Polygonati Rhizoma demonstrates significant potential for addressing both chronic and hidden hunger. The supply of high-quality seedlings is a primary factor influencing the development of the Polygonati Rhizoma industry. Warm water soaking is often used in agriculture to promote the rapid germination of seeds, while its application and molecular mechanism in Polygonati Rhizoma have not been reported. To rapidly obtain high-quality seedlings, this study treated Polygonatum kingianum var. grandifolium seeds with sand storage at low temperatures, warm water soaking, and cultivation temperature gradients. The results showed that the culture at 25 ℃ or sand storage at 4 ℃ for 2 months rapidly broke the seed dormancy of P. kingianum var. grandifolium, while the culture at 20 ℃ or sand storage at 4 ℃ for 1 month failed to break the seed dormancy. Soaking seeds in 60 ℃ warm water further increased the germination rate, germination potential, and germination index. Specifically, the seeds soaked at 60 ℃ and cultured at 25 ℃ without sand storage treatment(Aa25) achieved a germination rate of 78. 67%±1. 53% on day 42 and 83. 40%±4. 63% on day 77. The seeds pretreated with sand storage at 4 ℃ for 2 months, soaked in 60 ℃ water, and then cultured at 25 ℃ achieved a germination rate comparable to that of Aa25 on day 77. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that warm water soaking might promote germination by triggering reactive oxygen species( ROS), inducing the expression of heat shock factors( HSFs) and heat shock proteins( HSPs), which accelerated DNA replication, transcript maturation, translation, and processing, thereby facilitating the accumulation and turnover of genetic materials. According to the results of indoor controlled experiments and field practices, maintaining a germination and seedling cultivation environment at approximately 25 ℃ was crucial for the one-year seedling cultivation of P. kingianum var. grandifolium.
Germination ; Seedlings/genetics* ; Water/metabolism* ; Seeds/metabolism* ; Polygonatum/genetics* ; Temperature ; Plant Proteins/genetics* ; Plant Dormancy

In order to clarify the effects of drought stress training on the quality and drought resistance of Codonopsis pilosula, this study used PEG to simulate drought stress and employed potting with water control for the drought stress training of C. pilosula plants. The polysaccharide content, secondary metabolites, antioxidant system, and photosynthetic pigment system of C. pilosula after drought stress training were analyzed. The results showed that the content of fructans in the root of C. pilosula increased after two rounds of drought stress treatment, and it was significantly higher than that of the control group. The accumulation of fructans in the root of C. pilosula showed an upward trend during the rehydration treatment. The content of lobetyolin and tangshenoside Ⅰ increased after drought stress treatment compared with that of the control group. The rehydration treatment caused first increasing and then decreasing in the content of lobetyolin, while it had no significant effect on the tangshenoside Ⅰcontent. The content of photosynthetic pigments decreased after drought stress treatment, and it gradually increased during the first round of rehydration and the second round of rehydration. Moreover, the increase was faster in the second round of rehydration than in the first round of rehydration. The content of the peroxidation product malondialdehyde(MDA) and the activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD), peroxidase(POD), and catalase(CAT) increased after drought stress treatment compared with those of the control group, and they showed a tendency of decreasing during rehydration. Moreover, the decrease was faster in the second round of rehydration than in the first round of rehydration. When the plants of C. pilosula after drought stress training were again subjected to severe drought stress, the wilting rate decreased significantly, and the biomass increases significantly. This study showed that the drought stress training could promote the accumulation of polysaccharides and secondary metabolites in the root of C. pilosula. When encountering drought stress again, C. pilosula plants could quickly regulate the antioxidant system and delay the decomposition of chlorophyll to respond to drought stress. The findings provide a theoretical basis for the ecological cultivation of C. pilosula in arid and semi-arid areas.
Codonopsis/growth & development* ; Droughts ; Polysaccharides/metabolism* ; Stress, Physiological ; Water/metabolism* ; Antioxidants/metabolism* ; Photosynthesis ; Drought Resistance

Panax species are mostly valuable medicinal plants. While some species' seeds are sensitive to dehydration, the dehydration tolerance of seeds from other Panax species remains unclear. The phospholipase D(PLD) gene plays an important role in plant responses to dehydration stress. However, the characteristics of the PLD gene family and their mechanisms of response to dehydration stress in seeds of Panax species with different dehydration tolerances are not well understood. This study used seeds from eight Panax species to measure the germination rates and PLD activity after dehydration and to analyze the correlation between dehydration tolerance and seed traits. Bioinformatics analysis was also conducted to characterize the PnPLD and PvPLD gene families and to evaluate their expression patterns under dehydration stress. The dehydration tolerance of Panax seeds was ranked from high to low as follows: P. ginseng, P. zingiberensis, P. quinquefolius, P. vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus, P. japonicus var. angustifolius, P. japonicus, P. notoginseng, and P. stipuleanatus. A significant negative correlation was found between dehydration tolerance and seed shape(three-dimensional variance), with flatter seeds exhibiting stronger dehydration tolerance(r=-0.792). Eighteen and nineteen PLD members were identified in P. notoginseng and P. vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus, respectively. These members were classified into five isoforms: α, β, γ, δ, and ζ. The gene structures, subcellular localization, physicochemical properties, and other characteristics of PnPLD and PvPLD were similar. Both promoters contained regulatory elements associated with plant growth and development, hormone responses, and both abiotic and biotic stress. During dehydration, the PLD enzyme activity in P. notoginseng seeds gradually increased as the water content decreased, whereas in P. vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus, PLD activity first decreased and then increased. The expression of PLDα and PLDδ in P. notoginseng seeds initially increased and then decreased, whereas in P. vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus, the expression of PLDα and PLDδ consistently decreased. In conclusion, the dehydration tolerance of Panax seeds showed a significant negative correlation with seed shape. The dehydration tolerance in P. vietnamensis var. fuscidiscus and dehydration sensitivity of P. notoginseng seeds may be related to differences in PLD enzyme activity and the expression of PLDα and PLDδ genes. This study provided the first systematic comparison of dehydration tolerance in Panax seeds and analyzed the causes of tolerance differences and the optimal water content for long-term storage at ultra-low temperatures, thus providing a theoretical basis for the short-term and ultra-low temperature long-term storage of medicinal plant seeds with varying dehydration tolerances.
Seeds/metabolism* ; Panax/physiology* ; Plant Proteins/metabolism* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Phospholipase D/metabolism* ; Plants, Medicinal/enzymology* ; Germination ; Multigene Family ; Water/metabolism* ; Dehydration ; Phylogeny

To elucidate the mechanism by which steaming affects the quality of Curcuma kwangsiensis root tubers, methods such as LSCM, RVA, dual-wavelength spectrophotometry, LF-NMR, and LC-MS were employed to qualitatively and quantitatively detect changes in starch gelatinization characteristics, water distribution, and material composition of C. kwangsiensis root tubers under different steaming durations. Based on multivariate statistical analysis, the correlation between differences in gelatinization parameters, water distribution, and terpenoid material composition was investigated. The results indicate that steaming affects both starch gelatinization and water distribution in C. kwangsiensis. During the steaming process, transformations occur between amylose and amylopectin, as well as between semi-bound water and free water. After 60 min of steaming, starch gelatinization and water distribution reached an equilibrium state. The content of amylopectin, the amylose-to-amylopectin ratio, and parameters such as gelatinization temperature, viscosity, breakdown value, and setback value were significantly correlated(P≤0.05). Additionally, the amylose-to-amylopectin ratio was significantly correlated with total free water and total water content(P≤0.05). Steaming induced differences in the material composition of C. kwangsiensis root tubers. Clustering of primary metabolites in the OPLS-DA model was distinct, while secondary metabolites were classified into 9 clusters using the K-means clustering algorithm. Differential terpenoid metabolites such as(-)-α-curcumene were significantly correlated with zerumbone, retinal, and all-trans-retinoic acid(P<0.05). Curcumenol was significantly correlated with isoalantolactone and ursolic acid(P<0.05), while all-trans-retinoic acid was significantly correlated with both zerumbone and retinal(P<0.05). Alpha-tocotrienol exhibited a significant correlation with retinal and all-trans-retinoic acid(P<0.05). Amylose was extremely significantly correlated with(-)-α-curcumene, curcumenol, zerumbone, retinal, all-trans-retinoic acid, and α-tocotrienol(P<0.05). Amylopectin was significantly correlated with zerumbone(P<0.05) and extremely significantly correlated with(-)-α-curcumene, curcumenol, zerumbone, retinal, all-trans-retinoic acid, and 9-cis-retinoic acid(P<0.01). The results provide scientific evidence for elucidating the mechanism of quality formation of steamed C. kwangsiensis root tubers as a medicinal material.
Curcuma/chemistry* ; Starch/chemistry* ; Multivariate Analysis ; Water/chemistry* ; Terpenes/analysis* ; Plant Roots/chemistry* ; Plant Tubers/chemistry* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical application of transurethral steam thermal ablation of the prostate as an ultra-minimally invasive treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: We treated 18 BPH patients by transurethral steam thermal ablation of the prostate in our hospital, and followed them up for 6－12 months after operation. We obtained the IPSS, maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), IIEF-5 scores, Male Sexual Health Questionnaire-Ejaculatory Dysfunction-Short Form (MSHQ-EjD-SF) scores and quality of life (QOL) scores from the patients and compared them before and after surgery. RESULTS: Operations were successfully completed in all the cases, with no intraoperative complications, and all the patients were discharged on the second day after surgery. At the 6-month follow-up after surgery, the Qmax increased from (10.08 ± 2.06) ml/s before surgery to (7.51 ± 3.21) ml/s, the IPSS decreased from 23.72 ± 1.87 to 8.06 ± 1.39, and the QOL score decreased from 5.11 ± 0.58 before surgery to 1.28 ± 0.46. The differences in these indicators were statistically significant (P<0.05). And these is no significant difference in the MSHQ-EjD-SF and IIEF-5 score(P>0.05). CONCLUSION Transurethral steam thermal ablation of the prostate is a safe, effective and almost non-invasive surgical strategy for the treatment of BPH, with a good prospect of clinical application.
Humans ; Male ; Prostatic Hyperplasia/surgery* ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Steam ; Transurethral Resection of Prostate/methods* ; Quality of Life

