Cross-resistance, inheritance and biochemical mechanism of abamectin resistance in a field-derived strain of the citrus red mite, Panonychus citri (Acari: Tetranychidae).

BACKGROUND: The citrus red mite, Panonychus citri (McGregor), a global pest of citrus, has developed different levels of resistance to various acaricides in the field. Abamectin is one of the most important insecticides/acaricides worldwide, targetting a wide number of insect and mite pests. The evolution of abamectin resistance in P. citri is threatening the sustainable use of abamectin for mite control. RESULTS: The abamectin resistant strain (NN-Aba), derived from a field strain NN by consistent selection with abamectin, showed 4279-fold resistance to abamectin compared to a relatively susceptible strain (SS) of P. citri. Cross-resistance of NN-Aba was observed between abamectin and emamectin benzoate, pyridaben, fenpropathrin and cyflumetofen. Inheritance analyses indicated that abamectin resistance in the NN-Aba strain was autosomal, incompletely recessive and polygenic. The synergy experiment showed that abamectin toxicity was synergized by piperonyl butoxide (PBO), diethyl maleate (DEM) and tributyl phosphorotrithiotate (TPP) in the NN-Aba strain, and synergy ratios were 2.72-, 2.48- and 2.13-fold, respectively. The glutathione-S-transferases activity in the NN-Aba strain were significantly increased by 2.08-fold compared with the SS strain. CONCLUSION: The abamectin resistance was autosomal, incompletely recessive and polygenic in P. citri. The NN-Aba strain showed cross-resistance to various acaricides with different modes of action. Metabolic detoxification mechanism participated in abamectin resistance in NN-Aba strain. These findings provide useful information for resistance management of P. citri in the field. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Comprehensive evaluation of functional vision, quality of life, and cognitive ability in pediatric uveitis.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric uveitis may cause severe impairment of vision in children and affect their quality of life as well as cognitive ability. This study aims to evaluate the functional vision, visual-related and health-related quality of life, and cognitive ability in pediatric uveitis. METHODS: Children with uveitis aged 5-16 years old completed six validated instruments to assess functional visual ability with Cardiff Visual Ability Questionnaire for Children (CVAQC), vision-related quality of life with Impact of Vision Impairment for Children (IVI-C), health-related quality of life with Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), cognitive ability with Chinese Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (C-WISC), and depression and anxiety evaluation with Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD). RESULTS: The CVAQC, IVI-C, and PedsQL scores of pediatric uveitis were significantly lower than that of normal levels. Full-scale intelligence quotient (IQ) and performance IQ were significantly lower in pediatric uveitis patients with impaired vision in their best eye (visual acuity < 0.3) compared to those with a vision equal to or better than 0.3. Verbal IQ was significantly lower in male pediatric uveitis patients with impaired vision compared to those with a vision equal to or better than 0.3. Additionally, parents of pediatric uveitis patients with impaired vision generally had lower educational levels than parents of those with a vision equal to or better than 0.3. CONCLUSIONS: Impaired vision caused by pediatric uveitis has a significant impact on children's functional visual ability and quality of life. The development of cognitive function in pediatric uveitis is also significantly hindered.

[Research progress of Shegan Mahuang Decoction and predictive analysis on its Q-markers].

Shegan Mahuang Decoction has been used in clinical practice for thousands of years, and is a classical formula for treating asthma and other respiratory diseases, with the effects of ventilating lung, dispersing cold, and relieving cough and asthma. This paper summarized the history, clinical application and mechanism of Shegan Mahuang Decoction, and predicted its quality markers(Q-markers) based on the "five principles" of Q-markers. The results suggested that irisflorentin, tectoridin, tectorigenin, irigenin, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, asarinin, methyleugenol, shionone, epifriedelanol, tussilagone, 6-gingerol, trigonelline, cavidine, schizandrin, and schizandrin B could be used as Q-markers of Shegan Mahuang Decoction, which provided a basis for the quality control and subsequent research and development of Shegan Mahuang Decoction.

Resistance of Panonychus citri (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae) to pyridaben in China: monitoring and fitness costs.

