Artemisiae Scoporiae Herba is derived from Artemisia scoparia or A. capillaris. The accurate identification of the herbs, particularly when dealing with bulk samples, is critical for ensuring the quality and efficacy of the medicinal product. This study aimed to establish a comprehensive molecular approach by combining multiple markers for the precise identification of Artemisiae Scoporiae Herba. The ITS2 from A. scoparia, A. capillaris, and other common Artemisia species were retrieved from GenBank. MEGA was used to build a phylogenetic tree with these sequences, and the effectiveness of ITS2 in species identification was assessed. The analysis revealed that while ITS2 could distinguish Artemisiae Scoporiae Herba from other closely related species of Artemisia, it was insufficient to differentiate between A. scoparia and A. capillaris. To address this limitation, the chloroplast genome of A. capillaris was assembled and compared with the published chloroplast genomes of A. scoparia and A. capillaris, on the basis of which a DNA mini-barcode was developed. The rpoA-rps11 region was selected as the target for the development of mini-barcode due to its potential for distinguishing between these two species. Specific primers were designed to differentiate A. scoparia from A. capillaris. The ITS2 sequences and the newly developed mini-barcode were used together for Sanger sequencing to identify individual samples of Artemisiae Scoporiae Herba, while DNA metabarcoding was employed for the identification of bulk samples. The identification results of representative individual samples and bulk samples from different regions consistently confirmed A. capillaris. This study established a method that combined ITS2 and mini-barcode to identify bulk samples of Artemisiae Scoporiae Herba from different regions. This approach overcomes the limitations of morphological and chemical methods, enhancing species identification accuracy and supporting a stable supply of medicinal materials.
Artemisia/classification* ; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods* ; Phylogeny ; DNA, Plant/genetics* ; DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/genetics*

Aim To investigate the effect of quercetin on the aging model of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells established under microgravity. Methods Using 3D gyroscope, a aging model of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells was constructed, and after receiving quercetin and microgravity treatment, the anti-aging effect of the quercetin was evaluated by detecting related proteins and oxidation indexes. Results Compared to the control group, the expressions of age-related proteins p21, pi6, p53 and RB in the microgravity group significantly increased, while the expressions of cyclin D1 and lamin B1 significantly decreased, with statistical significance (P<0.05). In the microgravity group, mitochondrial membrane potential significantly decreased (P<0.05), ROS accumulation significantly increased (P <0.05), SOD content significantly decreased and MDA content significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared to the microgravity group, the expressions of age-related proteins p21, pi6, p53 and RB in the quercetin group significantly decreased, while the expressions of cyclin D1 and lamin B1 significantly increased, with statistical significance (P<0.05). In the quercetin group, mitochondrial membrane potential significantly increased (P<0.05), ROS accumulation significantly decreased (P<0.05), SOD content significantly increased and MDA content significantly decreased (P<0.05). Conclusions Quercetin can resist oxidation, protect mitochondrial function and normal cell cycle, thus delaying the aging of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells induced by microgravity.

ObjectiveExisting artificial vision devices can be divided into two types: implanted devices and extracorporeal devices, both of which have some disadvantages. The former requires surgical implantation, which may lead to irreversible trauma, while the latter has some defects such as relatively simple instructions, limited application scenarios and relying too much on the judgment of artificial intelligence (AI) to provide enough security. Here we propose a system that has voice interaction and can convert surrounding environment information into tactile commands on head and neck. Compared with existing extracorporeal devices, our device can provide a larger capacity of information and has advantages such as lower cost, lower risk, suitable for a variety of life and work scenarios. MethodsWith the latest remote wireless communication and chip technologies, microelectronic devices, cameras and sensors worn by the user, as well as the huge database and computing power in the cloud, the backend staff can get a full insight into the scenario, environmental parameters and status of the user remotely (for example, across the city) in real time. In the meanwhile, by comparing the cloud database and in-memory database and with the help of AI-assisted recognition and manual analysis, they can quickly develop the most reasonable action plan and send instructions to the user. In addition, the backend staff can provide humanistic care and emotional sustenance through voice dialogs. ResultsThis study originally proposes the concept of “remote virtual companion” and demonstrates the related hardware and software as well as test results. The system can not only achieve basic guide functions, for example, helping a person with visual impairment to shop in supermarkets, find seats at cafes, walk on the streets, construct complex puzzles, and play cards, but also can meet the demand for fast-paced daily tasks such as cycling. ConclusionExperimental results show that this “remote virtual companion” is applicable for various scenarios and demands. It can help blind people with their travels, shopping and entertainment, or accompany the elderlies with their trips, wilderness explorations, and travels.

