Objective To establish quality evaluation method of Andrographis paniculata standard decoction by UPLC. Methods 21 batches of Andrographis paniculata standard decoctions were prepared according to the standardization method of TCM decoction pieces. The UPLC characteristic chromatograms analysis method was established. With andrographolide as a reference, quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker （QAMS） was established for new neoandrographolide, 14 deoxyandrographolide and dehydrated andrographolide. The results were compared with the external standard method （ESM） to determine the accuracy of the method. Results Similarity Evaluation System for Chromatographic Fingerprint of TCM （2012 edition） was used to analyze and compare the characteristic chromatograms, and seven common peaks were determined and five were identified including luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucuronide, andrographolide, neoandrographolide, 14-deoxyandrographolide and dehydroandrographolide. The RSDs of content results of each component by QAMS and ESM were all within 3%. Conclusion The determination method was reliable and accurate, which could be used to reflect the intrinsic quality of Andrographis paniculata standard decoction comprehensively and provide the basis for the quality evaluation of Andrographis paniculata formula granules and other preparations.

The spread of antibiotic resistance genes(ARGs)poses a serious threat to global public health.Recent studies have shown that in addition to the difficulty in antibiotic selection,many non-anti-biotic environmental pollutants,such as microplastics,heavy metals,nanomaterials and non-antibiotic drugs,can accelerate the spread of ARGs.This paper begins by outlining the influence of non-antibiotic environmental pollutants on the conjugative transfer of ARGs.Then,the mechanisms of ARGs are analyzed from the perspective of molecular biology,which include inducing the generation of large amounts of reactive oxygen radicals,triggering cellular oxidative stress,increasing intercellular contact,altering the permeability of cell membranes,affecting energy metabolism,triggering group sensing effects,and regulating the expression of genes related to the transfer of ARGs.Finally,the limitations of current studies are presented,and tips are given about future research.In conclusion,the effects of non-antibi-otic environmental pollutants on the spread and dispersal of ARGs need to be studied more extensively.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Jiawei Dihuang Decoction in the treatment of vascular dementia(VD);To explore its mechanism and the VD susceptibility genesby using whole exome sequencing.Methods A total of 75 patients with VD who were hospitalized or received outpatient treatment at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine were included.They were divided into the control group(37 cases,treated with conventional Western medicine)and the experimental group(38 cases,treated with conventional Western medicine+Jiawei Dihuang Decoction)using random number table method.The treatment course was 3 months.The general data,TCM syndrome scores,MMSE scores,ADL scores,Blessed scores and adverse reactions of the two groups were compared.Peripheral blood samples from 36 patients with kidney-yin deficiency type VD were selected for whole exome sequencing.Susceptible genes were screened,and the targets of Jiawei Dihuang Decoction were analyzed by network pharmacology.A"drug-gene"network was constructed,and key pathways were enriched.Results There was no statistical significance in the baseline data between the two groups(P>0.05),and they were comparable.Compared with before treatment,the MMSE scores of patients in both groups significantly increased after treatment,while TCM syndrome scores and ADL scores significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the TCM syndrome scores,MMSE scores,ADL scores and clinical efficacy of the experimental group were significantly better than those of the control group(P<0.05).Moreover,the Blessed score showed that the experimental group had more advantages in improving the patients'living ability and daily habits(P<0.05).No adverse reactions were observed in both groups during the treatment period.A total of 1 250 744 single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)loci and 37 314 insertion and deletion(InDel)loci were detected by whole exome sequencing.After screening,3 041 VD susceptibility genes were obtained.It was found that they were involved in biological processes such as the response to nutrient levels,positive regulation of the MAPK cascade,vascular processes in the circulatory system,the response to nutrients,etc.And enriched in PI3K-Akt,cholinergic/glutamatergic synapses,lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis pathways.The potential targets of 854 of Jiawei Dihuang Decoction were intersected with the susceptibility genes to obtain 353 common targets.The top 10 key genes were analyzed and found to be involved in positive regulation of cytosine-serine phosphorylation,miRNA-mediated gene silencing regulation,and the response of cells to decreased oxygen levels,etc.They were enriched in PI3K-Akt,lipid and atherosclerosis signaling pathways.Conclusion Jiawei Dihuang Decoction can alleviate the symptoms of patients with VD,protect cognitive function,enhance their ability of daily living,and has good safety profile.Its mechanism may involve regulating susceptibility genes through PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and lipid atherosclerosis signaling pathway,and improving lipid metabolism,inflammatory response and oxidative stress.