BACKGROUND: Panonychus citri is a major citrus pest worldwide. The short life cycle and high reproductive potential of P. citri, combined with heavy acaricide use, have led to high levels of resistance to acaricides, posing a threat to global resistance management programs. Here, resistance monitoring was established to determine the pyridaben resistance status of ten P. citri populations in China from 2014 to 2021 using a leaf-dipping assay. Four characterized strains-the susceptible strain (Lab_S), the resistant strain (Pyr_R), as well as the segregated resistant strain (Pyr_Rs) and the segregated susceptible strain (Pyr_Control) derived from the crossing of the Lab_S and Pyr_R strains, were used to evaluate the life-history characteristics using age-stage, two-sex life tables. RESULTS: Most P. citri populations developed high resistance to pyridaben. Resistance levels exceeded 1000-fold in Yuxi, Anyue, Nanning, and Ganzhou populations compared with the Lab_S strain. Compared with Pyr_Control, two key fitness cost criteria, developmental period and fecundity, showed significant differences in Pyr_Rs under consistent conditions. The intrinsic rate of increase, net reproductive rate and gross reproductive rate were lower in the resistant strain compared with the Pyr_Control strain. The Pyr_Rs strain had a lower relative fitness of 0.934 compared with the Pyr_Control. Moreover, the life-history traits and population parameters of the Pyr_R strain also showed significant differences compared with the Lab_S strain. CONCLUSION: The resistance levels to pyridaben varied greatly among the different P. citri populations and showed regional differences. Substantial fitness costs are associated with pyridaben resistance. This study provides potential implications for developing strategies for resistance management in P. citri. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Research progress of Shegan Mahuang Decoction and predictive analysis on its Q-markers / 中国中药杂志

Shegan Mahuang Decoction has been used in clinical practice for thousands of years, and is a classical formula for treating asthma and other respiratory diseases, with the effects of ventilating lung, dispersing cold, and relieving cough and asthma. This paper summarized the history, clinical application and mechanism of Shegan Mahuang Decoction, and predicted its quality markers(Q-markers) based on the "five principles" of Q-markers. The results suggested that irisflorentin, tectoridin, tectorigenin, irigenin, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, asarinin, methyleugenol, shionone, epifriedelanol, tussilagone, 6-gingerol, trigonelline, cavidine, schizandrin, and schizandrin B could be used as Q-markers of Shegan Mahuang Decoction, which provided a basis for the quality control and subsequent research and development of Shegan Mahuang Decoction.

New drug for thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy——Teprotumumab-trbw / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Teprotumumab-trbw,a monoclonal antibody that acts on the insulin growth factor-Ⅰ receptor, was approved in 2020 for the treatment of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy, but little is known about it in China. It is hoped to provide guidance for clinical use through the review of its molecular structure, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic mechanism, clinical research and safety. It inhibits immune inflammation by blocking thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor /insulin growth factor-Ⅰ receptor crosstalk signaling, so as to reduce the production of hyaluronic acid and inflammatory factors in response. It can also promote the apoptosis of retro-orbital fibroblasts/adipocytes and inhibit the expression of genes related to the synthesis of thyroid hormones, thereby significantly improving the clinical symptoms such as exophthalmos and diplopia. The common adverse reactions of Teprotumumab-trbw are muscle spasm, hyperglycemia, hearing loss and so on. Teprotumumab-trbw is effective and durable in the treatment of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy, and patients with secondary treatment can also benefit from it, which provides a new way and hope for the treatment of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy.

Improvement effect of Shegan Mahuang Decoction on rats with cold-induced asthma based on TRPV1/NRF-1/mtTFA pathway / 中国中药杂志

