ObjectiveAngelicae Sinensis Radix， a commonly used medicinal herb with both medicinal and edible properties， is frequently adulterated in the market， severely affecting the clinical efficacy of preparations. While qualitative identification techniques for adulterants and counterfeits are now relatively mature， quantitative detection methods for adulterated processed products remain unexplored. Quantitative detection research of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and its primary closely related adulterant， "Tu Danggui" （Angelica gigas）， was conducted to establish a herbal quantitative molecular detection （Herb-Q） method for Angelicae Sinensis Radix and its processed products， providing a model for the establishment of quantitative detection technologies for Angelicae Sinensis Radix and related health products. MethodsThe specific single-nucleotide polymorphism （SNP） loci of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Angelica gigas Nakai were screened based on the complete chloroplast genome sequence. The specific SNP loci of Angelicae Sinensis Radix were selected for quantitative methodological investigations （linearity， limit of quantification， limit of detection， and reproducibility） by mixing the powder of the herbs with different adulteration ratios. Huoxue Zhitong powder with three distinct adulteration ratios （15%， 25%， and 35%） was utilized to ascertain the precision of the Herb-Q method for the quantitative detection of Chinese patent medicines containing Angelicae Sinensis Radix. ResultsBy comparing the 123 chloroplast genome sequences of Angelicae Sinensis Radix， based on the principles of intraspecies conservation， interspecies specificity， and meeting the requirements of pyrophosphate high-throughput sequencing， it was determined that 9 674^th locus （A/G） in the chloroplast genome sequence NC_042826.1 and 38 592^nd locus （T/C） in the chloroplast genome sequence NC_029393.1 could be the exclusive molecular identification loci of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Angelica gigas Nakai， respectively. The linear relationship R² of the Herb-Q method established by selecting the specific 9 674^th locus （A/G） of Angelicae Sinensis Radix was 0.997 4 （R²>0.99）， indicating an excellent linear relationship. The limits of quantification and detection were established at 2.0%， exhibiting excellent reproducibility ［relative standard deviation（RSD）<2.0%］. The established quantitative system based on the Herb-Q method detected the adulteration amount of counterfeit A. gigas in the Huoxue Zhitong powder， with an average deviation of 1.3% for three molecular quantitative replicates. ConclusionThis research demonstrates that the Herb-Q quantitative detection method established based on the 9 674^th locus （A/G） in the chloroplast genome sequence NC_042826.1 of Angelicae Sinensis Radix has good applicability， objectivity， and accuracy for Angelicae Sinensis Radix and A. gigas， and its processed products. This method has the capacity to provide technical support for the quantitative detection of commercially available Angelicae Sinensis Radix derivatives， including traditional Chinese medicinal preparations， dietary supplements， and nutraceuticals.

ObjectiveAngelicae Sinensis Radix， a commonly used medicinal herb with both medicinal and edible properties， is frequently adulterated in the market， severely affecting the clinical efficacy of preparations. While qualitative identification techniques for adulterants and counterfeits are now relatively mature， quantitative detection methods for adulterated processed products remain unexplored. Quantitative detection research of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and its primary closely related adulterant， "Tu Danggui" （Angelica gigas）， was conducted to establish a herbal quantitative molecular detection （Herb-Q） method for Angelicae Sinensis Radix and its processed products， providing a model for the establishment of quantitative detection technologies for Angelicae Sinensis Radix and related health products. MethodsThe specific single-nucleotide polymorphism （SNP） loci of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Angelica gigas Nakai were screened based on the complete chloroplast genome sequence. The specific SNP loci of Angelicae Sinensis Radix were selected for quantitative methodological investigations （linearity， limit of quantification， limit of detection， and reproducibility） by mixing the powder of the herbs with different adulteration ratios. Huoxue Zhitong powder with three distinct adulteration ratios （15%， 25%， and 35%） was utilized to ascertain the precision of the Herb-Q method for the quantitative detection of Chinese patent medicines containing Angelicae Sinensis Radix. ResultsBy comparing the 123 chloroplast genome sequences of Angelicae Sinensis Radix， based on the principles of intraspecies conservation， interspecies specificity， and meeting the requirements of pyrophosphate high-throughput sequencing， it was determined that 9 674^th locus （A/G） in the chloroplast genome sequence NC_042826.1 and 38 592^nd locus （T/C） in the chloroplast genome sequence NC_029393.1 could be the exclusive molecular identification loci of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Angelica gigas Nakai， respectively. The linear relationship R² of the Herb-Q method established by selecting the specific 9 674^th locus （A/G） of Angelicae Sinensis Radix was 0.997 4 （R²>0.99）， indicating an excellent linear relationship. The limits of quantification and detection were established at 2.0%， exhibiting excellent reproducibility ［relative standard deviation（RSD）<2.0%］. The established quantitative system based on the Herb-Q method detected the adulteration amount of counterfeit A. gigas in the Huoxue Zhitong powder， with an average deviation of 1.3% for three molecular quantitative replicates. ConclusionThis research demonstrates that the Herb-Q quantitative detection method established based on the 9 674^th locus （A/G） in the chloroplast genome sequence NC_042826.1 of Angelicae Sinensis Radix has good applicability， objectivity， and accuracy for Angelicae Sinensis Radix and A. gigas， and its processed products. This method has the capacity to provide technical support for the quantitative detection of commercially available Angelicae Sinensis Radix derivatives， including traditional Chinese medicinal preparations， dietary supplements， and nutraceuticals.

