Dysregulation of Serum Exosomal Lipid Metabolism in Schizophrenia: A Biomarker Perspective.

Exosomes, crucial extracellular vesicles, have emerged as potential biomarkers for neurological conditions, including schizophrenia (SCZ). However, the exploration of exosomal lipids in the context of SCZ remains scarce, necessitating in-depth investigation. Leveraging ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), this study aimed to characterize the lipidomic profile of serum exosomes from SCZ patients, assessing their potential as novel biomarkers for SCZ diagnosis through absolute quantitative lipidomics. Our comprehensive lipidomic analysis unveiled 39 serum exosomal lipids that were differentially expressed between SCZ patients (n = 20) and healthy controls (HC, n = 20). These findings revealed a profound dysregulation in lipid metabolism pathways, notably in sphingolipid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and linoleic acid metabolism. Among these, seven exosomal lipids stood out for their diagnostic potential, exhibiting remarkable ability to differentiate SCZ patients from HCs with an unparalleled classification performance, evidenced by an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.94 (95% CI, 0.82-1.00). These lipids included specific ceramides and phosphoethanolamines, pointing to a distinct lipid metabolic fingerprint associated with SCZ. Furthermore, bioinformatic analyses reinforced the pivotal involvement of these lipids in SCZ-related lipid metabolic processes, suggesting their integral role in the disorder's pathophysiology. This study significantly advances our understanding of SCZ by pinpointing dysregulated exosomal lipid metabolism as a key factor in its pathology. The identified serum exosome-derived lipids emerge as compelling biomarkers for SCZ diagnosis, offering a promising avenue towards the development of objective and reliable diagnostic tools.

Up-regulation of IL-1ß and sPLA2-III in the medial prefrontal cortex contributes to orofacial and somatic hyperalgesia induced by malocclusion via glial-neuron crosstalk.

The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) has been identified as a key brain region involved in the modulation of chronic pain. Our recent study demonstrated that unilateral anterior crossbite (UAC) developed the comorbidity model of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), which was characterized by both orofacial and somatic hyperalgesia. In the present study, UAC rats exhibited significant changes in gene expression in the mPFC. Enrichment analysis revealed that the significantly involved pathways were cytokines-cytokine receptor interaction and immune response. The expression of group III secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2-III) was significantly increased in the mPFC of UAC rats. Silencing sPLA2-III expression in the mPFC blocked the orofacial and somatic hyperalgesia. Immunofluorescence showed that sPLA2-III was mainly localized in neurons. The expression of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) in the mPFC significantly increased after UAC. Injection of IL-1ß antibody into the mPFC blocked orofacial and somatic hyperalgesia. IL-1ß was mainly localized in microglia cells. Furthermore, injection of IL-1ß antibody significantly reduced the expression of sPLA2-III. These results indicate that neuroinflammatory cascade responses induced by glial-neuron crosstalk in the mPFC may contribute to the development of TMD and FMS comorbidity, and IL-1ß and sPLA2-III are identified as novel potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of chronic pain in the comorbidity of TMD and FMS.

Valproate attenuates somatic hyperalgesia induced by orofacial inflammation combined with stress through inhibiting spinal IL-6 and STAT1 phosphorylation.

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) may present as comorbid conditions, but treatment options are ineffective. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether valproate (VPA) attenuates somatic hyperalgesia induced by orofacial inflammation combined with stress, which represents a model of pain associated with TMD and FMS comorbidity, and to explore the potential mechanisms. The results showed that VPA inhibited somatic hyperalgesia induced by orofacial inflammation combined with stress, and down-regulated the interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression in the L4-L5 spinal dorsal horn of female rats. The anti-nociceptive effect of VPA was blocked by single or 5 consecutive day intrathecal administration of recombinant rat IL-6. Orofacial inflammation combined with stress up-regulated the ratio of phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (p-STAT1) to STAT1 (p-STAT1/STAT1) in the spinal cord. VPA did not affect the STAT1 expression, while it down-regulated the ratio of p-STAT1/STAT1. The expression of STAT3 and the ratio of p-STAT3/STAT3 were not affected by orofacial inflammation combined with stress and VPA treatment. Intrathecal administration of exogenous IL-6 up-regulated the ratio of p-STAT1/STAT1. These data indicate that VPA attenuated somatic hyperalgesia induced by orofacial inflammation combined with stress via inhibiting spinal IL-6 in female rats, and the mechanism may involve the alteration of activation status of spinal STAT1. Thus, VPA may be a new candidate analgesic that targets IL-6 and STAT1 for the treatment of pain associated with the comorbidity of TMD and FMS.