This study investigated the therapeutic effect of Shegan Mahuang Decoction(SGMHD) on cold-induced asthma in rats and explored its underlying mechanism. Seventy-two healthy male SD rats of specific pathogen free(SPF) grade were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a positive control group(dexamethasone, 0.4 mg·kg~(-1)), and low-, medium-, and high-dose SGMHD groups(3.2, 6.4, and 12.8 g·kg~(-1)). The blank group received saline, while the other groups were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin(OVA) solution. Subsequently, the rats were placed in a cold chamber adjustable to 0-2 ℃, and OVA solution was ultrasonically nebulized to induce cold-induced asthma in rats. After three weeks of treatment, the general behaviors of rats were observed. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to evaluate pathological changes in lung tissues, periodic acid-Schiff(PAS) staining assessed mucin changes, and Masson staining was performed to examine collagen deposition. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to measure the levels of the inflammatory factors interleukin-4(IL-4) and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) was employed to assess the mRNA expression levels of transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily member 1(TRPV1), nuclear respiratory factor 1(NRF-1), and mitochondrial transcription factor A(mtTFA) in lung tissues. Western blot was used to measure the protein expression levels of TRPV1, NRF-1, and mtTFA in lung tissues. Compared with the blank group, the model group exhibited signs of rapid respiration, increased frequency of defecation with looser stools, and disheveled and dull fur. Pathological results showed significant infiltration of inflammatory cells in lung tissues, narrowing of bronchial lumens, increased mucin secretion, and enhanced collagen deposition in the model group. Additionally, the levels of IL-4 and VEGF in serum and BALF were significantly elevated, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of TRPV1, NRF-1, and mtTFA in lung tissues were significantly increased. Compared with the model group, SGMHD improved the behaviors of rats, alleviated pathological changes in lung tissues, mucin production, and collagen deposition, significantly decreased the levels of IL-4 and VEGF in serum and BALF, and reduced the mRNA expression levels of TRPV1, NRF-1, and mtTFA in lung tissues, with the medium-dose SGMHD group showing the most significant effect. Moreover, the protein expression levels of TRPV1, NRF-1, and mtTFA in lung tissues were also reduced, with the medium-dose SGMHD group exhibiting the most significant effect. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that SGMHD can alleviate airway inflammation and inhibit airway remodeling in cold-induced asthma rats. These effects may be associated with the modulation of the TRPV1/NRF-1/mtTFA signaling pathway.

[Improvement effect of Shegan Mahuang Decoction on rats with cold-induced asthma based on TRPV1/NRF-1/mtTFA pathway].

This study investigated the therapeutic effect of Shegan Mahuang Decoction(SGMHD) on cold-induced asthma in rats and explored its underlying mechanism. Seventy-two healthy male SD rats of specific pathogen free(SPF) grade were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a positive control group(dexamethasone, 0.4 mg·kg~(-1)), and low-, medium-, and high-dose SGMHD groups(3.2, 6.4, and 12.8 g·kg~(-1)). The blank group received saline, while the other groups were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin(OVA) solution. Subsequently, the rats were placed in a cold chamber adjustable to 0-2 ℃, and OVA solution was ultrasonically nebulized to induce cold-induced asthma in rats. After three weeks of treatment, the general behaviors of rats were observed. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to evaluate pathological changes in lung tissues, periodic acid-Schiff(PAS) staining assessed mucin changes, and Masson staining was performed to examine collagen deposition. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to measure the levels of the inflammatory factors interleukin-4(IL-4) and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) was employed to assess the mRNA expression levels of transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily member 1(TRPV1), nuclear respiratory factor 1(NRF-1), and mitochondrial transcription factor A(mtTFA) in lung tissues. Western blot was used to measure the protein expression levels of TRPV1, NRF-1, and mtTFA in lung tissues. Compared with the blank group, the model group exhibited signs of rapid respiration, increased frequency of defecation with looser stools, and disheveled and dull fur. Pathological results showed significant infiltration of inflammatory cells in lung tissues, narrowing of bronchial lumens, increased mucin secretion, and enhanced collagen deposition in the model group. Additionally, the levels of IL-4 and VEGF in serum and BALF were significantly elevated, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of TRPV1, NRF-1, and mtTFA in lung tissues were significantly increased. Compared with the model group, SGMHD improved the behaviors of rats, alleviated pathological changes in lung tissues, mucin production, and collagen deposition, significantly decreased the levels of IL-4 and VEGF in serum and BALF, and reduced the mRNA expression levels of TRPV1, NRF-1, and mtTFA in lung tissues, with the medium-dose SGMHD group showing the most significant effect. Moreover, the protein expression levels of TRPV1, NRF-1, and mtTFA in lung tissues were also reduced, with the medium-dose SGMHD group exhibiting the most significant effect. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that SGMHD can alleviate airway inflammation and inhibit airway remodeling in cold-induced asthma rats. These effects may be associated with the modulation of the TRPV1/NRF-1/mtTFA signaling pathway.

