OBJECTIVE To investigate the absorption characteristics and tissue distribution of silybin （Sy） nanocrystals prepared by two methods in different intestinal segments of rats. METHODS Sy nanocrystals （i.e. Sy-NS-G and Sy-NS-F） with comparable particle sizes were prepared using high-pressure homogenization and anti-solvent precipitation methods， respectively. Rats were randomly divided into three groups： Sy raw drug group， Sy-NS-G group， and Sy-NS-F group. Each group was further divided into three subgroups with low， medium， and high （60， 120， 180 μg/mL） mass concentrations （calculated based on Sy）， with 3 rats in each subgroup. The absorption rate constant （Ka） and apparent absorption coefficient （Papp） of Sy raw drug， Sy-NS-G and Sy-NS-F in different intestinal segments were investigated by using the in vivo one-way intestinal perfusion experiment. Additionally， the rats were divided into three groups: Sy raw drug group， Sy-NS-G group， and Sy-NS-F group， with 20 rats in each group. Rats in each group were administered a single intragastric dose of 50 mg/kg （calculated based on Sy）. They were sacrificed at 0.3， 1， 4， 10， and 24 hours post-administration respectively， to investigate the tissue distribution of Sy raw drug， Sy- NS-G， and Sy-NS-F in the heart， liver， spleen， lungs， kidneys， brain and intestines. RESULTS In duodenum and jejunum， the Ka and Papp of the nanocrystals prepared by the two methods remained unchanged with the increase of Sy concentration， and there was no significant difference （P＞0.05）； the absorption of Sy-NS-F in the duodenum was greater than that of Sy-NS-G； the absorption sites of Sy-NS-G and Sy raw drug were mainly in the ileum， while those of Sy-NS-F were mainly in the duodenum and ileum. The concentrations of Sy-NS-G and Sy-NS-F in different tissues of rats were different； Sy-NS-G peaked in most tissues at 1 h， and the distribution concentration was as follows： intestine＞spleen＞heart＞lungs＞liver≈brain＞kidneys. Sy-NS-F reached its peak at 1 h， and the distribution concentration was in the order of intestine＞spleen＞kidney＞lung＞heart≈liver＞brain. CONCLUSIONS The absorption mode of Sy nanocrystals in the duodenum and ileum is mainly passive diffusion. In the duodenum， the absorption of Sy-NS-F is greater than that of Sy-NS-G； there are significant differences in the tissue distribution of Sy-NS-G and Sy-NS-F in rats.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.07.004.].

In recent years, potato scab caused by Streptomyces scabies is aggravating year by year, becoming an industrial problem urgently to be resolved. Screening antagonistic bacteria with good inhibitory effect and wide adaptability is the main measure to realize effective prevention and control of the disease. This study screened three strains of antagonistic bacteria DXT2-4, T2-1 and 21-14 with good inhibitory effect on S. scabies by using plate standoff test, and identified them as Bacillus altitudinis, Bacillus safensis and Bacillus pumilus, respectively, based on morphological characteristics, physiological and biochemical properties, and 16S rRNA gene sequences. DXT2-4, T2-1 and 21-14 showed the pot control efficacy of 68.83%, 48.57%, and 57.14%, respectively. The field control efficacy of the three strains was 59.48%, 34.58% and 51.75% in Hulun Buir, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and 55.14%, 36.05%, and 49.05% in Huizhou, Guangdong. The three strains could grow normally in the media with pH 1.0-13.0 and with 1%-11% NaCl, and they had inhibitory effects on Rhizoctonia solani, Verticillium dahliae, Alternaria solani, and Fusarium oxysporum. The indole-3-acetic acid yields of DXT2-4, T2-1, and 21-14 were 2.23, 1.11, and 1.67 mg/L, respectively. DXT2-4 and 21-14 demonstrated strong abilities to solubilize phosphorus. The optimal carbon source, nitrogen source, and inorganic salt for fermentation of strain DXT2-4 were 2% molasses+2% corn starch, 2% soybean meal, and 0.3% MgSO₄·7H₂O, respectively. These findings suggest the three strains of bacteria can efficiently inhibit the growth of S. scabies and have strong environmental adaptability. Particularly, DXT2-4 has the best effects of inhibiting the disease and promoting plant growth, showing a high development value and broad application prospects, this is of great significance for promoting sustainable potato production and ensuring the environmentally sound utilization of resources.
Streptomyces/metabolism* ; Fermentation ; Plant Diseases/prevention & control* ; Solanum tuberosum/growth & development* ; Bacillus/growth & development* ; Antibiosis