Effects of different chronic restraint stress periods on anxiety- and depression-like behaviors and tryptophan-kynurenine metabolism along the brain-gut axis in C57BL/6N mice.

Chronic restraint stress (CRS) is a widely used stimulus to induce anxiety- and depression-like behaviors, linked to alterations in tryptophan-kynurenine (TRP-KYN) metabolism in animals. This study assessed the effects of different CRS periods on anxiety- or depression-like behaviors and TRP-KYN metabolism along brain-gut axis in C57BL/6N mice. Results showed that one-week CRS decreased the open arm entries of mice in elevated plus maze and delayed latency of feeding in novelty suppressed feeding test. Four-week CRS reduced sucrose preference, increases forced swimming immobility time, and also induced anxiety-like behaviors of mice. UPLC-MS/MS analysis revealed decreased levels of the neurotoxic 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK) and quinolinic acid (QA), and an increase in the neuroprotective kynurenic acid (KA) in the hippocampus of one-week CRS mice; meanwhile, four-week CRS mice displayed a reduction in KA and increases in 3-HK and QA. In the colon, both one-week and four-week CRS mice exhibited significant reductions in 3-HK and QA, with a marked increase of KA exclusively in four-week CRS mice. Briefly, one-week CRS only induced anxiety-like behaviors with hippocampal neuroprotection in TRP-KYN metabolism, whereas four-week CRS caused anxiety- and depression-like behaviors with neurotoxicity. In the colon, during both CRS periods, KYN was metabolized in the direction of NAD+ production. However, four-week CRS triggered intestinal inflammation risk with increased KA. Summarily, slightly short-term stress has beneficial effects on mice, while prolonged chronic stress can lead to pathological changes. This study offers valuable insights into stress-induced emotional disturbances.

[Synergistic Benefits of Pollution and Carbon Reduction from Air Pollution Control in Hebei Province from 2013 to 2020].

Recently, China has been facing the dual challenges of air pollution control and carbon emission reduction. Pollution and carbon reduction have become a breakthrough point for green socio-economic transformation. Air pollutant and CO2 emission inventories provide a tool for monitoring pollution and carbon reduction; however, there have been some problems in previous studies, including incomplete species coverage, different source classifications, and narrow time scales. Based on the unified emission source classification system and estimation method, an emission inventory was developed for Hebei Province from 2013 to 2020, and the emission trends, structure change, driving force, synergistic benefits, and spatial distribution were analyzed. Hebei Province achieved a balance during the study period in socio-economic development and anthropogenic emission control. SO2 emissions decreased rapidly during the "Ten Atmospheric Measures" period. VOCs and NH3 emissions reduction were more significant during the "Blue Sky Defense War" period. The decrease rates of NOx and PM2.5 emissions were relatively stable, and CO2 emissions increased slightly. The coal-fired treatment effectively reduced the air pollutant and CO2 emissions and strengthening the emission standards for key industries reduced SO2, NOx, and PM2.5 emissions; however, the VOCs emission control requires improvement. Power and residential sources achieved co-reduction of air pollutants and CO2 and reducing residential coal optimized the energy structure, thereby leading to greater synergistic benefits in the residential source. The key pollution and carbon reduction areas in Hebei Province were Shijiazhuang, Tangshan, Handan, Baoding, and Langfang. The methods and conclusions in this study can provide technical and decision-making references for regional pollution and carbon reduction efforts.

Tryptophan-kynurenine metabolic characterization in the gut and brain of depressive-like rats induced by chronic restraint stress.

