OBJECTIVE: To examine the mechanistic of organochlorine-associated changes in lung function. METHODS: This study investigated 76 healthy older adults in Jinan, Shandong Province, over a five-month period. Personal exposure to organochlorines was quantified using wearable passive samplers, while inflammatory factors and thyroid hormones were analyzed from blood samples. Participants' lung function was evaluated. After stratifying participants according to their thyroid hormone levels, we analyzed the differential effects of organochlorine exposure on lung function and inflammatory factors across the low and high thyroid hormone groups. Mediation analysis was further conducted to elucidate the relationships among organochlorine exposures, inflammatory factors, and lung function. RESULTS: Bis (2-chloro-1-methylethyl) ether (BCIE), was negatively associated with forced vital capacity (FVC, -2.05%, 95% CI: -3.11% to -0.97%), and associated with changes in inflammatory factors such as interleukin (IL)-2, IL-7, IL-8, and IL-13 in the low thyroid hormone group. The mediation analysis indicated a mediating effect of IL-2 (15.63%, 95% CI: 0.91% to 44.64%) and IL-13 (13.94%, 95% CI: 0.52% to 41.07%) in the association between BCIE exposure and FVC. CONCLUSION Lung function and inflammatory factors exhibited an increased sensitivity to organochlorine exposure at lower thyroid hormone levels, with inflammatory factors potentially mediating the adverse effects of organochlorines on lung function.
Environmental Exposure ; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated/metabolism* ; China ; Ethyl Ethers/metabolism* ; Environmental Monitoring ; Thyroid Hormones/blood* ; Lung/physiology* ; Inhalation Exposure/statistics & numerical data* ; Air Pollution/statistics & numerical data* ; Air Pollutants/metabolism* ; Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged

This study identified blood-entering components of Anshen Dropping Pills and explored their anti-insomnia effects and mechanisms. The main blood-entering components of Anshen Dropping Pills were detected and identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. The rationality of the formula was assessed by using enrichment analysis based on the relationship between drugs and symptoms, and core targets of its active components were selected as the the potential anti-insomnia targets of Anshen Dropping Pills through network pharmacology analysis. Furthermore, protein-protein interaction(PPI) network, Gene Ontology(GO) enrichment analysis, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway analysis were performed on the core targets. An active component-core target network for Anshen Dropping Pills was constructed. Finally, the effects of low-, medium-, and high-dose groups of Anshen Dropping Pills on sleep episodes, sleep duration, and sleep latency in mice were measured by supraliminal and subliminal pentobarbital sodium experiments. Moreover, total scores of the Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI) scale was used to evaluate the changes before and after the treatment with Anshen Dropping Pills in a clinical study. The enrichment analysis based on the relationship between drugs and symptoms verified the rationality of the Anshen Dropping Pills formula, and nine blood-entering components of Anshen Dropping Pills were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. The network proximity revealed a significant correlation between eight components and insomnia, including magnoflorine, liquiritin, spinosin, quercitrin, jujuboside A, ginsenoside Rb_3, glycyrrhizic acid, and glycyrrhetinic acid. Network pharmacology analysis indicated that the major anti-insomnia pathways of Anshen Dropping Pills involved substance and energy metabolism, neuroprotection, immune system regulation, and endocrine regulation. Seven core genes related to insomnia were identified: APOE, ALB, BDNF, PPARG, INS, TP53, and TNF. In summary, Anshen Dropping Pills could increase sleep episodes, prolong sleep duration, and reduce sleep latency in mice. Clinical study results demonstrated that Anshen Dropping Pills could decrease total scores of PSQI scale. This study reveals the pharmacodynamic basis and potential multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway effects of Anshen Dropping Pills, suggesting that its anti-insomnia mechanisms may be associated with the regulation of insomnia-related signaling pathways. These findings offer a theoretical foundation for the clinical application of Anshen Dropping Pills.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry/methods* ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/metabolism* ; Mice ; Network Pharmacology ; Male ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Humans ; Protein Interaction Maps/drug effects* ; Sleep/drug effects* ; Female ; Adult