[Research progress of Shenling Baizhu San and predictive analysis on its quality markers].

Shenling Baizhu San is a classic prescription for replenishing Qi to invigorate the spleen and dispelling dampness to check diarrhea, which mainly treats the syndrome of spleen deficiency and heavy dampness. With the pharmacological effects of regulating immune system, improving lung function and gastrointestinal function, and resisting oxygen, tumor, and inflammation, Shenling Baizhu San is commonly used in modern clinical practice to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis, bronchial asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, chronic diarrhea, and diabetic, etc. This paper summarized the chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, and clinical application of Shenling Baizhu San in recent years, and predictively analyzed the quality markers of Shenling Baizhu San according to the "five principles" of Q-marker. The Q-markers of Shenling Baizhu San involved ginsenoside Rg_1, ginsenoside Re, ginsenoside Rb_1, pachymic acid, dehydrotumulosic acid, batatasin Ⅰ, batatasin Ⅲ, diosgenin, liensinine, neferine, luteolin, quercetin, glycerol trioleate, ß-sitosterol, platycodin D, glycyrrhizic acid, glycyrrhetinic acid, liquiritin, pipecolinic acid, atractylenolide Ⅰ, atractylenolide Ⅲ, and bornyl acetate, which provided references for the quality control and follow-up research of Shenling Baizhu San.

Molting process revealed by the detailed expression profiles of RXR1/RXR2 and mining the associated genes in a spider mite, Panonychus citri.

Spider mites have one ecdysone receptor (EcR) and multiple retinoid X receptors (RXRs). However, the function of these RXRs in spider mite development is unknown. Here, we screened the expression dynamics of two PcRXR isoforms at 4 h intervals in the deutonymphal stage of Panonychus citri. The results showed that PcEcR had an expression pattern similar to that of PcRXR2. For PcRXR1, its expression remained at a certain high level, when there was a decrease of both PcEcR and PcRXR2. In situ hybridization showed that PcRXR2 was detected in the central nervous mass, while the ecdysteroid biosynthesis gene PcSpo was mainly expressed at the edge of the central nervous mass. RNAi-based silencing of PcRXR1 or PcRXR2 showed the same phenotype as in mites with that of silencing PcEcR. Furthermore, RNA-seq was used to mine the genes associated with the expression dynamics of PcRXR1 or PcRXR2, which revealed that the heterodimer of EcR-RXR2 in spider mites might be linked with the cell autophagy and tissue remodeling during apolysis, and RXR1 might be linked with new epicuticle and exocuticle secretion during ecdysis. Taken together, these results increase our understanding of the regulation mechanism of ecdysteroid signal pathway in spider mite development.

Effects of Th17 and Treg cells with their balance on thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy(TAO)is an organ-specific autoimmune disease, which will cause a series of symptoms to significantly reduce the health level and life quality of patients. The pathogenesis of TAO has not been fully clarified. At present, there is a lack of unified and mature treatment scheme of it. Indeed, T-helper 17 lymphocyte(Th17)cells, regulatory T(Treg)cells and their imbalance are closely related to the immunological pathogenesis of TAO. It is currently believed that the cytokines secreted by Th17 cells can not only promote the inflammatory response of TAO and the fibrosis of orbital connective tissue, but also inhibit the adipogenic differentiation of TAO orbital connective tissue. In addition, Treg cells mainly exert immunosuppressive effect on TAO and delay the disease progression. At the same time, there is a dynamic balance relationship between Th17 and Treg cells, the imbalance of Th17/Treg cells can trigger the occurrence and development of TAO. This paper mainly expounds the influence mechanism of Th17, Treg cells and their balance on TAO, and analyzes the reasons for the differences between different research results, so as to provide some reference for the study of the pathogenesis and clinical treatment of TAO.