Accumulating evidence revealed the role of tryptophan (TRP) metabolism, especially its kynurenine pathway (KP), in the communication along the gut-brain axis. However, the underlying characterization of such interaction was not precise. In the present study, the rat depression model was induced by chronic restraint stress (CRS). After depression behavior tests, seven segments (cortex, hippocampus, striatum, hypothalamus, serum, cecum, and colon) along the gut-brain axis were collected to characterize their KP metabolism. mRNA expression of IL-1ß, IFN-γ, IL-10 and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) enzyme revealed a general inflammatory response and region-specific activated IDO1 along the gut-brain axis. Determination of KP metabolites and enzymes displayed a general KP activation with region-specificity, especially in the hippocampus and colon, where the changes were more pronounced. KYN and 3-HK were increased dramatically along the gut-brain axis; hippocampal KA revealed a significant decrease while colonic KA showed a notable increase, evidenced by the same alternation trends of the corresponding enzymes. The expression of quinolinic acid phosphoribosyltransferase (QPRT), the crucial enzyme to produce NAD+ from QA, was significantly upregulated in the gut but not changed in the brain. Pearson's correlation analysis suggested that kynurenine (KYN), 3-hydroxycaninuric acid (3-HK), serotonin (5-HT), TRP and kynurenic acid (KA) significantly correlated with depressive behaviors in rats. Furthermore, western blot analysis on nod-like receptor protein 3/2 (NLRP3/NLRP2) inflammasome signaling displayed that NLRP3 and cleaved IL-1ß/caspase-1 were significantly activated in the hippocampus and colon of CRS rats. However, NLRP2 was only activated in the hippocampus. These results revealed CRS induced inflammatory responses along the brain-gut axis of rats might be controlled through the NLRP3/NLRP2 inflammasome signaling pathway, which may be the underlying regulator for CRS-induced TRP-KYN metabolic changes. This study provides a new experimental background for developing stress-related health products.

[Effect of electroacupuncture on mood and estrogen receptor α expression in mice with polycystic ovary syndrome induced by bisphenol A exposure].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on "Guanyuan" (CV4) or sensitization points in mice with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of PCOS. METHODS: In the first part of this study, 26 female ICR mice were randomized into control group (8 mice) and model group (18 mice). The PCOS model was established by gavage of bisphenol A (BPA) at a dose of 100 mg/kg, and the control group were gavage of equal volume of corn oil, once daily, 5 days a week for 4 conse-cutive weeks. Evans blue (EB) dye (0.1 mL/10 g) was injected into the caudal vein after modeling. The size, number and distribution of EB exudation points at the skin were observed. In the second part of this study, 32 mice were randomized into control, model, EA-CV4 and EA-sensitization points groups (8 mice in each group). EA (2 Hz, 2 mA) was applied to the sensitization points or CV4 for 20 min, once daily, 5 days a week for 4 conse-cutive weeks. The body weight was measured once a week for 8 consecutive weeks. The behavior changes were evaluated by open field test and elevated plus maze test. H.E. staining was used to observe the histopathologic changes of the ovary tissue. Serum level of estradiol (E2) was measured by ELISA. The expressions of estrogen receptor α (ER-α) in ovarian and uterine tissues were detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence. RESULTS: (1) In PCOS mice, the EB exudation points were found to overlap the lower abdomen, lumbosacral, chest, back and lower limbs regions, and the number of EB points was significantly more than that of the control group (P<0.01). (2) After the intervention and compared with the control group, the ovaries showed polycystic changes and an increase of atresia follicles with a larger diameter, the activity time in the central area, the total distance of movement, the times of open-arm entries, the duration in open-arm, the serum E2 content and the expression of ER-α in ovarian tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), while the mice's body weight and the expression of ER-α in uterine tissue were increased (P<0.05) in the model group. After the intervention and compared with the model group, a small number of normal follicles and corpus luteum were observed under microscope, the activity time in the central area, the total distance of movement, the times of open-arm entries, the duration in open-arm, the serum E2 content and the expression of ER-α in ovarian tissue were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the mice's body weight and the expression of ER-α in uterine tissue was decreased (P<0.05) in both EA-CV4 and EA-sensitization points groups. CONCLUSION: EA at sensitization points and CV4 can regulate the expression of estrogen and ER-α in PCOS mice, and improve the anxiety like behavior. EB exudation points on the body surface can not only reflect the functional changes of organs, but also treat diseases through body surface stimulation, suggesting a dual role in diagnosis and treatment.

