Objective: To determine the association between exposure to entertainment screen content on mobile phones and symptoms of anxiety-depression co-morbidity among college students,so as to provide evidence for mental health interventions. Methods: A baseline survey was conducted from April to May 2019. A total of 1 135 college students were selected from one university each in Shangrao City, Jiangxi Province and Hefei City, Anhui Province using cluster random sampling method. A follow up study was conducted in November 2019, resulting in 1 110 matched valid responses. Self rating questionnaires were used to assess the exposure of entertainment screen content. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21(DASS-21) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were used to evaluate the anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and symptoms of anxiety-depression co-morbidity among college students. A multivariate binary Logistic regression model was constructed following initial intergroup comparisons with Chi-square test to determine the association between baseline exposure to mobile entertainment screen content and the risk of symptoms of anxiety depression co-morbidity at baseline and the 6 month follow up. Results: The prevalence rates of symptoms of anxiety-depression co-morbidity among college students were 25.4% and 20.6% at baseline and follow up, respectively.After adjusting for confounding factors such as gender, self rated family economic status and self rated health status, the results of multivariate binary Logistic regression analysis showed that compared with the appropriate exposure level group, the exposure of entertainment screen content on mobile phones at baseline, including frequent exposure to reading( OR =1.65,95% CI =1.14-2.39), occasional exposure to other entertainment screen content ( OR =1.46,95% CI =1.01-2.10)and frequent exposure to other entertainment screen content( OR =1.76,95% CI =1.20-2.60), increased the co-occurrence risk of symptoms of anxiety-depression co-morbidity among college students during the follow up period (all P <0.05). Conclusion Occasional or frequert exposure to mobile entertainment screen content can increase the risk of symptoms of anxiety depression co-morbidity among college students.

Purpose: Our previous study showed that circulating tumor cell (CTC) count combined with gene mutation detection might help differentiate benign and malignant pulmonary nodules (PNs). Herein, we aimed to expand the study cohort and conduct further sequencing analysis. Materials and Methods: Patients with PNs were included, and CTCs were identified before operation. Low-coverage whole-genome sequencing (LC-WGS) and lung cancer-related targeted gene sequencing were performed on CTCs. The diagnostic efficacy was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The differences in CTC counts among subgroups classified by demographic–clinical characteristics were analyzed. LC-WGS–based copy number variation (CNV) analysis and targeted gene mutation analysis were conducted. Results: A total of 172 patients were included. CTC count of 2.5 was identified by the ROC curves as the optimal diagnostic cutoff. The sensitivity and specificity of CTC count for differentiating benign and malignant PNs were 54.2% and 78.6%, respectively. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of combined CTC count, radiological nodule type, and any malignant imaging features were 84.7% and 71.4%, respectively. The CTC counts were significantly greater in patients with aggressive tumors, later stage, and spread through air spaces. CTCs from malignant cases had more CNVs than those from benign cases. Conclusion CTC count can be used in identifying malignant PNs. The diagnostic efficacy can be improved if combined with computed tomography imaging characteristics. Further CNV analysis might help differential diagnosis. Greater CTC count might suggest more aggressive tumors. CTC detection can provide important information and guidance for subsequent management of PNs.

Objective: To investigate the longitudinal association between biological rhythm trajectories and the risk of anxiety, depression, and comorbid symptoms among college students, so as to provide a cumulative empirical basis for early psychiatric tracking and mental health warning systems. Methods: Using random cluster sampling method, a baseline survey was conducted from April to May 2019. One comprehensive university and one medical university were selected in Shangrao City, Jiangxi Province, and Hefei City, Anhui Province, respectively. A total of 1 029 first year college students were recruited as study participants, and four waves of longitudinal follow up were carried out over a period of two years. The Self rating of Biological Rhythm Disorder for Adolescents was used to assess college students biological rhythms, and using the dynamic data from the first two follow ups to construct the trajectory of biological rhythm changes. Mental health outcomes (anxiety and depressive symptoms) at the end of the follow up period were assessed using Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Multivariable Logistic regression models were employed to evaluate the independent predictive value of distinct lifestyle rhythm trajectories on the detection risk of long term anxiety, depression, and their comorbid symptoms. Results: The prevalence rates of anxiety, depression, and comorbid symptoms among participants were 23.5%, 22.6%, and 16.7%, respectively. Multivariable Logistic regression analysis showed that, after adjusting for confounding factors such as sex, major, smoking, and alcohol consumption, compared with the persistent low risk reference group of overall biological rhythm, the persistent high risk trajectory group of overall assessment had an increased risk of anxiety symptoms( OR=3.87, 95%CI =2.45-6.11), depressive symptoms( OR=3.18, 95%CI =1.98-5.10), and comorbid symptoms( OR=2.43, 95%CI =1.46-4.04)(all P ＜0.05).Among college students in the elevated overall assessment risk group, the risks of anxiety symptoms ( OR=1.97, 95%CI =1.22-3.17), depressive symptoms ( OR=2.13, 95%CI =1.33-3.42), and comorbid symptoms ( OR=1.81, 95%CI =1.07-3.06) were also increased (all P < 0. 05), and the various risks in the group with increased risks were also higher than those in the group with consistently low risks. Conclusions The dynamic deterioration and persistent disruption of college students lifestyle and behavioral rhythms serve as strong early warning indicators for long term anxiety and depressive symptoms. Mental health screening in colleges and universities should incorporate multi timepoint dynamic tracking of behavioral rhythms, and circadian rhythm regulation should be regarded as a core target for group level mental health interventions.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the major form of dementia in the elderly and is closely related to the toxic effects of microglia sustained activation. In AD, sustained microglial activation triggers impaired synaptic pruning, neuroinflammation, neurotoxicity, and cognitive deficits. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that aberrant expression of deubiquitinating enzymes is associated with regulating microglia function. Here, we use RNA sequencing to identify a deubiquitinase YOD1 as a regulator of microglial function and AD pathology. Further study showed that YOD1 knockout significantly improved the migration, phagocytosis, and inflammatory response of microglia, thereby improving the cognitive impairment of AD model mice. Through LC-MS/MS analysis combined with Co-IP, we found that Myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9), a key regulator maintaining microglia homeostasis, is an interacting protein of YOD1. Mechanistically, YOD1 binds to MYH9 and maintains its stability by removing the K48 ubiquitin chain from MYH9, thereby mediating the microglia polarization signaling pathway to mediate microglia homeostasis. Taken together, our study reveals a specific role of microglial YOD1 in mediating microglia homeostasis and AD pathology, which provides a potential strategy for targeting microglia to treat AD.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on postoperative pain in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer. METHODS: A total of 140 female patients scheduled for unilateral modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer undergoing general anesthesia were randomized into a TEAS group (70 cases) and a sham TEAS group (70 cases, 2 cases dropped out). Patients in both groups received TEAS or sham TEAS at bilateral Neiguan (PC6), Zusanli (ST36), and Danzhong (CV17), respectively, from 30 min before anesthesia induction until the end of surgery, and on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd days after surgery for 30 min a time, once a day. On 1st, 2nd, and 3rd days after surgery, the pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score was observed; on 3, 6, 12 months after surgery, the incidence rate of chronic pain was observed; before surgery, and on 1st, 3rd, and 7th days after surgery, the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 were detected; the number of analgesia pump press, rescue analgesia, and the occurrence of adverse reaction after surgery were recorded in the two groups. RESULTS: In the TEAS group, the VAS scores on 1st and 2nd days after surgery, and the incidence rates of chronic pain on 3 and 6 months after surgery were lower than those in the sham TEAS group (P<0.05). On 1st, 3rd, and 7th days after surgery, the serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 were increased compared with those before surgery in both groups (P<0.05, P<0.01); the above indexes in the TEAS group were lower than those in the sham TEAS group (P<0.05). The number of analgesia pump press and the incidence rate of rescue analgesia after surgery in the TEAS group were lower than those in the sham TEAS group (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions after surgery between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION TEAS can effectively improve both the postoperative acute pain and chronic pain in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer, the mechanism may relate to inhibiting the inflammatory reaction.
Humans ; Female ; Acupuncture Points ; Pain, Postoperative/blood* ; Middle Aged ; Breast Neoplasms/surgery* ; Adult ; Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation ; Mastectomy, Modified Radical/adverse effects* ; Interleukin-6/blood* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/blood* ; Interleukin-10/blood* ; Aged

Objective:To investigate the protective effect of Dendrobium officinale polysaccharides(DOP)on intestinal mucosal barrier damage,and to elucidate the possible mechanism.Methods:Ten female C57BL/6 mice,aged 5 months,were selected as young group;twenty femal C57BL/6 mice,aged 15 months,were randomly divided into aged group and DOP treatment group(200 mg·kg-1,DOP group),with 10 mice in each group.The mice in DOP group were administrated with DOP by gavage.The body mass,food intakes and hanging time of the mice in various groups were detected.HE staining was used to observe the pathomorphology of intestinal and spleen tissues of the mice in various groups.Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expressions of intestinal atresin 1(ZO-1)and Mucin 2(MUC2)in intestinal tissue of the mice in various groups.The intestinal baterial metabolite medium(IBMM)were prepared to intervene the Caenorhabditis elegans(C.elegans),and the C.elegans were randomly divided into Young-IBMM group,Aged-IBMM group,and DOP-IBMM group.Immuno-fluorescence method was used to analyze the intestinal lipofuscin accumulation levels on the 1st day and the 12th day of the C.elegans in various groups.Brilliant blue staining was used to assess the intestinal leakage on the 1st day and the 12th day of C.elegans in various groups.The Caco-2 cells were randomly divided into Young-IBMM,Aged-IBMM and DOP-IBMM groups,and Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of ZO-1,Occludin,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-6(IL-6),phosphorylated myosin light chain(p-MLC),myosin light chain kinase(MLCK)proteins in the Caco-2 cells in various groups.Results:Compared with young group,the body mass of the mice in aged group was increased(P＜0.05),the amount of food intake was decreased(P＜0.05),and the hanging time was decreased(P＜0.05);compared with aged group,the body mass of the mice in DOP group was significantly decreased(P＜0.01),the amount of food intake was increased(P＜0.05),and the hanging time was significantly extended(P＜0.01).The HE staining results showed that compared with young group,the thickness of intestinal mucosa of the mice in aged group became thinner,the goblet cells were reduced,the intestinal villi were disordered with different lengths,a large amount of hemosiderin was found on the surface of the spleen,the cell components in the red medullary were reduced,and the lymphatic sheath and lymphatic nodes around the intra-white pulp artery remained or almost disappeared;compared with aged group,the thickness of the intestinal mucosa of the mice in DOP group was increased,the goblet cells were increased,the length of the intestinal villi was consistent and neatly arranged,the overall function of the red pulp of the spleen was improved,and the components of the white pulp were increased.The immunohistochemical staining results showed that compared with young group,the expression levels of ZO-1 and MUC2 proteins in intestinal tissue of the mice in aged group were significantly decreased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.001);compared with aged group,the expression levels of ZO-1 and MUC2 proteins in the intestinal tissue of the mice in DOP group were significantly increased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.001).The immuno-fluorescence analysis showed that compared with Young-IBMM group,the intestinal lipofuscin accumulation level of C.elegans in Aged-IBMM group was significantly increased(P＜0.001);compared with Aged-IBMM group,the intestinal lipofuscin accumulation level of C.elegans in DOP-IBMM group was significantly reduced(P＜0.001).The brilliant blue staining showed that compared with Young-IBMM group,the bright blue dye leaked into the whole body of C.elegans from intestinal tissue in Aged-IBMM group,and the intestinal structure became blurred and was difficulted to be observed;compared with Aged-IBMM group,the leakage of bright blue dye of C.elegans in DOP-IBMM was reduced.The Western blotting results showed that compared with Young-IBMM group,the expression levels of TNF-α,IL-6,p-MLC,and MLCK proteins in the Caco-2 cells in Aged-IBMM group were significantly increased(P＜0.01 or P＜0.001),and the expression levels of ZO-1 and Occludin proteins were significantly decreased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01);compared with Aged-IBMM,the expression levels of TNF-α,IL-6,p-MLC and MLCK proteins in the Caco-2 cells in DOP-IBMM group were significantly decreased(P＜0.01),and the expression levels of ZO-1 and Occludin proteins were significantly increased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Conclusion:DOP has an ameliorating effect on intestinal mucosal barrier damage in the aged mice,and its mechanism may be related to the improvement of intestinal barrier damage by regulating intestinal bacterial metabolites,inhibiting the p-MLC/MLCK signal pathway,restoring the expression of tight junction complexes,and reducing the level of intestinal inflammation.

Objective:To investigate the impact of ginseng alcohol extract(GEE)on improving sleep quality in the aged Drosophila model by regulating the redox balance,and to elucidate its associated mechanism.Methods:Thirty-two male drosophila melanogaster(7-days-old)were randomly selected as young group,while 64 male Drosophila melanogaster flies(35-days-old)were randomly assigned to aged model group(n=32)and GEE group(n=32).The sleep parameters,including total sleep duration,daytime sleep duration,night sleep duration,0-4 h of sleep duration after lights off(ZT0-4 sleep duration),deep sleep duration,sleep episodetimes,sleep fragmentation,and the activity parameters such as the total number of locomotor activity daytime locomotor activity amount and nighttime locomotor activity amount were analyzed using the DAM2 Drosophila behavioral analysis system 7 d after administration.The grouping of the drosophila was as above,and there were 100 drosophila ineach group.The differentially expressed proteins in drosophila brain tissue were screened,identified,and functionally analyzed using two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis(2D-DIGE)and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry(MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS)proteomic methods.The grouping of the drosophila was as above,and there were 100 drosophila in each group.The activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT),and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)and the levels of lipid peroxidation product(MDA)in brain tissue of the drosophila were determined using assay kits.Results:Compared with young group,the total sleep duration daytime sleep duration and night sleep cluration of the drosophila in agaed group were decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01);and the sleep rhythm amplitude was shortened.Compared with aged group,the total sleep duration and daytime and nighttime sleep durations of the drosphila in GEE group were lengthened(P<0.01).Compared with young group,the ZT0-4 sleep duration deep sleep duration and sleep fragment of the drosophila in aged group were decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),and the sleep rhythm amplitude was shortened.Compared with young group,the ZT0-4 sleep duration,deep sleep duration,and single sleep fragment of the drosphila in GEE group were significantly prolonged(P<0.01),and the sleep amplitude was increased.Compared with young group,there was no significant difference in diurnal spontaneous activity or total spontaneous activity of the drosophila in aged group(P>0.05),while the nocturnal spontaneous activity was significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with aged group,the diurnal spontaneous activity,nocturnal spontaneous activity,and total spontaneous activity of the drosophila in GEE group were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).A total of 47 differentially expressed proteins were selected in the 2D-DIGE electrophoretic mapping.Compared with young group,the expressions of 47 differentially expressed protein sites in aged group were down-regulated mainly including glutathione S-transferase,peroxiredoxin 1 and dihydrolipoic dehydrogenase,which were related to redox balance.Compared with young group,the activities of SOD,CAT and GSH-Px in brain tissue of the drosophila in aged group were decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),and the level of MDA was increased(P<0.01);compared with aged group,the activities of SOD,CAT and GSH-Px in brain tissue of the drosphila in GEE group were increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),and the MDA level was decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion:GEE has improvement effect on the sleep quality of aged drosophila,and its possible mechanism may be related to upregulating the activities of antioxidant enzymes,inhibiting the accumulation of lipid peroxidation products,and maintaining redox balance.

Objective:To discuss the promotive effect of Shengji Yuhong Ointment extract(SYOE)on skin wound healing of zebrafish,and to clarify its mechanism.Methods:A total of 320 wild-type AB strain zebrafish were used to establish a wound model by making an incision on the lateral abdomen.The zebrafish were randomly divided into control group,low dose of SYOE group(raised in water containing 0.625 mg·L-1 SYOE),high dose of SYOE group(raised in water containing 1.250 mg·L-1 SYOE),and allantoin group(raised in water containing 1.000 mng·L-1 allantoin),and there were 80 zebrafish in each group.The wound areas were recorded by photographs on days 7,14,and 21 after injury,and the wound healing rates were calculated.The skin tissue samples from the wound sites of the zebrafish in various groups were collected at different time points to prepare histological sections.HE staining was used to observe the widths of skin wound edges of the zebrafish on days 0,7,14,and 21 in various groups;Sirius red staining was used to detect the collagen levels in the wound tissues of the zebrafish on days 2,4,6,and 8 after injury in various groups;enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect the levels of type Ⅰ collagen(Col Ⅰ)and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)in the wound tissues on day 4 after injury;real-time quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)was used to analyze the mRNA expression levels of Col Ⅰ-encoding genes(col1a1a,col1a1b,and col1a2)and α-SMA as wall as key factors of the transforming growth factor β(TGF-β)/Smad signaling pathway(tgfb1a,smad2,and smad3a)in the wound tissues of the zebrafish in various groups on day 4 after injury.Results:The wound healing assessment results showed that compared with control group,the wound healing rates of the zebrafish in low dose of SYOE group,high dose of SYOE group,and allantoin group were significantly increased on days 7,14,and 21 after injury(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01);the wound healing rate in high dose of SYOE group achieved 84％on day 21.The HE staining results showed that compared with control group,the widths of skin wound edges of the zebrafish in low dose of SYOE group,high dose of SYOE group,and allantoin group were significantly decreased on days 14 and 21 after injury(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).The Sirius red staining results showed that compared with control group,the collagen levels in the skin wound tissue of the zebrafish in low dose of SYOE group,high dose of SYOE group,and allantoin group were significantly increased on days 6 and 8 after injury(P＜0.01).The ELISA results showed that on day 4 after injury,compared with control group,the levels of Col Ⅰ and α-SMA in the skin wound tissue of the zebrafish in low dose of SYOE group,high dose of SYOE group,and allantoin group were significantly increased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).The RT-qPCR results showed that on day 4 after injury,compared with control group,the expression levels of col1a1b,col1a2,α-SMA,tgfb1a,and smad2 mRNA in the skin wound tissue of the zebrafish in low dose of SYOE group were significantly increased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01),while the expression levels of col1a1a,col1a1b,col1a2,α-SMA,tgfb1a,smad2,and smad3a mRNA in the skin wound tissue of the zebrafish in high dose of SYOE group and allantoin group were significantly increased(P＜0.01).Conclusion:SYOE can increase the collagen deposition in skin wound of zebrafish,promote wound healing,and upregulate the expression of genes related to the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.

Objective:To investigate the effect of Chinese Herbal Anti-Alopecia and Hair Growth Solution(CHAaHGS)on the hair growth through in vitro experiments on the human dermal papilla cells(HDPCs),in vivo experiments in the C57BL/6 mice,and human efficacy tests,and to clarify its potential mechanism.Methods:The HDPCs were divided into control group,CHAaHGS group,and minoxidil group.MTT method was used to detect the proliferation activities of HDPCs in various groups;enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)method was used to detect the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),hepatocyte growth factor(HGF),insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1),and transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1)in the supernatant of HDPCs in various groups;real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)method was used to detect the expression levels of VEGF,HGF,IGF-1,TGF-β1,and alkaline phosphatase(ALP)mRNA in the HDPCs in various groups;Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of β-catenin,dishevelled segment polarity protein 1(DVL1),glycogen synthase kinase 3β(GSK-3β),phosphorylated GSK-3β(p-GSK-3β),and wingless-type MMTV integration site family member 3a(Wnt3a)proteins in the HDPCs in various groups.A total of 18 mice were randomly divided into control group,CHAaHGS group,and minoxidil group,with 6 mice in each group.The mouse hair loss model was established using hair removal cream,and corresponding drug treatments were administered immediately after hair removal.The lengths and weights of newly grown hair on day 21 of the mice in various groups were detected;HE staining was used to observe the morphology of hair follicles in the dorsal depilated skin areas of the mice in various groups on day 7;ELISA method was used to detect the levels of VEGF,HGF,IGF-1,and TGF-β1 in the skin tissue of dorsal depilated areas of the mice in various groups.Sixty subjects were randomly divided into control group and CHAaHGS group,with 30 subjects in each group.The numbers of hair loss and hair densities of the subjects in various groups were detected at weeks 0,4,8,and 12.Results:The MTT assay results showed that compared with control group,the proliferation activity of the cells in 50 mg·L-1CHAaHGS group was significantly increased(P＜0.01).The ELISA assay results showed that compared with control group,the levels of VEGF,HGF,and IGF-1 in the cell supernatant of HDPCs in CHAaHGS group were significantly increased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01),and the TGF-β1 level was significantly decreased(P＜0.01).The RT-qPCR results showed that compared with control group,the expression levels of VEGF,HGF,IGF-1,and ALP mRNA in the cells in CHAaHGS group were significantly increased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01),and the TGF-β1 mRNA expression level was significantly decreased(P＜0.01).The Western blotting results showed that compared with control group,the expression levels of β-catenin,DVL1,p-GSK-3βand Wnt3a proteins in the cells in CHAaHGS group were significantly increased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01),and the GSK-3β protein expression level was significantly decreased(P＜0.05).In animal experiments,on day 21,compared with control group,the length of newly grown hair of the mice in CHAaHGS group was significantly increased(P＜0.05),and the hair weight was significantly increased(P＜0.01).On day 7,the HE staining results showed that compared with control group,the hair follicle spacing of the mice in CHAaHGS group was significantly decreased(P＜0.05),and the number of hair follicles was significantly increased(P＜0.01);the ELISA assay results showed that compared with control group,the levels of VEGF,HGF,and IGF-1 in skin tissue of dorsal depilated area of the mice in CHAaHGS group were significantly increased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01),and the TGF-β1 level was significantly decreased(P＜0.05).In human efficacy test,compared with control group,the number of hair loss of the subjects in CHAaHGS group was significantly decreased at week 12(P＜0.01),and the local hair density was increased(P＜0.05).Conclusion:CHAaHGS promotes hair growth,and the mechanism may be related to its ability to increase the proliferation activity of HDPCs,induce the secretion of VEGF,HGF,and IGF-1,and activate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Gelsemium elegans (G. elegans) is an extremely poisonous plant that is widely distributed in southern China and southeastern Asia. G. elegans poisoning events occur frequently in southern China, and are therefore an urgent public health problem requiring multidisciplinary action. However, the toxic components and toxicological mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we describe a systematic investigation on the toxic components of G. elegans, resulting in the isolation and identification of 120 alkaloids. Based on acute toxicity screening, the structure-toxicity relationship of Gelsemium alkaloids was proposed for the first time. Moreover, gelsedine- and humantenine-type alkaloids were detected in the clinical blood sample, and were confirmed to be causative in the poisoning. The most toxic compound, gelsenicine (1), had selective inhibitory effects toward ventral respiratory group (VRG) neurons in the medulla, which is the main brain region controlling respiration in the central nervous system. Gelsenicine (1) strongly inhibited the firing of action potentials in VRG neurons through its ability to stimulate GABA_A receptors, the main receptors involved in inhibitory neurotransmission. Application of GABA_A receptor antagonists successively reversed action potential firing in gelsenicine (1)-treated VRG neurons. Importantly, the GABA_A receptor antagonists securinine and flumazenil significantly increased the survival of poisoned animals. Our findings provide insight into the components and mechanisms of G. elegans toxicity, and should assist the development of effective emergency treatments for G. elegans poisoning.