Effect of total glycosides of Cistanche deserticola on the energy metabolism of human HepG2 cells.

To study the anti-tumor effect of Cistanche deserticola Y. Ma, HepG2 cells were treated with 0, 3.5, 10.5, 21, 31.5, and 42 µg/ml of total glycosides (TG) from Cistanche deserticola. The HepG2 cell survival rate and 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) were detected using the CCK-8 method, and the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected by using a DCFH-DA fluorescence probe. Finally, a Seahorse XFe24 energy analyzer (Agilent, United States) was used to detect cell mitochondrial pressure and glycolytic pressure. The results showed that TG could reduce the survival rate of HepG2 cells and that the IC50 level was 35.28 µg/ml. With increasing TG concentration, the level of ROS showed a concentration-dependent upward trend. Energy metabolism showed that each dose group of TG could significantly decline the mitochondrial respiratory and glycolytic functions of HepG2 cells. In conclusion, TG could significantly inhibit the mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis functions of HepG2 cells, increase the level of ROS, and inhibit cell proliferation. Thus, this experiment pointed out that Cistanche deserticola can be used as a source of anti-cancer foods or drugs in the future. However, further studies on its mechanisms and clinical applications are needed.

Beneficial for mental health, exercise more or less?

Regular physical activity may improve mental health during the pandemic by reducing inflammatory responses. However, overtraining or prolonged exercise training may adversely affect mental health.

Hierarchical microstructure constructed with graphitic carbon-coated Ni3S2 nanoparticles anchored on N-doped mesoporous carbon nanoflakes for optimized sodium storage.

A hierarchical microstructure constructed with graphitic-carbon-coated Ni3S2 nanoparticles anchored on N-doped mesoporous carbon nanoflakes was fabricated using a nickel-based micro-nano structure as a precursor and polydopamine as a carbon source. By optimizing the microstructure, the obtained Ni3S2/carbon composite compounded with the thickest carbon nanoflakes delivers ultrafast and stable Na-ion storage performance, and can maintain a reversible charge capacity of 372 mA h g-1 at a current density of 5 A g-1 over 250 cycles, and 316 mA h g-1 even at a current density of 20 A g-1 for 2000 cycles. These remarkable electrochemical properties can be attributed to its hierarchical microstructure of graphitic-carbon-coated Ni3S2 particles and N-doped mesoporous carbon nanoflakes, which provide easy accessibility to the electrolyte, fast electron transport and Na+ diffusion, and even relieve the strain caused by the volume expansion upon cycling.

Complete chloroplast genome sequence of Chrysosplenium nudicaule (Saxifragaceae).

Chrysosplenium nudicaule Bunge, Tibetan name 'Yajima,' growing in the highlands of China is a perennial herb belonging to the genus Chrysosplenium Saxifragaceae. As a traditional Chinese medicine, it has been used to treat digestive diseases for hundreds of years. The complete chloroplast genome of Chrysosplenium nudicaule is 152,775 bp in length and comprises two inverted repeats (IR, 25,962 bp), a large single-copy region (LSC, 83,533 bp), and a small single-copy region (SSC, 17,318 bp). It harbors 112 genes, including 78 protein-coding genes, four ribosomal RNA genes, and 30 transfer RNA genes. In addition, the rpl32 gene was deleted. The GC content of the whole chloroplast genome is 37.54%. This chloroplast genome resource will be useful for study on the evolution and genetic diversity of C. nudicaule in the future.

Life in the flame: Inflammation sounds the alarm for suicide risk.

As suicide became a critical issue in mental healthcare, the World Health Organization (WHO) presented a Mental Health Action Plan in 2013. Particularly, the plan set an explicit goal for suicide prevention, which called for 10% reduction in the suicide rate in member countries by 2020. Now the tough year of 2020 has passed by, many valuable breakthroughs on suicide research have emerged during these recent years. To some extent, a multi-stage system for the prediction and prevention of suicide is taking shape. Inflammatory biomarkers may have a promising future within this field.

RETRACTED: MiR-15a-5p targets FOSL1 to inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis of keratinocytes via MAPK/ERK pathway.