Effect of Radix Polygalae extract on the colonic dysfunction in rats induced by chronic restraint stress.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Radix Polygalae, a commonly used traditional Chinese herb, has conventionally functioned in tranquilization and sedation, where anti-inflammation may be the underlying mechanism. AIM OF THE STUDY: Chronic restraint stress (CRS), a risk factor for the etiology of intestinal disorders, was used in the present study to examine whether Radix Polygalae extract (RPE) could modulate colonic dysfunction in CRS rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats were exposed to 28-day CRS (6 h daily), and RPE (135 mg/kg and 270 mg/kg) was intragastrically administered 1 h before CRS. Subsequently, the gut microbiota was determined using metagenomic sequencing. Colonic proinflammatory interleukin-1ß, -6, and -18 were assayed using qRT-PCR and ELISA. Tight junction proteins were quantified by qRT-PCR and western blotting (WB), and tryptophan metabolic enzymes and metabolites were determined using qRT-PCR and UFLC-QTRAP-5500/MS. Moreover, protein expression of colonic tight junction proteins, NF-κB-NLRP3 signaling involved in the underlying mechanism of RPE were detected by WB. RESULTS: RPE significantly decreased proinflammatory cytokines and reshaped the gut microbiota, especially the probiotics, including Lactobacillus and Bacteroides. Moreover, RPE could modulate the metabolite contents and enzyme expression associated with colonic tryptophan-kynurenine (TRP-KYN) metabolism and could increase tight junction protein expression in CRS rats. Furthermore, RPE inhibited the activation of NF-κB-NLRP3 signaling in the colon of CRS rats. CONCLUSION: RPE could modulate colonic inflammation, colonic microbiota, tight junction, TRP-KYN metabolism and NF-κB-NLRP3 signaling to reach a colonic balance of CRS rats. The present study helped us to better understand and appreciate the various beneficial effects of RPE.

[Emission Characteristics and Inventory of Volatile Organic Compounds from Cooking in Sichuan Province].

NMHCs concentrations and VOCs components were sampled from 12 typical catering units in Sichuan Province. Combined with literature data, the cooking source profile containing 117 VOCs was established comprehensively, and the NMHCs emission factors were obtained. Based on the bottom-up research method, the volatile organic compounds emission inventory of cooking sources in Sichuan Province was established. The results showed that the oxygen and alkane groups were the most important components for Sichuan cuisine, barbecue, and canteen, and the total proportion of the two groups was greater than 75%. The main VOCs species were ethanol, formaldehyde, ethane, hexanal, ethylene, 1,3-butadiene, and acrolein. Oxygen-containing components contributed the most to OFP, followed by olefin. The major OFP contributors were formaldehyde, ethylene, ethanol, 1,3-butadiene, acrolein, hexanal, etc. In 2019, the VOCs emissions and OFP values of cooking sources in Sichuan Province were 32kt and 141kt, respectively, accounting for approximately 5% of the anthropogenic VOCs emissions and OFP values in Sichuan Province. The VOCs emission from cooking may have an important contribution to ozone formation, which means more attention should be paid to cooking.

[Characteristics of O3 Pollution and Key Precursors in Chengdu During Spring].

To study the characteristics of O3 pollution and identify the key precursors for O3 formation in Chengdu in spring, O3 concentrations in April between 2016 and 2018 were analyzed, and on-line measurements of O3 and the precursors(VOCs and NOx) were also studied at an urban site. The results showed that the O3 pollution level in April increased year by year, and diurnal variations showed a unimodal distribution. When the ambient temperature was more than 20℃, the wind speed was between 1 and 1.5 m·s-1, and the relative humidity was less than 65%, the probability of O3 pollution occurring in April was more than 80%. In April 2018, the average concentrations of NOx and VOCs during O3 pollution days were 2.3-times and 2-times higher than non-pollution days. Furthermore, an OBM method was used to calculate the RIR values of different ozone precursors. This showed that the RIR values of anthropogenic VOCs, CO, biogenic VOCs, and NOx for ozone were 2.4, 0.87, 0.06, and -2.6, respectively, indicating that O3 formation in Chengdu was generally VOC-limited. The RIR values of the VOC species showed that m/p-xylene, ethylene, trans-2-butane, propylene, o-xylene, toluene, acetone, isoprene, isopentane, and n-butane were the key active VOC species of ozone formation.

