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.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors, which is a great threat to human life and health. The change of bile acid homeostasis can activate their corresponding receptors to regulate the immune functions, which is closely related to the occurrence of colorectal cancer. In addition, some bile acids can directly induce colorectal cancer and play an important role in the development of colorectal cancer. In this paper, the metabolic process of bile acids in vivo and the immunomodulatory role of bile acid receptors were reviewed, and the evidence of associations between bile acids and colorectal cancer were summarized, which showed the rebalancing the bile acid levels might play a role in the prevention or treatment of colorectal cancer.

Objective To investigate the correlation between plasma inflammatory factors [IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17, IL-23, TNF-α, TGF-β, IFN-γ, C-reactive protein (CPR) CCL-5] and hand-foot syndrome in colorectal cancer patients after taking capecitabine. Methods 35 colorectal cancer patients treated with capecitabine were collected and the degree of severity was divided according to the hand-foot syndrome grading diagnostic criteria. The concentrations of inflammatory factors in plasma were determined by ELISA kits. Results The standard curve of all inflammatory cytokines were linear (r>0.9900), and plasma concentrations of inflammatory cytokines in patients with colorectal cancer were determined. The concentration of TNF-α changed obviously, which had reference value. Conclusion The concentrations of different inflammatory factors were different and the concentration of TNF-α was closely correlated with the severity of hand-foot syndrome.

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics of adult Chinese patients with syncope.Methods:This is a cross-sectional survey study. Patients with preliminary diagnosis of syncope in the Emergency Department, Geriatrics and Cardiology Outpatient Department, or Syncope Unit of 37 hospitals in 19 provinces, autonomous regions and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region from June 2018 to March 2021 were included in this study. The clinical features of these patients with syncope were analyzed.Results:A total of 4 950 consecutive patients with syncope were included in this study. The age was (56.3±16.8)years, and 2 604 cases (52.6%) were male. The most common type of syncope was neurally mediated syncope (2 345 (47.4%)), followed by cardiac syncope (1 085 (21.9%)), orthostatic hypotensive syncope (311 (6.3%)), and unexplained syncope accounted for nearly one third (1 155 (23.3%)). Predisposing syncope was more common in patients under 65 years of age(2 066(72.4%) vs. 786(27.6%),χ 2=136.5, P<0.001). Presyncope was more common in patients with neurally mediated syncope (1 972(79.0%) vs.1 908(73.9%), χ 2=17.756, P<0.001). Premonitory symptoms were more common in women(1 837(80.0%) vs. 1 863(73.0%),χ 2=33.432, P<0.001). Presyncope syndrome was more common in patients under 65 years of age (2 482(77.8%) vs. 1 218(73.4%),χ 2=17.523, P=0.001). Cyanosis was more common in ≥65 years old patients (271(18.2%) vs. 369(12.7%), χ 2=23.235, P<0.001). Urinary incontinence was more common in old patients aged ≥65 years(252(15.2%) vs. 345(10.8%), χ 2=19.313, P<0.001). Family history was more common in patients with cardiogenic syncope compared with other types of syncope (264(24.3%) vs. 754(19.5%), χ 2=11.899, P=0.001). Hypertention(1 480(30.5%)), coronary heart disease(1 057(21.4%)), atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation(359(7.2%)), second degree atrioventricular block(236(4.8%)) were common complications of syncope. The proportion of patients with coronary heart disease was significantly higher in cardiac syncope than that of other types of syncope(417(38.4%) vs. 640(16.6%), χ 2=241.376, P<0.001). Other common complications included cerebrovascular diseases (551 (11.1%)) and diabetes mellitus (632(12.8%)). Conclusions:Neurally mediated syncope is the most common syncope in adult Chinese population. Patients with predisposing conditions and premonitory conditions are younger. Presyncope is more common in women. The proportion of family history and coronary heart disease is higher in patients with cardiogenic syncope.

CD146 Antigen ; immunology ; Fibroblasts ; immunology ; pathology ; Humans ; Scleroderma, Systemic ; drug therapy ; immunology ; pathology

Objective To study the roles of icariin and cyclic tensile strain (CTS) in promoting the osteogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) and the molecular mechanisms involved.Methods ASCs were isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats and treated either with icariin (10-7 mol/L) or with 1000 μ,2000 μ or 3000 μ of CTS for 7 days,or with icariin plus CTS at 2000 μ for three days.Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was detected after 3 and 7 days of intervention.Western blotting was performed to detect the expression of Runt-related transcriptional factor 2 (Runx2),Yes-associated protein (YAP) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) after the third day of the intervention.A reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed at 7 days to detect the expression of osteopontin (OPN) and collagen la and after 3 days to detect the expression of the YAP target gene,CTGF and ankyrin repeating domain 1 (Ankrd1).Results Icariin and CTS at 1000 μ,2000 μ or 3000 μ could all significantly promote the expression of ALP protein.CTS at 2000 μ was the nost effective.The co-treatment with icariin and CTS significantly promoted ALP protein expression compared with icariin or CTS treatment alone.It also significantly promoted the expression of Runx2 and CTGF protein.Icariin or CTS (2000 μ) alone could not promote the expression of YAP protein,but icariin combined with CTS (2000 μ) promoted it significantly.Either icariin or CTS (2000 μ) could significantly promote ALP activity after 3 and 7 days,but icariin combined with CTS had the most obvious effect.Both icariin and CTS (2000 μ) could also significantly promote the expression of the osteogenesis-related genes OPN and collagen la,as well as the YAP targeted genes CTGF and Ankrdl.However,the combination of icariin and CTS had the greatest effect in promoting the expression of OPN mRNA,collagen la mRNA,CTGF mRNA and ankrdl mRNA.Conclusion Icariin and CTS co-treatment may promote osteogenic differentiation of ASCs via activating YAP expression.

OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical effect of the lobulated medial sural artery perforator flap in repairing soft tissue defect in hand or foot.

METHODSSince March 2012 to September 2014, 6 cases with soft tissue defects in hands or feet were treated by lobulated medial sural artery flaps pedicled with 1st musculo-cutaneous perforator and 2st musculo-cutaneous perforator of the medial sural artery. The size of the flaps ranged from 4.5 cm x 10.0 cm to 6.0 cm x 17.0 cm.

RESULTS5 cases of lobulated flap survived smoothly, only 1 lobulated flap had venous articulo, but this flap also survived after the articulo was removed by vascular exploration. All flaps had desirable appearance and sensation and the two-point discrimination was 6 mm in mean with 4 to 12 months follow-up (average, 7 months). Linear scar was left in donor sites in 3 cases and skin scar in 3 cases. There was no malfunction in donor sites.

CONCLUSIONSLobulated medial sural artery perforator flap is feasible and ideal method for the treatment of soft tissue defect in hand or foot with satisfactory effect.

Arteries ; Cicatrix ; Follow-Up Studies ; Foot Injuries ; surgery ; Hand Injuries ; surgery ; Humans ; Perforator Flap ; transplantation ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; Skin Transplantation ; Soft Tissue Injuries ; surgery ; Time Factors ; Wound Healing

Objective] Explain the intentions of those famous TCM combinations for disease according to Shennong Bencao Jing. [Methods] Find out the principles to make up those famous TCM prescriptions based on understanding the efficacy of medicine described in Shennong Bencao Jing, through combining comparing the original documents of each other with the clinical practice of Mr. Xu Xiaodong. The natural medicine such as Gan Dihuang, Baizhu and Chai Hu were used as mediums to relate those famous TCM prescriptions and Shennong Bencao Jing. [Results] The original documents of Shennong Bencao Jing and those famous TCM prescriptions which were related together by natural medicine such as Gan Dihuang, Baizhu and Chai Hu have much in common. For example, Gan Dihuang used in Si Wutang, Huang Tutang etc. according to the effect of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis described in Shennong Bencao Jing. Chang Pu used in Changpu Yujintang according to the effect of resuscitation and restoring consciousness described in Shennong Bencao Jing. Baizhu used in Fangji Huangqi Tang, Mahuang Jiazhu Tang of Jinkui Yaolue according to the antiperspirant effect described in Shennong Bencao Jing. Chai Hu used in Xiao Chaihu Tang, Chaihu Shugan San etc. according to the effect of relieving the abdominal discomfort, attacks of chills and fever described in Shennong Bencao Jing. The theory of Shennong Bencao Jing is well applied in clinical teaching and practice by Mr. Xu Xiaodong, bringing students a lot of inspiration. It is possible to explain the principles of making up those famous TCM prescriptions and guide the compatibility of TCM according to Shennong Bencao Jing. [Conclusion] Doctors in the ancient world have inherited and developed the Shennong Bencao Jing theory when filling the prescription; comprehension and application of those famous TCM prescriptions will be more original according to Shennong Bencao Jing. The theory of Shennong Bencao Jing is worth our further study and extension.

The osteogenic in vitro effect of low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on SD rat adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) was investigated.Rat ADSCs underwent LIPUS (intensity=100 mW/cm2) or sham exposure for 8 min per treatment once everyday in vitro,and then the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralized nodule formation were assessed to evaluate the osteogenic effect of LIPUS on ADSCs.To further explore the underlying mechanism,the osteogenic-related gene mRNA expression was determined by using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) at 1st,3rd,5th,7th day after exposure repectively.Westen blot was used to evaluate the protein expression levels of two osteogenic differentiation associated genes at 7th and 14th day repectively.It was found that ALP activity was increased after LIPUS exposure and LIPUS resulted in mineralized nodule formation of ADSCs in vitro.LIPUS-treated ADSCs displayed higher mRNA expression levels of runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2),osteocalcin (OCN),ALP and bone sialoprotein (BSP) genes than controls,and the protein levels of Runx2 and BSP were also increased.The results suggested that LIPUS may induce the osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs in vitro.