Cinnabar(HgS) was widely used in ancient times for medicinal purposes, religious rituals, and pigments. A group of bright red powdery clumps was excavated from Mawangdui Tomb No.3 of the Han Dynasty. Early studies considered the clumps as evidence of cinnabar's medicinal use during the Qin-Han period. This study employed a range of archaeometric techniques, including extended-depth-of-field stereo imaging, micro-CT, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry FTIR, to systematically analyze the material composition and structural characteristics of these remains. The results revealed that the cinnabar particles were granular, finely ground, and tightly bound to silk matrix, with no detectable excipients typically associated with medicinal formulations. Micro-CT imaging indicated a well-preserved textile structure, with clear signs of sedimentary accumulation and mechanical damage. Based on historical and archaeological studies, this study suggested that these remains were more likely degraded accumulations of cinnabar-colored silk textiles rather than medicinal cinnabar. By clarifying the diversity of ancient cinnabar applications and preservation states, this study provides new insights for the archaeological identification of mineral medicinal materials and contributes to the standardized study of Chinese medicinal materials and understanding of the historical use of cinnabar.
History, Ancient ; China ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/history* ; Archaeology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/history* ; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared ; Spectrum Analysis, Raman ; Mercury Compounds

The cell membrane biomimetic nanodrug delivery platform consists of nanoparticles coated with drug-loaded cell membranes,demonstrating a significant anti-atherosclerosis effect.This platform can identify and bind to atherosclerotic plaques through the homing capabilities of cell membranes.It releases drugs in response to specific environmental triggers,such as reactive oxygen species and shear stress from blood flow in areas affected by atherosclerosis.Furthermore,it inhibits macrophage lipid phagocytosis,thereby reducing foam cell formation,regulating macrophage phenotypes,and decreasing the production of inflammatory factors.Additionally,it accelerates cholesterol dissolution and efflux in atherosclerotic regions,effectively removes high concentrations of reactive oxygen species,and mitigates oxidative stress damage as well as the deposition of oxidized low-density lipoprotein.This review article delves into the functions and mechanisms of cell membrane biomimetic nanodrug delivery platform in combating atherosclerosis,offering fresh insights for targeted atherosclerosis treatment through the lens of nanomedicine.

This study was aimed at understanding the antimicrobial resistance patterns,virulence characteristics,and phyloge-netic relationships of foodborne Listeria monocytogenes in Weifang.A total of 67 strains of Listeria monocytogenes were isolated from livestock,poultry meat,and clinical samples in Weifang between 2020 and 2023.The susceptibility of these isolates was determined through broth microdilution.Whole-genome sequencing and genetic characterization of these isolates were conducted.The 67 strains were divided into 12 STs,among which ST121,ST8,ST9,and ST87 predominated(76.12%).Eight groups of closely related strains were identified through cgMLST typing.Three Listeria pathogenicity islands and two genomic islands were identified in all strains:100%of the strains carried LIPI-1,5.97%carried LIPI-3,14.93%carried LIPI-4,2.99%carried LGI-2,and 4.48%of the strains carried LGI-3.No antibiotic resistance genes were found in any strains.All isolates were susceptible to ampicillin,penicillin,merope-nem,trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole,and vancomycin.Five isolates were resistant to tetracycline,and three strains of ST87,one strain of ST8,one strain of ST224,and two strains of ST87 were simultaneously resistant to erythromycin.The tet(M)tetracycline re-sistance genes and msr(D)and mef(A)erythromycin resistance genes from three strains of ST87 and one strain of ST8 were carried by a phage similar to phi1605 in Erysipelothrix,with>95%identity.The tet(M)gene from the ST224 isolates was carried by a transposon similar to Tn5801_B15 in Enterococcus faecalis,with>95%identity.Drug-resistant strains of Listeria monocytogenes were found in livestock and poultry meat on sale in Weifang,particularly strains of type ST87 and ST224 simultaneously carrying highly pathogenic virulence islands,thus posing a threat to food safety and public health.These findings therefore warrant attention from relevant depart-ments and strengthened monitoring efforts.