Graphene nanoribbon-based supramolecular ensembles with dual-receptor targeting function for targeted photothermal tumor therapy.

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most malignant subtypes of breast cancer. Here, we report the construction of graphene nanoribbon (GNR)-based supramolecular ensembles with dual-receptor (mannose and αvß3 integrin receptors) targeting function, denoted as GNR-Man/PRGD, for targeted photothermal treatment (PTT) of TNBC. The GNR-Man/PRGD ensembles were constructed through the solution-based self-assembly of mannose-grafted GNRs (GNR-Man) with a pyrene-tagged αvß3 integrin ligand (PRGD). Enhanced PTT efficacies were achieved both in vitro and in vivo compared to that of the non-targeting equivalents. Tumor-bearing live mice were administered (tail vein) with GNR-Man/PRGD and then each mice group was subjected to PTT. Remarkably, GNR-Man/PRGD induced complete ablation of the solid tumors, and no tumor regrowth was observed over a period of 15 days. This study demonstrates a new and promising platform for the development of photothermal nanomaterials for targeted tumor therapy.

[Characteristics and Sources of Atmospheric Volatile Organic Compounds Pollution in Summer in Chengdu].

In the research, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were observed online in urban areas of Chengdu to study VOC concentration level, change characteristics, ozone generation contribution (OFP), and source contribution from June to September 2019. The results showed that the average concentration of TVOCs (total volatile organic compounds) was 112.66 µg·m-3, with alkanes (29.51%) and halogenated hydrocarbons (23.23%) forming the main components. The diurnal peak in VOCs mainly occurred from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, which is affected by urban motor vehicles, oil or gas volatilization, and industrial emissions. For OFP contribution of VOCs in summer, the contribution rate of aromatic hydrocarbons (42.7%) was the highest, followed by alkenes (27.4%). The key active species were m/p-xylene, ethylene, propylene, o-xylene, isopentane, cyclopentane, and acrolein. According to the source analysis by the PMF model, mobile sources are the main contributors of VOCs in summer in Chengdu, contributing 34% to TVOCs, followed by industrial sources (17%), volatile oil and gas (14%), and solvent use and natural sources contributing 11% and 13%. Therefore, motor vehicle and industrial emissions are the key control sources of VOCs in Chengdu, although control of pollution sources such as solvent use and oil or gas volatilization cannot be ignored.

[Seasonal Pollution Characteristics and Analysis of the Sources of Atmospheric VOCs in Chengdu Urban Area].

To investigate the seasonal variations in the concentrations of atmospheric volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the urban area of Chengdu, VOC species were monitored from December 2018 to November 2019, and the concentrations, chemical composition, chemical reactivity, and sources of VOCs were analyzed. Average volume fraction of VOCs in spring, summer, autumn, and winter are 32.29×10-9, 36.25×10-9, 40.92×10-9, and 49.48×10-9, respectively. The concentrations in winter are significantly higher than the winter concentrations measured in other areas. There is no significant difference between VOC concentrations in spring and summer, but component concentrations vary from season to season. In winter, alkanes account for the largest proportion of total VOCs owing to vehicle emissions. The proportion of oxygen (nitrogen)-containing volatile organic compounds in summer and autumn is much higher than that in spring and winter. Volatile emissions from primary sources and secondary conversions have a great contribution. The average concentration of key components of VOCs in different seasons did not change significantly. C2-C4 alkanes, ethylene, acetylene, and dichloromethane concentrations may be significantly affected by vehicle exhaust, oil and gas volatilization, solvent use, and LPG fuel use. ·OH consumption rate and OFP calculations show that key active species are mainly m/p-xylene, ethylene, propylene, 1-hexene, toluene, isopentane, and n-butane. Therefore, these species should be given priority in emissions control measures. Since the temperature in spring and summer is higher than in autumn and winter, and the UV rays are more intense, PMF analysis reveals the natural sources and the secondary emission sources as the major sources. The oil and gas volatilization source contributes to 9% of VOC concentrations in summer. The major VOC sources in autumn and winter are vehicle exhaust and combustion sources. Emissions from the combustion sources contribute to 25% and emissions from the catering sources in autumn and winter contribute to 9% of total VOC levels.

