Background: Isoliquiritigenin, a key pharmacologically active compound derived from the traditional Chinese medicine Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, can be further modified into various high-value 5-deoxyflavones, demonstrating significant potential for pharmaceutical development. Currently, the supply of isoliquiritigenin primarily depends on plant extraction. However, heterologous synthesis using microbial cell factories presents a promising alternative, offering a solution to resource limitations caused by the dwindling availability of Glycyrrhiza uralensis. Objective: This study aimed to employ heterologous synthesis in yeast strains for the stable and high-efficiency production of isoliquiritigenin. Methods: First, a stable chassis strain for isoliquiritigenin production was constructed by integrating optimized biosynthetic pathway enzyme genes. A type IV noncatalytic chalcone isomerase-like protein and a synthetic protein scaffold system were employed to enhance the metabolic channeling of key pathway enzymes. Subsequently, yeast metabolism was fine-tuned to balance precursor supply, and cofactor engineering strategies were implemented to increase nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen (NADPH) availability, thereby ensuring the catalytic efficiency of the key enzyme chalcone reductase. Results: The engineered strain Y21-2 achieved a 24.4-fold increase in isoliquiritigenin titer compared to the original strain. Additionally, the proportion of the by-product naringenin chalcone was reduced by 67.8%, marking the first instance in which the ratio of C-5 hydroxylated by-products was minimized to 10.4% during the microbial synthesis of 5-deoxyflavones. Conclusion: This work provides a valuable reference for the efficient and sustainable production of isoliquiritigenin, laying a solid foundation for further pathway optimization and the biotechnological synthesis of other high-value natural 5-deoxyflavones.

Objective:To explore the effects of Baduanjin and brisk walking on the sleep quality among fe-male college students.Methods:Ninety female college students with poor sleep quality[Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)≥ 8]were recruited randomly assigned to Baduanjin,brisk walking,and control groups,with 30 par-ticipants in each.The Baduanjin and brisk walking groups participated in 10-week intervention(five 45-minute ses-sions per week),while the control group did not receive any intervention.Baseline and post-intervention assessments were conducted using the PSQI,a lung capacity test,echocardiography,and the Fatigue Scale(FS-14).Results:Af-ter 10 weeks,participants in both the Baduanjin and brisk walking groups got significantly lower PSQI and FS-14 total scores compared to baseline(Ps＜0.001).Cardiopulmonary function indicators,including stroke volume(SV),forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV1.0),the vital capacity-to-body mass index(VC/W),and maximum voluntary ventilation per minute(MVV),also significantly improved(Ps＜0.001).Furthermore,the Baduanjin group had significantly lower PSQI and FS-14 scores than both the brisk walking and control groups(P＜0.001),along with superior improvements in cardiopulmonary function(P＜0.001).Conclusion:This study in-dicates that Baduanjin is particularly effective in improving sleep quality,cardiopulmonary function,and reducing fatigue among female college students,showing advantages over brisk walking.

Objective:To explore the effects of Baduanjin and brisk walking on the sleep quality among fe-male college students.Methods:Ninety female college students with poor sleep quality[Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)≥ 8]were recruited randomly assigned to Baduanjin,brisk walking,and control groups,with 30 par-ticipants in each.The Baduanjin and brisk walking groups participated in 10-week intervention(five 45-minute ses-sions per week),while the control group did not receive any intervention.Baseline and post-intervention assessments were conducted using the PSQI,a lung capacity test,echocardiography,and the Fatigue Scale(FS-14).Results:Af-ter 10 weeks,participants in both the Baduanjin and brisk walking groups got significantly lower PSQI and FS-14 total scores compared to baseline(Ps＜0.001).Cardiopulmonary function indicators,including stroke volume(SV),forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV1.0),the vital capacity-to-body mass index(VC/W),and maximum voluntary ventilation per minute(MVV),also significantly improved(Ps＜0.001).Furthermore,the Baduanjin group had significantly lower PSQI and FS-14 scores than both the brisk walking and control groups(P＜0.001),along with superior improvements in cardiopulmonary function(P＜0.001).Conclusion:This study in-dicates that Baduanjin is particularly effective in improving sleep quality,cardiopulmonary function,and reducing fatigue among female college students,showing advantages over brisk walking.