Necroptosis, a form of programmed cell death, initiates a series of biological responses and further culminates in necroinflammatory processes, consequently limiting the efficacy of cytokine antagonists in treating inflammatory diseases. To address this issue, DNAzyme R3-Dz specifically targeting receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIP3) mRNA, a necrosome component, has been successfully developed and studied to elucidate the mechanism in cleaving its target mRNA. Then a polyamidoamine (PAMAM) derivative was constructed through the modification of nucleobase analog (termed AP) to achieve the R3-Dz delivery to macrophages. The AP/R3-Dz nanoparticles effectively downregulated the RIP3 expression, leading to subsequent decrease in the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), ultimately inhibiting the necroinflammatory processes mediated by the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3). Finally, AP/R3-Dz nanoparticles and their combination with the NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 suppressed the necrotic phenotype and ameliorated the disease progression in diverse models, including gouty arthritis, autoimmune hepatitis and rheumatoid arthritis. In summary, the AP/R3-Dz nanoparticles in combination with MCC950 have been demonstrated to achieve the intervention in necroptosis and inflammation by dual disruption of the intricate feedback loop of necroinflammation and thus have promising potential in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of Guhong Injection for the treatment of patients with coronary microvascular dysfunction(CMD)of qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome.Methods Sixty cases of patients with CMD of qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome who were admitted to Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine from June 2021 to August 2022 were randomly divided into the control group and the trial group according to the random number table method,with 30 cases in each group.The control group was treated with conventional western medicine,and the trial group was treated with Guhong Injection on the basis of treatment for the control group.The course of treatment for the two groups covered 10 days.The changes in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores,and levels of lipid indicators,serum inflammatory factors and endothelial factors in the two groups were observed before and after treatment.After treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated.Results(1)During the trial,three cases in the control group and two cases in the trial group fell off and a total of 55 cases were finally included in the statistical analysis of efficacy,including 27 cases in the control group and 28 cases in the trial group.(2)After 10 days of treatment,the total effective rate of the trial group was 89.29%(25/28),and that of the control group was 40.74%(11/27),and the intergroup comparison(tested by chi-square test)showed that the therapeutic efficacy of the trial group was significantly superior to that of the control group(P<0.01).(3)After treatment,the TCM syndrome scores of patients in both groups were decreased compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and the decrease in the trial group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.01).(4)After treatment,the levels of lipid indicators triglyceride(TG),total cholesterol(TC),and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)in the two groups of patients were decreased compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)was increased compared with that before treatment(P<0.05).The intergroup comparison showed that the decrease of TG,TC,and LDL-C levels as well as the increase of HDL-C level in the trial group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).(5)After treatment,the serum levels of inflammatory factors high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),interleukin 6(IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α)in the two groups of patients were decreased compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and the decrease in the trial group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.01).(6)After treatment,the serum level of endothelial factor nitric oxide(NO)in the two groups of patients was increased(P<0.05)and the serum endothelin 1(ET-1)level was decreased compared with that before treatment(P<0.05),and the increase of serum NO level,as well as the decrease of serum ET-1 level in the trial group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion Based on the conventional treatment in western medicine,the application of Guhong Injection in the treatment of patients with CMD of qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome exerts remarkable efficacy,which can effectively alleviate the symptoms,regulate the levels of blood lipids,reduce the inflammatory response,and improve the endothelial function.