Simple obesity of stomach heat and damp obstruction treated with acupoint thread embedding therapy: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the therapeutic effect and safety of acupoint thread embedding therapy in treatment of simple obesity of stomach heat and damp obstruction.@*METHODS@#A total of 144 patients with simple obesity of stomach heat and damp obstruction were randomized into an acupoint thread embedding group (72 cases, 3 cases dropped off and 1 case removed) and a sham-embedding group (72 cases, 6 cases dropped off and 3 cases removed). On the base of the lifestyle adjustment, the acupoint thread embedding therapy with PGLA thread was applied to Tianshu (ST 25), Zhongwan (CV 12), Ganshu (BL 18), Shuidao (ST 28), etc. in the acupoint thread embedding group, while in the sham-embedding group, the acupoint selection and operation were all same as the acupoint thread embedding group, but without PGLA thread embedded. In either group, the treatment was given once every 2 weeks, consecutively for 12 weeks and the follow-up was conducted for 3 months after treatment. Separately, before and after treatment as well as in follow-up, the obesity indices (body mass index [BMI], waist circumference [WC], waist-to-hip ratio [WHR] and fat percentage [F%]) were observed in the two groups. Before and after treatment, the indices of blood glucose and insulin (fasting blood glucose [FBG], fasting insulin [FINS] and insulin resistance index [HOMA-IR]), adipocyte factor indices (adiponectin, leptin [LP] and serine protease inhibitor [Vaspin]) and inflammatory factor indices (tumor nercosis factor [TNF-α], interleukin-1β [IL-1β] and interleukin-6 [IL-6]) were observed separately in the two groups. The therapeutic effect and safety were compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#After treatment and in follow-up, except WC and WHR in the sham-embedding group, BMI, WC, WHR and F% were all reduced as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the values in the acupoint thread embedding group were lower than the sham-embedding group (P<0.01). After treatment, except FBG, LP and Vaspin in the sham-embedding group, FBG, FINS, HOMA-IR, LP and Vaspin were all reduced as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.01, P<0.05), and adiponectin was increased as compared with that before treatment (P<0.01, P<0.05); the improvements in the acupoint thread embedding group were more significant than the sham-embedding group (P<0.01). After treatment, the levels of serum TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in the acupoint thread embedding group were reduced as compared with the values before treatment and those in the sham-embedding group separately (P<0.01). The total effective rate was 89.7% (61/68) in the acupoint thread embedding group, higher than 19.0% (12/63) in the sham-embedding group (P<0.01). There was no severe adverse reaction reported in the two groups.@*CONCLUSION@#Acupoint thread embedding therapy with PGLA thread can alleviate obesity, regulate glucose metabolism and adipocyte factors activity, improve insulin resistance and inhibit the expression of pro-inflammatory factors in the patients with simple obesity with stomach heat and damp obstruction, and this therapy presents a satisfactory safety in treatment.

De novo RNA-Seq and Annotation of Sesquiterpenoid and Ecdysteroid Biosynthesis Genes and MicroRNAs in a Spider Mite Eotetranychus kankitus.

Eotetranychus kankitus is an important mite pest in citrus, but molecular data on the developmental processes of E. kankitus are lacking. The different development stages mix of E. kankitus was used to sequence for transcriptome and small RNAs to identify genes and predict miRNAs associated with sesquiterpenoid and ecdysteroid biosynthesis and signaling pathways. More than 36 million clean reads were assembled and 67,927 unigenes were generated. Of the unigenes, 19,300 were successfully annotated through annotation databases NR, SwissProt, COG, GO, KEGG, PFAM, and KOG. The transcripts were involved in sesquiterpenoid biosynthesis (11 genes) and ecdysteroid biosynthesis and signaling pathway (13 genes). Another, small RNA library was obtained and 31 conserved miRNAs were identified. Five most abundant miRNAs were Ek-miR-5735, Ek-miR-1, Ek-miR-263a, Ek-miR-184, and Ek-miR-8. The target genes related to sesquiterpenoid and ecdysteroid showed that 10 of the conserved miRNAs could potentially target the sesquiterpenoid and ecdysteroid pathway according to four-prediction software, sRNAT, miRanda, RNAhybrid, and Risearch2. Thus, the results of this study will provide bioinformatics information for further molecular studies of E. kankitus which may facilitate improved pest control strategies.

Baicalin attenuates LPS-induced alveolar type II epithelial cell A549 injury by attenuation of the FSTL1 signaling pathway via increasing miR-200b-3p expression.