Objective To explore the values of translocator protein (TSPO) and serum cell-free mitochondrial DNA (cf-mtDNA) in predicting the disease condition and prognosis of patients with traumatic shock. Methods Eighty patients (traumatic shock group) with traumatic shock and eighty patients (without traumatic shock group) without traumatic shock were selected. Complete demographic and clinical laboratory data of patients were collected. Blood samples of patients with traumatic shock were collected at the time points of immediately after admission (T₁) and the first day (T₂), the third day (T₃) and seventh day (T₄) after admission, the level of TSPO was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and level of cf-mtDNA was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The levels of TSPO and cf-mtDNA were compared between patients with and without traumatic shock; the patients with traumatic shock were divided into the poor prognosis group and good prognosis group according to differed prognostic outcome, and the levels of TSPO and cf-mtDNA were compared between the two groups. The predictive values of TSPO and cf-mtDNA for the prognosis of patients with traumatic shock were analyzed by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results Compared with the no traumatic shock group, the traumatic shock group had higher levels of serum TSPO at T₁ to T₄ and higher levels of cf-mtDNA at T₂ to T₃, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Compared with the good prognosis group, the poor prognosis group had higher levels of serum TSPO and cf-mtDNA at T₁ to T₄, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Taking the prognosis of traumatic shock patients as the state variable to perform ROC curve analysis, the results showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of TSPO from T₁ to T₄ for predicting prognosis in the poor prognosis group was 0.825, 0.829, 0.695 and 0.869 respectively, while those of cf-mtDNA level from T₁ to T₄ for predicting prognosis in the poor prognosis group was 0.766, 0.766, 0.837 and 0.783 respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion Traumatic shock patients have elevated levels of TSPO and cf-mtDNA, with significantly higher levels observed in those with poor prognosis, and the TSPO level on the seventh day and cf-mtDNA level on the third day have the highest predictive value for prognosis.

Objective:To explore the application effect of blended learning in clinical practice of undergraduate students majoring in medical imaging diagnosis.Methods:A total of 60 undergraduate students majoring in medical imaging diagnosis who practiced in the Department of Radiology of Chongqing General Hospital from 2017 to 2019 were selected as subjects. The students were divided into experimental group and control group, each with 30 students. During the internship, the experimental group adopted the blended learning, including lecture-based learning, case-based learning, problem-based learning and team-based learning according to different teaching scenarios. While the control group adopted the traditional teaching mode. At the end of the internship, the test scores of the two groups of intern students were compared, and the satisfaction degree of the teaching was investigated by questionnaire. SPSS 19.0 was used to conduct t-test and Chi-square test. Results:The score of theoretical knowledge examination in the experimental group was (90.27±5.38) points, and that in the control group was (83.13±7.57) points. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( t=4.21, P<0.001). The score of imaging analysis examination in the experimental group was (90.07 ± 4.80) points, and that in the control group was (82.13±8.71) points. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant ( t=4.37, P<0.001). The results of the satisfaction survey showed that the overall satisfaction with teaching was 76.7% (23/30) in the experimental group and 50.0% (15/30) in the control group, with statistically significant difference ( χ2= 6.57, P=0.037). Conclusion:The blended learning has a good effect in the teaching of undergraduate students majoring in medical imaging diagnosis.

The pathophysiology of visceral pain in patients with irritable bowel syndrome remains largely unknown. Our previous study showed that neonatal maternal deprivation (NMD) does not induce visceral hypersensitivity at the age of 6 weeks in rats. The aim of this study was to determine whether NMD followed by adult stress at the age of 6 weeks induces visceral pain in rats and to investigate the roles of adrenergic signaling in visceral pain. Here we showed that NMD rats exhibited visceral hypersensitivity 6 h and 24 h after the termination of adult multiple stressors (AMSs). The plasma level of norepinephrine was significantly increased in NMD rats after AMSs. Whole-cell patch-clamp recording showed that the excitability of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons from NMD rats with AMSs was remarkably increased. The expression of β adrenergic receptors at the protein and mRNA levels was markedly higher in NMD rats with AMSs than in rats with NMD alone. Inhibition of β adrenergic receptors with propranolol or butoxamine enhanced the colorectal distention threshold and application of butoxamine also reversed the enhanced hypersensitivity of DRG neurons. Overall, our data demonstrate that AMS induces visceral hypersensitivity in NMD rats, in part due to enhanced NE-β adrenergic signaling in DRGs.
Adrenergic Agents ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Ganglia, Spinal ; drug effects ; Hyperalgesia ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Hypersensitivity ; drug therapy ; Male ; Maternal Deprivation ; Neurons ; drug effects ; Patch-Clamp Techniques ; methods ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; Stress, Physiological ; physiology ; Visceral Pain ; chemically induced ; metabolism