With the increasing proportion of human papilloma virus(HPV)infection in the pathogenic factors of oro-pharyngeal cancer,a series of changes have occurred in the surgical treatment.While the treatment mode has been im-proved,there are still many problems,including the inconsistency between diagnosis and treatment modes,the lack of popularization of reconstruction technology,the imperfect post-treatment rehabilitation system,and the lack of effective preventive measures.Especially in terms of treatment mode for early oropharyngeal cancer,there is no unified conclu-sion whether it is surgery alone or radiotherapy alone,and whether robotic minimally invasive surgery has better func-tional protection than radiotherapy.For advanced oropharyngeal cancer,there is greater controversy over the treatment mode.It is still unclear whether to adopt a non-surgical treatment mode of synchronous chemoradiotherapy or induction chemotherapy combined with synchronous chemoradiotherapy,or a treatment mode of surgery combined with postopera-tive chemoradiotherapy.In order to standardize the surgical treatment of oropharyngeal cancer in China and clarify the indications for surgical treatment of oropharyngeal cancer,this expert consensus,based on the characteristics and treat-ment status of oropharyngeal cancer in China and combined with the international latest theories and practices,forms consensus opinions in multiple aspects of preoperative evaluation,surgical indication determination,primary tumor re-section,neck lymph node dissection,postoperative defect repair,postoperative complication management prognosis and follow-up of oropharyngeal cancer patients.The key points include:① Before the treatment of oropharyngeal cancer,the expression of P16 protein should be detected to clarify HPV status;② Perform enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the maxillofacial region before surgery to evaluate the invasion of oropharyngeal cancer and guide precise surgical resec-tion of oropharyngeal cancer.Evaluating mouth opening and airway status is crucial for surgical approach decisions and postoperative risk prediction;③ For oropharyngeal cancer patients who have to undergo major surgery and cannot eat for one to two months,it is recommended to undergo percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy before surgery to effectively improve their nutritional intake during treatment;④ Early-stage oropharyngeal cancer patients may opt for either sur-gery alone or radiation therapy alone.For intermediate and advanced stages,HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer general-ly prioritizes radiation therapy,with concurrent chemotherapy considered based on tumor staging.Surgical treatment is recommended as the first choice for HPV unrelated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma(including primary and re-current)and recurrent HPV related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma after radiotherapy and chemotherapy;⑤ For primary exogenous T1-2 oropharyngeal cancer,direct surgery through the oral approach or da Vinci robotic sur-gery is preferred.For T3-4 patients with advanced oropharyngeal cancer,it is recommended to use temporary mandibu-lectomy approach and lateral pharyngotomy approach for surgery as appropriate;⑥ For cT1-2N0 oropharyngeal cancer patients with tumor invasion depth＞3 mm and cT3-4N0 HPV unrelated oropharyngeal cancer patients,selective neck dissection of levels ⅠB to Ⅳ is recommended.For cN+HPV unrelated oropharyngeal cancer patients,therapeutic neck dissection in regions Ⅰ-Ⅴ is advised;⑦ If PET-CT scan at 12 or more weeks after completion of radiation shows intense FDG uptake in any node,or imaging suggests continuous enlargement of lymph nodes,the patient should undergo neck dissection;⑧ For patients with suspected extracapsular invasion preoperatively,lymph node dissection should include removal of surrounding muscle and adipose connective tissue;⑨ The reconstruction of oropharyngeal cancer defects should follow the principle of reconstruction steps,with priority given to adjacent flaps,followed by distal pedicled flaps,and finally free flaps.The anterolateral thigh flap with abundant tissue can be used as the preferred flap for large-scale postoperative defects.