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of transurethral water vapor thermal therapy (WVTT) using the Rezūm system for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in the real world. METHODS: A total of 181 patients with BPH were recruited from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from August 2022 to December 2023, of whom 173 patients were treated with WVTT using the Rezūm system, while 8 patients were treated with WVTT combined with TURP. They were followed up at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively to assess changes in the IPSS, QoL, Qmax, IIEF-5, and the occurrence of any complications. Results： All 181 surgeries in this group were successfully completed. The operation time of the Rezūm system was (4.6 ± 1.4) minutes. The postoperative indwelling catheterization time was (8.0 ± 2.1) days. With a follow-up of at least 6 months, there was a significant decrease in PV, IPSS and QoL, and a remarkable increase had been found in Qmax as well (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in IIEF-5 before and after the operation (P>0.05). In this groups of patients, postoperative complications mainly included 95 cases (52.5%) of gross hematuria, 6 cases (3.3%) of retrograde ejaculation, 5 cases (2.8%) of urethral stricture, 4 cases (2.2%) of prostatitis, and 10 cases (5.5%) of urinary tract infection. Four cases (2.2%) underwent surgical retreatment for BPH after surgery. CONCLUSION In the real world, the use of Rezūm thermal steam ablation system for the treatment of BPH has satisfactory short-term effect, short surgical time, and significant improvement in IPSS, QoL, Qmax, which does not adversely affect sexual function.
Humans ; Male ; Prostatic Hyperplasia/therapy* ; Transurethral Resection of Prostate ; Steam ; Treatment Outcome ; Quality of Life ; Aged ; Middle Aged

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have recently been shown to affect human health at low levels in the blood, according to epidemiological evidence. Consequently, human exposure to these chemicals should be strictly controlled to prevent health risks. This review reports on the potential sources of PFAS using Japan as an example. Tap water has attracted attention as a source of exposure to PFAS. PFAS have also been detected in the air, in household dust, and in consumer products. Furthermore, in the general population, diet is the most common source of exposure, and there is particular concern about human exposure to PFAS accumulated in seafood. Continuous monitoring is important for appropriate management of exposure for both humans and the environment.
Seafood/toxicity* ; Fluorocarbons/toxicity* ; Japan ; Drinking Water/standards* ; Air Pollutants/toxicity* ; Humans ; Dust/analysis* ; Environmental Exposure/standards* ; Food Contamination/analysis* ; Environmental Pollutants/toxicity* ; Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity*