The spread of antibiotic resistance genes(ARGs)poses a serious threat to global public health.Recent studies have shown that in addition to the difficulty in antibiotic selection,many non-anti-biotic environmental pollutants,such as microplastics,heavy metals,nanomaterials and non-antibiotic drugs,can accelerate the spread of ARGs.This paper begins by outlining the influence of non-antibiotic environmental pollutants on the conjugative transfer of ARGs.Then,the mechanisms of ARGs are analyzed from the perspective of molecular biology,which include inducing the generation of large amounts of reactive oxygen radicals,triggering cellular oxidative stress,increasing intercellular contact,altering the permeability of cell membranes,affecting energy metabolism,triggering group sensing effects,and regulating the expression of genes related to the transfer of ARGs.Finally,the limitations of current studies are presented,and tips are given about future research.In conclusion,the effects of non-antibi-otic environmental pollutants on the spread and dispersal of ARGs need to be studied more extensively.

Objective:To investigate the differences of the glymphatic system (GS) function between patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (mTLE-HS) and healthy controls and between different seizure types by using diffusion tensor imaging along perivascular space (DTI-ALPS), and to analyze the correlation between GS function and the course of disease, as well as the efficacy of predicting the surgical outcome.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional study. A total of 171 patients with mTLE-HS (mTLE-HS group) and 75 healthy volunteers (HC group) were retrospectively enrolled from July 2009 to July 2021 at Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University. The general information of all subjects, such as seizure type (partial seizure, secondary generalized seizure), surgical outcome, etc., was analyzed. The 3D magnetization prepared rapid gradient echo T 1WI and DTI sequence images were collected. The VBM analysis method was used to segment cerebrospinal fluid and calculate the volume. The ALPS index of the bilateral brain was calculated using the Atlas-based DTI-ALPS method. Independent sample t-test or paired t test were used to compare the ALPS index between the mTLE-HS group and HC group, and between patients with different seizure types. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between bilateral ALPS index and disease duration in mTLE-HS group. The predictive value of the ALPS index for surgical outcomes was evaluated by receiver operating characteristics curve and area under the curve. Results:Among the 171 mTLE-HS patients, 98 patients were mTLE with left-side HS (mTLE-LHS) and 73 patients were mTLE with right-side HS (mTLE-RHS); 37 patients underwent surgical treatment, including 27 with good prognosis and 10 with poor prognosis. Compared with the HC group, the left-side ALPS index of mTLE-LHS and mTLE-RHS were both decreased ( P<0.05). The right-side ALPS index in mTLE-RHS was lower than that in the HC group ( P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the right-side ALPS index between mTLE-LHS and HC group ( P=0.080). The ALPS index on the affected side of patients with secondary generalized seizures was significantly lower than that of patients with only partial seizures (all P<0.05), but the difference in ALPS index on the healthy side was not statistically significant( P>0.05). The left-side and right-side ALPS index in mTLE-LHS were negatively correlated with disease duration ( r=-0.272, P=0.007; r=-0.307, P=0.002), but no significant correlation was found between the left-side or right-side ALPS index in mTLE-RHS (all P>0.05). The DTI-ALPS index on the affected side in mTLE-HS patients exhibited good diagnostic accuracy for surgical outcome classification, with an area under the curve of 0.778. Conclusions:The patients with mTLE-HS exhibit dysfunction of the GS, and the degree of impairment is related to the type of seizure and the course of epilepsy. The ALPS index, which characterizes the function of GS, demonstrates good diagnostic accuracy for classifying surgical outcomes.