Aim To explore the effect of circ_0038467 on nerve cell damage induced by hypoxia-glucose dep-rivation(OGD)and its possible mechanism.Methods Rat cortical nerve cells were isolated and cultured,and then induced by OGD to establish a cell injury model.si-NC,si-circ_0038467,miR-NC,and miR-940 mimics were transfected into rat cortical nerve cells and treated with OGD for 6 h.si-circ_0038467 and an-ti-miR-NC or anti-miR-940 were co-transfected into rat cortical neurons,followed by OGD treatment for 6 h.qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression levels of circ_0038467 and miR-940.CCK-8 method and flow cytometry were used to examine cell proliferation and apoptosis.LDH method was used to detect cell dam-age.The dual luciferase reporter experiment was used to detect the targeting relationship between circ_0038467 and miR-940.Western blot was employed to detect cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9 protein levels.Results Circ_0038467 expression increased and miR-940 expression decreased in OGD-induced nerve cells(P＜0.01).After transfection with si-circ_0038467 or miR-940 mimics,cell survival rate in-creased(P＜0.01),while LDH release rate,apopto-sis rate,and the protein levels of cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9 decreased(P＜0.01).Circ_0038467 could target miR-940.Compared with the OGD+si-circ_0038467+anti-miR-NC group,cell survival rate in OGD+si-circ_0038467+anti-miR-940 group was down-regulated(P＜0.01),while LDH re-lease rate,apoptosis rate and cleaved caspase-3,cleaved caspase-9 levels were up-regulated(P＜0.01).Conclusion Interference of circ_003 8467 and could protect nerve cells from OGD-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis by up-regulating miR-940.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in relieving discomfort symptoms after esophageal Lugol′s iodine staining.Methods:From April 1 to September 30, 2023, a total of 204 subjects who received endoscopy at the First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University were enrolled. All the subjects were stained with 10 mL 1.5% compound iodine solution after endoscopy. According to random number table method, the 204 subjects were randomly divided into two groups which received 20 mL 0.9% sodium chloride solution (sodium chloride group, 103 cases) and 10% NAC (NAC group, 101 cases) to neutralize the iodine, respectively. The primary outcome indicators of the subjects of the two groups were analyzed, including the incidence of retrosternal burning sensation and pharyngeal discomfort 15 and 30 min after spraying the neutralization solution, and the degree of discomfort was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS). Fisher′s exact probability method and non-parametric test were used for statistical analysis.Results:The incidence of retrosternal burning sensation and pharyngeal discomfort 15 and 30 min after spraying the neutralization solution in the sodium chloride group were higher than those in the NAC group (15 min: 17.5% (18/103) vs. 2.0% (2/101), 10.7% (11/103) vs. 1.0% (1/101); 30 min: 11.7%(12/103) vs. 1.0% (1/101), and 5.8% (6/103) vs. 0 (0/101)), and the differences were statistically significant (Fisher′s exact probability method, P<0.001, =0.005, =0.003, and =0.029). There was no significant difference in the VAS score 15 min after spraying neutralization solution between the sodium chloride group and the NAC group (3.00 (3.00, 4.25) vs. 4.00 (3.00, 5.25), P>0.05). At 30 min after spraying the neutralization solution, the VAS score of the sodium chloride group was higher than that of the NAC group (4.00(3.75, 5.00) vs. 1.50(1.00, 1.50)), and the difference was statistically significant ( Z=-2.37, P=0.007). Conclusion:NAC can effectively relieve the discomfort caused by esophageal iodine staining.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in relieving discomfort symptoms after esophageal Lugol′s iodine staining.Methods:From April 1 to September 30, 2023, a total of 204 subjects who received endoscopy at the First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University were enrolled. All the subjects were stained with 10 mL 1.5% compound iodine solution after endoscopy. According to random number table method, the 204 subjects were randomly divided into two groups which received 20 mL 0.9% sodium chloride solution (sodium chloride group, 103 cases) and 10% NAC (NAC group, 101 cases) to neutralize the iodine, respectively. The primary outcome indicators of the subjects of the two groups were analyzed, including the incidence of retrosternal burning sensation and pharyngeal discomfort 15 and 30 min after spraying the neutralization solution, and the degree of discomfort was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS). Fisher′s exact probability method and non-parametric test were used for statistical analysis.Results:The incidence of retrosternal burning sensation and pharyngeal discomfort 15 and 30 min after spraying the neutralization solution in the sodium chloride group were higher than those in the NAC group (15 min: 17.5% (18/103) vs. 2.0% (2/101), 10.7% (11/103) vs. 1.0% (1/101); 30 min: 11.7%(12/103) vs. 1.0% (1/101), and 5.8% (6/103) vs. 0 (0/101)), and the differences were statistically significant (Fisher′s exact probability method, P<0.001, =0.005, =0.003, and =0.029). There was no significant difference in the VAS score 15 min after spraying neutralization solution between the sodium chloride group and the NAC group (3.00 (3.00, 4.25) vs. 4.00 (3.00, 5.25), P>0.05). At 30 min after spraying the neutralization solution, the VAS score of the sodium chloride group was higher than that of the NAC group (4.00(3.75, 5.00) vs. 1.50(1.00, 1.50)), and the difference was statistically significant ( Z=-2.37, P=0.007). Conclusion:NAC can effectively relieve the discomfort caused by esophageal iodine staining.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Baicalin on the proliferation and pyroptosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cell line DB and its mechanism. METHODS: DB cells were treated with baicalin at different concentrations (0, 5, 10, 20, 40 μmol/L). Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay and half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) was calculated. The morphology of pyroptosis was observed under an inverted microscope, the integrity of the cell membrane was verified by LDH content release assay, and the expressions of pyroptosis-related mRNA and protein (NLRP3, GSDMD, GSDME, N-GSDMD, N-GSDME) were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot. In order to further clarify the relationship between baicalin-induced pyroptosis and ROS production in DB cells, DB cells were divided into control group, baicalin group, NAC group and NAC combined with baicalin group. DB cells in the NAC group were pretreated with ROS inhibitor N-acetylcysteine (NAC) 2 mmol/L for 2 h. Baicalin was added to the combined treatment group after pretreatment, and the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cells was detected by DCFH-DA method after 48 hours of culture. RESULTS: Baicalin inhibited the proliferation of DB cells in a dose-dependent manner (r=-0.99), and the IC₅₀ was 20.56 μmol/L at 48 h. The morphological changes of pyroptosis in DB cells were observed under inverted microscope. Compared with the control group, the release of LDH in the baicalin group was significantly increased (P<0.01), indicating the loss of cell membrane integrity. Baicalin dose-dependently increased the expression levels of NLRP3, N-GSDMD, and N-GSDME mRNA and protein in the pyroptosis pathway (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the level of ROS in the baicalin group was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the content of ROS in the NAC group was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the NAC group, the content of ROS in the NAC + baicalin group was increased. Baicalin significantly attenuated the inhibitory effect of NAC on ROS production (P<0.05). Similarly, Western blot results showed that compared with the control group, the expression levels of pyroptosis-related proteins was increased in the baicalin group (P<0.05). NAC inhibited the expression of NLRP3 and reduced the cleavage of N-GSDMD and N-GSDME (P<0.05). Compared with the NAC group, the NAC + baicalin group had significantly increased expression of pyroptosis-related proteins. These results indicate that baicalin can effectively induce pyroptosis in DB cells and reverse the inhibitory effect of NAC on ROS production. CONCLUSION Baicalin can inhibit the proliferation of DLBCL cell line DB, and its mechanism may be through regulating ROS production to affect the pyroptosis pathway.
Humans ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/metabolism* ; Reactive Oxygen Species/pharmacology* ; Pyroptosis ; Cell Line ; RNA, Messenger ; Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of baicalin on the growth of extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma (ENKTCL) cells and its related mechanism. METHODS: Normal NK cells and human ENKTCL cells lines SNK-6 and YTS were cultured, then SNK-6 and YTS cells were treated with 5, 10, 20 μmol/L baicalin and set control. Cell proliferation and apoptosis was detected by Edu method and FCM method, respectively, and expressions of BCL-2, Bax, FOXO3 and CCL22 proteins were detected by Western blot. Interference plasmids were designed and synthesized. FOXO3 siRNA interference plasmids and CCL22 pcDNA overexpression plasmids were transfected with PEI transfection reagent. Furthermore, animal models were established for validation. RESULTS: In control group and 5, 10, 20 μmol/L baicalin group, the proliferation rate of SNK-6 cells was (56.17±2.96)%, (51.92±4.63)%, (36.42±1.58)%, and (14.60±2.81)%, respectively, while that of YTS cells was (58.85±2.98)%, (51.38±1.32)%, (34.75±1.09)%, and (15.45±1.10)%, respectively. In control group and 5, 10, 20 μmol/L baicalin group, the apoptosis rate of SNK-6 cells was (5.93±0.74)%, (11.78±0.34)%, (28.46±0.44)%, and (32.40±0.37)%, respectively, while that of YTS cells was (7.93±0.69)%, (16.29±1.35)%, (33.91±1.56)%, and (36.27±1.06)%, respectively. Compared with control group, the expression of BCL-2 protein both in SNK-6 and YTS cells decreased significantly (P<0.001), and the expression of Bax protein increased in SNK-6 cells only when the concentration of baicalin was 20 μmol/L (P<0.001), while that in YTS cells increased in all three concentrations(5, 10, 20 μmol/L) of baicalin (P<0.001). The expression of FOXO3 protein decreased while CCL22 protein increased in ENKTCL cell lines compared with human NK cells (P<0.001), but the expression of FOXO3 protein increased (P<0.01) and CCL22 protein decreased after baicalin treatment (P<0.001). Animal experiments showed that baicalin treatment could inhibit tumor growth. The expression of CCL22 protein in ENKTCL tissue of nude mice treated with baicalin decreased compared with control group (P<0.01), while the FOXO3 protein increased (P<0.05). In addition, FOXO3 silencing resulted in the decrease of FOXO3 protein expression and increase of CCL22 protein expression (P<0.01, P<0.001). CONCLUSION Baicalin can inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis of ENKTCL cell lines SNK-6 and YTS, up-regulate the expression of Bax protein, down-regulate the expression of BCL-2 protein, and down-regulate the expression of CCL22 protein mediated by FOXO3. Animal experiment shown that the baicalin can inhibit tumor growth. Baicalin can inhibit the growth and induce apoptosis of ENKTCL cells through FOXO3/CCL22 signaling pathway.
Animals ; Mice ; Humans ; Lymphoma, Extranodal NK-T-Cell/pathology* ; Forkhead Box Protein O3/metabolism* ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein/pharmacology* ; Mice, Nude ; Signal Transduction ; Apoptosis ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism* ; Chemokine CCL22/pharmacology*

Itch is an unpleasant sensation that provokes the desire to scratch. While acute itch serves as a protective system to warn the body of external irritating agents, chronic itch is a debilitating but poorly-treated clinical disease leading to repetitive scratching and skin lesions. However, the neural mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of chronic itch remain mysterious. Here, we identified a cell type-dependent role of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in controlling chronic itch-related excessive scratching behaviors in mice. Moreover, we delineated a neural circuit originating from excitatory neurons of the ACC to the ventral tegmental area (VTA) that was critically involved in chronic itch. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the ACC→VTA circuit also selectively modulated histaminergic acute itch. Finally, the ACC neurons were shown to predominantly innervate the non-dopaminergic neurons of the VTA. Taken together, our findings uncover a cortex-midbrain circuit for chronic itch-evoked scratching behaviors and shed novel insights on therapeutic intervention.
Mice ; Animals ; Gyrus Cinguli/physiology* ; Pruritus/pathology* ; Mesencephalon ; Cerebral Cortex/pathology* ; Neurons/pathology*