BACKGROUND:Stem cell transplantation is a new way to prevent and cure intervertebral disc degeneration.However,whether the transplanted stem cells can survive,proliferate,differentiate,and restore the function of nucleus pulposus cells after transplantation,is the key and difficult point to overcome. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects of Bushenhuoxue decoction on survival,proliferation,and nucleus pulposus-like differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells. METHODS:A Transwell chamber was used to construct a co-culture model of human adipose-derived stem cells and human degenerative nucleus pulposus cells.The experiment was divided into control group,model group,drug-containing serum group,and drug-free serum group.Except for the control group,the co-culture system of other groups was treated with 50 μmol/L tert-butyl hydrogen peroxide for 24 hours.The drug-containing serum group and drug-free serum group were treated with DMEM low-glucose complete culture medium containing drug-containing serum of Bushenhuoxue decoction or drug-free serum with 20％volume fraction for 48 hours.The sublayer adipose-derived stem cells were taken.Toluidine blue staining was used to detect proteoglycan synthesis levels.Real-time PCR method was used to detect mRNA expression of type Ⅱ collagen,proteoglycan and SRY-box transcription factor 9.The protein expression of SOX9 was detected by western blot assay.Lactate dehydrogenase assay was used to detect cytotoxicity.Flow cytometry was used to detect reactive oxygen species,and β-galactosidase staining was used to detect cell senescence. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the control group,the proportion of necrotic cells in the model group increased;toluidine blue staining became lighter,and the expression levels of type Ⅱ collagen,proteoglycan,SOX9 mRNA and SOX9 protein decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the drug-containing serum of Bushenhuoxue decoction could significantly reduce cell injury and promote the expression of type Ⅱ collagen,proteoglycan,SOX9 mRNA,and SOX9 protein(P<0.05),but the improvement in the drug-free serum group was not significant(P>0.05).(2)Compared with the control group,the contents of cytotoxicity,reactive oxygen species,and cell senescence in the model group were significantly increased.Compared with the model group,the microenvironment of the coculture system was significantly improved by drug-containing serum of Bushenhuoxue decoction(P<0.05),while drug-free serum had no significant effect on the microenvironment of the co-culture system(P>0.05).(3)The results show that Bushenhuoxue decoction can promote the survival,proliferation,and nucleus pulposus-like differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells.

Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome(PMDS) is a rare disorder that arises from a lack of active anti-Müllerian hormone(AMH) or type Ⅱ AMH receptor(AMHR2) deficiency in males with a normal 46, XY chromosome karyotype.It presents that the external genitalia appears normally while the Müllerian duct structure(uterus, fallopian tubes, upper vagina) persists in the body.Common pathogenic factors are mutations in the AMH and AMHR2 genes, inherited in an autosomal recessive manner.This study reported two families with PMDS.The first patient was diagnosed with PMDS due to cryptorchidism in May 2019.Gene sequencing analysis revealed a new missense mutation(c.579G>T; p.W193C) and a splicing mutation(c.622-3C>A; splicing) in the AMHR2 gene.His father had the missense mutation(c.579G>T; p.W193C), and his mother had the splicing mutation(c.622-3C>A; splicing).The second patient was diagnosed with PMDS due to bilateral cryptorchidism, transverse testis ectopia in the right testicle in March 2023.Undegraded Müllerian tube derivatives were found between the two testicles, and serum AMH levels were very high(565.00 μg/L).Gene sequencing analysis reported that the AMHR2 gene had a new deletion mutation(c.835_837del; p.Leu279del).Both his father and mother had a deletion mutation(c.835_837del; p.Leu279del).This study reports two new AMHR2 gene mutations that expand the mutation sites of this rare disease.It is recommended to consider PMDS in the differential diagnosis of cryptorchidism, undergo surgery as early as possible, and treat Müllerian duct derivatives based on individual anatomical characteristics.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of AcoStream peripheral thrombus aspiration system combined with catheter-directed thrombolysis in the treatment of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis.Methods:The clinical data of 16 lower extremity deep vein thrombosis cases treated with AcoStream peripheral thrombus aspiration system combined with catheter-directed thrombolysis, admitted to the authors′ hospital from May 2022 to November 2022, were retrospectively analyzed. The differences in circumferential diameter between the affected limb and the healthy side, venous patency score, thrombus clearance grade and intraoperative blood loss were observed and compared. The Villalta score was used during the follow up. Paired sample t-test and Wilcoxon rank sum test were used to compare the changes in the observed indicators before and after treatment to evaluate the efficacy. Results:Treatment were successfully performed in all patients. Before treatment, the circumference differences between the affected and unaffected thighs and calves were (3.69±0.97) and (3.34±0.75)cm, respectively, the venous patency score of the affected side was 8(7.25,9) points. After treatment, the circumference differences between the affected and unaffected thighs and calves were (0.81±0.68) and (0.84±0.70)cm, respectively. The venous patency score of the affected side was 1(0,1)points, with statistically significant differences ( P<0.001). Grade Ⅲ thrombus clearance was achieved in 7 patients, grade Ⅱ thrombus clearance was achieved in 9 patients. The average blood loss during thrombus aspiration was (133.1±12.0) ml. Following up for 6 months, the Villalta score was 0(0,1.75) points. Conclusion:Acostream peripheral thrombus aspiration system combined with catheter-directed thrombolysis is safe and effective for the treatment of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis, with satisfactory short-term efficacy and high clinical application value.