In China, baicalin is the main active component of Scutellaria baicalensis, which has been used in the treatment of inflammation-related diseases, such as inflammation-induced acute lung injury. However, its specific mechanism remains unclear. This study examined the protective effect of baicalin on LPS-induced inflammation injury of alveolar epithelial cell line A549 and explored its protective mechanism. Compared with the LPS-induced group, the proliferation inhibition rates of alveolar type II epithelial cell line A549 intervened by different concentrations of baicalin decreased significantly, as did the levels of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1ß, prostaglandin 2 and TNF-α in the supernatant. The expression levels of inflammatory proteins inducible NO synthase (iNOS), NF-κB65, phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK1/2), and phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK1) significantly decreased, as did the protein expression of follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1). In contrast, expression of miR-200b-3p significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggested that baicalin could significantly inhibit the expression of inflammation-related proteins and improve LPS-induced inflammatory injury in alveolar type II epithelial cells. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of ERK/JNK inflammatory pathway activation by increasing the expression of miR-200b-3p. Thus, FSTL1 is the regulatory target of miR-200b-3p.

Inhibition of histamine receptor H3 suppresses the growth and metastasis of human non-small cell lung cancer cells via inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MEK/ERK signaling pathways and blocking EMT.

Recent evidence shows that the expression levels of histamine receptor H3 (Hrh3) are upregulated in several types of cancer. However, the role of Hrh3 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been elucidated. In the present study, we showed that the expression levels of Hrh3 were significantly increased in NSCLC samples, and high levels of Hrh3 were associated with poor overall survival (OS) in NSCLC patients. In five human NSCLC cell lines tested, Hrh3 was significantly upregulated. In NSCLC cell lines H1975, H460, and A549, Hrh3 antagonist ciproxifan (CPX, 10-80 µM) exerted moderate and concentration-dependent inhibition on the cell growth and induced apoptosis, whereas its agonist RAMH (80 µM) reversed these effects. Furthermore, inhibition of Hrh3 by CPX or siRNA retarded the migration and invasion of NSCLC cells through inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) progression via reducing the phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MEK/ERK signaling pathways. In nude mice bearing H1975 cell xenograft or A549 cell xenograft, administration of CPX (3 mg/kg every other day, intraperitoneal) significantly inhibited the tumor growth with increased E-cadherin and ZO-1 expression and decreased Fibronectin expression in tumor tissue. In conclusion, this study reveals that Hrh3 plays an important role in the growth and metastasis of NSCLC; it might be a potential therapeutic target against the lung cancer.

Effect of tetramethylpyrazine on inflammatory reaction and apoptosis after cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury in rats / 解剖学报

Objective To explore the mechanism of tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) in preventing and treating inflammation and cell apoptosis in rats. Methods Totally 180 healthy male SD rats were selected and randomly divided into sham operation group (sham), cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury(CIRI) group, nimodipine group (nimodipine, N), and TMP subdivided into low-dose group (low). There were three subgroups: low-dose(L), medium dose (M), and high dose (H). In CIRI group a modified suture method was used to prepare the CIRI model; each TMP group was given tail injection 30 minutes before surgery. Intervention was given by intravenous injection of 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, and 30 mg/kg TMP. N group was given tail vein injection of nimodipine (1 mg/kg), sham group and CIRI group were given the same dose of normal saline. SD rats in each group were scored for neurological deficits immediately after the CIRI model was constructed. At the same time, after 24 hours of reperfusion in each group,2,3,5-triphenyltetrazole chloride (TTC) staining, HE staining and Nissl staining were performed to detect the morphological changes of the parietal cortex ischemic penumbra; ELISA to detect the expression of IL-1β and IL-8 in the parietal cortex, TUNEL detects neuronal cell apoptosis in the parietal cortex, immunofluorescence detected the expression of β-catenin positive cells in the parietal cortex, and Western blotting detected the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 in the parietal cortex. Results Compared with the sham group, the neurological deficit score in the CIRI group was significantly higher(P<0.01). The HE and Nissl staining showed neuronal swelling and degeneration, some of which showed vacuole-like changes, pyknosis and deep staining of the nucleus, and a decrease in the number of neurons(P<0.01), the number of Nissl bodies was significantly reduced(P<0.01);the concentrations of inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-8 increased significantly(P<0.01), apoptotic cells and β-catenin-positive cells and their average absorbance values both increased significantly(P<0.01);the expression of Bcl-2 protein decreased, while the expression of Bax protein increased significantly(P<0.01). Compared with the CIRI group, the neurological deficit scores of the rats in the N group and the TMP intervention group were reduced (P<0.01), HE and Nissl staining revealed that the edema of large neurons was reduced, a few nerve cells were destroyed, and the number of neurons increased(P<0.01), the number of Nissl bodies ncreased (P<0.01);the concentration of inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-8 decreased significantly(P<0.01), apoptotic cells and β-catenin-positive cells and the average absorbance value decreased significantly (P<0.01)the expression of Bcl-2 protein increased, while the expression of Bax protein decreased significantly(P<0.01);compared with group N, as the concentration of TMP increased, nerve function, inflammatory response, and neuronal pathological changes showed dose-effects relationship (P<0.05). Conclusion TMP intervention treatment can alleviate the neurological deficit, neuronal damage, tissue edema, inflammatory factors and cell apoptosis after CIRI in rats. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the expression of β-catenin protein in the parietal cortex of rats.