Chronic visceral hypersensitivity is an important type of chronic pain with unknown etiology and pathophysiology. Recent studies have shown that epigenetic regulation plays an important role in the development of chronic pain conditions. However, the role of miRNA-325-5p in chronic visceral pain remains unknown. The present study was designed to determine the roles and mechanism of miRNA-325-5p in a rat model of chronic visceral pain. This model was induced by neonatal colonic inflammation (NCI). In adulthood, NCI led to a significant reduction in the expression of miRNA-325-5p in colon-related dorsal root ganglia (DRGs), starting to decrease at the age of 4 weeks and being maintained to 8 weeks. Intrathecal administration of miRNA-325-5p agomir significantly enhanced the colorectal distention (CRD) threshold in a time-dependent manner. NCI also markedly increased the expression of CCL2 (C-C motif chemokine ligand 2) in colon-related DRGs at the mRNA and protein levels relative to age-matched control rats. The expression of CXCL12, IL33, SFRS7, and LGI1 was not significantly altered in NCI rats. CCL2 was co-expressed in NeuN-positive DRG neurons but not in glutamine synthetase-positive glial cells. Furthermore, CCL2 was mainly expressed in isolectin B4-binding- and calcitonin gene-related peptide-positive DRG neurons but in few NF-200-positive cells. More importantly, CCL2 was expressed in miR-325-5p-positive DRG neurons. Intrathecal injection of miRNA-325-5p agomir remarkably reduced the upregulation of CCL2 in NCI rats. Administration of Bindarit, an inhibitor of CCL2, markedly raised the CRD threshold in NCI rats in a dose- and time-dependent manner. These data suggest that NCI suppresses miRNA-325-5p expression and enhances CCL2 expression, thus contributing to visceral hypersensitivity in adult rats.

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological data of ventilator-associated pneumonia(VAP) occurred in adults after cardiac surgery and exploring the relationship between ventilator-associated pneumonia related factors, and all purpose is to provide strong theoretical advice and technical guidance for prevent the occurrence of ventilator-associated pneumonia in post-cardiac surgery patients. Methods: Using literature research method to determine 55 VAP related factors, and 21 nursing experts were selected to conduct 2 rounds of enquiries. Based on the results of the consultation, a retrospective questionnaire was formed. A total of 150 patients who underwent ICU mechanical ventilation after cardiac surgery from September 2016 to August 2017 were retrospectively selected. The related factors of VAP and its etiological characteristics were retrospectively observed. Results: Delphi experts consultation results: the response rate two rounds were 86.4% and 100.0% respectively; the coefficient of reliability ascertained the authority of evaluation was 0.857 and 0.903 respectively; Kendall’s W were 0.406 and 0.304 respectively (P all < 0.01). The average incidence of VAP was 25.10/1 000 ventilation days. In the VAP infection group, a total of 84 strains were detected, in which gram-negative bacteria accounted for 69.05% (58/84), fungi 26.19% (22/84), and gram-positive bacteria 4.76% (4/84).The most of them were Acinetobacterbaumannii 27.38% (23/84). Multiple infections were more than the proportion of 48%. Univariate analysis showed that there were 26 statistically significant items (P all < 0.01). Non-conditional binary logistic regression analysis showed that there were 4 independent risk factors with statistical significance: length of ventilator using> 5 days, length of cardiopulmonary ≥2h, perioperative blood transfusion >1 200 ml and perioperative using of acid inhibitors. Conclusions The study showed that most of the predictable VAP factors cannot be artificially intervened. Basing on the occurrence and development of VAP and the status of nursing interventions, Medical staff should take enhanced measures to prevent the occurrence of VAP and improve the quality of medical care