[Emission Inventory and Characteristics of Anthropogenic Air Pollution Sources Based on Second Pollution Source Census Data in Sichuan Province].

In this research, the activity data of Sichuan Province were collected using bottom-up and top-down methods. According to the second survey of pollution sources, the activity data of industrial source includes information of 11020 boilers and 60078 industrial enterprises. Data of 19152 industrial enterprises were collected in Chengdu, accounting for 32% of the total number of enterprises in Sichuan Province. The anthropogenic air pollutant emission inventory of 9 km×9 km was developed for Sichuan Province in 2017 with the use of appropriate emission estimation methods. The results showed that the total emission of SO2,NOx,CO,PM10,PM2.5,BC,OC,VOCs, and NH3 in Sichuan were 308.6×103, 725.7×103, 3131.2×103, 927.6×103, 422.4×103, 30.2×103, 72.0×103, 600.9×103, and 887.1×103 t. The fixed combustion source and process source mainly contributed as sources of SO2. The main source of CO was the process source and mobile source. Further, the dust source and process source were the main sources of PM10 and PM2.5, and the dust source was the largest source of BC and OC contributions. The emission sources of the VOCs were primarily the process sources, mobile sources and solvent use sources. The NH3 emissions were mainly from livestock and poultry breeding and nitrogen fertilizer applications. The spatial distribution results showed that the pollutants were mainly concentrated in the densely populated Sichuan basin and Panzhihua region, where industry and agriculture were relatively developed. The high value points are concentrated along the Deyang-Chengdu-Meishan-Leshan line in Chengdu Plain. The emission inventory established in this study still has certain uncertainties, and the accuracy of activity level data acquisition should be further enhanced. Moreover, pollutant emission factor testing should be carried out for typical pollution sources, and grid emission inventory should be improved to provide scientific support for the prevention and control of air pollution in Sichuan Province in the future.

[Source Composition Spectrum of Volatile Organic Compounds in Typical Industries in Sichuan].

In this study, typical industries that act as sources of volatile organic compound (VOCs) emission in Sichuan, including automobile manufacturing, wooden furniture, wood-based panel manufacturing, and paint production, were selected and GC-MS national standard analysis to study the organized emission VOC components of every procedure. The spectra of VOCs in the automobile industry were obtained by means of total emission normalization. The results showed that the VOC components of automobile manufacturing, wooden furniture, and oil paint manufacturing enterprises were mainly aromatic hydrocarbons and oxygen-containing compounds, accounting for more than 70% of total VOCs; the emissions from automobile part manufacturing enterprises were mainly aromatic hydrocarbons, with a ratio of over 90%. The proportion of oxygen-containing compounds in the wood-based panel manufacturing industry was found to be up to 97%, mainly caused by the emission of formaldehyde, which accounts for 75%, followed by isopropanol, acetone, and other substances. The proportion of aromatic hydrocarbon and olefin in synthetic resin enterprises is relatively high at over 80%. The olefin species are mainly 1,3-butadiene and 1-butene. Although there are some differences in emission species between different industries, they are mainly composed of aromatic hydrocarbons and oxygenates. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the identification and control of components with high concentration, activity, and toxicity for aromatic hydrocarbons and oxygenates. The source, process, and end process control should be monitored to achieve the effect of total emission reduction.

Determination and Tissue Distribution Comparisons of Atractylodin after Oral Administration of Crude and Processed Atractylodes Rhizome.