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal). This article has been retracted at the request of the authors. According to the authors, concerns with the experimental conduct presented in the paper have been identified, in addition to the grounds that that ethical approval was not sought or confirmed for the research undertaken. After a review, the Editor has confirmed approval that this paper should be retracted as it presents a violation of the Journal's publishing policies and publishing ethics standards.

Complete plastid genome sequence of Halimodendron halodendron (Leguminosae).

Halimodendron halodendron (Pall.) Voss. is a deciduous shrub belonging to the genus Halimodendron, Leguminosae, and is mainly distributed in dry areas. This species can be used for saline-alkali soil improvement and sand fixation. The complete plastid genome of H. halodendron first reported here is 129,342 bp in length, and contains 110 genes, including 76 protein coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. A total of 105 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified in the chloroplast genome. This information will be useful for study on the evolution and genetic diversity of Halimodendron halodendron in the future.

HS-GC-IMS detection of volatile organic compounds in Acacia honey powders under vacuum belt drying at different temperatures.

Honey is a commodity of great nutritional value, but deep-processed honey products are uncommon. Herein, we used vacuum belt dryer to dry Acacia honey at 60°C, 70°C, and 80°C, prepared it into powder, and analyzed its volatile compound differences. We established HS-GC-IMS method to detect the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of these three Acacia honey powders (AHPs). In total, 77 peaks were detected, and 23 volatile compounds were identified, including eight aldehydes, six ketones, three furans, one alcohol, one phenol, one lactone, one ester, one acid, and one nitrile. Moreover, principal component analysis (PCA) and fingerprint similarity analysis based on the Euclidean distance distinguished the three heating temperature treatments. Clearly, it was concluded that there are significant differences in volatile substances at different tested temperatures, and when the AHP was incubated at 80°C, more volatile compounds were detected.

Cleansing efficacy and safety of bowel preparation protocol using sodium picosulfate/magnesium citrate considering subjective experiences: An observational study.

BACKGROUND: Research data from patient reports indicate that the least bearable part of colonoscopy is the administration of laxatives for bowel preparation. AIM: To observe the intestinal cleansing efficacy and safety of sodium picosulfate/magnesium citrate and to discuss the patients' experiences due to the procedure. METHODS: Subjects hospitalized in the International Medical Center Ward of Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, China, from April 29 to October 29, 2020, for whom the colonoscopy was planned, were enrolled. Bowel preparation was performed using sodium picosulfate/magnesium citrate. The effect of bowel cleansing was evaluated according to the Ottawa Bowel Preparation Scale, defecation conditions and adverse reactions were recorded, and the comfort level and subjective satisfaction concerning medication were evaluated by the visual analogue scale/score (VAS). RESULTS: The bowel preparation procedure was planned for all patients enrolled, which included 42 males and 22 females. The results showed an average liquid rehydration volume of 3000 mL, an average onset of action for the first dose at 89.04 min, an average number of bowel movements of 4.3 following the first dose, an average onset of action for the second dose at 38.90 min and an average number of bowel movements of 5.0 after the second dose. The total average Ottawa Bowel Preparation Scale score was 3.6, with 93.55% of bowel preparations in the "qualified" and 67.74% in the "excellent" grade. The average VAS score of effect on sleep was 0, and the average VAS score of perianal pain was also 0. The average VAS score for ease of taking and taste perception of the bowel cleanser was 10. Side effects included mild to moderate nausea (15.63%), mild vomiting (4.69%), mild to moderate abdominal pain (7.81%), mild to moderate abdominal distension (20.31%), mild palpitation (7.81%) and mild dizziness (4.69%). CONCLUSION: Sodium picosulfate/magnesium citrate is effective and safe for bowel preparation before colonoscopy with high subjective patient acceptance, thus improving overall patient compliance.

Complete chloroplast genome of Angelica keiskei (Umbelliferae).

Angelica keiskei (Miq.) Koidz. is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the genus Angelica, Umbelliferae. As a plant with dual-purpose as food and medicine, it has the potential for the future development of high-value functional products. The complete chloroplast genome has a total size of 147,007 bp, consisting of two inverted repeats (IR, 18,508 bp, each), and separated by a large single-copy region (LSC, 92,415 bp) and a small single-copy region (SSC, 17,576 bp). Further annotation revealed the chloroplast genome contains 128 genes, including 84 protein-coding genes (80 PCG species), 36 tRNA genes (30 tRNA species), and 8 rRNA genes (4 rRNA species). A total of 83 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified in the chloroplast genome. This chloroplast genome resource will be useful for the study of the evolution and genetic diversity of Angelica keiskei in the future.

