ObjectiveTo investigate the contamination status of ochratoxin A (OTA) in commercially available food products in Shanghai, and to assess OTA exposure levels and the associated non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks among pregnant women by integrating dietary consumption data of this population. MethodsThe levels of OTA contamination in 1 520 food samples collected in Shanghai from 2022 to 2023 were determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. An exposure assessment model was developed based on the dietary consumption levels of pregnant women from the 2016‒2017 Shanghai Pregnant Women Dietary Monitoring Survey to calculate the estimated daily intake (EDI) of OTA, the margin of exposure for non-carcinogenic toxicity (MOE₁), and the margin of exposure for carcinogenic toxicity (MOE₂). An MOE₁ greater than 200 and an MOE₂ greater than 10 000 indicate that the non-carcinogenic toxicity and carcinogenic toxicity resulting from exposure are negligible, respectively. For samples with OTA contamination levels below the limit of detection (LOD), which accounted for more than 80% of the samples, the OTA levels were assigned values of 0 and LOD, respectively, for subsequent calculations. ResultsThe detection rates of OTA in cereals, nuts, dried fruits, and alcohol samples collected in 2022 were 2.03%, 0, 0, and 0, respectively. The OTA detection rates in cereals, nuts, dried fruits, beans, and alcohol samples collected in 2023 were 2.50%, 0.39%, 2.47%, 1.67%, and 13.33%, respectively. For pregnant women in Shanghai in 2022, simulation results indicated that when assigning a value of 0 and the LOD, theP₅₀ values of EDI for dietary OTA exposure were 0.05 and 0.72 ng·(kg·d)^-1, respectively, and the P₉₅ values of EDI for dietary OTA exposure were 0.25 and 2.40 ng·(kg·d)^-1, respectively. For pregnant women in Shanghai in 2023, the P₅₀ values of EDI for dietary OTA exposure were 0.04 and 1.00 ng·(kg·d)^-1, respectively, and the P₉₅ values of EDI for dietary OTA exposure were 0.23 and 2.67 ng·(kg·d)^-1, respectively, both substantially below the tolerable daily intake (TDI) for OTA [17 ng·(kg·d)^-1]. The EDI for dietary OTA exposure in 100.0% of Shanghai pregnant women was lower than the TDI, indicating an overall low level of dietary OTA exposure among this population. For 100.0% of pregnant women, the MOE₁ for dietary OTA exposure exceeded 200. When assigned a value of 0, the MOE₂ for 100.0% of pregnant women in both 2022 and 2023 exceeded10 000. When assigned the LOD value, 72.3% and 81.8% of pregnant women in 2022 and 2023, respectively, had an MOE₂ exceeding 10 000. ConclusionFrom 2022 to 2023, samples of cereals, nuts, dried fruits, beans, and alcohol sold in Shanghai exhibited varying degrees of OTA contamination. The overall EDI of OTA exposure among pregnant women in Shanghai remained at a low level. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks associated with OTA exposure were generally low and at controllable levels.

Objective To explore the mechanism of Yishen Jiangtang Decoction(YSJTD)in improving diabetic kidney disease(DKD)based on the apoptotic Bcl-2/Caspase-3 pathway mediated by endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS).Methods Thirty 8-week-old SPF male db/db mice were used to establish the DKD model and were randomly divided into model,YSJTD,ERS inhibitor(4-phenylbutyric acid[4-PBA]),and control groups(db/m mice),with 10 mice per group.Mice in the YSJTD and 4-PBA groups were gavaged daily with 5.6 mg/(g·d)YSJTD or 0.5 mg/(g·d)4-PBA,respectively,whereas the model and control groups received sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.Each mouse was orally administered 0.01 mL/(g·d)for 8 weeks.The mice were administered 0.01 mL/(g·d)YSJTD or 0.5mg/(g·d)4-PBA via gavage for 8 weeks.The general condition of the mice was observed,and blood glucose and plasma lipid levels were measured.Oral glucose tolerance tests(OGTT)and insulin tolerance tests(ITT)were performed,and the area under the curve(AUC)was calculated.Renal pathological changes(assessed using hematoxylin and eosin,periodic acid-Schiff,and Masson staining)and cell apoptosis,evaluated via TUNEL staining,were examined.Protein expression levels of Caspase-3 and Bcl-2 in kidney tissues were analyzed using Western blotting.A DKD model was established using high-glucose-induced mouse glomerular mesangial cells,SV40 MES 13.The Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was used to screen for high glucose concentrations and to determine the concentration of the YSJTD drug-containing serum.Cells were divided into four groups:control,model(30 mmol/L high glucose),10％YSJTD drug-containing serum(30 mmol/L high glucose+10％drug-containing serum),and 1 mol/L 4-PBA(30 mmol/L high glucose+1 mmol/L 4-PBA).Western blotting was used to detect the protein levels of GRP78,Caspase-3,and Bcl-2 in the cells.Results Compared to the control group,the model,YSJTD,and 4-PBA