Curzerene, a sesquiterpene compound isolated from Curcuma Radix, exhibits various therapeutic effects, such as anti-tumor and anti-hyperlipidemic properties. However, its neuroprotective effects have not yet been reported. This study focused on exploring the neuroprotective effect of curzerene and elucidating its potential mechanism by combining molecular biotechnology with multi-omics approaches. Curzerene was orally administered to LPS-induced depressive-like behaviors and cognitive impairment in mice for 14 days, and the related biochemical parameters were evaluated. The possible mechanisms were elucidated using qRT-PCR, Western Blot, immunofluorescence, untargeted metabolomics, GC-MS and 16S rDNA comprehensively. Curzerene ameliorated depression symptoms and cognitive impairment by increasing the preference for sucrose in SPT and the central area and total distance traveled in OFT, reducing the immobility time in TST and FST, as well as rising the spontaneous alternation ratio in Y maze. Multiple molecular biology techniques analyses indicated the ameliorative effect of curzerene via HMGB1/RAGE/ TLR4 pathway. Moreover, curzerene primarily regulates purine metabolism, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, etc. Furthermore, intervention increased the relative abundance of Parabacteroides, Clostridia_UCG-014_unclassified, and Rhodospirillales_unclassified, and enhanced the production of SCFAs. This work demonstrated that curzerene effectively protects against LPS-induced neurological damage, potentially by inhibiting the HMGB1/ RAGE/TLR4 pathway through the restoration of gut microbiota homeostasis, modulation of metabolites, and enhancement of SCFAs. In conclusion, this study offers new perspectives on the therapeutic possibilities of curzerene in mitigating depressive-like behaviors and cognitive impairment.

BACKGROUND:Although traditional screw fixation has been successful in treating ankle fractures,rigid fixation solutions tend to restrict ankle movement and delay fracture healing,whereas elastic fixation is more compatible with human mechanics and has unique advantages in patients with ankle fractures. OBJECTIVE:To compare the clinical effectiveness of elastic fixation and absolute fixation in repairing ankle fractures in the elderly with lower tibiofibular instability. METHODS:The clinical data of 108 elderly ankle fractures with lower tibiofibular instability in Hengshui People's Hospital from August 2019 to August 2021 were retrospectively collected.They were divided into screw group and elastic fixation group(n=54 per group)according to the surgical protocol,and traditional screw internal fixation and elastic internal fixation were performed respectively.The perioperative indicators,surgical results,economic benefits,and American orthopedic foot and ankle society scores were collected and compared between the two groups.Serum tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-8 levels,ankle cavity width,depth,and lower tibiofibular space were compared before and after surgery. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The full weight-bearing time was shorter in the elastic fixation group than that in the screw group;the operating angle was greater in the elastic fixation group than that in the screw group,and the complication rate was lower in the elastic fixation group than that in the screw group(P<0.05).(2)Serum tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-8 levels in the elastic fixation group were lower than those in the screw group 3 days after surgery(P<0.05).(3)American orthopedic foot and ankle society scores in the two groups were higher than those before surgery at 6 and 12 months after surgery,and the depth and width of the inferior tibiofibular space and ankle cavity were lower than those before surgery(P<0.05);but no significant difference was detected between the two groups(P>0.05).(4)There was no significant difference in the excellent and good rate between the two groups at 12 months after surgery(P>0.05).(5)There was no significant difference in the comparison of direct non-medical costs,direct medical costs,and total costs between the two groups(P>0.05).(6)It is indicated that elastic fixation for the repair of ankle fractures with lower tibiofibular instability in the elderly can obtain effective outcomes,which can shorten the time of complete weight-bearing,diminish complications,and alleviate inflammatory stress.

Objective To find out technological evidence for the rapid propagation of Aloe vera L.var.chinensis (Haw.)Berber. Methods The technique of plant tissue culture was used to study the rapid propagation of Aloe vera L.Var.Chinesis(Haw.)Berger.The shoot growing from the underground stem of Aloe vera L.Var.chinensis(Haw.)Berger was taken as the explant to induce fascicular bud. Results The optimal culture medium was MT.MT culture medium added with 6-benzylaminopurine(BA) was effective to induce the shoot formation and increase the direct shooting rate.The optimal BA concentration for the induction and formation of shoot was 2 mg?L -1 ,the shooting rate being 100%.As for the induction of rooting,MT culture medium adding with 0.5 mg?L -1 naphthalene acid was optimal,the rooting rate being 100%. Conclusion The culture of Aloe shoot growing from the underground stem,proper culture medium and BA concentration are important for the rapid propagation of Aloe.