Gene therapy, harnessing the power of CRISPR-Cas9 and/or DNAzyme systems, stands as a pivotal approach in cancer therapy, enabling the meticulous manipulation of genes pivotal to tumorigenesis and immunity. However, the pursuit of precise gene therapy encounters formidable hurdles. Herein, a near-infrared upconversion theranostic nanomachine is devised and tailors for CRISPR-Cas9/DNAzyme systems mediate precise gene therapy. An ingenious logic DNAzyme system consists of Chain 1 (C1)/Chain 2 (C2) and endogenous lncRNA is designed. We employ manganese modified upconversion nanoparticles for carrying ultraviolet-responsive C1-PC linker-C2 (C₂P) chain and Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP), with outermost coats with hyaluronic acid. Upon reaching tumor microenvironment (TME), the released Mn²⁺ ions orchestrate a trifecta: facilitating endosomal escape, activating cGAS-STING signaling, and enabling T1-magnetic resonance imaging. Under near-infrared irradiation, Cas9 RNP/C₂P complex dissociates, releasing Cas9 RNP into the nucleus to perform gene editing of Ptpn2, while C1/C2 chains self-assemble with endogenous lncRNA to form a functional DNAzyme system, targeting PD-L1 mRNA for gene silencing. This strategy remodels the TME by activating cGAS-STING signaling and dual immune checkpoints blockade, thus realizing tumor elimination. Our theranostic nanomachine armed with the CRISPR-Cas9/DNAzyme logic systems, represents a resourceful and promising strategy for advancing cancer systemic immunotherapy and precise gene therapy.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the expression of CDKN3 in gastric cancer and its impact on prognosis of gastric cancer patients. METHODS: We analyzed CDKN3 expression in clinical specimens from 114 gastric cancer patients and assessed its association with 5-year postoperative survival of the patients. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were used to predict the biological function and possible mechanism of CDKN3. The effects of lentivirus-mediated CDKN3 knockdown on biological behaviors of gastric cancer cells were evaluated using Transwell assay, CCK-8 assay, TUNEL staining, flow cytometry, and Western blotting. RESULTS: CDKN3 expression was significantly higher in gastric cancer tissues than in the adjacent tissues with significant correlations with CEA level, CA19-9 level, and T and N staging (P<0.05). High CDKN3 expression was an independent risk factor affecting 5-year postoperative survival of the patients and predictive for long-term prognosis (P<0.01). Enrichment analyses suggested a probable association of CDKN3 with apoptosis. In MGC-803 cells, CDKN3 knockdown significantly lowered migration and invasion capacities of the cells, while CDKN3 overexpression produced the opposite effects. TUNEL staining revealed a significantly lower level of cell apoptosis in gastric cancer tissues than in adjacent tissues (P<0.01). CDKN3 knockdown obviously inhibited proliferation and increased apoptosis of MGC-803 cells. CDKN3 overexpression down-regulated the expressions of p53, p21 and Bax and up-regulated the expressions of p-p65 and Bcl-2. CONCLUSIONS CDKN3 is highly expressed in gastric cancer tissues and affects patient prognosis. CDKN3 overexpression promotes proliferation, invasion and migration and suppressed apoptosis of gastric cancer cells possibly through the p53/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Humans ; Stomach Neoplasms/pathology* ; Apoptosis ; Signal Transduction ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/metabolism* ; Cell Movement ; Cell Line, Tumor ; NF-kappa B/metabolism* ; Prognosis ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor Proteins/metabolism* ; Cell Proliferation ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Male ; Female ; Dual-Specificity Phosphatases