groups exhibited significantly increased OGTT-AUC,ITT-AUC,triglyceride(TG),and cholesterol(CHOL)levels(P＜0.05).These groups also showed severe renal pathological damage,increased glycogen deposition,and exacerbated fibrosis in kidney tissues.Compared to the model group,both the YSJTD and 4-PBA groups showed significantly reduced OGTT-AUC,TG,and CHOL levels,alleviated renal pathological damage,and decreased glycogen deposition and fibrosis.The YSJTD group also exhibited significantly reduced ITT-AUC(P＜0.05).Compared to the control group,the model group exhibited an increased number of apoptotic cells in renal tissue,reduced Bcl-2 expression,and elevated Caspase-3 expression(P＜0.05).Compared to the model group,both the YSJTD and 4-PBA groups demonstrated a reduced number of apoptotic cells,decreased Caspase-3 expression,and increased Bcl-2 expression,with the YSJTD group showing a more pronounced decrease in apoptotic cells(P＜0.05).In vitro experiments revealed that,compared to the control group,the model group exhibited increased GRP78 and Caspase-3 expression,as well as decreased Bcl-2 expression(P＜0.05).Compared to the model group,the 10％YSJTD drug-containing serum and 1 mol/L 4-PBA groups showed reduced GRP78 and Caspase-3 expression,as well as upregulated Bcl-2 expression(P＜0.05).Conclusion YSJTD improves glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in DKD by inhibiting the ERS-induced apoptotic pathway mediated by Bcl-2/Caspase-3,thereby exerting protective effects on renal function.

Objective To assess the therapeutic effect of acupuncture in depressive disorders based on current randomized controlled trials(RCTs).Method RCTs on acupuncture interventions for primary depression by searching databases including CNKI,Wanfang,VIP,Sinomed,PubMed,and Embase.Two researchers independently assessed the quality of the literature,extracted data according to the latest Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions,and cross-checked the data.Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software.Result A total of 52 studies were included,comprising 5277 patients.The meta-analysis results showed that acupuncture significantly improved depression symptoms as measured by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale(HAMD)and reduced clinical inefficacy rates{HAMD-17:WMD=-2.35,95%CI[-3.04,-1.67],P<0.000 01;HAMD-24:WMD=-2.77,95%CI[-3.52,-2.03],P<0.000 01;HAMD(unspecified scale):WMD=-2.77,95%CI[-3.52,-2.03],P<0.000 01;Clinical inefficacy:RR=0.39,95%CI[0.33,0.47],P<0.000 01}.Additionally,acupuncture increased 5-HT levels(SMD=1.11,95%CI[0.67,1.55],P<0.000 01).In terms of safety,acupuncture did not increase the incidence of adverse events and reduced TESS scores{Adverse event incidence:RR=0.65,95%CI[0.47,0.89],P=0.007;TESS scores:WMD=-1.66,95%CI[-3.12,-0.20],P=0.03}.There is potential publication bias regarding clinical inefficacy and adverse events,necessitating cautious interpretation.Conclusion Based on the current evidence,acupuncture is an effective and safe treatment for depressive disorders.However,more high-quality RCTs are needed to further validate or refine these conclusions.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the photothermal and antibacterial activities of polydopamine-modified phycocyanin nanoparticles (PDA@PC NPs) and their capacity for promoting wound healing. METHODS: PDA@PC NPs were synthesized from phycocyanin (C-PC) and dopamine hydrochloride using a one-pot method. The photothermal activity of the nanoparticles was assessed in vitro by 808 nm laser irradiation, their biocompatibility was evaluated using CCK-8 assay, and their photothermal antibacterial activity by plate colony counting. In adult male BALB/c mice, two symmetrical full-thickness skin wounds (1.0 cm ×1.0 cm) were created on both sides of the spine, and 200 μL of Staphylococcus aureus suspension was inoculated into the wounds. The mice were divided into control group, PDA@PC NPs group, and PDA@PC NPs with laser irradiation group, and wound healing rates and histomorphological changes in the wound tissues were evaluated on days 0, 7 and 14 after modeling. RESULTS: The synthesized PDA@PC NPs exhibited no obvious cytotoxicity up to a concentration of 500 μg/mL and showed strong photothermal and antibacterial activities in response to 808 nm laser irradiation. In the mouse models, the size of the infected skin wounds showed substantial reduction at 7 and 14 days in PDA@PC NPs group and PDA@PC NPs with laser irradiation group, and the mean wound healing rate was faster in the latter group. HE staining and Masson's trichrome staining revealed extensive granulation tissue formation and collagen deposition on the wound surfaces in both of the treatment groups, and these changes were more obvious in the PDA@PC NPs with laser irradiation group. CONCLUSIONS PDA@PC NPs possess excellent photothermal and antibacterial activities and can effectively promote wound healing in mice.