Synaptosomal-Associated Protein 25 Gene Polymorphisms Affect Treatment Efficiency of Methylphenidate in Children With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: An fNIRS Study.

Methylphenidate (MPH) is the first-line drug for the treatment of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); however, individual curative effects of MPH vary. Many studies have demonstrated that synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP-25) gene MnlI polymorphisms may be related to the efficacy of MPH. However, the association between SNAP-25MnlI polymorphisms and changes in brain hemodynamic responses after MPH treatment is still unclear. This study used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to preliminarily investigate the interaction of MPH treatment-related prefrontal inhibitory functional changes with the genotype status of the SNAP-25 gene in children with ADHD. In total, 38 children with ADHD aged 6.76-12.08 years were enrolled in this study and divided into the following two groups based on SNAP-25 gene MnlI polymorphisms: T/T genotype group (wild-type group, 27 children) and G allele carrier group (mutation group, 11 children). The averaged oxygenated hemoglobin concentration changes [Δavg oxy-Hb] and deoxyhemoglobin concentration changes [Δavg deoxy-Hb] in the frontal cortex before MPH treatment and after 1.5 h (post-MPH1.5h) and 4 weeks (post-MPH4w) of MPH treatments were monitored using fNIRS during the go/no-go task. SNAP-IV scores were evaluated both pre-MPH and post-MPH4w treatments. In the T/T genotype group, [Δavg oxy-Hb] in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was significantly higher after 4 weeks of MPH (post-MPH4W) treatment than pre-treatment; however, in the G allele group, no significant differences in [Δavg oxy-Hb] were observed between pre- and post-treatments. In the go/no-go task, the accuracy was significantly increased post-MPH4w treatment in the T/T genotype group, while no significant differences were observed in response time and accuracy of the "go" sand no-go task in the G allele group for pre-MPH, post-MPH1.5h, and post-MPH4w treatments. The T/T genotype group exhibited a significant decrease in SNAP-IV scores after MPH treatment, while the G allele group showed no significant difference. In conclusion, fNIRS data combined with SNAP-25 MnlI polymorphism analysis may be a useful biomarker for evaluating the effects of MPH in children with ADHD.

Glycyrrhizic acid as an adjunctive treatment for depression through anti-inflammation: A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Recently, abundant evidence indicated proinflammatory cytokines might play a crucial role in pathophysiology and treatment of depression. According to our preclinical research, we propose glycyrrhizic acid (GZA) for an adjunctive treatment owing to its safety, economical and anti-inflammatory profile. METHODS: Eligible participants were recruited and randomly allocated into independent treatment groups of SSRI+GZA (n = 30) and SSRI+PBO (placebo, n = 26). Depressive symptoms and specific serum biomarkers were detected during the 4-week treatment course. Afterward, the relationships between biomarkers and clinical effects were explored. RESULTS: Depressive symptoms relieved more in SSRI+GZA than SSRI+PBO, both at week 2 (P = 0.003) and week 4 (P = 0.016). Meanwhile, at week 4, both response rate (P = 0.035) and remission rate (P = 0.031) acutely became higher in SSRI+GZA compared with SSRI+PBO. Mediation analysis further demonstrated that TNF-α reduction mediated the association between GZA treatment and clinical improvement, the indirect effect lay between 0.124 and 3.514 (95% CI). The exploratory analysis also suggested that the symptomatic improvement existed in patients with high-inflammation (baseline CRP > 3 mg/L) rather than those with low-inflammation (baseline CRP ≤ 3 mg/L). LIMITATIONS: The sample size in this study was not large enough and the follow-up duration was relatively short. CONCLUSIONS: This study offers a novel strategy for the diagnosis, categorization, individualization and prognosis regarding upgrading traditional antidepressant therapy, which is from biomarkers to diagnostic indicator and therapeutic target. Patients are necessary to be classified according to the inflammatory state, those with high levels of baseline inflammation should receive combined treatment with anti-inflammatory agents like GZA.