Objective The aim is to utilize CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology to construct Dmd gene mutant mice with a point mutation in exon 23 of the Dmd gene. Subsequently, the phenotypic changes of the mice in muscles and immune systems are analyzed and verified, providing an evaluation model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and other related diseases.MethodsBased on the sequence characteristics of exon 23 of the Dmd gene, small guide RNA (sgRNA) was designed and synthesized. Cas9 mRNA, sgRNA fragments, and oligo donor DNA were microinjected into fertilized eggs of C57BL/6J mice. After transferring the fertilized eggs to surrogate mice, F0 generation mice were born. After mating with F0 generation mice, offspring mice were obtained, and Dmd gene positive mutant (Dmd^Mu/+) mice were obtained after genotype identification. Male hemizygous Dmd^Mu/+(Dmd^Mu/Y) mice were selected for phenotype validation. The body weight of live 3- and 9-month-old mice were recorded. Muscle tension was evaluated through the grid test. Hearts and semitendinosus muscles were collected, and the histopathological changes were observed using HE staining. Further, the expression of Dmd protein in muscle tissue of 9-month-old mice was analyzed by Western blotting.An acute inflammation model was established in Dmd^Mu/Y mice using lipopolysaccharide induction. Peripheral blood from the submandibular vein was collected, and the changes in the proportion of neutrophils and monocytes were detected by flow cytometry.Results The results of genome sequencing and Western blotting confirmed the successful construction of Dmd gene point mutant mice (Dmd^Mu/+ mice). Dmd protein expression was not detected in skeletal muscle and myocardium of Dmd^Mu/+ mice, and it was significantly reduced compared to wild-type C57BL/6J mice (P<0.05). Compared with wild-type mice of the same background, Dmd^Mu/Y mice at 3 and 9 months of age showed significant weight loss (P<0.01) and decreased muscle tension (P<0.05). 9-month-old Dmd^Mu/Y mice exhibited significant pathological changes in skeletal muscle and myocardium, including widening of intermuscular space. Under normal condition, compared with wild-type mice, the proportion of neutrophils and monocytes in the peripheral blood of 3-month-old Dmd^Mu/Y mice was significantly lower than that of wild-type mice (P<0.01). After lipopolysaccharide stimulation, the proportion of neutrophils in peripheral blood of 3-month-old Dmd^Mu/Y mice remained significantly lower compared to that of wild-type mice (P<0.01). The proportion of neutrophils in peripheral blood of 9-month-old Dmd^Mu/Y mice significantly decreased after lipopolysaccharide induction (P<0.01), with a trend of change observed in monocytes between groups.Conclusion The successful construction of the Dmd gene mutant mouse model has confirmed the vital function of Dmd gene in maintaining normal muscle tissue morphology and muscle tone. It preliminarily indicated that Dmd gene deletion could significantly reduce the proportion of neutrophils in peripheral blood, offering a new perspective for the study of immune system alterations in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients.

OBJECTIVE To explore in vitro dissolution and in vivo pharmacokinetics of Luteolin solid dispersion in Beagle dogs. METHODS The dissolution of Luteolin solid dispersion was investigated according to the second method （paddle method） of the “dissolution determination method” in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia （Part Ⅳ）. UPLC-MS/MS method was established to determine the concentration of luteolin in the plasma of Beagle dogs. Twelve Beagle dogs were randomly divided into luteolin group and Luteolin solid dispersion group， with 6 dogs in each group. They were given relevant medicine orally at the dose of 10 mg/kg luteolin. Blood was collected before medication （0 h）， at 5， 10， 15， 30， 45 min and 1， 2， 4， 6， 8， 10， 12， 24， 48 h after administration. After protein precipitation with acetonitrile， the blood concentration of luteolin in Beagle dogs was determined by UPLC-MS/MS and the major pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated with non-compartmental models by using DAS 3.2.8 pharmacokinetic software. RESULTS The dissolutions of Luteolin solid dispersion in purified water and 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate solution was significantly higher than those of luteolin； the dissolution rate reached 95% in 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate solution for 120 minutes. The peak concentration （cmax） of luteolin in the Luteolin solid dispersion group of Beagle dogs was 5.62 times higher than the luteolin group， and the relative bioavailability was 348%. Compared with luteolin group， cmax and the area under the drug time curve of luteolin in the Luteolin solid dispersion group of Beagle dogs were significantly increased， while the apparent distribution volume was significantly reduced （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Luteolin solid dispersion can improve in vitro dissolution and bioavailability of luteolin in Beagle dogs.