BACKGROUND: Atractylodis rhizoma is one of the most often used drugs in traditional Chinese medicine. Stir frying with wheat bran is the most common processing method. To clarify the principle of processing, an experiment was carried out to compare the tissue distribution of typical constituent after oral administration of raw A. rhizoma and processed ones. OBJECTIVE: To compare the tissues distribution of atractylodin after oral administration of raw and processed A. rhizoma and clarify the processing principle of A. rhizoma. Materials and Methods: High-performance liquid chromatogram with ultraviolet detection was developed and validated for the determination of atractylodin in rat tissues. RESULTS: The atractylodin in raw and processed A. rhizoma was distributed in all tissues involved in this study. CONCLUSIONS: The concentration of atractylodin in it is the highest in the stomach and small intestine. SUMMARY: In this paper, a simple, specific, and rapid reversed phase-high-performance liquid chromatogram method with ultraviolet detection for quantification of atractylodin in rat tissue has been developed for the first time. The result indicates that the concentration of atractylodin in it is the highest in the stomach and small intestine. Abbreviations used: IS: Internal standard substance; A. rhizoma: Atractylodis rhizoma; RSD: Relative standard deviation; HPLC: High performance liquid chromatography.

[Heat-responsive mechanisms in plants revealed by proteomic analysis: A review].

Heat stress is a major abiotic stress that limits plant growth and productivity. In recent years, proteomic investigations provide more information for understanding the sophisticated heat-responsive molecular mechanism in plants at systematic biological level. The heat-responsive proteomic patterns in several plants, i. e., model plants (Arabidopsis thaliana), staple food crops (soybean, rice and wheat), heat-tolerant plants (Agrostis stolonifera, Portulaca oleracea, and Carissa spinarum), grapevine, Populus euphratica, Medicago sativa, and Pinellia ternate, were reported. A total of 838 heat-responsive proteins have been identified in these studies. Among them, 534 proteins were induced and the expression of 304 proteins was reduced in plants under heat stress. In this paper, the diverse protein patterns in plants under various heat stress conditions (30-45 °C for 0-10 d) were analyzed integratively. This provided new evidences and clues for further interpreting the signaling and metabolic pathways, e.g., signaling, stress and defense, carbohydrate and energy metabolism, photosynthesis, transcription, protein synthesis and fate, membrane and transport, in heat-responsive networks, and laid a foundation for a holistic understanding of the molecular regulatory mechanism in plants in response to heat stress.

[Effects of Crude Atractylodis Rhizoma and Processed Atractylodis Rhizoma on AQP1 - AQP5 and Hemorheology in Healthy Rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the different effects of crude Atractylodis Rhizoma and processed Atractylodis Rhizoma in healthy rats, in order to prove the traditional theory that the crude Atractylodis Rhizoma has dry effects and the dry effects can be weaken by processing. METHODS: Health rats had been orally administered with pure water, crude Atractylodis Rhizoma, processed Atractylodis Rhizoma and atropine. The concentration of AQP1 and AQP5 in submaxillary gland were measured by ELISA. Their index of submaxillary gland, hemorheology and moisture content of intestine were also measured. RESULTS: There were obvious differences of concentration of AQP1 and AQP5 in submaxillary gland, index of submaxillary gland, hemorheology and moisture content of intestine between the rats which had been orally administered crude Atractylodis Rhizoma and the rats administered processed Rhizoma Atractylodes. CONCLUSIONS: The dry effects of Atractylodis Rhizoma works on rats' moisture content of intestine, index of submaxillary gland and hemorheology. The dry effects can be weaken by processing.

[The heating effect of the Er3+/Yb3+ doped Y2O3 nanometer powder by 980 nm laser diode pumping].

The Er3+ and Yb3+ doped Y2O3 Nano powder was prepared by sol-gel method. Based on 2H11/2 --> 4I15/2 and 4S3/2 --> 4I15/2 green conversion luminescence intensity rate of Er3+, the sample surface temperature changes caused by the increase in 980 nm diode laser pump power were studied. The results show that with pump power increasing, the sample surface temperature substantially rises. And the surface temperature reached to 820 K when the pump power was 1 000 mW. The phenomenon plays an important role in the analysis of upconversion process, especially with saturation power. And this feature has a potential application prospect in the biomedicine, soft tissue hole burning as well as the field of temperature sensing materials.