Complete chloroplast genome sequence of Chrysosplenium ramosum and Chrysosplenium alternifolium (Saxifragaceae).

The complete chloroplast genome of Chrysosplenium ramosum Maxim. and Chrysosplenium alternifolium L. were reported in this study. The chloroplast genomes were 153,460 bp for C. ramosum and 152,619 bp for C. alternifolium. LSC and SSC of 83,670 bp and 17,342 bp were separated by two IRs of 26,224 bp each in C. ramosum. While C. alternifolium contained IRs of 25,992 bp, LSC of 83,524 bp and SSC of 17,111 bp. The chloroplast genome of C. ramosum contains 112 unique genes, including 79 protein-coding genes, four ribosomal RNA genes, and 30 transfer RNA genes. And the chloroplast genome of C. alternifolium contains 112 unique genes, including 79 protein-coding genes, four ribosomal RNA genes, and 30 transfer RNA genes. In addition, the rps12 gene was recognized as a trans-spliced gene and 17 intron-containing genes were also detected.

Complete chloroplast genome sequence of Chrysosplenium macrophyllum and Chrysosplenium flagelliferum (Saxifragaceae).

The complete chloroplast genome of Chrysosplenium macrophyllum Oliv. and Chrysosplenium flagelliferum Fr. Schmidt. were reported in this study. The chloroplast genomes were 152,837 bp for C. macrophyllum and 151,679 bp for C. flagelliferum. LSC and SSC of 83,584 bp and 17,265 bp were separated by two IRs of 25,994 bp each in C. macrophyllum. While C. flagelliferum contained IRs of 25,973 bp, LSC of 82,772 bp and SSC of 16,961 bp, for a total 151,679 bp length. The chloroplast genome of Chrysosplenium macrophyllum contains 130 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes (78 PCG species), 8 ribosomal RNA genes (4 rRNA species), 37 transfer RNA genes (30 tRNA species). And the chloroplast genome of Chrysosplenium flagelliferum contains 130 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes (78 PCG species), 8 ribosomal RNA genes (4 rRNA species), 37 transfer RNA genes (30 tRNA species).

FoxO1 is a critical regulator of hepatocyte lipid deposition in chronic stress mice.

Forkhead box O1 (FoxO1) is involved in lipid metabolisms. However, its role in chronic stress-related nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is unclear. The scientific premise of our study was based on the finding that FoxO1 expression is increased in the liver of mice after chronic stress. It is important to understand the mechanisms involved in the activation of FoxO1 and how its function affects the liver lipid deposition. We employed a murine chronic stress model, in which mice were treated by plantar electrical stimulation and restraint for 6 weeks, and a cellular model, in which Hepa1-6 cells were treated with corticosterone. We also used a pharmacologic approach as1842856, a highly specific FoxO1 inhibitor. Lipid metabolism related genes levels were measured by qRT-PCR and the lipid levels by biochemical detection. We show that the level of FoxO1 is significantly elevated in the liver of chronic stress mice. Transcription factor FoxO1 regulates a lipid synthesis phenotype of hepatocyte that is involved in the development and progression of NAFLD. We have shown that inhibition of FoxO1 induced phenotypic conversion of hepatocytes and down-regulates lipid synthesis genes expression by hepatocytes, which contribute to lipid deposition in NAFLD. At the cellular level, the inhibitor of FoxO1 as1842856 can also attenuate the lipid deposition of Hepa1-6 cells induced by corticosterone. Targeting FoxO1 is a novel therapeutic target for chronic stress-related NAFLD.

Molecular detection of uterine innate lymphoid cells in the immunological mouse model of pregnancy loss.