To address the limitations of traditional minimally invasive thermal ablation technology such as poor conformability, carbonization and electromagnetic radiation, this paper proposes a steam thermal ablation technology that uses saturated steam internal energy to replace the traditional electromagnetic radiation energy. Through the steam thermal ablation system and the steam thermal ablation needle designed based on simulation, the ex vivo pig liver experiments were carried out. The results have the characteristics of the maximum ablation axis ratio (short diameter / long diameter) and non-carbonization with the same type of thermal ablation technology. Based on the near-infrared light, in this paper the curative effect of the reduced scattering coefficient of the steam thermal ablation results was evaluated. The reduced scattering coefficients of the coagulation area all exceeded 16, reaching the completely damaged state, which verified that the steam thermal ablation can effectively inactivate the tumor cells.
Steam ; Animals ; Swine ; Liver Neoplasms/surgery* ; Ablation Techniques/methods* ; Liver/surgery* ; Equipment Design

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between fluid balance trajectories within the first 3 days of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and 28-day mortality as well as the incidence of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). METHODS: Clinical data of SAP patients were extracted from the Medical Information Mart of Intensive Care-IV (MIMIC-IV). Group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) was used to analyze the daily fluid balance of patients within 3 days of ICU admission, and grouping them accordingly. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between fluid balance trajectory and 28-day mortality and ICU CRRT in SAP patients. RESULTS: A total of 251 SAP patients were included, with 33 deaths within 28 days, and a 28-day mortality of 13.15%; 49 patients (19.52%) continued to receive bedside CRRT after 3 days of ICU admission. The fluid balance on the 3rd day, cumulative fluid balance within 3 days of ICU admission, and incidence of CRRT in the death group were significantly higher than those in the survival group. According to GBTM groups, there were 127 cases in the moderate fluid resuscitation with rapid reduction (MF group), 44 cases in the large fluid resuscitation with rapid reduction (LF group), 20 cases in the moderate fluid resuscitation with slow reduction (MS group), and 60 cases in the small fluid resuscitation with slow reduction (SS group). The cumulative fluid balance within 3 days of ICU admission of the MF group, LF group, MS group, and SS group were 8.60% (5.15%, 11.70%), 16.70% (13.00%, 21.02%), 23.40% (19.38%, 25.45%), and 0.65% (-2.35%, 2.20%), respectively, and the incidence of CRRT during ICU hospitalization were 11.02%, 29.55%, 85.00%, and 8.33%, respectively, with statistically significant differences among the groups (both P < 0.05); the 28-day mortality were 11.02%, 18.18%, 20.00%, and 11.67%, respectively, with no statistically significant difference among the groups (P > 0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed there was no statistically significant difference in 28-day cumulative survival rate among groups with different fluid balance trajectories (Log-rank test: χ ² = 2.31, P = 0.509). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that cumulative fluid balance within 3 days of ICU admission was an independent risk factor for 28-day mortality [odds ratio (OR) = 1.071, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 1.005-1.144, P = 0.040] and CRRT requirement (OR = 1.233, 95%CI was 1.125-1.372, P < 0.001); early aggressive fluid resuscitation on day 1 reduced CRRT risk (OR = 0.866, 95%CI was 0.756-0.978, P = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS Dynamic fluid management is essential in SAP patients. While early aggressive fluid resuscitation may reduce CRRT demand, excessive cumulative fluid balance is associated with increased 28-day mortality and CRRT incidence.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Water-Electrolyte Balance ; Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy ; Intensive Care Units ; Aged ; Adult ; Pancreatitis/mortality* ; Logistic Models ; Retrospective Studies ; Renal Replacement Therapy

The rapid development of modern industries is accompanied with the aggravating water heavy metal pollution, which poses a potential threat to the aquatic environment and the health of local populations. As an efficient and economical adsorbent, biochar demonstrates the adsorption capacity for heavy metal ions and its adsorption capacity is significantly enhanced after modification. Therefore, biochar can effectively mitigate environmental pollution. By reviewing the existing studies, we summarize the modification methods of biochar, compare the advantages and disadvantages of physical, biological, and chemical modification methods, analyze the effects of modification on the adsorption capacity of biochar for heavy metal ions, and expound the modification mechanism of biochar. On this basis, this article puts forward the future research directions of the application of biochar in treating coexisting pollutants, aiming to provide a reference for the application of biochar in the purification of heavy metal-containing wastewater.
Charcoal/chemistry* ; Metals, Heavy ; Adsorption ; Wastewater/chemistry* ; Water Pollutants, Chemical/chemistry* ; Water Purification/methods* ; Heavy Ions ; Waste Disposal, Fluid/methods*