Objective:To observe the effect of escitalopram combined with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on efficacy and attention function in patients with first-episode unipolar depression.Methods:Fifty-two first-episode initial-naive unipolar depression patients were enrolled in Department of Neurology of Guangzhou First People's Hospital from March 2022 to April 2023 were chosen. They were randomly allocated to active stimulation group ( n=27) and sham stimulation group ( n=25); both were treated with escitalopram, and active treatment or sham treatment in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) were given for 4 weeks (5 d per week, 20 d totally). Before treatment and 2 and 4 weeks after treatment, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD)-24 was used to evaluate depressive symptoms, and Birmingham Cognitive Screening Scale-Chinese (BCoS-C) was used to evaluate the attention function. Results:(1) In terms of depressive symptoms: HAMD-24 scores of the active stimulation group 2 and 4 weeks after treatment (20.63±2.73, 15.85±2.43) were significantly lower than those before treatment (25.74±2.68, P<0.05); HAMD-24 scores of sham stimulation group 4 weeks after treatment were also significantly lower than those before treatment ([20.48±2.33] vs. [25.80±2.57], P<0.05); HAMD-24 scores of the active stimulation group 2 and 4 weeks after treatment were significantly lower than those of sham stimulation group ( P<0.05). (2) In terms of auditory attention indicators: total correct number (selective attention) in active stimulation group 4 weeks after treatment was significantly larger than that before treatment (51.74±1.38 vs. 47.48±1.60), and the sustained index (sustained attention) was significantly lower than that before treatment (0.74±0.71 vs. 4.37±1.15, P<0.05); total correct number in active stimulation group 4 weeks after treatment was significantly larger than that in sham stimulation group (48.00±1.66), and the sustained index was significantly lower than that in sham stimulation group (3.72±1.28, P<0.05). Conclusion:Combined with escitalopram, rTMS can more effectively mitigate the depressive symptoms in first-episode unipolar depression patients, and depressive symptoms improve more quickly than attentional function.

Yeast autolysis affects the flavor and quality of beer. The regulation of yeast autolysis is a need for industrial beer production. Previous studies on brewer's yeast autolysis showed that the citric acid cycle-related genes had a great influence on yeast autolysis. To explore the contribution of isocitrate dehydrogenase genes in autolysis, the IDP1 and IDP2 genes were destroyed or overexpressed in typical lager yeast Pilsner. The destruction of IDP1 gene improved the anti-autolytic ability of yeast, and the anti-autolytic index after 96 h autolysis was 8.40, 1.5 times higher than that of the original strain. The destruction of IDP1 gene increased the supply of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) and the NADPH/NADP⁺ ratio was 1.94. After fermentation, intracellular ATP level was 1.8 times higher than that of the original strain, while reactive oxygen species (ROS) was reduced by 10%. The destruction of IDP2 gene resulted in rapid autolysis and a decrease in the supply of NADPH. Anti-autolytic index after 96 h autolysis was 4.03 and the NADPH/NADP⁺ ratio was 0.89. After fermentation, intracellular ATP level was reduced by 8% compared with original strain, ROS was 1.3 times higher than that of the original strain. The results may help understand the regulation mechanism of citric acid cycle-related genes on yeast autolysis and provide a basis for the selection of excellent yeast with controllable anti-autolytic performance.
Humans ; Isocitrate Dehydrogenase/genetics* ; NADP ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; Autolysis ; Adenosine Triphosphate