Animals ; Indoles/chemistry* ; Wound Healing/drug effects* ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Male ; Nanoparticles ; Polymers/chemistry* ; Phycocyanin/chemistry* ; Skin/injuries* ; Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects* ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology*

Background Deoxynivalenol (DON), a priority contaminant for food safety risk monitoring, is produced by Fusarium spp. infesting crops, and its common derivatives are 3-acetyl-DON (3A-DON) and 15-acetyl-DON (15A-DON), which have been shown to possess gastrointestinal toxicity, immunotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, and cytotoxicity. Due to the stable physicochemical properties of the DON family of toxins (DONs), they cannot be effectively removed during food processing, thus following the food chain, entering the human body, and posing health risks. Objective To understand the contamination status of DONs in commercial foods (cereals and bakery products) in Shanghai in 2022–2023, and to assess the exposure risk of DONs in pregnant women by combining their dietary consumption data. Methods Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to determine the contamination level of DONs in 1 100 food samples (cereals and baked goods) collected in 2022 and 944 samples collected in 2023 from Shanghai. The dietary monitoring data of pregnant women in Shanghai from 2016 to 2017 were adopted. The monitoring employed the food frequency questionnaire distributed among pregnant women through a combination of online telephone enquiry and offline on-site face-to-face survey to estimate their food consumption levels. An exposure assessment model was established to calculate the exposure level to DONs, and the probability distribution of the DONs exposure level in the pregnant women group in Shanghai was obtained by applying @Risk 7.5 software and simulating the calculation according to the Monte Carlo principle. With reference to the tolerable daily intake (TDI) of DONs [1.00 µg·(kg·d)⁻¹] proposed by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives, the risk of exposure to DONs from commercial cereals and bakery products in pregnant women in Shanghai was assessed. Results DONs were detected in cereal and bakery samples collected in 2022 and 2023 with different levels of contamination. The level of DONs in cereal foods in 2023 (mean: 36.33 µg·kg⁻¹) decreased compared to 2022 (mean: 23.64 µg·kg⁻¹). However, the positive rate (71.67%) and level (mean: 51.22 µg·kg⁻¹) of DONs in bakery products increased significantly compared with 2022 (positive rate: 10.00%, mean: 24.39 µg·kg⁻¹). The mean consumption of cereals in 783 pregnant women was 222.48 g·d⁻¹ and the mean consumption of bakery products was 36.07 g·d⁻¹, and there was no statistically significant difference in the intake of all types of cereals and bakery products across the early, middle, and late stages of pregnancy. The modelled intakes of DONs via commercial cereals and bakery products for pregnant women in Shanghai were calculated to be 0.20 and 0.57 µg·(kg·d)⁻¹ in 2022 for the mean level and the 95th percentile level, respectively, and 0.16 µg·(kg·d)⁻¹ and 0.35 µg·(kg·d)⁻¹ in 2023, respectively. The results of the health risk assessment showed that pregnant women in Shanghai had 2.6% and 1.4% probability of exposure to DONs from cereal consumption in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Conclusion The risk of exposure of pregnant women in Shanghai to DONs via commercial cereals and bakery products is relatively low (1.4%-2.6%). However, considering the physical sensitivity of pregnant women, they should avoid consuming moldy grains and appropriately reduce intake of bakery products.

Objective To explore the mechanism of Yishen Jiangtang Decoction(YSJTD)in improving diabetic kidney disease(DKD)based on the apoptotic Bcl-2/Caspase-3 pathway mediated by endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS).Methods Thirty 8-week-old SPF male db/db mice were used to establish the DKD model and were randomly divided into model,YSJTD,ERS inhibitor(4-phenylbutyric acid[4-PBA]),and control groups(db/m mice),with 10 mice per group.Mice in the YSJTD and 4-PBA groups were gavaged daily with 5.6 mg/(g·d)YSJTD or 0.5 mg/(g·d)4-PBA,respectively,whereas the model and control groups received sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.Each mouse was orally administered 0.01 mL/(g·d)for 8 weeks.The mice were administered 0.01 mL/(g·d)YSJTD or 0.5mg/(g·d)4-PBA via gavage for 8 weeks.The general condition of the mice was observed,and blood glucose and plasma lipid levels were measured.Oral glucose tolerance tests(OGTT)and insulin tolerance tests(ITT)were performed,and the area under the curve(AUC)was calculated.Renal pathological changes(assessed using hematoxylin and eosin,periodic acid-Schiff,and Masson staining)and cell apoptosis,evaluated via TUNEL staining,were examined.Protein expression levels of Caspase-3 and Bcl-2 in kidney tissues were analyzed using Western blotting.A DKD model was established using high-glucose-induced mouse glomerular mesangial cells,SV40 MES 13.The Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was used to screen for high glucose concentrations and to determine the concentration of the YSJTD drug-containing serum.Cells were divided into four groups:control,model(30 mmol/L high glucose),10％YSJTD drug-containing serum(30 mmol/L high glucose+10％drug-containing serum),and 1 mol/L 4-PBA(30 mmol/L high glucose+1 mmol/L 4-PBA).Western blotting was used to detect the protein levels of GRP78,Caspase-3,and Bcl-2 in the cells.Results Compared to the control group,the model,YSJTD,and 4-PBA groups exhibited significantly increased OGTT-AUC,ITT-AUC,triglyceride(TG),and cholesterol(CHOL)levels(P＜0.05).These groups also showed severe renal pathological damage,increased glycogen deposition,and exacerbated fibrosis in kidney tissues.Compared to the model group,both the YSJTD and 4-PBA groups showed significantly reduced OGTT-AUC,TG,and CHOL levels,alleviated renal pathological damage,and decreased glycogen deposition and fibrosis.The YSJTD group also exhibited significantly reduced ITT-AUC(P＜0.05).Compared to the control group,the model group exhibited an increased number of apoptotic cells in renal tissue,reduced Bcl-2 expression,and elevated Caspase-3 expression(P＜0.05).Compared to the model group,both the YSJTD and 4-PBA groups demonstrated a reduced number of apoptotic cells,decreased Caspase-3 expression,and increased Bcl-2 expression,with the YSJTD group showing a more pronounced decrease in apoptotic cells(P＜0.05).In vitro experiments revealed that,compared to the control group,the model group exhibited increased GRP78 and Caspase-3 expression,as well as decreased Bcl-2 expression(P＜0.05).Compared to the model group,the 10％YSJTD drug-containing serum and 1 mol/L 4-PBA groups showed reduced GRP78 and Caspase-3 expression,as well as upregulated Bcl-2 expression(P＜0.05).Conclusion YSJTD improves glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in DKD by inhibiting the ERS-induced apoptotic pathway mediated by Bcl-2/Caspase-3,thereby exerting protective effects on renal function.