This study was aimed at understanding the antimicrobial resistance patterns,virulence characteristics,and phyloge-netic relationships of foodborne Listeria monocytogenes in Weifang.A total of 67 strains of Listeria monocytogenes were isolated from livestock,poultry meat,and clinical samples in Weifang between 2020 and 2023.The susceptibility of these isolates was determined through broth microdilution.Whole-genome sequencing and genetic characterization of these isolates were conducted.The 67 strains were divided into 12 STs,among which ST121,ST8,ST9,and ST87 predominated(76.12%).Eight groups of closely related strains were identified through cgMLST typing.Three Listeria pathogenicity islands and two genomic islands were identified in all strains:100%of the strains carried LIPI-1,5.97%carried LIPI-3,14.93%carried LIPI-4,2.99%carried LGI-2,and 4.48%of the strains carried LGI-3.No antibiotic resistance genes were found in any strains.All isolates were susceptible to ampicillin,penicillin,merope-nem,trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole,and vancomycin.Five isolates were resistant to tetracycline,and three strains of ST87,one strain of ST8,one strain of ST224,and two strains of ST87 were simultaneously resistant to erythromycin.The tet(M)tetracycline re-sistance genes and msr(D)and mef(A)erythromycin resistance genes from three strains of ST87 and one strain of ST8 were carried by a phage similar to phi1605 in Erysipelothrix,with>95%identity.The tet(M)gene from the ST224 isolates was carried by a transposon similar to Tn5801_B15 in Enterococcus faecalis,with>95%identity.Drug-resistant strains of Listeria monocytogenes were found in livestock and poultry meat on sale in Weifang,particularly strains of type ST87 and ST224 simultaneously carrying highly pathogenic virulence islands,thus posing a threat to food safety and public health.These findings therefore warrant attention from relevant depart-ments and strengthened monitoring efforts.

Objective To investigate the effect of the combination of Hyssop and White Peony on the nuclear factor E2-related factor-2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)signaling pathway induced by the combination of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester,hydrochloride(L-NAME)and Aconite in mice with hypertensive kidney injury and its therapeutic mechanism.Methods A total of 80 KM mice were randomly divided into blank group,model group and experimental A,B,C,D,E and F groups,with 10 mice per group.Except for the blank group,the remaining 7 groups were given aconite decoction+L-NAME by gavage to prepare a hypertensive kidney injury model.Experimental A,B,C,D,E,and F groups were given 6.83 g·kg-1·d-1 of different proportions of Hyssop-White Peony solution in different proportions with 5∶0,4∶1,3∶2,2∶3,1∶4,0∶5,respectively.Blank and model groups were given an equal volume of distilled water by gavage.All 8 groups of mice were intervened for 6 weeks.The blood pressure changes of mice in each group were compared;the levels of blood urea nitrogen(BUN)in serum and superoxide dismutase(SOD)in kidney tissue were detected by kit;and the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in kidney tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry.Results The systolic blood pressure levels of blank group,model group and experimental C,D groups were(99.56±4.13),(140.11±7.33),(106.23±8.41)and(105.97±6.43)mmHg;the blood urea nitrogen contents were(172.00±15.90),(352.64±17.23),(201.76±12.14)and(192.72±12.77)μg·mL-1;BUN contents were(232.14±8.58),(165.44±6.17),(205.06±5.34)and(182.94±9.91)μg·mL-1;the expression levels(optical density)of Nrf2 were 2.06±0.14,2.25±0.22,2.63±0.22 and 2.83±0.21;the expression levels(optical density)of HO-1 were 2.18±0.12,2.25±0.10,2.64±0.16 and 2.65±0.28,respectively.The above indexes in experimental C and D groups were statistically significant compared with those of the model group(all P＜0.01).Conclusion Hyssop and White Peony can enhance the ability of L-NAME and Aconite to resist oxidative stress in mice with hypertensive kidney injury induced by the combination of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway,and inhibit the process of apoptosis of kidney cells caused by kidney injury caused by hypertension,thereby exerting its protective effect on the kidney.