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are newly identified members of the innate lymphocyte family, which can function as adaptive T cells and act as critical modulators of inflammatory processes within different tissues and immune diseases. The role of uterine ILCs (uILCs) has recently been elucidated alongside changes associated with normal pregnancy. However, the proportions of uterine ILCs and their role in unsuccessful pregnancy remain unclear. We analyzed the characterization of uILC subsets and the expression of signature cytokines associated with ILCs in a mouse model of unsuccessful pregnancy induced by LPS, and we describe the dynamic changes they undergo during this process. We found that mice exposed to LPS display significantly higher levels of uNK cells, and uILC3s. However, a lower proportion of uILC2s and uILC1s were detected in abortion mice. In addition, we found that abortion mice display markedly higher expression of IFN-γ and IL-A17, and lower levels of IL-5. No significant differences in the expression of IL-13 and IL-22 were observed. The findings suggest that uILCs play distinct non-redundant roles during pregnancy, and uILCs may affect maternal-fetal tolerance via IL-17A, IL-5, and IFN-γ production.

Photo-enhanced gas sensing of SnS2 with nanoscale defects.

Recently a SnS2 based NO2 gas sensor with a 30 ppb detection limit was demonstrated but this required high operation temperatures. Concurrently, SnS2 grown by chemical vapor deposition is known to naturally contain nanoscale defects, which could be exploited. Here, we significantly enhance the performance of a NO2 gas sensor based on SnS2 with nanoscale defects by photon illumination, and a detection limit of 2.5 ppb is achieved at room temperature. Using a classical Langmuir model and density functional theory simulations, we show S vacancies work as additional adsorption sites with fast adsorption times, higher adsorption energies, and an order of magnitude higher resistance change compared with pristine SnS2. More interestingly, when electron-hole pairs are excited by photon illumination, the average adsorption time first increases and then decreases with NO2 concentration, while the average desorption time always decreases with NO2 concentration. Our results give a deep understanding of photo-enhanced gas sensing of SnS2 with nanoscale defects, and thus open an interesting window for the design of high performance gas sensing devices based on 2D materials.

Diet-induced obesity impairs spermatogenesis: a potential role for autophagy.

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved process that plays a crucial role in maintaining a series of cellular functions. It has been found that autophagy is closely involved in the physiological process of spermatogenesis and the regulation of sperm survival and motility. However, the role of autophagy in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced impaired spermatogenesis remains unknown. This study was designed to investigate the role of autophagy in HFD-induced spermatogenesis deficiency and employed chloroquine (CQ) to inhibit autophagy and rapamycin (RAP) to induce autophagy. 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and CQ were administered via intratesticular injection in vivo. The effects of CQ and 3-MA on the parameters of spermatozoa co-cultured with palmitic acid (PA) in vitro were also investigated. Human semen samples from obese, subfertile male patients were also collected to examine the level of autophagy. The results suggested that HFD mice subjected to CQ showed improved spermatogenesis. Inhibiting autophagy with CQ improved the decreased fertility of HFD male mice. Moreover, the in vivo and in vitro results indicated that both CQ and 3-MA could suppress the pathological changes in spermatozoa caused by HFD or PA treatment. Additionally, the excessive activation of autophagy was also observed in sperm samples from obese, subfertile male patients.

Curcumin ameliorates high­fat diet­induced spermatogenesis dysfunction.

Curcumin, a type of natural active ingredient, is derived from rhizoma of Curcuma, which possesses antioxidant, antitumorigenic and anti­inflammatory activities. The present study aimed to investigate whether treatment with curcumin reduced high­fat diet (HFD)­induced spermatogenesis dysfunction. Sprague­Dawley rats fed a HFD were treated with or without curcumin for 8 weeks. The testis/body weight, histological analysis and serum hormone levels were used to evaluate the effects of curcumin treatment on spermatogenesis dysfunction induced by the HFD. In addition, the expression levels of apoptosis associated proteins, Fas, B­cell lymphoma (Bcl)­xl, Bcl­associated X protein (Bax) and cleaved­caspase 3, were determined in the testis. The results of the present study suggested that curcumin treatment attenuated decreased testis/body weight and abnormal hormone levels. Morphological changes induced by a HFD were characterized as atrophied seminiferous tubules, decreased spermatogenetic cells and interstitial cells were improved by curcumin treatment. In addition, curcumin treatment reduced apoptosis in the testis, and decreased expression of Fas, Bax and cleaved­caspase 3, as well as increased expression of Bcl­xl. In conclusion, the present study revealed that curcumin treatment reduced HFD­induced spermatogenesis dysfunction in male rats.