Clinical Efficacy of Modified Xiaoji Baozhong Granules Combined with Scraping in Treatment of Abdominal Obesity with Gastric Heat and Dampnes / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of modified Xiaoji Baozhong granules combined with scraping in the treatment of abdominal obesity with gastric heat and dampness syndrome and its effect on adipocytokines. Method:One hundred and forty-four patients were randomly divided into the control group and the observation group， 72 cases in each group. The lifestyle adjustments were conducted in both groups. The observation group was given a comprehensive traditional Chinese medicine regimen of modified Xiaoji Baozhong granules combined with scraping. The control group was given modified Xiaoji Baozhong granules combined with scraping. The course of treatment was three months. The body mass index （BMI）， body fat percentage （FP）， waist circumference （WC）， waist to hip ratio （WHR）， obesity and abdominal fat thickness of the two groups were compared before and after treatment. The levels of fasting blood glucose （FBG）， insulin resistance index （HOMA-IR）， high density lipoprotein （HDL）， low density lipoprotein （LDL）， triglyceride （TG）， total cholesterol （TC）， adiponectin， leptin， resistin， endolipid and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. The clinical efficacy and safety were evaluated. Result:After treatment， the BMI， FP， obesity， WC and WHR of the observation group were lower than those of the control group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. After treatment， the abdominal wall fat thickness and intra-abdominal fat thickness of patients in the observation group were lower than those in the control group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. The FBG， HOMA-IR， TG， TC and LDL of the observation group were lower than those of the control group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， while the HDL level was higher than the control group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Adiponectin in the observation group was higher than the control group after treatment （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. The leptin， resistin， visfatin and TNF-α were lower than those in the control group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. The total clinical efficacy rate of patients in the observation group was 88.24% （60/68）， which was better than 73.53% （50/68） in the control group （<italic>χ</italic>²=4.755， <italic>P</italic><0.05）. Conclusion:In addition to lifestyle adjustments， modified Xiaoji Baozhong granules combined with scraping treatment can reduce the degree of obesity and fat thickness in patients with abdominal obesity， and regulate lipid， carbohydrate metabolism and adipocytokines， with a better clinical efficacy than simple scraping therapy and the safety in practice.

Effect of Zero-valent Iron Nanoparticles and Melatonin on Yield and Quality of Fritillaria przewalskii in Domesticated Cultivation Conditions / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of iron nanoparticles and melatonin on yield and quality of <italic>Fritillaria przewalskii</italic> and provide technical support for its domesticated cultivation. Method:Hundred grain weight was measured by conventional method；alkaloid content was detected according to protocols of the edition of 2020 <italic>Chinese Pharmacopoeia</italic>，chlorophyll，hydrogen peroxide，malondialdehyde，superoxide dismutase （SOD），peroxidase （POD） and catalase （CAT） were detected by spectrophotometric analysis，auxins，cytokinins，gibberellins，salicylic acid，jasmonic acid and abscisic acid were detected by ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Result:Zero-valent iron nanoparticles and melatonin significantly increased the hundred grain weight without affecting the quality. The effect of the two treatments on physiological and biochemical indexes in different stages were quite different，but the effects on content of endogenous hormones were basically the same. Correlation analysis showed that hundred grain weight was negatively correlated with malondialdehyde content，SOD activity and jasmonic acid content，but positively correlated with POD activity，salicylic acid content，gibberellins content，auxin content and abscisic acid content. The two treatments were separated effectively by principal component analysis，indicating that there were some differences in the mechanisms of growth promoting. The treatment of zero-valent iron nanoparticles mainly affected auxins，salicylic acid and abscisic acid. The treatment of melatonin mainly affected SOD，malondialdehyde and gibberellins. Conclusion:Zero-valent iron nanoparticles and melatonin can be used as a simple and practical technology to improve the stress resistance and yields of <italic>F. przewalskii</italic> in domesticated cultivation conditions.