Objective To investigate the effect of the combination of Hyssop and White Peony on the nuclear factor E2-related factor-2(Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)signaling pathway induced by the combination of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester,hydrochloride(L-NAME)and Aconite in mice with hypertensive kidney injury and its therapeutic mechanism.Methods A total of 80 KM mice were randomly divided into blank group,model group and experimental A,B,C,D,E and F groups,with 10 mice per group.Except for the blank group,the remaining 7 groups were given aconite decoction+L-NAME by gavage to prepare a hypertensive kidney injury model.Experimental A,B,C,D,E,and F groups were given 6.83 g·kg-1·d-1 of different proportions of Hyssop-White Peony solution in different proportions with 5∶0,4∶1,3∶2,2∶3,1∶4,0∶5,respectively.Blank and model groups were given an equal volume of distilled water by gavage.All 8 groups of mice were intervened for 6 weeks.The blood pressure changes of mice in each group were compared;the levels of blood urea nitrogen(BUN)in serum and superoxide dismutase(SOD)in kidney tissue were detected by kit;and the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in kidney tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry.Results The systolic blood pressure levels of blank group,model group and experimental C,D groups were(99.56±4.13),(140.11±7.33),(106.23±8.41)and(105.97±6.43)mmHg;the blood urea nitrogen contents were(172.00±15.90),(352.64±17.23),(201.76±12.14)and(192.72±12.77)μg·mL-1;BUN contents were(232.14±8.58),(165.44±6.17),(205.06±5.34)and(182.94±9.91)μg·mL-1;the expression levels(optical density)of Nrf2 were 2.06±0.14,2.25±0.22,2.63±0.22 and 2.83±0.21;the expression levels(optical density)of HO-1 were 2.18±0.12,2.25±0.10,2.64±0.16 and 2.65±0.28,respectively.The above indexes in experimental C and D groups were statistically significant compared with those of the model group(all P＜0.01).Conclusion Hyssop and White Peony can enhance the ability of L-NAME and Aconite to resist oxidative stress in mice with hypertensive kidney injury induced by the combination of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway,and inhibit the process of apoptosis of kidney cells caused by kidney injury caused by hypertension,thereby exerting its protective effect on the kidney.

Objective:To establish a method for preserving viral nucleic acids in plasma using a blood collection card based on the dry spot method,to predict the duration of nucleic acid preservation by establishing the Arrhenius equation,and to demonstrate the feasibility of this preservation method for the re-testing of nucleic acids in blood samples retained by blood banks.Methods:Plasma samples positive for HBV,HCV,and HIV nucleic acids were prepared into preservation cards in the form of dry plasma spots for storage.The prepared preservation cards were placed under accelerated storage conditions at 37,45,50,and 55 ℃.The preservation cards were periodically retrieved from each temperature condition for nucleic acid extraction,and the nucleic acid samples were purified for subsequent PCR testing,with the recorded CT values.An Arrhenius equation model was established between the expiration time and the storage temperature,thereby predicting the validity period of nucleic acid preservation in blood collection cards under specified storage temperature conditions.Results:For the plasma samples positive for HBV,HCV,and HIV nucleic acids preserved using the dry spot method,the regression equations for the duration with temperature were as follows:y=-11546x+31.74 for HBV,y=-12949x+36.88 for HCV,and y=-12204x+34.48 for HIV,with the correlation coefficient r greater than 0.98 for all.It was predicted that at a storage temperature of 4 ℃,the preservation periods for HBV,HCV,and HIV viral nucleic acids using the dry spot method would be 20792 days,19289 days,and 14285 days,respectively.At a storage temperature of 20 ℃,the preservation periods would be 2135 days 1502 days,and 1289 days,respectively.Conclusion:The nucleic acids of the three common viral pathogens in blood samples,when preserved using the dry spot method,conform to a first-order reaction pattern in the accelerated degradation experiment.The relationship between the rate of nucleic acid degradation and the absolute temperature of storage is consistent with the Arrhenius equation.Based on the calculations using this equation,the stability and validity period of plasma nucleic acid samples preserved using the dry spot method can reach a minimum of 3 .5 years under storage conditions not exceeding 20 ℃,which essentially meets the requirements for the preservation period of blood samples retained by blood banks.