Objective To assess the therapeutic effect of acupuncture in depressive disorders based on current randomized controlled trials(RCTs).Method RCTs on acupuncture interventions for primary depression by searching databases including CNKI,Wanfang,VIP,Sinomed,PubMed,and Embase.Two researchers independently assessed the quality of the literature,extracted data according to the latest Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions,and cross-checked the data.Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software.Result A total of 52 studies were included,comprising 5277 patients.The meta-analysis results showed that acupuncture significantly improved depression symptoms as measured by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale(HAMD)and reduced clinical inefficacy rates{HAMD-17:WMD=-2.35,95%CI[-3.04,-1.67],P<0.000 01;HAMD-24:WMD=-2.77,95%CI[-3.52,-2.03],P<0.000 01;HAMD(unspecified scale):WMD=-2.77,95%CI[-3.52,-2.03],P<0.000 01;Clinical inefficacy:RR=0.39,95%CI[0.33,0.47],P<0.000 01}.Additionally,acupuncture increased 5-HT levels(SMD=1.11,95%CI[0.67,1.55],P<0.000 01).In terms of safety,acupuncture did not increase the incidence of adverse events and reduced TESS scores{Adverse event incidence:RR=0.65,95%CI[0.47,0.89],P=0.007;TESS scores:WMD=-1.66,95%CI[-3.12,-0.20],P=0.03}.There is potential publication bias regarding clinical inefficacy and adverse events,necessitating cautious interpretation.Conclusion Based on the current evidence,acupuncture is an effective and safe treatment for depressive disorders.However,more high-quality RCTs are needed to further validate or refine these conclusions.

Background::Although overnight fasting is recommended prior to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), the benefits and safety of high-carbohydrate fluid diet (CFD) intake 2 h before ERCP remain unclear. This study aimed to analyze whether high-CFD intake 2 h before ERCP can be safe and accelerate patients’ recovery.Methods::This prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial involved 15 tertiary ERCP centers. A total of 1330 patients were randomized into CFD group ( n = 665) and fasting group ( n = 665). The CFD group received 400 mL of maltodextrin orally 2 h before ERCP, while the control group abstained from food/water overnight (>6 h) before ERCP. All ERCP procedures were performed using deep sedation with intravenous propofol. The investigators were blinded but not the patients. The primary outcomes included postoperative fatigue and abdominal pain score, and the secondary outcomes included complications and changes in metabolic indicators. The outcomes were analyzed according to a modified intention-to-treat principle. Results::The post-ERCP fatigue scores were significantly lower at 4 h (4.1 ± 2.6 vs. 4.8 ± 2.8, t = 4.23, P <0.001) and 20 h (2.4 ± 2.1 vs. 3.4 ± 2.4, t= 7.94, P <0.001) in the CFD group, with least-squares mean differences of 0.48 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.26–0.71, P <0.001) and 0.76 (95% CI: 0.57–0.95, P <0.001), respectively. The 4-h pain scores (2.1 ± 1.7 vs. 2.2 ± 1.7, t = 2.60, P = 0.009, with a least-squares mean difference of 0.21 [95% CI: 0.05–0.37]) and positive urine ketone levels (7.7% [39/509] vs. 15.4% [82/533], χ2 = 15.13, P <0.001) were lower in the CFD group. The CFD group had significantly less cholangitis (2.1% [13/634] vs. 4.0% [26/658], χ2 = 3.99, P = 0.046) but not pancreatitis (5.5% [35/634] vs. 6.5% [43/658], χ2 = 0.59, P = 0.444). Subgroup analysis revealed that CFD reduced the incidence of complications in patients with native papilla (odds ratio [OR]: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.39–0.95, P = 0.028) in the multivariable models. Conclusion::Ingesting 400 mL of CFD 2 h before ERCP is safe, with a reduction in post-ERCP fatigue, abdominal pain, and cholangitis during recovery.Trail Registration::ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT03075280.

Objective To isolate endophytic fungi from Angelica sinensis and evaluate the bioactivity of their secondary metabolites.Methods Angelica sinensis and rhizosphere soil were utilized as materials.The tissue homogenization method was employed with six diverse culture media to isolate endophytic fungi.The antibacterial activity of secondary metabolites was gauged using a 96-well plate assay,while UV spectrophotometry was used to evaluate the inhibitory activity of four enzymes.Results A total of 153 fungal strains were isolated and purified from Angelica sinensis roots,stems,leaves,and soil.The samples exhibited specific inhibitory activities against adenosine deaminase(ADA),β-lactamase,xanthine oxidase(XO),and tyrosinase(TYR),with rates of 45.83%,52.78%,51.39%and 55.56%,respectively.Furthermore,1.39%of the samples displayed wide-ranging inhibitory effects against four indicator bacteria.Strain 6B also showcased the lowest inhibitory concentration values of 62.5 and 7.81 μg/mL against Escherichia coli ATCC25922 and ATCC35218,respectively,signifying its potential research significance.Conclusion Angelica sinensis has abundant endophytic fungal resources and is a good source for discovering active compounds,demonstrating certain research value.