A distinct tumor microenvironment makes anaplastic thyroid cancer more lethal but immunotherapy sensitive than papillary thyroid cancer.

Both anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) and papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) originate from thyroid follicular epithelial cells, but ATC has a significantly worse prognosis and shows resistance to conventional therapies. However, clinical trials found that immunotherapy works better in ATC than late-stage PTC. Here, we used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) to generate a single-cell atlas of thyroid cancer. Differences in ATC and PTC tumor microenvironment components (including malignant cells, stromal cells, and immune cells) leading to the polarized prognoses were identified. Intriguingly, we found that CXCL13+ T lymphocytes were enriched in ATC samples and might promote the development of early tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS). Last, murine experiments and scRNA-Seq analysis of a treated patient's tumor demonstrated that famitinib plus anti-PD-1 antibody could advance TLS in thyroid cancer. We displayed the cellular landscape of ATC and PTC, finding that CXCL13+ T cells and early TLS might make ATC more sensitive to immunotherapy.

YAP/Aurora A-mediated ciliogenesis regulates ionizing radiation-induced senescence via Hedgehog pathway in tumor cells.

Primary cilia are antenna-like organelles that play critical roles in sensing and responding to various signals. Nevertheless, the function of primary cilia in cellular response to ionizing radiation (IR) in tumor cells remains unclear. Here, we show that primary cilia are frequently expressed in tumor cells and tissues. Notably, IR promotes cilia formation and elongation in time- and dose-dependent manners. Mechanistic study shows that the suppression of YAP/Aurora A pathway contributes to IR-induced ciliogenesis, which is diminished by Aurora A overexpression. The ciliated tumor cells undergo senescence but not apoptosis in response to IR and the abrogation of cilia formation is sufficient to elevate the lethal effect of IR. Furthermore, we show that IR-induced ciliogenesis leads to the activation of Hedgehog signaling pathway to drive senescence and resist apoptosis, and its blockage enhances cellular radiosensitivity by switching senescence to apoptosis. In summary, this work shows evidence of primary cilia in coordinating cellular response to IR in tumor cells, which may help to supply a novel sensitizing target to improve the outcome of radiotherapy.

Two New Isospirostanol-Type Saponins from the Bulbs of Lilium Brownii and Their Anti-Hepatocarcinogenic Activity.

Bulbs of Lilium brownii, commonly known as "Bai-he" in China, serve both edible and medicinal purposes in clinical practice. In this study, two new isospirostanol-type saponins were isolated from L. brownii, and their structures were identified by spectroscopic method, and absolute configurations were elucidated by comprehensive analysis of spectral data obtained from combined acid hydrolysis. Two compounds were finally identified as 3-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-ß-D-glucopyranoside]-(22R,25R)-5α-spirosolane-3ß-ol (1) and 3-O-{α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-[ß-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)]-ß-D-glucopyranoside}-(22R,25R)-5α-spirosolane-3ß-ol (2), respectively. Further, we found that compound 2 significantly suppressed the proliferation of SMMC-7721 and HepG2 cells with IC50 values of 26.3±1.08 µM and 30.9±1.59 µM, whereas compound 1 didn't inhibit both of the two hepatocellular carcinoma. Subsequently, compound 2 effectively decreased the levels of interleukin-1ß and tumor necrosis factor-α and the expression of Bcl-2, and increased the expression of Bax and Caspase-3 proteins. Which indicated that the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effect of compound 2 involves reducing the level of inflammation and inducing apoptosis.

Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic dynamic profiles of endopleura coloration during fruit maturation in three walnut cultivars.

BACKGROUND: The color of endopleura is a vital factor in determining the economic value and aesthetics appeal of nut. Walnuts (Juglans) are a key source of edible nuts, high in proteins, amino acids, lipids, carbohydrates. Walnut had a variety endopleura color as yellow, red, and purple. However, the regulation of walnut endopleura color remains little known. RESULTS: To understand the process of coloration in endopleura, we performed the integrative analysis of transcriptomes and metabolomes at two developmental stages of walnut endopleura. We obtained total of 4,950 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 794 metabolites from walnut endopleura, which are involved in flavonoid and phenolic biosynthesis pathways. The enrichment analysis revealed that the cinnamic acid, coniferyl alcohol, naringenin, and naringenin-7-O-glucoside were important metabolites in the development process of walnut endopleura. Transcriptome and metabolome analyses revealed that the DEGs and differentially regulated metabolites (DRMs) were significantly enriched in flavonoid biosynthesis and phenolic metabolic pathways. Through co-expression analysis, CHS (chalcone synthase), CHI (chalcone isomerase), CCR (cinnamoyl CoA reductase), CAD (cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase), COMT (catechol-Omethyl transferase), and 4CL (4-coumaroyl: CoA-ligase) may be the key genes that potentially regulate walnut endopleura color in flavonoid biosynthesis and phenolic metabolic pathways. CONCLUSIONS: This study illuminates the metabolic pathways and candidate genes that underlie the endopleura coloration in walnuts, lay the foundation for further study and provides insights into controlling nut's colour.

A Review on Chemical Structures and Biological Activities of Dopamine Derivatives from Medicinal Insects.

Medicinal insects play an important role in the treatment of refractory diseases due to their unique and rich pharmacological activities. However, compared to plants, microorganisms, and marine organisms, medicinal insects have been largely ignored. Some small molecules isolated from insects are known to have defensive effects, but their majority roles remain unknown. In-depth research on the small molecules of medicinal insects has been conducted in recent years. Then alkaloids, dopamine derivatives, nucleoside derivatives, and other components are obtained. Among them, dopamine derivatives are a unique class of components from medicinal insects. Thus, we present a comprehensive overview of chemical structures and biological activities of dopamine derivatives from some medicinal insects, which will bring more attention to other researchers for further chemical and biological investigations on the unique dopamine derivatives as well as medicinal insects.

A multicenter prospective study of lateral neck lymph node mapping in papillary thyroid cancer.

Background: Despite the high incidence of lateral neck lymph node (LN) metastasis in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), the management of the lateral neck remains controversial. We aimed to map the draining LNs in the lateral neck using carbon nanoparticles and explore its potential in neck evaluation. Methods: We conducted a multicenter, prospective study in PTC patients who had non-palpable yet suspicious metastatic lateral LNs on ultrasound and/or computed tomography (CT) but could not be confirmed by fine needle aspiration. Carbon nanoparticle suspension was injected peritumorally into the thyroid and modified lateral neck dissection was subsequently performed. Results: A total of 154 patients were enrolled for analysis. And 5,070 lateral LNs were removed, of which 1,079 (21.3%) were dyed. The median of dyed LNs was 6 per case (range, 1-33). The distribution of dyed LNs in neck compartments was IV > III > IIA > IIB/V, independent of tumor size, location, multifocality or microscopic extra-thyroidal extension (ETE). Compared with undyed LNs, the probabilities of metastasis in dyed LNs were significantly increased in compartment III, IV, V, and II-V (III: 29.3% vs. 15.4%, P<0.001; IV: 26.3% vs. 14.5%, P<0.001; V: 16.7% vs. 3.3%, P=0.005; II-V: 26.3% vs. 10.0%, P<0.001). The relative risks of metastasis in dyed LNs compared with undyed LNs were 1.90, 1.82, 5.04 and 2.62 in compartment III, IV, V, and II-V, respectively. Conclusions: It was the first prospective multicenter study to map the lateral neck LNs with carbon nanoparticles, which could help surgeons visualize the suspicious LNs during surgery. Instead of unguided LN biopsy, this method has a potential role in lateral neck assessment for indeterminate lateral LNs in PTC.