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study was to investigate whether transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) plays a role in hyperalgesia in chronic pancreatitis (CP) and the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: CP was induced in male adult rats by intraductal injection of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). Abdominal hyperalgesia was assessed by referred somatic behaviors to mechanical stimulation of rat abdomen. Dil dye injected into the pancreas was used to label pancreas-specific dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Whole cell patch clamp recordings and calcium imaging were performed to examine the effect of TGF-β1 on acutely isolated pancreas-specific DRG neurons. Western blot analysis was carried out to measure the expression of TGF-β1 and its receptors. RESULTS: TNBS injection significantly upregulated expression of TGF-β1 in the pancreas and DRGs, and TGF-β1 receptors in DRGs (T9-T13) in CP rats. Intrathecal injection of TGF-β receptor I antagonist SB431542 attenuated abdominal hyperalgesia in CP rats. TGF-β1 application depolarized the membrane potential and caused firing activity of DRG neurons. TGF-β1 application also reduced rheobase, hyperpolarized action potential threshold, and increased numbers of action potentials evoked by current injection of pancreas-specific DRG neurons. TGF-β1 application also increased the concentration of intracellular calcium of DRG neurons, which was inhibited by SB431542. Furthermore, intrathecal injection of TGF-β1 produced abdominal hyperalgesia in healthy rats. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that TGF-β1 enhances neuronal excitability and increases the concentration of intracellular calcium. TGF-β1 and its receptors are involved in abdominal hyperalgesia in CP. This and future study might identify a potentially novel target for the treatment of abdominal pain in CP.
Abdomen ; Abdominal Pain ; Action Potentials ; Adult ; Animals ; Blotting, Western ; Calcium ; Diagnosis-Related Groups ; Fires ; Ganglia, Spinal ; Humans ; Hyperalgesia ; Injections, Spinal ; Male ; Membrane Potentials ; Neurons* ; Pancreas ; Pancreatitis, Chronic* ; Rats*

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Patients with long-standing diabetes often demonstrate intestinal dysfunction and abdominal pain. However, the pathophysiology of abdominal pain in diabetic patients remains elusive. The purpose of study was to determine roles of voltage-gated sodium channels in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) in colonic hypersensitivity of rats with diabetes. METHODS: Diabetic models were induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ; 65 mg/kg) in adult female rats, while the control rats received citrate buffer only. Behavioral responses to colorectal distention were used to determine colonic sensitivity in rats. Colon projection DRG neurons labeled with DiI were acutely dissociated for measuring excitability and sodium channel currents by whole-cell patch clamp recordings. Western blot analysis was employed to measure the expression of NaV1.7 and NaV1.8 of colon DRGs. RESULTS: STZ injection produced a significantly lower distention threshold than control rats in responding to colorectal distention. STZ injection also depolarized the resting membrane potentials, hyperpolarized action potential threshold, decreased rheobase and increased frequency of action potentials evoked by 2 and 3 times rheobase and ramp current stimulation. Furthermore, STZ injection enhanced neuronal sodium current densities of DRG neurons innervating the colon. STZ injection also led to a significant upregulation of NaV1.7 and NaV1.8 expression in colon DRGs compared with age and sex-matched control rats. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that enhanced neuronal excitability following STZ injection, which may be mediated by upregulation of NaV1.7 and NaV1.8 expression in DRGs, may play an important role in colonic hypersensitivity in rats with diabetes.
Abdominal Pain ; Action Potentials ; Adult ; Animals ; Architectural Accessibility ; Blotting, Western ; Citric Acid ; Colon* ; Diagnosis-Related Groups ; Female ; Ganglia, Spinal ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity* ; Injections, Intraperitoneal ; Membrane Potentials ; Neurons ; Rats* ; Sensory Receptor Cells* ; Sodium ; Sodium Channels ; Streptozocin ; Up-Regulation ; Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels*