ObjectiveMicrotube associated protein-2 （MAP-2）， alpha-tubulin （α-tubulin）， and synaptophysin （SYP） are important proteins in neuronal signal communication. This paper observed the effects of modified Zhigancao Tang on the expression of serum α-Synuclein （α-Syn） and its oligomers， MAP-2， α-tubulin， and SYP of patients with liver and kidney deficiency of Parkinson's disease （PD）， analyzed their correlation， and evaluated the therapeutic effect of modified Zhigancao Tang in patients with liver and kidney deficiency of PD based on α-Syn transmission pathway mediated by neuronal communication in vivo. MethodsA total of 60 patients with PD who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into a treatment group （30 cases） and a control group （30 cases）. Both groups were treated on the basis of PD medicine， and the treatment group was treated with modified Zhigancao Tang. Both groups were treated for 12 weeks. The changes in UPDRS score， TCM syndrome score， and expression of serum α-Syn and its oligomers， MAP-2， α-tubulin， and SYP were observed before and after 12 weeks of treatment in each group. The correlation between the above-mentioned serum biological indexes and the levels of serum α-Syn and its oligomers was analyzed. ResultsAfter treatment， the TCM syndrome score， UPDRS score， UPDRS-Ⅱ score， and UPDRS-Ⅲ score of the treatment group were significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The UPDRS score， UPDRS-Ⅱ score， and UPDRS-Ⅲ scores in the treatment group were significantly decreased compared with those in the control group after treatment （P<0.05）. After treatment， the total effective rate of the control group was 63.3% （19/30）， and that of the treatment group was 86.7% （26/30）. The clinical effect of the observation group was better than the control group （Z=-2.03， P<0.05）. The total effective rate of the observation group was better than that of the control group， and the difference was statistically significant （χ²=5.136， P<0.05）. After treatment， the oligomer level of serum α-Syn and MAP-2 level in the treatment group were significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The levels of serum α-Syn and its oligomers， as well as α-tubulin in the treatment group， were significantly decreased compared with those in the control group after treatment （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Serum α-Syn was correlated with serum MAP-2 and α-Syn oligomer in patients with PD （P<0.05， P<0.01） but not correlated with serum SYP . Serum α-Syn oligomers of patients with PD were correlated with serum MAP-2 and α-tubulin （P<0.05， P<0.01） but not correlated with serum SYP level. Serum SYP of patients with PD was correlated with serum MAP-2 （P<0.05）. ConclusionModified Zhigancao Tang has a therapeutic effect on patients with liver and kidney deficiency of PD by inhibiting the production of α-Syn oligomers and intervening α-Syn microtubule transport pathway in vivo.

In this study, RAW264.7 cells were employed to investigate the effects of honey-processed Astragalus on their energy metabolism and polarization, and explore the scientific connotation of the enhanced efficacy of honey-processed Astragalus on invigorating spleen-stomach and replenishing Qi. The medicated sera were prepared by intragastric administration of rats with water extracts of crude and honey-processed Astragalus, and the composition changes of medicated sera of crude and honey-processed Astragalus were analyzed by using LC-MS technology. The cell survival rates were detected and the concentrations of medicated sera were screened through CCK-8 assay. The differences of cell phagocytic rates, ATP energy metabolism, and NO secretion between crude and honey-processed Astragalus were evaluated by using neutral red phagocytosis assay, ATP detection kit, and NO detection kit. The effects of crude and honey-processed Astragalus on TNF-α secretion of RAW264.7 cells were detected by employing ELISA kit. The effects of crude and honey-processed Astragalus on polarization of RAW264.7 cells were evaluated by utilizing flow cytometry. The differential metabolites related to glycolysis in cell lysates and culture media were screened by using LC-MS technology. The experiment was approved by the experimental animal ethics committee from Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine (No. AWE202407352). The results showed that the contents of betaine, amino acids, and ononin in the prepared medicated sera of rats treated by intragastric administration with water extracts of honey-processed Astragalus increased compared to those in crude one. The results of CCK-8 experiment showed that there were no cytotoxic effects on RAW264.7 cells in the medicated sera of crude and honey-processd Astragalus at different concentration. The phagocytic index and ATP yield both increased to varying degrees after administration of the medicated sera to cells. The secretion of NO in normal and inflammatory cells increased and decreased respectively, and the effect of honey-processed Astragalus was better than that of crude one. The results of ELISA kit showed that the medicated sera of both crude and honey-processed Astragalus could promote the secretion of TNF-α in a concentration-dependent manner, and the promoting effect of honey-processed Astragalus was stronger than that of crude one. The results of flow cytometry showed that the medicated sera of both crude and honey-processed Astragalus could promote M1-type polarization and inhibit M2-type polarization of RAW264.7 cells, and the effect of honey-processed Astragalus was better than that of crude one. Compared to crude Astragalus, the metabolites related to glycolysis in the cell lysates and culture media of the medicated sera of honey-processed Astragalus were generally on the rise, indicating that the effect on promoting glycolysis of honey-processed Astragalus was better than that of crude one. In summary, honey-processed Astragalus can promote the polarization and energy metabolism of RAW264.7 cells, and participate in positive immune regulation, which is correlated with its enhanced effect of invigorating spleen-stomach and replenishing Qi.

ObjectiveObesity has been identified as one of the most important risk factors for cognitive dysfunction. Physical exercise can ameliorate learning and memory deficits by reversing synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus and cortex in diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. In this study, we aimed to determine whether 8 weeks of treadmill exercise could alleviate hippocampus-dependent memory impairment in high-fat diet-induced obese mice and investigate the potential mechanisms involved. MethodsA total of sixty 6-week-old male C57BL/6 mice, weighing between 20-30 g, were randomly assigned to 3 distinct groups, each consisting of 20 mice. The groups were designated as follows: control (CON), high-fat diet (HFD), and high-fat diet with exercise (HFD-Ex). Prior to the initiation of the treadmill exercise protocol, the HFD and HFD-Ex groups were fed a high-fat diet (60% fat by kcal) for 20 weeks. The mice in the HFD-Ex group underwent treadmill exercise at a speed of 8 m/min for the first 10 min, followed by 12 m/min for the subsequent 50 min, totally 60 min of exercise at a 0° slope, 5 d per week, for 8 weeks. We employed Y-maze and novel object recognition tests to assess hippocampus-dependent memory and utilized immunofluorescence, Western blot, Golgi staining, and ELISA to analyze axon length, dendritic complexity, number of spines, the expression of c-fos, doublecortin (DCX), postsynaptic density-95 (PSD95), synaptophysin (Syn), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and the number of major histocompatibility complex II (MHC-II) positive cells. ResultsMice with HFD-induced obesity exhibit hippocampus-dependent memory impairment, and treadmill exercise can prevent memory decline in these mice. The expression of DCX was significantly decreased in the HFD-induced obese mice compared to the control group (P<0.001). Treadmill exercise increased the expression of c-fos (P<0.001) and DCX (P=0.001) in the hippocampus of the HFD-induced obese mice. The axon length (P<0.001), dendritic complexity (P<0.001), the number of spines (P<0.001) and the expression of PSD95 (P<0.001) in the hippocampus were significantly decreased in the HFD-induced obese mice compared to the control group. Treadmill exercise increased the axon length (P=0.002), dendritic complexity(P<0.001), the number of spines (P<0.001) and the expression of PSD95 (P=0.001) of the hippocampus in the HFD-induced obese mice. Our study found a significant increase in MHC-II positive cells (P<0.001) and the concentration of IL-1β (P<0.001) in the hippocampus of HFD-induced obese mice compared to the control group. Treadmill exercise was found to reduce the number of MHC-II positive cells (P<0.001) and the concentration of IL-1β (P<0.001) in the hippocampus of obese mice induced by a HFD. ConclusionTreadmill exercise led to enhanced neurogenesis and neuroplasticity by increasing the axon length, dendritic complexity, dendritic spine numbers, and the expression of PSD95 and DCX, decreasing the number of MHC-II positive cells and neuroinflammation in HFD-induced obese mice. Therefore, we speculate that exercise may serve as a non-pharmacologic method that protects against HFD-induced hippocampus-dependent memory dysfunction by enhancing neuroplasticity and neurogenesis in the hippocampus of obese mice.

Objective: To investigate the nutritional status and influencing factors among Tibetan and Mongolian children and adolescents aged 7-18 years in high-altitude regions, so as to provide evidence for early prevention and control of malnutrition in this population. Methods: From May to June 2022, a cluster sampling method was employed to recruit 1 019 Tibetan and Mongolian children and adolescents aged 7-18 years from two primary and secondary schools in Golmud City. Physical examinations, dietary frequency questionnaires, and physical activity assessments were conducted. Nutritional status was classified as obesity, combined overweight/obesity, underweight, or central obesity according to national standards including Screening for Overweight and Obesity among School-age Children and Adolescents, Screening Standard for Malnutrition of School-age Children and Adolescents, Blue Book on Obesity Prevention and Control in China. Chi-square tests, t-test and Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with different nutritional statuses. Results: The detection rates of obesity, combined overweight/obesity, underweight, and central obesity were 8.0%, 18.1%, 5.2%, and 19.7%, respectively. The height of children and adolescents across all age groups was generally lower than the national standard values. Tibetan participants exhibited significantly lower height-for-age Z-scores (HAZ)(9-10, 13-17 years, Z =2.01, 2.78, 4.16, 3.38, 4.12, 3.63, 3.00) and BMI-for-age Z-scores (BAZ) compared to Mongolian participants ( Z =-2.95, -2.47, -2.31, -2.89, -2.14, -2.17)( P < 0.05 ). Multivariate Logistic regression revealed that Mongolian children and adolescents had higher risks of obesity ( OR =2.20) and combined overweight/obesity ( OR = 2.18 ) ( P <0.05). Additionally, insufficient moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was associated with an increased risk of central obesity ( OR =1.48, P <0.05), compared with children and adolescents who meet the standard of MVPA. Conclusions The rates of overweight and obesity among Tibetan and Mongolian children and adolescents in Golmud City are higher, influenced by multiple factors. Nutrition interventions and physical activity strategies tailored to ethnic characteristics should be implemented, with emphasis on promoting MVPA to improve nutritional outcomes in this population.

ObjectiveBased on functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), we investigated the brain activity characteristics of gross motor tasks in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and motor dysfunctions (MDs) to provide a theoretical basis for further understanding the mechanism of MDs in children with ASD and designing targeted intervention programs from a central perspective. MethodsAccording to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 48 children with ASD accompanied by MDs were recruited into the ASD group and 40 children with typically developing (TD) into the TD group. The fNIRS device was used to collect the information of blood oxygen changes in the cortical motor-related brain regions during single-handed bag throwing and tiptoe walking, and the differences in brain activation and functional connectivity between the two groups of children were analyzed from the perspective of brain activation and functional connectivity. ResultsCompared to the TD group, in the object manipulative motor task (one-handed bag throwing), the ASD group showed significantly reduced activation in both left sensorimotor cortex (SMC) and right secondary visual cortex (V2) (P<0.05), whereas the right pre-motor and supplementary motor cortex (PMC&SMA) had significantly higher activation (P<0.01) and showed bilateral brain region activity; in terms of brain functional integration, there was a significant decrease in the strength of brain functional connectivity (P<0.05) and was mainly associated with dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and V2. In the body stability motor task (tiptoe walking), the ASD group had significantly higher activation in motor-related brain regions such as the DLPFC, SMC, and PMC&SMA (P<0.05) and showed bilateral brain region activity; in terms of brain functional integration, the ASD group had lower strength of brain functional connectivity (P<0.05) and was mainly associated with PMC&SMA and V2. ConclusionChildren with ASD exhibit abnormal brain functional activity characteristics specific to different gross motor tasks in object manipulative and body stability, reflecting insufficient or excessive compensatory activation of local brain regions and impaired cross-regions integration, which may be a potential reason for the poorer gross motor performance of children with ASD, and meanwhile provides data support for further unraveling the mechanisms underlying the occurrence of MDs in the context of ASD and designing targeted intervention programs from a central perspective.