Objective To investigate the positive rate of urine JC polyomavirus(JCV)and urine BK polyomavirus(BKV)in HIV patients,and to evaluate the relationship between urine JCV positive and renal function and lymphocyte count during long-term follow-up.Methods A total of 180 HIV-1 positive patients were enrolled in the Second Department of Infection,Xixi Hospital of Hangzhou,urine samples were collected for JCV and BKV detection.Renal function and CD4+cell count were collected at baseline before taking an-tiretroviral therapy(ART)and at 1,2,3,4,and 5 years of follow-up.Results The detection rates of JCV and BKV in urine of 180 HIV-1 positive patients were 25.55％(46/180)and 1.67％(3/180),respectively.Before ART,the total number of lymphocytes in urine JCV positive group was 1699.62±790.44/μl,which was lower than that in urine JCV negative group(2113.59±832.73/μl),and the difference was statistically significant(P=0.022).During ART initiation follow-up,serum creatinine levels in urine JCV posi-tive group were lower than those in urine JCV negative group.At the second year of follow-up,the serum creatinine level in urine JCV positive group was 70.00(64.00,77.00)μmol/L,which was lower than that in urine JCV negative group[76.00(67.00,85.00)μmol/L],and the difference was statistically significant(P=0.023).At the second year of follow-up,the glomerular filtration rate(GFR)of the urine JCV positive group was 118.00(106.25,133.75)ml/min,which was higher than that of urine JCV negative group[113.00(97.00,128.00)ml/min],and the difference was statistically significant(P=0.045).At the fourth year of follow-up,ser-um creatinine level in urine JCV positive group was 70.34±14.98μmol/L,which was lower than that in urine JCV negative group(76.6±14.45 μmol/L),and the difference was statistically significant(P=0.023).Conclusion The detection rates of JCV and BKV in urine of HIV-1 positive patients are negatively correlated with total lymphocyte levels.Urine JCV positive has a protective effect on the kidney,and urine JCV negative can be used as an early indicator of renal damage in HIV patients.

Parkinson disease (PD) is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disorder that typically leads to motor impairments (such as increased muscle tone, resting tremors, bradykinesia and postural instability) and various non-motor symptoms (including sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, cognitive impairments and autonomic nervous system dysfunction). Currently, symptomatic treatment primarily relies on medication, but non-pharmacological approaches are also crucial, such as psychological interventions, rehabilitation therapies, neurostimulation techniques, biosensors and monitoring technologies. However, these are all symptomatic treatments, as PD cannot be completely cured at present and there are many limitations. Nevertheless, some promising new therapies such as optogenetics, drug delivery systems, stem cell therapy, gene therapy, immunotherapy, neuroprotection, and interventions to improve gut microbiota imbalance offer hope for alleviating PD symptoms and potentially making a cure for PD achievable in the future. This article provides an overview of the current status and recent advancements in both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for Parkinson disease, as well as prospects for future promising therapeutic technologies.

Objective:To evaluate the titanium cable tensioning ring fixation in the treatment of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis (DTS) injury.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the 108 patients with DTS injury who had undergone surgical treatment from January 2021 to January 2023 at Department of Traumatology, The Second Hospital of Tangshan. There were 68 males and 40 females with an age of (40.1±13.0) years. According to the fixation methods used, the patients were divided into a Titanium cable group and an Endobutton plate group. The Titanium cable group of 53 cases was subjected to fixation with a titanium cable tensioning ring while the Endobutton plate group of 55 cases to fixation with an Endobutton plate. The 2 groups were compared in terms of the anterior and posterior tibiofibular spaces on the transverse CT images at 1 week and 12 months postoperatively, as well as the Baird-Jackson scores of ankle joint function at 6 and 12 months postoperatively.Results:There was no statistically significant difference in the preoperative general data between the 2 groups, indicating comparability ( P > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the comparison of the anterior and posterior tibiofibular spaces on the transverse CT images at 1 week postoperatively ( P > 0.05). The anterior and posterior tibiofibular spaces on the transverse CT images at 12 months postoperatively in the Endobutton plate group [(3.60±0.59) mm and 4.58 (4.38, 4.89) mm] were significantly greater than those in the Titanium cable group [(3.34±0.53) mm and 4.36 (4.13, 4.67) mm] ( P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the Baird-Jackson ankle function scores at 6 and 12 months postoperatively between the 2 groups ( P > 0.05). Conclusions:In the treatment of DTS injury, fixation with titanium cable tensioning ring can achieve as good therapeutic effects as fixation with Endobutton plate. However, the former may have certain advantages in surgical operation and long-term reduction loss.