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Jiawei Dihuang Decoction in the treatment of vascular dementia(VD);To explore its mechanism and the VD susceptibility genesby using whole exome sequencing.Methods A total of 75 patients with VD who were hospitalized or received outpatient treatment at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine were included.They were divided into the control group(37 cases,treated with conventional Western medicine)and the experimental group(38 cases,treated with conventional Western medicine+Jiawei Dihuang Decoction)using random number table method.The treatment course was 3 months.The general data,TCM syndrome scores,MMSE scores,ADL scores,Blessed scores and adverse reactions of the two groups were compared.Peripheral blood samples from 36 patients with kidney-yin deficiency type VD were selected for whole exome sequencing.Susceptible genes were screened,and the targets of Jiawei Dihuang Decoction were analyzed by network pharmacology.A"drug-gene"network was constructed,and key pathways were enriched.Results There was no statistical significance in the baseline data between the two groups(P>0.05),and they were comparable.Compared with before treatment,the MMSE scores of patients in both groups significantly increased after treatment,while TCM syndrome scores and ADL scores significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the TCM syndrome scores,MMSE scores,ADL scores and clinical efficacy of the experimental group were significantly better than those of the control group(P<0.05).Moreover,the Blessed score showed that the experimental group had more advantages in improving the patients'living ability and daily habits(P<0.05).No adverse reactions were observed in both groups during the treatment period.A total of 1 250 744 single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)loci and 37 314 insertion and deletion(InDel)loci were detected by whole exome sequencing.After screening,3 041 VD susceptibility genes were obtained.It was found that they were involved in biological processes such as the response to nutrient levels,positive regulation of the MAPK cascade,vascular processes in the circulatory system,the response to nutrients,etc.And enriched in PI3K-Akt,cholinergic/glutamatergic synapses,lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis pathways.The potential targets of 854 of Jiawei Dihuang Decoction were intersected with the susceptibility genes to obtain 353 common targets.The top 10 key genes were analyzed and found to be involved in positive regulation of cytosine-serine phosphorylation,miRNA-mediated gene silencing regulation,and the response of cells to decreased oxygen levels,etc.They were enriched in PI3K-Akt,lipid and atherosclerosis signaling pathways.Conclusion Jiawei Dihuang Decoction can alleviate the symptoms of patients with VD,protect cognitive function,enhance their ability of daily living,and has good safety profile.Its mechanism may involve regulating susceptibility genes through PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and lipid atherosclerosis signaling pathway,and improving lipid metabolism,inflammatory response and oxidative stress.

Objective:To compare the clinical and radiological outcomes between the ankle dislocation exposure versus the traditional posterolateral approach exposure in the treatment of complex posterior ankle malunion.Methods:This retrospective study analyzed the 50 patients (50 feet) with posterior ankle malunion who had been treated at Department of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from May 2015 to June 2023. This cohort included 18 males and 32 females, with an age of (46.2±12.0) years. The duration from injury to surgery averaged 7.0 (4.0, 12.2) months. The patients were divided into 2 groups based on the surgical exposure methods: an ankle dislocation group (22 cases) in which the posterior ankle malunion was exposed by ankle dislocation before reduction and fixation, and a traditional posterolateral approach group (28 cases) in which the posterior ankle malunion was exposed by the traditional posterolateral approach before reduction and fixation. Evaluation indices included operative time, ankle arthritis grading, incidence of complications, as well as pre-operative and last follow-up recordings of distal tibial articular angle and joint step-off, visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, and ankle-hindfoot score of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle society (AOFAS).Results:There was no significant difference in the baseline data between the 2 groups, indicating comparability ( P>0.05). The average follow-up was (39.4±17.9) months. The operative time in the dislocation group [(95.8±9.9) min] was significantly shorter than that in the posterolateral approach group [(121.9±14.3) min] ( P<0.05). The step-off on the distal tibial articular surface at the last follow-up in the dislocation group [0.3 (0.0, 0.9) mm] was significantly lower than that in the posterolateral approach group [1.0 (0.3, 1.1) mm] ( P<0.05). The grading of ankle arthritis was significantly worse in the posterolateral approach group than that in the dislocation group ( P<0.05). There were no differences in distal tibial articular angle, VAS pain score, AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score, or postoperative complications between the 2 groups at the last follow-up ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Both ankle dislocation exposure and traditional posterolateral approach exposure yield satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes in patients with complex posterior ankle malunion. However, the ankle dislocation exposure offers a novel method for direct visualization of the malunion on multiple planes, which is more advantageous for restoration of the anatomical consistency of the distal tibial articular surface.

Cell-free biosensors are detection tools that involve cell-free protein synthesis and consist of recognition elements and reporting elements.These biosensors offer several advantages,such as the ease of construction,a significant specificity and a high sensitivity.By overcoming the limitations associated with cell survival and cell membrane barriers,cell-free biosensors can considerably reduce response times.This article reviewed the recognition and reporting compo-nents of cell-free biosensors,summarizes recent research advancements in their applications to such spheres of public health as environmental monitoring and disease diagnosis,and explores the programmability and logical analysis capabili-ties of these biosensors.Future developments in this field are also predicted.