Objective To evaluate the influence of the wearing position of dosimeters outside lead aprons on effective dose estimation for interventional radiology workers, analyze the differences between single and double dosimeter methods in effective dose estimation, and provide a reference for the personal dose monitoring of interventional radiology workers. Methods This study employed a combined approach of on-site monitoring and Monte Carlo simulation to evaluate the impact of the wearing position of dosimeters outside lead aprons on effective dose estimation, as well as the differences between effective doses measured using single and double dosimeters. Interventional radiology workers wore dosimeters at three positions: the neck outside the lead collar, the left chest outside the lead apron, and inside the lead apron. Effective doses were estimated using the single and double dosimeter methods specified in GBZ 128-2019 Specifications for individual monitoring of occupational external exposure, and the impact of different wearing positions on the estimation results was compared. Geant4 Monte Carlo simulations were used to model dose distributions at the neck outside the lead collar and at the left chest outside the lead apron for operators performing cardiovascular interventions under tube voltages of 70, 80, 90, and 100 kVp and exposure angles of posteroanterior (PA), anteroposterior (AP), and left anterior oblique 45° (LAO45°) positions. The study assessed the impact of dosimeter wearing position on effective dose estimation. Results Monte Carlo simulations demonstrated that neck doses consistently exceeded left chest doses across different tube voltages and exposure angles, with neck-to-chest dose ratios of 0.80-0.90. Under identical tube voltage conditions, AP showed the highest doses, followed by LAO45°, and PA demonstrated the lowest doses. The single and double dosimeter methods exhibited consistent patterns in effective dose estimation. Single dosimeter method generally yielded higher effective doses with relative deviations of 9.9% to 83%, though these deviations decreased under high tube voltages. Field monitoring data indicated that most interventional radiology workers maintained relative deviations between single and double dosimeter calculations below 6%, with neck-to-chest dose ratios of 0.95-1.1. The estimation patterns remained consistent across both methods, though single dosimeter method showed slightly higher results. Conclusion Under PA, AP, or LAO45°, the doses at the neck consistently exceeded those at the left chest. Therefore, when wearing lead protective equipment, the dosimeter should be properly positioned at the neck outside the lead collar to accurately reflect the radiation doses of surgeons. Some interventional radiology workers improperly positioned the dosimeter (intended at the neck outside the lead collar) at the left chest outside the lead apron, and this may result in an underestimation of the effective dose.

BACKGROUND: The effect of the interval between previous Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication and rescue treatment on therapeutic outcomes remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between eradication rates and treatment interval durations in H. pylori infections. METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted from December 2021 to February 2023 at six tertiary hospitals in Shandong, China. We recruited patients who were positive for H. pylori infection and required rescue treatment. Demographic information, previous times of eradication therapy, last eradication therapy date, and history of antibiotic use data were collected. The patients were divided into four groups based on the rescue treatment interval length: Group A, ≥4 weeks and ≤3 months; Group B, >3 and ≤6 months; Group C, >6 and ≤12 months; and Group D, >12 months. The primary outcome was the eradication rate of H. pylori . Drug compliance and adverse events (AEs) were also assessed. Pearson's χ2 test or Fisher's exact test was used to compare eradication rates between groups. RESULTS: A total of 670 patients were enrolled in this study. The intention-to-treat (ITT) eradication rates were 88.3% (158/179) in Group A, 89.6% (120/134) in Group B, 89.1% (123/138) in Group C, and 87.7% (192/219) in Group D. The per-protocol (PP) eradication rates were 92.9% (156/168) in Group A, 94.5% (120/127) in Group B, 94.5% (121/128) in Group C, and 93.6% (190/203) in Group D. There was no statistically significant difference in the eradication rates between groups in either the ITT ( P = 0.949) or PP analysis ( P = 0.921). No significant differences were observed in the incidence of AEs ( P = 0.934) or drug compliance ( P = 0.849) between groups. CONCLUSION: The interval duration of rescue treatment had no significant effect on H. pylori eradication rates or the incidence of AEs. REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT05173493.
Humans ; Helicobacter Infections/drug therapy* ; Helicobacter pylori/pathogenicity* ; Male ; Female ; Prospective Studies ; Middle Aged ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/adverse effects* ; Adult ; Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Proton Pump Inhibitors/therapeutic use*

Recently, male reproductive health has attracted extensive attention, with the adverse effects of circadian disruption on male fertility gradually gaining recognition. However, the mechanism by which circadian disruption leads to damage to male reproductive system remains unclear. In this review, we first summarized the dual regulatory roles of circadian clock genes on the male reproductive system: (1) circadian regulation of testosterone synthesis via the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axes; (2) non-circadian regulation of spermatogenesis. Next, we further listed the possible mechanisms by which circadian disruption impairs male fertility, including interference with the oscillatory function of the reproductive system, i.e., synchronization of the HPT axis, crosstalk between the HPT axis and the HPA axis, as well as direct damage to germ cells by disturbing the non-oscillatory function of the reproductive system. Future research using spatiotemporal omics, epigenomic assays, and neural circuit mapping in studying the male reproductive system may provide new clues to systematically unravel the mechanisms by which circadian disruption affects male reproductive system through circadian clock genes.
Male ; Humans ; Animals ; Circadian Clocks/physiology* ; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/physiology* ; Circadian Rhythm/genetics* ; Spermatogenesis/physiology* ; Pituitary-Adrenal System/physiology* ; Testis/physiology* ; Testosterone/biosynthesis* ; CLOCK Proteins ; Infertility, Male/physiopathology*

Ecological cultivation is an important way for the sustainable production of traditional Chinese medicine in the context of the carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals. Facility cultivation and simulative habitat cultivation modes have been developed and applied to develop the endangered Dendrobium huoshanense on the basis of protection. However, the differences in the greenhouse gas emissions and global warming potential of these cultivation modes remain unexplored, which limits the accurate assessment of carbon-friendly ecological cultivation modes of D. huoshanense. Greenhouse gas emission flux monitoring based on the static chamber method provides an effective way to solve this problem. Therefore, this study conducted a field experiment in the facility cultivation and simulative habitat cultivation modes at a D. huoshanense cultivation base in Dabie Mountains, Anhui Province. From April 2023 to March 2024, samples of greenhouse gases were collected every month, and the concentrations of CO_2, CH_4, and N_2O of the samples were then detected by gas chromatography. The greenhouse gas emission fluxes, cumulative emissions, and global warming potential were further calculated, and the following results were obtained.(1)The two cultivation modes of D. huoshanense showed significant differences in greenhouse gas emission fluxes, especially the CO_2 emission flux, with a pattern of facility cultivation>simulative habitat cultivation [(35.60±11.70)mg·m~(-2)·h~(-1) vs(2.10±4.59)mg·m~(-2)·h~(-1)].(2) The annual cumulative CO_2 emission flux in the case of facility cultivation was significantly higher than that of simulative habitat cultivation[(3 077.00±842.00)kg·hm~(-2) vs(221.00±332.00)kg·hm~(-2)], while no significant difference was found in annual cumulative CH_4 and N_2O emission fluxes.(3) The facility cultivation mode had a significantly higher global warming potential than the simulative habitat cultivation mode [(3 053.00±847.00)kg·hm~(-2) vs(196.00±362.00)kg·hm~(-2)]. Overall, the simulative habitat cultivation of D. huoshanense has obvious carbon-friendly characteristics compared with facility cultivation, which is in line with the concept of ecological cultivation of medicinal plants. This study is of great reference significance for the implementation and promotion of the ecological cultivation mode of D. huoshanense under carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals.
Dendrobium/chemistry* ; Greenhouse Gases/metabolism* ; Carbon/analysis* ; Ecosystem ; Carbon Dioxide/metabolism* ; China ; Global Warming

The efficacy of Xiangmei Pills on rats with ulcerative colitis(UC) was investigated by characterizing the spectrum of the active chemical components of Xiangmei Pills. Rapid identification and classification of the main chemical components were performed,and the therapeutic effects of Xiangmei Pills on the proteins and intestinal flora of UC rats were analyzed to explore the mechanism of its action in treating UC. Fifty SD rats were acclimatized to feeding for 3 d and randomly divided into blank group, model group,mesalazine group(0. 4 g·kg~(-1)), low-dose group of Xiangmei Pills(1. 89 g·kg~(-1)), and high-dose group of Xiangmei Pills(5. 67 g·kg~(-1)), with 10 rats in each group. 5% dextrose sodium sulfate(DSS) was given by gavage to induce the male SD rat model with UC,and the corresponding medicinal solution was given by gavage after 10 days, respectively. The therapeutic effect of Xiangmei Pills on rats with UC was evaluated according to body mass, disease activity index(DAI), and hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, and the histopathological changes in the colon were observed. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS) technique was used to rapidly and accurately identify the main chemical constituents of Xiangmei Pills. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor(AhR),interferon-γ(IFN-γ), mucin-2(MUC-2), and cytochrome P450 1A1(CYP1A1) in colon tissue. Interleukin-22(IL-22) expression in colon tissue was detected by immunofluorescence. The 16S r DNA high-throughput sequencing technique was used to study the modulatory effects of Xiangmei Pills on the intestinal flora structure of rats with UC. Pharmacodynamic results showed that compared with that of the blank group, the colon tissue of the model group was congested, and ulcers were visible in the mucosa; compared with that in the model group, the histopathology of the colon of the rats with UC in the groups of Xiangmei Pills were improved, with scattered ulcers and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. Chemical analysis showed that a total of 45 components were identified by mass spectrometry information, including 15 phenolic acids, 8 coumarins, 15 organic acids, 3 amino acids, 2 flavonoids, and 2 other components. Compared with those in the blank group, the levels of Ah R, CYP1A1, MUC-2, and IL-22 proteins in the colon tissue of rats in the model group were significantly decreased, and the level of IFN-γ protein was significantly increased; the intestinal flora of rats in the model group was disorganized, with a decrease in the abundance of the flora; the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes,unclassified genera of Ascomycetes, Prevotella of the Prevotella family, and Prevotella decreased significantly, and that of Firmicutes decreased, but the difference was not statistically significant. The relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus increased significantly. Compared with those of the model group, the levels of Ah R, CYP1A1, MUC-2, and IL-22proteins in the colonic tissue of the groups of Xiangmei Pills were significantly higher, and the levels of IFN-γ proteins were significantly lower. The recovery of the intestinal flora was accelerated, and the diversity of the intestinal flora was significantly increased. The relative abundance of Bacteroidetes was significantly increased, and that of unclassified genera of Ascomycetes,Lactobacillus, Prevotella of the Prevotella family, and Prevotella was significantly increased. The relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Bifidobacterium was significantly decreased. This study demonstrated that Xiangmei Pills can effectively treat UC, mainly through the phenolic acid and organic acid components to stimulate the intestinal barrier, regulate protein expression and the relative abundance and diversity of intestinal flora, and play a role in the treatment of UC.
Animals ; Colitis, Ulcerative/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Male ; Rats ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics* ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Humans ; Mass Spectrometry ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics* ; Bacteria/drug effects*