Background:Recurrence after stone removal is common in patients with choledocholithiasis.Recent studies have indicated that dysbiosis in gut microbiota plays an important role in the formation of cholesterol gallstones.Aims:To explore the effect of probiotics supplementation on serum lipopolysaccharide(LPS)and the indicators of bile acid metabolism in patients with a high risk of cholesterol gallstone formation.Methods:Sixty choledocholithiasis patients undergoing ERCP lithotomy were recruited at the First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University from June 2021 to June 2023.Bile and stool samples were collected for bacterial culture.Then the patients were randomly allocated into two groups:patients in control group received conventional supportive therapy after calculus removal,while those in probiotics intervention group were given oral bifid triple viable enteric capsule 420 mg,twice a day for 6 months based on conventional therapy.Changes in serum levels of LPS,the cell wall component of Gram-negative bacteria,fibroblast growth factor 19(FGF19),the key molecule in bile acid metabolism,and cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase(CYP7A1),the rate-limiting enzyme of bile acid synthesis,were determined and compared between the two groups.Results:Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the main pathogens in bile and stool of patients with choledocholithiasis.Six months after ERCP lithotomy,the serum levels of LPS and FGF19 were decreased,and the serum level of CYP7A1 was increased in both groups(all P<0.05),especially in probiotics intervention group(all P<0.05).Conclusions:Oral probiotics supplementation can reduce the serum LPS level and modulate the canonical pathway of enterohepatic circulation of bile acids--farnesoid X receptor(FXR)-FGF19 pathway in high-risk patients of cholesterol gallstone formation.These alterations reduce the cholesterol supersaturation in bile and inhibit the probability of cholesterol gallstone formation.

Objective We investigated the effects of Xueguan Ruanhua Pills(XGRHW) on ferroptosis in ApoE-/- atherosclerotic mice through the nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2)/xCT/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling pathway.Methods Ten male C57BL/6J mice in the normal group were fed normal chow. Additionally, 50 ApoE-/- mice were fed high-fat chow for 12 weeks, and were divided into the following five groups (10 mice per group): the model group, the XGRHW low-dose (2.34g/kg) group, the XGRHW high-dose (4.68 g/kg) group, the XGRHW high-dose combined with the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 (0.03 g/kg) group, and the ferrostatin-1 (1 mg/kg) group. Drugs were administered for 6 weeks. The blood levels of four types of lipids were detected by an automatic lipid analyzer, lipid deposition in the aorta was observed by Oil Red O staining, histomorphological changes in the aortic sinus were observed by HE staining, the serum levels of Fe2+, MDA, GSH, and SOD were determined by colorimetric assays, and the expression levels of FTH1 and FTL in the aortic sinus were observed by immunofluorescence. The protein levels of Nrf2, xCT, and GPX4 in mouse aortic tissues were detected by Western blotting. The ultrastructural changes of aortic mitochondria were observed by transmission electron microscopy.Results Compared with the normal group, mice in the model group showed obvious lipid plaque deposition in the aorta, severely calcified lesions in the aortic sinus, elevated serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, Fe2+, and MDA, decreased levels of HDL-C, SOD, and GSH (P<0.01), and decreased protein expressions of aortic Nrf2, xCT, and GPX4 as well as the iron storage proteins FTH1 and FTL (P<0.01), and serve damage to mitochondrial structure and morphology. Compared with the model group, the relative aortic plaque area was decreased, calcified lesions in the aortic sinus were decreased, serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, Fe2+, and MDA were decreased, and HDL-C, SOD, and GSH levels were increased in the XGRHW low-dose and high-dose and ferrostatin-1 groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and Nrf2, xCT, GPX4, and the iron storage proteins FTH1 and FTL were upregulated in aortic tissues (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and mitochondrial structure approaching normal. In the XGRHW high-dose+ML385 group, compared with the XGRHW high-dose group, the levels of blood lipids and lipid peroxidation were increased and the protein levels of Nrf2, xCT, and GPX4 in aortic tissue and the iron storage proteins FTH1 and FTL were decreased (P<0.01), and mitochondrial structure was damaged indicating that ML385 could inhibit the therapeutic effect of the XGRHW in atherosclerotic mice.Conclusion The XGRHW can improve blood lipid levels and reduce the degree of arterial plaque lesions in atherosclerotic mice, and its mechanism of action may be related to activation of the Nrf2/xCT/GPX4 pathway to inhibit ferroptosis.