Crossed versus conventional pseudophakic monovision for high myopic eyes: a prospective, randomized pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Aiming at spectacle independence, conventional pseudophakic monovision has been widely used in myopia patients with bilateral monofocal intraocular lens implantation. However, the crossed monovision, which is to correct the dominant eye for near vision and the non-dominant eye for distant vision, has been mentioned preferable for high myopic cataract patients by some studies. We have conducted this study to compare clinical results to assess the feasibility of conventional and crossed monovision for high myopic pseudophakic patients by comparing patient satisfaction, visual function and spectacle independence. METHOD: Forty-sixth high myopia patients were divided into two groups: 22 in crossed monovision group with patients whose refraction targeted to - 2.00 diopters (D) in the dominant eye and - 0.50D in the non-dominant eye; 24 in conventional monovision group with patients whose refraction targeted to - 0.50D in the dominant eye and - 2.00D in the non-dominant eye. Binocular uncorrected distance visual acuity (BUDVA), binocular uncorrected near visual acuity (BUNVA), binocular corrected distant visual acuity (BCDVA), binocular corrected near visual acuity (BCNVA), contrast visual acuity and stereoacuity were examined at postoperative 2 weeks, 1 month and 3 months. Questionnaires were completed by patients 3 months after binocular surgery to evaluate patients' satisfaction and spectacle independence. RESULTS: The conventional monovision and the crossed monovision group showed no significant differences of mean BUDVA, BUNVA, BCDVA, BCNVA 2 weeks, 1 month or 3 months postoperatively (P > 0.05). There was no difference in the bilateral contrast sensitivity or stereoscopic function between the convention conventional and crossed monovision groups (P > 0.05). Patient satisfaction with near and distant vision, as well as spectacle dependence did not differ significantly between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Crossed pseudophakic monovision exhibited similar visual function when compared with conventional monovision technique, which indicates that it is an effective option to improve the visual functionality and quality of life for high myopic patients who considering bilateral cataract surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Institutional Review Board and Ethics committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China. The trial registration was submitted in September 2018 and passed on March 18, 2020, and the registration number is: ChiCTR2000030935 .

Effect of hypothermic perfusion on phacoemulsification in cataract patients complicated with uveitis: a randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of hypothermic perfusion in the phacoemulsification of cataract caused by uveitis. METHODS: This was a prospective, single-masked, randomised, controlled clinical trial. One hundred and six patients with uveitis-associated cataract underwent phacoemulsification with perfusion fluid temperature at 4 °C (treatment group) or 24 °C (control group). Anterior chamber inflammation grade, corneal endothelial cell count, corneal thickness, macular fovea thickness, and intraocular pressure (IOP) were observed on the 1st day and 7th day after operation. RESULTS: The aqueous flare score was 0.83 ± 0.76 in the 4 °C group, which was lower than that in the 24 °C group (1.51 ± 1.02, p = 0.006) on the first day after operation. The aqueous cells score was lower in the 4 °C group (0.17 ± 0.38) than that in the 24 °C group (0.62 ± 0.94, p = 0.025). The mean corneal thickness of incision in the 4 °C group (907.66 ± 85.37 µm) was thinner than that in the 24 °C group (963.75 ± 103.81 µm, p = 0.005). Corneal endothelial cells density, macular fovea thickness, or percentage of transiently increased IOP showed no difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in all the main outcome parameters between the two groups on the 7th day after operation (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Hypothermic perfusion in the phacoemulsification of uveitis-associated cataract is safe, and it can effectively inhibit anterior chamber inflammation and reduce the incisional corneal edema in the early postoperative stage. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. (http://www.chictr.org.cn/, Registration Number: ChiCTR1800016145).